Heat filled Josephinas cheeks as she latched onto Kanes wrist to hold him in place. As soon as she knew he wouldnt attack the woman, she released him with every intention of entering the clearing to assume her position.
He was the one to grab her by the arm this time, stopping her. He snapped, She wont be doing that.
The queen huffed and puffed, and Josephina listened as the two sped into a heated argument about her purpose in the game.
Ill go get the king and allow him to settle this, Kane said. The girl is mine, and I decide what she does and does not do.
Penelopes gaze strayed to William.
The disagreement is a waste of time. Give him what he wants, the warrior said. And later, Ill do the same to you.
There was a strange mix of boredom and huskiness in his tone.
Fine, the queen huffed, either too afraid to go against the king or too eager to have whatever William was offering. Well play without ServantI mean, the girl.
Better. Kane patted Josephina on the butt before joining the group in the clearing. She had to press her lips together to keep from laughing.
Next time, Im going to stand up for myself. Kane had once called her brave, and he wasnt a liar, so, it was time to act the part. There would be consequences, consequences shed once feared more than anything. But she wasnt a slave, that wasnt her lot in life, wasnt something she would tolerate any longer, she thought.
Choices. They were hers to make. Hers to see through.
The sun was brighter than usual, casting golden rays over the rows of multicolored flowers and alabaster statues Tiberius had commissioned of himself, Synda, Queen Penelope and Leopold. Though the one of Leopold had been battered by weather, but never fixed. The air was warm, and it was a good thing, too. Her dress was still a little damp from the washing Kane had given it.
Synda skipped to her ball, looked to Kane and nibbled on her lower lip. Will you come help me, Lord Kane? Im far too weak to hit my ball very far.
Was that...flirting?
Kane paused only a moment before stomping over to her.
Yeah. That was flirting.
Synda fluttered her lashes at him and preened as he positioned her hands on her mallet. Rage stewed, bubbling up. Josephina hated seeing the warriorher warrioranywhere near the princess.
This is still proving tedious, William said to the queen, in a stage whisper everyone could hear. Why dont you go upstairs and wait for me? In a few minutes, Ill follow, so no one will suspect were together, and well play a game of a different sort.
Well... Queen Penelope peered at her daughter, her mind clearly whirling. Then, she nodded.
Thats a good girl.
Off she raced, without a goodbye, heading toward the palace as if her feet were on fire.
They were lovers?
Josephina knew the queen had taken other men to her bed. Men the king had killed, though Tiberius had never admitted that was the reason why.
Poor William. He wouldnt survive, either.
He sidled up to her as if he hadnt a care.
Your friendship with Kane wont save you, she told him. If the king finds out what youre doing with the queen, and he will, hell
Trying to save me, female? He flashed a perfect, white smile. How adorable is that? But youre wasting your time. Your father is nothing more than a fly.
Why dont you challenge him, then?
And steal Kanes moment?
She rolled her eyes. Excuses, excuses.
He shrugged. By the way, your step momma is a terrible lay. Seriously, Ive been with dead girls who have more life.
Okay. Too much information. She covered her ears.
William forced her hands to her sides. Im distracting her, and look, its working.
Well, then, why dont you distract the princess, too?
I only have one Big Willy, and hes currently on loan to the queen.
Synda gave a tinkling laugh, and Josephina looked over. The princess was now smashed against Kane, her arms wrapped around his neck. She was tiny and delicate in comparison, peering up at him with expectation of a kiss, and though he was stiff, he wasnt exactly fighting her off. Josephinas hands fisted tightly. If he did it, if he allowed his lips to meet the princesss, she would...she would...oh! There was no action violent enough.
Hes got a lot of darkness inside him, you know, William said. Youre helping, Ill give you that, but if you cant stick around until its all gone, back off. Youll both be better off.
Her shoulders straightened in a snap. How about you back off? Im dealing, but that doesnt mean he can do whatever he wants with whomever he wants anytime he wants.
And here I thought you were intelligent. He doesnt want that girl in any way.
I know, he told me, but that doesnt mean he wont marry her if he thinks thats the best course of action. And if he didnt? If he chose Josephina, as hed seemed to do this morning? What then?
The answer was simple: war.
William reached over, plucked an ice-blue rose from the bushes, and tucked the bud behind her ear. Im surprised he told you that much. You cant be mad at him for his plan, though. The only reason hed ever marry such a shrew would be to save you. Hopefully, though, it wont come to that.
Hopefully, hed said, as if there was a greater chance Kane would have to do it. Are you trying to help his chances with me or torch them?
He ignored her, saying, Listen up, and listen well. What Kane has gone through would have killed most people. He thinks Im staying with him to keep him away from White, but hes wrong. Im trying to help him heal. I can tell you being with him isnt going to be easy.
Was he referring to Kanes time in hell? I know what he went through, she said.
William anchored two fingers under her chin and forced her to look up at him. He told you?
Some of it, yes. I also saw him right after it had happened.
Surprising. On both counts. He talked, and he let you live with the knowledge. He shrugged, and said, Give him time. Hell figure out the best course of action, itll please you, things will smooth out, and youll live happily ever after. Ill be quite disgusted, Im sure.
Time? Was he serious? The ball is tomorrow, and the wedding is the day after that. How much time do you think I should give him? And how selfish was she, to actually have put Kane in such a position? To marry her horrible sister, just to save her, or to marry her, and live with the ensuing bloodshed?
William smiled, and it wasnt a nice smile. Are you planning to run away if things dont go your way, little fairy? Id rethink that if I were you. Hell track you down. He may not punish you when he finds you, but I will. Ill do things to you youve only read about in horror stories. I dont like to be inconvenienced, and I dont like to see my friends suffer. Combine the two, and Im afraid I get a little cranky.
Save your threats. Im not A waft of smoke sent her into a coughing fit. She searched the area, and found a raging fire spreading through the flowers.
She heard Kane curse under his breath. The Phoenix is here, he threw at William before taking off in a run. Only, he stopped after just a few feet and turned. His narrowed gaze locked on the warrior, who still had his fingers under Josephinas chin, then he started running againin the opposite direction, flying straight toward the two of them.
He launched himself at William, shouting, No one touches her but me!
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
HE HAD TO get himself under control.
Kane had tackled his only ally, just for touching his chosen female, allowing a mortal enemy to escape.
Now, that chosen female was nowhere to be found. Shed run into the palace during his fight with William, and he hadnt been able to find her since. He was forced to sleep alonenot that he did much sleeping. Without Tink in his bed, he couldnt relax.
By morning, the palace was a flurry of activity. Servants rushed here and there, cleaning and moving furniture around to accommodate three long buffet tables.
He caught one of those servants by the arm, stopping her. Wheres Josephina?
The female grinned up at him, delighted by his attention. I last saw her in the kitchen, Lord Kane. Ill fetch her, if you like. Ill do anything you ask. She stepped closer to him. Anything.
Mine, Disaster said.
Thanks, but Ill fetch her myself. He stalked to the kitchenand missed her by less than a handful of seconds.
He picked up a bowl, his grip so tight the crystal instantly shattered. He didnt want Tink working. He wanted her out of harms way. He wanted to kiss her and finish what theyd started yesterday morning. Then, when his body was calmfinally, blissfully satiatedhe could figure out his next move.
He left the kitchen and ran into Synda. Lord Kane!
Mine, Disaster shouted.
Her smile of greeting slowly faded. Tell me youre not wearing those hideous clothes to the ball.
He was wearing the clothes hed come here in, but they were clean. Will you cancel if I do?
She patted his cheek, and he stepped out of reach. Youre so cute when you expect the worst, but youre even cuter in the proper attire, so make sure you change, or Ill be very unhappy. With that, she skipped away.
Whatever. With Tink avoiding him, he might as well try to take care of her Phoenix problem. He slipped out of the palace and into the forest, pleased to find Petra had left tracks today. Ridiculously obvious tracks, he realized with a frown. Did she want to be captured?
Yeah, he thought a moment later. She did.
A long time ago, hed done something similar. Hed planted tracks, allowing his enemy to find him and escort him into their camp. Once there, hed rained absolute and total destruction.
will suffer for what your people have done, a male voice said.
Kane pushed through a veil of bushes and found four Fae soldiers pinning Petra to the ground and tying her hands behind her back. She was struggling, but her efforts were puny at best.
Let her go, and stand back, Kane commanded, pulling the gun he hadnt given back to William and aiming at her head.
All eyes whipped to him.
The men frowned. Petra cursed.
But Lord Kane, the other Phoenix have fled. When they return we can use this girl to threaten them, the shortest exclaimed.
Kane bared his teeth in a scowl. I said, let her go.
The four instantly stepped away from her. She popped to her feet, and the rope theyd used fell away, the ends singed.
You always ruin everything! she screeched with a stomp of her foot.
Mine, Disaster purred.
Shut it!
Lets have this out, Kane said. Me and you. Winner gets the girl.
She stilled, studied him with intrigue. Youd fight a female?
Id do worse than that. Hadnt he proven it already?
She gloated, saying, Kill me, and youll only strengthen me. Ill rise from the ashes and enslave you.
Maybe. Maybe not.
She paled at the reminder that no Phoenix was guaranteed an eternity. At some point they all died for good.
To be honest, he said, I dont really want to kill you. I want to give you back to your people. After all, I was told your king would like to...speak with you.
Fear darkened her eyes, and she backed a step away. Kane smiledand squeezed the trigger once, twice. Screaming with pain and surprise, she collapsed. Blood leaked from both of her thighs.
However, he said, Ill do what I have to do.
So will I. Cringing, she reached for one of the gaping soldiers. The moment her fingers touched the male, he burst into flames, flailing about, screaming with agony. Kane lost sight of the girl as he patted the man down. By the time the flames had been doused, Petra was gone.
He hunted for one hour...two...six...determination driving his every movement. He found multiple trails of her blood, but no more than that. She remained expertly hidden.
His mood was black and stormy by the time he returned to the palace. He could hear the murmurings of the crowd, and remembered the party. Tink would be serving. Still in his hideous clothes, he snuck in through one of the secret passageways and, after claiming a glass of whiskey, camped in a shadowed corner.
The ballroom had been decked out. The chandeliers dripped with diamonds as big as his fist, and dragon-shaped pillars had been wheeled inside. The heads moved, ruby eyes scanning the room, forked tongues darting from between blackened lips, and releasing smoke.
Fae males were dressed in weird, girly suits with lace and bows, and the women in big, puffy gowns, with their hair styled bizarrely, with knots and spikes shaped to look like animal heads. There was a lion. An eagle. An antelope. The atmosphere was very...Victorian era meets The Hunger Games in Wonderland, with an R rating. The men were feeding the women by hand, then going in for a taste themselves. On the dance floor, bodies gyrated together, hands roaming, clothing being shoved aside.
Kane watched as Synda fluttered from one group to another, sipping champagne and laughing gaily. The king had left his throne and now graced the assembly with a dance. Leopold waited at the entrance, greeting guests as they arrived. The queen was perched on a settee in back, ten of her friends sitting at her feet, watching the proceedings with hawk eyes.
Williammy PMShad gotten his stupid kids an invitation, and the group had taken up residence in the corner across from Kane. They watched him watching them, trying to intimidate him. All they did was irritate him.
Ignoring them, he searched for Tink. She had to be here. She
Had just entered the room.
Breath caught in his throat. Her fall of black hair was tied in a simple bun at her nape, yet several tendrils had escaped confinement and framed the incomparable elegance of her face. She was captivating, and maddening, and utterly enchanting.
She was...everything.
He finished off his whiskey and dropped the glass in a potted plant. His blood heated, practically boiling in his veins as he pushed from the wall and stalked across the room. His gaze remained on her, studying her more intently. She wore the now-clean uniform hed bought for her, managing to outshine every other woman in the room.
She carried a tray and gathered empty glasses, stealthily looking this way and that, searching for someone. For him?
A female stepped in his path and he ground to a halt to avoid plowing into her. Youre Lord Kane. A giggle filled the minute portion of air between them, overshadowing the soft hum of music in the background. She traced her fingertips along the center of his chest. Ive been so eager to meet you.
He bit back an angry retort and set her aside.
Another girl moved into his path, and this one had brought a few of her friends. The females circled him, wolves intent on their prey, and rapid-fired comments at him.
Ask me to dance, Lord Kane. Please.
Lets adjourn to the balcony. I have a present Id love for you to unwrap. Hintits me.
My husband is spending the night with his mistress. I would love it if you kept me company tonight. I promise not to wear any clothes.
The only thing Id be willing to do is spank the living hell out of you for accosting a stranger, he said. This is my engagement ball, and you think its okay to come on to me?
Just like he thought it was okay to chase down Tink?
Whatever.
He barreled past the floundering females. Finally he reached Tink and the tension inside him eased. Need help?
She gave him the swiftest of glances. You shouldnt be talking to me. Her hands trembled as she gathered the glasses the guests had discarded in the oddest placesand he cursed himself for what hed done with his own.
When have I ever done what Im supposed to do? he asked.
Point taken. Now leave.
Disaster purred his approval.
Anger sparked. Why are you acting like this?
Why are you still here?
He gnashed his teeth. You want me, Tink. Dont try to pretend otherwise.
Are you so desperate for compliments? She tried to maneuver away from him, but he herded her in the other direction, away from the crowd and into the shadows. What are you doing? Stop. Im not giving you one.
Its not a compliment I want from you, Tink. Its information. Why have you run from me today?
She wiped a few droplets of liquid from the wall before pressing her forehead into her hand. Because! Whatever you want from me, Kane, I cant give it to you.
Because of Synda. Because he hadnt yet broken things off. Guilt had him looking away. He spotted Reds determined approach and realized it was just a matter of time before Green and Black decided to tag along. Kane latched onto Tinks arm and hauled her toward the secret doorway hed used.
He had her inside in less than a blink. Anyone watching would have had trouble tracking the movement.
What are you doing? she demanded. I have a job to do.
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. A two-way mirror covered the wall, allowing them to peer inside the ballroom. Do you see the warriors standing where we just were? He pointed. The ones from the bar?
She looked, groaned. Yes. I see them.
They want you for their own. They want to use your ability to remove the war, famine and death from their bodies.
More enemies, she muttered. Great. Just great! She whirled on him, eyes narrowed but no less ablaze. Do you know what this means?
Yes. Im a disaster, he said hollowly. I know.
She peered at him for a long while, and whatever she saw in his expression calmed her down. Her shoulders stooped. No, that wasnt what I was going to say.
Why not? Its true.
She shook her head. Theyre trouble. Another threat against you.
And you. He stepped closer to her. She stepped back, widening the distance. He took another step, and another, and she did the same, until she had nowhere else to go. The wall behind her stopped her retreat.
He leaned down and rubbed his nose against hers. Contact with her was as necessary as breathing.
She closed her eyes, as if pained. How do you do this to me, Kane? she whispered.
Do what?
Make me want you, despite everything.
He heard only two wordswant you. He moved swiftly, fitting his mouth over hers. Though she remained closed to him, he could already taste her, and desire rushed through him, drowning him.
Mine, he thought.
Never, Disaster spat.
Let me in, Kane said, ignoring the beast. This close, he could see each individual lash framing her crystalline eyes, and they were long and gorgeous, badges of innocence blended with wanton need.
No, I
This time, when he dove in for a taste, her mouth was already open. He took full advantage, thrusting his tongue against hers.
Moaning, she gave up the pretense of resistance. Her arms wrapped around him as she kissed him back with the fervency of a starving woman.
He tried to slow things down, but she began to writhe against him, lost to the sensations, all inhibitions forgotten. He nipped at her mouth, and she nipped at his, and that was it. They became animals.
He growled, and she growled, and they ate at each other. He kneaded her breast with one hand, his grip strong, too strong, but just like before, she didnt seem to mind. He caged her wrists with the other and locked her arms above her head.
Her back arched, pressing her body more firmly against his.
More?
Please, she rasped.
I like that word on your lips. Blood aflame, he lifted the hem of her dress. His knuckles brushed against the warm, tender skin on her inner thigh and he shuddered with the intensity of the pleasure. Then he hefted her up, anchored her, forcing her to wrap her legs around him, like shed done inside the dress shop, finding a measure of release and deeper need with his erection pressed against her.
His fingers curled around her backside, past the edge of her panties, seeking more intimate contact.
Ow! she said, suddenly fighting to get away from him.
Concern instantly replaced desire as he set her on her feet. Whats wrong?
She patted at the sleeve of her dress. Flames from one of the torches had showered over her.
Scowling, he backed away from her. As he tried to tamp down his raging need, he made sure to keep a safe distance. Disaster would flip his lid if Kane continued what hed started.
It wouldnt always be this way, he reminded himself.
She sighed, gave him a pained look. Just proves we shouldnt be doing this.
Were meant for each other, and you know it.
She raised her arm with the charred sleeve. Kane, did you see what just
Did you think about me today? he interjected, needing her to affirm that there were feelings there, no matter what she was saying. Did you wish I was with you?
She lowered her arm. More times than I liked.
I thought about you, too, he said.
Why? she whispered, her head down but her gaze remaining on him. Why are we thinking about each other? It would be so much better for both of us if we walked away from each other.
Ive tried. I cant. His gaze was piercing. I could marry you, he said softly.
She closed her eyes for a moment, looking as if she could burst into tears. Then, she closed the distance, expression more determined with every step. Before he could move away, she rested her hands on his shoulders. He stiffened, afraid for her, for what Disaster would do, but he didnt dissuade her. He yearned so badly for some kind of contact with her, even this.
I like your kisses, she said. I do. So much.
Like is too weak a word for how I feel about yours.
And I like when you touch me. And I like you, snarly beast that you can sometimes be. Her chin trembled. Thats why it pains me to say...no. No, I...dont want to marry you.
He reared back as if shed nailed him with a hammer. Because the demon burned you? he croaked. I wont always have him. I plan to kill him.
I could lie and tell you thats why. I could tell you I want someone else and youre in the way. But the truth is, I dont think you can help me. Not without getting hurt.
He felt as if hed just been punched in the stomach. Like his friends, she doubted him. Had no faith in his abilities.
Disaster laughed with undiluted glee, at last appeased.
I want you to leave this realm, she said with a tremor. Tonight. Now.
Kane was a man well acquainted with pain. At least, hed thought so. Now, he learned the error of his ways. This was true pain. Rejection from the female he craved.
Hed gotten good at building walls inside himself, and used the skill now. Expression even, giving nothing away, he said, Very well, with all the calm of a man discussing the weather. I wont bother you any longer. He turned from her and stalked out of the enclosure.
As he stormed down the hall, he ran into William.
The problem? William asked after taking one look at him.
Doesnt concern you, he said. Just keep your boys away from Tink. I wont be around to protect her.
Hell-ooo. Weve talked about this. Shes yours and I wont let them
Shes not mine, he interjected harshly. And keep your boys away from me, too. They come near me, and I wont be responsible for my actions.
He stalked away from William, grabbed the first drink he found, then another and another, and nearly drowned himself. He danced with Synda, twirling her across the floor. He danced with her friends. They put their hands all over him and he had to swallow back vomit time and time again. Then he danced with Synda again while the king nodded his approval.
I have to have you, Lord Kane, Synda whispered, warm breath fanning against his ear. Let me. Please. You wont regret it. Ill do anything you ask.
He opened his mouth to refuse her, locked gazes with Tink, who was watching him with guarded eyes as she cleaned a table, and said, Yeah, lets go.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The Realm of Blood and Shadows
TORIN SAT AT his desk, fingers pounding at the computer keyboard with so much force he cracked the outer shell. Again. With a curse, he tossed the thing aside and grabbed a new one from his box of spare parts.
There were disturbances all over the world. People were fighting, rioting and looting. For no reason! Cameo and Viola were still missing, and hed failed to find a single trail to lead him to their whereabouts. They were out there, possibly hurt.
He had no idea what kind of defensive skills Viola possessed. Cameo, on the other hand, was a warrior to her soul and could take care of herself. He knew that. Had seen her fight. Girl had a wicked habit of slitting throats. But she wasnt infallible.
An unfamiliar sound caught his attention and he spun in his chair, cocking the gun he always kept in his lap.
A young girl stood there, holding her palms up, all innocence. Please, she said in a strained whisper. Color drained from her cheeks.
Who are you and how did you get in here? he demanded, even as he looked her over.
She had dirty hair, at one time it might have been blond, the strands tangled and knotted and hanging limply to her elbows. A stained and ripped nightgown bagged over her too-thin body, the material falling all the way to the ground.
You are Torin, correct?
Im Death, if you dont answer my questions.
Im not willing to share my name, and I flashed. Still she whispered. Why?
Well, then, Ill call you Crazy, because only a crazy person would come here without an invite.
She nodded, no inflection of emotion darkening her features. You may call me whatever you wish.
Very accommodating, wasnt she? Why are you here, female?
She ignored him, saying, Please, may I lower my hands?
No.
My arms are shaking, and I cant...Im not strong enough... Her arms lowered slowly, as if heavy weights had been tied to her wrists and pulled. Im sorry. Please dont shoot me. Thats not the way I want to die.
Youre lucky I dont like blood in my room. He lowered the gun as well, placing it on his thigh, making sure to keep the barrel aimed at her stomach. I dont like itbut Ill deal with it. This is the last time Im going to ask. Why are you here?
Nervous, she twisted the fabric of her gown. Cronus came to me several weeks ago and told me I was to grant you twenty-four hours of my time.
Still. Whispering. He didnt like it. He was reminded of all the nights hed spent with his friends, on the road, when theyd found women and brought them back to the tentbut he never had. The couples had tried to be quiet, but theyd always failed.
I want you, the females had whispered. I need you.
This girl
Her claim finally registered. Cronus was the former king of the Titans. Sienna, Pariss girl, had killed him, and taken over the Titan realm of the skies. But just before his death, Cronus had made a bargain with Torin. In exchange for guarding the All-keya spiritual relic capable of freeing the possessor from any lockTorin would be granted an entire day with a woman he would be able to touch without causing a plague.
Despite the kings death, the bargain must still stand.
And that might explain why the Paring Rod hadnt sucked him up. Because of the All-key, it couldnt hold him. A startling realizationone that suddenly paled in comparison to the knowledge that he could...touch her...