Burning Danger: Dangerous Ties Book 3 - Paranormal Romance, page 4
Zuri pulled her hand from mine, taking a small step to the left. Her blue magic swirled in her hands, upper lip curling. I put a hand on her arm and her magic simmered. She shot me a doleful gaze, a cross between sorrowful wariness, and an apology for summoning her magic. I understood her hesitation regarding Lojza, but Bertok was nothing like his father or sister. Bertok skidded to a stop a few feet from me and shifted into his human form. The others in his pack stopped well behind Bertok and shifted out of respect.
“Evander,” he said, leaning forward with his hands on his knees.
The man was winded, as were the rest of his pack behind him. Wolves could run for miles at their top speed, but could lope along for even longer with our impressive stamina. For Bertok to get here as he did, he would have had to have left the pack last night to make it here this morning.
Bertok took a deep breath and stood. “Evander, we’re here to help.”
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Thank you, my friend. I appreciate it.”
He locked eyes with Zuri and smiled. “Alpha Zuri, it’s good to see you again,” he said.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again as well, Bertok,” my mate replied.
Bertok smiled, turning toward me with a dip of his head. “Evander, may we join your pack?”
I blinked while Bertok stared at me and awaited my answer. The Lojza pack were fierce, they were warriors, bordering on being murderers, with how vicious and unrelenting they were in the pursuit of dominance and submission. Having Bertok on my side in this battle was incredible. I was thankful and grateful for his help, but it made me wonder what happened to Kuno. And what might happen after this war was over?
For me to be the sole alpha of Goda Vilki was one thing. I was the only dominant wolf. Bertok also being an alpha could pose an issue. I pushed the thought to the side for the moment. The more pressing matter was the war.
“So what?” Zuri’s eyes narrowed with her hands on her hips. “You can challenge Evander and take over? I, for one, will kill you before it comes from your lips,” she threatened, her magic sparking in her hands.
Bertok pushed back the black hair off his face and shook his head. His green eyes held a sadness I had not seen in the man. “No, and I can make a blood promise should you wish for it. After you left Lojza, my father refused to rally wolves. My father also received your missive for help and tossed it in the trash. These wolves behind me are who want to fight for Quivleren. I rallied them myself - the different packs and those in my own pack. The others want to see it fall.”
I nodded. It hurt to see Bertok upset. We’d been friends since childhood, and he had never shown a modicum of sadness, always remaining impartial and stoic. This spat with his father, I knew, was hurting him deep. Knowing Kuno, this may have ended their relationship. I went to my friend, embracing him. It hurt me as well, thinking that Kuno refused to help us due to our disagreements a few weeks ago regarding my choice in mate. It was like Kuno to hold a grudge. I just hoped he wouldn’t do so when Quivleren was in dire straits.
I glanced at my mate. Zuri crossed her arms over her chest and kicked back on her hip. Her face remained stoic, but her eyes held a wariness. I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, breaking her from the uneasy look.
“Then, welcome Bertok,” I said, offering my hand. “We would be happy to have you be a part of Goda Vilki.”
Bertok grinned. “Thank you Alpha. It’s good to be a part of this pack.” He turned his attention to my mate and smirked. “Still fierce as ever, Zuri.”
Zuri smiled softly. “Good to have you with us, Bertok.”
“My sister still favors her backside from the wallop you gave her,” Bertok offered, hands in his pockets.
Zuri tilted her head to the side, eyeing Bertok. “How are you gonna be when we cross paths with her, or anyone from Lojza pack, in this battle?”
“They are no longer my pack,” Bertok replied, staring straight into her eyes. “I promise you that.”
She held out her hand. Bertok’s hand practically swallowed hers while they shook on their agreement. I watched the rest of the new pack members while they were having an exchange of words. While what Zuri said meant no disrespect since she was plainly asking where his loyalties lied, I expected someone to bristle. None did. Whatever happened at Lojza pack was well and done. Goda Vilki gained thirty new pack members.
“Alpha,” Molner called. “The centaurs and minotaurs arrived. They are on the east side of town in a clearing. The elves are just now arriving. I haven’t heard a word from the dragons, but a Syrus Barsotti is here,” he finished on a confused note.
Zuri’s head whipped around. “Uncle Syrus?”
Molner shrugged. “Yeah. He’s waiting at the little white inn on the corner of Shell and First.”
Zuri beamed. She turned to face Bertok and the other pack members. In an instant, her face morphed from elated to the alpha she was and became poised. “Make yourselves comfortable. We have tables at the covered park,” she said, pointing in the direction, “laden with food. Beds and tents are being set up there too. Thank you for coming and being a part of our pack and family. Molner will take you to food and rest,” she said hurriedly and took off in the direction Molner said her uncle was in.
“Thank you, Molner!” she yelled over her shoulder.
I chuckled at her fast moving short legs and the surprising distance they covered. “Thank you again, Bertok. I’m happy you’re here,” I added.
“Her little legs just go so fast,” Bertok replied, chuckling.
I grinned, watching her disappear around a corner. “It’s cute.”
Molner laughed, “I’m not commenting.”
I clapped Molner on the shoulder. “Let’s meet at the warehouse at noon. Spread the word, if you don’t mind, please.”
Molner dipped his head. “Yes Alpha. Good to see you, Bertok,” Molner said, shaking Bertok’s hand.
I dipped my head, taking off after my mate.
ZURI
I sprinted to where Molner said my Uncle Syrus would be. Even with my stumpy legs running as fast as I forced them to, and putting a trickle of magic behind the movement, Evander easily caught up to me. I grinned, happy he came with me to see my beloved uncle. I reached the little white inn on the corner of Shell and First and huffed triumphantly.
Syrus was sitting outside on the front porch in a rocking chair, hands in his lap and eyes on the sky.
“Uncle Sy!” I yelled, racing up the front steps to the inn.
He stood up at my arrival and held his arms out. I crashed into them and held him tight. My eyes teared up on their own. In the struggle with everything, I had pushed my uncle, aunt, and cat from my mind. I was determined, hell bent on saving everyone, doing right by them and if it came down to it, sacrificing myself, that I pushed those I loved from my thoughts whether to save myself from an emotional breakdown or something else.
I breathed in raggedly, feeling guilty for everything. The last phone call I made to my uncle was that I had gone on vacation, when it was due to my impending death at the department of paranormal justice. I figured I would never see him again, yet here he was. It was absolutely relieving. Now I was scared of seeing him die in front of me in this war and there was nothing I could do about it. Syrus was here, no doubt to see me.
Syrus held me tight and kissed the top of my head. “Hey kiddo! I’m so damn proud of you. Word of what’s going on reached me and I came as fast as I could. I’m so proud of who you are and what you’re doing.”
I sniffed and pulled back. “I’m sorry about the voicemail I left you. I’m so sorry.”
“I know and it’s ok. I know what happened,” he said, rubbing my back while glaring at Evander. “I heard about what happened at the department of paranormal justice. I did some investigating about it too,” he growled, his eyes never breaking contact with Evander. Syrus stopped rubbing my back and crossed his arms, “You got anything to say, pup?” he demanded, reaching behind him, and pulling out a pistol.
“Whoa,” I said, putting my hand on top of the handgun, and putting a shield over it should it discharge. “Wait a sec, Uncle Sy. Don’t point it at my bonded-mate.”
Uncle Syrus blinked. He flicked the safety back on and I released the shield. Without breaking eye contact with Evander, he holstered the firearm, crossing his arms over himself. He turned to me, eyes narrowing. “You’re what?”
“Evander and I mate-bonded.”
Uncle Sy’s brows furrowed so far it looked like all he had was a dark brown hairy line of fur and no eyeballs. “Fill me in, please.”
Evander held up his hands and walked up the steps. “In the beginning, I was avenging my pack, as was in my rights to do so. But after coming to know Zuri, I became conflicted. She saved my ass numerous times. She always had my back. It showed me just how kind, loving, loyal, and nurturing she is. She’s witty, funny, beautiful, and I enjoy her banter. I fell in love with everything about her. And later, I asked her to be my mate. We mate-bonded a few days ago.”
Syrus’s jaw dropped. He ran a hand over his face and sighed deeply. He plopped down in the chair behind him, rubbing a hand along his jaw. “And you obviously dropped all charges against her?”
“Every one,” Evander replied. Turning to me, he said. “When we stayed with Orlin and Resi, I had Orlin turn in paperwork on my behalf regarding dropping all charges.”
Syrus nodded.
I stood to the side. My emotions were conflicting with happiness and worry. I felt there was more to Syrus’s visit than he was letting on, but I didn’t want to press him for information. He would tell him in time and in his own way. Yet something niggled in the back of my head that there was another reason for his spontaneous appearance.
Him hearing about this gathering for war makes sense. It makes me wonder where all the other humans went, I thought. My lips pursed as I watched my uncle. There was more to this visit, and it scared me of what it might be. For so long, I desired answers about my family. Since meeting and mate-bonding with Evander, I no longer cared. Evander loved me regardless of what I was, my back story, or anything else. Having possible answers now would be fabulous, good information to have, but in the end, I no longer was searching for something unattainable. I had my wolfie husband, who loved me unconditionally, and my uncle.
I sat down in the vacant chair to his right. “How have you been?”
“Stressed,” he admitted, nodding his head. “Happy now to find you whole and sound.”
“How’s Aunt Espe?”
“Good. She’s worried about you too. I’ll call her and tell her you’re fine here in a bit. Since word spread about what ya’ll were up to, some humans came here with me. The others are headed to a small town on the outskirts of the Harrell Mountains.” He sighed heavily, like the world was draining him. “Listen... kiddo... there’s something you ought to know. Something that has kept me from telling you.”
Evander leaned up against the porch beam, feet kicked out and crossed in front of him, his arms crossed over his chest. I felt his eyes on me, even when I gave Syrus my full attention. It made me worried about what he was about to say. I knew there was something else, I surmised.
Uncle Syrus was never one to sit and have a chat unless it pertained to something he found important. This depressed and beaten down look on his face worried me. I’ve never seen him like that. Even when he had to tell me something when growing up, I couldn’t recall seeing him look the way he did now. My gut churned. I bit my bottom lip.
My eyes began to water and he hadn’t even started yet. I feared the worst - losing my Uncle Syrus. He was all I had left in terms of family. I already had to destroy my mother. Evander killed my father. It made me wonder what else about my twisted family he wasn’t telling me. And it terrified me to know what he was about to say. Part of me wanted to know and the other didn’t. I surrounded myself with the comfort knowing I had Evander through it all.
My palms were sweaty and I rubbed it off on my dark denim jeans. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll all be okay.”
He smirked. “I love your positivity.” Syrus leaned forward and hung his head, shaking it from side to side. He lifted his head, “Zuri, I’m your real father,” he finally said, staring right at me.
My jaw dropped. It felt like my world was spinning and it was a damn good thing I was sitting down. “For reals? But-”
He nodded and held up his hand. “It was before I met your aunt Espe, Lyvia’s sister. Your mother and I had a thing. She also had a thing with Uther Luciani, the younger brother of Vorath of the Moon Walkers. Well, when we found out Lyvia was pregnant with you, we had a test done. It turns out I was your father, but Lyvia said she didn’t want it known because she was going to marry Uther. He was a created wolf and a powerful one too. She told me to keep it quiet and I would be able to see you. If I made waves, she would make it so I would be killed and then you would have no one if something were to happen.” he paused, putting a hand over his face. “To ensure I didn’t speak, she always had one of Uther’s pack members listening in on me and following me around.”
He sniffed, wiping at his eyes. I felt my heart tug and strain against my chest. My throat felt scratchy. I swallowed in hopes of easing the pain. Evander came over to my side, kneeling down beside me, and took my right hand in his.
Syrus sighed, wiping his eyes. “Lyvia married Uther. For a while, things were fine. I was allowed to see you and we had a schedule worked out. But Uther was power hungry. He left Lyvia seeking absolute control of Quivleren and couldn’t stand to have a human wife any longer. In his crave for power, he attacked you and your mother. According to Lyvia, Uther wanted no trace of his previous life with you and your mother. So, Lyvia brought you to me, and I safe guarded you until the legal system went crazy, your mother snapped, and had you put in different places until I finally got to keep you. I fought like hell to keep you with me.”
“What about Aunt Espe?” I asked, my voice sounding foreign to my ears.
“She was worried about your mother bringing havoc to our door, killing us as she so often threatened, and trying to take you. It got worse after your mother somehow got gifted magic from the dragon queen, Jadiza. It was right after Uther left her. Anyway, after Lyvia got magic, she ended up magically binding Espe and I to silence about you being biologically mine. Espe loves you. She just became distant, even to me, over the years. I think the battle for custody over you, family feuds, and Lyvia’s issues took its toll on her. It doesn’t make it right, though. But now, I think she will come around.”
I nodded. Tears raced down my cheeks of their own free will. I have a dad? I have a dad… A real dad, I kept thinking. This information was a lot to process. I was on the struggle bus with it. All this time I thought I was unwanted, here was Syrus fighting for me, fighting to keep me. All the happiest memories I had were with him, from going fishing, to learning to shoot and hunt, to him gifting me a stuffed animal bunny for my sixth birthday. He taught me to survive, knowing what might happen. He gave me life advice and skills. In his own way, in the only way he could, Syrus loved me in the best way he knew how. But most importantly, no matter what was happening, he was always there.
I got up from my chair and took several small steps to him. He stood, sniffing. I wrapped my arms around him, grinning from ear to ear. I finally had a dad, someone familial, who loved me unconditionally.
“I love you, dad,” I choked out.
Syrus hiccuped, kissing the top of my head as he held me close. “You have no idea how long I wished to call you daughter.”
I pulled back, wiping my eyes. The smile couldn't be wiped from my face. Evander came to my side, setting a hand on my shoulder. He kissed my cheek, lacing his fingers in with mine, and giving my hand a big squeeze of support.
My heart beat so fast. I felt so much happiness, my body was humming. I finally had answers. I finally had someone I could claim as blood who had always been in my corner. The torrent of emotions consumed me wholly and I was fighting to remain somewhat composed instead of a crying mess. I sniffed, wiping the fast flowing tears from my eyes.
My dad handed me a bandana. I stepped to the side, drying my eyes and I blew my nose, shoving the bandana in my pocket. I came back to stand where I was, grinning at my father and my husband.
Evander came forward, offering his hand to Syrus and shaking it. Syrus pulled Evander into an embrace and me next, hugging us both for a long time before he finally let go to wipe his eyes.
“I finally get to call you my daughter and I get a son too,” Syrus choked out.
“I appreciate the honor,” Evander replied, draping his arm around my shoulder, “So now that we know you're Zuri’s biological dad, are you part dragon or something?”
Syrus leaned back on his heels, crossing his arms over his chest. “Why do you ask?” His voice was firm and leery.
I put a hand on Evander’s forearm. “Because I'm a zaglis. And it has to be created through magic and dragon fire. So we're trying to figure it out, and how I,” I waved my hands, searching for a word, “evolved?”
“Your great-great-grandmother on Lyvia’s side was a witch. She didn’t belong to any particular coven, from what I recall. She was a white witch. Now on my side, my grandpa was a dragon, but he died after my father was born. The dragon council discovered his mating with a human and killed him. Dragons don't like their blood mixed, though they seem to have no issues with granting a human magic,” he spat distastefully.
I glanced between Evander and my dad. I was wondering about it as well. It made me wonder how I was created, since everything surrounding me was always muddled. Could the small bits of witch and dragon make me what I am? I wondered. And if so, why the fuck did it take so damn long to manifest? I crossed my arms over myself and tapped my fingers on my arm. Doesn’t matter now, I suppose. I have the powers and I’m going to kill Diomedes.
