Moonlight Captivation [Moon Shadows Book 1] (17 page)

She smoothed her hands up over his chest, winding them up and around his neck. Her smile was soft and seductive, desire obvious in her eyes. She licked her lips to tempt him.

"Darling, when you have the best, everything else is less than second rate."

He knew she was pampering his ego, but it worked. He lowered his head, gently running his tongue around her lips. Letting out a soft sigh, she parted them invitingly. He swept his tongue in, keeping a firm pressure on her mouth. As their tongues danced, desire shot through Neman's body. He crushed her against him, heatedly possessing and dominating every part of the kiss like he needed to imprint himself upon her, to show her she belonged to him. He groaned, tearing himself away. “Sweetness, what you do to me.” He could feel her trembling in his arms, understanding her need, but now was not the time. When this was all over, he'd spend several years making love to her.

"Uh hum.” A loud clearing of a throat alerted them to someone else's presence. Neman broke away from Vanessa's sweet warmth.

Thomas Armod stood at a respectable distance, a large clipboard and digital camera in his hands. “Forgive the interruption. I have been in the upper temple. It truly is a wonder to be here, but as I was making observational notes, a strange occurrence happened, and I wonder if you could shed some light on it for me."

"What is it, Thomas?” Neman asked the priest and archaeologist who had been snooping around everywhere, overexcited to be in an actual, functioning Ziggurat.

"There are four large symbols on the four comers of the temple walls which do not match with your ancient language, but then they began to glow red."

"Stay here.” Neman teleported into the temple. It was lit up with torches. Neman hadn't stepped foot in this part of the Ziggurat since Sin sunk it four thousand years ago. The effigies and statues of him still remained standing. He looked up. True to Thomas’ words, the protection symbols, which had been set in place by Sin, were glowing. It meant only one thing. Something was attempting to penetrate its defenses. It took powerful magic for that to happen. Neman flashed back to the courtyard, grabbed Vanessa's hand and almost dragged her behind him as he made his way to the library. Thomas followed behind.

The library was looking overly crowded. Derkin and Slazzamar were in conversation, while the vampire and werewolf glared at each other from across opposite sides of the room, and Mark leaned nervously against his desk.

"Good gracious, what is that?” Thomas began, his eyes wide and staring at Lord Derkin.

"It's better not to ask,” Nessa told him, then looked back to Neman. “Neman, what's going on?” Her voice was low and full of concern.

"You want a new war, Derkin, you're about to get one. We have about twenty minutes before the protection seal which keeps this place hidden is broken."

"How did they find us?” Mark looked puzzled.

"Lad, if I could find ya, then no doubt others will,” Derkin said.

"What about the Sulfur Canyon idea?” Slazzamar asked.

"You can't use magic there,” Valknar said, with a frown.

"That's the whole idea—it will come down to strength and skill, not magic and powers,” said Slazzamar.

"I like ya thinking, lad,” Derkin said. “How do ya draw them out, if therra coming here?"

"They'll figure it out when they find the place empty,” said Neman. “We're going to the Outer Realm. Call in your armies, everyone—it seems we're going into battle sooner rather than later."

"Oh goodie, I get to see this place at last,” Vanessa said her tone less than excited.

"Darren, get Mona and make sure Vanessa has everything she needs for a trip to care for her and the babies."

"Did ya say babies, as in more than one?” Derkin asked.

Nessa held up her hand with two fingers. “Twins."

"I thought therra be only one prince?” Derkin looked puzzled.

Nessa shrugged. “I haven't read this prophecy, so I don't have a clue either."

"We haven't time for this—we have to go now,” said Neman.

Darren walked forward. “C'mon, honey—better do what your big guy says."

"Just whose side are you on anyway?” Nessa said, walking out the door.

Derkin turned on Neman. “You gonna take her and ya wee bairns to the Outer Realm, laddie?"

"Only for as long as it takes to draw them out. You'd best make sure your army is ready,” Neman instructed Derkin.

Derkin nodded and vanished.

"Thomas, prepare your men, as I have a particular job for you. Mark, I would prefer you to head topside and stay out of harm's way."

Mark just stared at him. “I bloody well will not. If there's going to be a fight, I want in all the way."

Neman gave his friend a pat on the shoulder along with a nod.

Mark walked out of the library to go armor up.

"Slazzamar, show the others the weapons room."

"What about you?” Slazzamar asked.

"I've got it covered.” With that, he teleported out.

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Nessa licked her lips. Every part of her body flared with lust. She drew in a sharp breath. It was hardly appropriate at a time like this, but damn, Neman was frigging hot! Worn black leather encased his upper, muscled torso, and on top of that was a layer of unpolished, plated armor. Each section of the armor showed intricately carved symbols. Dead center, connecting the lower part of the armor, were strips of metal buckles and straps. Protecting his lower stomach was an unmistakable moon symbol, more gothic buckles and straps which reached down to his hips, winding down over his black leather pants to his upper thighs. Heavy, thick boots covered his feet. His bulging shoulder muscles were bare.

The lower part of his arms to his wrists were bound in more strips of tough black leather. A blood-red cape hung down his back. Deadly sharp, three to four-inch blades were strapped along his waist within easy reach of his hands. He looked every bit the ancient warrior, ready to do battle and to Nessa, he also looked dangerously sexy.

"You know what they say about a man in leather."

Darren nudged Nessa back into reality from her daydream of jumping Neman and screwing his brains out—everyone else be dammed.

"Uuuhh—I—uh—"

"I'll get a chin wipe for your drool, honey.” Darren sniggered, understanding her dilemma. “You should see how my elf is dressed. Mmmmm, I'm going to insist he wear it next time we find some time to ourselves."

Nessa knew exactly where he was coming from, as she was having the exact same thoughts about Neman.

Neman moved to pick up a shiny shield full of decorative symbols and a long, dangerous scimitar with a sharp, jagged edge. He hooked the blade to his waist, balancing the shield with one strong arm.

"Is that what I think it is?” gasped Thomas, coming up behind them. “I thought it was just a myth."

"What's he talking about?” Darren asked.

"The weapons and armor of Anu."

"Don't touch them,” Neman said in low, warning tone. “Only someone born of a god can touch them without perishing."

Thomas stepped back.

"Mona's out safely,” said Mark. He had a collection of guns strapped to his own torso with a few blades.

"My men are ready. We don't have the ability to teleport, as you do though,” Thomas said, his eyes still on Neman's weapon and shield.

"They don't need to. Humans in the Outer Realm would be easy fodder against supernatural creatures. Your main duty is to protect Vanessa."

Thomas nodded. “I shall not fail."

"Hang on, I'm not coming with you?” Nessa shot him a look, as she didn't want to be left behind.

"Yes, you will for a short time, but not during battle.” She understood from his firm tone that he would not be swayed.

It didn't stop her from pouting at him.

"Think of your babies—the prophecy must be fulfilled,” said Thomas.

She knew they were right. What could she possibly do in the midst of battle?

"I just don't like the idea of you going out fighting, while I'm stuck behind twiddling my thumbs,” she said, with annoyance.

"Sweetness, I know you want to fight, too, but your mission is more important,” said Neman. He walked over to gently run his hand over her lower stomach. “Protecting our little treasures is what you must do."

"You've a mighty fine weapons collection, Neman,” Vladimir Draco said. He no longer wore the tux, but more medieval armor. He swung a blade around a few times, as if warming up. Lucas Valknar hadn't changed into anything. He stood there with his arms folded, just watching the vampire.

"I can kill more with my jaws, than you can with your toothpick, you pale-faced tick."

"Oh shut up, Fido."

"I'll wager I kill more demons than you, coffin lurker."

Nessa watched the two with great amusement. The vampire pretended to look very bored at the idea.

"I'll keep score, whelp."

"Children, keep it for the battle,” Derkin said, nodding at Neman.

Slazzamar was the last to stride in, adjusting the straps on his own leather and metal armor. Darren grinned like an idiot as he approached.

"The barren plains immediately beyond the Sulfur Canyon,” Neman said, wrapping his free arm around her. His golden eyes looked down into hers, while a small, knowing smile twitched at the corners of his lips. “Keep those thoughts for later, love,” he whispered near her ear.

"How do you know what I'm thinking?"

"I can smell your desire, sweetness."

Nessa blushed, feeling the energy in the air immediately before they
popped
out.

Wind whipped around them, billowing out Neman's red cloak. The powerful smell of Sulfur Canyon wafted across the barren plains to reach their location. Once they stepped through into the canyon, not any type of magic could be used, not even the power to teleport. The Sulfur Canyon was also known as the Dead Zone of the Outer Realm.

Nessa stepped away from Neman to look around with wonder in her eyes. Then she held her nose. “Pee-uwww. I was expecting this place to be, well, less smelly."

"That would be the sulfur you smell, sweetness, just beyond the plains here. This is only a small part of the Outer Realm.

"Whatever you do, Derkin,” Neman continued, as he appeared, along with several hundred Lower Realm demons, “you leave Jezebel to me. If I can retrieve my powers from the bitch, I can end all of this in an instant."

Nessa frowned at him. “Isn't she the same one who's after Slazzamar?"

"Demon queen, powerful and known for her well...” Derkin faltered when Neman shot him a deadly look. “Don't worry, I get it.” Derkin tapped his nose, with a smile.

Slazzamar appeared with Mark. “Where's Darren?"

"Safe with Thomas and his men. He kicked up a stink, but I'll not risk his life when the only dangerous weapon he possesses is a sharp tongue."

Nessa gave him a nod of approval. “Guess that makes me the proverbial worm on a hook, then.” A werewolf came trotting up, nudging Nessa's hand. She grinned and patted him on the head. “Nice wolfy, wanna scratch behind your ears?” His tongue swiped out and gave her a lick. She giggled.

Neman growled. “Back off, Lucas, unless you want to be neutered!” The werewolf yelped, turning to bolt away. “Do not encourage him, Nessa. He has a keen sense of smell."

"Oh."

"I do enjoy a touch of daylight,” Draco said, striding forward.

"Shouldn't you be turning into dust or something in the light?” Vanessa asked the vampire.

"My dear lady, that is a common human misconception, along with steaks, garlic, holy water—the list goes on. The sun has little effect on vampires, other than to give us a tan."

"Only a blowtorch could do that for you,” Lucas replied, who'd shifted into human form again, this time with his clothes on.

Enough was enough. “Let's move.” He pulled his woman close and they started down the hill, demons, werewolves and vampires, all following each other.

Pausing, Nessa watched her commanding warrior start giving orders.

"Derkin, your army takes point, werewolves and vampires on either side. We're going to try and outflank them."

Derkin nodded, ordering his soldiers across the barrier. Lucas shifted along with thirty other wolves, all howling, as they dashed ahead. The vampires followed after the werewolves.

"Slazzamar, I have a task for you. Go back to the Zigg and make sure Jezebel and the armies follow you through."

Slazzamar nodded and vanished.

Neman pulled Nessa back into his arms and, within a split second, they were in Thomas Armod's house in Los Angeles inside Thomas’ office. Thomas was already standing by a bookshelf with Darren.

"Nessa!” exclaimed Darren, when he saw them. “That no-good elf stranded me here."

Neman was ignoring him. “Sweetness, I need some of your blood."

With complete trust in Neman, she offered her hand to him. He pulled one of his smaller, but still sharp blades. Quickly, before she could notice, he sliced open a fingertip. She gasped when a small amount of blood started to flow. Neman wrapped a cloth around her finger to soak it up before pulling it away and tucking it into a strap of his armor.

Neman swept her into his arms, his mouth crushing hers in a deep, passionate, hungry kiss.

"Come back to me alive,” she whispered when he broke the kiss. She was desperate to keep him with her, but he wouldn't stay.

"I intend to, sweetness.” He released her from his arms, stepped back and vanished.

Nessa's eyes remained riveted on the spot where he disappeared, and she heaved a heavy sigh.

Darren came up to put his hand on her shoulder. “I know how you're feeling, honey. If that elf doesn't come back to me alive, I'm going to kill him myself."

"Right, then,” said Thomas, breaking them out of their thoughts. “I have the perimeter secured and all the men on high alert. Come, please, let's make you comfortable. I know you will need food and rest."

Nessa sighed again, glancing at Darren.

"Suppose we'd better make the best of it,” Darren said, with his arm around her shoulder as they followed Thomas.

Jezebel stood with Belshazzar behind the army of demons waiting for their command. The seal was almost broken. Xenith the Sorcerer held his hand above his head, muttering over and over. To her delight, the large stone gate of the Ziggurat exploded.