Betrayal (22 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Julian’s fury was loud and clear as it blasted through the speaker in the library at Fallon’s house. The room reminded Cyn of the décor during the 1800’s with its thick carpeting and plush seating. The Roman’s Italian accented voice vibrated, as he responded to the news of the Warrior demons. Cyn’s eyebrows lifted, he was glad the man was not there in person.

“You should have contacted me immediately.”

Moments later, after he listened to all the Protectors had to say, Julian sounded calmer. “I am surprised to hear Gerard found any Warrior demons willing to support his cause. Warrior demons are unpredictable and disloyal.” Julian sounded thoughtful. “They are not willing to die for anyone or anything, including their Supreme Ruler. That’s why they will leave a losing battle. Be wary of everything from now on. Gerard and his followers are going to extraordinary measures to free Thames,” Julian said.

Kieran stood up and stretched. “I didn’t feel a deadly threat from the Warrior demons. It was almost as if they were just toying with us, not willing to get close enough to be killed.”

Fallon nodded. “I agree, the bastard I fought turned and ran the first chance he got.”

“I want all of you off the streets for a few days. Let’s see what they do. I need to know if they are a threat to the humans or just looking to kill Protectors.” Julian’s voice came across, stilted.

“That doesn’t sit well with me,” Kieran groaned. “I prefer to go out and face them. Not hide.”

Cyn, Roderick and Fallon’s eyebrows rose as they waited for Julian’s reaction. They were not disappointed. “Follow my damn orders Protector. I didn’t ask what you would prefer.”

Kieran glared at the others and replied through gritted teeth, “Understood.”

“Now,” Julian continued. “Remain in secure quarters for the next seven days. Take a break. Spend time with a woman and relax. But keep an eye on things. Gerard returned because he feels at an advantage with the Warrior demons on his side. He is not patient and I’m sure he is formulating some sort of a plan as we speak.”

“Is there something you are not telling us Julian?” Roderick asked the man he’d known longer than the others in the room.

Julian’s voice came on after a few moments of silence. “The Autumn Solstice is in three weeks. The festival of Dionysus will take place then, it lasts seven days. Things are about to get worse.”

Every ten years, Zeus allowed Dionysus to roam the earth for seven days. The god of wine evoked madness and ecstasy when he entered the human realm.

Every decade, the god’s appearance caused all types of mayhem and atrocities in the larger cities around the globe.

The room was still as they realized how much worse this year could be with the return of the Warrior demons.

“The chosen cities will have extra Protectors assigned. New Orleans, Rome, New York, Paris and Atlanta.”

Julian continued, “I am putting all of you on a forced lockdown, until I see what the Warrior demons do.” The grumble of the Protectors filled the room until Julian growled, “Enough.”

“Rowe and Thor will arrive in Atlanta in two weeks. I’m also sending in Logan West. He’s new but very efficient. Fallon, they will be staying with you, as you have the largest home. Sebastian has agreed to provide any needed assistance and is already ensconced within the coven to find out what he can.”

“I don’t trust the incubus,” Cyn told them with a scowl.

“I do.” The men gaped at Kieran, surprised. Kieran didn’t trust anyone.

He shrugged. “What? The guy saved my ass back at the compound. He’s okay.”

“Lockdown can be boring without entertainment.” Fallon arched a brow at Kieran. “So, where does one go about finding a willing woman in this town?”

“It’s going to be a long seven days,” Kieran replied, ignoring his question. “I’m going home."

Cyn and Roderick stood up and prepared to head home.

“Wait,” Fallon stated. “I’m serious. I do not intend to stay locked up for seven days and not have pleasurable company.”

Julian replied, “Kieran, you will remain there with Fallon.”

Kieran’s mouth opened, but he didn’t say anything since he’d already stepped in it earlier. Instead, he glared at Fallon.

“Cyn and Roderick, you will have additional human guards posted at your homes. Additionally, human demon slayers will patrol the city. They are not allowed to confront any of the warriors. I need them to keep a low profile. Under no circumstances will they engage demons in battle. Merely keep surveillance and report back to me.”

When Julian’s call ended, Fallon narrowed his eyes at Kieran’s enraged expression. “I suppose Julian missed the part of my comment when I requested ‘pleasurable’ company.”

His response was Kieran slamming him to the floor.

Cyn and Roderick watched the men tussle across the room.

“What is Julian thinking?” Cyn said shaking his head. He stood up to leave, Roderick followed.

Cyn took one last look to check on his brother. Kieran and Fallon lay next to each other on the floor panting. He walked out.

“Ow,” Kieran bellowed. Fallon must have gotten one last punch in.

# # #

Emma sat still and watched Cyn pace back and forth in front of her. Two days had passed and he was not dealing well with the lack of freedom. Like a caged tiger, he couldn’t seem to stay still. And she couldn’t keep him busy in bed, since Blue was quarantined with them.

“They are out there, hurting innocent people. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here on my ass, not able to a damn thing,” Cyn repeated for the umpteenth time. “What the hell is Julian thinking, locking us up?” he grunted. “The human slayers are not even allowed to engage any of the demons. What good is that?”

She ached for him and placed her hand on his arm. “I have an idea. You said Blue’s awesome with computers, that he and Kieran are masters in the Cyber world. Why don’t you ask them to break into Atlanta’s traffic-cam system? You won’t be able to see every single street, but you should be able to see most of the city. Maybe you can call and get help for victims when you spot a demon attack.”

“That idea has definite merit, Mrs. Fraser.” Cyn hurried to their bedroom, no doubt to call Kieran.

In five days, the Protectors would be back out on patrol. Emma wasn’t sure she was ready for it, especially with the upcoming “festival”. Not exactly a fun time for many. Especially those who would become victims of the altered emotions Dionysus would bring about.

Her phone rang and snapped her out of her thoughts. It was Wendy.

“I’m almost done packing. I’m going to visit my brother in Savannah next week. Although, I really don’t think it necessary Emma. I’m sure I’d be safe and sound as long as I stay in my apartment for those seven days.” Wendy sighed. “Maybe you can arrange for a certain Protector to come and check on me. Regularly.”

Emma’s eyes darted down the hallway to ensure Cyn was out of earshot. Without him knowing, she’d warned Wendy to leave town. She wanted her friend to be safe.

She darted to the spare bedroom and sat on the bed. “It’s not a joke Wendy,” Emma whispered, “I would feel much better if you leave town.”

“Okay, I’ll leave. I’m only doing this because you don’t need any more stress in your condition.”

“Good, I love you,” Emma smiled relieved. “If it helps, Kieran is locked up too, and next week they’ll be incredibly busy.”

“Oh God. Maybe I need to stay. What if something dreadful happens to him?” Wendy said.

Great. Why did she have to open her big mouth?

“Nothing is going to happen to him. Just promise me, you will go to Guiles’ house.”

“Okay.” Reluctance was evident in her friend’s voice. “Promise to call me immediately if anything happens.”

After she hung up, Emma felt somewhat reassured. She hoped Wendy would follow through. She had enough to worry about the following week, with Cyn facing off against the Warrior demons and all the mayhem that was expected.

The next morning, Blue sat at the kitchen table with his chin in his hands as he watched Emma cook breakfast. “Can I wake Dad up now?” he asked once again. “I’m starving and if we wait until he gets up, everything will be cold.”

His expression was sincere— Emma had to give her handsome stepson that. It surprised her how smoothly their life had slipped into a family routine.

A framed picture of her and Briana with their arms around each other caught her eye. It would take time for her to accept that her sister was gone. Briana would in all probability have become more evil over time after being turned by Gerard, but Emma couldn’t help but wish she still lived.

She turned the last pancake and smiled at Blue. “I’ll go wake Cyn. He still hasn’t adjusted to being home at night and has trouble sleeping. I’m shocked the smell of food hasn’t woken him. One thing about you and your Dad, food is of the utmost importance. It’s given me incentive to expand my culinary repertoire.  Go ahead and dig in.”

# # #

A noise machine filled the peaceful room with the simulated sound of waves crashing on a shoreline.

Not able to help herself, Emma paused beside the bed and looked down at her husband. Cyn’s soft snore made her smile as her eyes feasted on his parted lips. He was fast asleep, with one arm over his eyes and the other stretched over her pillow. At the handsome sight, she lost all willpower and leaned over to press her lips on his.

Quick as lightning, he hauled her onto the bed and kissed her soundly, not releasing her until she moaned.

His sleepy, crooked smile enticed her to snuggle into his arms and stay.

A slight frown marred Cyn’s perfect features. “Do I smell breakfast? What time is it?” He sat up and swung his legs to the side of the bed.

Emma laughed at his quick change of mood.

He gave her a puzzled look. “What?”

“Nothing, just that it’s time for breakfast my sleepy prince. But you better hurry Blue is in there alone with a stack of pancakes. He won’t give them a chance to get cold.”

Cyn smiled widely. “Yum.” He looked into her eyes, and his expression became solemn. “Thank you Emma.” He reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles softly.

Emma shrugged. “Its just pancakes.”

“Not just for that. Thank you for making my life complete.”  Cyn lay on his side and faced her, without speaking he took her in his arms and his mouth covered hers.

At that moment Emma felt more treasured than ever.

How she loved this man. The comfort of his arms was heaven.

In a few days, the Protectors would be out in full force, to protect innocents, and uphold their oath to the force.

But for now, she would relish these moments.

When his hardness rubbed against her thigh, all thoughts disappeared and Emma melted into her husband’s embrace.

“You are my dream come true,” Emma murmured against his lips.

# # #

The pancakes were indeed cold by the time they made it into the kitchen.

Those that were left anyway.

The End

Thank you for reading
Betrayal
. I hope you enjoyed it. While writing this story, I fell in love with the Immortal Protectors and wrote a book for Kieran and Fallon.  I started outlining Logan's and wrote a few pages for Sebastian's book (the club owner).  So good news!! More to come in the Immortal Protector series.

Surrender
, Kieran's story is next, this is probably my favorite Protector, since I'm the tortured hero lovin' kina girl. Later, in
Possession
, you will read all about Fallon and learn some very interesting things about him. 

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Hildie(H.M.) McQueen

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