Keeping his face calm he smiled gently, Tiara, you do not have to do anything you do not want to do. Always remember that. But if you do decide to try and give the gift of it, then I want Zachary to be the one you share your breath of sight with.
Zachary remained quiet, still leaning against the wall. He wanted to see where Storm was going with this hocus-pocus. He had a feeling there was more to this spell than just words. Storm was talking in riddles in order to hide something from him and Zachary didnt like it one bit.
Tiaras mind was going a mile a minute. She knew she was in the same position Myra had been in. Shed never used her powers and shed never been touched by a man tonight shed have to do both whether she was ready or not. Tiara suddenly wished she could pick just one man from the group she wanted what her mother now had.
Zachary can and will protect you better than anyone else, even Guy. Storm locked gazes with Tiara wanting her to catch the hint he was giving her. His heat will keep the cold ones at bay, so it needs to be him you share your sight with but only when youre ready. Until then, maybe Carley and Guy will come up with something so Carley can communicate with the whole team, Storm said reassuringly.
Carley would like that, Tiara said but she was thinking about what Storm had just said. Shes very excited about everything going on.
Storm shifted his gaze to Zachary to make sure he was following at least some of what he was telling Tiara. Carley will be a great asset, but an even greater one if the whole team can see and talk to her. For example, if anyone of you get separated from the group and or wounded, then Carley can find that person and go back to one of the other members and tell them where they are.
Zachary cocked an eyebrow actually liking the sound of that.
Tiara lowered the pillow to her lap and sat up a little straighter, I have to be using the necromancy in order to try the spell, she swept her gaze toward Zachary but lost her nerve as soon as she noticed all of his attention was on her.
She focused back on Storm and inhaled deeply. It was time to grow up and do her part to save humanity even if she lost a part of herself alone the way. Tiara lowered her voice making it sound like the secret it truly was, Myra said I can only give the breath of sight while Im under the control of the hunger.
Storms eyebrows lowered worriedly, How far do you have to take the hunger in order to share the power to see whats really there?
Tiara repeated what her mother had told her with a bright blush on her cheeks. The person doesnt have to be inside me, but I have to reach a climax in order to feed from their life-force. His life force is a gift to me and only during the exchange can I give a gift back. Thats when I can give the breath of a necromancers sight.
Storm could feel Zachs anger vibrate throughout the room and knew Zachary was no longer with them. His double personality trigger had been flipped. Now was a good time to get the fireball out of here before he went off and embarrassed Tiara further. She was being so brave that it would be a shame to place stumbling blocks in front of her to trip over especially a stumbling block as intimidating as Zach.
You can trust Zachary not to go too far when you are ready to try the breath. For now you need to rest. Its going to be a long night. He slid off the bed and grabbed Zach by the upper arm, ushering the other man out the door with him.
The moment they were out of hearing range Zach turned on Storm and snapped, Do you really think its fair to her to ask her to let everyone on the team get her off just so she can share her damn sight with them?
Storm gripped Zachs arm a little tighter and they were suddenly alone at the cliff. While Zach was tripping on the sudden change in scenery, Storm attempted to reason with him. Stop for a minute and think about what Tiara just said.
She just said she has to get off in order to share her sight. Zach thundered as fire erupted then sputtered when he found himself under the cold ocean water. Pushing off the bottom, he realized he could stand up because the water was only shoulder high.
Damn it Storm, stop that! he yelled.
Storm smirked because he was perfectly dry and standing on the beach watching the steam rise from Zacharys skin. Lets try this again shall we, this time with a cooler head on our shoulders? he asked while Zachary trudged through the water toward him. Tiara said the person doesnt have to be inside her.
Yeah, I heard that part, Zachary said harshly but threw up a hand to let Storm know he didnt need another dunk. Hed just walked out of the water and was damn near dry thanks to his ability to raise the temperature around him. The last thing he needed was for his clothes to start smelling like seawater.
Glad you were listening, Storm smirked. Did you miss the part about reaching satisfaction in order to feed? Zachary just glared at him so Storm enlightened him further, I dont know if she is even aware of what she said, but if that statement is true then she doesnt ever have to sleep with anyone in order to feed. She only has to reach satisfaction and it will keep her alive.
Zachary stilled himself as he thought about it, his mind going a mile a minute. She had to do that in order to live through the experience? Is that why Myra had sex with the demon that night because she had to? Not likely, he silently rationalized. The demon from that night hadn't been a stranger Myra had known him.
The thought of Tiara feeding the way Myra fed seems to bother you but you do not fully understand the part about her dying if she doesnt feed. So, I am proposing an alternative. Get her to the point of satisfaction then stop. If you dont want to do it, then Im sure Guy will be more than happy to take your place.
Ill do it, Zach snapped then blinked when Storm vanished. When the sand under his feet melted into a pool of glass, he growled and spun around marching right back into the cold water. No one even asked me if I wanted to see a damned ghost.
Storm rematerialized inside Rens office laughing softly to himself.
Oh god, what did you do this time? Ren asked from behind his desk.
Storm shook his head at his own wicked sense of humor, If were smart, well stay away from Zach for the next couple days or weeks. It kind of depends on how long he can stand torturing himself. That and we also need to warn everyone to stay away from the beach for another hour or so. Knowing Zachary, hes probably turning it into a glass bottle right about now.
Has anyone ever told you that you have an evil streak about a mile wide? Ren smirked enjoying Storms laughter over the dangers of a bloody nose any day.
*****
Damons feet touched lightly in front of the entrance of Night Light and he set Alicia down, reluctantly giving up his claim he had on her lips.
Hed found flying was an aphrodisiac to Alicia and decided walking was out of the equation from now until eternity if he had his way. Though now that they were here, he was rethinking how smart it was to get her all hot and bothered then leaving her with another man even if she did call this man brother.
Thanks for bringing me here, Alicia said with a happy smile. She rose back up on her tiptoes and pressed her swollen lips back to his knowing how hard it was for him to share her right now.
I love you, she whispered before attempting to back away. She didnt get very far.
Damon gave her a dark, possessive look and refused to relinquish his hold on her. When she looked up at him with an adorable pout, his chest rumbled with a deep growl before pressing his lips back to hers one more time. When her fingers brushed against the back of his neck with tantalizing softness, Damon lifted his head and took a shuddering breath.
Keep that up and I will take us to a more private setting to finish what weve started. Damon warned.
Alicias eyes lit up, Please? The roof is always secluded.
Damon smirked, Minx, he muttered before turning her around and ushering her toward the front door with an affectionate slap on the bottom.
He didnt like leaving her alone with Micah but hed be damned if he was taking her anywhere near those horny werewolves at Love Bites. He wanted to strike a deal with them and that wouldnt happen if he was busy killing every wolf who looked sideways at her.
Alicia noticed that Micah had all the lights back on and was busy working when they walked in. Most of the shattered glass had been picked up off the floor and the heavy light fixture had been moved out of the way. A sawhorse was set up on the floor with a long piece of two-by-four propped across it. The loud noise of the electric saw echoed loudly in the acoustic room making Alicia and Damon wince.
Damon let his irritated gaze follow the long line of the power cord to the wall and nonchalantly walked over to the outlet. He couldnt have brother dearest working when he was supposed to be babysitting his little sister. He pulled the plug and the saw went quiet making Micah look up with an annoyed expression.
When Micah saw Alicia standing inside the door, his face broke out into the kind of smile that made Damons eyes narrow.
Hey sis, Micah said and set the saw down. What brings you here again so soon? Did you run away from your husband again?
A clearing throat made him look over and smirk at Damon. I guess that answers my question.
Damon growled making Micah and Alicia laugh softly.
Calm down big man, Micah said. Since youre part of the family, its mandatory you get teased by everyone at least once a day.
Alicia stepped out on the main floor, taking a good look around. Youve gotten a lot done since I was here last night.
Micah shrugged, Nothing better to do. Quinn and Warren are doing their thing over at Moon Dance and left this place to me.
What can I do to help out? Alicia asked.
You two are offering to help out? Micah answered her with a question of his own.
She is, Damon corrected. Im leaving her here with you while I go take care of something that needs my immediate attention.
Alicia raised an eyebrow having thought Damon was staying here with her. Her eyes narrowed realizing hed had an alternate agenda all along. I thought we were going to stop keeping secrets, Alicia accused.
Damon smiled softly at her and tapped her lightly on the chin. Its a surprise, he said. I cant very well surprise my new wife if I dont have a secret or two now can I?
Alicia crossed her arms over her chest. What are you up to? she demanded and then gasped when Damon was suddenly behind her pulling her back against him in a tight embrace before dipping his lips to brush the shell of her ear.
Youll find out soon enough. Now, do you want to stay here or go back to our bed? the corners of Damons lips lifted in a satisfied smile when Alicia melted backwards against him and he caught the scent of her arousal spike.
Micah refrained from rolling his eyes and turning away from them. He knew they were mates but the instinct to rip Damon away from her was a slow learner.
Ill stay, Alicia whispered and tried to pull away from him but Damon kept her caged in arms of steel for a moment longer. Liking the feel, she wrapped her arms around his as if to keep him there.
I am leaving her in your care. Damon stated looking directly at Micah letting him see firsthand to whom it was she truly belonged. Protect her until I get back. Reaching for Alicias chin, he turned her face so he could place a scalding kiss there before exiting the club so fast that all they saw was the doors open and close.
Once Micah was sure Damon was gone he slammed his fist down on the bar. Protect her until I get back, he mimicked in a hostile voice. Youd think Ive never had to protect anyone before.
Speaking of which, Alicia said, the blush Damon had caused now gone from her face. I have a very big bone to pick with you dear brother. All those times you came to the boarding school to visit while I was growing up, you said you were teaching me how to fight.
Micah froze and resisted the urge to take a step back.
You were only pretending, werent you? she demanded.
Well, Micah said with an expression of defeat. I never thought you would need to learn that kind of thing. I only let you believe I was teaching you to fight but in truth it was just supposed to be fun.
Youre going to start teaching me to fight right now, Alicia said with authority.
Micahs eyebrows shot up into his bangs. Say what?
You heard me. Alicia growled wanting to be just as tough as the guys. Youre going to teach me the right way or Im turning around, walking right out this door, and explaining to Damon that you couldnt keep a good enough eye on me.
You wouldnt, Micah whispered.
Alicia smirked knowing shed just won her way, Watch me!
Micah sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Okay, okay, Ill teach you how to fight.
Alicia hopped around in a circle, Yay!
Micah rubbed his hand over his eyes trying to erase the fact that she was being the little sister hed never wanted to have a reason to get into a fight. She was so cute when she acted every bit of five years old. This was why hed never really taught her to fight how was he supposed to spar with something so cute?
Okay, but drop the ballerina act or Ill never be able to do this, Micah instructed. The first thing you have to realize is that if youre going to fight someone, then you cant be happy about it.
I must be angry at the target, Alicia grumbled. I got it.
And the second thing is always keep your eye on the enemy.
Alicia blinked and he was gone wonderful!
Chapter 6
Michael walked slowly through the big house that had suddenly become very empty since Kane went MIA. His only company now was Scrappy, who always came and went as he pleased. The little fur ball was currently following him around the house waiting for Michael to sit down somewhere.
When Michael finally took a seat on the sofa, Scrappy wasted no time in hopping up on his lap.
So, what do you think, Dust Bunny? Michael asked feeling more alone than he had in years.
Scrappy looked up at him with such an adorable expression that Michael couldnt help but laugh. He was missing Damon as well though he had to admit that he was missing Alicia just a little bit more than his brother.
Unable to take the silence of the house, Michael stood up and went to get his trench coat. Scrappy followed after him again, hopping up and down around Michaels feet like a pogo stick. When Michael opened the door, Scrappy ran out ahead of him to the end of the walkway and waited by the street.