Chapter 44

Leaning back against the tree, Remi sipped the water Emery had given her. Where he got it from, she had no idea. As soon as it was over, her legs felt like jello, so she found the nearest tree willing to hold her upright.

Emery squatted down beside her. “That was something else,” he grinned, “when you paralyzed six of them at once.”

She still wasn’t sure how she had done that. “What about you herc-u-vamp? Tossing off elders six times your age.” She smiled. “Pretty impressive.”

He shrugged. “I’m told that’s your fault,” he snorted, “or your blood’s.”

Emery still avoided her eyes whenever that was brought up.

“Hey, if it gives you an advantage and you stay in one piece, I’d say it’s a win.” She leaned her head back against the tree, “Speaking of…how is everyone doing?”

Em glanced over his shoulder, “Mostly everyone just looks wrinkled and tired. A few minor scrapes and bumps, but fine otherwise.”

“Good.” She patted his shoulder, “Go lend a hand loading them up. I’ll be right here.”

Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead. “I’m on it.” He stood up.

“Hey.” He looked back down at her. “Don’t forget to call Corey and tell her she can come home.”

He chuckled. “She’s already on the road.” Pausing, he glanced around before looking at her again. “How taboo is it to turn a normal to be your mate?”

Remi’s heart bounced against her ribs. “I…”

Emery cracked a grin. “Just kidding.”

Glaring at him, she pointed toward Kyran. “Go help.” She could hear him laughing still halfway across the field.

Warmth filled her just as Darien came out from behind the tree that was stopping her from lying flat on the damp grass. He sat down facing her, his hip against hers. “How are you holding up?”

“By bark right now,” she said with a smirk to see his eyes light up as she did. “I’m beat.” Reaching up, she brushed the hair back from his eyes. “You, however, don’t look tired at all.”

He tilted his head. “There wasn’t much for me to do, other than run around like an excited puppy occasionally sounding fierce.”

Remi choked on a laugh, “Yeah, that’s it.” She took a sip of water. “I guess I have you to thank for that sudden boost of energy at the end.”

“I had it to spare. You were busy kicking ass.” He grinned, his eyes almost back to the chocolate shade she loved.

“Well, metaphysically, anyway.” She motioned to Emery. “Did you catch my boy in action?”

Darien looked over at him, “I did. I guess he got some of Mom’s power.”

“Does that mean you might too? You bit me.”

He laughed, “I don’t think it works that way.”

“I know.” She studied his profile as he watched the others walking those in cuffs to stand together. The nerve in his jaw ticked visibly. “What aren’t you telling me, Dare?”

Turning his head slowly, he met her eyes again. “I was just talking to Brome and Randell before I came to check on you.”

“And?” She quickly glanced at where they stood, hovering near the lineup of the losing team.

“According to some of the lesser members Margo was at the root of this plot.” His eyes searched her face.

Remi frowned. “Why?”

Reaching, he pushed the hair back from her face with a gentle touch. “She had an idea that the power was passed to the holder of the deed for Serenity.”

“So, she thought if Doyle gave it to her, she’d become more?”

He nodded.

“That’s ridiculous,” she stuttered for words, “we-I…didn’t even know a thing about this Keeper bit until lately…”

“Apparently, she overheard a conversation before you came along. She knew that the sign Doyle put up—the one you saw, was looking for someone to be the Keeper at Serenity.”

Remi leaned forward and looked over at Margo and then back to him. “She thought the power was in the building, not a body?”

“Something like that.”

Realizing her mouth was hanging open, she closed it and sat there for a moment. Innocent people had been killed for nothing. “None of the followers knew, not even that mage—Gris?”

Darien frowned when she used his name.

She waved a hand around, “He’s Brome’s cousin.”

“Okay.” Sighing, he got up. “None of the followers knew, and if Gris did, he kept it to himself.” He held his hand out for her.

Taking his hand, she let him pull her to her feet. Her head was a bit light, but at least her legs cooperated and kept her upright. “They killed innocent…”

“I know.” He wrapped an arm around her and started walking.

Leaning into the warmth of his body, she looked over at the lineup. “What will happen to all of them?”

“The normals will be prosecuted by Kyran and Randell’s system. The paras have to face the council’s justice.” He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t know what that is, and I don’t want to.”

A shudder went through her. “Me either.” As they walked, she searched for each one of her staff and family that had come with them. As far as she could see, none of them were seriously injured. Emery’s description covered it. They were wrinkled and tired. A few had some scrapes and dirt on them, but everyone was on their feet and looking happy. Remi was proud of each one of them. Finn and Iris were doing some sort of victory dance. Remi laughed, “There’s going to be a celebration at Serenity tonight.”

“It can’t be avoided.” Stopping, he pulled her in for a hug. “My heart is almost bursting with pride right now.”

It was one of the most emotional statements she’d ever heard from Darien. Hugging him, she leaned her cheek against his heart. “Mine too.”

He stiffened slightly, and then his arms loosened. Turning, she saw that Leontes and Alaric were coming toward them. Darien didn’t step away, just pulled her into his side. She could feel his emotions, and they felt like jealousy to her.

“Relax, wolfman. They are so not my type.”

Darien kissed the top of her head. “I know.” He grinned down at her, a heated look in his eyes.

Leontes bowed his head when they stopped in front of them. “A successful evening.”

Remi shrugged. “Sure.”

Alaric smiled down at her, “You did well tonight for no training.”

“I didn’t really have time for the full program.”

He laughed, “No, you did not.”

“We’re going to go secure the prisoners and then we were going to come back to Serenity, if that’s agreeable.” Leontes gave her a hopeful look.

“Absolutely.” Remi looked over to see Brome and Vie laughing. “I don’t think anyone would mind.”

“Hey, pretty boy!” Iris bellowed as she came toward them.

Alaric spun around and glared at her.

Iris jogged over and didn’t stop until she was almost standing on his feet. “Nice tricks tonight.” She grinned, “But I still pulled off a nice ten, so you owe me that drink.”

“I recall you picking yourself up off the ground a few times…”

“Diversion tactic that worked.” Iris shrugged and gave him a look, daring him to call it anything else.

Alaric made a hissing noise. “Fine. I owe you a drink.”

“And?” She rocked back and forth on his toes.

The tall fey grinned, “And we’ll discuss the rest.”

“Deal.” With a smile, she made a dramatic bow in Remi’s direction. “Keeper, wolfman, I’m heading back to Serenity with Ranae and Dee.”

“We’ll see you there,” Remi said, trying not to smile at her theatrics.

Alaric watched her walk away and then cleared his throat when he glanced at Leontes’ questioning look. “We should get moving too.”

Leontes motioned for him to lead the way. “We’ll see you shortly.”

Darien stood there with her and silently watched them leave.

“That was…”

“Yeah,” he finished for her and pulled her sideways so they could go to the other side of the field where they had parked the cars. “Let’s go home, mate.”

“I’m not too thrilled with being called in if needed by the council…”

“You are the Keeper.” Darien pushed her gently so she had to walk backwards into the bedroom.

“I know, but I don’t like being at their beck and call.” He gripped her hips and guided her down the small hall and around the corner against the wall.

“It’s more like they’re at your bidding.” He dipped his head down and kissed the side of her neck.

“I’m sensing you don’t want to talk about this right now.”

His mouth moved sensually up her throat and across her jaw. “Are you picking that up through our mate connection?”

Remi grinned and nipped his bottom lip, “No. It’s a by this…” She rocked her hips into him. His arousal was more than obvious.

“You’re so observant,” he licked her lip, “can we talk about this later?” Grasping her hips, he boosted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Resting her shoulders back against the wall, he pushed her shirt up and leaned down to kiss the exposed skin. “Our in-house vampires are kicking everyone out in an hour.” His lips traveled up over her ribs, “Betany is going to make sure they all get home safely,” lifting his head he kissed her softly on the lips, “The threat is gone…” His mouth crushed her in a long breath-taking kiss.

Through the link between them, she could feel his desire; mixed with her own; she was on fire on the inside. He lifted his head and looked at her, “So you’re saying I’m all yours for the night.”

“I’m saying your all mine for the night.” He kissed her again. “Every night…”

“Whoa—that’s—sorry.”

Remi pulled her shirt down and looked over Darien’s shoulder to see Emery standing there looking flustered.

A soft growl of frustration came from Darien as he lowered her to the floor.

“So much for vampire grace,” Cait called from the hallway.

Emery scowled and looked down the hall, “You knew what I was walking in on, didn’t you?”

Remi heard Cait laugh, “I was just going to close their door when you ran through it.”

Emery blew out a frustrated breath and then grinned at Darien. “So, does this mean I have to start calling you Dad?”

Darien growled. “Why are you walking in?”

“Oh, right.” Emery smiled. “Corey just got here.” He looked at the floor and then avoided Darien and looked at her. “She’s going to stay downstairs with me tonight—ah,” he looked around the room, “can you see her off in the morning, Rem?”

The tension in Darien’s shoulders eased slightly.

“Sure, Em.” Remy straightened her shirt. “Be careful—okay?”

Nodding, Emery gave her a serious look. “I will.” He spun back toward the door. “Night, Mom—Dad.” Then he was gone.

Sighing, Darien rested his forehead on hers. “He tries to get on my nerves, doesn’t he?”

Remy wrapped her arms around his neck. “Maybe, but you’re a good dad.”

He smirked, “If you say so.” He ran his hands up the back of her shirt and pulled her against him.

“I want a little one of our own.”

He lifted his head and looked at her. “You want a little vampire of our own?”

Shaking her head, Remi grinned. “No. I want a little baby of our own.”

“Ah—” he swallowed, “not yet, right? I mean, someday—yeah, but I’d like to have you to myself for a little while at least…”

Reaching up, she put her hand over his mouth. “I didn’t mean right now.” She rolled her eyes, “I still don’t know if we should try for a Keeper-werewolf crossbreed, but someday, probably.”

“You’d be great with a little one,” he smirked, “look at how you herd the lot downstairs.”

“I don’t…” she bit her lip, “Okay, maybe a bit.”

Darien laughed and swung her up into his arms. “No more words tonight.” He dropped her gently onto the bed and then crawled toward her. “No battles, no worries, no interruptions…”

“Very demanding, aren’t you?”

“I’ve been more patient than a thousand saints…” He hovered over her on his hands and knees.

“That many, huh?” Remi was trying not to laugh at the serious look on his face.

“I broke every rule regarding mates.” He undid her jeans and began working them down her legs. “Seven years, Remi, seven years I kept my hands to myself and beat back every basic instinct I had…”

“Darien?” He stopped and looked up at her. “No more words tonight.”

Grinning, he crawled back up and leaned down. “No more words.” Lowering his head, he kissed her.

The End.