Her eyes flash back to their normal shade and she is astounded to find herself laughing. A laugh of sheer hysteria starts in her mind and wings its way through her body, bursting free. “Magic? Just what exactly are you?”
“I am Drow!” Vorn doesn’t wait, he draws a small throwing knife from his belt and sends it at her. It hits her high in the chest. Anya falls to the ground, immobile for the moment. He stalks over to her body and rolls her onto her back. She can see and hear, but she can’t move. The knife is still imbedded in her shoulder.
Gently he brushes the hair from her face and looks for signs of any other injuries. Her eyes are flashing from normal to black then back to amber, “Listen to me carefully, Anya. That knife was soaked in a Drow immobility potion. You are only frozen for the moment, the harder you fight its effects the longer it will last.” He glances around looking for signs of more enemies and speaks lower. “As much as I would love to dance with you, we are out of time. You will need to get us out of here before Caius sends others after us. Use the image in my mind of Sebastian’s home and we will meet him there.” The moment his hand touches the hilt of the knife it turns to blue star dust and drifts away on the wind.
‘First, I need to taste you…’ she says to his mind.
Vorn is stunned. That is the pathway only used by mates. Before he can move, she jerks him forward and he doesn’t fight it.
Anya latches on, sinking her teeth into his throat and he grabs her body with his hands jerking her tight against his body. ‘Harder, Anya!’ She can feel the wild beating of his heart and rushing of his blood into her body. His flavor is unlike anything she has ever tasted. Ambrosia! She turns from his neck to his mouth. The moment his mouth takes her she is powerless. Tongues meet in a frenzied dance, hot, moist, wet sucking heat.
Vorn drags her head back from his and stares into her eyes. The golden light has faded and her hazel eyes mirror the desire reflected in his. He releases her with a grin of satisfaction and pulls her to her feet.
“We should go. I’m assuming you can transport us?”
Anya is staring at him, stunned. “Why are you here? What is your roll in this?” She wraps her arms around herself for warmth and stares at him.
“The Fae have sent me to make sure Caius is taken care of. I’m on your side.”
“Truly?” Anya barks out a semi-hysterical laugh that has him stepping closer to her. “No one is on my side, Vorn. I believe the only person who is brave enough to speak the truth is trying to use me to destroy humanity.” She presses her hands to the sides of her forehead and pushes trying to stop the pain beating at her.
Vorn lifts her chin to look into her eyes and he sees fear, pain, and sorrow. Anya drops her hands and stares back into his eyes. He brushes her hair gently away from her forehead and cups her face with one hand. “You are no longer alone, Anya.” His lips trace her parted mouth, softly tasting and soothing her. Where before his kiss was rough and demanding, now he is gentle, almost loving. Anya takes it and savors him while allowing his strength to fortify her own.
When he draws back, he is surprised to see a tear shimmering on the tips of her lashes. Just as it breaks free, he captures it in his hand and closes his fist around it. Vorn presses his lips to his fist and blows on it. Sparkles erupt and when he opens his fingers, a butterfly darts up into the night sky, leaving a trail of gold dust behind it.
This time, her laugh is full of delight. “There is still beauty in this world. You are on the brink of transformation and change is always hard. Choose not to do it alone, Anya. Let go of your anger and fear and simply believe. “
“Believe in what?”
“In yourself, in those who are fighting at your side.” Anya takes a deep breath and runs her fingers through his silver hair. “I will try.” Stepping close she whispers, “Hold me, Vorn and don’t let go.” His warm hands drop to grip her waist pulling her slowly to his chest. Anya wraps her arms around his neck and closes her eyes seeking the image he shows her.
‘Never,’ Vorn promises to her mind and Anya’s feels a sense of peace she desperately needs. She closes her eyes and lets it comfort her.
Chapter 25
Caius takes his private elevator up to his suite, barely strong enough to stay upright. The top floor was designed for privacy and ocean views. Panoramic windows line the entire floor, giving an unrivaled view of the ocean. At night the view gives the impression of floating on a sea of stars. His bedchamber houses a unique feature.
After stripping out of his clothing he stumbles to a closet door and flips the light switch. With a release of air, the door lifts straight up into the ceiling, revealing its secret. A cryo-chamber exclusively modified for his purpose. The blue glass compartment slides open releasing a puff of icy air as Caius steps inside and the door seals shut.
“Good evening, sir. How may I serve you?” A female voice asks.
“I will have Lailah’s pod,” he answers hoarsely.
“Very good, sir. This will be
