The Two Kings (Afterlife Saga) Read online

“Well, it’s good to have you back.” Mike said but just then Cassie came from behind the back room carrying some empty glasses and said,

  “Speak for yourself!”

  Cassie had never liked me and the feeling was most definitely mutual! She was a little slut and she didn’t try to hide the fact. She hated me for two reasons, the first was that Mike took notice of me and the second was because I had been chosen to work in the VIP area. This had sealed the deal as she would have sold her soul to get up there. I smiled at her to show I was a bigger person than the Gothic Barbie look alike that was now scowling at me. Mike rolled his eyes as he wasn’t her biggest fan, although you wouldn’t have thought so to see Cassie throwing herself all over him, like a wasp over a squashed grape.

  The evening started to get busy when a band called ‘The Shin Splints’ started to play but they were a little heavy for my taste. I was behind the bar serving the swarm of students when the worst thing possible happened. Ok, slight over statement, but to a girl at work it was never a good time to get your period. I had to grab Helen and ask her for any girly supplies as I had forgotten to load up my bag. Lucky for me she always had some, so she informed me.

  I ran to the toilet to assess the damage and yep you guessed it, I had leaked! After some clean up and lots of toilet roll, I was ready to go again until the worse bit about periods hit me….the pain! I usually didn’t get bad periods but every once in a blue moon I would get a real doozy that would make me feel like I was giving birth to a baby elephant….and tonight was the night for it! I could normally cope if I had pain killers to take but I had none. Again I had to ask Helen but on this, she was no help. So I soldiered on only every now and again I had to stop for cramps.

  “Keira are you alright?” Mike asked as I was taking a minute by the sinks.

  “Yeah, just cramp” I said like I had spent the day running. Ha, me running, I hated to run!

  “Kaz, I have five sisters and I know enough about girls to understand the signs! You get yourself off early... it’s quietening down now and Jerry is fine with it.” I wanted to laugh at this last part, of course Jerry would be fine with it, considering my connection to Draven, I think he would have given me his first born if I asked for it! I nodded while already getting my bag and jacket from the hook in the back room. This was Jerry’s office and also where we kept some of the spare bottles of spirits. Jerry was at his desk cashing up one of the tills.

  “You off now?” He asked looking up. He was smiling until he saw my face then it dropped. I knew then that I was deathly pale.

  “Umm...I hate to say this but you don’t look good kid.” He frowned and looked like he was going to pick up the phone but I knew who he’d call and I didn’t want the fuss.

  “I’m fine, just a bit of a head ache but nothing an early night won’t cure.” I said making him think twice about the phone call idea.

  “Yeah, that band was a bit far out tonight.” Jerry liked rock music but he was more of an old fashioned lover of it than some of the new stuff and when tonight’s band had mixed techno with screaming, it had all gotten too much for him….and me!

  “Well, Draven wants you to go you upstairs after your shift.” He said trying to look busy and impartial. I nodded before leaving but my body not only hurt, it was now filled with dread. The last thing I wanted was an argument with Draven about today’s disapproving Keira act! So I did something very out of character. I walked out from around the bar and continued until I got to the double doors that led outside to the car park. I knew it was wrong and rude but I just couldn’t stand the rest of the evening pretending everything was fine, when all I wanted to do was crawl up in bed and cry from pain. Why is it that if you don’t take tablets straight away, then it doesn’t ever seem to go or even fade? It just felt like a thorn bush was growing inside my uterus!

  I saw my car in its usual parking space and got out my keys ready to stick in the lock. I looked about expecting to find Ragnar but he was nowhere and suddenly I felt a bit vulnerable. This was stupid now, I was getting dependant on having a bodyguard to feel safe. I took a moment to lean my head on the metal frame to cool my burning head before unlocking the door to the driver’s side. It had taken me a while to get used to driving this side of the road and for ages I would go to the wrong side of the car, which when I looked up, had happened again.

  I was losing it!

  Then hands came out from behind me making me jump and scream out. They slammed the door shut before I could get in. I stared at the window knowing it was Draven behind me and as soon as I inhaled in his perfect scent, I felt some of the pain ease. I wouldn’t turn round to look at him because I knew I would meet his temper. I felt him lean down to my ear and his lips touched my skin making me shudder.

  “Why are you leaving me Keira?” His voice was steady as if he was using a lot of control not to get angry. I took in a deep breath and turned round to face him hoping that the dim light from the few lamps around wouldn’t show my sickly skin. I was expecting to find hard features but as soon as he saw me his eyes went wide and his hand came to my face. He ran the back of two fingers down my cheek and then looked worried.

  “You are very hot and also pale... are you unwell?” Oh great, now I had to lie to the Master of detection.

  “I’m fine, it was just hot in there.” I said looking down so he couldn’t see my eyes lie. I was a dead giveaway when I looked them in the face.

  “Then please tell me, why is it you think you can drive home in the passenger seat?” He said in a smug tone and one trying to hide humour.

  “I said I am fine!”

  “Then answer my question, why were you leaving me?” He asked softly making his hand cold and putting it to my burning face. It felt amazing! I closed my eyes and let his cold skin sooth me before answering him.

  “Because I didn’t want to argue with you.” I said looking him up and down. God, now he looked HOT! He was wearing a black pin striped suit with a waistcoat but with no tie. His hair was styled back and he had shaven the stubble off, making him look very smart and above all, sexy as hell. I bit my lip and tried to concentrate on keeping a steady rhythm in my chest. I expected this would make him angry, so when I saw him smiling at me I was shocked and confused.

  “And that’s the reason you were going to go and say nothing?” His voice invaded my mind and I let it because with every word out of that delicious mouth, it was making my pain fade. I felt a bit ashamed that this was what I was going to do and lowered my face without answering but he took my guilty face as confirmation. He bent his knees to look under where my face was hidden.

  “I’m sorry.” Was all I could say and he pulled me to him for an embrace. I let his strong arms hold me to him and I tried to swallow the pain I had down below.

  “Keira, there is no need for you to apologise. If you would like to leave then you are free to go but I would like you to have protection at least,” he said but I got the impression this was something he didn’t want. So I quickly said,

  “I don’t want to leave you, I just didn’t want you to get angry at me for today.” He frowned down at me but I just rested my head on his chest because I didn’t like it when he frowned.

  “Why would I get angry at you? Just because I am used to getting my own way it doesn’t mean I will take it out on you, when I don’t.” So this whole time I had been worrying for nothing! I was such a fool.

  “Come back inside and join me, I have missed you.” He said this before his lips were placed to mine for a very passionate kiss. While he devoured my taste his hands felt for my skin pulling up my black top at the sides. I could feel the night air hit my cold flesh and mixed with the heat from his hands it was like the two elements were fighting against each other. For one long blissful moment I forgot all about the pain.

  When he had finished, he picked me up into his arms and walked around the side of the building out of sight from the front entrance. Thank God because if he had walked back in the club with me like this I would have
died with shame!

  “Where are you taking me?” I asked, trying to look behind his huge shoulders that were blocking my view.

  “Upstairs to the VIP.” He said but I knew this wasn’t going to be the conventional way. He looked down at me and smirked as he made his way around to the side of the building.

  “Close your eyes.” He said and he bent his knees slightly before launching us both upwards. Thankfully this was when I closed my eyes. I felt us land and opened my eyes to find we were on the balcony outside the VIP area.

  “Well that was quicker!” I said trying to pretend I hadn’t been as terrified as I had. However he just laughed heartily. He placed me down gently before taking my hand in his and leading me out through the glass doors. He looked happy, so I didn’t want to burst his bubble by telling him I really wasn’t up for sitting at his table. But off we went anyway and as usual, we got every Demon/Angel eye in the place staring at us. Draven never cared about this and led me proudly to my seat. There we were met by the same council members who were always at his table.

  Ragnar was standing guard as we approached and for the first time he nodded to me and grinned after he did with Draven. I was shocked considering the last thing I had said to him was calling him a jerk. They all stood when they saw their Master was back and with an empty seat by his side he let me sit first. I had a feeling this was the ultimate sign of respect.

  I sat and in turn everyone nodded to me. Takeshi was back and had fully recovered from Lucius’s mental attack. He wore his usual Japanese robe but this one was plain black apart from the purple Dragon he had embroidered on his back. Zagan was next to him and looked as scary as ever. I had never seen him in anything but his long black hood that hid most of his face. His long straight white blonde hair hung down and I think he was Sophia’s bodyguard but I wasn’t sure if there wasn’t something more going on with them both, as they seemed to flirt with each other a lot. On the other side was Celina and of course the breathtaking Aurora. She was wearing a black dress that was cut across the chest showing a shameful amount of bust, even if she did have her hair down to cover it. I tried not to look but she caught my expression and smiled like an evil cat!

  Draven’s eyes didn’t leave mine though, so I didn’t care. Besides, I was in too much pain to care. Sophia looked happy to see me but as soon as she saw my pale face she knew something was wrong but I just shook my head slightly to warn her not to say anything. I was lucky because Draven missed it, while speaking with his brother. Vincent had nodded to me and I think I blushed but don’t think it was visible from my ill looking skin. It had been the first time I had seen him since kissing him. I had said sorry that night but when I got the next opportunity I should really say it again and again, many times over.

  Sophia kept eyeing me carefully but she was true to my cause and kept quiet, but then I had a thought, I wondered if she could get me some tablets or at least some more supplies because if I was staying the night, then I really needed more. But how was I going to ask without Draven knowing.

  “Keira what would you like to drink?” Draven squeezed my hand bringing me back round from thinking of a way to talk to Sophia.

  “Umm, just mineral water please.” I replied and Draven looked concerned with my plain choice but when I didn’t convey the reasons he allowed Loz, the waitress to get my drink. I was caught between trying not to show my discomfort and answer the questions I was being asked. Then I decided I would try something new.

  “Sophia can you hear me, in your head I mean?” I asked this through my mind and I felt a bit stupid for trying but when she turned at looked at me I was hopeful. She winked when nobody was looking. Great! Well this was a start. So I continued,

  “Ok right, I am going to try something, can you talk to me in my mind if I let you in?” I waited for a slight response and when Zagan stopped gazing at her she nodded the tiniest amount. So the next thing was for me to try and let her in but I wasn’t quite sure how I even blocked them out to begin with. I let my mind wander and opened it up to my side where Sophia sat but this was worse than useless! So I tried another technique, I relaxed my mind and instead of pushing things out I let everything in, I opened up to the noises around me and listened for anything more. I could hear the hum of conversations behind me and the buzz of humans below. Then some glasses being put down, someone laughed behind us…Then it hit me I could here Sophia saying over and over

  “Hello....HELLO.... can you hear me yet?” I had to try and not giggle but it was so funny because it was her voice but it was in my head! It was weird and amusing at the same time.

  “Ok, I can hear you, can you still hear me?”

  “Yes I can.” I had to bite my lip to stop myself from smiling but when my water was put in front of me I had a reason to smile so I did, as I thanked Loz.

  “This is cool!” I said and she just raised her eyes at me before smiling.

  “Ok, so what’s wrong with you because no offense but you look like shit!” She even sounded concerned in my mind and this was quite a surreal moment as I had never felt someone else’s voice in my head before.

  “It’s the time of the month and I’m in pain, but don’t tell Draven ‘cause I don’t want him to fuss and worry.” She couldn’t hide her frown but nobody was looking at us.

  “Keira he will find out sooner or later and my guessing is it will be the first. You need to explain you are not well and need to go to bed, you look exhausted!”

  “No, please don’t say anything, not yet but I do need your help.” She rolled her eyes and then looked down as if to say yes.

  “Ok, I’ll take that as you will help me. I need painkillers and umm…supplies.” She sat there for a moment to think and Draven had noticed that I hadn’t spoken to anyone for a few minutes. I felt his hand on my leg and I almost jumped.

  “Are you alright?” His voice blew down onto me and because my mind was open it felt different, more powerful like the first time I had heard it. I closed my eyes for a moment and let it help my cramps. Then I closed my mind back up quickly before he figured it out.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” I gave him a smile that he didn’t believe but thankfully, he didn’t pursue it. Instead he took my hand and brought it to his lips to kiss. I noticed Aurora’s eyes bulge slightly at the gesture and I shamefully allowed myself, a smug smile to creep across my lips. Meanwhile Sophia must have come up with something because she leaned over to me and said,

  “Oh Keira, you have to see this new dress of mine, it is simply divine. It is made from Italian silk and has a cut across the… oh well it would be better if I just showed you. Brother you don’t mind if I borrow Keira for a moment, do you?” It wasn’t really a question but more of a statement as she had already stood and was taking my arm. Zagan stood also but she turned to him and a look was all it took for him to get the message.

  “What are you up to Sophia?” Draven said in an unhappy tone.

  “Just girl stuff which is none of your business.” She said firmly enough to make Draven let go of my hand, which he kissed again before doing so. Then I was being dragged away by Sophia. She looked lovely in her coral halter neck dress that was made from a material that floated around her doll like frame. It swayed as she walked and it was cut short showing off her beautiful legs that looked like they belonged on a shaving advert.

  She linked my arm and walked me through the double doors that lead into their vast home. As soon as the doors closed I let out a moan and bent down to try and relieve the growing pain.

  “Oh dear, you don’t have much luck do you?” Sophia rubbed my back and made large circles with her palm. I stayed like that for a minute before standing back up straight.

  “Better?” Was all she said and I nodded.

  “Thank you.” She shrugged her shoulders and we carried on down the grand hallway. At the end was Draven’s bed chamber and Sophia opened the door for me. Once inside I almost collapsed on the couch.

  “I will be back with what you need, do you h
ave a preference?” I told her what I needed and she was out of the door before I could blink. I was finally glad be to be alone and in a horizontal position. I gripped at my stomach hoping this would somehow help but the pain just got worse because I couldn’t relax. By the time Sophia came back, I was close to agony. She had some clothes and bless her, some clean underwear.

  “Right take these and then sort yourself out but you had better be quick because it won’t take long for my brother to get restless.” I knew what she meant. When it came to me doing things without him, he was very suspicious. I swallowed the pills she gave me and went into the bathroom. Once I was finished, I changed into the comfortable black gym pants and new underwear that still held a label and price tag…Wow $150 for a pair of knickers! Oh dear this wasn’t a good idea.

  I walked back out expecting to see just Sophia but I froze when I saw that Draven was now stood next to her with his arms folded. Sophia looked like she was trying very hard not to giggle at my situation but I just tried to act cool. Ok, so me and the word cool didn’t really mesh well, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t try.

  “Why have you changed?” Draven was trying not to be demanding but it clearly took work. He was now looking even better as he had taken off his suit jacket and just had on a crisp white shirt under his waistcoat. His legs looked even longer in his well pressed trousers and all I wanted to do was to expose what was underneath them.

  “Well, I will leave you both, Keira shopping tomorrow.” She said and I now knew my price for asking her help, she was going to do the whole dress up the life size human doll thing.

  “Shopping?”

  “Yeah, you know, the place people go, to buy clothes and stuff and from what I hear someone keeps ripping your clothes, so it is only right that he should get you some new to replace the ones in pieces!” She smiled and it was bad to the bone. Draven shot her a look.

  “Thank you Sophia, you really don’t understand the concept of prudence do you?” He said in an unimpressed way.