Healing Dance

by Samantha Cayto

  Val stared at them unblinking. He said nothing, although beside him, Mackie murmured something like ‘holy crap’.

  Val shifted his gaze to look only at Ric. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

  “Doesn’t matter. Dafydd does.”

  “Uh-huh.” Val pushed back and stood. “Not my call, guys. We need to speak with Alex.”

  So, they all trooped down to the boss’ office and went through the process all over again. With Quinn lounging on his lap, the man took a minute to mull the request over. Standing in front of the desk, Ric felt like an errant school boy. But he worked to hide it because Dafydd needed him to be strong.

  “I must say, gentlemen, this request has caught me by surprise.” He eyed Ric much as Val had. “I assume you’ll be accompanying him?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Alex waved his hand. “Well, there’s no obvious reason to refuse. The fucker is naked, chained and locked in tight as a tick. Have at him, I suppose. Val, you’ll go in, as well. There’s no sense in taking chances.”

  “Will do.”

  That seemed to be that, except that there was one more issue for Ric. While Dafydd went to rescue Mackie from childcare duty by securing Idris upstairs again with Lucien, Ric and Val waited at the locked door that led to the basement. As soon as Dafydd disappeared, Ric turned to the bouncer.

  “Quick, before he gets back, bring me a gun. Please,” he tacked on when he realized whom he was ordering about.

  “You can’t kill Petru, Doc. Unless and until we can confirm that Dracul is dead, we need him breathing. Plus, Alex gave his word we wouldn’t. It wasn’t the call I would have made, but then, I’m not the captain.”

  “I don’t intend to shoot him so long as he doesn’t try to hurt Dafydd.”

  “It’s my job to protect you both.”

  Ric got right into the guy’s face, worry for Dafydd making him bold. The size difference between them, since he had to stand on his toes to have a face-off, would have been comical if not for the deadly seriousness of the situation.

  “No, sir, it’s not. I’m responsible for Dafydd from now on.”

  He wasn’t sure what showed in his expression, but Val simply nodded and disappeared a few seconds later down the stairs. He returned almost as quickly and handed Ric a small nine-millimeter.

  “You know how to use this, yes?”

  Ric took it, checked that the safety was on then made sure the clip was full before tucking it under his shirt and into his waistband. He didn’t want Dafydd to see it. This was something his lover didn’t need to know about.

  “Yes. Duncan taught me in Scotland. I didn’t think then that I could use it. I hadn’t met Dafydd yet.”

  That was all the explanation he gave, and Val seemed to accept that as sufficient. By the time Dafydd returned, the evidence of what they’d been up to was well-hidden.

  Ric held out his hand. “All set?”

  Dafydd took it and nodded. “Yes, let’s go.”

  Val went first and they followed, the stairs just barely wide enough for them to walk side-by-side. At the bottom, Val opened a door and led them through a room laden with the kind of firepower that made Ric’s gun seem like a slingshot. At the far end, there was another door. For this, Val had to turn a tumbler, as if there were a giant vault on the other side. Instead, when he pulled it open, a brightly lit, windowless room greeted them.

  It was a prison cell. That was obvious, and it was a bare-bones one at that. It contained only a wall-mounted shelf with a thin plastic pallet for sleeping, a sink and a toilet. Lounging on the bed was, as promised, a nude Petru, who was also shackled by both wrists to the wall behind him. Ric estimated there was sufficient chain to make it to the necessary facilities but no chance to reach the door or any visitors. In a war that had led to fatalities on both sides, Alex had nonetheless provided adequately for a prisoner, testament to the kind of honorable man he was.

  Petru slowly raised his gaze from the book he was reading to stare at them. That one creature comfort was another sign of the decency of Alex and his crew. Petru smiled like the Cheshire Cat, arrogant even in his captivity. Ric had a sudden impulse to wipe the look off his face. That instinct doubled when he felt a tremor in Dafydd’s hand.

  “You don’t have to do any more than this,” he murmured.

  Squaring his shoulders, Dafydd stepped forward. “I want to.”

  Letting go of Ric, the former slave walked boldly, if slowly, toward one of the foul creatures who had tortured him for centuries. Petru watched the approach, putting down his book and swinging his legs to stand as he did so. The chain links rattled with every movement. Ric surged forward at the same time. He didn’t care how diligent Val had been with those restraints. He wasn’t going to take any chances with his lover.

  “This is unexpected, I must say,” Petru drawled.

  “Your opinion wasn’t requested, asshole,” Val shot back.

  Dafydd surprised him by holding up his hand. “It’s okay. Let him say what he wants. His words can’t hurt me. Nothing about him will ever touch me again.” If there was a slight quaver to the boy’s voice, it didn’t detract from his firm stance and courageous words.

  Petru spread his arms out. “Lo, how the mighty have fallen, heh?”

  “You flatter yourself, mun,” Dafydd retorted. “You were never that, merely the mud under Dracul’s boots.”

  The insult didn’t appear to faze the man. “And here I’d thought that was you all this time.” He tsked. “I admit I underestimated you, although not as much as Dracul did. You always were a willful cunt.”

  Ric bared his teeth at the casual insult and would have marched into the cell if Val hadn’t blocked him with his arm.

  Petru’s gaze shifted past Dafydd and onto Ric. “Is this your new Master? Huh, looks more like a slut to me. I bet you like taking it up the ass, hmm?” The question was aimed squarely at Ric.

  He was happy to reply. “Every chance I get, shithead. You should try it. The pleasure of it might improve your disposition.” As come-backs went, it wasn’t much, but the statement was more for Dafydd’s benefit than Petru’s. He wanted his lover to understand that being penetrated didn’t make anyone less of a man.

  Petru merely shrugged. Life with Dracul must have trained him to let things roll off his back. It wasn’t worth the breath to speak with him. “You know,” he continued, looking once more at Dafydd, “I warned him those first few months when you fought him and tried to run away that he should kill you and find a more biddable toy to play with. Of course, he didn’t listen to me.”

  Ah, and there was the bitterness, finally.

  “And what happened? You brought the whole fucking thing down on our heads. After a thousand years of battling our own kind, worthy opponents on this miserable planet, we were destroyed by a mere human.” He shook his head. “I’d tip my hat to you, if I were permitted to have one.”

  “You’re lucky to have what you do,” Dafydd scoffed. “It’s better than what I was often given and without the threat of death hanging over your head.”

  The man went back to sitting on his pitiful bed. “Is this all? Have you finished gloating?”

  Dafydd shook his head. “That’s not what I’m here for. I only wanted to see for myself that you truly are nothing. And even if you remained powerful and even if Dracul is really still alive, I’m not afraid.”

  Dafydd caused Ric’s heart to leap by taking a step closer. “I killed Cadoc. Did you know that? My own son. I had to. That’s the kind of monster Dracul made of me and him both. I’ll kill Dracul, too, and you, if it comes to that.”

  “Feel free. Dispose of Dracul, I mean.” Petru leaned back against the wall. “I don’t care, and in fact, I welcome it. That’s what I’m doing here. I’ve had it up to here with his ridiculous ambitions.”

  “No. That’s a lie. You want Andri back.” That statement got the first real rise out of Petru. He sat up again. “You’ll never have him,” Dafydd dug in deeper. “He wo
n’t want you again, not after being Dracul’s slave. To go back to being a boy for anyone less than the Master of Masters? A step down from occupying the top spot?” Dafydd shook his head slowly. “Never. He always wanted Dracul to notice him so he could trade up from your paltry bed. It’s what he was angling for all along, and you were too stupid to see it.” He scoffed. “I hope you live a very long life knowing that you were always second best—in everything.”

  With that, Dafydd wheeled around and marched away from the cell.

  Ric puffed up with pride. His boy was not only strong, he had a killer instinct that would serve him well in his recovery and the rest of his life.

  He caught Dafydd’s hand. “Go on up, please, and wait for me at Lucien’s. Then we can get Idris ready for our outing. I won’t be but a moment.”

  Dafydd narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure? What’s this about?”

  Ric gave him a peck on the lips. “Nothing, baby. I just want to help Val lock this asshole back up. Okay? Oh, and you are not a monster.” He’d hated hearing his lover speak of himself in those terms, even if it were only for effect, which he didn’t think it was. It was important that Dafydd start to feel good about himself.

  Dafydd gave him a wan smile. “I can believe that when I’m with you—and that I’m not broken, either.”

  “You are certainly not that. Didn’t last night prove it?” he added in an extra-low voice. He flashed his eyes as he said it, in the hopes of making a clear invitation.

  Dafydd rolled his eyes. “Perhaps I’m the one who has created a monster.” To be able to joke after such a fierce confrontation was the best possible sign. “All right, then, I’ll meet you upstairs.”

  Ric waited until he heard Dafydd walk all the way back up before heading into the cell. He pulled out his gun and, flicking off the safety catch, pointed it two-handed at Petru. That got another rise out of the man. Petru stiffened, although he didn’t cower.

  “Jesus, fuck, Doc,” Val murmured.

  “I’m not going to kill him,” he reassured the man, worried that he’d yank him away. “Not yet,” he amended.

  Adjusting his grip and stance, he worked to ease his breathing. “Listen up, you fucker. I don’t care what you say about helping out and going away nicely after we put Dracul down for good. If you ever so much as look at Dafydd again, I will kill you.”

  Petru opened his mouth.

  “Shut up! I don’t want to hear your voice. I’m a doctor. Did you know that? First, do no harm. That’s what we swear as medical students to become full physicians. And I’ve lived by that oath my entire career and will continue to do so, except in this one instance.”

  His heart was beating jackrabbit fast, something the alien could undoubtedly detect. No problem. Yeah, he was scared, but he was also serious. “I know how to draw it out. Death, that is. I will kill you by inches. I’ll blow bits of you into dust until there is nothing left.” Ric took one more step closer and drilled a hole into the alien with his stare. “Do you believe me? Do you, motherfucker!”

  He had the satisfaction of seeing the man startle. “Yes, I rather do. Fortunately, I have no interest in doing anything that would incur your wrath. The boy says I’m nothing to him.” Petru shrugged. “I feel the same. He was, and always will be, of no consequence.”

  Ric barked out a laugh. “See? That right there… That’s what fucked you over. By your own admission, you underestimated him. You should have known that he’s everything.”

  Lowering his weapon, he backed out then turned away. He re-engaged the safety and handed the gun over to Val as he passed him. Petru didn’t warrant so much as a backward glance. Ric waited for Val at the top of the stairs, where Val relocked the entrance to the basement.

  “Congratulations, Doc. You made a lasting impression on one of the most dangerous creatures on this planet and managed to scare the pants off me.”

  Ric raised his shaking hands. “Thanks, but we both know that’s a lie.”

  “Nope. I know you meant what you said and so does Petru, and that’s fucking terrifying.” He clapped a hand on Ric’s shoulder. “Good job. I would have done the same. Now, don’t keep your boy waiting. Mackie swears by the aquarium. You and your family will have a great time.”

  “Thanks, Val. I’m going to do just that.”

  And he did, spending a glorious day with his lover and their child, the first of what he knew would be many.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Two Months Later

  Malcolm stood up from the co-pilot seat and stretched. “I’ll go make sure everyone is properly strapped in for the landing, Will.”

  “Roger that.” His laid-back friend was in work mode, his focus on the instrument panel as he made their approach to Logan Airport.

  Being nighttime, the birds-eye view of the city was a pretty sight, although Malcolm would have preferred to yacht-in again. There’d been no time for that kind of leisurely voyage. More’s the pity. Alex wanted everyone under one roof while they planned how to locate Dracul and defeat him—again. It still rankled that the fucker might have escaped, although Malcolm didn’t object to the plan itself. He’d come to the same conclusion independently of his commander, so he was hardly in a position to complain. Speed mattered more than comfort at this point. Besides, spending a couple of weeks even on his large ship with the hybrid hellion he was transporting didn’t bear thinking about.

  “We’re starting our approach to the airport, everyone,” he called out when he entered the cabin. “Buckle up.”

  Brenin headed his way. “Thank God, this has been a terrible ride. Not even the meds Doc MacPhee has me on can dampen the misery.”

  Concerned, Malcolm cupped his boy’s chin. “Did you take one of those short-acting pills she gave you for anxiety?”

  Brenin’s expression softened. “No, it’s not that bad. I didn’t mean to worry you. Besides, poor Alun has the worst of it.”

  “Well, he is the lad’s father. It’s his job.”

  “One he’s not suited for. You can’t know what it was like in that castle. Inside Alun’s head, he’s a slave without power. And Merlin doesn’t see his human father as any kind of authority figure.”

  “Aye, I ken.” Malcolm watched for a few seconds while the poor man pleaded with his son to comply. When that was clearly not working, Malcolm strode down the aisle to deal with it himself.

  Alun’s low voice reached Malcolm’s ears. “Please, Merlin. Does everything have to be a fight? Everyone has to do this. It’s basic safety.”

  The mulish boy, who already had the height of a teenager although willowy with it, sat glaring at his father with folded arms. “It’s pointless. I can weather any bumps, and if we crash, a seat belt isn’t going to save me. Only the strength I inherited from my father will. There’s none of your puny human in me.”

  Och. Malcolm had heard this refrain over and over since ‘rescuing’ the lad. The little shit was completely dismissive of his human half. Poor Alun had been so beaten during his captivity that he didn’t gainsay any of the insults. He simply sat there, taking them with barely a change in his placid expression.

  It was time for Malcolm to bring the hammer down, as usual. He couldn’t wait to fob some of this responsibility onto Harry or one of the others. Even Lucien would be more effective at dealing with the unbearable pup than Alun was. Most importantly, he wanted Brenin well clear of the duty. Doc MacPhee had been very helpful once Brenin had been willing to ask for it. Talking, meds and that simple relaxation method that Paz had passed along had all worked well since they’d returned from Boston. Brenin had improved, Malcolm could tell as much. The less stress, the better, though.

  Before he could reach his destination, however, his attention was taken by Will’s daughter. Annika had come along, naturally. There had been no question of that. There was also no doubt as to her true nature. Malcolm hadn’t been privy to the conversation between Alex and Will back at the castle, and both men had been tight-lipped about it. But the sweet wee l
assie had aged to pre-adolescence already. What more evidence did one need to understand she wasn’t merely human?

  She smiled at him as he approached. He could see the stunning beauty that she would become. She’d just finished strapping her white toy poodle into its harness. “Not to worry, Mr. Malcolm, Babette is all set. She knows how to behave. As do I, unlike some people.”

  She frowned before turning her head. “Put on your seat belt, Merlin. Now, if you please.”

  It was the tone of her voice—which she never raised, not the volume—that had everyone, including Malcolm, freezing for a moment. A shiver ran up his spine, quickly replaced by a sense of calm that he hadn’t felt since…well, in a thousand years. In that moment, he let go of the worry and the doubt that he’d been holding inside him since Dracul’s treachery had first occurred. The outcome of their internecine war was clear. It might take a few more years, perhaps, yet victory for their side was almost guaranteed. At least that was his assessment. The proof of it would come soon.

  Everyone’s movement restarted a second later, with Alun meekly looking out of the window and Merlin acting much the same while he buckled up. Having been raised entirely within Dracul’s orbit, the lad nevertheless reacted to the primordial instincts of half his gene pool. For her part, Annika returned her attention to her dog. She hadn’t waited to see if she’d been obeyed. She knew she had, like all of her kind. Feeling delightfully superfluous, Malcolm turned to go back to the cockpit.

  Brenin snagged his hand when he passed him. “Malcolm, is she—?”

  “Aye, laddie, and thank God for it. Settle in. We’ll land quickly and be at our new, temporary home shortly.” He gave a quick squeeze before letting it go.

  His presence beside Willem was also unnecessary, but rules were rules, and the rest of the journey was uneventful. Customs proved a breeze, as well, given the lateness of the hour. Darling’s expertly forged passports held up under scrutiny and the only bad moment came when Merlin seemed to be ready to say something inappropriate. A quelling look from Annika did the trick. Really, the girl was a marvel. And with Babette’s veterinary paperwork also in order, they were able to make it out to the curb in record time.