BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love , Book Three: A Guardian's Passion,
Book Four: A Guardian's Salvation
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: This is my first try and not being a native English speaker, it's so much more challenging. Constructive criticism if greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 3
Chapter 5
The park was deserted except for two dark figures standing quietly under the shadow of a large tree. Cold azure eyes carefully studied the surrounding area, taking in every sound and smell. They were in the middle of Royal territory and it was possible that their presence could already have been detected. Turning to the heavily armed woman next to her, she couldn't help but feel guilty for having brought her into this. Nimiri had been persistent, but still she had a choice to not bring her.
“It is still not too late for you to go back, Nimiri.”
The blonde head turned and hard green eyes met hers. “I am not leaving you, so please get that idea out of your head. Where are we going from here?” She looked around her at the desolateness of the park. This was the first time she came this far from the village. She had fought in many battles across Europe , but never had the opportunity to venture farther. Despite the graveness of the situation which brought them here, she couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of excitement.
“I appreciate you coming with me, my friend.” She returned to scanning the area again and stiffened almost immediately. They have been detected. “They are here. Please, stay close to me and do as I say.”
A group of warriors stepped out of the shadows and Leo's eyes narrowed when they rested on the imposing figure of a tall blonde warrior. Just her luck , she thought. The Assassin was part of the welcoming party.
“You are far from home, Eternal? What brings you here?” The Assassin's voice was even, but Leo still detected a faint undertone of anger.
“I am here to meet with the Queen.” She saw something flash in the cold silver eyes and felt a shiver run down her spine. “I believe my sister is being held against her will. I hope to get my sister and return to Greece .”
The Assassin slowly moved forward, her gait fluid and her eyes calculating. Leo steeled herself for whatever the deadly ancient was planning.
“You coming here will not end well, Leonara.”
Leo nodded, her eyes never leaving the silver ones. “I want my sister and I will not return until I found her.”
The Assassin opened her mouth to say something, but before she could there was a sharp flash of lightening and a tall figure appeared a few feet away from them. The air crackled around the newcomer.
“You dare show your face here after what you have done,” Tahlia said in a dark voice. She stepped closer until she stood right in front of Leo. “You have not only defied me by kidnapping my family. You also went on and without my permission, performed the ritual.”
Leo was spellbound by the smoldering black eyes. All Tahlia had said was true and there was really nothing she could say to that. She was ready to accept her fate, but her only worry was Nimiri.
“I accept whatever you plan to do to me, my Queen, and I know I have no right to ask for a boon. I however would like to beg you, Your Majesty, to please ensure the safe passage of my companion and my sister to Athanas.”
The expression in the black eyes didn't change as they looked at her.
“You are right. You have no right to ask for a boon.” She slowly unsheathed her sword and pointed it at Leo. “Get ready to defend yourself.”
Leo reached for her own sword, her palms sweating. She cast a quick glance to Nimiri, only to find her friend staring at the Vampire Queen, her soon-to-be executioner, with complete awe. She was more than convinced now that she should have left her at home. Nimiri's green eyes met her and she was stunned by the look in them. Oh, no, please not that too. It would seem that Nimiri had developed a flash crush on the Queen. This is really not something she wanted to deal with, especially not on the day of her execution. Nimiri must have seen the miserable look in her eyes, because she stepped forward to place a hand on her shoulder.
“Remember the prophecy. You have succeeded in merging the two races, you will not die,” Nimiri said with the utmost confidence and Leo stole a quick glance at Tahlia. The unblinking black stare was still resting on her. She truly hoped Nimiri was right. ‘Why did you not tell me she was gorgeous? Even the Assassin …”
“I did not tell you because they are both unavailable.”
The blonde shrugged and took a step back. “Too bad, but it does not mean I cannot try my luck.”
Tightening the grip on her sword, she got into a battle stance.
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Tahlia stared at the warrior standing before her. She was a perfect specimen, tall and strong. Her short dark hair was rustling in the wind and her silver blue eyes stared at her warily. It was a shame that she would have to cut her down. Her eyes shifted to the tall blonde standing with Leo. She too was quite attractive. She had overheard their little hushed conversation and couldn't help but smile faintly at the woman's sassiness. One thing she said though had tickled a curiosity.
“How did you get involved with Molan's scheme?” she asked and saw the blue eyes widen fractionally.
“Molan was convinced that I was the catalyst which would set the prophecy in motion.”
Tahlia's face was set in stone as she looked at the warrior before her. What made her so special to be chosen by destiny? She knew little about the warrior before she was converted. She was a celebrated knight during the Crusade and that was all.
“Why you? What do you stand to gain from this?”
The blue eyes darkened before they were averted.
“I am to meet my soul mate, milady.”
There was absolute silence now as both Tahlia and Paloma stared at each other. Tahlia had expected the woman to admit that she was swayed by an offer of power and insane wealth, but never love. This warrior was willing to sacrifice her life and Clan for love. She felt her heart constrict at the realization that she too over the centuries had placed herself and her Clan in perilous situations because of love. What kind of a hypocrite would she be to want to execute this warrior when she herself had done the same on numerous occasions?
“Is it worth it?” Tahlia already knew the answer, but she still wanted to hear the warrior affirm it.
The blue eyes which met hers were filled with such yearning and loneliness when Leo looked back at her.
“Yes, milady, I would do it again if it meant I could win the heart of my soul mate.”
It was said with such honesty and conviction that Tahlia felt a warmness infuse her cold heart. She stared at the hulking warrior. The look she had seen earlier in the blue eyes was gone now, but she still remembered the longing she had seen there. She turned to look at Paloma and found pensive silver eyes resting on her. Oh, how well they know the feelings that the warrior before them were experiencing. They too had been subjected to that paralyzing pain of loneliness. Tahlia sheathed her sword, turned and walked away without another word.
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Stunned by the unexpected change in events, Leo warily looked towards the motionless form of the Assassin. The silver eyes looked at her with unsettling intensity. She didn't know what had happened here, but her fate was undoubtedly sealed. It was obvious that the Assassin was to finish her off. She swallowed hard. The Queen was known to be merciful at times and could be made to see reason. The Assassin, however, was known to be the perfect killing machine. She didn't listen to reason and simply performed her duties. She thought back to the beautiful human mate of the deadly woman before her. How do they interact? She shivered as she looked into the silver eyes. Was this woman even capable of feeling love?
“Your sister is our guest. I will take you to her.” The Assassin spoke unexpectedly, her husky voice sounding loud in the quiet of the night. With that said she turned and walked away.
Leo stiffened when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to find a grinning Nimiri looking at her.
“See, I told you.”
Still shaken by her close shave with sure death, Leo just nodded and sheathed her sword. Two of the Royal hunters were standing a few feet away waiting for them.
“Let us not make them wait,” she murmured softly and pushed a shaky hand through her hair.
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Chapter 6
The door opened and closed softly, making Izi jerk up into a sitting position on the bed. She gave her guest a tremulous smile. She watched as the dark vampire came to stand at her bed. She didn't need to ask why he was there; instead she just laid back and opened her arms. She sighed softly as the heavy weight of the vampire settled on her petite form. Since her imposed visit four days ago, she had been expecting this visit. Her small arms wrapped around the massive shoulders and she moaned when she felt his lips nuzzling a sensitive spot in her neck.
“I have tried to fight this … I have tried so hard, my little butterfly. I did not want to come to you like this.” Jonas lifted his head and looked down into the luminous blue eyes of the woman who had captured his heart in such a short time. “I want you so much, too much to wait any longer.”
The soft red lips parted in a soft smile. “I want you too, milord. I think we have waited long enough.”
Jonas groaned and slanted his lips over Izi's. When they pulled apart, he cradled her face in his large hands and stared into her blue eyes. The pupils were dilated with desire and he groaned again.
“I want you to consider me for a possible mate, Izaura.” He saw the shock in her eyes and swallowed hard. They had spent a lot of time together over the past four days and he was almost sure that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Could he have been mistaken? He searched her face intently. “Am I wrong to assume that you want to be with me?”
The blonde head shook from side to side. “No, milord.”
Relieved, he smiled down into her face. “Will you consider me as a probable mate for you … please?”
Izaura could only stare at the powerful man lying on top of her. His offer was totally unexpected. Why would he, a very powerful noble, want to be bound to her? There were so many other women more worthy of his love. She was but a lowly healer. She looked into his warm black eyes and she saw the apprehension in his eyes. He … he really wanted her to consider him. If only he knew how much she wanted him to claim her, body and soul. She lifted her hand to his lips and touched them intimately. She shivered when those devilishly delicious lips parted and pulled her trembling digit into his hot mouth.
“I promise to consider your offer, milord.”
Jonas grinned roguishly. “My name is Jonas or anything else you want to call me. I hardly respond to being called ‘milord'. That is unless you like to call me that when we …”
A small hand snaked out and closed over his mouth.
“I completely understand. Jonas it is then.”
The Royal Prince's large body shook with laughter at the shy look in her eyes. He once again captured her lips in a hungry kiss and moaned when a timid tongue tip started to explore the inside of his mouth. Oh, he will not be able to restrain himself any longer if she kept on kissing him like this. He reluctantly brought the erotic kiss to an end.
“I want you so much, Izaura, but maybe we should wait until you are sure that you want to be my mate.” He placed a soft kiss on her slightly swollen lips. “I want to do right by you. You deserve that much and more.”
Izaura nodded, but her eyes blazed in disappointment. She wanted Jonas and she wanted him tonight. But she was willing to wait until he was ready and really sure that he wanted her. Maybe they could wait a few more days. She pushed her fingers through his soft dark hair and smiled when she felt a slight tremor course through his body. Oh, how wonderful it would be to belong to this man. Her eyes caressed his handsome face, his black devil eyes and his beautifully carved lips. She had fallen for this dangerous man the moment her eyes had lit on him in the dark hallway of Leonara's castle a month ago. Her heart was thundering in her chest the whole time she had tended to his wounds. His muscled chest had felt so good under her hands. His black eyes were following her every move as she had mixed poultices to apply on his wounds. She had felt them lingering on her breasts, her hips and down there where she had been weeping with want.
Jonas suddenly jerked away from her and was off the bed in a fluid movement. Her startled eyes met his and he nodded towards the door.
“You have guests.” He stepped away from her, slowly fading until he had disappeared completely.
The door swung open and Izi shrieked in happiness when she saw the large frame of her sister fill the doorway. She was off the bed, leaping towards the safety of her sister's arms. She clutched her sibling to her heart as she soaked in the familiar scent and warmth of Leo. She looked up with gleaming eyes and smiled at the love she saw in the azure gaze.
“You came for me, Leo.” She suddenly remembered what it meant and she pushed her sister away for her, her blue eyes wild. Tahlia was going to kill her. “Oh, no, Leo, you came … Why? How could you be so stupid?” She saw the confusion on her Leo's face and scared and frustrated, she lunged. Her small fists pummeled Leo broad chest as she screamed at her. She felt Leo stiffen and push her roughly behind her back. Nimiri grabbed her to her and held her against her chest as she too directed her gaze to the corner of her room.
She turned to see what they were looking at and there, hidden amongst the shadows stood a large figure. Even from here, its fury could be sensed. Jonas! She jerked out of Nimiri's grasp and walked passed her edgy sister.
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“What the …” Leo reached out to grab her sister, but a deep growl sounded and her hand froze mid-air. She watched as her little sister confidently approached the dark figure. What she saw next made her jaw hit the floor.
The threatening figure stepped out of the shadows and wrapped her sister up in a tender embrace. They held each other for a few more seconds before they pulled away. A dark head turned and looked in her direction and Leo's eyes widened when she recognized Jonas, the Dark Prince. Her eyes dropped to the muscled arms which were gently cradling her sister against a powerful chest. She felt Nimiri coming to stand next to her.
“I think I have seen it all.” Nimiri's voice sounded strained as her eyes darted nervously between Jonas and Leo. “Maybe we should leave them be for a while and try to talk to Izi later.”
Leo's eyes met her sister's and she raised a sable brow. “What is going on, Izaura?”
The blonde smiled tenderly before she reached up and cupped the chiseled jaw of the man who had stolen her heart. “This is Jonas,” she murmured softly as she looked deeply into the black eyes of the towering man. “We … we are to be bonded soon.”
She turned to catch her sister's reaction to the news and wasn't disappointed. Leo was staring at her as if she'd grown a second head. Her ice blue eyes were frozen in shock as they rested on her. She waited for the tirade to follow, but she was shocked when Leo turned on her heel and left the room. Nimiri stood there for a few more seconds before she too left the room.
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They walked down the hallway, not having a specific destination in mind. Leo's mind was blank. Her face was set in a pained expression and her eyes glittered dangerously. They were walking passed an open door when her feet came to an abrupt stop. Confused, she looked around and met Nimiri's questioning gaze. The tall blonde stepped in front her, her green eyes boring into hers.
“What is it?”
She shook her head, not sure how to answer that question. How could she when even she herself didn't know what it is that had brought her to a halt. She turned away from Nimiri and glanced back at the open doorway. She slowly entered the room.
Sitting at a table, reading through a thick volume, was the Queen's mate, her blonde head bent over the text she was reading. Sensing their presence the woman looked up and when their gazes locked, she was instantly curious of the dazzling smile the woman gave her. She felt Nimiri come up behind her.
“What are you doing?” She looked passed her friend's bulky frame and gasped. “Who is she?”
Leo couldn't explain why, but her feet took her closer to the beautiful woman who was just sitting there, staring at her. She came to a stop next to the woman. As if in slow motion the woman came to her feet as she held her gaze captive.
“What are you doing here,” a deadly voice said suddenly and Leo swung around. Standing a few feet away from her was Tahlia. Chips of cold black eyes bored into her and Leo took a careful step away from irate vampire. She grimaced. Yet another question she didn't know the answer to.
“I was just leaving.” She turned back to the blonde and this time her eyes were riveted on the woman's stomach. She felt her hand move involuntary and came to rest on the woman's stomach. She gasped when a strong current ran through her body, bringing her to her knees. With her hand still attached to the woman, she felt a gentle, comforting warmth spread through her body. Never before in all of her existence had she felt so … so safe and cherished. With a sob she lowered her head, feeling two long tears run down her cheeks. The feeling intensified and it almost felt as if she was pulled into a tender, soothing embrace. Helpless, she could only sit there, tears streaming down her cheeks.
She jerked in surprised when a soft hand came to rest on her head, tenderly stroking her hair.
“Hush now. She is attuned to your emotions and it's upsetting her.”
Leo lifted wet eyes to the blonde woman and saw her looking at her with an affectionate smile. She knew! She knew about them! Using her free hand she rubbed at her face and slowly came to her feet. She looked down into shiny sapphire eyes. The breath caught in her chest when she realized there was something or someone else looking back at her through the blonde's eyes.
“How … how do you know?”
The blonde smiled faintly. “She told me. She knew you were close by and called out to you.”
For the first time in centuries, a radiant smile flashed over her face, transforming her usually harsh features into a beautiful mask of remarkable beauty. The Royal's blue eyes blinked in shock as they stared at her. She closed her eyes and a deep, husky laugh escaped her lips and filled the stunned silence.
“Thank you, milady, thank you so very much,” she gasped after her laughter had died down.
Jemima nodded and smiled too. “I would love to talk to you some more later.” The blue eyes looked passed her, reminding Leo of the presence of the Queen. “But first I need to take care of my teddy bear.”
The smile froze on Leo's lips as she slowly turned to look at the deadly vampire. She turned back to the blonde, her eyes wide in shock while her mouth fell open and closed again. She saw a gleam of amusement in the blue eyes and turned back to look at the cold, motionless figure behind her. She felt a hand on her arm and she was gently pulled away from the blonde.
“I … I think we should leave … NOW,” Nimiri said in a strangled voice as she tugged Leo towards the doorway. Leo turned back to look at the blonde only to find her in a deep, passionate kiss with Queen. The blonde's arms were resting on the broad shoulders of the Queen and her body pressed tightly against the long, leather-clad frame of Tahlia. They were totally oblivious to the fact that they had an audience.
“Sweet heavens …” she whispered under her breath as she looked at the two. “Did … did she call her a … a teddy bear?”
“Please, shut up, Leo,” Nimiri hissed. “Let's just get out of here … alive”
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Tahlia's chest heaved as she drew huge gulps of air into her lungs, left short of breath after the toe-curling kiss. The black eyes were slightly unfocussed as they rested on her smirking wife.
“You seem to enjoy ruining my reputation?” The black eyes swirled like thick warm oil as she smiled back at her beautiful wife. “Did you have to call me ‘your teddy bear' in front of them?”
Soft laughter waved on the air towards her and Tahlia felt herself melt at the sound. As long as she was with this woman, it would not take long before her reputation was completely demolished. As a matter fact, she wasn't even sure if she cared.
“But you are my teddy bear or do you want me to find myself another one?”
Tahlia produced a mock scowl and pulled Jemima into her arms, her hands travelling downwards until it was clasped over her wife's shapely behind.
“You do realize that if you do, that you would put that person's life in great danger,” Tahlia purred as she squeezed the soft globes. She lifted Jemima slightly and ground her mound into the blonde's. She felt herself becoming wet when Jemima moaned sexily. “I want you. Let's go lock ourselves up for the rest of the night?”
Jemima playfully tapped Tahlia on the cheek and planted a soft kiss on her lips. “Sorry, baby, but I still have to meet with Leonara later.”
She saw the mirth leaving her wife's eyes as she slowly slid down her strong frame. She held on to Tahlia's hand as she searched the black eyes.
“Why did you not tell me about Leonara and the baby?”
Jemima could hear a twinge of hurt in Tahlia's voice and she quickly drew her into a warm embrace.
“I was going to tell you, but the fetus just went crazy when it sensed Leonara's presence tonight.” She rubbed her hand over the Tahlia's muscled abdomen. She smiled absently as she felt the muscles jumped under her touch.
“I almost killed her tonight, Jemima.”
The sorrow in the black eyes made Jemima's eyes tear up. Sometimes she just forgets how sensitive Tahlia really is. She brought the large hand to her lips. It would have broken Tahlia if she was responsible for shattering her daughter's destiny. It was obvious that Tahlia loved her daughter fiercely. Every few hours of the day, Tahlia would seek her out just so she could spend time with her and the baby, caressing and murmuring to her tummy.
“I know and I'm so sorry for putting you in such a situation. I promise not to hold anything back from you again.” She kissed the soft lips. “Are we okay?”
Tahlia nodded and Jemima smiled at the slight pout on her wife's lips. If only more people could see her like this, but then she loved being the only one who saw this side of her wife. She grinned wickedly and reached for the buttons on Tahlia's black trousers. The black eyes widened slightly.
“Here?”
“Take it or leave it, Vampire,” Jemima said with a naughty wink. She grinned when she saw the indecision in the black eyes. “Going once, going twice …”
She burst out laughing when Tahlia's hands quickly went to the buttons on her trousers, loosening them and pulling down the zipper. Jemima pushed the large hands away and shoved her hand into the opened fly of the formfitting trousers, passed the silk panties, and only stopped once she reached the slick folds of her wife's sex. She moaned at the wetness she found there. Her baby was always ready for her.