God awakened, p.16
God Awakened, page 16
The triad rules the shifter kingdom. Flanna is the alpha shifter for all her bears. Whereas Hakan is the alpha of all his dragon shifters. Aramis is alpha over all his wolf shifters, while also embracing any form of shifter.
Since the matter involves Rowan and the wolves. Aramis traveled to the tribe of the Gods for an official gathering. They placed a price on the renegade’s head, and Rowan is required to travel to the shifter kingdom.
There have been complications with his transition. Given the limited knowledge within Kieran’s village, Rowan’s progress of his healing surprised the healers who accompanied Aramis. There was cause for concern, however, he was still in the thick of it. Usually, once bitten, the conversion only takes a short time. Everyone agreed he will thrive better in the shifter kingdom.
It was clear there were some secrets the shifters weren’t willing to share with the Gods. They were, however, in a unanimous agreement it was illegal to bite and transform a magick against their will. Hence the price on the renegades’ head. As well as his sentence of death. After interrogation, of course.
After the brief history lesson. They agreed the fact they were True Guard members and Gods would be an asset to Rowan’s transportation.
Caden’s talent for invisibility would be useful with Rowan’s transportation. No one knew about Cormac’s plans to have them accompany his nephew from one kingdom to another. They were his hidden secret.
The old man informed them he had agreed to have help waiting at the alpha shifter’s court when Harlow was to arrive. They had spread the word she was worried about the health of her cellmate and wanted to help. Keeping it secret that Rowan was, in fact, her son.
Hell, most people believed she was the reincarnated Neera. Brought back for vengeance. Cormac said that was another story for another time. One perhaps Harlow could share herself someday. Right now, they were needed.
Her head was spinning. It wasn’t long after they had geared up and tidied the tiny cabin. Cormac instructed them to all take each other’s hands and for her to repeat after him.
All she wanted to do was go back into the cabin with Caden. She couldn’t get enough of him. They had only shared one night together as a bonded pair.
Knowing they had an eternity together wasn’t enough. Sitting on his lap while they had been discussing various things had been odd and wonderful. She wasn’t used to displays of affection. He would trace a finger along her neckline. Or twirl a piece of her hair with his fingers.
When he was so inclined, he brushed her hair aside, inhaling at her neck, placing soft kisses. His actions were driving her crazy. She was so turned on.
It didn’t seem to bother him. She did not know what she was to do. Was she to touch him back? Kiss him back? So she sat there frozen in insecurity. Only occasionally adding to the conversation. This wasn’t like her at all.
Caden made her feel. She felt beautiful, delicate, and sexy. He was finally hers after having had a crush on him for all those years. Now what was she to do?
Shaking her head, she dispelled her thoughts. She needed to focus and recite a spell. Closing eyes, she took a deep breath. Relying on her instincts. Voicing the words with Cormac. She could feel the energy flowing through them. Swirling faster, engulfing them and taking them away.
When a loud popping sound rang out, she wanted to cover her ears. Tugging on her hands had her glancing between Caden and Garth. Both of whom were shaking their heads. Right, she forgot if she let go, the spell would break.
When the second popping sound occurred, she cried out in pain. It hurt so much. She didn’t expect the landing. Falling to her knees, gasping in pain.
Loving arms quickly embraced her. Dulling the pain. Taking a few deep breaths and looking at Caden. She whispered.
“Thank you.”
He smiled as he stroked her cheek with the back of his finger.
“I’ve got you. My girl.”
Helping her to stand, he kept his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Looking up at him, she smiled. Telling him with her eyes how much he meant to her. His returning smile warmed her insides.
Everyone seemed to sense to shift in the air. A group was coming. It was time for them to get to work. Caden’s nephew was traveling with this group. He needed their protection.
Getting into position, they waited for Caden’s command to move. Deciding early on it would be best if they made use of their True Guard training while also implementing their new talents. It meant they could move like clockwork.
They didn’t expect any issues because they had scheduled Rowan’s move for a different time than what they had advertised. To be on the safe side, however, Cormac had promised the leaders he would see to it there was extra protection. He just hadn’t mentioned who the extra protection was.
They reached the alpha shifters’ court in no time. The only issue had been when Rowan had flailed about in pain. She and Garth had to hold Caden back from rushing to him. It took only a few moments to calm her Mate. Helping him to see it was safer if they stayed hidden.
She wasn’t sure why she knew, but there was more information Cormac had not shared with them. Was it perhaps her link with Caden? Why she knew? It was because of that link she now knew of Cormac’s tell. Possibly.
What was so important that he tell them at the right time? Was there ever a right time? Shaking her head, again dispelling her thoughts. She needed to focus on her responsibilities.
It hadn’t taken the healers long to calm Rowan and get the group on the move again. It was hard seeing the young man suffer. Only from what she could see, he wasn’t so young anymore. How was that possible? When they left, Rowan was a boy of about fifteen. This man they were escorting was at least twenty-five. There was more to that story, for sure.
After safely situating Rowan in his new quarters, they learned that the adjoining rooms would be theirs. Since they were still expecting an attack of some kind, the trio would stay the hidden secret.
They had been further surprised when Aramis himself was the one to lead them to their rooms. They would deliver anything they needed. Assuring them as he left, only he and two of his most trusted staff knew of them.
Leaving her wondering how he could make such a promise, he surprised her by looking at her and only tapping a finger at his temple. Shit, had she been projecting her thoughts? How else could he have known? She didn’t know she could do that.
Hearing his laughter as he walked down the hall gave her the answer. She really must get a handle on some of her new powers. Sometimes, though, there were simply too many of them. As soon as she felt she mastered one another would pop up in its place. Then there was the added pressure of not revealing what she was.
Not realizing how much she was stressing out, it surprised her when Caden engulfed her in his arms. He easily swallowed her startled cry with a hungry kiss. Instantly relaxing into his embrace. The man was magick.
When he pulled back, he studied her face.
“Why don’t lay down on the bed for a while?”
When she shook her head, he continued.
“We’ll take turns, ok, One resting while the other two keep watch.”
Reluctantly, she agreed. When he phrased it like that, he was her Mate but also her acting commander.
After he tucked her in, the quickness with which she fell asleep surprised her.
CHAPTER 26
He had his doubts this was a good idea. Ozel, however, swore it would work. The scrawny little man possessed a fair bit of magick just enough to be useful to him. Otherwise, he would have taken what he needed from him instead.
Blood magicks were not an area he was familiar with. They were the darker of the dark magicks. Not that he cared about dark vs. light. He would use either if it served his purpose. Well, to be more accurate, he would use those versed in various forms of light and dark magick. It was all about power.
To him, it was all the same thing, anyway. It was just a means for the elders to use to control those they wanted to keep under them. Light vs dark. The elders favored light. Declaring it the only acceptable form of magicks. He was no longer subjected to that rule.
He always makes his own rules. Power for the sake of power. He would ultimately have it all.
If only he could laugh in their faces and show them how right he was. But alas, he could not. They had all perished ages ago, while he was still among the living. Such as it was.
The search for a never-ending source of life. He was confident now he had found it. Way else was everybody else pursuing her as well. Sadly, she kept slipping through his fingers. Not for long, though.
Soon he would be in possession of something she desired greatly. He smiled, anticipating the look on her face. Rubbing his hands together in delight, he scanned the crowded room.
He was to look for an able and plump body. Preferably a female body. The bigger the better his tiny man had instructed. He could ply her with a drink mixed with Ozel’s potion. Then take what he needed.
It wasn’t long before an unknowing victim approached him. Her advances he welcomed. He wasn’t without his own skills. He could already feel the energy returning. Smiling when the server brought their drinks, he easily slipped the potion into hers. Watching in amazement, as she threw it all back. The magickal haze filled her vision.
Chuckling to himself, he needed to work fast. The drink was meant to be sipped and not guzzled. Hopefully, it wouldn’t cause any unwanted damage. For his sake, he didn’t want to get caught. The position was only to allow for a transfer of energy or power. From her to him.
As he was getting friendlier, with his prize, he was unaware he was being watched from the other side of the room. When she relaxed enough, he sank his teeth into the flesh of her neck. Piercing her skin, he drank her down. When he had his fill, he pulled back. Pressing a magicked compress to her wound, he quickly gave her the second potion straight. This one would fog her memory of him and their actions.
Wow! He couldn’t believe it. Ozel had been right. This blood magic was powerful. He could see and hear with so much clarity it almost hurt. This had been what he had been trying to achieve by obtaining that girl. The one that so resembled Neera. However, this one possessed within her tiny body ten times the power.
He had always relied on that form of magick because he was accustomed to it and knew it was effective. This though worked too. It was a bit messy for him. He wished they could streamline it a bit. That would be better. The results were amazing.
Having an alteration to the plan, he was about to leave when suddenly a gruff, stubby man plopped down across from him.
“Hi there.”
Closing his eyes, he curbed his gag reflex. The man’s breath stank. How could he keep himself in such a scrawler?
“I think you and I should talk.”
Opening his eyes. He did not agree, but what choice did he have? Remaining quiet, he waited for the man to continue.
While his victim slouched beside him, snoring, he pointed and said.
“I saw what you did there.”
Not caring for her welfare, he said.
“So.”
The man across from him smiled and leaned back in his seat.
“You’re a magick aren’t you?”
Now he was feeling the concern and annoyance. Still, he remained silent.
The man nodded.
“You are.”
He turned and scanned the room before looking back at him. As if checking for something.
“We could use a man like you.”
He raised his brows like an invitation. One he didn’t take.
“Alright, I get it. You’re a tough guy. But I think all these nomagick types deserve what they get. I mean, we are the more powerful ones. We should take what is rightfully ours. Right?”
Cautiously, he nodded. He agreed with this stranger’s views. Perhaps this stubby man might be of some use. Tilting his head, he studied the man. There was something different about him. Also, something familiar too. He couldn’t put his finger on it just yet. He would, though, he always did figure things out. It was simply a matter of time.
Watching as the man across from him rose, placing his hands on the table. He bent, leaning closer to say.
“If you’re interested in our cause, we’d be happy to have you.”
When he left, there was a piece of paper where his hand had been. Taking the paper, he read the scratched writing. An address of a farm just outside the city.
Perhaps more fortuitous luck had just dropped itself into his lap. Smiling, he couldn’t help but think this was interesting. Very interesting indeed.
CHAPTER 27
It had been tough sitting in the next room and hearing Rowan struggle through his change. So many things were going on in the poor man’s body. It was literally at war with itself. Which is why it was taking so long. At least that is what he thought. Additionally, since he was a bitten shifter, the phases of the moon would affect him more intensely.
Since the full moon was only days away. The poor man was in even more turmoil. All everyone wanted to do was help him. Unfortunately, from here on out, it was all up to him and his body.
There were a few times Garth had to hold him back by placing a hand on his shoulder to remind him to stay away. He didn’t enjoy hearing his nephew’s moaning and groaning. His instinct was to help him in his unconscious state.
He also knew that they were doing exactly that. They were the hidden secret help. Ready and waiting to pounce, when the time arrived. Thankfully, that time would be soon. Loud footsteps were coming from down the hall.
Whipping his head to look at Garth. They shared a silent conversation of understanding. With Honor still asleep, they didn’t want to risk waking her just yet. If someone woke her before she was ready, she would not be quiet.
Prepping themselves as quietly as they could. They continued to listen to the happenings on the other side of the wall.
There was scuffling and thumping, quickly followed by complaining.
“Why is there so much crap in here?”
What crap he wondered? There was only Rowan and the bed he was lying on in that room. What crap is he talking about?
Hearing a hollow slap against flesh.
“You think they would just offer him up to us? Then you’re daft. Of course, he’s protected by magick.”
Ah, now he understood what they meant. Their grouching at each other continued. Back and forth. What he couldn’t hear were the continued noises Rowan had been making. Did that mean Rowan was aware of what was going on?
When Garth moved to intercept them, he held up his hand to halt them. Shaking his head, he then tugged on his ear, showing he wanted to listen some more. He was hoping they would reveal information.
Like who they were working for. What their name was. Why do they want Harlow and now Rowan? There were too many unanswered questions.
Hearing a few huffs and puffs, followed by groaning.
“Can’t you control him?”
Came a snarl and an accompanying growl.
“No. That mutt is an alpha.”
Hearing more struggling, he had to bite his cheek to hold himself back. The time wasn’t right to interfere.
Hearing someone shout.
“STOP.”
He looked at Garth with growing eyes. It was Harlow’s voice. He never should have doubted that she wouldn’t rush in and defend her son. Focusing back on the other room, they listened.
“This mutt is mineeee.”
Hearing a feminine growl, he knew it came from his twin. Wanting to offer her some comfort and reassurance. He projected to her.
“Stay calm sister dear.”
Closing his eyes, he could feel their unique connection. She had heard him. He was realizing their connection was always there, yes. But it was her gift for their internal conversations. Therefore, she had to open to it.
Hearing Garth’s whispered question.
“Are you talking with her?”
Before he could reply, however, Honor whispered.
“Yes. He is. So shh, and listen to next door.”
This was good. He knew he could trust them to look out for Rowan while he stayed focused on Harlow.
Suddenly, a whiny voice stated.
“Well, this has worked better than I had hoped it would.”
Now the winy voice was boasting.
“Two for the price of one.”
His twin fear quickly overwhelmed him, when he felt Honor lay her hand on his back.
He instantly calmed. Turning to look at her. He smiled, mouthing a ‘thank you.’ Needing more time, he encouraged his sister.
“Stall Harlow. Help is on the way. Get him talking.”
They had made it clear that more help was following his sister and her traveling companions. In case anyone intended her harm, they would know she had protection. While also encouraging those who meant her harm to come crawling out of the woodwork. It would seem their plan was working thus far.
It was the fact, however, that their timing sucked and needed work. So hopefully his dear sister could wrangle some much-needed information out of her slimy opponents.
He heard her question.
“What is this, better than you thought?”
Uh oh. He could hear the snakiness in her voice. This version of his sister no one wanted to be on the other side of. She was much smarter and more creative than people gave her credit for. She was prepared to eviscerate you using this voice.
“Do you not hear? Or are you addled in the head?”
Biting his lip, he almost felt sorry for her opponents. Looking between Garth and Honor, who also looked like they were about to burst out laughing. This guy didn’t know what he had coming.
“Isn’t obvious. We already got the guard dog, and now we have you as well.”
So that’s what they wanted Rowan for. Was he bitten because of that?
Feeling a rush of anger from his twin. Followed by her sneer.
“Oh, really. Is that so?”
He needed to calm her down. This tended to happen around her when she was angry. Right now, she had every right to be. Her son as well as herself were being threatened.
