When Three Points Collide: Ra's Story, page 9
“I get that, I do.” Paulie nodded. “But I’m making a point here you don’t seem to be getting, Kirill. You need to start tapping into your true self – your inner self – and stop being governed by the trappings of your position and culture. I saw the connections between you, Arvyn and Ra. I knew what you could be together. But now Ra’s locked himself up in his realm and you’re walking into a truly dangerous situation without him.”
“Wes and I were planning on going with them, unless you objected,” Cass said quickly, surprising Kirill. “Having two shifters and a demon on his side should help.”
“That would, as a rule. But, fortunately it might not be necessary. Thanks to your stupidity with Ra and total lack of knowledge about what’s going on under your nose, Kirill, my mate has decided to take matters into his own hands.” Paulie looked around quickly and then leaned over further in his chair. “I think you’d better come to the computer room. The only reason why Zeus isn’t here, is because he’s gone to knock some sense into Ra, and then I think they were going to pay your coven a visit.”
“They’re not allowed to interfere in mortal affairs.” Kirill jumped to his feet. “Cass, please. I need to get back there, now.”
“Paulie wants you in the computer room. You need to go with Paulie to the computer room.” Cass folded his arms across his chest.
“Don’t you see, they’ll get into trouble with the Fates. I don’t want to lose my beloved, and I’m damn sure Paulie would have a complete breakdown if Zeus was taken from him.” Kirill’s heart was racing so fast he was seeing black spots in front of his eyes.
“You do have some weird ideas about the Fates.” Paulie shook his head. “Seriously, get with the times. The Fates do not break up a mating. And I never said Zeus and Ra were going to interfere in anything. I said they were going to visit your coven.” He winked. “After all, Ra has to ensure the accommodations are suitable for a god, don’t you think?”
Kirill looked over at Arvyn, who looked worried too, but the wolf managed a shrug. “I guess we’d better go and see what’s on those computer screens,” his beloved said quietly as he held out his hand. Kirill took it – his mind still fretting over the possible ramifications of having two ancient gods visiting the members of his coven. Most of them would be delighted at the honor, but then Kirill thought of Yakov and his stomach churned. Gripping Arvyn’s hand firmly, Kirill appreciated the quiet strength his wolfen beloved offered.
Chapter Twelve
“I can’t believe you talked me into this.” Ra shook out his robes and checked his headdress was straight, he and his guards still cloaked from mortal eyes. “I thought I’d come up with some classic ideas in my time…”
“You want to make an impression on your mates, don’t you?” Zeus fussed with the cuff of his shirt. “Look, it’s quite simple, when you think about it. It’s all very well having mates. Fates know I’m thrilled with Paulie and couldn’t be without him and little Egan. But the facts can’t be ignored. Us gods keep getting wrong footed when it comes to this mating business and those mistakes are making us look bad.”
“You didn’t see or hear…”
“I did.” Zeus threw him that look, the one that said he was determined to be right no matter what Ra said. “You got pissy with your mates because they showed some reservations about your godly status.” He huffed. “If they’d met me first, they’d have probably fallen over themselves to kiss my ring.”
“I’ll freaking kick your ring in a minute.” Ra was uncharacteristically nervous. “Are you sure the Fates…?”
“We are not interfering in mortal affairs.” Zeus flicked a glance up at the sky. “As a god, you have standards, and you’re well within your rights to want to check out your mate’s home before you consider moving in.”
Ra could see some major flaws in Zeus’s plan. “That Yakov already knows that Kirill has latched onto Arvyn. How’s it going to look if I turn up claiming to be Kirill’s beloved too? And wouldn’t it have been better if we’d at least brought Kirill with us?”
“Bah, piffling details.” Zeus did arrogance so well. “You watch. This lot have their heads so far up their own asses, they’re not going to realize we’re actually scoping the joint.”
Quirking an eyebrow at his friend, Ra said dryly, “I think you’re mixing your metaphors again. Either that, or you’re spending too much time warming the cushions of that couch of yours watching television. And how are we going to work out if anything is wrong? We don’t have Uber noses that can sniff out humans kept in cells and if you wanted to tell if someone was lying, then you should’ve included the demon in our little group. Or maybe my mates!”
“Nope.” Zeus shook his head, his hair falling around his shoulders. “This is all on you, Ra. It’s up to you to make us gods look good. I might have made a few mistakes with my mating…”
Ra snorted. Try spying on him for months without even meeting him, and totally rearranging his life without asking Paulie what he wanted… or did you mean where you told Paulie you didn’t want to be mated in front of his tiger form, just before he bit you. And…
“But I wasn’t as bad as Poseidon who actually went to the Fates to get his mating cancelled. Hades, well Hades probably didn’t put a foot wrong with his Ali, but poor Ali had Persephone and Cerberus to contend with and don’t even get me started on Thor. He told his Orin that he was too short to be a mate of a god within the first five minutes of meeting him.”
“I still don’t see how storming into Kirill’s coven complete with Anubis guards is going to encourage my mates to want to be with me. Won’t they see it as ‘overstepping’?”
“Look.” Zeus threw his arm over Ra’s shoulder. “You have the chance to put a stamp on your mating from day one by showing the powerful god you are. Now, I’m not suggesting that Paulie rules our home, or that the shifter mates are setting the tone for all paranormal/god pairings…”
“Even if both comments are true.” Ra knew Paulie had Zeus wrapped around his little finger.
“Meh, maybe. But you Ra, are going to do right by your mates or beloveds or whatever you are going to call yourselves from the very start. We’ll flush out the trouble in this coven and then head back to my place where Paulie will have lunch ready for us and your mates. That will give you all a chance to have a nice little chat.”
“You took my mates as well?” Was there no limit to what Zeus would interfere in?
“I’m keeping them out of harm’s way. I was watching that Yakov this morning and intercepted an email he sent to the vampire council. The little shit was trying to claim Kirill’s taken leave of his senses and had abandoned the coven with no heir. The email didn’t get through to its intended target but…”
“We can’t kill him.” Ra was a little worried about the gleam in Zeus’s eye. “You know as well as I do the quickest way to get the Fates’ attention is to kill a mortal before their time.”
“This isn’t about killing anyone.” Zeus flexed his shoulders. “This is about gods, namely us, showing we can be proactive, innovative and protective in a relationship with our mates. It’s about us stepping up and doing the right thing for our mates before someone like Orin comes along complaining we’ve got things wrong again. It’s a gesture showing your commitment to your mates from day one.”
“Two,” Ra said, still unsure. He’d far rather face Kirill’s snappish tone, or Arvyn’s fear than walk into the coven. “It’s day two and my two mates have already claimed each other. If I was remotely important…”
“They didn’t have sex,” Zeus cut in quickly. “Kirill needed to feed because he’d been chained up for a week without food or anything. He did warn Arvyn it would start the bonding process. Arvyn said he’d bite the vamp in return to make his wolf feel better, so the bond wasn’t lopsided or some such shit, but even though they both got off, they still had their pants on. They wanted you to be there. They both said so.”
“For fuck’s sake Zeus, couldn’t you have employed a smidge of decency. You were spying on my mates during an intimate moment.”
“They kept their pants on. Sheesh. I’m surprised you weren’t spying on them too. We used to watch mortals all the time back in the good old days and they are your mates.”
“Yes, kindly remember they’re my mates,” Ra snapped. “Seriously, I’m going to have a talk to Paulie about your voyeur habits. They can’t be healthy.”
“Paulie enjoys watching just the same as I do.” Zeus nudged his shoulder with his own. “I will say, you’ve got a lot to work with once you do get those two in the sack.”
“And on that note, we’ll get this ridiculous charade over with. What am I meant to be doing again?”
“You’re being a god. You’re Ra Father of Everything, at least according to the Egyptians, taking a visit to inspect the premises of your future home with your equally powerful godly friend. Remember when no one dared say no to you about anything? And your guards are going to do all the sniffing out we need for us.”
“I should’ve brought Seth,” Ra muttered. “He could do with a reminder about my position too.” Inhaling sharply, Ra threw back his shoulders, and waved a finger at his silent guards. “Let’s do this. Let none lay a finger on our godly persons and ensure all who we come across show us the respect due to our station.”
“Yes, Lord Ra.” The guards all snapped to attention, their spears held in front of them as they all pivoted ninety degrees in formation. Ra dropped the wards and the coven building appeared in front of them.
/~/~/~/~/
“How the hell did our mate get so much taller? I’m sure he was a lot shorter than us when we spoke to him.” Arvyn leaned forward in his chair, watching the screens as Ra, another tall godly guy who had to be Zeus, and six guards with jackal heads, all appeared like magic in front of the coven steps. “Is that just his headdress making him look like that?”
“Gods have two forms, a bit like you two.” Paulie was feeding his young son Egan, who’d woken up as they’d gone into the house. The toddler looked to be about eight or nine months old, chubby, with a cute smile that showed six teeth. Only his eyes indicated his heritage, an old soul living in a very young body.
“From what Zeus told me, after the Great War,” Paulie continued, “when gods were ordered to leave mortals alone, gods from different pantheons chose human forms to allow them to fit in with society without making waves. Zeus likes to appear as a human businessman exuding power and confidence. Other gods like Ra and Poseidon for example, preferred to be less threatening, choosing to blend in, rather than stand out.”
“Ra’s human form is stunningly pretty.” Arvyn couldn’t take his eyes off the screen. “But now… wow…” He nudged Kirill’s shoulder and squeezed his hand. “What do you think of Ra’s new look, babe?”
“I’m thinking his godly form is going to have vampires falling all over their feet to impress him. I’m just worried because I don’t know what they’re going to do. We should be with him.”
“There’s no point in worrying – our mates are gods after all.” Paulie wiped Egan’s face with a bib and handed him what looked like a solid biscuit. The little one took it in his chubby hand and waved it about like a sword. Swinging around in his chair, Paulie smiled. “The coven will still be standing when they’re done with their visit. Obliterating buildings or entire covens is against the non-interference law.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” Kirill muttered and Arvyn gripped his hand even tighter, trying to convey his support, even as he watched the scene unfolding on the screen.
Chapter Thirteen
Flanked by his guards, and with Zeus by his side, Ra glided up the steps of the coven, appearing not to notice the two men standing outside the door. Raising his hands, Ra blew the door open, striding inside as though it was his right. He heard some kerfuffle, and someone was yelling, but Ra was confident his guards could take care of the situation.
Inside was a large, elegant reception area. The gold marble floors, tall columns and huge sweeping staircase was clearly meant to indicate wealth and grandeur, but the upright furniture clad in red velvet and the lack of flowers or cushions gave the room a chilly vibe. There was one large picture, a portrait set in the first turn of the stairs – an arrogant man with a wide chin and long blond hair. Kirill. Ra’s heart skipped a beat.
“Who is in charge here?” Ra didn’t raise his voice. Instead he let his power seep out from every pore, spreading through the open doorways and across the chilly marble. “Who is considered second to my beloved Kirill?”
“What the hell?” A door on Ra’s right opened, and a man stumbled out, his disheveled clothing and puffed lips indicating he’d been interrupted. A taller man, with a mean snarl on his face followed the first, tucking his shirt into his pants.
“I’m not in the habit of repeating myself.” Ra kept his voice low. “Who is considered the second of this quaint little group? Is it you?” He sneered at the smaller of the two men. The larger one had the look of a bouncer and was likely the head of security.
The smaller man recovered quickly, coming forward and holding out his hand. “I am Yakov, sir, proud second of this illustrious coven, and you are?”
Ra eyed the hand as if it would bite. Two of his guards snapped between them, their spears crossing with each other, forcing Yakov back. “Not impressed with what I’ve seen so far. Do you always attend your visitors with your pants undone and your hair messed?”
“Sir?” Yakov’s eyes immediately dropped to his open fly and he quickly zipped his fly. “My apologies. I was tending to a private matter when you arrived. Can I ask…” he shot a quick look at the guards and at the small clusters of vampires crowding the doorways. “Can I ask why such an illustrious person as yourself sees fit to visit our little corner of the world?”
“It needs to be inspected.” Ra used a tone making it sound as though his reasons were obvious. “I’m checking for unattached humans. Search every corner. Top to bottom.” Raising both hands, he clicked his thumb and third finger on each causing his guard numbers to double. “Four to a floor,” he instructed them. “Inspect every inch of the property and report back with any concerns that might render this place unsuitable including the presence of any humans that aren’t claimed or married to a coven member.”
“None may enter the coven without approval.” The mean vamp who’d been getting his dick sucked bristled as he made to intercept Ra’s guards. They ran straight past him and up the stairs their spears held in front of them. “Tell us who you are, and what business you have here, or I’ll be forced to call the Master.”
“Are you talking about Kirill? Your Master? My beloved?” Ra managed to make his chuckle sound convincing. “He’s far too busy with our delicious wolfen third to take your calls. Besides, he told me I could make any changes I deemed necessary, including with personnel.” He let the threat lie between them, the white face of the vampire was proof the man was up to no good. But it seemed Yakov had no conscience.
“Our Master has found his beloved.” Yakov clasped his hands together, playing up to the crowd which had gotten bigger. “Did you hear that everyone? Isn’t that such marvelous news, and to think his beloved is a godly being no less. Our coven is surely blessed by the Fates themselves.”
“I sincerely hope you think so when Kirill and our other beloved arrives.” Ra swept his arm to the side. “Step aside. Lord Zeus and I will inspect this floor and the basement.”
“My goodness, two highly esteemed gods from the ancient pantheons have deemed our coven respectable enough for a visit.” Yakov fluttered around Zeus as though he wanted to suck his dick. Ra’s zapping fingers itched.
“Please,” Yakov continued, unaware or ignoring the tension, “there’s no need to concern yourself with our smelly basement. Admittedly, our master holds a wonderful collection of wines down below, but they are kept in a climate-controlled room and there’s nothing else down there worth seeing. But I can show you his office.” Yakov took a couple of steps to the left, his arm pointing down the hallway. “I can arrange for some refreshments for you, and you can let me know any changes you’d like made so I can organize for them to be done. You mentioned you were looking for humans?”
“One would think,” Zeus spoke up for the first time since they’d revealed themselves, “that if the pissant says not to go into the basement, then the basement is exactly where we should be, don’t you? This man reeks of hidden secrets.”
“I agree.” Touching the tips of his fingers together, Ra formed a point with his hands and pushed his power out through them. “Out of the way.” Striding forward, Ra jerked to a stop as the tall vamp with the mean face grabbed at his arm.
“None may lay a finger on Lord Ra!” Two of the Anubis-headed guards sprang into action, forcing the vampire to the ground, pinning him in place with their spears crossed over his neck, the points resting against the marble.
“Hold him.” Ra carried on, Zeus keeping pace with him easily. Yakov wasn’t having quite as much luck, running to keep up with them.
“My Lords. Ra. Zeus.” Yakov panted as he ran. “If you can just tell me what you are looking for specifically…”
Zeus swung around so quickly, Yakov almost ran into him. “Do you keep humans here for the purpose of feeding?”
“No, sir.” Yakov rested his hand on his chest, his eyes wide as though he was aiming for an innocent expression. “Our Master Kirill is very firm about us not taking our blood nutrients from the source. Only a mated couple might do that, if they were mated to a human. Bagged blood is brought in each week, sourced from medical institutions specifically for our coven’s needs.”
“Hmm. Why don’t I believe you?” Ra strode through a large doorway, which led into a commercial sized kitchen. “You two,” he chose two of the four guards that accompanied them. “Continue the search for humans or any non-vamp paranormal on this and the lower floors. Check outbuildings, garages and any other structures on this estate and alert me if you find anything.”
