* * * *
When Caleb and Lileta entered the room, Sara gave them a sympathetic look. Leria looked up from the paper she had been drawing on, her lips turning up into a big smile.
“Lileta!” She jumped up and ran into Lileta’s open arms.
Caleb smiled, watching the two embrace each other. Dread filled him at what they were about to do. The poor girl had already been through so much it seemed unfair taking away her last living parent. However, Caleb didn’t have a say in this matter: it came from higher up than him. He was grateful the gods had chosen Lileta as his mate for many reasons. Helping Leria cope with her losses was one of them.
Sara picked up a sleeping Ariana and walked toward them. “I’ll leave you alone.” The door closed quietly behind her.
“I want to see the king,” Leria stated, pulling free from Lileta’s embrace.
Caleb took a seat at the table where the girl had been drawing and spotted her picture. A black dragon covered the page along with a smaller golden one.
Fuck. This is going to be harder than we thought.
Lileta caught his mental thoughts and glanced at the drawing. Her shoulders sagged. They both knew it was Leria and her father on that page. Lileta steered the girl toward the couch. “I’m sure Aidyn would love to see you as soon as he has a free moment,” Lileta said.
“No. I want to see him now.” She placed her hands on her hips. “It is my right to make this request.”
Caleb cleared his throat. Lileta gave him a pleading stare. “I see. This is official business then and not a social call?” This was exactly what he hoped to avoid, but it seemed the teen was well versed in politics. As the only living relative of her father, she had the right to request an audience with his jailer and ask for a stay of execution. According to the laws of the gods, the audience must be granted.
Leria approached him, her eyes flashing green. “We must go now.”
Caleb nodded and took her hand. “Then we shall go.” He rose, and Lileta followed. The three walked down the same corridor he and Lileta had just passed through. Caleb headed for the study, hoping that’s where the king would be.
They were in luck. Aidyn sat at his desk, his head in his hands. He must have sensed their presence. He looked up. “I’ve been expecting you.”
Caleb inhaled. “Then you know why we’re here.”
Aidyn rose from his desk and walked around to greet them. “I have my suspicions. Please come in.”
Lileta closed the door behind her and had no sooner joined Caleb’s side when Leria stepped forward and dropped down to one knee.
“My Lord, I request your audience,” Leria stated.
Aidyn squatted to her level. “Leria, I am not your king, therefore you are not required to kneel before me.”
She brought her gaze to meet his. “I understand, but I am here to beg you for mercy.”
Lileta looked at Caleb.
When the hell did she grow up? She seemed such a small fragile child when I saw her last.
Draki children grow up fast. This one even more so than most.
Caleb sighed.
I fear she has had no time to be a child.
Aidyn let out a long breath. “Very well. I will hear your plea then.”
Leria’s gaze darted around the room. “Here?”
The guardian raised a brow. “You’re going to stand on formality?” He spread out his arms. “As you can see, we are no longer in Vandeldor. The official throne room is buried under ground.” He walked behind his desk and rolled out his chair, bringing it to the center of the room. “We will make do with what we have.”
He sat and gave Caleb a weary glance. Everyone in the room, except for Leria, knew what the outcome of this meeting would be. However, they had to abide by their ancient laws. Caleb scrubbed a palm down his face.
Lileta, love. Be prepared, we are going to have to pick up the pieces.
His mate gave him a sidelong glance and wrung her hands together.
Yes, but we will get through this. Together, as a family.
Leria stood and walked toward the guardian king. Her steps sure and her head held high. When she reached Aidyn, she once again knelt at his feet. Caleb hid a smile. Leria was going to follow protocol to the letter, leaving no room for error.
“My Lord. I come to beg you to spare my dad—my father’s life. I know he committed a crime and should be punished, but he is all the family I have left.” Leria’s voice cracked, but she held back the tears.
Lileta grabbed Caleb’s hand and squeezed. He sensed it was the only way she could keep from running to the girl and throwing her arms around her.
Aidyn gripped the arms of the chair, his face tense. “I understand. I wish I could. However, I am unable to grant your request.”
Leria chewed her lip. “My Lord. I’m sorry for the death of your mother, but my father was not himself.”
Aidyn reached out and touched the child’s shoulder. “If she were the only victim, I would grant your request without question.” He tipped her chin up to meet her gaze. “However, he committed crimes against humanity. The gods require his punishment. I am so sorry, Leria, I must carry out his execution.”
Caleb’s heart cracked when the girl’s eyes watered. Not only did he have to keep his mate from running to Leria. He had to keep his own feet planted firmly in place. The child who was trying so hard to be an adult would never forgive them for interfering.
“May I see him? Please,” she pleaded.
Aidyn sat back and glanced at Caleb who gave the slightest shake of his head. Odage was too far gone, and it would only break her heart further.
“I’m sorry; your father is no longer himself and is a danger to you. I must deny this request.” The king sucked in a breath. “His execution will be carried out at midnight. You are dismissed.”
The tears rolled down Leria’s cheeks as she rose to her feet. She balled her fists at her side. “I will never forgive you for this,” she whispered through clenched teeth then turned and ran. Lileta followed her while Caleb stayed behind.
Aidyn picked up the chair and threw it against the wall, leaving splinters on the floor. “I never meant to hurt her.” He leaned over his desk, his eyes closed and his chest expanded in a deep breath.
The ground beneath their feet shook, and the walls of the compound bulged. Caleb felt a great power swirl around the room. The king was struggling to keep his power in check.
“Aidyn, she’s a child. Give her time. She will one day understand duty,” Caleb said. He’d never experienced the full power of the guardian before and was certain if Aidyn didn’t calm, the entire mountain would crumble. “Do not make me remind you my mate resides down the hall. If you force me to dig her out, I will be sorely pissed.”
Aidyn stood erect and fisted his palms. “I have control. You are wrong, though. Leria will never forgive me. I felt her hatred. It cut me like a white hot blade.” He faced Caleb. “One day, she will seek her revenge, and may the gods have mercy on us all.”
Caleb shook his head. “I don’t understand. Does this have something to do with her saving humanity?”
His fangs elongated. “Yes.”
Caleb rubbed the back of his head. “I don’t get how a Draki is going to stop this war and save the human realm. We are not their guardians.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “What the hell are the gods up to?”
Aidyn’s gaze pinned him. “Her destiny is not to save humanity directly. It is to save my soul.”
Caleb’s arms fell to his side, and his jaw dropped for a brief moment before he snapped it shut. “Son of a bitch!” He spun on the ball of his foot and stormed from the room.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Caleb flashed to where his mate resided. He found her and Leria sitting on the couch, embraced in each other’s arms. The girls eyes were rimmed red, and it ripped his heart open. They needed to leave there.
He knelt in front of the girls. “I think we should leave.” He reached for Leria’s hand. “How would you like to see your new home?”
“I think that is a wonderful idea. You’ll love it, Leria, Caleb has built a beautiful home high in the mountains,” Lileta commented while stroking the child’s hair.
Leria sniffed. “Can we fly?”
Caleb looked to his mate; Lileta gave a nod of approval.
“Yes, of course we can,” he replied and grabbed Lileta’s hand, the three flashed outside the compound.
They stood on the rocky surface; the sun was beginning its descent on the horizon. Soon, darkness would fall and help cloak them, making their flight much easier. Leria was still too young to be able to cloak herself, and Caleb would not be able to assist her. When they returned home, he would speak to her about bringing her into his family.
“You go ahead and shift first,” Caleb said.
The young girl’s image shimmered and was replaced by the golden dragon. Lileta gasped.
“Oh, Leria, you are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” She extended her hand and touched the small dragon’s nose. The beast nuzzled into her.
Caleb shifted then placed his head on the ground, giving his mate a platform to climb. When she was settled, he looked to Leria and nudged her, encouraging her to take flight. Once they were airborne, he climbed above the clouds and headed toward the setting sun. Leria flew up beside him then dropped several feet in a spin only to bank left and pull back up again. She zipped in front of Caleb and swished from the left to the right.
“Dear gods, please tell me she’s not going to crash,” Lileta yelled.
Caleb snickered.
No, she’s behaving as a young dragon should. I wish you could hear her laughter.
“Oh, whew. I’m happy to hear that.” Lileta’s body relaxed, but Caleb noted her disappointment.
Angel, once Leria is brought into my family by the blood bond, you will be able to share these experiences as well.
“I have so much to learn about you. What does that mean?”
I look forward to your exploration.
Caleb chuckled when she gave him a lighthearted swat on the back. He certainly was looking forward to finally getting to savor every inch of her and intended to do just that when they got home.
It is when Diego and I will share our blood with her in a family ritual. This is witnessed before our people thus making her one of us. She will become our daughter, Lileta.
“I like the sound of that. She deserves stability, I only hope that—”
Stop. Don’t even say it!
“I can’t help it. I still fear Lowan and his power. He will not give me up so easily.” She laid down and wrapped her arms as far around his neck as possible.
I have never feared anything as much as I do this.
She had switched to her telepathic link and opened up her emotions, allowing him to experience everything she felt. He was humbled she now trusted him enough to make herself so vulnerable. Along with her fear, overwhelming love caressed his skin. He fully understood her concerns.
Angel, I love you. Remember you carry part of my soul and, along with Lucan’s training, Lowan will never control you again.
Of course, you’re right. Lucan said he would come by soon. I’m actually looking forward to training with him.
Just don’t look too forward to it.
Caleb switched his focus to the smaller dragon who buzzed around him.
Leria, I’m opening a portal directly home. I will lead. You follow close behind me.
The three were greeted on the other side by Diego, Jax, and Darius. Caleb sensed trouble. It wasn’t like them to come unannounced.
Lileta jumped down, and he shifted. “What’s wrong?” He flared out his senses, looking for trouble.
Diego stepped forward. “There have been rumblings coming from Soreth’s clan. He plans to challenge your position.” He tipped his head toward Leria. “He also wants the child.”
Lileta’s eyes widened, and she drew the girl close to her bosom. Caleb’s jaw tightened until he thought every facial muscle might snap. He understood this was more than simply leading their people. Soreth wanted the girl so he could use her to gain more wealth. Being how there were so few females, he thought to sell her to the highest bidder once she was of age, with no regard to who her destined mate was. If the poor bastard was outbid, both he and Leria would suffer greatly.
“Caleb, no!” Lileta begged.
He glanced at his mate from the corner of his eye. He’d forgotten to close his thoughts. Better for her to know what she was a part of now. Dragons were feral territorial creatures, and he wasn’t surprised by the challenge. He’d not expected it so quickly however, and he certainly had not entertained the thought of being challenged for the girl.
“Do not worry yourself, Angel. I will take care of this matter.” He moved closer to his mate, kissing the top of her head. “Take Leria and go to the house. Jax is one of my best warriors; he will go with you and stand guard.”
Jax stepped forward, tipped his head. “I’m at your service, My Lady.” He extended his arm toward the house. “Shall we?”
Lileta gave him a weary look but said nothing as she walked away. Something told him they were going to have a long ugly discussion when this was done. Once she was out of range, he closed his thoughts.
“Diego, do you have the plan in place?”
“You are not going to die, but yes. Several guards have been placed around your home. Should it even look like you might lose, they will take your mate and Leria to safety.” Diego’s brows lowered. “No fucking way in hell will I or anyone else allow Soreth to get his hands on them.”
Caleb scrubbed his face. “Fuck! As if I don’t have enough to deal with. Lowan has not been stopped and is still a threat to my mate. If I die, you will make sure to seek protection with the guardian king, Aidyn. He is powerful enough to protect them.”
“It will be done.”
“How long do I have before the fight?”
“The battle will begin tonight at midnight,” Diego replied.
Caleb nodded. “Then I’m going to enjoy the next four hours with my mate. I will see you later.”
* * * *