The Dragon's Vamp(24)
“You know, you’ll be useless unless you get some sleep. I, on the other hand, can stay up for days.”
“I know, I just…”
“You want to protect me. I know, Rhys, and I understand. Now cuddle up to me, please, and wrap those strong arms around me.”
Laying down he did as she requested, spooning her. He kissed the side of her neck. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Mari yawned before inching back just a bit to sit snuggly against his strength.
* * * *
Rhys jolted awake listening for what woke him. He turned as Mari twitched against him slightly. “Mari, you’re having a nightmare.” Lowering his hand to wake her he looked up sharply when someone grabbed it.
“Don’t wake her yet,” Darina said. “Her father’s telling her how to defeat the darkness. Give her this for me.”
Rhys glanced down after she disappeared to see a black rock the size of a baseball with markings etched around it, in his hand.
* * * *
Mari’s gaze narrowed as she stared at the battle taking place over the ocean.
“What’s on your brain?” Rhys asked as he stepped up.
“Something’s not right. Why hasn’t he appeared yet? He sent his minions in to fight, yet leaves them unprotected against us. There’s not one Other Kin out there fighting for him that I couldn’t destroy in a heartbeat if I chose to, and yet he’s absent.”
“Think he’s testing us to see how strong we are?”
“No, he knows how strong Alston’s forces are from the first battle. He wouldn’t risk it again…”
“Then it’s a decoy,” Drake Roven interrupted.
Mari glanced his way. “Yes, but for what?”
“Is he after something or someone besides you, Mari?” Kalana asked.
“The only one he wants to kill is me—well, beside my mother and father—because we’re the only one’s standing in his way to take this land.”
“No, you’re not, not anymore, Mari.”
Mari met her wide eyes. “It’s pointless. If he goes after Livi then he still has to deal with me and he knows the chance at waking my father. No,” she said shaking her head. “I don’t think he’d risk going after her, it wouldn’t make any sense.”
“But it would. If he takes Livi out, and you, then he’s reached his goal by killing the two things that mean the most to your parents and Alston. Without either of you, and with your father sleeping, Alston is defenseless against him and his attacks.”
“Livi’s tucked up safe inside Roven Manor, which is far into Alston lands. I haven’t even sensed him near, never mind breaching our protection shields.”
“Like you said, Mari, something isn’t right, and I don’t trust him not to go after my daughter.”
“If you want to leave the front lines, I understand, but I’m tuned in with Livi, I’ll know if something happens. Just like if and when he comes close to Alston.”
Kalana shook her head. “No, I’ll stay where I’m needed. Besides, our Alpha, Evan, and his mate Sofia are with her at all times.”
Mari leaned over hugging her friend. “You let me know if you want to leave. You know I’d never let anything happen to Livi, but if your head’s not in the battle then I’d rather see you with her than the possibility of injury to you because you’re worried about her.”
“If it becomes an issue then I’ll pull myself out.”
Mari nodded, glancing over at Rhys before she headed to the ocean, her wings expanding as she joined in the fight. Calling her lines back, Mari shifted halfway. Opening her mouth she let out a roar, the strength of it shoving the air attackers back and rolling through the sky. Lifting her hands she created a huge wave then released it, ridding the waters of the attackers down there. Turning, she headed back to land. This was really starting to piss her off; they were just attacking to attack, not caring if they succeeded or not.
“What was that about?” Rhys asked as she landed in front of the tent that had been erected for ops.
“They’re pissing me off with these little skirmishes.”
Rhys grinned as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “The second wave is arriving. How about we head back to the manor, get something to eat, get into a hot bath, let me love you until we both can barely move so that way we’re up to snuff should anything come about?”
“Barely huh?” Mari smiled. “Sounds good to me vamp boy.”
“Boy? Damn, honey, I thought by now you would’ve noticed I’m a man.”
Mari chuckled as she wrapped her arm around his waist. “Oh I have, baby, I have.”