by Brenda Trim
“It’s ok,” Ryker admitted as he glanced between the two of them then looked over at Daine and Sol. “We’re a unit. All of us.”
The King’s words hung thick in the room before Brokk cleared his throat and broke the silence. “Is there some ceremony to making us your Guard?”
Ryker closed the gap between he and Maurelle then grabbed her hand. Her entire body tingled from having Brokk at her back and Ryker at her front. The dynamics had changed just now, but she had no idea how or what it all meant. The most important at the moment was ensuring Ryker’s identity remained masked until he was in a position to take over the realm.
“Honestly, I have no idea what I am doing,” Ryker said then reached up and placed his hand over Brokk’s where it rested on her shoulder. Maurelle shivered at being sandwiched between two sexy males. Sure, she was most attracted to Ryker, but couldn’t deny her draw toward Brokk, as well.
“I bestow the privilege of being the first member of my Guard, Brokk Westhaven,” Ryker said. Brokk’s breath caught in his throat and his fingers clamped down on Maurelle’s flesh. Holding back a wince, she turned her head and watched as Brokk grit his teeth and held Ryker’s gaze.
Sol and Daine jumped from the couch and hovered to her left side. Reaching out, she sought Ryker’s hand as Brokk’s grip turned bruising. As soon as their flesh met, the tension left Brokk’s hands.
A second later he tugged the collar of his shirt down to reveal a shield. There was a winged creature, a knife and a rune inside the red colored tattoo that had appeared. “Whoa. That is fucking wicked,” Brokk blurted with a smile. He wrapped his arms around Maurelle a second later and twirled her around.
“Okay, big guy put me down,” she laughed. “The marking is beautiful but seems like it will be dangerous.”
“Agreed,” Ryker added. “We will need to go see the Peridun and ask if she can hide this too. First, assuming you two agree let me finish this ceremony.”
This was his first act as King, Maurelle thought. Her shoulders went back, and a smile widened across her mouth when Daine and Sol agreed. She had no idea how her life had brought her to this point, but she was grateful to the Gods for making her part of it.
“I bestow the privilege of being the second member of my Guard, Daine Norse,” Ryker recited as he had with Brokk. Daine’s face tightened from discomfort and he bent in half, bracing his hands on his knees.
Maurelle ran her palm over his back offering what comfort she could. It took several seconds for Daine to lift his head and stand up. He shot her a smile and lifted the hem of his shirt. The same design appeared in reds on his chest.
“You ready,” Ryker asked Sol.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Before the King started speaking, Maurelle noticed Sol’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. Maurelle kept her hand on Daine’s back as she watched Ryker continue. “I bestow the privilege of being the third member of my Guard, Sol Aliante.”
Sol must have been braced for the pain since aside from a muscle ticking along his jaw there was no outward sign that the process had caused any pain. There was no need for him to remove his shirt to confirm he’d received the mark. He was wearing a white tank and the tattoo was easily seen.
“How do we get to this Peridun?” Brokk asked as he rubbed his hands together. It was clear to Maurelle that the male was ecstatic.
Ryker was beaming and the weight on his shoulders seemed lighter somehow. “The sewers will be the safest way to get there. Gaius has increased patrols and nearly caught me the other night when I tried to sneak out.”
“Oh, yay. The shit tubes!” Maurelle cheered. “Perhaps your charm will get us all out unscathed today.” No way did she want a repeat of nearly dying in those filthy passageways. Being vampire dinner once was enough for a lifetime.
Ryker’s heart was pounding so hard against his rib cage it was a wonder it didn’t break free and take flight. The cold night air enveloped him, calling to his elemental core. Ever since his second assessment earlier that day he struggled to keep his elements hidden. There was a reason the academy was safest for Fae his age.
When they first came into their powers it was impossible to keep shit under wraps. Any hint of the elements and their bodies reacted automatically. Of course, that was most dangerous with fire and water, but air and earth could be just as dangerous. It took many hours of training to be able to sharpen their control and be able to shape and wield the elements effectively.
Ryker had been doing so good until earlier when they’d all been thrown at him. It somehow messed with his royal mantle and now he was having to battle back each of his elements at any given moment. At the time, Ryker reacted as if Gaius had issued a challenge.
Sol pulled back and gave them a thumbs up indicating the way to the staff building was clear. Ryker made a mental note to determine if there were other entrances on campus. They were taking a huge risk sneaking to the basement of that building.
Keeping his wings low on his back, Ryker ran across the grass while sticking close to the stone walls. They all froze when a branch snapped behind them. Turning only his head, Ryker scanned the area.
He noted Maurelle’s pale face and met her gaze. She mouthed ‘Sorry.’ He smiled back then focused on the area around them. The noise wasn’t enough to reach the professors sleeping on the other side of the stone walls, but some were known to set alarms in the wind.
Several seconds later when no one was running at them they resumed their trek inside. Ryker cursed under his breath when they found the door locked. Right as he opened his mouth to cast a spell to open things up there was a rattling on the other side. Ryker snatched Maurelle and Sol’s hands then nodded his head at Daine and Brokk. Knowing what he was going to do, Brokk grabbed Daine then reached for Maurelle.
The five of them disappeared in thin air a second the wood panel flew open. One of the Enforcers he’d seen around campus walked out of the building and was scanning the area for intruders. Seemed he shouldn’t have assumed no one heard the stick cracking.
Ryker held his breath and inched forward when the guard’s eyes traveled over the spot they stood. They needed to get inside before the door closed. He nudged Sol inside, and he followed closely.
Brokk must have called wind to him because it rustled through the trees a second later and covered the slight noise of their steps. Maurelle was inside before the panel began to close. Daine and Brokk darted through right before they got caught outside.
Ryker hurried to the door to the basement without bothering to break their connection or release his invisibility. His guard scanned the area as they moved. Sol leaned close and whispered, “Coast is clear. Let’s get down those stairs now.”
Nodding, Ryker followed the male through the next door and descended to the basement. The second the door closed they were enveloped in darkness. The torches were out, leaving no easy way to navigate.
Maurelle clung to his arm on one side and Brokk on her other. Her body shook between them. No doubt she was terrified of the sewers. Last time she was there she nearly died.
The pitch black didn’t break apart when they reached the bottom. Ryker let go of Sol so he could call his flames to his palm. Sol must have had the same idea because he did the same. Brokk brought one of the torches from the wall and Ryker lit the thing. They were going to need it where they were going.
“Keep your eyes open. At least two vampires have a taste for Maurelle,” Ryker warned before he led the way to The Edge.
“You don’t have any more girlfriends down here do you? If so, I hope these like you better than the last one did,” Maurelle snarked. She’d let go of his arm finally and he missed the connection to her. She calmed and centered him, even when they were in danger of being discovered breaking the rules.
A laugh bubbled up in his throat. This female made him smile and laugh in just about every situation. Very few Fae had reasons to smile and be truly happy anymore, so he relished the levity she brought to his life.
“I need to take lessons from you, Ryk. I have no game with the females,” Brokk replied with a chuckle.
“You have plenty of game,” Maurelle corrected. “You might not be King, but you’re sexy regardless.”
“Damn. That just made my day. Looks like I am competition, Brokk teased.
“Why do you have to be competition?” Ryker countered. Their group fell into silence for several heartbeats before Maurelle cleared her throat.
“I can’t believe Nyx was right about royals. I’ll never live that down,” Maurelle blurted.
“I want in on this…” Daine’s reply was cut off when a scurry of footsteps sounded ahead of their group. They were still walking single file in the tunnel, but Ryker knew there was an opening up ahead. It wasn’t the same one where Maurelle was attacked last time, so there was no telling what kind of creature they might encounter.
Ryker passed the torch to Maurelle and waved Brokk ahead of her. He wanted her in the middle of their little group. Vampires were terrified of fire, so she’d have some protection.
Without wanting to warn those waiting in the room a few feet in front of them, Ryker broke out into a run, keeping his steps as quiet as possible with his elemental abilities. His Guard wasn’t as silent when they broke out into a jog behind him.
Ryker sent a wave of water ahead of their group and was disappointed to see three vampires and a ghoul standing when they exited the narrow channel. With a flash of fangs, one of the bloodsuckers charged him.
Ryker threw his fist out and punched the vampire’s cheek. His head snapped back, but that didn’t deter him much since he launched himself into the air and landed on Ryker. The pair fell to the ground and fists pummeled his face fast and furious.
The sound of fighting echoed all around him. Ryker was able to focus on his enemy because there were only four foes which he and his guard could easily handle, leaving Maurelle safe.
Fangs lodged into one of his shoulders sending pain shooting down his entire side. The vampire bit him so hard he must have hit a nerve. Ryker cursed and tried to shove the bloodsucker off him, but one of his arms refused to cooperate.
Grabbing a fist full of hair, Ryker yanked the leech’s head and pulled it backwards. Fangs ripped through his flesh, but the pain wasn’t as bad as before. Growling, he kicked and sent the vampire flying across the room.
Maurelle’s scream rent the air a second later, drawing all of their attention. Two more vampires were heading toward her with their fangs bared. She waved the torch at their faces and backed up until she hit the cave wall. She’d learned one lesson from last time. Never leave your back exposed.
A shoulder barreled into Ryker’s side, but he managed to catch himself before he fell. Calling his fire to his hands, he placed them on the first bloodsucker’s shirt. When the fabric didn’t immediately go up in flames, he cursed and kicked the guy’s knee.
With the vampire on the ground, Ryker stomped on its head until he saw brain matter. Not giving that enemy more thought, he hurried to Maurelle. He tossed a female vampire away and kicked the male of the pair then took a stance in front of his female.
The bloodsuckers came at them again. Maurelle stood next to him and called on her air element. With a wave of her hand, she forced the male vamp to fight against strong winds. Maurelle shoved the torch toward the male, but her winds extinguished the flames.
Thank the Gods the cave wasn’t pitch black, so none of them lost the ability to see their opponents. Ryker wrapped his arms around the female vampire’s neck and squeezed. Stomping on her legs, he took her down, but kept his hold on her neck. With the opposing forces, he cracked her neck.
Throwing her down, he turned to see Maurelle stabbing the end of the torch through the male vampire’s chest. He slumped to the ground and went motionless. Ryker took the makeshift weapon and plunged the end through the female bloodsucker’s throat. With several deft movements side to side, her head rolled free.
Shaking the wood, he flung blood and gore from the end. Not wanting to hold something so vile, he called his fire to him and sent flames licking across the end long enough to burn the nasty shit away.
Brokk approached Maurelle and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “That was badass, beauty.”
“I’m not a wilting flower anymore. And, I never will be again.” The vehemence in her voice was chilling, but not surprising. Ryker had seen her spine of steel the moment she’d walked into the academy mess hall. He’d have never said she was a wilting flower. It was her inner strength that first attracted him to her. Of course, her gorgeous face and curvy body helped.
“Remind me not to piss you off,” Daine teased next. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Nodding, Ryker twined his fingers with Maurelle’s and headed to the exit. Pride welled in his chest. His Braveheart was no wilting flower. She was fierce and sexy and determined. She was the perfect mate for a Fae King, and if he was lucky, he’d convince her that he deserved to have her.
Chapter 5
Maurelle shivered and wrapped her arms around her waist. The night was cool, and her adrenaline was no longer flowing through her body and ramping her up. The sewers sucked, and she prayed to the Gods she’d never have to go through there again.
That wasn’t possible she realized as soon as the thought flitted through her head. They had to make their way back through them to return home. She wasn’t going back unarmed. She would find something she could use to kill the fuckers living in the sewers.
“I’ve always been told the banished live in the sewers and that they shouldn’t be there. But all the creatures I’ve encountered are right at home among the fecal waterways,” Maurelle observed as she followed Ryker down the street.
“Where do you think those beasts used to live?” Sol asked from behind her.
Turning her head, she shrugged her shoulders. “All over the realm?”
Sol’s lips thinned and his forehead creased. “No. They are the original inhabitants of the Edge. It’s why this area is in splendiferous shape.”
Her jaw fell to her chest and her eyes widened. “No wonder they’re so pissed. We took their home.”
“What were our parents supposed to do?” Ryker twined his fingers with hers. “When Fae were forced into the Edge, they weren’t given anything, so they had no choice but to push those that refused to cooperate below ground. It’s one of the first things I plan on changing.”
Maurelle squeezed his hand silently offering her support. They hadn’t ever spoken about what he would do when he finally took the throne. Honestly, some part of her doubted it would ever happen. The ones in power would do anything to keep the status quo.
She couldn’t stomach the thought of him being in danger. When he stepped out of the shadows there would be several targets on his head in a heartbeat. She knew better than to try to talk him out of taking his rightful place and reclaiming Mag Mell, so she would make sure she along with Brokk, Sol and Daine were there to support him every step of the way.
She’d only been in Edge a couple of other times late at night. Not enough to get used to how things operated there. She was still shocked to see so much activity in the area. It seemed as if everyone lived in fear and rarely had any fun, but the night life there made Maurelle think about the way her parents used to describe life in their realm before the war.
“We will all be by your side when you do,” Maurelle promised as they paused at the top of a set of stairs that led to the Peridun’s shop.
“I can’t believe I’m going in here. I grew up on stories of this place being haunted,” Daine admitted with a shudder.
“Ohhh,” Maurelle squealed excitedly then released Ryker’s clasp so she could clap her hands. “I’ve always wanted to meet a specter. They’re said to have the best recipes for shortbread.”
Ryker chuckled with her, making her lose more of her heart to him. “Shortbread, Braveheart?”
“Of course. It’s delicious and even better with banana pudding
,” she quipped and headed for the door.
Much like the first time she’d visited the shop, Maurelle’s her heart started racing when the black door came into view. The runes on the door glowed blue like usual. It offered the only light under the balconies of the apartments above.
Ryker reached past her, his arm brushing the side of her body, making her want him all the more. Now was not the time for her hormones to take control. When the door opened, a familiar smoky, woody scent tinged with pine needles drifted from the interior. Looking over her shoulder, she wondered if the scent affected the others as much as it did her.
Unfortunately, none of their faces gave away how they were feeling. They could win a shit ton of money in the human card game called poker. She entered first with the others behind her.
Just when she thought they were in control of their reactions she heard a gasp behind her. Yeah, she had the same reaction when she’d first laid eyes on the Peridun. Her long black hair was in braids, and there was a smile on her olive toned face. Maurelle thought her pale blue eyes hinted at her magical nature. The tattoos on her face only added to that.
Maurelle still thought she was captivating and beautiful. The hat on Shineah’s head jingled with each movement. The floppy hat was a deep purple this time, but it still fit snug around her forehead but billowed up on top. More silver charms dangled from the sides, and she still had the bones that hung near her left temple.
“What brings you to my shop this time, young King?” Shineah asked as she came around the empty metal table with another long wool dress that flowed around her frame and went to the floor.
That thousand-watt smile that won over Maurelle’s heart spread over Ryker’s face as he reached out place a hand on the Peridun’s shoulder. “We are in need of your assistance again, Shineah.”
“I see you’ve marked your Guard,” Shineah murmured as she came around the edge of the counter. “The real question is whether you have heeded my advice and included them in your intimacies.”
