A Dark and Dangerous Path II
A Dark and Dangerous Path II
Ayris hurtles toward us, his expression exuding rage and panic as he launches himself toward me – then for a moment I’m convinced he’s vanished. One minute there and then not. It takes me a moment to realise, until I see an enormous black wolf leap in front of me; its silken, ebony fur blending perfectly into the dim light of the night.
His lycan form is breathtaking, yet both enormous and terrifying.
I watch as he gracefully launches himself at a second mantis that scuttles its way toward us, his sounds of snarling and fury piercing the air. His movements are lithe and vicious, he feints as the mantis anticipates his movements, ducking beneath it as it rears up; trying to sever him between its vile claws. Yet, before it can comprehend what is happening he’s eviscerating it from beneath, his claws and teeth shredding every inch of soft underbelly he can find. It’s a matter of moments before a dozen soldiers are upon it, finishing the job my deadly mate has started.
I turn to see that Renys and his men have taken down a second mantis, whilst yet more of Ayris’ soldiers are dispatching of another, with Kel leading the charge. Ayris circles back to me, looking from all angles to ensure we’re protected. His beautiful fur now matted with blood and gore.
My velatha and my pup
It takes Ayris a few moments before he’s able to shift back. I know from experience that his wolf form can be heavily influenced by his emotions and I can sense just how riled he is right now.
The bond The thought pops into my head as I realise how I could easily tune into his feelings. His anger and concern for me, or rather us was almost palpable.
Maybe it’s getting stronger. Maybe I’ll eventually be able to speak to him the way Renys speaks to me
Ayris’ taught arms encircle me; lifting me from Bess with ease. His action breaking my thoughts as I feel the warmth of his chest against my back, his arms wrapping tightly around me, as if checking I’m all in one piece. I rub the back of his hand soothingly, trying to push my thoughts and emotions toward him as I do so.
I’m OK. We’re both OK. I place his hands on my belly and I feel his breath against my neck as he sighs in contentment and nestles his nose at the juncture of my neck and shoulder.
“Looks like they’ve been tracking us, Sir” a young infantryman states as he approaches.
“Though they haven’t done the best job of it” another chimes in”.
Ayris nods for them to continue as his eyes narrow in curiosity.
“The tracks are all over the place, sloppy. We thought at first they were meandering around to avoid detection, but the paths they’ve taken make absolutely no sense”
“It’s like they were blindly following something, like they had a scent but kept losing it. The tracks are manic”
“You”. Renys interjects. His tone firm and knowing. As the rest of us all turn to face him.
“These mantis tracks – did they become more coherent as they got closer?”
The men nod.
“They did catch the scent of something. You, Laurel” I feel Ayris’ body rigid against me and the rumbling of his chest.
“Bloody ridiculous” Kel’s voice breaks the silence as he approaches the group. “Of course the tracks became more coherent as they got closer – they were simply zoning in on our regiment”
Ayris’ posture eases slightly, though I still sense a deep unease within him.
“Kel does make a good point” he says “Why do you assume Laurel was the target?”
Renys pauses as he turns to point to the mantis carcasses around us.
“Their form is nonsensical” He explains, gesturing “This one came upon three armoured fae and possibly the most heavily stationed section of the regiment” He states. Pointing to our left “That one over there” He waves his arm toward the creature taken out by Ayris’ men; to our right “Took virtually the same path as the previous one that Laurel had killed with her magic”.
“They’re creatures” Kel emphasises angrily “They’re not the brightest of monsters; I doubt they have a strategy or have any concept of how heavily guarded an area may be” “Fae or not” He scoffs.
Ayris says nothing, but I can see his icy blues surveying the aftermath as he tries to process his thoughts.
“You see it, don’t you?” Renys asks Ayris, completely ignoring Kel’s words, which seems to irritate him even more. “Power knows power. I know those creatures could sense the strength of me and my men. Yet still it pursued”.
Ayris pauses before answering. “It could be coincidence”.
Renys mouth curls slightly in a knowing smile.
“What?” I ask, looking up at Ayris, as his gaze falls on me “What do you see?”
“You were surrounded” Ayris answers. “The first mantis – you killed it easily, yet the second; with no sense of strategy or self preservation, took virtually the same path, and another that was held back by the men”
“The fourth, over there, its path also seems to converge with yours. As you fell back to a safer position it was as if it was tracking you. The tracks created by Renys’ men show how they tried to head it off, yet it tried to plough right through them. They were blocking it”
“From you”. Renys continues. “All of them” he states, gesturing at the carnage around us “They were all drawn to you”.
The flames of the fire lick and curl as I huddle next to it. Ayris has barely left my side since the mantis attack, but I insist he goes and engages with the men. They need reassurance and some kind of strategy to keep them focused on the next part of our mission.
“Go” I shoo him playfully as he rubs a thumb across my cheek, brushing an errant curl from my face. “I’m fine. Go where you’re needed” I urge.
Ayris’ eyebrow raises and a devilish smile curves his mouth.
“My little velatha no longer needs me, is that it?” He smirks. “Perhaps I have outlived my usefulness” He teases as I gasp before giggling. It’s nice to see him in a playful mood for once, especially after what Renys implied earlier. Normally he’d be brooding and possessive. And whilst Purdy had warned me that Ayris may always have elements of those traits due to huis lycan nature, I’m glad he feels like he can be vulnerable and open with me. When I think back to the cold, quiet brute he seemed when we first met I wonder how we ever found our way to where we stand right now.
“I will always need you” I whisper, as I pull gently at his collar, his posture easily relenting and his face lowering to mine.
“So don’t be gone too long”.
The way his lips press against mine has my toes curling in my boots. I feel heat lick through my lower belly as he growls softly in my mouth.
“Keep warm” Ayris teases, nostrils flaring as he eases up and strides in the direction of his officers. How that man can still make my cheeks flush with the simplest of acts is a bewildering.
“Strategising, no doubt” Renys’ voice purrs to my left. “He struggles to leave your side, though I’m sure” I’m not sure if its a fae trait or a Renys one, but the silent way he can sneak around is truly unnerving.
I chuckle whilst nodding in agreement.
“Believe it or not, he’s actually gotten a lot better in some ways” I smirk, holding my hands above the fire. It’s only a small affair. The regiment changed route and found a place the scouting party deemed suitable to bed down for a few hrs until morning, although the extra travel time now had me yawning. Though all the shifters and fae strolling around the camp seem unfazed by it all.
The fire crackles and hisses as I feel Renys’ gaze upon me. He comes slightly closer before breaking the silence.
“My words earlier, they have you worried” he says, more of a statement than a question.
My eyes bore into the flames as I acquiesce my reply with a simple nod.
“I apologise, I did not mean to frighten you” he speaks with sincerity
“I’m no more frightened than before” I reply, truthfully. “I just...”
“You worry about endangering everyone” Renys finishes for me and I sigh, before nodding again.
“If what you said is true, how can I not worry that any one person with us right now could be killed because of me. I don’t want anyone to be hurt on my account”
Renys says nothing for a beat or two and then he holds his hands above the fire beside mine.
“There might be a way” he speaks quietly, as if worried someone around us may hear. “A way you could move undetected by not just mantis, but other magical beings” he continues.
I turn to look him in the eye, my mouth agape slightly. If that was the case why hasn’t he mentioned it before now? There must be a catch-
“We would need to remove your powers, Laurel”.