“Don’t simply close your eyes, search the world for the cries of your lost.” He begins a strange hum that somehow blocks the sounds around me. “Reach deep into your mind and call him.” I smile but manage to not laugh. I begin to feel my body move inside of itself, and inside of my own mind.
Blade. Blaaaaade! I yell out into my mind to humor Echo but then a sudden cry sounds off in the distance, Blade? Blade! His loud squawk becomes clear, and I feel myself reaching out until I feel him. The moment I touch him and say his name, I open my eyes and see where he is. He steps into me, and I suddenly see from his point of view. It’s as if I have become him. The cage he is in has a simple lock on it, simple for me, that is. Nick taught me how to break through locks when I was a kid, and I used that knowledge to steal what my mom and I needed to survive. I could break through any lock, but I have hands, and Blade doesn’t. I stop searching for a way when a man walks in to tease Blade.
“Hey, can you light my cigarette? Can you do anything other than bird-scream all day?” He pokes him with a stick, laughing. “Come on, breathe fire or something.” As he teases Blade, he teases me. I feel every touch and every piercing mark the man makes, and I get angry. I feel my body heating up, and I look dead into the eyes of the man and breathe. He drops the stick and begins to shudder uncontrollably.
“Let me out,” I radiate in the man’s direction. He nods and proceeds to grab another man, killing him. Taking the keys from the dead man, he returns, unlocks the cage, and opens the door. We move out of the cage and take flight, searching for a way out of the building. From one room to the next, we fly, searching until someone mistakenly opens a door. The man cries out in pain as his eyes meet ours. Blade lets out a powerful caw and flies out over the dead man’s body and into the air. I search the area until I can find a known marker and find our way home. Taking a breath in, I hold my arm out and exhale, opening my eyes to Blade flying in and landing on my arm, greeting me with his respectful, hello.
“Fuck me. What the hell just happened?” Eli asks in shock.
I look over at Echo as he smiles with a nod. “How did you do that Echo?” I ask.
“I didn’t do it, you did. I only helped you look the right way, something my mother taught me.”
“Your mother? Who are you?” I stare at him in disbelief.
“Well, she is a fallen angel, but before that, she was a guardian of animals. We’ve been talking to animals since I was born. I used to have our cat bring toys into my crib before my mother would get up and stop him.” Eli and I stare at him with wide eyes. “But hey, don’t worry. I am not going to tell anyone about your friend. I don’t imagine they allow dragons as pets in the city.” He nods, returning to play with Lily.
“Is he so intelligent that we are too stupid to understand him, or is he just accidentally stumbling into smart ideas?” I ask.
“I don’t know. I caught him earlier having a conversation with an empty room, or maybe he was channeling a cat from Egypt. I’m not sure now,” Eli says while Cat and Sky admire Blade.
I laugh. “Well, no matter what he is, I think we accidentally stumbled onto someone valuable to us. Maybe we should pay him more.”
“Pay him more? He’s practically moved in with you. You mean you didn’t invite him here?”
“No, when did this happen? Where is he sleeping?”
“He’s in your guest house. He’s been there for about a week.” Terrence says from behind us. “You two really need to pay more attention to the world outside of your own problems. Speaking of, for someone who loves to talk strategy, especially when it means we all have to listen to him, Amery has been noticeably quiet.”
“Where is he?” I ask.
“He just left to go pick up some dinner for us, he said.” Terrence folds his arms, smirking, which means he knows Amery is lying, a skill he is quickly improving upon. Not that any of us would believe Amery would volunteer to get dinner for anyone.
Eli shakes his head. “Dumbass is going to go at this alone.”
Son of a bitch. “Now that I have Blade, I guess there is no better time to attack them. We should strike before they have a chance to come up with a new strategy. Terrence, take Skylar and Cat and meet me in the war room.”
“You know, I was thinking maybe we let him go and we bring our men to follow in behind him. We have some highly-skilled gunmen working for us now, and they are anxious to work. They know who Marius is. They may not know what he is, but they understand the general idea of the battle. You have a great army available to you, Ryan. If you use them properly, this could be an easy win.”
“And what if any of them see something unexplainable to them?” I remind him of the real issue.
“I imagine they will try and pretend they didn’t see it or run to you to ask you what the hell is going on. I am sure they aren’t going to be running off to tell anyone sober. We are almost certain that another lord is watching Marius’s back, waiting for you. All we have to do is wait for him to step out into the light.”
I like the idea, but the men possibly seeing something they shouldn’t still concerns me; however, I think that’s minor compared to the advantage of having a full army behind us. “Get it organized, and let’s head out as soon as possible. Amery will surely make a move come sun down. That gives us less than three hours.” Terrence nods and moves out while I go through all the possible issues in my head, making sure to eliminate as many as I can before it’s too late.
We have our men loaded up and in position, waiting for the signal to move in. Terrence and I set up near Marius’s compound, and Cat and Skylar align with our men to await our signal. Eli is doing as told and staying back with Nicky and Echo, who are watching over Blade since the dogs are with us. I refused to put Blade in danger again, despite his protests to come with me. Thankfully, Echo is able to communicate with him and calm him down. Mortimer, our technology guy, has set us up with eyes in the sky so we can see everything up close and personal as well as the surrounding area. As expected, Amery and his army begin to invade, and they do so quickly. It’s impressive actually, how skillful and smooth they all are. They meet little resistance at first, but then men begin pouring out from everywhere. I start to become anxious when Terrence takes hold of my arm. Wow, he is getting really good. My tension relaxes almost instantly. I let out a slow, easing exhale and nod towards him. Patience is not my strongest attribute, but with Terrence around, I have the ability to overcome my restlessness and wait for the perfect moment. Amery’s army has nearly taken complete control, and I frantically search the monitors for the next wave. Come on, I know you’re there. Move already. “I am going to have to move in on my own. They are clearly waiting for me. You know it’s true, Terrence, and if it’s true about Blade, then they can’t harm me without him.”
“Alright, but just in case, we are covering your back … closely.”
I nod and dress for battle. I jump out of our surveillance van and move to a car, pushing everyone out so I can drive in alone. Before I leave, Skylar jumps in with me. “Where are you going?” Sighing, I sit back as she becomes determined and locks herself in. “I told you, Ryan, where you go, I go. Besides, they know that if you go in without me, they will surely suspect something is amiss and back off. Then you will never find out who they are.”
Unfortunately, she’s right. Reluctantly, I agree to take her with me. We drive up on the compound, and I ease out of the car, listening to everything around me. I instantly feel the eyes on me. They are salivating over the sight of me. “I slowly move in and away from my car, my only escape plan. With Skylar close to my side, we near the door of the home, and I stop. Here they come. I look up and wink, signaling Terrence.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Amery slams into me. “I can’t find the dragon. You need to get out of here.”
“I know where Blade is, and you need to get back. There is a whole other army rushing this way to get me.”
Amery looks up. “Fuck! Into position! We are being su
rrounded!” he yells out to his men.
We get down as I spot Marius tied up, eyeing me hard. I wonder if he even knows Blade is gone. As the secondary army comes swarming in, my men take position and attack them from behind. I smile at Amery. “Okay, okay, but I was hoping to get in and get out with the dragon as quickly as possible. I wasn’t planning on camping out here.” He cocks his head then his eyes widen immensely “Oh shit, that’s Rein’s army! Fucking Rein is starting this war, I knew it.” Amery curses under his breath.
“Is Rein with them?” I ask, searching for the man. Not knowing him very well, I hope I am simply missing the master of disguises.
“No, he wouldn’t be with this group, and he wouldn’t show his face until he knows he has complete control. But you know what …?”
“He’s not going to get that today.” I nod towards Amery, and he nods back. We both jump into the fight, Skylar right beside me and my men swarming in with us. She doesn’t disappoint. Most can barely get near me, and the only ones that do are creations of Rein’s, monsters who have inhuman skills. They are powerful and know to not look into my eyes, but they don’t know how to avoid my dogs who run into the battle and attack instantly. I corral my attacker, and Shadow destroys them. A couple he grabs from behind, and the shock causes them to forget, lowering their defenses and allowing me to take them down on my own. I have a brief period of peace to check on everyone. Amery is fine, and Cat now has Lily helping her. Terrence is finishing off the last of Rein’s army. After one more monster turns to dust, I find Marius and put him on his knees.
“What was the plan, Marius?” He locks his jaw and refuses to speak. “Okay, but just so you know, I have what you are after. My dragon came back to me, and I’m sure is more than willing to cause you some pain. You must know of his poison, but I wonder if you could survive it?” He glances my way. “Nearly killed Nick, and you are not even close to his power. Of course, once you’re dead, Nick will get the privilege of sentencing you to spend eternity with Savage himself.”
“Now, wait a second! The Council will never allow a lord to be killed without justification, and I have clearly surrendered.”
“Marius, have you not heard? The Council has decided to renounce you as a lord as soon as they name a new lord to your realm.” He looks shocked. “Did Rein promise to protect your realm for you if you helped him?”’ He doesn’t have to say anything. I already know. “Oh Marius, when will you learn to choose the right side? I tell you what, if you change sides now, you might just save your life among other things.”
“Can I have my realm back?” he asks.
“I don’t think that would be possible at this point, but maybe I can help you get a high position on the court so you won’t be completely without means to survive. You do know, once you are officially no longer a lord, you will have no home and no place to go. You will be forced to live as a normal human and get a job to survive. Hm, I can’t imagine you working a day job like the rest of the commoners, especially at your age. Too bad your powers will be stripped too, unless you want to take your chances with the dragon? He could use some new flesh to feast on.”
Marius eyes me before sighing and swearing under his breath. “The plan was to use Blade against you so we could bring back Savage and kill you, leaving Nick alone and more vulnerable for Rein and Savage to destroy together. They would kill him, his wife, and anyone else who tried to stop them and then take over the court. Rein wants to be over the ninth. He always has. And the opportunity to be over his brother too? Well, he isn’t about to give up on the possibility.”
“How were they planning to bring Savage back?”
“I don’t know exactly. All I was told was that Rein needed to kill you and gain the power of the dragon, but now I am wondering if that was only so he could have the advantage over his brother.”
“Come on, Marius!” I yell, smacking him in the back of the head.
“I promise, the only thing I know is that it takes a lord to bring someone back.” He stops and thinks for a second. “Damn, he set me up. He made me believe I could run safely and he would help protect my realm for me until we could win the war, but he only wanted to make room for you to take over so he could use you to bring Savage back and take over my realm …” He looks up at me, and I nod my head.
“Yes, you’ve been a real idiot.”
“He has always been an idiot,” Amery confirms, sighing and wiping some blood from his face. “I swear, Marius, if you don’t tell us everything you know, and I mean everything, we are going to torture the hell out of you before you ever get to go in front of the Council.”
“Oh, I let him know that he will most likely accidentally be killed, and instead of the Council, he will face the Devil’s Court,” I inform Amery with Marius eyeing each of us closely.
“Well, that’s an even better idea. I have no problem with that.”
“Well I do! I’m telling you, they only told me so much. If you recall, I had to get out of town fast before I could be lumped in with Savages dirty deals, and with Nick on my heels, no one wanted to risk contacting me, but Rein. The only thing I know is that Rein wanted you and he needed the dragon to control you. Then, they were going to use you somehow to help bring back Savage. If you want to know more, ask Savage. He knows the answers. He and Rein were told this secret as kids by their father, so they could bring him back if he died. So if you want answers, you are going to have to ask him. I am sure Rein isn’t going to tell you.”
Amery and I look in each other’s direction and make a silent agreement to keep Marius hidden until we decide how to handle our next step. Amery calls a few of his men over. “Take Lord Cane and keep him imprisoned until I direct you otherwise.”
“Yes sir.” They jerk him away, and within minutes, he’s gone.
Skylar approaches me with a few bruises, a large gash on her leg, and an incredibly large smile. “You look pretty banged up, Badass.”
“Maybe, but I am still standing, which is more than I can say for my attackers,” she says, with an intimidating smile etched into her face.
“Yes, you are, and looking good too.” She curls into my arms and kisses me. “You did very well, but I think there are still a few things you need to learn in order to handle yourself a little better.” She steps back and scowls at me. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you. What do you say we have a sparring match later tonight?” She cocks her head with an awkward smile. I lean into her. “I’ll let you start on top.”
“Hmmm, no. Instead, I think I’d prefer a massage. I have had a rough day, and I am planning on going home and taking hot, soothing bath. Then, I am going to step out and dry off my naked body, climb into your bed, and wait for you to pay for my services, my guarding services. You are, of course, welcome to get into the bath with me and allow me to help clean off your filthy, devilish body.” Her hands begin to wander into places that are causing a large bulge to form in my pants.
“Thanks for that,” I say as we both take notice of my erection.
“Oh, did I do that?”
“You better take care of this before I have to go talk to my men.” She starts to walk away, but I pull her into a room, away from everyone.
“You’re serious?”
“Yes, I’m serious. You did this, you fix it.” She crosses her arms and refuses. I move in close with a look of desire, trying convince her to my way of thinking. It takes nothing more than an exploration of her body with my eyes and my hands. “If you help me, I’ll help you.” She smiles nervously before checking the locked door once more. She takes hold of my pants and undoes my belt, pops the top button, and slowly lowers my zipper. My cock busts through, landing in her hands. She eases down onto her knees, licks the tip, and then savors a little bit more before wrapping her lips all the way around and sucking deep down and back up again. She hums a vibration along my tight skin, and it’s all I can do to keep from groaning deep and loud. I hear people calling for us, and I become impatient. Sensing my nerves, she does somethin
g unexpected and feels between my legs, rubbing an encouragement that works perfectly, and I come in her mouth. She stands up, licking her lips while I zip up. “Come here.” She shakes her head. “Come on, come here. I promised you.” I wrap my arm around her waist and bring her to my chest.
“Ryan, they are calling for us. I am sure we are getting ready to leave. They are going to know what we are doing if we take much longer.”
I squeeze her breast. “I know you find the fighting as exciting as I do and love the idea of having an orgasm in the middle of it all.” I kiss her neck, push my hand down her pants, and feel between her pussy lips, playing. She takes hold of my arm and holds tight. Pushing my fingers inside of her, I make her moan for more. “This is so mine later. While you’re lying naked on my bed, I’ll massage your shoulders, your legs, and your arms, and then turn you around to your back. I will massage all down to your ass and rub it so good with a little slip to play right here between your legs. Once I get you all relaxed, I am going to push my cock in and fuck your pussy so hard that you won’t be able to walk straight for days. Oooh, just imagine me fucking you from behind, watching your hips raise up on me, watching your tits bounce in the mirror. I could come all over you right now. Maybe I should pull your pants down and fuck you instead. Who cares who comes in and sees, let them know how we like it, uninhibited and passionate.” She lifts her arm over her head and grabs and cradles my head, holding me tight to her body. I touch the tip of my tongue to her earlobe and thrust my fingers in and out while focusing on that spot that makes her squirm with a tickling of her clit. She comes all over my fingers. Kissing her cheek, I lick my fingers clean and enjoy her arms around me. “You better stop fooling around. We still have work to do.” Her jaw drops, and I laugh.
She smacks me, laughing, “You are nothing but trouble. Have you ever followed the rules?”
“Have you?” I retaliate. She laughs shyly. “Yeah that’s what I thought. Let’s go, I am anxious to get to that massage later.” I smack her butt forward, and we find Amery and Cat talking with Terrence. Both of Terrence and Amery eye us up and down before rolling their eyes like they know where we have been. Cat simply smiles and shakes her head. I shrug and don’t bother saying anything because I know I won’t be able to deny it. I stare at Sky as we all discuss what we should do with Marius and how long to hold him until we inform the Council. Somehow, this woman has gotten to me, and I suddenly find myself not only unable to stop smiling at Amery, who has had about enough of it by the way he growls at me, but I also feel … happy. I’m really fucking happy right now. I stop for a second to consider why and glance Skylar’s way as she laughs with Cat about something. She’s happy too, and that really makes me happy.