walker saga 06 - dronish (8 page)

I heard Fury’s breathing increase. She sounded awfully close to hyperventilating. The weathered Relli was now five feet from our group. He had stopped and seemed to be patiently waiting. Fury spent the next few moments examining his features. She must have found something there. She walked straight up to him, halting mere inches from the man who had gotten her mother pregnant and then abandoned her all in the name of protecting Fury.

“What’s your name?”

They both asked the question at the same time, and straight away it was clear that Fury had inherited more than his eyes. The blunt, borderline arrogant tone of speaking that she had down pat. Well, this Walker mirrored that.

“I am Lukalien.” He spoke slowly, as if he were unaccustomed to using English. “Your mother was the only being who called me Luke, and you can also use this name.”

The look on Fury’s face was comical. “I’m Fury,” she finally spluttered out.

The Crais half looked so astonished that I couldn’t help the burst of laughter that escaped me. And that was all it took to set everyone off. Lucy howled louder than anyone. Even Delane cracked a smile.

Lukalien blinked rapidly as he glanced from one to the other. I could see he had no idea what was so funny.

Lucy was speaking in between gasps of laughter.  “Damn … no DNA test required there. He’s the man version of Fury. Now I know where she gets all her mean snarkiness.”

“Ignore them.” Fury waved her hands. “Where have you been? Why are you here now?”

And the unasked question. Why did you leave my pregnant mother to die alone on Crais?

I’d been there when Dune had told Fury that Gena, her mother, had died of a broken heart. And having lost Brace on more than one occasion, I could completely sympathize with the agony her mother must have felt.

Lukalien’s voice was rusty. “I have been mourning for many years. I knew when my mate perished, and I returned to Crais to check on you, but could not find any trace of our young. I thought you had died too.” The rustiness cracked then. He sounded defeated. “I still can’t sense your energy?” It was a question-statement.

Brace moved closer to the group. “Half-Walkers have an inbuilt protection. They can’t be traced or sensed in the normal Walker manner.” I could feel him at my back, his heat reaching out and tempting me.

Lukalien lifted his eyes slightly, just barely acknowledging the rest of us. Damn, there was no doubt. This was what a broken man looked like, even worse than Samuel.

Fury stepped closer to him. “We have a lot to talk about. Let’s go for a walk.” Her big heart was getting the better of her again. She’d be mothering this poor man within minutes. “I need to get back to my mate soon. How long do we have?” She started ushering him toward the Relli area.

“I’ll stay as long as you need. But I don’t like people …” His voice trailed off as they moved away.

My mouth was for sure hanging open. “Did that just happen?”

Lucy cracked up again. “I was thinking the same thing the entire time he was witnessing our ceremony. That Walker has zero people skills. He makes Fury look darn-right hospitable.”

“I wish Dune were here,” I mused.

“Why?” Delane asked.

I stared into her obsidian eyes. “Just to confirm he’s who he says he is. We can’t be too safe, and I don’t want Fury hurt.”

I knew how much she’d wanted to meet her father – even if it was just to yell at him – I didn’t want her hopes dashed.

The Angelica stared at me for a few moments, before giving me a succinct nod. “You are worthy.”

I felt strangely honored. I knew her well enough now to know she was tough to please. The approval in her tone and gaze touched me.

I was distracted from these thoughts as Brace stepped in and swept me off my feet. The movement was unexpected and my heart rate sped up. Even more than it usually pitter-pattered around my mate.

“You and I need a moment.” He was all growly.

That voice should most definitely be outlawed in public. It was as sexy as hell.

“Be right back,” I said to the girls, without even turning my face away from my gorgeous mate.

“Heard that before,” Lucy muttered. “The next thing I knew there were huge dangly bits and bare asses parading down the hall.”

I stifled my laughter as Brace strode away. He had the slightest smile on his face too. He finally remembered our moments, which was the best thing in the world.

“I don’t even want to know what you’re talking about.” Ria’s voice could be heard behind us, along with the low rumbles from Lucy’s pissed-off mate. Colton was going to be on his toes for all of eternity.

“What’s happening with Dad?” I asked Brace. “Is he okay? Has he talked with Mom yet?”

She would be raring to rip him a new one, but I felt that they needed to have their fight, get it out in the open and move on.

“Everything is sorted with the clans. They seemed to feel that his stepping down as princeps was more than enough punishment. We’re all in agreement that he wasn’t at fault, and in reality has given us a slight advantage by bringing it to everyone’s attention.”

I wasn’t actually that surprised by this.

Walkers – while hotheaded and arrogant – were also ancient beings with very logical brains. In most situations they saw the bigger picture. Except when it came to their mates. Then they were cavemen with pea-sized brains and zero logic.

I needed to see Josian. I wanted to reassure him again that I was not mad with him. I knew the guilt would be eating him alive. He was an emotional man and felt things very deeply. I just hoped that Lallielle wasn’t too hard on him, although I understood that her sense of betrayal ran even deeper than the rest of ours. She just needed time to remember the unwavering faith she had always shown in her mate.

But before I could search out my father, I knew Brace needed a moment of my time.

We were crossing the green fields. Off to the side were masses of forest. Brace’s arms were tightly wound around me as he strode without effort. I’d protest all the carrying – but I didn’t want to. 

“So, not that I’m complaining, but is there a reason for this current show of manliness?” I kissed his cheek, my entire body straining to be closer to him.

“I have to go back to Abernath for a while. Mother needs to see me,” he said. “Then I’ll be in war meetings with the other princeps for the rest of the day.”

My heart sank a little. Even though this is what we had planned on, I was still effing annoyed that Brace and I were going to be apart. It wouldn’t have been as bad if we were melded; I’d have him in my head. But this way … was damn lonely.

“Open your mind to me, baby.” His whispered words caressed my senses like the lightest touch.

I didn’t hesitate, dropping the barrier, and then he was everywhere: in my thoughts, body, soul, and heart. Not that he was ever far from those places. As his heat and distinct power burned through me, it was the closest I’d felt to complete since the bond was broken.

An image crossed my mind. It was a very strange, dark city with barriers around the outside and a few black crystals glittering on the edges.

That’s the city of Arotia. The last living civilization of Dronish. You should find your female there.

Brace’s words echoed across my senses, and then with a sigh of regret he withdrew his presence from me. I wanted to cry at the loss. I was cold and alone again. I understood why we couldn’t stay merged. We were practically taunting our bond into taking over and forcing our meld. But still … it effing sucked the big one.

With a sigh I shielded my mind again. Brace drew me into his arms, his hands running up and down my back in a soothing manner. After a long time we pulled apart. He stared down. His dark eyes reflected my image in their depths.

He brushed back strands of my hair from where they had fallen across my face. “We didn’t discuss who you were going to Dronish with, but you should take the half-Walker girls.”

I blinked at him a few times.

He grinned at my confusion. “Dronish is a world of energy-craving inhabitants. They’ve razed their world’s resources to the ground, existing now on just a few shards of power. Enough to keep them alive, but weak.” He locked me in his gaze. “The half-Walker’s protection will ensure that your energy isn’t felt. The moment any Walker has explored there in the past they were swarmed by those trying to steal their power.” His voice lowered into that I’m-dead-serious register. “They’re dangerous, Red. Don’t underestimate this race. They’re desperate, and it’s about survival for them.”

I filed away that information. It was sure to be important later. “You’re deliberately separating us, aren’t you?” I tried to keep the sadness from my voice, but I wasn’t too successful.

“No, sweetheart, I’m tempted to tie you to my side. Forever.” He was all fierce now. “But I have to acknowledge that we have jobs to do, and right now we can’t reform the melding bond. My current focus is to make sure I destroy the lalunas. I won’t rest until I find a way.” He dropped a brief and sweet kiss on my lips. “There’re no other options. I will remeld with you,” he whispered against my mouth.

“Soon,” I practically begged.

He groaned. It was low but I heard it. “For the love of my sanity, please stop begging.”

I couldn’t help the snort of laughter that escaped me. I may, just a little, adore my power over him.

With great reluctance he set me on my feet. “Okay, Red. I’m going to walk away now, while I still possess the ability to.”

He turned away, but was back in a blink of an eye and I was in his arms again. Our lips met in a scorching kiss. He broke away first, since I was never willingly going to remove my lips from his.

“I love you,” he said.

He left me there dazed and confused as he walked a few steps away and opened a doorway behind some trees. His serious eyes caressed my features briefly before he touched his fingertips to his lips and blew me a kiss goodbye.

And then he was gone.

Ah, eff. That was painful.

I must have stood there for a long time. Thankfully, as a Walker, I could have probably stood there forever without too much discomfort. Turning to make my way back to the girls, I stopped when I almost bumped into Lucas. He looked as if he’d been standing about six feet from me, just watching my back.

“Uh, hello, Emperor creepy. What are you doing?”

The side of his mouth lifted slightly, but he was minus his usual mirth. “You looked like you needed a few minutes, and I –” He broke off, before running his hand through his blond hair and sighing. “Well, I understand that quite strongly at the moment.”

I ran my eyes over the handsome First World Emperor. He looked disheveled, which was not his usual suave façade. Something was going on with him. I hoped it wasn’t to do with the running of First World, because I wasn’t even close to having time to pick up my side of that responsibility.

“Are you okay, Lucas?”

He shook his head a few times. The repeated motion was odd. “Actually, no, I’m not.”

I opened my mouth, but he cut me off before I could ask.

“It’s not First World. Things are as smooth as can be expected. Since you dispelled all of that negative energy in the dark mountains, we’ve had a resurgence of the balance. Less darkness has resulted in less unease. Of course I’m still having my issues with the mayoral heads, but nothing I can’t handle.” He laughed. It was harsh and derisive. “My father prepared me well for this mantle, even if others think I wasn’t ready for the challenge.”

“So what’s wrong then?” I asked as a light breeze blew through the field, lifting my curls off the back of my neck. There was the slightest hint of cool in an otherwise balmy day.

His icy blue eyes locked onto my face. “These damn dreams are keeping me up at night. I’m being haunted by all the choices I’ve made. Mostly what the hell to do about Ria and whether I’m failing at running First World.” His words were jumbled, as if he were trying to figure it out himself. “But I do feel better knowing what your place is in my life. I hated the disloyalty I felt toward you when I still couldn’t forget the woman from my dreams.” His eyes narrowed playfully. “Despite the fact you were constantly lip-locked with that giant, pain-in-the-ass Walker.”

I took a step closer to Lucas. It was easier to be around him now. We both understood the connection we shared, and knew it was nothing to do with romance and everything to do with a ruling partnership. I didn’t have to worry my actions could be mistakenly construed as a romantic advance.

“I’m really sorry that I’m not around to help with some of the stresses,” I said, and I meant it. “I just seem to have more hard choices than easy ones nowadays and time is not my friend.”

Lucas reached out and took my hand. It was unexpected, and I fought the instinct to rip myself free of him.

“The worlds are lucky to have you, Abby. I see the sacrifice, the struggle. I’ve been there before and it’s a tough life to be a leader, a savior.” His soft tone washed over me. “And you do it so seamlessly that most people wouldn’t even notice the personal cost. I notice,” he finished fiercely.

I hugged him then. Yeah, I’d wanted to pull my hand away a minute ago, but then I’d changed my mind. What? I’m a complicated woman and right then I’d needed his encouraging words.

“Thank you,” I said, stepping back again. “And I think you should talk to Ria. She deserves an explanation. She deserves the same considerate words you managed to find for me.”

Lucas was a different man to the cocky individual I’d met when I first came to this world. Every obstacle he’d faced, his father’s death, taking on the role as Emperor in a time of war and crisis, finding and hurting his dream-mate. Well, he’d grown a little more with every hardship.

“I’m proud of you,” I said to him. “You seem to finally be a worthy leader for our people.”

A lazy grin crossed his features. “What a lovely, backward compliment.”

I shrugged. “You’re welcome. Why are you here anyways?”

“It looks as if this battle is going to go down on First World. I’ve been called in as part of the war council.” His brows drew together. “I know it’s just a formality. The Walkers definitely don’t need or want advice from a young, newly appointed Emperor. But still, Quarn is assembling our army and we’re having our own area set up in the camp.”

Wow, I was impressed. They’d started to pull together a wide variety of soldiers in a short period of time.

“I have to go now. Make sure that everyone isn’t killing themselves in our zone.” He touched my arm briefly. “I’ll think on what you’ve said about Ria. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to talk to her, try and mend some of the hurt between us. I might actually get a decent night’s sleep,” he finished on a mutter.

“We have to go to Dronish now, but when we return you’ll have plenty of time.” I straightened, shoving my hands into the pockets on my jeans.

“Ria’s going with you?” His voice lowered.

I nodded, my eyes examining his features.

He didn’t say anything for a few heartbeats. It looked as if he were counting to ten. Finally he all but growled. “Look after her for me. And yourself.” He swallowed loudly. “I would be loath to lose either of you.” He marched away, his broad shoulders rigid and arms stiff at his side.

I watched him for a while before turning to make my way back to the girls.

Hours later the five of us were ready to head to Dronish. Fury had returned. Her father had had enough of the crowds and was off hiding, but she seemed to think they’d made a small inroad to building a relationship. Although she still wasn’t sure if she liked him or not yet; he was ‘damn weird’ had been the main observation she’d made.

Lucy was by my side absolutely fuming mad that she wasn’t allowed to go with us to the vampire planet. She was starting to look like a green glitter sprinkler. I could barely see her through the mist. She wasn’t really talking to me as we stood near the war council area.

The entire camp was a little messy at that moment, filled with fighting, confusion and unease. Everyone striving to be the leader, but there were too many different groups, all of whom wanted to be heard. I hoped when we returned they were a little more organized. I felt uneasy leaving before having a chance to speak with Josian, but I hadn’t been able to find him. Despite the fact I’d searched for a few hours.

Just as I had that thought, my head whipped to the side as his energy drifted toward me. Five seconds later he stepped out from behind the Doreen tent, an area which had been set up for our new princeps and his council to confer.

“Give me a minute,” I said to the others, before marching across to Josian.

He was not looking in my direction as he strode in slow deliberate motions across the space. His expression was that of a shattered man and that hurt my heart all over again.

“Hey, Dad,” I said, coming to a halt a few feet from him.

His head flew up and bronze eyes locked in on me.

“Baby girl,” he croaked out, his voice low and rough. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m about to head to Dronish with the other half-Walkers.”

He reached out and grasped my hand.

I squeezed it tightly in return.

“I tried to talk with your mother. She’s still fairly upset. But …” He cleared his throat. “Do you have any time for me to explain a few more things before you leave?”

I nodded. “I always have time for you, Dad.”

Under the watchful eyes of my friends, their mates and a few other onlookers, Josian and I made our way out of the main area. We stopped near the waterfall and lake.

He started slowly. “I’m going to say it again, because you deserve to hear this more than once. I am so sorry, baby girl. I know it’ll take me a lifetime to make this up to you, for you to trust me again –”

“No!” I said, my voice fierce. I was on my feet, hands on my hips. “No, you have to stop saying crap like this.” My hands went from my hips to waving wildly in the air. “Are the lalunas still gone from your head?”

He nodded twice. “Yes, I haven’t felt their presence since we left the stone world.”

I reached out and grabbed onto his forearms. “I don’t forgive you, Dad.”

His face fell so I hurried to finish.

“Because there’s nothing to forgive. In my mind you did nothing wrong. This is all on the lalunas, and they’re going down. Now tell me what we need to do to beat them?”

His bronze eyes hardened, the gold threading through. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and … the only way to limit their power is to lock them away, in the same prison as the Seventine.”

“What?” I said. He’d taken me by surprise. “Is it a wise idea to place two sets of the most powerful entities in our star systems close to each other?”

Josian shook out his very dark red hair. “Once they’re imprisoned, they’ll have no power. We’ll use the lalunas to strengthen the protections on the prison. If the stones are part of the wall, then I don’t think the Seventine will ever be able to escape again.”