Chapter 16

I found my way to the dining room, without pausing once to second-guess my direction. At least something was improving.

Victor, Crissy, Daxx and Troy were the only ones there. I looked around. “I beat the rush?”

Daxx nodded. “A few went to lend a hand in the cells first.”

I sat down at the end of the table. “I knew there had to be an important reason to delay eating.”

Victor smirked as he took a bite.

“I suppose the amount of energy you guys use fighting balances out the amount you eat.”

“What about you?” Troy piled more food on his plate. “No issues using that amount of magic?”

I shook my head. “Not as long as I concentrate on what I’m doing—in the right way. I’m so thankful that Clairee helped me to figure that out.”

He nodded. “I’m thankful too, it enabled you to protect my mate when she was unconscious.”

Daxx sneered. “You better tell me if you see any of them shooting me in the ass when you’re poking around in heads.”

“Rest assured, I will. Although Arius might object if you beat the hell out of his prisoners.”

Arius came in the kitchen entrance. “I’m open to the odd beating if it is warranted.” He grinned at Daxx. “In this case, it is very warranted.” Arius wandered down the table putting food on a plate.

When he finished he walked down and sat in the empty chair to my left. He didn’t offer comment, just started eating.

“What’s the head count?” Chase and Alona walked in holding hands. He paused seeing where Arius was sitting, raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment. As he walked by his twin, he leaned down and inhaled noticeably. “Much better. Seems quite similar to what your mate wears—but overall an improvement.”

Daxx smirked, then blushed when Troy gave her a smug look.

Michael came in, paused in step and looked at Arius. “Bastard, you pilfered my idea.”

Arius grinned. “Not at all, brother.” He waved his fork back and forth. “Great minds and all that.”

Michael grabbed a plate and quickly put some food on it. He hurried down the other side of the table and sat in the empty chair to my right.

Daxx cocked her head and looked at me, basically asking what that was about. I gave her my best ‘no clue’ look.

Rafael and Quinton walked in, they paused and scowled at the two brothers sitting near me.

“Brother king, have we been left out of some plan?” Chase asked his twin.

Troy watched them go sit beside the two nearest me. “I think we have been.”

“Should we prepare for battle?” Victor looked from one to the other, “for when her mate arrives?”

“Whose mate?” Leone asked coming in from the kitchen. He frowned at his siblings and set a glass of juice on the table at his seat. Pausing he looked at me, amusement on his face. “They think if they sit close to you, you can’t hit them with as much energy.”

Rafael nodded. “I’m serious, Michael and I were heading to the tunnel after the girls said they were coming our way—I kid you not two guys flew out of it like they were on pulleys.”

Michael nodded and looked at Arius. “You saw what she did to that guy after Raf.”

Grinning at me, he pointed a finger my way. “I’m on your team for everything—always.”

I looked to Daxx, she was smiling and shaking her head.

Crissy giggled.

Turning, I saw Leone shrug. “There’s just one problem with you sitting there, brothers.”

“What’s that?” Quinton asked then took a bite.

Leone started walking slowly in my direction. When he reached the end, he pulled out my chair. Leaning down he scooped me up into his arms and walked back to his seat. He put me in the chair beside his. Kissing the top of my head, he slid the juice over. “Here’s your drink.”

He sat down and leaned forward to look at his brothers, making a show of looking to me then back to them again. “That’s a good distance, build up some momentum.”

The brothers at the end of the table paused, then in unison got up and rushed back to their normal seats.

Troy toasted Leone. “Taught him well, we did, brother king.”

Chase grinned. “Indeed, we did.”

Mitz came rushing out, carrying a tray filled with fruit. She set it near my plate. “Let me know if you have other preferences, love.”

“Thank you. This is wonderful.”

She went from smiling to her eyes wide. Covering her mouth, she heaved out a breath. “Oh no.”

All the men froze.

“Mitz?” Victor was standing.

She waved him off. “I just realized crimson isn’t going to work. It won’t be complimentary to Bethany’s hair at all.” She pulled a phone out of her apron. “Oh my. I have to stop the seamstresses immediately.” She rushed out of the room.

All the males turned to give Daxx a cautious look.

She waved her fork around. “I was shot in the ass today. In. The. Ass. Don’t even think of the words ball, dance, or gown right now.”

All at once the men put their heads down.

I turned to Leone.

He was smirking, he gave a quick shake of his head. “I’ll explain later.”

I looked at Alona, she had her hand over her mouth, she was laughing quietly or crying—it may have been a bit of both.

“So,” Daxx game everyone a look, daring them to say the forbidden words, “did we get anyone of importance today?

Arius took a drink, then gave her a skeptical look. “Too soon to tell. Scanning and sorting that many while they were dancing around made it mayhem.”

“What was the final count?” Victor asked looking very serious. “I lost track. I may have actually dropped the ball a few times.”

Daxx scowled at him.

“Please brothers, have mercy on me. I have to sleep beside her and where would we be with only one king?” Troy tried to look stern, but failed when his mouth quirked.

Michael sighed looking disappointed. “Last count was fifty-seven, but we may have counted a few twice.”

Arius nodded. “I’ll know more after they’re properly processed.”

“I’m never leaving without my zapper again.” Daxx mumbled.

“Yes, another transporter would have been prudent.” Victor agreed.

“It’s not…” everyone paused and looked at me. “It may not be my place, but wouldn’t it be easier if a few more had them?”

Alona looked animated, “Can…”

“Not a chance, woman. I’ve seen you at a shoe sale. Arius would have cells filled with angry shopaholics.” Chase patted her hand.

I smirked then looked back to Victor. “It is war.” I believed that completely after what I’d witnessed today. “Wouldn’t it make sense that those who uphold the law,” I motioned to Michael and then to Leone, “had one?”

Michael and Leone both turned to look at Victor.

He studied me for a moment with those cold, pale green eyes. I thought for sure he was about to shoot down that idea. Cocking his head to the side, he glanced to Troy and then Chase.

Troy lifted his hand and briefly glanced at his twin. “Those matters are yours to decide as justice.”

Chase nodded. “I agree. We’re left with far more important matters like herds of cattle.”

Troy rolled his eyes. “I read those. We need to delegate someone to sort through the time consuming…”

“Redundancy that lands on our desks.” Chase finished for him.

Troy nodded.

They both stopped and turned to look back to Victor.

He moved his head slowly, his expression thoughtful. “It is a viable solution with strong reasoning. I’ll speak with our scientists about constructing two more devices.”

Leone grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

Michael smiled, and toasted me.

I was still trying to process what Victor had said. Glancing to Crissy, she gave me thumbs up.

Arius sighed and pulled out his phone. He glanced at it then looked at Michael. “I’m needed at the cells. I could use a hand.

Grabbing a sandwich, Michael nodded and got up.

“May need you as well, Leone.” Arius stood up.

Leone squeezed me hand again. “I’ll be right there.”

Chase kissed Alona. “I’m going to see what we caught today.”

Smiling, she gave him a slight nod. “I’m heading to the apartment to see whether the carpet is salvageable or not.”

He stood up. “Stay in the apartment.”

She laughed. “No worries there, I’ve had my adventure for the day.”

“Let me know when you’re back, we could still get a few hours’ sleep before our shift.” He walked out the kitchen door.

Troy glanced to Daxx.

She flicked her hand toward him. “Go see the new heads you get to play in. I’m going to lay down for a bit. I feel awful after that tranquilizer.”

He kissed her on the forehead. “Call if you need anything.”

Crissy looked at Victor. “I’m going over with Alona to get my lists, then I’ll be in my tower.”

“Very well, my heart. I’ll go make arrangements for the two new devices.”

Leone watching his siblings leaving, then sat looking at me.

I realized he was waiting to see what my plans were. This couples thing was going to some time getting used to. “I think I’ll go help Alona. I still have some of my stuff there to go through.”

Leaning over he kissed me. “I’ll let you know when I’m done. Maybe we could watch a movie.” He smirked. “I bought some new ones.”

I gave him a surprised look. “Racking up those bonus points, huh?”

“Until you tell me to stop.”

“Not a chance, superman.”

He stood up and winked at me then left through the kitchen.

Alona leaned forward and looked at the tray of fruit. “Let’s bring that over. It looks tasty and will go well with this wine I have.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

As I was going through the boxes that held my belongings—which I was realizing weren’t things I wanted to keep, or needed to. Most of it held memories I thought I had needed to be strong and remember who I was. I wasn’t that person anymore, and I was coming to terms with that. Mostly in a good way.

Crissy came running out. “Victor needs me for a minute. I’ll be back to get my bag and the lists.” She nodded and opened the device on her wrist then vanished.

Alona came out looking distraught. “I don’t think there is any way to salvage it.” She stopped and stood there with her hands on her hips. “How are you making out?”

I looked at the small pile of items I’d decided I was keeping. “None of this is relevant to who I am now.”

“A royal princess of Alterealm?” She smirked.

I laughed. “I was thinking more internally than a title. I guess I am a princess, huh?” I tilted my chin up. “Princess Bethany…” I frowned, “is there a last name that goes with it? I’m mated to a man and don’t even know his last name.” Getting up I went over and leaned on the island counter. “I’m assuming the mating is like marriage.”

She snorted and went to the fridge. “I believe it is much more eternally permanent than a piece of paper marriage.” Opening the door, she pulled out a bottle of wine. “The men’s last name is Whitham though.”

“Whitham. Well that does sound…”

“Privileged?” She opened the bottle with a quiet pop. Setting it down, she turned for glasses. “They may have had certain privileges in their life, but as you’ve seen, they are the first into battle and most likely work harder and more often than all of Alterealm. Keeping the balance is not a job for pampered princes.”

I sat on the stool. “I can see keeping the balance in two realms as a heavy burden.”

She nodded as she poured two glasses. “And yet, the comic relief is never ending.”

I smiled. “My heart was caught in my throat, and they were ribbing each other a second from stepping into a bloody war zone.”

“Oh, I know, but it’s their way. Most times it’s endearing.” She hovered her hand over the tray of fruit and selected a piece. Popping it into her mouth, she chewed slowly and then took a sip of wine. “Mmm, not bad.”

The buzzer by her door sounded.

“Odd. I didn’t get a warning from the guard in the lobby.” Setting the glass down, she went to the monitor beside the door. Smirking over her shoulder at me, “someone is going for maximum points.”

I got up and went to look.

“That is an enormous amount of roses. I can’t even see the delivery person.”

“You think they’re for me?” I stared at the screen.

She nodded. “Yes, Leone is sweet like that. If Chase were sucking up to me, he’d buy me a greenhouse or winery.”

I laughed and looked back at the monitor. “That is a lot of roses. I’ve never been given flowers before.”

“Looks like forgiveness for dear sweet Leone isn’t too far away.” She watched the monitor. “You did after all, torment him by whispering in his head for a few weeks.”

I covered my mouth and sighed, “That’s very true.”

Alona pushed some buttons and used an eye scanner. Turning, she held her hand on the doorknob. Her eyes were red and she grinned with fangs in her mouth. “What about fangs? Leone’s? Fangs do it for Chase.” She blinked, and her eyes were green again.

I felt my cheeks heat. “Leone’s fangs work for me.”

She laughed. “He’s definitely forgiven.” She pulled the door open.

I stood there gawking at the huge bouquet of roses.

Alona motioned for the delivery man to come in.

As he stepped in, he tossed the roses at me and grabbed Alona. With a blade to her throat, he shoved her forward and another man came through the door. They were both large, scruffy and wearing devices on their big hairy arms.

The second one closed the door. I heard a beep and knew even if we could distract them, there would be no fast escape running out that door.

Alona made a sound of distress as the blade pressed against her throat.

The other one came over and grabbed a handful of hair and started walking us down the hall. He looked in doors as we went. I held his wrist, so he wouldn’t rip my hair right out.

“No one here.” He called out.

“The blonde has to be here. She’s the one we shot.”

I glanced to Alona as he dragged me back out. I couldn’t use my magic energy. Not with him holding a blade to her throat.

“Shit, they’re both mated.” The one holding me said.

I didn’t look away from Alona, if she managed to move I didn’t want to miss my chance. She clutched her stomach and was looking ill. I realized she was picking up their emotions.

“You guys don’t want to do this.” I said quietly.

“I know her.” The one holding Alona said. “That’s Marcus’ witch’s friend.”

The one holding my hair wretched my head to the side and looked at my face. “So it is.” He reached and jerked the chain around my neck. “She’s mated to that god damned enforcer. I hate that guy, he’s the reason my uncle got life in the cells.”

The one holding Alona made a sarcastic noise, then pulled her chain off. “Well, well. We’re in the company of a queen.”

Alona looked like she was going to throw up.

Tossing the chain to the floor, he grabbed her arm and pushed her down into the sitting room.

“I suggest you take your hands off our mates. Now.”

I moved my eyes only to see Leone and Chase standing at the door. Their eyes were red and if these two jerks had half a brain they would throw themselves out the window of this penthouse.

“Your majesty. Sweet digs you’ve got here.” The one holding me said.

Chase didn’t even move or blink. His eyes were on the man holding Alona.

“Enforcer.” The idiot jerked my hair. “See you got yourself the hot red headed bitch.”

Leone growled.

I swallowed and looked at him. Leone… I cried in his head. What do we do?

His red eyes moved from the man holding me to meet my look.

He heard me. Think it. I told him.

He looked to the man holding Alona and I felt his words in my head.

Do this to him with the knife.

A flashing sign couldn’t have been clearer than his thoughts right now.

I winced as he pulled my hair again.

Looking to the one holding Alona as she stood there shaking. I focused hard on him. I could do this. His head was a mess.

Drop the knife. I said in his head.

He looked to Chase and Leone.

Drop. The. Knife. Now. I tried again.

Drop it. Hurry!

His hand shook.

Throw the knife away, quick.

His hand jerked, and the knife flew towards the hall.

“What the hell?” The one holding me said.

Lifting my hand, I tossed energy at the one still holding her arm and it hit him in the head, knocking him away from her.

Chase flew across the room. His body was a blur and the guy sprawled on the floor with the force Chase hit him.

“What the fuck?”

My hair was released. I spun and flicked my hands at him. The energy connected, and he bounced off the wall. I did it again. I was so upset. He smacked against the wall again and slid down it. Lifting my hands above my head, I was about to hit him a third time when someone grabbed my hands.

“Beth, he’s down.” Leone turned me and wrapped his arms around me.

“Alona.” I cried against his chest.

“Chase has her.”

I turned and looked, he was on the floor with her, holding her face between his hands. His eyes were yellow.

“He’s pulling the bad emotions from her.” Leone said softly.

Alona sobbed. Her whole body was shaking. Chase helped her to stand. She pulled out of his arms and went over and kicked the unconscious man in the head. Turning she ran down the hall to the bathroom.

Chase went after her.

“They are the ones that shot Daxx. They said something about…” I leaned back and looked up at him, then ran down the hall to the room Crissy had been in. Her backpack sat there. I fell to my knees and opened the pocket. The dart was till in it. I turned; Leone was behind me. “They tracked this.” My mouth dropped open. “Call Troy. They can track Daxx.”

Leaning down, he took the dart and then my hand.

I could hear Alona throwing up when we went back into the hall.

Leone set the dart on the counter and pulled out his phone. He wrapped his other arm around me. “Michael—at the apartment. No, the fucks that shot Daxx were here. They tracked the dart…” His hand moved up and down my back.

I jolted when Michael appeared beside us.

Leone dropped his phone on the counter. “Get Victor here for them,” he motioned the men on the floor, “before I call Troy. They may still be tracking her.”

Michael tapped his phone. “Get to Alona’s apartment. Now. Bring your transport device.” Before he turned around Victor stood by the door.

He didn’t say a word, just went over to the guy that had held Alona. Lifting his head, he looked at him and then pop, he was gone. Getting up he went to the one that had held me and did the same. Straightening, he looked at me, his pale eyes assessing I was all right. “How did they get in?”

I pointed to the roses on the floor. “We thought they were from Leone.” I started shaking.

Alona came out of the bathroom, Chase holding her close to him. “It was my stupidity.” She froze. “Oh my god. Someone please go and check on the guard in the lobby. He would never admit someone without my say so.” She held a shaking hand over her mouth.

“I’ll go check.” Michael vanished.

Leone pointed to the dart. “It was in Crissy’s bag. She left it here. They tracked it.”

Victor’s expression changed to one of vengeance. His mate could have been here also.

Chase swore and pulled out his phone. “Where’s Daxx? Get there. Get her to Clairee and Romulus, now. Grab the science geek too. There’s some sort of substance they can track on the dart.” He shook his head. “They’re at the cells now. They got into Alona’s apartment.” Chase eyes were yellow now. “Don’t ask. They’re not injured.” He nodded and hung up.

Victor went down the hall and into the room. Coming out, he held Crissy’s backpack. With a brief nod to Leone, he picked up the dart. “I’ll get this tested immediately.” He vanished.

Before anyone could speak again, Michael appeared.

“The guard is conscious, now. I called an ambulance. He’s calling someone to fill in for him. He thinks he slipped and hit his head…”

Arius appeared. “What the fuck is going on? Two unconscious men appear in my cells, then Michael calls me to tell me some guard fell and hit his head?” He looked to Alona.

She held up her hand. “I’ll be all right. I just sucked up all their vile emotions.” She shuddered.

“His head was a mess.” I said quietly. I rubbed my head. “Did he leave any hair? It’s still stinging.”

Michael scowled. “He held you by the hair?”

Leone moved my hand and gently checked my scalp.

“Dragged her up and down the hall by it.” Alona said with a shaking voice.

I looked to her. “That’s better than a knife to my throat. Are you okay? I couldn’t blast him until I got him to drop it.” I leaned back against Leone. “Which I wouldn’t have thought to do without Leone…”

“Wait.” Arius growled. “A knife…” he stopped and bent down and picked up Alona’s chain and held it up.

Chase came over and took it.

“My chain.” I looked around, not sure where it had been tossed. “They knew who the symbols belong to.”

“I’ve got it.” Michael brought it over and handed it to Leone.

Arius growled again then vanished.

Leone looked to Chase. He motioned at Michael. “Go make sure he doesn’t kill either of them. We need answers.”

Michael nodded then was gone.

“Chase. I want to go home.” Alona leaned into his arms.

He nodded and kissed the top of her head. “We’ll meet when Victor gets the test results.” Chase gave Leone a hard look. “Stay away from the prisoners.”

Leone snorted. “You as well.”

They were gone.

Lifting my chin, Leone searched my face. “Are you all right?”

I sighed. “Shaking. Scared but I’m okay.” I hugged him. “Take me back please. I want to soak in the tub.”

Wrapping his arms around me, he leaned down. “Mine or yours? Tub?”

“Yours. I don’t want to be alone right now.”

Tilting my chin up, he looked at me. “You never have to be again.”