Shadowed (Dark Protectors) Read online

  Life and power hummed in his blood. A feeling he’d missed.

  The ice cracked, and he added another layer. More steam rose. The fire turned blue, fighting him. Brenna’s eyes widened and then closed.

  He sent another layer. “Dig deep, Bren. Find calmness,” he yelled. Maybe she could hear him through the ice and fire, maybe not.

  The fire burned brighter. With a crash, shards of ice shot out, one piercing his jaw.

  Pain flashed down his neck.

  The fire was snuffed out, having spent all its energy throwing off the ice.

  Brenna dropped to the ground, her hand going to her chest. She gasped, swallowed, and opened her eyes. Panic flashed across her face, and she lunged for him, her hands pressing on his wound.

  “I’m all right.” He grasped her bloody hands and tugged her in for a quick hug, while sending healing cells to his screaming neck. The skin began to stitch together with a painful pull. The room tilted and the floor split. Jase took Brenna’s hand, trying to shield her head, and yanked her into the hallway. “Run, baby. Time to run.”

  He turned and smashed into Conn. “What the hell?” Behind Conn stood Talen, Kane, Dage, and Max, all dirty and bloody.

  Conn smacked his shoulder. “We got Janie and the wounded to safety and came back for you.”

  Dage gave him a look that said Duh.

  The huge wave of emotion that engulfed him caught him up short. They were his brothers, and he should’ve known they’d never leave him underground. He nodded, his throat clogging. There weren’t words, really.

  The rocks exploded, sending fire toward Conn. Jase waved his hand, and a wall of ice blocked the flames.

  Conn grinned through grime and blood. “Awesome.”

  Yeah. It was.

  Dage growled. “Let’s go before this whole damn thing collapses.”

  Jase yanked Brenna close and nodded. “Run.”

  Brenna sat on a stone bench watching dawn begin to lighten the day. The ocean churned below, dark and mysterious. She’d been debriefed by the king and her people as soon as the helicopters had touched down. A medical examination showed that mating Jase as well as pulling in the comet’s power had cured her of the poisoning, which she’d already known. Still, it was nice to have medical confirmation. Oddly enough, she still needed to wear glasses. Apparently the damage to her eyes couldn’t be countered. However, for the first time in a long time, she knew she’d live a long life. Finally finished, she’d headed to Jase’s home for a quick shower. The house stood behind her lacking its windows.

  It might’ve been a happy home for her. But some things weren’t meant to be.

  Jase had stayed with her underground when she was sure to blow up. More than that, he’d risked his own life and sanity to save her. But when it had come down to it, he’d chosen revenge over helping her. A man in love didn’t make that choice. Although he was an honorable man and would fulfill his duties, she didn’t want to be a duty, and she didn’t want him to sacrifice for her. She owed him, and she’d make this easy on him.

  Spreading out her fingers, she watched aqua flames dance on her skin. The comet had passed, as had the solstice, but some power remained. Much more vibrated through her veins than she’d ever had, even before she’d been poisoned. Unfortunately, she needed time to regain control.

  She sensed Jase before he prowled into view. The early light flitted across his angled face, highlighting shadows and strength. Tucking his hands into faded jeans, he leaned against the trunk of a massive pine.

  “How are you?” he asked, his voice a deep rumble.

  A shiver wound down her spine from the husky tone. “I’m fine.”

  “Good. Sorry we missed your birthday.”

  “I’m glad it’s over.”

  He eyed the ocean. “How’s your control?”

  “Marginal, but I’ll get it.” This polite talk was giving her a headache. “I’m sorry I couldn’t cure the virus.”

  He turned, his eyes cutting through the morning. “You did something better. What you did, saving Janie . . .”

  “I know.” Sometimes life took odd twists.

  “Thank you.” His hair was growing out, and she wondered if he’d let it go shaggy like when he was younger. The relaxed look worked on him. “Kane thinks the triggers are out of my brain for good now.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “So you don’t need to worry any longer.”

  “I’m leaving tomorrow.” She extended her legs, stretching the tendons. The Kayrs men were honorable to the core, and Jase would try to be a good mate. But they’d mated for convenience, and for survival, and she wouldn’t hold him to honor. “Maybe when a cure is found for Virus-27, we’ll also figure out a way to negate matings.” The idea of him mating somebody else cut deep.

  “No.” His instant grin flashed white teeth.

  “Don’t be difficult,” she sighed. “I don’t want to stay.”

  He pushed off from the tree. “That’s unfortunate, because I’m not letting you go.”

  Now that sounded like a Kayrs male, didn’t it? She shook her head. “You already let me go.”

  “I was wrong.” He stood with his feet braced, tall and indomitable. “And I was coming to get you.”

  She’d been treated like a duty her entire life. She deserved better. “I owe you for saving my life, but that’s all you get. You don’t get me.”

  “Ah, Brenna. I already have you.” His voice dropped to a tone that licked along her spine and softened her sex. “Fight me all you want, but you won’t win. You’re not going anywhere.”

  Anger tickled the base of her neck, and flames danced on her skin. She stood, trying to keep her voice level. “You might want to rethink that. Some of the comet’s power remained.” The need to challenge him rose hard and fast in her. He thought he could treat her like a duty and dictate her life? Not a chance in hell.

  “You want to fight? We’ll fight. You throw fire, and I’ll throw ice.” He sounded like he was discussing the latest football scores. “But you’re staying here, and you’re staying with me.”

  Panic flushed through her. She turned for the house. “I said, no.” A hard wind smacked into her chest, halting her progress. She flipped around, fury crackling over her skin. “You don’t want this.”

  “Oh, but I do.” He angled closer to her, a predator on the prowl.

  Fine. Extending her fingers, she shot three hard plasma balls at his face. One casual sweep of his hand sent the wind carrying them out to sea.

  Brenna dropped her hand and side-armed a ball at his leg. The plasma hit hard, knocking him back a step.

  He growled and lunged for her.

  She yelped, hands up in defense. Her palms burned through his shirt, shredding the cotton. He grabbed her, ice washing along her skin.

  Thank goodness. She hadn’t meant to burn him. “I’m sorry.”

  The corners of his eyes crinkled. “I’ve always thought you were hot.”

  God. That charm would be the end to her. “Let go of me.”

  “Not going to happen.” He slid his arms around her waist. “Ever.”

  Tempting as sin, he was. She shook her head. “I want love.”

  “You have it.”

  Her heart lurched, and she searched for calmness. “The real kind.”

  He grinned, flashing a dimple. “I love you with everything I am, with everything I’ll ever be, and with every hope I could ever dream.”

  Now that was just sweet. She wanted to fall into the dream, but reality always returned. “What about Suri?”

  “I don’t love him at all.” Jase pulled her closer, into his hard body.

  “You know what I mean.” The man had left her once to chase revenge, just when she’d needed him.

  Jase leaned back, his gaze serious. “You come first, no matter what.”

  This was too good to be real. She shook her head to keep sane. “No.”

  “Yes.”

  She bit her lip. “What about revenge
?”

  “I still want it—and I want Suri dead.” Jase’s hold tightened. “But I won’t leave you when you need me, I promise.”

  Dreams didn’t come true like this. “Jase—”

  “I’m damaged, and I’m determined to kill.” Regret twisted his lip. “But I’m all yours, baby. The good and the bad.”

  Well, now. “No, you don’t understand.”

  “I do understand. What’s more, I love you. Completely. Please stay.”

  The words rang with truth, and her heart thumped hard. If she wanted him to accept her for herself, she could do no less for him. She needed him, and she wanted to be there every day to help him fight his demons. Who knew? Maybe they’d actually win. “All right.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “And?”

  Her smile broke free. “I love you, too.”

  His smile beat hers. “In that case”—he released her and dropped to one knee—“how about we do this right?”

  She stopped breathing. “Right?”

  “Yeah.” He pulled out a platinum diamond solitaire surrounded by intricate Celtic knots. “This reminded me of you. Consider it a late birthday present.” He slipped the ring on her finger.

  The morning light flickered across the amazing stone. She blinked.

  He grinned. “Marry me.”

  “You’re supposed to ask.” She grinned. A Kayrs didn’t ask, but the thought was amusing.

  “Would you do me the incredible honor of marrying me?” he asked softly.

  The man was full of surprises. “Yes.” She rushed him, and he caught her, falling back with a laugh.

  A golden cuff instantly fastened around her left wrist, the magic metal re-forming to a tight fit. She frowned. “What in the world?”

  “My brothers and I each have a cuff from childhood—they attach to our mates, too.” Jase rolled her over, pressing her into the ground.

  “Take it off.”

  “Nope. It stays on.” He tangled his fingers in her hair.

  Desire warmed her torso. “My sister doesn’t wear a cuff.”

  “I think it’s on her ankle.” Jase captured Brenna’s mouth in a hard kiss. “Though maybe you could convince me to take it off . . .”

  Brenna had finally found her home. Who knew it’d be with a wounded, scarred vampire? “Not a problem, Kayrs.” Hooking her ankles at his waist, she kissed him with all the love she’d held back until now.

  Chapter 32

  The king of the Realm finished securing the ancient cuff links at his wrists, his mind focusing on fifteen other matters at once. A rustle sounded by the doorway of his bedroom, and he turned.

  The world silenced.

  The blue of Emma’s dress was stunning, yet it didn’t come close to the beauty of her eyes. His mate had pinned her dark hair up and left her delicate throat bare. His fangs wanted to drop low and bite. Quite possibly the smartest woman he’d ever met, she still held a kindness in her that humbled him every day. Her determination to cure Virus-27 concerned him because he understood obsession.

  She was his.

  Dage eyed the gold cuff wrapped around her upper arm. “What made you decide to wear the cuff?”

  She flashed a smile. “The bride requested we all wear the cuffs since Jase refuses to remove the one from her wrist.”

  How odd. He and his brothers were all mated. Happily mated to incredible women. Dage forced a smile to hide his concern and took a swig from his ever-present grape energy drink.

  Emma lifted an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

  He gave a sheepish smile and tossed the can in the garbage. “Everyone is happy for the moment. Just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

  “I thought a real clodhopper dropped earlier this morning?” She removed a clutch sitting on the dresser.

  “Good point.” He lifted a jewelry box from his tuxedo pants and flipped the lid open.

  She gasped, reaching for the beautiful necklace. “The stone is beautiful—what is it?”

  “Red diamond.” He’d searched the globe for the rare stone, and it had taken two years to broker the sale. “Its beauty isn’t close to yours.”

  She grinned. “Charming, King. Very charming.”

  Well, a guy liked to try. “Thank you, love.” He turned her and quickly fastened the necklace, turning her back around. “Now, that’s pretty.” Of course, he was talking about her smooth skin, but the jewelry wasn’t bad, either.

  She smoothed down his lapels. “Did you tell your brothers about the offer?”

  “Yes.” Now wasn’t the time to discuss this.

  She tightened her hold. “Did you tell Jase?”

  “No.” Dage ran his palms down her toned arms—such delicate bones to protect. “I figure we’ll inform him after the honeymoon.”

  “Tell him now.” Emma shook her head. “No more protecting him for his own good. He deserves better.”

  When his little scientist was right, she was right. “I’ll talk to him today after the wedding.”

  “Good.” Emma fingered the diamond pendant at her throat. “Do you think the demons really want a truce?”

  “I don’t know. We took out Willa and Malco, so Suri is scrambling. He also knows Jase will find him sometime, so maybe he really does want a truce.” The demon leader had called to offer negotiation that morning. “He seemed to think he could get the Kurjans to the table.” Ending the war would be the best thing for the Realm—for Janie. But first Dage had to convince his brothers to end the war. Damn. He had to convince himself.

  Emma pursed her lips. “Considering the timing, it’s probably a trick.”

  “What timing?”

  “Janie. The Kurjans want her alive, the demons want her dead, and countless other species want her, too. She’d an adult . . . and something is coming.”

  Dage exhaled slowly. Sometimes he forgot the human woman he’d married had been a psychic even before they’d mated. “I feel it, too. Something is coming.”

  Emma took his hand and led him to the door. “But today we celebrate. Our family is strong and whole. Let’s go pick up Talen and Cara and worry about the rest tomorrow.”

  Three centuries ago, the king had learned to enjoy the good days to the fullest, because they rarely lasted. But this woman? She lasted. No matter what happened, they’d last. So he took her hand and followed her toward the chaos that was a family gathering. “I love you, Emma,” he whispered.

  She turned, surprise in her eyes. Then she smiled. “I love you, King.”

  Talen watched his mate try to make the gold cuff fasten to her wrist. The cuff’s magic lay in the mating bond, and his had been damaged the second she’d been infected with Virus-27. So far, the virus had weakened her and messed with their mating bond by slowly unraveling her chromosomal pairs. She was currently somewhere between a vampire mate and a human. Safe for now.

  But they had to figure out a way to stop the damn things from unraveling.

  “There,” Cara said triumphantly, nearly dislodging one of several potted plants on their dresser. “I used tape.”

  He forced his lips to curve and mask his fury at the virus. “You look beautiful.” And she did. Her hair was down around her shoulders, and she wore a blue gown that matched her eyes. Almost. Her eyes held a luminosity no fabric could duplicate.

  “We’re all wearing blue. Brenna’s a bossy bride,” she said.

  Yeah. She’d insisted the brothers wear tuxedos. Talen belonged in a tuxedo as much as a Doberman belonged in high heels. But any sacrifice was worth it if Jase had found some peace. Maybe even happiness. “Jase is doing better, right?” he asked, tucking a weapon beneath his jacket.

  The little empath grinned. “Yeah. Jase is on the mend, so stop worrying.”

  Thank God. “I don’t worry. I fix.”

  “Right. Speaking of which, your temper has seemed rather dormant considering your daughter gave the Kurjans info on our tunnels and tried to sacrifice herself for her brother.” Cara slid gold earrings into her ears.
r />   Talen sighed. “She did what any of us would do to save family. The idea of either Janie or Garrett in danger makes my gut hurt, but they’re well-trained, and they’re smart.”

  Cara snorted. “You increased security on them both.”

  Well, of course he had, right after he’d increased security on Cara. “I don’t know what you mean, mate.”

  “Hmmm.” Cara shook her head. “What do you think of the demon leader’s offer to end the war?”

  “It’s a good strategic move, considering we took out several of his lieutenants this year.” Talen kept his voice calm and his face bland. As the strategic leader of the Realm, he’d end up between Dage, who’d want to end the war, and Jase, who’d want to kill Suri first. But that was a problem for another day. So he stepped into his mate and backed her into the wall. “We have a few minutes here.”

  A pretty blush covered her cheekbones, and she batted at his tie. “Knock it off. Emma and Dage will arrive any minute to take us to the main lodge.”

  “No.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her until they were eye-to-eye.

  “Yes.” She slid her palms over his shoulders, a feminine smirk on her lips. “If you smudge my makeup, the bride, who is a rather powerful witch, will throw plasma at you.”

  He’d been burned before. So he covered Cara’s mouth with his, taking one simple taste to assure him of their future. To assure him they’d beat the virus, beat the demons, destroy the Kurjans, and find peace for their children. Releasing her, he smiled at the bemused look in her eyes. “How long do we have to stay at the reception?”

  “We have to stay until the speeches and cake.” Cara fixed his tie. “But I have a feeling you and your brothers will start celebrating, so my guess is we’ll be home around dawn.”

  That’s what she thought. They needed time alone, and he needed her. “We’ll see about that, little mate.”

  Max Petrovsky hated tuxedos, he hated social functions, and he hated wearing boxers. “The boxers are too much.”

  His mate glanced up from securing a pretty anklet around her ankle, her foot on a kitchen chair. “I read boxers increase sperm count. You want to have a baby, right?”