Chapter 17

Leone knocked on the door. “Beth. When you said you didn’t want to be alone, you know, I thought we’d be in there together.”

I grinned at the closed bathroom door. “I know I’m sorry. I just—I had a bashful moment.”

“Did you use lots of the bubble bath Mitz brought?”

I looked at the bubbles piled up higher than the tub and poked them. “You could say that.”

“Then cover up with those.” He paused. “Please don’t make me beg to be in the same room as my mate. It’s very emasculating. Superman shouldn’t have to beg.

I laughed. “What would your brothers say if they heard you right now?”

The door handle jiggled then there was a crack, and he was standing in the doorway.

He held up the broken handle. “Now look what you made me do. Mitz is going to string me up.” He stopped talking and looked at the mound of bubbles in the large tub. “Did you use the whole bottle?”

I lifted bubble covered hands. “It’s a big tub. I didn’t know if a cap full would be enough.”

Laughing he walked toward me. Stopping he looked at his hand and dropped the broken handle. Coming over he sat on the edge of the tub. He grinned. “I’d need scuba gear to even find a trace of you in these bubbles.”

I tried to distract him from my miscalculation. “You said you’d be right back; did you go to feed?” I don’t know why I asked him that. Between the bubbles and the awkwardness of having a conversation while naked in the tub, made me blurt out the first thing.

“No. I grabbed a bite when I was helping in the cells.”

“Eww. I hope you brushed your fangs afterward.”

He laughed. “I took your chain to be repaired.”

“Oh.”

“How’s your head?”

I touched a bubble coated hand to it. “It still hurts.”

Dropping to his knees, he moved behind me and touched my head. “You know, I have this pretty amazing blood that would take care of this.”

“Yeah, I heard that somewhere.” I grinned. I hadn’t realized he could be fun. It was something I needed in my life, and hadn’t had much of up to this point.

Brushing my hair away from my neck, he leaned down and kissed it. “I’m still a little hungry—I did use a lot of energy today.”

“Really?”

“Mmm.” He kissed my neck again and then stopped. “You’re not going to toss energy at me, are you? You battered the hell out of the one guy at the apartment.” He leaned on the edge of the tub. “Can you do it when your hands are wet?”

I lifted them out of the water and looked at them. “I’ve never tried. It’s energy though, not actual fire.” Turning them away from us, I focused, and the arc appeared. “Guess it works.” Sending a small burst at the mound of bubbles it sent them floating in the air.

“Mitz is going to make me clean this up.” He moaned.

I laughed, then did it again with more force and the bubbles clung to the wall, sliding down it slowly.

“Hey. That’s enough.” He got up and gave me a wide-eyed look.

Grinning I did it again on an angle and sent it toward him. It flew up hard enough that water and bubbles soaked the front of him.

His jaw dropped. “That’s it.” He stepped into the tub, clothes and all.

“Leone. You’re crazy.”

He knelt in the tub in front of me and pulled his shirt over his head. “I’m done being patient.” He said as he grasped my waist and pulled me into his lap. “Keeping my distance has been slowly killing me.” He kissed my mouth, then trailed his lips down my throat.

I clung to his shoulder, moving my head to the side, giving him access to my neck.

Lifting his head, his red eyes searched mine.

I grasped the back of his head and pushed it toward my throat. “If you need to feed. You feed from me.”

With a soft growl, he leaned down and sank his fangs into my neck.

~

Leone kissed me as I sat at the table. “I better go talk to Mitz before she finds the mess on her own.” He whispered.

Alona turned to look at me after he walked out. “Mess?”

I felt my cheeks heat. “Bubbles.” I said quietly. “I used a bottle, and the more we try to wash it down the drain the more bubbles it creates.” I started laughing picturing Leone swearing he’d fought killers easy to take down than those bubbles.

Covering her mouth, she chuckled. “I guess the roses worked.”

We both started laughing.

Chase and Leone came out of the kitchen. Chase frowned and leaned closer to his brother. “Were they into the wine again?”

Leone shook his head, “not unless it was in the last minute.”

Alona waved her hand at him. “It wasn’t wine this time.” She glanced to me. “It was bubbly.”

Leone gave me a shocked look.

I started laughing again.

Chase motioned between his mate and me, “These two are going to be trouble together, brother.” He smirked. “I love it.”

Troy and Daxx came in, she came around to our side of the table. “Are you two okay?” She gave us a funny look as we tried to settle down.

I nodded. “Yes. Are you?”

She scowled across the table at her mate. “He won’t let me go to the cells.”

Leone sat down. “Rest assured Daxx, Beth battered one for you. Bounced him up and down like a ball.” He held my hand gently. “If I hadn’t stopped her, I don’t think he’d be alive to pay for his crimes.”

Daxx crossed her arms and gave me a quick nod. “Good.”

“We had to stich up the other one’s head. Seems Alona’s boots are a weapon all on their own.” Arius said as he came out of the kitchen.

“He broke my necklace.” Alona said picking up her cup.

Victor walked in, with Crissy in his arms. Kissing her mouth softly, he set her on her chair. Then turned to give Alona and I look of appraisal. Assuring himself we were all right, he sat down.

Mitz came in carrying a tray. She glanced at Troy. “I’m going to need a bigger maintenance budget at the rate things are progressing.”

Troy took the tray and set it on the table. “Has something happened?”

Shaking her head, she checked the coffee urn. “Nothing of consequence. Doors broken, water damage…”

Leone and I looked at each other, smirks on our faces.

“Bookshelves crumbling like a deck of cards…” Mitz shook her head.

Victor cleared his throat and Crissy giggled.

Picking up the sugar bowl, Mitz turned. “I don’t even know how a solid wood dresser can break,” She waved her hand. “Never mind a desk.” She went into the kitchen.

Daxx coughed and quickly went around and sat down.

Chase gave Alona a heated look.

“Well that was too much information.” Arius said quietly.

“What is?” Michael came in with Rafael.

Arius waved his hand to the end we sat at. “The damage these mated couples are doing to their furnishings.”

Rafael stopped and looked at the four couples. “Way too much information.”

Quinton came in shaking his head. “Ellis is like a caged animal right now. He hasn’t heard back from Emil in a few days.” He sat down. “We need to tell him what his father and brother are up to.”

“I was waiting for the rest of you to get here before speaking,” Victor pulled out his phone and tapped the screen a few times. “Kinsley has managed to get a few photos of her surroundings to me.” He handed the phone to Chase.

Chase flipped through them, his expression bleak.

Alona glanced over his shoulder and shook her head. “That island needs to become our priority I believe.”

Leone looked at them and then offered me the phone, I shook my head. I was still trying to process the fact that those men earlier had known me.

He handed it to Arius.

Arius focused on the screen. “There are so many women there.” He looked up to Troy as he handed it to Rafael. “We need to focus on finding those they haven’t found as well.”

Troy nodded.

Daxx glanced to Victor. “How is this Kinsley getting photos and information in and out? I doubt she’s just wandering around snapping pictures.”

“Kinsley,” Michael said quietly, “is quite resourceful and…”

“Distracting.” Rafael finished for him. “You’d never suspect her being trained as a guard, and even if you did she could divert that thought with little problem.” He handed the phone across the table to Quinton.

Daxx gave Rafael and hard look. “Figures you’d know her.”

Rafael held up his hands. “It’s not what you think. I help train the guards, that’s how I know her. I didn’t even know that’s who they were talking about sending in until recently.”

Quinton grunted and handed the phone to Michael.

Tapping the screen, Michael sighed, “we need to process these and start taking stock of what we’re looking at once we get in there.”

“It’s not going to be an easy task, brother.” Victor said crossing his arms over his chest. “Her reports have been quite detailed. There is only one area that isn’t heavily warded and to get to it would involve dropping in from above or climbing a treacherous cliff. The only way off unnoticed is to jump into the water below.”

Michael handed the phone to Daxx, she took it and gave it to Troy.

“I’m pissed off enough today, I don’t need more anger I can’t vent.”

Troy looked at them, his brow furrowed. “I’m inclined to agree with all suggestions. If we are able to get any viable information from the new group in the cells, about the other sites, we’ll act on them. But, finding women they haven’t, and figuring out a way onto this island must take priority.” He handed the phone to Crissy.

She took it and looked at the pictures then stood on the chair. “Victor. It’s Emil’s daughter.” She held the phone in front of his face. “See the hair so light it almost looks white?” She nodded.

“Shit.” Chase stood up. “I’ll call him.” He went out into the kitchen with his phone already to his ear.

Victor took the phone and held Crissy’s hand as she sat down. He looked at Quinton. “You had better go get Ellis. Emil will be back shortly, and we’ll have to bring them in on this.”

Quinton nodded and stood up.

“We’ll meet at my office.” Victor called after him.

Chase came back in and sat down. “Emil is getting in touch with Abraham, then they’ll meet here.”

“I still don’t know what the frozen clocks mean.” Crissy said quietly playing with a red rubber ball in her hand.

Arius coughed. Setting his glass down, he looked at her. “You’re seeing clocks?”

She nodded, “and water and herbs—but the clock is the most fascinating.” She turned to Victor then pointed to the kitchen. “I’ll be in there.” She stood up and jumped down from her chair. “I need to sort.”

He gave her and understanding look and nodded abruptly. He watched until she was out of the room and looked back to us. “Before Emil descends upon us as a protective father—” He leaned on the table. “The substance on the dart was,” he waved his hand, “expired. So the labs feel it has a short time frame to be traceable.” He motioned to Daxx, “hers was too diluted almost immediately to be followed and there are no traces on the backpack.”

“So essentially, they had a great idea but botched it up?” Leone asked.

Victor looked from Daxx back to him. “More or less. Had they gotten the property’s strength correct, it could have been an entirely different situation.”

Troy looked at Daxx.

She sighed. “I know what that look means. I’m going to have a guard strapped to my ass indefinitely. Again.” She nodded to Alona.

Alona sighed. “I suppose I’ll need more puzzles.”

I gave Leone a curious look.

His dark eyes searched mine for a moment. “You will also have a guard when I’m not with you.” He motioned to Alona, “especially if you’re going to be helping the girls search for women before these maniacs find them.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it and looked at Daxx then Alona. They watched me waiting. “Of course, I’m helping. I’ve been among these creeps. No woman should be near them.”

Leone sighed. “I was afraid you’d say that.” He turned to Chase. “Any more pirates to spare?”

Chase laughed. “I’m not going to have a single personal guard left. Who will protect me?”

Troy laughed. “Since when do you need a guard to protect you?”

“I don’t.” Chase shrugged, “but that’s beside the point.” He nodded to Leone, “I’ll see who would be appropriate.” He glanced to me. “Just don’t let her break him.” He took Alona’s hand. “On that note, my queen and I need to go rest, or no one will be on watch later.” Motioning to the clock on the wall, “do you see the time? It’s almost dawn and I haven’t closed my eyes once.”

Alona stood up. “Is that why I feel like I’m drooping?”

After they walked out, Troy looked around. “We have three so far in the cells that have information in their heads that may be quite valuable.” His hazel eyes paused on me. “Bethany, can you see when you’re inside their head or just in the moment?’

I sat back and sighed. “It’s more in the moment. I can’t dig around in memories or anything. Basically, I talk inside their head and feel what they’re thinking and feeling.”

Leone snorted. “I can vouch for that.” he gave me soft look, “the constant voice inside your head part.” He toasted me with his glass.

I clasped my hands in my lap. “You didn’t mind earlier.” I said in a whisper.

Coughing, he set the glass down and gave me ‘I can’t believe you said that’ look.

I shrugged.

“Ignoring that.” Daxx turned to her mate. “What kind of valuable information?”

Troy rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t have anything definite yet. There’s a lot of minds to comb through down there right now. Places, mostly. Some of them so out of place that they make me think they aren’t just hideouts for small factions.”

“We need to cut the head off the snake.” Rafael motioned around him. “If we can find Hubert or one of his generals,” he rolled his eyes, “then we can slow this down.”

Michael leaned forward. “When we find Willis Hubert. He is mine.” His voice dropped, “I owe him.” He touched his scarred cheek.

I looked at Leone, he shook his head quickly, so I wouldn’t ask.

“We’d never deny you retribution, brother.” Victor told him in a hushed voice.

A chill went down my spine with the sudden mood change. “So, so these out of place locations.” I looked from Victor to Troy. “You think they might be hiding there? The leaders?”

He gave me a half nod, half shrug. “That’s what I’m hoping.”

Victor glanced to his phone. “I have to go. Quinton is having a hard time wrangling Ellis.” He stood up. “Keep me informed about any information you feel is relevant. I am past ready to end this uprising.” He glanced into the kitchen for a moment and then turned and left through the other door.

Michael stood up. “I’m going to go lend a hand there. Brothers wanting vengeance is something I’m good at.” He shrugged. “The father part is new, and I suspect going to be harder to manage.” He turned to the door.

“Just don’t let Emil try to go to the island.” Troy said quickly.

“I will try, brother.” Michael said walking out.

Crissy came running out of the kitchen. “We have to go. Now. Now.” She ran down the length of the table and spun. “She’s in trouble. So much water.” She ran out the door.

The men were up chasing after her.

When I reached the door, Rafael had caught up to her and was walking back toward us. “She saw a woman drowning…”

“Shit.” Troy leaned down; his face close to hers. “Is she from the island?”

Crissy shifted back and forth on her feet. “I think so. There’s so much water, she’s going to be cold.”

My heart was beating so fast in my chest, I thought I might pass out. Leone grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

Arius turned and started running down the hall, “I’ve ported to all those islands. I’ll go start looking.” He called over his shoulder. “Raf, find a boat to borrow. Call when you have one.”

“On it.” Rafael vanished.

Troy motioned down the hall. “Leone, go fill Victor in. We may need more backup and he’s ported to that whole area.”

Leone gave my hand a quick squeeze. “Beth, go with Daxx and get Clairee, see if she can tap into anything.”

I nodded, not knowing what else to do.

Troy kissed Daxx quickly. “Crissy and I will go meet Rafael with the boat.”

Daxx nodded quickly. “Just find her, Troy.”

“That’s the plan.” He took off in the other direction, Crissy right on his heels.

Daxx looked at me. “Welcome to Alterealm.” She went back into the dining room.

I bit my lip and looked in the direction Leone had gone. So much in my head right now, it was frightening. I could only hope this woman survived and it wasn’t too late.