Текст книги "Ties That Bind"

Автор книги: T. A. Grey

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Текущая страница: 22 (всего у книги 25 страниц)

He plowed into her laughing. The sound so free and wonderful she laughed with him. He shook his head like a wet dog and the snow fell onto her face making her squint and jerk her head around to avoid the cold flakes.

Their eyes caught and laughter slowly died. Everything tensed between them, even the air and wind didn't bother them. His head came down so slow as if he had all the time in the world or was ready to savor it. And then his lips crossed hers. Her arms pulled him down, melting them together, pressing their bodies as closely as possible.

Warm and wet his tongue felt so much hotter against the cold of her cheeks and nose which had surely turned pink by now. A hot, raw sensation built in her belly. Each time his tongue darted, circled, pulled back to only sweep in again, she grew wetter. The demon could kiss.

He pulled back, his eyes dark with arousal. She shivered under his gaze which clearly stated I'm going to take your clothes off now.

“Let's go inside.”

She nodded and let him pull her off the ground. She laughed as he patted her back to knock the snow off and in the process managed to grab her ass several times.

“Deviant.”

“Witch.”

“Demon.”

“Lilit.”

She glared at him as she struggled to think of another name. “Rogue!” He laughed at that one and pulled her inside the castle. He started to lead her upstairs when Tyrian stepped out of his office at the end of the hall.

“We need to discuss some things.”

The happy feeling inside her died just like that. Telal nodded, gave her a quick kiss then left her. Right before he went into the study he turned back and gave her that sexy look again. “Be naked when I get back.”

She laughed and darted for the guest room.

CHAPTER 41

“Hey you!” Lily stopped at the top of the stairs as Rayn came around the corner.

He grinned and eyeballed her outfit. “Been out playing?”

“Yes and it was great. How you doin'?”

“Good and happy birthday to you, Ms. Bellum. Have you gotten to wear that little lingerie number Chloe got you?”

She laughed. “God, I'd completely forgotten about that; it's back at home. No, I haven't worn it yet.”

“Well my offer to see you in it is still up.”

“And so is mine. You try it on first and then I will.”

He pressed a fist over his heart. “You wound me, Lily. What does a man gotta do to get you naked?”

Lily rolled her eyes. “You are such a flirt and a bad one too.”

He smiled big. “That's not what women tell me.” He backed her against the wall and leaned one arm above her head caging her in. “I hear I'm pretty good at it.”

She laughed at his attempt at a deep and sexy voice. “You are so ridiculous, really.”

“How about a kiss for old time's sakes?”

She pushed at his chest. “Oh please, we've never kissed to begin with and we're not starting now. I happen to be in love.”

He shook his head, his eyes turning sad. “There's nothing he can give you that I can't. Besides, I'm heading into the rift soon and I might not come back.”

He'd meant it as a joke but her smile dropped. “You'll come back.”

“Damn, sorry, didn't mean to kill the mood. Now I'll never get that kiss.”

“No you won't,” said an angry voice. Lily and Rayn turned to see Telal there just as his fist came flying. It connected with Rayn's jaw and sent him stumbling, his back nailing the wall and shaking the paintings hanging on it.

“Telal!”

Her plea went unheard or ignored because Telal advanced on Rayn and socked him in the mouth, hard. Rayn groaned and dropped to the ground, his hand cradling his face.

Telal pointed at Rayn. “Never touch her again.”

Telal grabbed her hand and dragged her down into their bedroom, the door slamming behind him. He cornered her, backing her up.

“Who's he? Why did he almost kiss you?” He looked wild, crazed.

“He's one of Tyrian’s guards. I met him a year ago here at the castle. He's just a friend, barely that.” She realized she had her hands up in a protective stance and forced them down to her sides. Even though he bristled with anger he'd never hurt her. “You didn't have to hit him.”

His jaw clenched so hard she was surprised teeth didn't break. “You're mine and no one else gets to touch you. Do you hear me?”

She thought about it for a second. “Maybe if you phrase that differently then I'll hear you.”

He shook his head. “What are you talking about? I don't play around and neither do you dammit.”

“Tell me how you really feel.”

He rolled his head around in a circle. “I am telling you. Are you listening to me, Lily?”

“Yes and that's not what I meant. Tell me how you feel about me.”

That snapped something inside him. He took a step back as it registered. He looked away then his gaze crawled back to her, possessive and menacing.

“Take off your clothes.”

He reached for his and started peeling layers revealing golden skin, a royal tattoo, and pierced nipples she wanted to flick with her tongue. “Not until you admit it.”

He glared at her. “Take. Them. Off.”

For some reason she obeyed. Her fingers shook as she took off the coat and shoes but she stopped there. “Say it, Telal.”

He stood there butt-ass naked and tossed his head back with a frustrated shout. When he looked at her again his breathing had deepened, sped up. “Fine.”

She pulled off her shirt and pants, leaving her in her bra and underwear. “Fine what?”

She had the pleasure of watching his cock lengthen as he looked her over with his hungry eyes. “Just...fine.”

“Just fine doesn't do it for me.” She lifted her chin a notch.

He marched to her so fast she didn't have time to back up. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and looked her in the eyes. “I love you, all right? You good now? Because I'm ready to fuck.”

“Oh.”

Telal pulled her panties down her legs and unsnapped her bra in a matter of seconds. He grabbed her by her ass and lifted her, her legs naturally winding around his ass. He gave her no warning. He speared inside of her. A harsh moan left her. He didn't move slowly but thrust into her with hard demanding strokes. Their mouths met, fused together. Passion encased her like a dense cloud. An orgasm rose inside her. His cock swelled even more and she knew he was right there with her. She had to jerk her head away, her arms squeezing tight around his neck as her core shuddered, milked, and came.

“Lily!” he called out, his voice laced with lust. His hips picked up pace and his gliding strokes prolonged her orgasm into drawn-out erotic rush.

They fell onto the bed, each helping the other up to the pillows. “That was...”

He grunted and buried his face in her hair. “Fantastic.”

“Yeah, that's about right.”

Lily's muscles felt warm and she yawned as her body melted into the bed.

“You meant what you said?” she said.

His lips kissed over her ear soft and gentle. “I do.”

Her heart felt like it'd burst from her chest. “I love you, too.”

Lily curled up against Telal, and when his arm easily went across her waist to hold her, she smiled. Everything was finally looking up.

Hours later, something woke her. A sound, or a creak in the floorboards, something. Night had settled in casting the moon's glow through the window and creating shadows in the corners.

“Telal?”

Lily patted her stomach but didn't feel his arm. She turned around on a sigh and tossed her arm over him. Her arm landed on cold bed. Her eyes flew open.

“Telal!”

She was out of the bed and in the bathroom, and finding it empty in seconds. Her hands shook as she pulled on her clothes. She couldn’t seem to move fast enough. In the process of pulling on her underwear she snapped the seam.

“Damn it!”

She ran down the hall, her bare feet slapping on the cold stone floor. She came to Rosa's room and banged on the door with her fist. “Rosa! Open up now. Rosa!” She heard movement inside but couldn't stop her hand from hitting the door.

The door swung open hard and she couldn't halt her fist. Her swing glanced off Rosa’s cheek.

Rosa’s eyes darkened into a scowl. “What do you want?” Her accented voice sounded heavy from sleep.

“Telal's gone. Where's Kearnyn?”

“He's—” Rosa paused then ran back inside. Lily followed, flipping the light on. “He-he left?” Her big brown eyes shimmered with tears.

“I'm going to search downstairs maybe they haven't left yet.”

Lily searched the castle up and down. Her mind racing faster and faster. He couldn't have left yet? He wasn't supposed to leave until tomorrow. He just told me he loved me! How could he do this?

She woke Chloe and Willow and found them both surprised that Tyrian and Lyonis were gone.

Lily's panic transformed into anger. “You really didn't know they planned to leave a day earlier?” she said to her sisters.

They shook their head. “No,” Chloe said, “Tyrian said they were leaving tomorrow. It looks like they fooled all of us.”

Lily ground her teeth until her jaw cracked. “Come on, Rosa.”

“Where are you going?” Willow called out.

“I'm going down there with them.”

Willow pulled her arm bringing her to a stop. “You can't go down there. They are trained warriors; there's going to be a battle down there. You'll get yourself hurt.”

Lily shrugged off her hand. “I can take care of myself. I'm going to get mother out. I promised her I would.”

“Take me with you,” Willow said.

Lily slowly shook her head. “No, Willow. You have a baby. Stay here with Mary and wait for Lyonis.” Willow looked like she'd argue but her eyes softened and she nodded.

“You're right, Lily.

Lily let out a deep breath she hadn't known she'd taken “Chloe, you're staying too.”

Chloe threw up her hands. “Fine with me, I didn't want to go in the first place.”

Lily laughed, she couldn’t help it. Chloe laughed with her and some of the tension inside Lily eased. There was only one last person she needed to talk to. Lily turned to Rosa. Her eyes looked hardened now, the tears long gone.

“Will you come with me? I could use your help but if you don't want to, I completely understand.”

Rosa nodded, her eyes sharp with knowledge and power. “Let's go.”

It took much longer than she liked to prepare two protection spells, gather the enchanted daggers and the potions she'd made before. Lily and Rosa pulled on a shoulder bag and stuffed their items inside. Each had a potion that would take them and her mother into the rift and one to take them out.

Lily had never seen Rosa look so resolute. She moved calmly but her power practically glowed around her.

“The protection spells won't last long. If we get hit physically or with magic, it'll take the brunt of a few blows, but depending on how hard or powerful it is, the spell won't last. We need to get in and out.”

“Got it,” Lily said.

They each double-checked their items and Lily wondered if Rosa's stomach tossed and turns like hers did. Sweat beaded her brow and her heart wouldn't stop pounding.

Chloe and Willow came forward. “Be safe,” Chloe said. Lily returned Chloe's hug and inhaled the fragrance of her sister’s hair just in case.

Willow hugged her even harder with her strong arms and she thought she heard a sniffle but when she pulled away Willow’s eyes shone clear. “Stay strong and tough. And do not give up.” Lily understood these words came from experience, from Willow's own dark experience under the rift.

“I will.”

Rosa pulled her in for a hug too. Surprised, Lily wrapped her arms around her long-time friend. Guilt ate at her with sharp teeth. She had brought her only friend into danger. If something happened to her... God, she didn't want to think about it.

Lily stiffened as Rosa whispered in her ear. “Remember my warning.”

I die from a dark man on a dark throne.

Lily knew that but she also believe she had a say in her own death. Visions can't always be accurate and if she had to prove it herself, she would. She needed to help Telal, and she needed to save her mother. That was more important than anything else. It’s what Papa would have wanted.

She already had the plan in her mind. Rescue her mother, send her back with Rosa, then go and help Telal. She didn't know how she knew it, but he'd need her help; all the evidence she needed was sitting right there writhing around in her gut. He'd need her.

Lily felt the need to say something back, but she stumbled over the words. Eventually she pulled away. “I love him, Rosa.”

She nodded, her lips pulled into a sad smile. “I know.”

They locked hands together, picked up their potions, and then drank the vile sludge. They both gagged and forced the drink down. Her stomach rolled and flexed trying to push the sludge back up her pipes and spew but she kept her lips sealed shut to keep it down. A hard gulp later and together they read the spell aloud. When the last word left them, the world spun, and darkness enveloped them.

CHAPTER 42

The team conspired in the study in the middle of the night. Lyonis and his main lieutenants Jackie and Thane hung together, battle ready with armor and tight fitting clothing. Telal hadn't anticipated shapeshifters coming along but their skills could be a great asset. The demons didn't have any practice or experience fighting with shapeshifters, their great sizes, speed, and strength would help them much on this night.

Telal ran a hand across his mouth, still feeling the lingering taste of Lily from when he'd kissed her before he snuck away. He'd debated leaving a letter, even using the pen she'd bought him which had easily become his favorite utensil. But something had kept him from doing it. Whether the thought that he might not come back and she might cling to something so negative or because he might not have been able to leave if he stayed there for much longer.

He'd done one thing right at least. He told her he loved her. And he did. So much so that he planned behind her back to leave early while she slept. He knew she'd still try to come. It was in her nature to want to help him, protect him and even others. She was the same way with her sisters, her friend Rosa, wanting to help and protect anyway she can. This wasn't her battle though, and the thought of her being down there while battle raged on made him cold with sweat.

Everyone spoke in hushed voices or not at all. Tyrian was armed with metal gear over his shoulders, chest, and legs in a modern take on a knight's outfit, and three of his best Atal Warriors stood quietly, lethally holding battle axes that shined to a point and swords at their hips with knives and God knows what else in that belt. They wore loose-fitting linen shirts and close fitting pants. Telal was as ready as he'd ever be.

He wore some of his borrowed clothes from Tyrian, boots, pants, and a shirt. In holsters over his shoulders he had an enchanted long blade he'd made himself, enspelled with the same electrical spell as the daggers he had at his waist. He'd meditated for an hour before the meeting to check on his power levels. He wasn't near one hundred percent capacity yet but he'd be able to do some damage.

The past week he'd lain awake at night sometimes falling into fitful dreams about his brother. He saw different versions of the night going down. In half of them his brother killed him, and in the others he finished off his brother. Were they prophetic? Possibly.

What had surprised him though were his thoughts tonight. None of them catered to his brother or the predictions of what might happen. Instead he'd kept his nose buried in Lily's sweet smelling hair and held her close. He did love her, the little wench. How could he not when she so obviously forced herself into his life, changing him? He wanted to do more now. Wanted to learn how to ride that damn bike so he could take her out on it. To impress her? Maybe.

Most of all, his thoughts had drifted to the thought of mating. It was a joke how easily he could picture her in the gauzy black mating gown, the sacred etchings painted on her hands, stomach, and feet. The words of possession, love, and trust sharing between them in front of the entire kingdom. He could almost feel the audience kneeling before them as they recited their sacred vows, then the eruption of applause as they kissed under the bright sky of the rift. Almost. It almost felt real.

“We're ready.”

Telal nodded at Kearnyn then checked over the team once more. “Let's go.”

The team moved into place, the plans and orders of the operation already predetermined and memorized. Telal took Lyonis and Tyrian; Draven took Jackie and Thane, and Rayn and Henry transported Kearnyn and the three Atal Warriors.

The night sky glowed brightly in the rift. The normal pink and orange hues of the daytimes were now hazy with a gray light. Night in the rift was much darker than on earth where the moon cast a bright silver light over the planes. Here, unless you were in the vicinity of a torch, everything was shadowed and dark. Telal and his team would use the darkness to their benefit on this night.

“Let's move,” Telal said.

The team had ported in near one of the closest villages closest to the castle. The small houses were really just shacks made out of dried wood and hay across the roofs. No one could even dare to build a fireplace in such a home so when the sky went dark, they lived in darkness.

They quietly ran towards the hulking castle in the distance, taking out the random guard when necessary. The castle stuck out in the dark landscape like a flashing beacon. Torches hung on the outside of the castle in metal rungs; the firelight dancing against the dark stone. Kneeling down behind a hill of trees Telal counted the guards on the west wall. There were eight of them. When he'd come before there hadn't been one. Telal's muscles flexed with the urge to fight.

“He's expecting us.”

The team didn't have to nod to acknowledge they heard him. Telal wanted to embrace them all for their bravery, for helping him when not too long ago he couldn't say he'd return the favor unless he could get something out of it.

“Let's move.”

Tyrian and Kearnyn kept with him as they clung to the shadows and vegetation, swiftly but silently making their way to the castle. The rest of the teams circled wide so the team surrounded the guards. Telal squeezed his sword tight then lifted it out of the holster. They didn't announce their presence, didn't give the guards time to react. They launched and attacked.

Groans, the loud clanking of metal to metal, and the hiss of steel sliding into flesh sounded in the quiet night. Eight guards down, countless more to go. From here, they'd split. Tyrian and Kearnyn would go with him to find Alrik, the rest would try to secure the castle.

Telal ducked into the castle and made his way through the same tunnel he had before. No servants passed. In fact, the castle was still as the night outside, everyone in bed, or at least he hoped. Torches and burning candelabras lit their way. Telal entered the great hall first to find it empty. The dais with the throne up above devoid of his darker half.

A sound caught his ears. A whirring of air like a person twirling or a cowboy swinging a lasso in a fast circle above his head. They all heard it, their eyes searched the area. Then the sound stopped. Tyrian suddenly dropped to a knee and they all turned to see an arrow embedded in the wall behind him.

“They’re here!” Telal said.

At once, they broke apart. They made easier targets staying close together. Telal sprinted across the hall to the whizzing of arrows flying past him. He didn't have time to stop, didn’t' have time to see where the arrows came from. Telal careened into the hall and made a sharp right. A spiral staircase built behind a door led to the balustrade up top. Palming his sword and a dagger, he took the steps three at a time. At the top, a guard waited for him, weapon draw. Telal blocked the demon's swipe and sunk his knife into the demon's forearm.

The demon screamed and the blade dropped to the ground, clattering loudly, hilt to tip, down the stairs. He impaled his sword through the demon's gut then moved on to the next. He moved like a machine, blocking, dodging, banging his opponents’ arrows and swords away with a swift slice of his, with a hard kick to the chest. His body was in tune, muscles and joints working in perfect unison to bring the maximum power to his blows, the fastest speeds to his thrusts.

Telal stood over the balustrade, the blood of four demons covering his sword and his hands and saw demon guards pour into the room from either side. They looked like a stream of ants hurrying along. Telal let out a battle roar and his powers flared around him like a puff of smoke.

He jumped onto the balustrade then jumped down to the floor, letting his knees bend to take the brunt of the force. Demons charged, throwing poisoned daggers but his eyes were sharp this time, passion, anger, and even love, backing his movements. Tyrian and Kearnyn engaged in a sword fight with the demons and Telal joined them, slicing and hacking his way through, making his way to them.

The room filled with demons, easily outnumbering them, but they stayed faster, sharper and soon the floor was littered with dead demons.

With half a dozen demons left, Telal engaged with two at once, deflected a demon's sword with his own then burying the hilt of his dagger into the other demon's neck. The demon fell to the ground but at the last second reached forward and latched onto his wrist pulling him with him. Telal fell forward and the other demon took the opportunity and slashed at him. The blade made contact, piercing his thigh and nearly sliding through. The hot burst of pain was instant. Telal gripped his sword in a two-handed fist and thrust up, spearing the demon's stomach.

Telal stood and pulled his sword out of the demon’s belly, pressing his foot on the demon's chest for leverage.

A cold energy settled over the air, freezing it until Telal’s breaths came in white clouds. He knew what had caused it even before he turned and met his brother's glare.

Kearnyn tightened his grip on his axe and let a throwing dagger fly. Alrik raised a hand and the dagger veered off to the side, impaling the wall.

Alrik let out a harsh whisper of magic and Kearnyn and Tyrian were slammed up into the ceiling then the floor again and again. Telal sprinted toward Alrik, panic and anger clouding his mind. Only when Alrik caught sight of him did he release the men from his grasp.

He stopped before his brother seeing the changes in him already. His eyes swirled like black twining snakes, his skin was black as night, and from his fingertips radiated wisps of black smoke like the kind he'd conjured at his headquarters. Black magic ate at a demon that used it especially if used often. His brother reeked of it.

“You've come to claim your throne, I see.”

“I have.” Telal gripped his sword and dagger tighter, his hands kneading the leather handles.

“First mother betrays me and now you.”

Telal paused. It couldn't be because he didn't want to fight his brother, but he knew it was. “What are you talking about?”

“I suppose you wouldn't have heard. I found mother with an idol of my hair. She's been casting me into the pit I've fallen in for some time now.”

The tight fist of Telal's heart eased. “Then you can grow out of it. You can go back to...normal.”

His brother moved and Telal tensed, but he only walked slowly to the side. “I think not, brother Telal. Since I've had her banished my black heart has grown darker. Even the sight of Arianna no longer makes me happy.”

Telal understood at once. “You need to kill her.”

His brother roared and the black flames around him grew in a big cloud with the burst. “I love her! I will never kill her.”

Telal pulled his weapons up in a sign of defense. “Not her, Alrik. Listen to me. The magic is changing you.”

“You think I do not know that? Do you think I can't see what I've become?” Alrik held out his hands and gazed them with a look of terror and disgust. “This...this is what I am. And I embrace it now. It's a part of me, Telal.” Black snaking wisps came out from his arms, wrapping around his arms and spinning around his chest.

“It doesn't have to be. Where's mother? She is a part of the spell. She must have set a trap on it. If we kill her then the spell will be broken.”

His brother's demonic eyes focused on him and his body instantly felt twenty degrees colder, the sweat on his body dried up. “She's gone, banished from these lands. Who knows where she is now.”

Telal felt a little hope. “Then we will find her and we will destroy her and you will be the same again.”

“I can never be like that again!” Alrik roared and Telal saw that even his tongue and teeth and fully turned black. This man no longer looked a hint like the brother he knew.

“It's not too late, Alrik. We can fix this.”

Alrik walked side-to-side a deep rumbling chuckle leaving him. “You lost the choice to help me when you left all those years ago. You have no say over me or this kingdom when you chose them over us.”

Telal bit his tongue. He'd never convince him. The argument was useless. Still, something made him say it, maybe the heart breaking in his chest. “Please, Alrik.”

Alrik’s hand shot out and Telal was blasted away. His spine cracked against the corner of the royals’ dining room table and he winced as pain lanced through his back. The cut in his leg made it harder to stand again, and as he did, he heard Alrik chanting, saw the swirling smoke gathering around him like a tornado moving faster and faster.

And then undead beasts came out of the walls.