King of Khoth: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book 9) Read online

  “I’m tired. We’ve been traveling from place to place so frequently I rarely get a chance to rest,” she admitted, sharing one thing that had been bothering her.

  She needed to get to the ocean but didn’t dare ask Cyril for fear of upsetting him. They’d been visiting tropical places, and it had been torture to stay out of the water.

  “I’ll tell you what. Instead of traveling to our next destination after lunch, we will check into a hotel and stay the night. What do you say?” Cyril offered with a smile as he lowered his head and kissed the back of her hand.

  “Why do you worry that stone so much,” she asked to distract him. His lips lingered on her flesh and his dark eyes hooded.

  The sign of affection had knots twisting in her stomach. Cyril had not hidden his desire for her. He wanted more and had been patient in his pursuit. Keira liked him. He was an agreeable male who had taken great care with her and had been a gentleman. Unfortunately, he was a good friend and nothing more. There was no passion, and she couldn’t force feelings she didn’t possess.

  Before today, she couldn’t have put into words what was missing, but now she knew. She wanted that burn Angus elicited. Not that she wanted it with Angus, given what Cyril claimed he’d done to her, but she wanted to feel alive and free.

  That thought stopped her cold. Not once during the encounter with Angus did her hatred over what he’d put her through surface. He separated her from her family and friends and that rage should’ve boiled over, but it didn’t. Was he so evil he could control her reaction to him? More questions bombarded her brain as Keira tried to decipher how a male capable of such evil could make her burn like no other.

  “It brings me a sense of security. It’s a piece of our home realm. I’ll get our lunch to go. You don’t look so good,” Cyril proclaimed.

  Something niggled about the tone of his voice. Before Keira could tease that out, the back of his hand brushed her forehead, and she closed her eyes. She needed to hide her expressions better. She’d come to loathe his third degree. When Cyril was onto something, he was like a dog hunting a bone. He didn’t relent.

  “That would be wonderful. Some sleep and I’ll be good as new,” she lied. Sleep was the last thing on her mind, Keira thought, as she touched her cheek. It was flaming hot.

  Angus promised they would see each other again and even though that should frighten her, part of her was anxious for that moment.

  This was the fucking life. The narrow turn into Zeum loomed ahead, and Bhric was forced to ease off the accelerator. Going less than a hundred miles an hour was an insult to the machine between his legs.

  The rush of hitting top speed was better than sex, Bhric thought. If he’d known how intoxicating the adrenaline rush would be, the motorcycle would’ve been purchased long ago. For the first time in centuries, he was torn between going for a long ride and finding a female for the night. Then again, hookups were the last thing on his mind lately.

  Pulling out his flask, he twisted the top with one hand. Unfortunately, he approached the gate faster than expected and had to freehand while he retrieved the clicker from his jacket.

  Smashing his thumb over the button, he laughed as he squeaked through without scratching the matte finish. He tipped back the container as he pulled to a screeching halt under the portico at Zeum.

  The roar of the engine, followed by tires on asphalt, was more than enough to have every Dark Warrior rushing out the front doors with claymores drawn.

  He took another swig of scotch then smiled, waving off the titanium surrounding him. “Meet Roxy,” Bhric shouted over the rumble before he killed the engine. There was power in this machine which intoxicated him as much as the liquor.

  “When the fuck did you get a Tomahawk?” Zander shouted. Bhric smiled at the way his brother inspected his new toy. There was no denying the admiration in the Vampire King’s gaze.

  “I picked her up a couple of hours ago. Isna she sexy?”

  “I’ve never seen a motorcycle with two wheels, side by side, like that,” Elsie said, and at the same time Mack murmured, “That’s a badass ride, leech. Can I take it for a spin?”

  Kyran walked behind his mate and wrapped arms around her waist, responding before Bhric could open his mouth. “Nay, firecracker. That’s too much machine for you to handle.”

  “That’s not what you said last night, bloodsucker,” she replied with a grin. Bhric loved his brother and his feisty mate, but that was a visual he didn’t need.

  “It suits you, brathair,” Breslin added then walked over and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

  Her presence took the edge off, and he didn’t want to rip into everyone around him. They often joked their connection formed in the womb, and Bhric didn’t know what he would do without his twin sister. She grounded him in a way nobody else could. Once again, the urge to unload his problems on Breslin gnawed at his soul, but before he uttered the first word, a fist landed in his gut, stealing his breath.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you? Do you have a death wish?” Breslin demanded.

  Gasping, Bhric looked up and saw amber eyes glaring at him and wild auburn hair flaring around his sister’s infuriated face. What was her fucking problem?

  “Doona worry, puithar. I ordered you one in pink. It’ll be here next week,” Bhric told her and grinned.

  “I doona want it in pink, or any other color. They’re death machines, in my opinion. I could kill you for drinking and driving that thing.”

  “‘Cmon, Bre. I didna even get it above 150. I am in complete control,” Bhric promised.

  Some pretty shitty circumstances led to his increased consumption of alcohol, but it was hardly noteworthy. He was a big male, and it took larger quantities for supernaturals to become intoxicated, due to enhanced metabolisms. Besides, he wasn’t a fucking idiot, and knew his limitations.

  “This cycle is no’ a machine to trifle with brathair. Doona drink and drive. Bre is right. ‘Tis a death trap under those circumstances,” Zander demanded as he continued to inspect the vehicle. “This isna bad for a racing bike, and is leaps ahead of those pocket rockets, but it willna touch my Harley,” Zander declared.

  “You like Harleys because you’re old and have a massive stick up your arse,” he teased.

  “‘Tis called responsibility. You should try it sometime,” Zander retorted.

  “Honey, you’re not helping your case,” Elsie said with a pat to Zander’s chest.

  “Mama, pretty,” Izzy clapped and bounced up and down beside Elsie.

  “Aye, Dizzy Izzy. ‘Tis pretty,” Bhric cooed and reached down to tickle his niece’s tummy.

  “No silly. Him,” the little girl replied, pointing behind Bhric.

  As a unit, they turned, and their swords were at the ready in the next blink. The orange eyes were the first indication of who Izzy was talking about, but Bhric would bet his niece was more attracted to the iridescent quality of his skin.

  “Rhett! Welcome back,” Zander called out.

  Mack rushed over and embraced the fire demon. “How was your walkabout? I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

  “It wasn’t as much fun as I had hoped. Guess this place got under my skin,” Rhett replied, and his eyes pinned Breslin.

  “In your dreams, demon. Hose Rhett doon with antibiotics before he walks in the door, Jace. I doona want any scum he may have picked up infecting my niece and nephew,” Breslin snarled then turned on her heel and stormed into the house.

  “I missed you, too, Flame,” Rhett called out and blew Breslin a kiss when she turned her head his way.

  Fire danced around Breslin’s tall frame before exploding out then disappearing. Bhric had no idea what Rhett had done to his sister, but she hated that male with a passion.

  “Good to know some things haven’t changed,” Mack observed and clapped Rhett on the shoulder. The two had become close friends when Mack and Kyran were trapped in the dragon realm of Khoth. “Still the lady charmer, Match. Let’s eat. Elsie made
some of her famous étouffée and crawfish cornbread.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m famished,” Rhett replied to Mack, but his eyes remained trained on the door Breslin walked through.

  Bhric should pound the male for panting after his sister, but she could handle herself. Plus, he was glad Rhett was back. The fire demon played a mean game of pool and enjoyed a cold brew.

  “By the way, nice toy,” Rhett murmured before he followed the group into the house.

  Glancing at the black and chrome beast, Bhric was tempted to take off again. He rarely got a break from reality before it came rushing back, pounding his brain. No doubt he could outrun the demons at his tail when driving Roxy.

  Chapter Four

  Keira called what little magic she could muster and cloaked herself with it. She tiptoed to the door and paused. Typically, this was when Cyril knocked on her door and waylaid any alone time she had planned. She’d been testing her magic for months and was confident she masked her presence.

  Her memory loss left her frustrated and insecure, two emotions she despised. Keira knew she was capable of so much more, but without knowing exactly what she could do, and how, she didn’t take many risks.

  Assured Cyril wasn’t standing outside her room, Keira pulled the door and popped her head into the hotel’s hallway. A sigh of relief escaped her throat before she floated down the corridor at a snail’s pace, careful she didn’t alert the male in the next room. Sweat broke across her forehead while she waited for the elevator.

  The loud ding echoed, and the double doors slid open, spitting out a happy couple. Keira ducked inside and hastily mashed the button while praying Cyril didn’t open his door.

  Her heart thumped a drumbeat until she reached the street level. She hurried from the luxurious hotel and onto the sidewalk, heading for the coffee shop down the road. They’d visited Edinburgh several times over the past year, and Keira loved the pastry shop’s chocolate croissants and coffee.

  The streets were empty, except for the few tired souls rushing to work at the early hour. The sun barely peeked over the horizon, leaving the sky a bevy of orange, yellow and pink.

  The barista greeted her when she entered and took Keira’s order. A smidge of guilt hit Keira over the stolen money in her pocket, as well as, the subterfuge she’d used to escape Cyril, but there was only so much a female could take and then she needed space. She planned on heading back to her room after a stroll to clear her head.

  Ever since meeting Angus the day before she had been a mess. Her mind replayed the events, dissecting every minute detail. She couldn’t determine if the male was evil or not. He was sexy as sin and burned her with his touch in the best possible way, but hell if she could see the evil Cyril mentioned.

  Her hormones were too busy panting and hijacking her brain over the dragon shifter, which had her questioning how he hid the presence of his beast at the pub.

  Grabbing the cup and paper bag, Keira thanked the clerk and left. She pulled off a piece of the warm croissant and savored the sweet flavor as it melted in her mouth. A few bites later and the entire pastry was gone. She was addicted to the warm buttery goodness filled with rich dark chocolate.

  She walked along and noted the city was a different place in the predawn hours. The chilly morning air had her yearning to jump in the nearest ocean or loch. Keira recalled passing a loch during one of their drives. If she knew its exact location, she would call a cab and go for a swim.

  No, too dangerous, she amended. Humans were unaware of supernaturals. If exposed, it was a great risk to all, from what Cyril explained about this realm.

  Suddenly, a thick band wrapped around Keira’s middle and another around her mouth. She began to burn from the contact, but before she could process that thought, her feet left the ground, and her latte flew from her hand. Her body was in motion, and her world blurred as asphalt gave way to the carpeted floor of a vehicle. A roaring engine and squealing tires echoed loudly as she was propelled against a hard body before a metal door behind her.

  “‘Tis okay, lass. You’re safe,” assured a familiar deep voice to her ear.

  “Yeah right,” she replied the second his palm lifted from her mouth.

  “I mean you no harm. I regret capturing you like this. ‘Twas the only way to get you away from Cyril,” Angus explained.

  His arms released her middle, and she scrambled off his lap and noted he sat uncomfortably close to her. A quick scan of her surroundings told Keira they were in a large SUV.

  Her gaze settled on Angus and her hormones took front seat for a few seconds, drooling at the sight before her. A mental slap to the brain got her in gear and a scowl descended in the next instant.

  “You didn’t mean me harm? How can you say that? All you’ve done is harm me for centuries. You took everything from me.” The rage she experienced after waking resurfaced and blasted through her body. Her kidnapper was the one responsible for her predicament.

  Balling a fist, she reached back and let it fly. “Ouch!” she cried out when her fist connected with a chest of concrete.

  Shaking the appendage, Keira cursed her stupidity. Rational thoughts were impossible, especially, with the male so close. His masculine musk teased her senses and woke her sea dragon, making matters worse. Truth was, he posed a real threat to her safety, and she didn’t need to anger the male or provoke him.

  “Are you ok?” he asked and cradled her hand in his palm. Heat sparked on contact, soothing the pain while at the same time her libido decided to throw a party.

  The slight flare of his nostrils set off a case of the fidgets. Swallowing, Keira shifted in her seat, crossing and uncrossing her legs as the heat in her face and neck surpassed the flame between their hands.

  Keira quickly stifled her arousal by changing the topic, “What do you want with me?”

  The lift at the corner of Angus’s mouth made him more attractive, if that was possible. How cruel fate was to trap her with the one male that woke her entire body, yet placed him as enemy number one. Needing space, she scooted closer to the window and snatched her hand from his. Visions of planting her fist in the middle of his tempting lips skipped through her addled brain, and lifted the haze of lust that trapped her.

  “I told you. I’m taking you home,” Angus replied as he relaxed his position. The posture was deceiving. He lounged with an ankle crossed over his knee and his arm casually thrown over the back of the seat, but she’d bet the stolen money in her pocket that he could stop a charging army in the blink of an eye.

  “Where’s home?” Was it too much to hope he was taking her back to Khoth? Keira may not remember her realm, but she longed to go back and see her family.

  “Same as you, Khoth. Although, I did make a home here on earth with the Vampire King and his Dark Warriors,” Angus shared, surprising her. “Och, I’ve been trapped here on Earth since going through the portal in search of you.”

  A snort from the front seat reminded her they weren’t alone. Not only did the attractive male pose a threat, but Angus’s friend did, as well. Angus was larger, and she sensed he held more power than the male driving, but they could both squash her with their pinky fingers.

  “Sire, no offense, but from what Legette told me, you needed a check up from the neck up at that time in your life. The way you describe it, you conducted a methodical search for your beloved, when, in reality, it was a scene of mindless destruction,” the blond-haired male divulged.

  Upon hearing the honorific, Keira determined Angus held an important position, which didn’t bode well for her. It meant he had followers who would do his bidding.

  “Lorne, shut the fuck up,” Angus growled then turned back to her. “No, it wasna my finest moment, but I thought you had been taken from me,” he said in a softer tone, and it took a second for Keira to realize that Angus was addressing her.

  “So you’re taking me to your home with this Vampire King? And then what? Why hold me prisoner?”

  Angus raked fingers through his sh
ort black hair and released a heavy sigh. “Nay. I’m no’ taking you to Zeum. ‘Tis time we return to Khoth, Turquoise. We havena been home for over a thousand years, and our people need us. I should’ve returned before now, but I couldna leave withoot you.”

  Angus called her Turquoise. Keira assumed he was referring to her eye color, and, oddly enough, she enjoyed the nickname. She’d heard endearments like baby or love or darling many times over, and it made her want to scratch out a male’s eyes. The lack of originality was a turn-off for her. Angus’s comment connected with something deep inside, a fact she hated and loved.

  “I’m not your anything, and I’m not going anywhere with you,” Keira declared.

  The doubt and resentment was clear in her sultry voice, and such a welcome relief. Angus couldn’t stop the full-blown smile that crossed his face when he heard her defiance. Keira bunched up her fists and leaned forward with a scowl on her face.

  “What the hell is so funny? Those aren’t flowery words. I stand by what I say, and I’m not going anywhere with you. Take me back to Cyril,” she demanded.

  Angus’s mind went blank, and his vision blurred when that male’s name left her lips. The fact that she asked to be taken back to him lit a fuse that was ready to blow.

  “Sire, she doesn’t know who that bastard really is,” Lorne interrupted, suffocating his boiling rage, and the reminder stopped the impending explosion.

  “Aye, you’re right,” Angus replied and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. The act brought her ocean breeze to his senses. His eyes opened and met her intense turquoise gaze. It captivated him as it had a millennium ago.

  “I can see you doona remember anything from your previous life—”

  “Stop right there,” Keira blurted, holding her palm up. “I don’t want to hear it. Cyril has told me enough. What I want to know is why this male calls you Sire.”

  Angus rubbed his chin and contemplated what to tell her while wrangling with his dragon. Hearing Cyril’s name on her lips set off a bomb every time. Showing her his ruthless beast would be counterproductive.