The Two Kings (Afterlife Saga) Page 19

  “Ouch!” I said but he just smirked at my baby like behaviour.

  “What are you doing?” I asked nervously when he started to lift my jeans up but he didn’t answer me. He rolled them over my knee and, yes of course, it was bleeding. He put his face down closer to the cut and I pulled back making him growl.

  “What are you doing?” I asked again, as he looked like was going to take a slip.

  “I am going to heal it. My master will not be happy if he sees this, it will displease him….I, will have displeased him.”

  “But this wasn’t your fault, I’m clumsy that’s all.”

  “Yes I know, he warned me of this, but you wouldn’t have fallen if I had carried your bags up here.” His eyes met mine and for once they weren’t harsh or cold. I bit my lip at the feel of his massive hands that grabbed my leg back and pull it closer to his face. He then took a few deep breaths and blew over it, causing it to instantly turn numb and icy.

  He wouldn’t allow my natural reaction to happen as I tried to pull away. It was impossible to move with his vice grip that had my leg locked. It felt like he was freezing my blood and the skin around the wound. I shivered as it started to run up my leg but then I felt him release me and after a few minutes of being under his control he spoke.

  “It is finished, you can open your eyes now,” he informed me and I was surprised that I had indeed closed my eyes. I looked down and noticed the blood had in fact frozen and with the softest touch he casually brushed it away like red icy dust to reveal unbroken skin underneath. I was amazed how quick it had taken but I was more shocked at how such a frightening giant could have been so gentle. I was touched and when he was about to stand I put my hand on his shoulder.

  “Thank you.” He looked to his right where my hand was and then back at me. He looked as if he wanted to say something more but then thought better of it. He lowered his head into a deep nod and then rose from his knees and left without saying another word. I looked down at my knee and touched the smooth skin for myself, there wasn’t even a mark!

  After I pulled myself together, I got up to put my new clothes away and tidy my room a bit just in case we were spending the night here. I didn’t want Draven thinking I was a slob, so I also changed the sheets and let the window open to let some fresh air in. That’s when I saw him. Ragnar was below my window with his back to the house and he was staring out to the view of the national park’s mountains. He had his arms folded and his head shook slightly before looking at his feet. I didn’t know what was wrong with him but I felt bad that it could be because of something I did. I was growing attached to my colossal protector and I didn’t like seeing him in pain.

  I had a quick cup of tea before ringing Libby to check we were still on for tonight. She sounded stressed out but said it was fine and that they would be home in an hour. I reassured her again that I didn’t mind cooking and I sat down to make a list while I finished my tea. I checked the cupboards for anything else we needed and added it to my list before grabbing my jacket. It had started to drizzle and I couldn’t help but raise my head to it when I got outside. I didn’t notice Ragnar next to me and when I open my eyes he was frowning at me.

  “What, I like the rain!” I said before giving him a cheeky smile and walking over to my truck. I call it a truck because it was a huge Ford Bronco that I could have lived in! He followed shaking his head like I was crazy but this I knew anyway, the only difference was now, I just didn’t care. I had Draven in my life and that was worth being a little crazy for.

  I felt the truck sink down when Ragnar got in and I started the engine. When it started first time I smiled.

  “What, no talking to it?” He asked not keeping the sarcasm out his heavy accented voice.

  “Nah she’s fine with rain, she just hates the cold.”

  “You are a different human.” He stated like he had just figured me out. I shrugged as I pulled the car round and made for the main road.

  “Don’t you think I would have to be… all things considering?” Now he was the one to shrug only when I did it, it didn’t make the car move! We carried on driving in silence for a while until it was starting to eat away at me so when I finally said something, it came out sounding more like I was ranting.

  “What’s wrong with you? Is it because I called you a Jerk because you know I’m sorry for that…don’t you?” This made him turn to me in shock and I was glad that I had the road in front to keep my attention.

  “You think that bothered me?”

  “Didn’t it?”

  “NO, you are a wilful human so it is to be expected.” Ok, so if this was the case then what was wrong with him?

  “Well if you hate protecting me so much then why don’t you just ask Draven to get someone else?” He growled again and I jumped.

  “You know there is no need to do that!” I snapped.

  “I don’t have a problem protecting you. It is a great honour for my master to have chosen me.” He said calmly.

  “Then what is wrong? One minute you like me and the next you seem frustrated with me.” I was determined to get to the bottom of it and if he was going to keep being my bodyguard then he needed to trust me.

  “It is not you I am frustrated with.” The way he said it answered my question, it wasn’t me, it was him.

  “Why?” I said softly but he just turned and looked thoughtfully out of his side window before answering.

  “It is because you remind me of someone from my past.” This stunned me into not asking more. It wasn’t my place to pry into his past and more than ever I wished I hadn’t pushed for it. So I tried my usual trick and told him a very lame joke.

  “Ok, I have one for you, why is there no aspirin in the jungle?” He turned to face me like I was having an episode.

  “I do not understand the question, do you need an aspirin?” Ok what was with Demons and jokes!

  “It’s a joke, so you say “I don’t know, why is there no aspirin in the jungle?”” He didn’t, he just nodded for me to continue.

  “Because the parrots ate them all! ....get it? para-ceta-mol.” I said repeating it slowly and then I could almost hear the cogs turning as he finally got it and the car started to shake under his laughter. Again it sounded like a bull about to charge. I couldn’t help but laugh along with him. He was still making grunting noises when I pulled into a parking space.

  Once inside the store I started to wiz around the aisles like it was a challenge and I only stopped when I couldn’t find the aisle that held the dry herbs and spices. I found an assistant wearing a bright green top and patted him on the shoulder.

  “Excuse me can you show me where the herbs are?” At first when he turned round he had a kind face and was an older guy but then it quickly changed into something from my nightmares….

  His eyes were the first part to change when a red ring appeared around the iris, which got wider as my fear grew. I started to back up into some cans on the shelf but he just got closer. Then his face changed completely into the handsome but terrifying face of Lucius and I gasped.

  “Can I help you my Keira?” He said in a chilling voice that was followed by an even more chilling smile. His fangs hung over his curved lips. I closed my eyes and shook my head.

  “You’re not real, you’re not real!” I said over and over until his laughing stopped. I felt his hand on my arm and I let out a cry.

  “Hey there, are you alright miss?” I opened my eyes to see the kind face of the old guy looking concerned. It took me a moment to pull myself together enough to form words.

  “Umm yes sorry, I thought… I saw… something.” I stammered out and before he could touch me again, I walked away from him as he was still asking me what I needed. I kept on wanting to be sick from the sight that wouldn’t leave my infected mind. It was his voice, I could hear it over and over, ‘My Keira’ he had called me as if I was his! I wiped away a stray tear as I continued around the store like I was lost. I leaned over my trolley to get my breath when I heard a
familiar voice.

  “Kazzy?” RJ’s voice rang down the aisle and I looked up to see a bright pink head bobbing down towards me.

  “RJ, hey!” I said, trying to sound my usual self.

  “Hey, oh man, you look pale, well I mean, even more pale than usual. You ok?” She did look concerned bless her and I felt like hugging her for the comfort she brought me.

  “I’m fine, well you know it’s the time.” I said rolling my eyes and then she started nodding the way girls always did. It was the one thing that united us all.

  “Well that sucks, especially with having your boyfriend.” She let out a naughty laugh and I couldn’t help but join in.

  “So, you back in college Monday?” She asked as she followed me down the aisles.

  “Yeah, but I have so much catching up to do. Oh, should I pick you up same time?”

  “Yes please, I missed your car…of course I’ve missed you too.” She nudged me and we both smiled. She continued to follow me round until I finished and I was more than glad about it. She was like a Goth angel coming to my rescue and I wanted to kiss her for it. I lost track of time as we chatted but her funky spiked watch told me it was nearly six.

  “Oh crap, I have to go but it was great catching up. Oh and RJ, I have someone I want you to meet next Saturday but I will explain more on Monday.” This had her nearly running after me to find out but I just waved and walked over to the cashier. I couldn’t help but feel instantly safer when I saw Ragnar by my car and next time I wouldn’t stop him from following me round the store. Not now I knew that not even grocery shopping was safe!

  Ragnar could tell something was wrong as I didn’t speak the whole way home, the only time words passed my lips was when I thanked him for carrying my bags into the kitchen. He looked like he wanted to ask what was wrong but stopped himself. I tried to concentrate on other things but every now and again my mind would wander back to Lucius’s face and I knew this is what he would want so, with that in mind, I clicked on the kettle ready for a cup of tea and went to work on tonight’s meal.

  By the time Libby and Frank came back the house smelled of herbs and spices as thanks to RJ, I had found them.

  “Mmm... something smells good.” She said as she parked herself down on the kitchen chair.

  “How was it?” I asked but she just let out a sigh which said it all.

  “That bad?”

  “Worse, I just want Frank to sell the place but he won’t because of the promise he made to his uncle.” She whispered this last part as now Frank was walking through the door.

  “Mmm Kazzy that smells damn good, what is it?” I smiled at him before saying,

  “Well it’s a surprise but I hope you like spicy food cause it’s a hot one.” I smirked to myself wondering what Draven would make of it, well Sophia had said he liked his food hot…ok she didn’t exactly specify that she meant his food, but considering sex was off the menu I gathered she was referring to what he likes to eat. I saw Libby’s face and knew she wasn’t as brave when it came to spices, so I added,

  “Don’t worry, I also made a mild one.” At this she got up and kissed me before grabbing an open bottle of wine from the fridge and pouring me a big glass and I was more than grateful for it, she then poured herself a baby safe glass of OJ.

  I told Libby about my shopping trip with Sophia and she was nearly in tears with laughter at my reconstruction of the day. She made me show her all I had bought and was impressed that some tops were actual colours rather than just shades. However, her eyes nearly popped out when I showed her my star buy. She ooo’d and ahhh’d over the satin material of the corset and asked me when I was planning on wearing it. I had given it a lot of thought when I bought it and knew that I would wear it for the first time we could make love again.

  I decided that I would wear it under my work clothes and not tell him when my body was ready again but just surprise him. I would tell him that I was tired and hope he wouldn’t follow me back to his room. Then I would wait for him to find me lying on his bed in some seductive pose and hope that I wouldn’t be wearing it for much longer after that. I giggled to myself and Libby raised her eyebrows.

  “Forget it, I don’t want to know!” She said quickly before starting to laugh with me.

  Everything was ready and because Libby loved it so much I made my famous chocolate cake while the chicken had been marinating. Now the meal bubbled away and all that needed to be cooked was the rice. I don’t know why but I found myself playing nervously at my gloves waiting for the time to tick to eight. I missed him so much it was like a hole that only he could fill. Then I heard it and bit down on my bottom lip at the sound of the knock at the door. I ran to it like an excited child saying,

  “It’s ok, I’ve got it!” Libby just grinned at my enthusiasm to get to the door quicker than my legs could take me. I even skidded round the corner as my feet slid on the wooden floor. I steadied myself on the table by the door and took a deep breath before opening the door to the most handsome face I had ever seen…

  My gorgeous boyfriend.

  Chapter 16

  Dinner, Human Style!

  Draven stood on my front porch like the world’s most perfect date. His tall frame was clothed in a casual long sleeved black cotton T shirt, which showed his extensive amount of muscle underneath. His long strong legs wore dark designer jeans that looked made for him and for all I knew they had been! He looked well groomed with his hair back and his soft olive skin shaved.

  I couldn’t help the great big grin that was plastered on my face at the sight of those lush deep eyes that looked just as happy to see me. I bit my lip at the naughty thoughts that came running through my mind at just the sight of him and then it tripled the feelings when he winked at me. He was about to speak but I didn’t let him, instead I just pulled his face down to mine and crushed my mouth to his for a very intense kiss, which by the end, had me near panting.

  “I take it you missed me?” He said over my lips before pulling away. I opened my eyes to find him smiling a confident smile. I just nodded and said,

  “Maybe.” This made him laugh.

  “Oh really… only maybe?” He then placed his warm hand at the base of my back and pulled up my top to get to my skin, which he knew was a major weak spot (Along with everywhere else he touched!) I let out I quiet moan and he laughed again.

  “Mmm... I didn’t think so.” He said being cocky.

  “That’s not fair! And anyway, didn’t you miss me?” I asked before putting my head down as I went all shy with the question I asked. His fingers found the underneath of my chin and pushed my face up to meet his black, serious eyes.

  “Always!” He said sincerely before picking me up by the waist to kiss me once more.

  “Did you enjoy your shopping trip with my sister?” He asked once my feet came back in contact with the porch.

  “It was interesting.” I replied trying to hold my features in place from giving away all that I had learnt.

  “Sophia described it as both fun and frustrating, considering you were stubborn enough to use only your own money.” He was trying to hide his smile and be serious but he was failing miserably.

  “Oh come on, did you really think that I would have had a spending spree with your credit card! Surely you know me better than to go spending other people’s money.” I folded my arms trying to look stern but he just raised an eyebrow at me.

  “Well, it was worth a try and besides, what is mine, is also now yours.” This had me laughing and in turn him frowning. I shook my head at him but he just mimicked me by shaking his head back. We were soon both laughing and he unfolded my arms and wrapped them around his waist for a hug. I could feel him lean down and smell my hair before kissing it lightly.

  “Did you buy anything nice?” As soon as he asked this I went rigid under his hold and he didn’t miss it. He moved me back so he could see my face which was turning different shades of pinks and reds.

  “Why, what has Sophia said?” I would be
having words with her if she had mentioned the underwear.

  “Oh nothing really, just when I asked she gave me a sly grin before saying it was interesting. This sparked my curiosity about what you had purchased.” Oh, of course now I couldn’t help grinning and giggling to myself at the thought of the look he would give me when he saw me in it, then more thoughts popped in my head which made me think to hell with the way he’d look at me, it was more like what he would do to me that had my blood racing!

  He could see me trying desperately to hide my half smile, half bitten lip.

  “Keira, why do you have the look of a Nun who has been thinking unclean thoughts?” His voice took on a very seductive tone and this made it hard to think clean thoughts when all I wanted to do was drag him into the woods and let him ravish me like a wide beast! Oh god what was wrong with me. I blamed it on the two glasses of wine I had consumed. Only I knew it was completely down to what his body did to me.

  “Well I can be naughty sometimes.” Yeah like now!

  “Do you not like the idea of me being bad?” God what was wrong with me, I was being brave but with my head lowered, which I think he was getting more turned on about. I was about to walk back inside the house but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back to face him. He moved my hair from my neck and whispered down in my ear that sent sparks down my back, which continued right down to my more sensitive parts.

  “May I remind you, I am half Demon and I know full well how attracted I am to your dark side, just as the Angel in me is addicted to the shy and good girl that stands before me now.” He stayed at my neck and my heart nearly stopped as he placed his lips on my skin there. His hands came to encase the column of my throat and turned it to the side so he could get to it better, as his mouth opened and his teeth held me still. A groan caught in my throat as I thought he would bite me but instead I just felt a bad boy smile rest in place of his fangs. I swallowed hard and this made him laugh.

  “Did I make my point?” He whispered before releasing his hold on me. It took me a moment to find my basic functions to respond and I really wanted to come back with something witty but it doesn’t really work when you’re incoherent. Instead I caved into his control and just nodded like a frightened servant girl. Just then Libby appeared in the door way and cleared her throat bringing me back to my own mind. Damn he was getting better at getting into my head!