Set In Sparks (Morningstars Book 2) (23 page)

“Now, Cany, please,” he whispered, lifting her chin with one finger while he read the expression her face, twisted into a mix of anger and disappointment. “Why don’t you listen to the end until you decide what this is or isn’t about?”

She swallowed and then moved deeper into the soothing water. No matter how raw she felt, this really was nice. “Okay, I’m all ears,” she gave back, deciding to keep her eyes on his face in case he’d be lying. Maybe, just maybe, she’d catch it.

“You’re the most beautiful, the most amazing girl I’ve ever met. Everything you’ve been through just made you stronger. You are compassionate and kind, and whatever caused the storm wasn’t exactly your fault. The problem is, we’ll share everything. This bond will make you feel what I feel and if negative feelings cause what you caused, then I can’t risk sharing my emotions with you. Maybe there’d be too many good ones and you wouldn’t even feel the negative, but maybe, just maybe you do, and I don’t want that. Until I can deal with that I can’t change you.” She hated how much he made sense.

A grin spread on his face as he lowered his eyes. “No need to be smug,” she fussed and he actually chuckled.

“I can feel you pouting and it’s just … It’s probably the most amazing feeling ever,” Ryder admitted and Cany huffed her cheeks.

“And why won’t you sleep with me?” How could it be that this was actually what bothered her far more than the mating? At least for now. Again, he laughed and Cany hated how carefree he looked. She was hurt and sad and angry and, if she was honest, still aroused from his bite.

“I can’t wait to be mated to you,” he replied instead of answering to her question directly. “This bond thing is amazing. No wonder Jaden was ready to stop talking to me just because Maya asked something of him.”

“Origins always come first. I think we saw enough proof of that,” Cany remarked and he nodded, letting his hand go into the water. She felt the current swirling against her skin, yet his fingertips didn’t brush her body. This male sure was out to torture her like only he'd be able to. “Don't think I didn't realize you didn't answer my question,” she then added in a hushed voice, lowering her eyes from his face as disappointment made her stomach heavy.

“Cany,” he mumbled, sounding as if he was talking to a scared child. She refused to look up since she felt tears pooling in her eyes. This emotional up and down was ridiculous and she knew it, but Ryder could play her feelings like others played the guitar.

“Hurricane,” he insisted and the name felt like a slap to her face. It was all the pain and hatred she had ever felt wrapped in one single word. “Oh girl.”

Suddenly, he was in the tub with her, his sweatpants soaked and his navy shirt sticking to his torso as his hands wrapped around her face. She couldn't do anything but stare into his emerald eyes now. “Stop doubting everything. Stop regretting everything. Stop hating yourself. This is your name, and as much as I wish it was still Zoey, I think there's nothing more fitting than a unique name for a unique female. And I just won't sleep with your because
I know
that I won't be able to resist your blood then. There's one thing I need to solve first and then... Patience, Cany. Give me just a few more nights,” he pleaded and then he was kissing her. Cany’s heart did a crazy dance in her chest while Ryder filled her senses until she couldn't remember any reason to be sad at all.

Kaden stilled them both, never having imagined that he could get closer to Maya than he had been before, but now, feeling her wetness surround him, he needed a moment before fully snapping.

“Hell no,” Maya growled, her violet eyes dark like a storm rolling in. “Don't you dare stopping now!” She easily was the sexiest thing he had ever seen and wouldn't even deny it. Jaden was looking at him over her shoulder, giving him a beaming smile. His twin definitely seemed to know exactly how Kaden felt. Jaden moved in, kissing Maya's shoulder and cupping her breasts from behind.

“Maybe you should torture him a little bit,” Jaden suggested and Maya instantly followed that thought, starting to circle her hips. Kaden hissed in pleasure, digging his nails into her hips.

“Oh, Kade,” she moaned before then turning to kiss Jaden deeply.

“Maya, I need to...” He gasped and she just bent her head, nuzzling his shoulder. Kaden braced himself, remembering exactly how it felt to have her take his blood, only this time he'd be able to take hers as well.

Her fangs pierced his skin and it took everything in him to not come at the spot. He followed her example, licking over her shoulder before biting her, too. What followed was something Kaden had never expected and most likely wouldn't ever be able to put in words. Maya's happiness, glee, and excitement, as well as her arousal and utter satisfaction came through a bond like a firework on the Fourth of July. He wanted to cry out of happiness, moan because he was that close to the edge and fall to his knees to thank the Creator for giving him such an amazing Origin.

Only in the back of his mind did he notice how Maya reached behind her back, obviously starting to stroke Jaden in the rhythm of Kaden's thrusts. His back was burning as Maya edged herself deep into his skin. Would he have the same tattoo as his brother? Or something new? Maya crossed her legs behind his back now after having knelt with him, and suddenly he had the feeling he was deeper in her, feeling even more of the fraction. Jaden struck Maya's free shoulder and their Origin came with a shiver that passed through her whole body, making Kaden follow suit as her body clamped around him. He came in strong waves, only letting go of Maya's shoulder once his breath calmed down a little.

“Ewww, you totally came against my back,” Maya laughed, winking at Jaden over her shoulder while she held onto Kaden. His twin just kissed her shoulder, pulling her hair until Maya's head was resting almost against his shoulder, then he nibbled on her earlobe, humming in appreciation.

Kaden's stomach was tingling with way too many emotions and he grabbed Maya's neck, kissing her deeply. “Shower?” he asked, brushing a dark strand behind her ear before touching her lip.

“Definitely,” she agreed, kissing his nose before combing her fingers to his hair.

“Yeah, let's check out her new tattoo without my mark on it,” Jaden grinned and then took Maya from Kaden's lap, carrying her into the bathroom bridal style. Kaden could hear the two laugh and there was a deep sense of peace in him. HIs knees were still a little shaky as he got up and walked over to the floor length mirror next to her walk-in closet. He turned just enough so he could see his back in the mirror. At the base of his neck a star had appeared in the violet he knew from Jaden's tattoo. He was shining over flames, just like Jaden had them on his back, yet Kaden swore that the brown and purple lines looked different than those his twin had. He hated to say it, but it was beautiful and he finally felt complete.

He followed the voices to the bathroom, seeing Maya stand with her back towards Jaden and her arms spread wide. Above the wings she had since mating Jaden a star-sprinkled sky spread over her shoulders and down her arms. Kaden stepped closer, holding her left arm between his hands, following the line of brown stars that had purple shadows which became lighter the further down her arms they got. At the bottom of her neck, exactly where he had it, she had a bigger star and, the moment he checked Jaden's back, he saw the same mark on his twin.

“You've always been beautiful, Cupcake, but now...” Jaden's voice was hushed in awe and Kaden couldn't believe how well if felt to get a taste of the utter satisfaction and happiness that came through the bond.

“Look, Jaden has your tattoo, too,” Maya remarked, turning back to him and his twin. Above their hearts there were the flames that Kaden had first gotten when Maya and Jaden mated. Whenever she touched them now, the purple glow surrounded them all.

“Are you happy now?” Jaden asked, cupping Maya's cheek.

“Are you?” she asked back and Kaden could feel her doubt and fear through their connection. By the Creator, he'd never get enough of that.

“Perfect,
chapt
” Jaden smiled and Kaden could do nothing more than nod, leaning in to kiss her deeply. He made her back up until her back hit the tiled wall. Jaden turned on the water of the shower and then followed Kaden's lead, letting hands and lips roam over the body of their Origin. Whatever would come, they'd manage it all. Kaden had no doubt about tha
t
.

Maya didn’t want to move. She was in a warm twin sandwich, her head resting on Kaden’s chest while Jaden had his arm wrapped around her hip. He was sleeping soundly next to them, but she knew Kaden was awake. She touched his chest, letting her fingertips go over his skin. Pure bliss spread through the bond and she couldn’t help herself, kissing the spot closest to her lips. He kissed her hair, gently brushing through her dark strands then.

“Are you okay?” she asked, knowing very well that he was due to the new connection they shared, but she still liked to hear it.

“Of course,” Kaden gave back, his voice rumbling in his chest as he spoke even though he was quiet.

“Are you happy?” she changed her question, holding her breath as she waited for his answer.

“Why shouldn’t I be?”

She thought a moment, shrugging lightly, hoping not to wake the other twin in her bed. “This isn’t what you wanted or deserve. This isn’t what Jaden thought he’d get out of the deal. You both deserve a woman that loves only you unconditionally and me … don’t get me wrong, I got the best of the best, but…” Yeah, but. Doubt was creeping in heavily and she worried that some time soon the guys would come to regret that. Not that either of them ever had a true choice in this, but then she hadn’t been ready to decide either.

“Maya, I couldn’t be happier than I am right now. Jaden instigated that, remember?”

“Jaden ran away, remember?” She knew it was stupid because she probably would have been hurt, terribly much so, and running away would have been her last resort. She could see herself screaming and fussing, crying her eyes out, or even accusing him of hell’s sins, yet she had expected him to be calm and understanding? She sat up, resting her cheek against her knee so she wouldn’t have to look at Kaden.

“Biggest fucking mistake of my life,” Jaden mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. It made her exhale quietly because it was so sexy. Arousal coursed through her and Kaden chuckled.

“Say more, I think she likes that,” he said and Maya heard the grin in his voice.

“How can you be already awake? It’s been a long few nights and you manage to be all chatty and thoughtful at six in the evening. The sun hasn’t even set yet,” he fussed and then kissed Maya’s spine right where she knew her star sat. It was incredible that they all had the same. She almost had a mind to ask Lara if she had one, too, but then she and the other woman weren’t on so personal terms any longer. It actually made Maya sad, but she didn’t comment on it.

“As I was saying, I shouldn’t have run. In fact, I shouldn’t have been surprised, but we all know I’m more a strategist than a person that notices things. That’s Kay. Can we now go back to sleep?” Jaden asked and then rested his head back in the pillows. Maya moved until she was basically lying on him, her ear pressed to his heart. She never had noticed how quiet vampires’ heartbeats were until the humans had come into her home. Luckily, their room was soundproof and she didn’t have to worry about waking up from the humans or waking them up.

She looked at Kaden, who turned on his side and let his fingertip go up and down her back while Jaden embraced her and then kissed the top of her head.

“Thank you,” she finally decided to say and both froze for a second, obviously startled.

“For?” they asked in unison, making her smile.

“Being the most amazing guys anyone could wish for,” she replied and Kaden leaned in, kissing her cheek while Jaden brushed her hair off her shoulder.

“Thank you for choosing us,” they answered in unison another time and Maya couldn’t help but feel elated. Maybe Ryder was right and she should stop hunting for a family that most likely didn’t exist anymore while she had one right there, making her as happy as she could ever be.

Ryder straightened his shoulders, wondering why in the world he was nervous. Cany's parents didn't deserve his respect and yet he couldn't help but breathe deeply in a way that was way too human, he knew that, but somehow it had calming properties for him.

He knocked, waiting in silence. The better parts of Helpston were a sight to behold and he turned away from the door, looking over at the sparkling lights of the city. Somehow he was glad that the Queen's mansion was across town, still a good part, but with far more privacy for them all and more room. The way Ryder saw it, they'd always be able to expand the housing if the need arose.

Someone clearing a throat made him face back. It was a maid. Ryder raised a brow and then slowly gave her a smile. It wasn't her fault that she worked for people he considered monsters.

“I'm here to see Cany's parents. Please tell them a warrior is there to talk to them,” he mumbled, wishing he knew more about stuck up language. Somehow he thought it would make things easier with her parents, show them some respect even if he didn't feel it.

As much as he wished it were different, it was hard forgetting that those two technically were something akin to in-laws to him. He was led in the same sitting room he had occupied with Cany and her mother the last time he was there and it made him realize that they treated her own daughter like a stranger. Anger boiled in him, but he tried to regain control of his emotions. Somehow he needed to make this either right or make a stand. Trying to gain control of his emotions, he started wandering around the room, the satins covered walls gleaming in the fake electric candles that lit up a chandelier. While at one point this probably had been a pretty room, it now looked like her parents tried too hard to hold onto former, more glorious times, even if paintings adorned the walls. The room didn’t prove taste, it just proved desperation.

When Cany's mother entered, her expression made it pretty clear that this would be more a 'make-a-stand' kind of meeting, but before any of them could say anything, the door opened again and the servant girl returned.

“Mistress, the Queen is here for a word as well.” The female in question already pushed passed the maid and gave Ryder a tight lipped-smile before turning to their unwilling hosts. She wore a purple flowing dress that left her shoulders and arms free, skin that was covered in an extension of the tattoo Ryder already knew as stars seemed to sparkle wither her movements. He almost grinned as he realized that Kaden finally got lucky. Her dark waves were pinned up and she looked royal, to say the least.

“I'm Maya, Queen of the Origins,” she introduced herself, her head held high and her expression expectant. “I offer my sincerest apologies for being late. Ryder made it clear how important it was to be here on time,” she went on as if they had been asked there.

“We didn't expect you,” Cany's mother stated, surprise clear on her face.

“Clarice it was, right? Shouldn't you be expecting the mate of your daughter and the Queen she serves to drop by and tell you what an outstanding child you raised?” Maya wondered, blinking her purple eyes innocently.

This was all wrong. Ryder wanted to say a few things and Maya just came in ... Ryder reconsidered wanting to have the attention when both parents suddenly stared at him as if he was naked and with dirty feet in their house.

“I'm ... you heard,” he stammered and then cursed himself. “Cany is my mate and I came today to let you know that she's one of the kindest people I ever met. I know you had other plans for her,” he explained, trying hard to ignore the fact that those plans involved Cany's death, “but this is what fate wanted for her and I hoped you'd give your blessing to this mating.” Not that he cared, but he knew that Cany would.

“You don't know Hurricane the way we do,” Cany's father snorted and Ryder had to hide a smirk as Maya coughed, hiding a 'right' under the noise. She had started looking at the paintings spread throughout the room, her back to their hosts. Maya hopefully knew that this wasn't the right way to charm those two.

“You've got something to say,
Queen
?” Clarice asked, obviously having caught it as well.

Maya didn't even bother to turn around. “Nothing for your ears, milady.” Maya wasn't out to impress Cany's parents. She wanted to make them feel like Cany most likely felt when she was here: inferior.

“As I was trying to say,” Ryder interrupted before Cany's parents could say more, “I was hoping you would like to have dinner with me and your daughter so you can see that she's happy.” This was so much worse than he had expected. He knew Maya meant well, but somehow her appearance had made this a whole different dimension of bad.

Plus, those two definitely wouldn't join the Queen's fan club.

“Are you inviting us to the Queen's mansion?” George asked and Ryder cursed under his breath. Of course he was doing that since he didn't have his own home or apartment any longer, but suddenly it felt as if this made him not good enough for the daughter they hadn't wanted anyways.

Maya stayed silent, watching a painting with frogs in the bottom left corner.

“I guess I am,” he admitted and George nodded slowly.

“Does your Queen approve?” The sneer in the other man's voice was clear and Ryder wondered how he had ever thought that this could end well.

Finally Maya returned to them, giving them a cool smile. She looked nothing like the young girl Ryder remembered and sometimes it really scared him.

“I don't keep my house locked or the people there under my surveillance. Everyone is free to use the rooms and kitchen and whatever suits them the way they want. If they plan on having dinner with you, I'm happily giving them the room.”

“You aren't really a Queen, are you?” George asked. “You have a courtier so she serves you. No wonder our daughter is developing an attitude.”

Maya's smile turned to ice and Ryder gritted his teeth. “I am the Queen when the need arises. Maybe I should remind you of the fact that I am your Queen, too. You should show some respect. Or can it be that your daughter has the attitude from her parents?”

“You’re the Morningstar Queen and we did our duty. We served you well, giving you our daughter. She was trained in etiquette and proper manners. What you do with her at your court is your thing. Besides, you might beware of her. She is a danger to herself and others,” Clarice explained and that was all Ryder needed. He saw red, blindly reaching out to grab the mother of his mate.
Small, yet strong hands refrained him, making it possible that his haze vanished just as quickly as it had come on.

“Let go, Maya,” he ordered and she shook her head.

“No, brother.”

Silence spread in the room as if someone had sucked out all sounds. Maya still held his eyes, but he could practically feel the burning stares of their two hosts.

“Seems not many people really know how an Origin Queen comes to be,” Maya stated calmly and then finally sat down on of the crème-colored sofas. It didn’t exactly ease Ryder’s mind since she now fully faced Cany’s parents. “You need to be a surviving Hellraise child. One that doesn’t go crazy. I guess some people still consider me insane.” She shrugged as if she had no care in the world.

“Can we now please talk about the fact that I originally planned on inviting you to my Masquerade until I saw the guy you tried to hitch your daughter with? And then, when she came to talk to you - not that I’m sure why – you were crueler than any parent could be? That is, our mother actually might be crueler than you, but then she is a Hellraise no one detected.”

Ryder couldn’t believe that Maya shared their family history so casually. As far as he was concerned, no one needed to know whom he was related to.

“Maya, do you mind if we have a word?” he asked, almost tearing his hair out as he scratched a hand across his scalp in helplessness.