The Two Kings (Afterlife Saga) Read online

  “Keira listen to me, you do not want to work for me. You want to work with me... don't you? Forget this idea and join me at my table, by my side where you belong.” His voice filled my mind like a white cloud of happy ideas and I knew I was losing the fight quickly. It was like getting lightheaded on a hot day and staring at the sun for too long. I couldn't focus and every time I came close to finding my way back, he would touch me down my sides making it harder to breathe.

  But his confidence was his downfall because when he thought he had me completely under his will, he started to relax it, so I pushed as hard as I could making the fog fade and disperse into my clear mind once more. I opened my eyes and smiled up at him

  “Nope, sorry, didn't work!” And I couldn't help but laugh when I saw his face drop. He growled under his breathe to show his displeasure at being beaten.

  “Now stop that! You know you shouldn't be doing it anyway.” I chastised.

  “You will not listen to me on this matter, will you?” He said getting aggravated at my defiance.

  “No, but I will meet you half way, I will cut down my hours to three nights a week and work the hours you choose.” I said making his face change from a displeased one to one of intrigued.

  “You are very clever at getting what you want, aren't you?” He said raising an eyebrow at me, making him look sexy as holy hell.

  “I learned from the master.” I said winking at him and this had him showing his trademark bad boy grin adding greatly to the dark sexiness.

  “You do indeed. Right, while we are discussing compromise, I will allow you to work two nights a week downstairs, of your choice but Saturday nights you will work upstairs in the VIP. And you will end each shift by accompanying me at my table. Is this acceptable?” He said in the most business like manner I had ever heard from him. It made me realise how much of a ruthless business man he must actually be.

  “Alright, that sounds reasonable enough, but I will be at the club with my friends once a week at least and you won't moan...right?”

  “Me moan?” He said seriously and I almost laughed.

  “Yes YOU. Let’s face it Draven, when it comes to me spending time with other people, we don't actually see eye to eye.”

  “And I suppose this little bargain means you will be spending time with friends that are also male?” God he was so old fashioned, like I was committing sin and adultery!

  “Yes, I have male friends, just as you have female friends.”

  “Female council members you mean. Keira although I find it utterly adorable that you get jealous over me, I also know that it is completely unnecessary. You are the only one my eyes see.” I couldn't help but blush when he said this.

  I did get jealous but mainly over the amazing beauty Aurora. She was Draven’s ex girlfriend and although when you’re immortal and have been around for over one thousand years, those years are counted very differently. But twenty years for a couple to have been together is still a bloody long time in my book. Of course it didn't help that she was the most beautiful creature alive and made starry nights and sunsets over the ocean look drab!

  “Anyway if I didn't know any better I would say you were stalling for time to keep me here.” He said before kissing me and I knew it was his way of a goodbye, so for the first time, I didn't enjoy it as much knowing this.

  “Why do you have to go again?” I said after catching my breath. Ok so I kind of lied about the whole not enjoying it comment. He laughed to himself as he clearly loved it when I was being this needy.

  “I don't want to go but I do have some business that needs my attention. But Ragnar will bring you back to me.” He said making me feel like a lost puppy being returned to his owner, that or a Frisbee.

  “It's ok, I will just see you tonight after work. I should probably do some college work before I go back next week.” The idea didn't have me dancing about the room with joy that was for sure. I had got used to spending all my time with Draven, that the thought of being apart made me feel a bit lost inside.

  “I think you are smart enough.” He playfully flicked my nose before continuing. “So I take it you have decided you are working Friday nights.” I had chosen Fridays as it was always student night and very busy, which I liked because the hours went quicker and the bands were good.

  “If that is alright by my boss, then yes.” He frowned when I called him boss but secretly I think he liked it.

  I walked him downstairs and Libby was sat on the couch with Frank looking cosy.

  “You two going out?” She asked like she was the mum of this picture.

  “Dra...Dominic has to go back to work.” I said but couldn't help but giggle a bit at the idea of Draven actually working. It was more like he just barked orders and they got obeyed. And I really needed to get used to calling him Dominic.

  “Thank you for having me.” He said this like I had my friend to stay and his mum had told him to thank my mum, which in this case was Libby.

  “Oh no problem, any time really. But before you go, me and Frank were wondering if you would like to come over tomorrow night for dinner?” This was so sweet and I was about to decline for him, knowing this was a bit too soon for so much human company, when he shocked me.

  “That would be great, I would love to but please let me bring the wine.” O...K…A…Y, this was going to be weird! I shot him a look as if to say “really?” but he just smiled before agreeing on a time and saying goodbye. Once outside on the deck with the door closed behind us, I asked him if he was sure.

  “Of course, why not? Is this not a customary gesture in humans?” He looked a bit hurt so I back tracked.

  “Yeahhh.... but I guess I didn't know if you would be comfortable, that's all.”

  “Keira, I may have not spent a lot of time around humans but I know how to behave around them and besides if it all goes wrong, I can just blank their memories and replace them with more positive ones. Then they will have no other choice than to approve of me.” I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, but knowing Draven he would get his way, no matter what.

  “Well I am pretty sure you’re already in there, but if you did want to seal the deal then maybe turn up in your Aston Martin and you will have Frank ready to sell his soul to you, for one ride.” He raised his eyebrows as if I had just given him an idea and I would be very surprised if he didn't turn up tomorrow night in the shiny beast.

  “That's good to know. Ragnar is already on his way here and he will follow you to the diner and back, then later to the club but remember no one but you will see him. Oh and also I thought you would want Libby to have forgotten what happened earlier so I altered her memory on the matter. She won't remember you getting upset.” This was the most considerate act that anyone could have done for me, giving my head strong nature and hating anyone knowing my emotions. He knew how this affected me because his hand went to my cheek to lift my gaze to his.

  “Your eyes look amazing in this light and when glazed by emotion they look deep enough to swim in. Umm... stunning.” He said stepping back to admire them and I automatically closed them resorting back to my shy self. He had never mentioned anything about my eyes before so it took me back. I always thought my eyes were dull and plain, being not really blue but more of a grey. Before I had chance to open them again he was kissing me, softly at first then with more intensity. His arms wrapped around me like he never wanted to let me go.

  “You are incredibly difficult to leave.” He said once he had finished but by then my legs were like hot moulding clay.

  It took two more kisses and an “I love you” before getting in his car and driving away, which made me feel cold as soon as he was out of sight. I saw Ragnar come around the side of the house and waved, to which I received a nod in return. I went back into the house and Libby was ready to pounce.

  “Right tell me everything!” She said smiling and very nearly dragging my arm off when pulling me upstairs. But I was very willing as I was getting desperate to talk to somebody about it and
if I couldn't be with him, then talking about him was the next best thing. We both jumped on the bed and folded our legs up like we used to as kids. She looked so excited for me and I couldn't keep the smile off my face.

  “You look so happy Kazzy! I don't think I have ever seen you this happy.” She said beaming, thanks heavily to pregnant hormones.

  “Well I have never been in love before!” At this she let out a high pitched scream and clapped her hands together. I half expected Frank to come running up the stairs with a baseball bat again.

  “So come on tell me, how did it all happen?”

  “I don't really know but he sort of just confessed he liked me.” Which was the truth, well kind of. I told her about how Sophia invited me to sit at their table after work and I ended up next to Draven. Ok, so this wasn't exactly the truth but it was as close to it as I could get. I told her about, after a few drinks, I relaxed enough to talk to him.

  “It kind of happened really quickly but from what he says, he has had a thing for me for a while, which is really hard to believe.” She screwed her face up like she disagreed.

  “No it isn't. He obviously has good taste and you could tell he felt something for you when he brought you home that night. But I do wonder what took him so long?” Well of course I knew the answer to that one but I wasn't about to disclose that with Libby. Could you imagine me saying “Well see Libs, here’s the thing, he is a Demon/ Angel half breed and is like the Mafia Godfather of the supernatural world we live in.” I couldn't see it going down well at all. So instead I just said,

  “I guess he was just being cautious.”

  “Well he is most definitely not a snob, so I will be the first to admit I was wrong about him. I thought he would be surrounded by bimbo strippers that had massive...well you get the message. It restores my faith in human nature that money isn't everything.” This I wanted to laugh at but managed to control my outburst. Firstly Draven couldn't get any further from human if he tried and secondly he wasn't the bimbo type. From the looks of Aurora he was more the blonde Goddess type, so I failed to see what he saw in me but happiness kept me from caring.

  “So from what I gather earlier, you have, without a doubt hit all bases. So come on dish the dirt, how was it?” This had me howling with laughter and I threw my head back as more laughter followed.

  “It is utter bliss and more...incredible, mind-blowing and completely like nothing I have ever known!” I said and she sighed at the thought.

  “He looked umm.....fit” She said which is her way of saying well equipped.

  “OH YES” We giggled again.

  I carried on talking about Draven for over an hour and only just had time for a quick shower ready to meet Jack. This thought wiped the constant smile from my face, as I knew I was about to hurt him and it was something I was ashamed with myself for getting out of hand. I had led him on when Draven had hurt me and I used him in the worst way....to get revenge. It was not a good moment for me and I was appalled at my actions. Well now it was time to face the music and put things right, even if I needed to beg and grovel. I wasn't going to let it prevent me and Jack from being friends. I knew Draven didn't like it but he would come around....wouldn't he?

  I was ready for leaving, with a fresh clean outfit that consisted of my usual jeans and long sleeved top, with gloves underneath of course. I put my half wet hair up in a messy twist and bits fell down at the sides. The only difference to my appearance was the happy new glow my skin had acquired. I grabbed my long black jacket as it looked like it might rain later and headed for the door. I shouted my good byes to Libs and Frank and opened the door to a very handsome face, one I hadn't seen in years and one that would no doubt cause me even more problems with Draven......

  An ex from my past.

  Chapter 9

  Hello Stranger

  “Well hello Keira, looking fine as always!” Justin, Frank's brother, stood opposite me leaning casually on the door frame. His baby face features had grown into a strong looking expression and he was skinny no longer. It had been replaced with a wide chest and broad shoulders. He looked like he had just jumped straight out of a surfing magazine, with his long blonde dreadlocks tied back from his face by a bit of thin rope. He had surfer beads up both wrists and a fossilized sharks tooth tied round his neck with some black cord. He wore combat trousers and a T shirt under a thin zip up hooded sweater, even though it was winter. And he looked fantastic!

  “Justin, Hi...what are you doing here?” I asked, trying not to sound as surprised as I was. I hadn’t seen Justin since my sister’s wedding and well, back then I had a bit of a crush on him. Ok, so maybe more than a crush but he had been with a girlfriend.

  “Just here to see the big guy but I get you instead, which is far more of a bonus and may I say much easier on the eyes.” His compliment made me blush like a vicar in an underwear department! His lips formed a devilish grin at the sight of my pink cheeks, while I opened the door wider and called to Frank.

  “Are you staying for long?” I asked, secretly hoping not because knowing Draven’s reaction to Justin’s flirting, it would be like lighting a firework and letting it go off in your hand. Hot and foolish!

  “No, just passing through.” He said casually before Frank came to the door way.

  “Ah, look what the cat dragged in! You back from trekking the jungle?” Frank said this while grabbing his brother into a bear hug. Justin was trying to breathe and hit him on the back to be released.

  “God Frank, what you trying to do, break my spine in two!” Justin took a swipe at him which he skilfully dodged. I moved out of the way to let them bond the way brothers did. I could never imagine going up to Libby after not seeing her for months and punching her. Oh yeah, she’d love that.

  “So how was Costa Rica? I thought you would have been on a diet of rice and beans but you look like you have put some meat on those skinny bones lad!”

  “Yeah, well at least I’m not a muscle head!” This was how it went on for a few minutes but I was trying to edge towards my car until they spotted me.

  “Where you off to Kaz?” It hadn’t taken Justin long to adopt my nickname.

  “Oh, I’m meeting a friend.” He looked a bit disappointed and Frank nudged him.

  “Yeah little Kaz here has been quite a hit with the guys in this town.” I rolled my eyes at Frank but he just laughed.

  “I can see why!” Justin said in a low voice I could still hear, making Frank laugh louder.

  “Don’t even think about it Romeo, she’s taken!” Frank tried to grab him into a head lock but Justin moved like lightening and was down by me in seconds, jumping off the porch steps. He looked down at me and I lowered my eyes before the blood rushed to my face.

  “So, who’s the lucky guy?” I really didn’t want to be talking about this now. I was already running late for Jack.

  “Oh no one you know. Anyway I must run but it was great seeing you again.”

  “Oh, you’ll be seeing me next weekend, that is if my big Bro don’t mind letting me crash for a few days.” He said this last part at Frank and he looked happy enough that his brother was back. I, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure Justin being back here was such a great thing.

  “Sure, you know you can but first you go and see Mum and Dad.”

  “Yeah, yeah I was on my way there next.” Justin rolled his eyes at me in a comedy fashion and I smiled. Then he put his arms around me and pulled me to his now hard chest. I froze but he just hugged me to say goodbye. I swallowed hard, which he must have heard because he laughed as I quickly unlocked my car door.

  “Well I guess I will see you next week then.” I said while getting in my bronco and he watched me like a wolf would a piece of meat. I giggled nervously before driving off. On the way there I thought about how glad I was that Draven hadn’t still been there when Justin had turned up. He didn’t like Jack because he felt something for me but at least he behaved himself! Justin was just a big flirt and would do it in front of anyone, i
ncluding Draven. Oh yes, it was definitely better that Draven didn’t know about Justin. Then it hit me, Ragnar had probably seen the whole thing! Oh no! I couldn’t see him which suggested I might have got away with it but something told me this wasn’t a likely outcome. Oh well, it was only a hug.

  I got to the diner and checked the clock on the dash. I was only ten minutes late after some luck with traffic lights and a heavy foot on the gas pedal. Jack was already inside and I waved as I passed the window. He had already secured a booth next to the window and soon the butterflies in my stomach turned to wasps! I was dreading this but I knew it was the right thing to do. Of course it didn’t help that he was grinning at the very sight of me. It was going to be like dumping puppies.

  He was wearing his usual ripped jeans and today’s choice in T shirt was a faded Rolling Stones’ but the lips had cracked from years of washing. His hair was the same wild bronze with lighter bits at the front and it flopped around in every direction. His soft features and gorgeous honey eyes lit up as I came nearer.

  “Here she is,” he said getting up and hugging me. I didn’t tense up as I had done with Justin. I don’t know what it was about Jack but he was one of those guys that put you instantly at ease. He was tall and had a toned build because he spent a lot of hours hiking. We sat back down and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him. Then it faded as I realised that this might be the last time we were like this. That he might not want to be friends any longer. My heart sank.

  “Hey Jack, I’m so, so sorry.” I blurted out and he looked shocked. I guess I just had needed to say it now for a long time, that it was the first thing I wanted out of my lips. At least I had said it even if it was the last time he wanted to talk to me.

  “What for?” He was making this even harder, especially when he wouldn’t stop smiling at me like I was bloody wonderful.

  “For everything! I have treated you all wrong, I should never have done that to such a good friend and then I gave you that letter and then I didn’t call…” I was fumbling out my words like they were hot mouthfuls I had to get rid of.