She swallowed back the panic and the sob that wanted to escape. Oh gods, she was jealous of a woman whod died more than two centuries before. What was wrong with her?
What is it? How can I make it better?
The box. The one you just put in your pocket. It was hers, wasnt it?
She didnt need to use a name and he was too grown up to evade or deny.
Yes. Im sorry. Its been part of my home for so long I didnt think. Are you bothered by it? Shes long gone, Helena.
Ive never really been jealous before. Especially not of a centuries-dead woman. Im sorry. Im embarrassed to be so petty. I know you loved her. I dont expect you to have been a monk before I was even born. Im just . . .
He drew the pad of his thumb down her cheek. Shh. Its not petty. Its all right to feel that way. I loved her. She meant something to me and she always will. I cant deny that or it would shame not only what I had with her, but myself as well. And what I have with you.
I dont expect you to. Honestly, its not that you loved her. I understand that. I accept that. Im just . . .
Just what?
Not that. Not gentle born. I have weapons calluses. I say bad words and I often come home covered in bruises, cuts and sometimes in a sling. I dont know how to keep a genteel home for my husband and, well, thats not me. I cant be her. I cant be like her. Ive never ridden a horse!
He smiled and kissed her quickly. Youre you. My amazing female. Brave and strong. Smart. Angry and righteous. Full of love and passion. Protective. I love that. All of it. Lydia was part of my life then. But youre my life now and forever. The difference is vast. Id never want you to be anyone or anything but what you are. Because thats what I love about you. And you dont need to ride horses. We dont have the time anyway.
He brushed the hair back from her face and slid his palm around to cup the back of her neck. It was dominant and tender all at once.
From the moment I first met you I knew youd be important to me. We have so much time to build a future. A long, beautiful future. You are brilliant. Magnificent. My match in every way. Do you know what it means to a male like me that you have weapons calluses? His grin told her all sorts of things and made her tingly.
I feel like a baby next to you.
In some ways I suppose you are. Im four centuries old. But youre no naïve baby. Youve learned powerful and painful lessons. Youre struggling to protect people in a time that most people, even those my age, havent had to deal with. You have, to be clichéd for a moment, an old soul.
Its not about high-born manners or horses or keeping a house, and Im sorry if anything Ive ever done has led you to that conclusion. You stand up for what is just and you do it at great threat and danger. But you do it because its who you are. Thats . . . its irresistible.
Youre so sure of yourself.
Not always. But I came up hard. Yes, I am a prince, but all my brothers and I had to serve in battles. Had to come up on our own through the ranks and find our way. Simon came here to escape that destiny. I suppose when I volunteered to come here to help Owen, it was to forge a new path for myself, and there you were. It was meant to be. You and I were meant to be. I can be absolutely sure about that, even as I am just as confused and sent reeling by many other things that happen daily in this new reality Others face.
I hate it when things are out of my control.
I know. We can get through it together.
Im still difficult and you still cant borrow my pens, even though youre exemplary in bed.
All right. I can live with that. He kissed her long and slow until the stress melted away and she felt a lot better. He was way better than her mothers tea.
And, by the way, I picked up DVDs of the movies you mentioned. Thunderdome and Mad Max.
Really?
He nodded. Really. Want to watch them in bed?
Ill make popcorn.
Chapter 18
YOU need to get out. Its one night. A few hours. Helena, its been how long since youve done something that didnt involve shooting, getting shot at or blown up? Marian, one of Helenas right-hand people and a good friend, poked at her.
Helena couldnt help smiling as she thought about some of her recent recreational activities with Faine. I do okay.
Okay, but you can do that when you get home. Youll be sweaty and relaxed. Plus, well, its good for the Others community to see us out and about. We get to have a damned life too.
Wild Darkness was a fun club. Or it used to be. Helena hadnt gone in at least a year and a half. Part of it been that she and the ex had gone out there on a regular basis. The rest had been her life getting so busy that going out and shaking her ass had fallen to the bottom of her to-do list.
Hell, ask Faine to come along.
Ask me to come along where? Faine wandered into the room looking good enough to lick. She figured having more access to him now that they lived together would ease her need of him at least a little. But that wasnt the case. The more time she spent with him, the more she wanted.
I was just trying to talk Helena into coming out tonight with me and some of the others from the Hunter squad. Theres a dance club, its run by Others. Marian shrugged. It would be a good sign if people saw her out.
Faine searched her face for a signal, but she could tell, given his posture change, that he thought it was a good idea. It probably was.
She smiled at him and he nodded. Im in. I mean, if I dont have to manage some new crisis between now and tonight.
Marian beamed his way. Ill see you both in a few hours. Dont let her wear something frumpy. Shes got great legs.
Faine raised a brow. Oh, Im very aware of Helenas legs.
I dont own anything frumpy!
Okay, so dont wear anything elegant but so long I cant even see your knees.
Ive been dressing myself appropriately in social situations for a little while now. I think I can manage.
Marian just laughed as she left Helenas office.
Once they were alone she sighed. Good gods. We dont have to go for a long time or anything.
He crowded her and she secretly loved it. Oh, beautiful witch, Im going to watch you move all night long. And then Im going to strip you naked and show you how much it makes me want to love every inch of you.
He was so good at that. All that sexy talk that turned her knees rubbery.
You do have really great legs. Im undecided, though, if I want anyone else to see that. Maybe you can go dancing in a long dress instead.
She laughed. Id get caught up in all the material around my legs. I need to move. Plus, well, she threw down the gauntlet with that frumpy comment. I have to wear something totally fabulous. Which, knowing Marian, was what she intended from the start.
Because they were alone, he dipped down, brushing his mouth over hers. If you dance like you fuck, Im going to be hard all night long.
I dont know if I do or not. Youll have to tell me afterward.
I like this side of you.
Which side is that?
He tipped her chin up with his fingertip. The playful Helena only a few people get to see. My beast presses against my skin, wanting to come out to play too.
She swallowed hard. Her magick rose and she let it for long moments before she got herself back under control.
Stop that. Im totally okay with playing. Later.
He smiled, kissing her again quickly before stepping back. Count on that. Find me when youre ready to go home. Im working in the conference room next door.
* * *
FAINE, his hand at Helenas back, passed through the front doors of Wild Darkness. He couldnt resist another look at his woman from behind in the tiny scrap of a dress shed worn that night. She did indeed have gorgeous legs. Most of which were showcased. High heels on her feet tilted her ass just right. Her tits swayed hypnotically as she moved.
Damn. She was fucking beautiful. His own personal siren.
All in all, he had no complaints. The males could look all they wanted, but she was his. Hed been content to drink some tea and watch her get ready. She fascinated him. All hard edges and kicks to the face and then she could be found lining her eyes and putting on just the right shade of red lipstick. She smelled like heaven. Her perfume spicing the scent of her magick.
She wore tiny panties and a bra that heaped her breasts up, showcasing them perfectly in the neckline of the sparkly silver dress she wore. All her flesh tempted him. So much tawny delight.
He smiled. Later hed slowly divest her of every last scrap of it in their bed.
They found the table her friends had grabbed for them all earlier and then he spun her, pulling her close and bending to speak in her ear. Shall we dance?
She nodded, a smile marking red glossy lips.
And, as it turned out, she did fuck like she danced. She moved with a great deal of passion and self-assurance. Like she fought. He hadnt seen her this carefree, not outside their bed. He was immensely glad theyd come out. People around saw her, knew who she was.
It was good for them to see her in a social setting. He really got that as he noted peoples faces once they recognized her. Yes, they needed to be safe, but they needed to live too. What was the point of surviving the Magister and working so hard for their rights if they hid in their houses all the time?
Life was to be lived. She put her own on the line for them every day in ways they would most likely never truly understand. But just seeing her there, shaking her ass, smile on her face, her magick floating around her like golden dust motes, it made a difference and he approved mightily.
Hell, she needed it too. Needed something that wasnt work, or downtime related to being ready for the next bout of work. Constantly being on guard wasnt good for her. For anyone really, but she was his to protect.
And, he could admit, he liked that they had couple time. Social time when he got to know her friends better and they him. Sure he knew most of the people on the hunter team, at least by sight. But this was different. He was there not just as a guard, but as Helenas man. He knew they understood it. Liked the approval he saw in their eyes as well.
Would you like a drink, alamah?
She got close, smiling up at him. No one had ever used a pet name before. Not more than honey or babe. Alamah was hers alone. He gave it to her and it made her happy. It was really nice to be happy, damn it.
That would be really good. Jack and Coke please.
One of his brows rose as he bent and kissed her quickly. I dont think Ive seen you drink more than a beer before. I cant wait to see this.
He spun her artfully and guided her back to the table, and before he could move toward the bar, a cocktail waitress made her way over.
Hey guys!
It was a girl Helena and Lark had gone to school with. A cousin of Helenas assistant, Sasha.
Hey Carla. How are you? Looks jumpin in here tonight. Marian grinned as she took the place in.
It is. And its good for people to see you all here. My boss is positively giddy. He wants me to tell you drinks are on the house and to thank you for helping people feel safe. Its hard to go out right now. You know? But if the Hunter is here with part of her crew, its good.
Helena was glad theyd come. Even if she planned on getting the hell out in an hour or so because Faine looked good enough to eat and she was going to at the very least lick hima lotonce they got home.
Carla took their orders and their thanks and headed off to get their drinks.
Helena had a great time. Drinking and laughing and dancing with her man. And it felt, somewhere in the back of her mind, like the calm before the storm.
The drink was good but she wanted to dance and he obliged, taking her back out there. Of course he was good at that too. The man was sex on legs and he moved like it.
Never in her life had she imagined being with a man like him. Men like him were fantasies. They were in books or movies, but real-life men were different.
But there he was, looking smooth and sexy, and his gaze was only for her. Well, his gaze flitted around much like hers did, but his personal gaze, the one where a man saw a womanthat was all hers.
It humbled her, even as it filled her with wonder and satisfaction, that he wanted her the way he did. Supported her. Listened to and trusted her. Even with the weight of everyones trust and fear on her shoulders, it was easier with him there at her side.
About an hour later, he pulled her close and she tiptoed up. Of course he was still way taller but thankfully he bent down to meet her halfway. His hand slid around her, settling at her hip. The heat of him burned through her dress, against her skin. Her skin he knew so very well.
I really think we should go home.
The awesome thing about Lycians is that they didnt really get drunk. Not the way humans or witches did, though he did say in Lycia they brewed some type of ale stuff that actually stayed in their system in a way human alcohol didnt. That night hed had a drink but it was through his system in less than ten minutes. He was alert and ready to drive home, though she was moderately tipsy. No need to wait any further for ravishment.
Ive just been waiting for your signal.
They quickly said their good-byes and headed out. People waved as they made their way from the club and his car was waiting in valet when they got outside.
Its nice to feel like were all on the same page for once. Positive instead of terrified. Though. She shrugged, settling back into the seat as he headed for the freeway. I suppose the terror will be back by morning. Every night there was something else. Every dose of the morning news had multiple stories of some violence somewhere. Fires. Graffiti. Attacks on schools and community centers. It sucked.
Let yourself have just one night of happiness. Yes, morning will come with sad news, the way it has for some time now. But we have each other. We had a lovely time with friends. Its all right to be young and in love. Yes?
She took his hand. She could blame the four Jack and Cokes later. Its all right be to be young and in love, yes. Or four hundred years old and in love. Even tomorrow when there will be bad news itll be okay. Thanks for coming with me tonight.
Theres really no way Id have missed you in this outfit.
She laughed. Im glad you enjoyed it. I havent worn it in a long time. I was worried it wouldnt fit.
Its just perfect. A smile ghosted his lips. I cant wait to get you out of it when we get home.
She let go of a delighted laugh. Well good. Thats the point of living with you. Having full-time access to all the filthy sexual services you provide.
He took her hand as he drove and she allowed herself to enjoy their time together as a couple. Allowing herself to believe things could be all right when the dust settled. But at the very least, they were right then and that was enough.
* * *
DELILAH looked so lovely Tosh nearly regretted not having her all to himself. All that golden hair was pulled up and away from her face. She was old-fashioned in the best sense of the word with a brooch on her blouse and elegant, tailored pants that only emphasized her shape.
Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?
Thank you. You did, but it never hurts to hear it more than once. I promise. Its all right? My outfit I mean. I didnt want to go too casual and then I thought maybe you all keep it casual on purpose and Ill be overdressed.
Youre perfect. I promise, theyre going to like you.
The nervousness on her features eased a little. I hope so. If they made you, they have to be good people.
You should say that to my mother. Shell love it.
Delilah laughed. Ill try to find a way to say it without sounding like Im sucking up. Youre sure theyre okay with me coming?
Definitely. I spoke to my grandmother about it first and then got a call from my mother and one of my brothers about it. Im sorry to say they might be pretty excited about having you there.
Sorry?
He snorted. Theyre going to show you pictures and ask you rude, intrusive questions about your life and your family. They mean well, but theyre nosy, and since they know were together and I like you enough to want them to meet you, my mother might make hints about marriage or kids. Im just warning you.
Thats better than telling me I should be using birth control because of mixed babies.
He frowned as he pulled into his grandparents driveway. What? Someone did that?
Yes. It happened a while ago. Before the Magister, but if you remember, the wolves have been out for a while now. It was one of the reasons I decided to stop dating humans. Clearly I break rules for you and that heart of yours.
My heart?
She turned to him. You have the heart of a lion. Full of passion and justice. It goes with your looks. All that gorgeous hair and your features, which would be perfect for an ad in GQ. And your brain. All in all, youre a total package. But its your heart that proved my undoing. I cant resist.
As compliments went, that one was one of the best hed ever received.
Im really glad about that. While I do admire your heart and your brain, can I tell you its your lips that have always done me in? And her breasts. He loved those though he hadnt seen them yet. There was something courtly about this thing between them. Though he wanted her, all of her, theyd been taking it very slow and it seemed to suit them both.
The sexual tension banked, getting hotter, and when it finally did happen, he knew it would be worth it.
He leaned in to kiss her, grabbing her bottom lip between his teeth a moment as he pulled back. In the corner of his vision he caught sight of his mother coming out onto the porch and waving.
My mom knows were here. Just yell for me if Im not near and you need saving from the crazy. He squeezed her hand before he got out to take her inside.
The place was wall-to-wall Satos from his eight-month-old niece to his grandfather. And every one of them went out of their way to make Delilah feel welcome. He hadnt really worried that they wouldnt. She was pretty fabulous and theyd know he wouldnt have brought anyone to an event this important if he didnt really like her. But it was a good thing to see, as well as the way Delilah interacted with them. Open. Smiling. Joking. Asking questions and actively listening to answers.
Stop watching her like youre worried were going to ask her to change into a werewolf at the dinner table or something.
He turned to his sister, who grinned at him like a fool.
Quiet you. Im not worried like that. I just want her to feel comfortable.
His sister Suzanne laughed at that. Wrong family event. Dads already tipsy, Grandmas all high with babies and having a full house. Delilahs getting the full brunt of us. If she survives and takes your call tomorrow, youll know its meant to be. Shes gorgeous, by the way. And I saw her speak a few days ago at a press conference. Shes sharp. Needs to be, I wager, given the way things are right now. And really, to manage you too.
Hey. Im easy.
She rolled her eyes. You are anything but easy, Toshio. I worry about you with all this insanity. Her too, now that I know her.
He shrugged. I wish I could say you were overreacting. But what else can I do, Suz? Huh? Shut up and let all this happen without speaking out?
She shook her head. No. Youre doing the right thing. We believe in the work youre doing. I have to admit how shocked I am by what some people are saying. I guess I thought we were past that. You know, aside from the weirdos. But this isnt just weirdos and fringe people.
No. Its people I never thought would say such things. People who can look me in the eye and advocate for putting people in camps. Or worse. Ive lost friends over this. I still do not believe it is the majority of humans, though. But for the Others, well hell, how much more should they have to lose? Delilahs sister lost her business. They ran a dry cleaning service that worked out of the hotels in downtown Chicago. One by one they told her theyd found a new dry cleaner until she had no clients left. And thats not even the people whove been physically attacked or killed. They need to be represented by their government, protected, and its not happening. I dont think Im doing enough. But I dont know what else I can do.
Suz took his hand and squeezed it. Youll do all you can because thats who you are. And no one expects anything less. And now you have someone, and its probably not the most convenient time. She snorted. But love works that way, I guess.
I think its early for love. But I do like her a great deal and I have since I first met her. She makes me laugh and I can talk to her. I respect her and the job she does. Its the big bright spot in my life right now. And Im not above grabbing it with both hands and not letting go.
Good. Dont let go, Tosh, because thats rare enough youd better cherish it.
Chapter 19
FAINE had been working in the conference room adjacent to Helenas office for all of twenty minutes when The Gennessee came in and turned on the large television in the room. Hayes is doing a press conference in five minutes.
Faine sighed heavily. They knew it would be coming any day, but it had been three days of relative peace. No one they knew had been injured or killed. Helena slept at his side each night without bruises or stitches. It had been a good thing.
But that would fade, he was sure, after this statement Senator Hayes would make. So he braced himself.
The room filled quickly and Helena settled, her hip against his chair, attention on the screen.
Meriel is watching in Seattle and well patch in after this is over. Rebecca was distracted and Faine understood it.
Hayes, flanked by Carlo Powers, PURITYs leader, came onto the screen. Were here to start a dialogue on this issue. There will be no questions.
Someone needs to buy the man a dictionary and help him look up the word dialogue, Helena muttered.
Over the last months, some Others have been cooperating with my office and with PURITY to help us uncover the true nature of the Others living in our midst. These creatures are not the kind souls they try to pretend to be. Weve been given information by the Others themselves that has revealed a world you would all be sickened by.
The press in the room began to shout questions and Senator Hayes just shook his head. No questions. This is too serious for questions.
This human male is absurdly stupid. Rebecca sniffed, clearly indignant.
We have learned there are demons. You can all recall they denied the existence of demons in front of my committee in the United States Senate.
Not true. Molly denied that Others called demons. Not that there were actual demons. But Hayes was on a tear, the light of a zealot in his eyes. Demons didnt give a crap about humans or this plane of existence. They had their own world and their own complicated set of rules and organization. Earth was far too loosey-goosey, as his mother would say, for most demons. They liked order.
But he knew there was an ingrained fear of demons based on totally incorrect folklore about them. He understood that ingrained fear and thats why the Others had kept the Veil and anything on the other side of it secret.
These patriotic creatures exposed to my office a world of vice. Of evil so strong it made me sick to my stomach just to hear about it. Private armies in training to kill all humans. Bloodletting and Satanism. These creatures are not Americans. They are a threat to our very existence. And now the Others whod been helping us have all disappeared.
Helena lifted a shoulder and a surge of desire rushed through Faine at the sight. Mmm, vicious.
It is imperative that we pass the Domestic Safety Act and as soon as possible. We must identify and place every last one of these abominations in secure facilities they can no longer harm humans. If we cant do that safely, they need to be eradicated.
The room, instead of getting loud, went very, very quiet. There was so much magick in the air that the hair on Faines arms stood.
I will personally be taking this to the floor this coming week. I urge all Americans to call their senators and representatives to tell them to vote this bill into law so that we may deal with this threat as soon as possible. We have left this long enough. The Others are a threat we cannot overlook another moment. We will also be urging an investigation into the disappearances of the Others who had been helping us.
He turned his attention to Carlo Powers. Mr. Carlo Powers, a fine American and a guardian of our way of life, has a few words.
Powers stood forward, sending a smarmy smile out over the room. Weve tried our hardest to turn the other cheek with these monsters. If you all recall, it was PURITY who began the first steps in uncloaking the so-called Others. Though it was only from the goodness of our hearts and the purest of motives, they decided right then to try to destroy us and any who got in their way. You saw the way their minion, Molly Ryan, stood up on camera and threatened all of humanity.
But we are righteous and none can harm us. We must unite to take care of this threat. And make no mistake, these creatures are a threat. They will breed into our communities until there are no pure humans left. They will eradicate our way of life, the very thing written into the soul of this country. Every last one of these abominations must be rounded up and dealt with. However that needs to happen. No American should ever have to tolerate sharing the same air with these things. Go to your phones and your computers right now and tell your elected officials what they need to do. Our very soul as a nation depends on it.
He stepped back and after the two waved one last time, they were hustled from the room as reporters shouted questions.
Molly, Meriel and the rest of the folks up in Seattle showed up on the video screen. Why was this even allowed? That wasnt a press conference, that was a speech! They just gave those fascists free airtime for their hate message.
Did they just say they were going to kill us? Gage nearly growled the question.
Yes. Rebecca took a steadying breath. Molly, whats the plan?
Ive got some airtime of our own in the making right now. Im going to one of the local stations and that will feed to the national affiliates too. Im going to do some televised remarks that will also be broadcast on the radio and Internet. Ill reiterate the talking points weve already discussed. Just remember this is exactly what we expected. Were as prepared for it as we can be.
Helena broke in. Im going to advise that all hunters be on heightened alert. This will spill over into violence against Others. Both men just called for our deaths. Well need to step up our security and the security at all the enclaves and our offices.
Definitely, Lark agreed.
Make it happen. Rebecca nodded in Helenas direction and Meriel did the same up in Seattle.
Meriel spoke again. Im going to check in with the COO to see where theyre all at and Ill update when I get that information.
Rebecca made quick notes and then looked back to the screen. Thanks, Meriel. Im going to issue a press release here as well, denouncing the hateful speech of Hayes and PURITY. Of course we have no idea what theyre talking about regarding the disappearance of these Others who were supposedly cooperating with them. If there was such a thing, how could one trust the word of a being whod do that anyway?