Their Mating Illusion [Paranormal Protection Unit 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) (13 page)

“I swear I’m never getting used to being called a King or Royal anything,” he muttered. “I’ll likely end up looking around all the time for who they are actually talking to.” Who’d have thought that gutter trash like him would end up being King? Definitely not his father before his not-nearly-quick-enough demise and definitely not his drug-addled and boozed-out mother looking for her next “boyfriend” to suck dry.

Lifting herself up, Maya looked at him and frowned. “I think that you are so much more than what you are thinking that you are. Quincy, I think that you are amazing. I love every single part of you. I think that you are truly what the Magic world has needed for so long,” she said and laid a hand on his chest. “You have been at the lowest point that a person can be. You understand that. You are a man that will always fight for those that can’t fight for themselves. You are honest, loving, so intelligent that you scare me, and you are really and truly beyond amazing. Never doubt that, Q, ever. You are everything to me, honey, now and always.”

“I know that, love,” he said, pulling her closer to him. “I’m just pretty sure that no one else will think it, ever. Of all my fantasies and dreams as a kid, being King of anything hadn’t been there. A warm and safe place to sleep, a full hot meal once a week, new shoes before winter.” He sighed. “Those were my dreams and hopes.”

“Then maybe with all of the money that comes in we will start a foundation so that no other child has to have those for their dreams and hopes. It’s time we gave back to our people. How about if those dues begin to go back to the people who really need them? Not the ones who are exceptionally affluent but the ones who can barely afford to pay their rent each month?”

“I’d like that.” He smiled at her and squeezed her closer with care. “But I want to see the books first,” he told her honestly. “And I’ll likely need to talk to those that are in charge of the accounts and how the funds are used. We may need to rearrange a few things but not until I see everything and understand it all.”

“Which would be very well advised before you do anything.” She pulled back. “It was just a thought.” She knew that it was his decision to make. She had only wanted to give him an idea but she knew, from dealing with Michael, that a King never, ever wanted to be told what to do or how to do it.

Frowning at her, he touched her nose. “It’s a great idea, a wonderful idea, and one I fully intend to explore and hopefully implement. But until I see all the paperwork and the books I have no idea what impact it might have on those that get paid from the accounts.” Plus he had a bad feeling that there may have been a few, her brother included, that had been skimming from the funds. No way in hell Michael could have afforded those luxury vacations, four-thousand-dollar suits, and the Gods knew what other toys on his own monies. And her brother was just enough of an asshole to have done it, too, smug in his own power and belief he’d always be on top.

“For now we will just focus on us though, honey, and all the different ways that we can tease and love on each other before Talon and the others come in search of us, darling mine.” Hopefully it would be a long while though.

“About two days. That’s apparently when the next Council meeting is and that I’m apparently the head entertainment of.” Looking to her, he stroked her cheek. “I know it’s against the rules of things, but since I apparently have this fancy-ass title, you want to come with?”

That shocked her. “I’ve never, ever been in the Council Chambers. Are you sure?” she asked softly. “I would want to go with you, want to go because you are my bond-mate and I want every moment with you that I can get. Also to make sure that my bastard brother doesn’t cheat in the fight I’m sure he’s going to demand.”

“I want you there, darling,” he assured her softly. “Not because you are just my bond-mate but because I need you with me, sweetheart.” Pulling her in closer to him, he kissed her softly. “But now we are going to sleep, angel,” he told her quietly. “So snuggle in and sleep. We have a couple of days just for us and then we will put the Council on their fucking ear.”

“Sleep is good. I love you, honey,” she whispered and let his heat and his love wash over her. Without another thought she drifted off and into sleep.

Maya looked up at Quincy and slipped her hand into his once more. Squeezing his hand, she smiled. “I love you, Quincy. To pull the Vortex to the Council Chambers you have to summon it to you. As King it is your right. The first words you use to summon the Vortex to the Chamber will be the ones that will be used throughout the rest of time while your line rules. Choose them wisely, honey.” She told him softly the things she had learned from reading the old texts she found in Talon’s office.

“Great,” he muttered, squeezing her fingers as he stood there staring at nothing and tried to think of something. Shaking his head, he looked at her helplessly. “It feels like too much pressure, like a test, and I know the answers but can’t put them to paper.”

“All right, so let’s see.” She paused and thought then smiled. “How about something as simple as, ‘I, Quincy Wallace, as Royal King of all Warlock and Magekind, request the portal to the most Sacred Council Chambers to come to me, admit me into the Chambers where Gaia’s works be done,’ or something like that?”

“That just sounds so damned pretentious and not me at all,” he said, tugging her in closer to him. Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his cheek to her hair. “I know that it has to be formal and all and something only I can use but…” Groaning, he rubbed his cheek on her hair. “This is all so not me, Maya. I feel so far out of my depth that I’m practically drowning. The only thing keeping my head above water is you and your love.”

“Talon is already there, love, so this has to be you. I’m sorry, honey, but you simply must do this. You are a fighter, darling. Don’t give up already. I know this isn’t what you wanted and I’m sorry it’s what I brought to your door.”

“Don’t,” he whispered softly, cupping her face. Kissing her gently, he rubbed his nose to hers and wrapped her back in his arms. Hugging her tight, he buried his face in her neck and rocked her back and forth as he let his mind clear. He was worrying too much, thinking too much. He needed to go with his gut reaction and feelings. Lifting his head, he knew. “I, Quincy Wallace, Royal King of all Warlock- and Magekind, request a portal to the Sacred and Holy Council Chambers. Admit me as is the will of Gaia, Goddess of us all.”

“You did remarkably, darling. These are truly brilliant and amazing words, ones that will pass from you to our sons and their sons. I love you, Q,” Maya murmured softly and then walked closer to him. “Now then, let’s walk in, shall we?”

“Oh boy,” he murmured, eyeing the very different Vortex from any he’d thrown. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he guided her into it. Holding her tight, he stepped out and blinked as he took in the “receiving” room, he was guessing, and the large, large—they were fucking humongous—doors before them. “Oh boy,” he muttered, staring at the two Guards of indeterminate race standing there, who were obviously the keepers of the gate, so to speak.

Maya looked at the massive Dragon Guards, the most elite of them all that stood sentry outside the Council Chambers. “You have to tell them who you are, darling.” Even though they knew. Quincy didn’t know it, but the aura of power around him had shifted and changed so much that it was clear to anyone viewed him just who he was.

“Okay,” he said, inching a little closer to them. “Uh, hi?” He lifted a hand in a half wave. “I’m, uh, Quincy Wallace, King of the magic folks and whatnot. So.” He stuffed his hand in his pocket and rocked back on his heels. “How’s it hangin’?”

The men looked at Quincy and then her. “And the woman?” huge guy on the left asked while huge guy on the right fought a grin.

“How’s it hangin’? Seriously?” guy on the left said and shook his head. “Talk to me. Who’s the woman?” he asked again.

Maya knew this wasn’t for her to speak. This had to be for him to explain.

“My bond-mate,” Quincy said and frowned. “And yeah, seriously. I’m curious. I’ve never been here before so I’m kind of trying to figure out how this all works and figured I’d throw out the question so I’d know more. But hey”—he held up a hand—“you’ve got all this important stuff to do, looking big and mean, opening doors, and taking up space, so we’ll leave you to it. If you would please.” He indicated the doors.

Guy on the right lost it and burst out laughing. Shaking his head, he said, “Damn, I’m going to like having you around. The other one was a complete douchebag and it’s more than about time that we had a change in regime for you Magic Users.”

“Yeah.” Quincy shot a look at Maya and shrugged. “He’s got a point, love. Your brother is a douchebag of epic proportions.” Looking to the guys again, he grinned. “Q or Skittles for future reference,” he told them, holding out a hand and shaking theirs. “I answer to both so feel free to pick whichever you prefer.”

Guy on the right nodded. “Aaron and Gabriel,” he said, and then he spoke directly to Maya. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were that asshat’s brother. You resonate none of his signature.”

“That’s because I’m bond-mate to a very good man and I’ve spent my life avoiding said douchebag at every single possible opportunity.” She then looked to Quincy and smiled. “A man who’s likely having kittens because he can’t open the Vortex here.”

“Good.” Quincy nodded with a grin. “He deserves to be annoyed and frustrated. Anyway.” He looked to the two guards. “Aaron, Gabriel, if you wouldn’t mind. We’re likely late to begin with for this bloody meeting from hell and only getting later. We probably should try and slip in without anyone noticing before they actually realize we were trying to skip out on this damned thing.”

“There is no slipping in,” Aaron warned. “Believe me,” he said with a shake of his head. “They will bring Michael in when they are ready for him. He’s demanding a fight. Sorry, but I seriously hope you got your mojo because, while he was a douchebag, he was the Royal Warlock, so he had some kickass power.”

Maya didn’t say anything. Michael didn’t have the power. He never had. Her father had passed it to her to pass to her bond-mate, her Quincy, but that was not important.

Squeezing her waist, he just nodded to the two Guards. “Thanks for the warning,” he told them and then moved into the hall as they pulled the doors open. “How pissed off is he going to be?” he asked her on the barest of whispers.

“You have taken him from the top of the mountain to under it, darling. He’s going to be so pissed off that he will likely give himself a stroke.” If only they were that lucky! “But no matter what, I love you, Quincy. No matter what else happens, rely on that love and feel it. Use it for your center and balance.”

“I always do,” he whispered, hugging her to him. Pausing just outside the Chambers, he pressed a kiss to her lips. “I love you, Maya,” he spoke very softly, wrapping her in his arms to hold her for a moment. She was his everything and very definitely his balance. She gave him strength and a center that was rock solid.

“That’s very good because I love you as well, Q,” Maya told him. “I’m glad that I’m here for you,” she whispered softly to him and smiled, just for him. Only for him. “Now then, let’s do this thing so that we can get home sooner.” The sooner it was over, the sooner they would be able to get home and relax once more.

“And get busy,” he whispered against her ear, ensuring only she would hear his words. Kissing her lips gently, he smiled down at her and turned to face the last door. Out of childhood habit, he crossed himself for good measure and pushed it open, entering first with her hand in his.

Maya grinned up at him and winked. “You betcha, baby, and get busy,” she whispered just before he opened the Council Room door. Maya stood at his side and entered with him, the power of the room pulsing and flowing over them both as they entered. Squeezing his hand tightly, she looked up at him. “I’m right here,” she whispered.

Squeezing back, he stopped and waited as Talon had instructed, since Talon tended to run these deals as King of the Dragons. He also knew that he did have to watch his mouth a little more. Too many of the Council tended to be fuddy-duddy’s.

Looking to Quincy, Talon said, “We have in our midst the new King of the Magic World.” He waved for Quincy to come forward. “If the throne accepts you, Quincy Wallace, the Council will accept you.” He looked around and then asked, “Unless there is anyone who wishes to contest the change in the Royal Line from Griffon to Wallace?”

Walking toward Talon with a firm grip on Maya, Quincy waited for someone to speak out. There was a bit of whispering but all seemed to give their permission to let it proceed, even a couple that had obviously been allied with Maya’s brother. Stopping next to Talon, he looked up at the man. “What now?” he questioned from the side of his mouth. They hadn’t really gotten beyond stop, be silent, and watch your mouth, boy.

“Sit on your throne. It will accept you,” he assured Quincy. “Just make sure that when you do, you don’t jump right up. It’s a bit of a shock, trust me,” he whispered. “Just trust in the knowledge that you are the one for the position. Gaia has made it so.”

“Not helping my nerves,” he breathed out and, releasing Maya’s hand since he didn’t know what was about to happen, went to stand before the Gods’ awful throne. Sitting down slowly, he relaxed and then nearly jumped right back up. But he kept the seat, barely, hands gripping the arms tight, and he shivered slightly.

“The magic has been shown to belong now to the House of Wallace,” Talon stated. “Let it be recorded that the House of Wallace is now the real and true Ruling House of the Magic Users. Ensure that all are aware.”

Quincy looked up at Maya and let out a breath. That had been seriously fucking freaky. Holding out his hand to her, he took hers and lightly tugged her around to sit in his lap.
That was so far beyond strange I don’t even know where to begin.
Quincy spoke privately in her mind through their own private telepathic link.

Taking his seat, Talon raised his hand. “And now it is understood that we have a new Royal, we will begin our meeting. What is the first item on our agenda?”