Beyond the Darkness (Dark Court 1) (6 page)

“Dude, who did you piss off this time?” Doc asked.
Zack shook his head. “I don’t rightly know. From what Eljin told me they took me when I was in the hospital after that explosion and did experiments on me. After I was released, they kept me hopped up on drugs to make me forget the whole thing, made me think I was delusional.”
Doc’s face split into a wide grin. “You mean you’re not?”
“Yeah, I’ve always kind of thought you were off your rocker.” Rocky laughed.
Eljin stepped forward on a surge of annoyance. “You can’t talk to Zack like that.”
“Whoa, dude.” Doc held his hands up in a nonthreatening gesture. “We didn’t mean anything by it. We were just fooling around with Zack.”
“Yeah, man,” Rocky said. “We were just funning.”
Eljin turned and buried his face in Zack’s wide chest as embarrassment turned his cheeks red. The rumble of Zack’s laughter under his cheek shook him.
Thank you
, Eljin, Zack whispered through their bond.
No one’s ever stood up for me the way you just did.
Eljin melted, not just from the loving tone in Zack’s voice but also from the soft kiss being planted on the top of his head. “My
leannan
,” he whispered back as he snuggled deeper into Zack’s embrace.
“Zack, dude, seriously, we were just funning,” Doc said. “We really didn’t mean anything by it. You know that, right?”
“I know that, Doc. Eljin’s just a little protective of me.” The way Zack said the words—his tone of voice—caused Eljin to glance up at him. His face brightened at the sight of the infectious grin on Zack’s face. “I belong to him.”
Eljin’s heart skipped a beat at the proud way Zack announced the nature of their relationship.
“You… belong to him?” Doc asked.
Zack nodded enthusiastically. “Eljin claimed me fair and square.”
Doc and Rocky both stared at them, their mouths hanging open. Eljin had a moment’s worry, but then the other men began to laugh.
“Dude, you’ve moved over to the dark side,” Doc said. “Gunny must be thrilled.” “How is it that everyone knew Gunny was gay except me?” Zack asked.
“Never came up, I guess.” Doc shrugged. “It was never a big deal, you know? It wasn’t like Gunny was sleeping with every Tom, Dick and Harry that came along.” Doc frowned. “In fact, I can’t ever remember him hooking up with anyone.”
“And you two?” Zack asked. “How did you know?”
Doc’s face flushed. “I knew Gunny was gay because I am too. I was having some issues with an ex-lover and he talked to me about his Roland.”
“If there’s more like him,” Rocky said as he gestured to Eljin, “I’d certainly consider it.”
Eljin couldn’t help but burst out laughing. He held up his hand when all three men looked at him in astonishment. “I’m the runt of the family. You should see my four brothers. I’m considered the ugly duckling.”
“Not possible, hummingbird.”
“Just wait until you meet them,” Eljin said. “They’re stunning—tall, blond and absolutely breathtaking, each and every one of them.”
“I think I prefer short, blond and breathtaking,” Zack said.
The surprising tenderness in Zack’s expression brought Eljin a rush of joy. Zack had done a complete turnaround from when they met at the bar. He gave Zack a teasing smile and shook his head. “Are you sure you’re not delusional?”

Zack laughed at the stunned expression on Eljin’s face. It felt good, everything about Eljin felt good. The emotions he’d experienced since meeting Eljin gave Zack hope for the future. “If I’m crazy then I hope I never become sane.”

Gunny’s raspy voice broke through the light mood in the room. “You aren’t dressed yet? We’re on a timeline here, folks. Company will be here any minute and we need to haul ass before they get here.”

“Sorry, Gunny,” Zack said as he grabbed the clothes off the table. He handed one set of the green combat fatigues to Eljin. “I was just introducing Eljin to Doc and Rocky. I thought he might want to know who the two armed, muscle-bound strangers were before we hit the road.”

Zack nodded and pulled Eljin into one of the small sleeping rooms then shut the door behind him. “Come on, hummingbird, change clothes and be quick. We need to get going.”

Eljin’s movements were hesitant as he started undressing. There was confusion in the scrunched look on Zack’s face as he stared down at the combat clothing. “Why are we changing? What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

“Yeah,” Eljin replied, “because we sure aren’t going to win any beauty contests in these things.”
Zack chuckled. “Come on Eljin, they’re not that bad.”
“Yes,” Eljin snickered, “they are.”
Zack shook his head as Eljin pulled his clothes off. Despite the danger they’d soon face if they didn’t get moving, his heart began to race and Zack became short of breath as Eljin’s naked body was revealed. His skin was creamy white and there wasn’t a flaw on the man’s body anywhere. A tingling sensation coursed through Zack’s body and he had to take a step back. Damn, the man was gorgeous. Zack almost hated to see him cover up all that beautiful flesh again but he knew they didn’t have time to fool around.
He stifled a groan when Eljin bent to retrieve the khaki pants. For a moment, Zack’s gaze fastened on Eljin’s enticing bare ass, but then he quickly turned his head and changed his own clothes. If he kept watching Eljin they’d never make it out of the room.
He hadn’t failed to notice there was a bed right there in the corner.
“What do I do with this?”
Zack glanced up to see Eljin holding the bottle of body lotion in his hand. He chuckled, taking the bottle and shoving it into one of the many pockets on his pants. Luckily, it was a small bottle.
“Well, we certainly can’t leave it behind.”
“Yeah, that would be bad.”
“Real bad.” Zack laughed. He couldn’t remember ever laughing this much with a lover in his life. It was something new and something he loved, something he wanted more of. “Come on, hummingbird. We need to get going.”
Eljin pulled up his pants, shaking his head. “I look ridiculous.”
“These clothes aren’t for looks. They’re for hiding in plain sight.”
“It would help if they fit.”
Zack bit his lip as studied Eljin’s outfit. The man was right. The fatigues hung on his small frame. They had to be two sizes too big.
“I think I have something that might help.” Zack hurried from the room and went in search of some rope. After searching several different places, he found a small roll of twine in one of the utility closets. Zack cut off a piece then headed back to Eljin, meeting up with him just outside of the makeshift barracks.
“Let’s try this,” Zack said as he pulled the jacket and shirt up to Eljin’s chest then reached for the waist of his pants. “Hold your shirt up, Eljin.” When he did as instructed, Zack squatted before him and pulled the rope through the belt loops on Eljin’s pants. He tied it high on his waist, well over the mound created by the baby. After he was done, he gave the small rise a soft caress. “How’s our boy?”
Eljin’s voice was thick with emotion when he replied. “He’s good. Sleeping right now, I think.”
Zack looked up to study Eljin’s face, looking for any signs of discomfort. “And how are you? Doing okay?”
Eljin shrugged, dropping his shirt and jacket and pulling them down over his distended stomach. “I’m okay. A little scared but I’ve pretty much been that way for months now. It’s nothing new for me.”
“You know I’ll keep you safe, don’t you? We’ll all keep you safe.” Zack got to his feet and waved his hand at the other men who’d joined them in the hallway. “That’s what we do, Eljin. We’re Marines.”
“And the men who are after us are psychotic, armed mercenaries working for a secret government research facility.” Eljin voice was rough with anxiety. “They seem to be doing a pretty damn good job of messing with us so far.”
“Ah, but that was before you had me and my unit to keep you safe,” Zack said. “They really have no idea who they are messing with, but they will.”
Eljin looked skeptical. “Do you really think we can get away from them?”
Gunny laughed. “Hell, boy, the only reason it’s taking them so long to get here is because they have to get through all the little surprises I left for them. I can’t wait until they reach the house.”
Gunny sounded almost gleeful. Zack knew the man was a tad paranoid. He always had been, but Zack usually attributed his odd behavior to being overly cautious, rather than being slightly nuts.
Now he realized Gunny’s attitude had to do with the things he knew about how the world really worked. If the people who’d captured Eljin could get their hands on Gunny they would have a fount of information. Gunny was probably the only human on earth who knew so much about the
Aes Sídhe
. He’d be a great boon for them.
“All right, so what’s the plan?” Zack asked as he took the weapons Rocky handed him, checked them over and then tucked them away in different areas of his outfit. “Do we actually have one?”
“Eljin, is there a way to get you back to the other side of the veil?” Gunny asked.
Eljin stiffened. “I’m not leaving Zack.”
“I’m not asking you to. Zack, Doc, Rocky and I will all be going with you. I may be wrong but I don’t think whoever’s after you can get through the veil. We’ll be safer on the other side.”
“Oh, well then, any reasonably sized body of water will do, but a waterfall would be best,” Eljin replied. “The veil is always thinnest at a waterfall.”
Gunny rubbed his chin for several moments, staring off into space. “Okay, there’s a large waterfall about a ten mile hike from here. Do you think you can make it that far?” he asked as he looked at Eljin. “We’ll need to move quickly because these guys won’t be far behind us. Can you do that in your condition?”
Doc stepped forward, looking confused as his eyes settled on Eljin. “Condition? Is Eljin sick? Is this something I need to be aware of?”
Eljin, Zack and Gunny all stared over at Doc.
“Uh.” Zack licked his dry lips. “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to know, seeing how you’re the only medic on this mission, but you’re going to think we’re crazy when you hear what we have to say.”
Doc crossed his arms over his chest and arched a brow. “Nothing new there.”
“Okay, here’s the short version,” Zack said. He stepped up to stand beside Eljin, and wrapped one arm around his shoulders. “Eljin is special. He’s born of royal blood, the fifth son of a king. He’s also not fully human. His anatomy is slightly different than ours.”
Doc didn’t even bat an eyelash at that revelation. “Is that why he needs special care?”
“Yes and no,” Zack answered. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. His buddies were going to think his head injury was permanent. “Eljin is pregnant, in his second trimester. It’s my child.”
Zack watched two sets of shocked eyes drop down to Eljin’s stomach. He wasn’t surprised by their astonishment. He had expected just such a reaction. That had been his reaction when he heard of Eljin’s pregnancy.
“Are you serious?” Doc asked.
“Very.” Zack glanced down at Eljin’s pale face. “Eljin, do you mind if Doc takes a look at you?” he asked as he gestured to Eljin’s shirt. “He needs to know so he can care for you if there’s an emergency.”
Eljin hesitated then shook his head. “No, I don’t mind.”
Zack reached down and pulled up Eljin’s jacket and shirt, then untied the rope belt and pushed the waistband of his pants down to bare his distended stomach. A soft gasp of shock filled the room.
“Geez, is that real?” Rocky asked.
Doc dropped to his knees. His hands hovered over Eljin’s stomach for a moment as he glanced up at him. “May I?”
Eljin nodded.
Doc carefully pressed his hands over Eljin’s stomach, moving them around gently. He seemed mesmerized rather than disgusted, which was good. Zack would hate to have to hurt the man for hurting Eljin’s feelings.
“Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?” Doc asked.
“It’s a boy,” Eljin replied. “We only give birth to boys.”
“And everything is progressing as it should?”
Eljin nodded. “So far. I’ve had a little trouble with morning sickness but that’s not unusual during the second trimester. It should pass in a couple of weeks and then I’ll just get a lot bigger while the baby gains weight, until I go into labor.”
“If you have any issues, experience any pains, you need to let me know.” Doc stood, his gaze still on Eljin’s stomach. “I may not know anything about men being pregnant but it can’t be that different from a woman. The basics are about the same.” He swallowed hard. “I think.”
“They are pre—”
Another alarm pierced the air.
Eljin cried out as he clutched at Zack’s arm. “What’s that?”
“They’ve broken through the second perimeter,” Gunny said as he grabbed a backpack off the floor and pulled it over his shoulders. “Lock and load, boys. The party’s starting.”
Zack took the backpack Gunny held out to him and pulled it on as Eljin tugged his clothes back into place. He grabbed Eljin’s hand, noting the clamminess. “You ready for this, hummingbird?”
“Seriously? No.”
Zack chuckled. “Just let me know when you need to stop and don’t push yourself. You have to take care of our baby.”
Eljin nodded. “I’ll be okay.”
“All right, come on.” Zack pulled Eljin along behind him as he followed Gunny down a long concrete hallway, Rocky and Doc bringing up the rear.
The corridor’s concrete block walls were quickly replaced by rock, letting Zack know Gunny was a lot more intelligent than he’d given him credit for. The old soldier had tapped into the natural lava tubes flowing through the area from what Zack could only hope was a dormant volcano.
Ingenious.
Zack heard the faint sounds of several explosions behind them as they hurried away. He had no idea what little surprises Gunny had left for their party crashers but he hoped it took as many of them out of the hunt as possible.
He wasn’t sure how far they went before the tunnel opened up into a large cavern. It seemed like miles but was probably only a few hundred yards. Zack glanced over his shoulder at Eljin, worried the strain would be too much for him, but the man seemed to be doing well so far. Zack could only hope Eljin could hang in there until they had a safe place to rest.
“Which way, Gunny?” Zack asked when they stopped at the opening of the large cave.
“To the left,” Gunny replied. “The cave opens up to the forest in that direction.”
“And the other direction?”
Gunny smirked. “Back into a series of tunnels that they’ll never find their way out of.”
Zack chuckled quietly and led Eljin to the left. He could hear Doc and Rocky covering their tracks behind them. Their pursuers might not go to the right but the less indication they gave as to the direction they took, the better.
When they reached the opening of the cave, Zack stumbled to a stop. Holy shit, were they high up on the mountain. He knew they’d traveled quite a ways inside the tunnels but he hadn’t realized they had also been traveling up.
As he looked out over the valley below, he spotted the smoke. Gunny’s cabin. Shit. “Oh Gunny, your house, I’m sorry.”
“Granted, I’m not happy about my house burning to the ground but it is just a house, Zack,” Gunny replied. “The important things are either in my head or locked up somewhere safe.”
“I’m still sorry. This never would have happened if we hadn’t involved you in this mess.”
One corner of Gunny’s mouth pulled into a slight smile as he gave Zack a friendly pat on the back. “You’ve brought me closer to finding Roland than I have been in years. That’s worth more than a hundred houses.”
“Oh, damn, that reminds me,” Zack said, recalling his earlier conversation with Eljin. “This might not mean anything but Eljin’s uncle is named Roland. Twenty years ago, just about the time your Roland disappeared, Eljin’s uncle was captured by the Unseelie Court. He was held for two years before they released him.”
“Zack,” Gunny whispered. For an instant, a wistfulness stole into his expression. “Do you think—”
“I don’t know, Gunny. He might be the same man but I don’t want you to get your hopes up just in case he’s not. Roland could be a very common name in Eljin’s world.”
“I don’t know if I can keep from getting my hopes up,” Gunny admitted. “I’ve searched for Roland for twenty years. To actually find him is something I’ve only dreamed about.”
“If your Roland is my Uncle Roland,” Eljin said as he stepped forward, “I know where he is.”
“What… ” Gunny licked his lips. “What is your uncle like? What does he look like?”
“Well, he has blond hair like I do, but then again, most of my people do. His eyes are also deep-blue because he’s of royal blood. Other than that, he’s taller than me.” Eljin frowned. “Everyone’s taller than me in my family.”
“Anything else?” Gunny asked. “Does he have any distinguishing features, tattoos or scars? Anything to differentiate him from the others in your family?”
Eljin frowned, looking thoughtful. “Well, he has a small scar on his chest but I don’t know much about it. Uncle Roland refuses to discuss it with anyone.” Eljin’s lips thinned into a straight line, a sadness coming into his blue eyes. “I think he got it while he was being held by the Unseelie Court.”
Gunny paled even more. His hands shook as he pulled the collar of his shirt down, barring a small, thin scar over his heart. “Does it look like this?”
“Yeah,” Eljin replied, wonder filling his voice. “It does. How did—”
Zack watched in astonishment as Gunny’s eyes teared up. He’d never seen Gunny cry, not even when Zack had dug a bullet out of his leg in the field with a knife without anesthesia. The man hadn’t made a sound.
Now he looked ready to fall apart.
“Gunny?”
“It’s my Roland, Zack. It has to be,” Gunny murmured. “We cut our chests when we exchanged blood for the bonding. We each have scars over our hearts.”
Should I tell him about Monte?
Eljin asked silently as he looked up at Zack.
Monte?
Roland’s son. When he came home from the Unseelie Court Roland had a son with him. His name is Monte.
No, don’t say anything yet. I think this is hard enough on Gunny as it is. Knowing that he might have a son out there somewhere might just be too much for him to handle. We’ll either tell him when we’re positive that Gunny’s Roland is your uncle or let Roland tell him.
Okay.
“Come on, we’d better get going,” Zack said out loud, urging Eljin toward the woods. “The quicker we move, the sooner we’ll find out if our two Roland’s are actually one and the same.”
Gunny nodded and wiped his eyes. He had a smile on his face when he was done. “I’m sure they are. I just know they are. They have to be.”
Zack hoped Gunny was right. If they were wrong, Gunny would suffer yet another devastation. After twenty years of searching, he wasn’t sure the man could take it.
“Up or down, Gunny?” Zack asked when they got the edge of the forest.
“Over,” Gunny said, pointing up over the mountain.
Zack glanced up the steep hill, his heart sinking. Eljin would never make it up the steep slope of the mountain. He glanced down toward the valley, seeing the smoke still rising from Gunny’s burning house.