Grai's Game (First Wave) (9 page)

Using her lightest
touch, she trailed her fingers down his spine and over one hard, tight cheek. The effect was electric. Balduen shivered and groaned, almost panting to maintain control; his hands fisting into the sheets to keep from taking her right then. Her desire and arousal heightened his own, overwhelming him.

“Wow… oh wow!” Dare breathed on a sigh, her mind and body rolling with the intense feelings.

Taking advantage of her distraction, Balduen rolled gently on top of her. Running his hands up her arms in a gentle caress, he brought her hands above her head and clasped them in his own. He easily found her slick heat and slowly entered her, his body responding to the slight trembling of her own.

The knowledge that she could feel his emotions made him intent on holding nothing back from her. He wanted her to know, to feel how much he loved, desired and needed her.

Dare was almost breathless, her body on fire from the inside out. Baldy’s slow, steady strokes and his intense feelings for her combined with her own until she was cocooned in sensuality and love.

Wrapping her legs around his waist, Dare tried to encourage Baldy
to pick up the pace, to end the building of pleasure that threatened to crash over the edge at any moment. She cried out when he immediately responded to her needs, driving deeper and harder until her head was spinning. Crying out she grabbed him to her, holding him close while he joined her over that blissful edge.

Dare knew it was only minutes, but it felt like hours before her body stopped trembling and her breathing returned to normal. She had never imagined anything could be so… intimate. It was such a cheesy thought, but she now knew why people said it was like becoming one. She had truly felt as if they had been able to see into each other’s soul.

“Because we did. But this… this is much deeper than a normal Valendran soul bond. It has to be because of the beast bonding that it is more intense than a normal bonding. Do you mind?” Baldy asked, sliding off of her body. He made no apology for reading her thoughts, the way they were connected; they both slipped in and out of one, another’s thoughts often.

Laying on his
back, he pulled her close until half of her body was draped across him, lazily stroking circles over the skin on her shoulder with his finger. Even without concentrating on their bond, he could feel that it was stronger than before they had made love again.

He knew she could feel it as well because she
was testing it by connecting and disconnecting from him with ease. He tried it out a couple of times as well and noticed it was not only easier to do but quicker.

Dare laughed, “You noticed it too, huh? And here I thought that it was all
you, and I had lucked out by getting a real stud muffin.”

“I’m not familiar with the combination of those words, but if you are implying that you are lucky to have me, then you are correct. I am considered an excellent warrior.” Balduen said without any arrogance in his voice.

Dare sucked in a breath and playfully pinched his side.

“Hey!” Balduen yelped, unable to hide his grin. His love was easy to tease.

“You may be quite the warrior catch, but you’re also a brat.” Dare teased back.

They lay in silence for long minutes wrapped in their own thoughts. Dare’s mind immediately turned to Tristan, the memory of his seizure, how thin and weak he had become, tore at her heart.

Without thinking she placed her hand on her own slightly rounded stomach and wondered what she would do, what lengths she would go to, in order to save her son. The answer was surprisingly easy. Anything. She would do anything to save him.

“I will be happy with whatever decision you make, my love. As long as whatever is needed to save the child doesn’t put you or our son in danger, I will support you.” Balduen said gruffly as he gave her a gentle squeeze and kissed the top of her head.

Baldy hated that she was so upset over the deterioration of the child, but he knew once she thought clearly about the situation, she would come to a decision that she would be able to be happy with. He would not interfere; his own thoughts and opinions did not need to cloud her thoughts as well.

“Do you think this is all a ruse? That he’s playing all of us?” Dare asked, curious what Baldy was thinking about all of this.

Baldy let out a soft sigh. He hoped she wouldn’t ask him that.

“I do not know. Dread said that the Zendarian’s had offered their name. They are the
holiest and most peaceful of the beast species, whatever he did to gain their trust and respect had to be pretty big. They have never offered such to anyone else.”

“
I can’t detect deception from him. However, if he’s really good at lying and hiding, it would be difficult for the most accomplished to detect it. Dread and Viper don’t think he’s lying.”

“I know that doesn’t really answer your question, but I’m having a hard time not wanting to kick his ass anyway. We know he’s telling the truth about the doctor moving it up a day on his own, but he admitted he wouldn’t have stopped it. It has been difficult for me to get beyond that.”

“But we both know none of that will make a difference in the decision you make. You will think of the children. Both of them and nothing more.” Balduen was trying to be as supportive as he could, but he couldn’t seem to separate his anger at what Dare went through.

Dare could feel
Baldy’s anger and frustration and to be honest she felt that way too. Stifling a yawn, she curled up closer to Baldy’s side and pulled the covers tighter around them.

“I don’t want to think about it anymore tonight. I’m too tired
.” Dare said, her eyes already closing.

“Rest my love.” Balduen whispered, kissing the top of her head.

Chapter Eight

He was being punished again. The darkness surrounded him completely while the cold seeped into his aching bones as he lay shivering on the floor.

Grai tried to think about what he had done this time to deserve his father’s wrath, but couldn’t remember what it was. When the door opened, he flinched, sliding his little body into a corner of the room, knowing it was time.

“You sniveling mongrel! Get up and act like
you came from the greatest leader the Relian Empire has ever known!” His father’s voice boomed at him from the doorway.

Grai knew h
is father hated it when he didn’t act like a man and take his punishment. Trying not to make him any angrier than he already was, Grai slowly stood on shaking feet. He let go of the arm that had broken when his father had thrown him against the wall before locking him in. He knew his father would see it as weakness.

Grai hadn’t taken more than a deep breath before his father grabbed him by the neck, lifted him off the floor and threw him against the wall. His last thought before his leg
snapped, and he fell into blissful darkness, was why he was being punished this time.

He had been caught sneaking food to Koda and Dagog, who were being punished for asking to see their mother. Their father had left his brothers without food for
days, and Grai had been saving his for them. He’d been caught leaving the dark rooms where they had been put for punishment.

Grai
was able to get them the food though. His brothers wouldn’t die. The thought had put a grateful smile on his face before he passed out. Luckily, he wasn’t awake when his father became enraged about his smile, his beatings always more severe if he showed any emotion.

*****

Grai awoke with a start. Running a shaking hand down his sweaty face, he turned to make sure that his nightmare hadn’t disturbed Tricia and Tristan.

Seeing that they were both still resting fine, Grai moved silently off of the bed and replaced the covers around Tricia. Sitting in the
chair, he rested his head in his hands with a heavy sigh.

Grai sat quietly, just listening. His beast,
Death, who knew his routine, was giving him an update on all of his people and surroundings. Death was speaking to all the other beasts nearby through the Shengari’ to ensure they were all safe.

The beasts of his sleeping people showed that they were all well and being guarded by his people and the Valendran
s. Those on guard and monitoring the perimeter were giving him an update on what happened during the four hours he had slept and the position of all the guards.

Most people would call his obsessive need to
always be five steps ahead of everyone else, paranoia, but Grai knew his father and his brother. This was far from over. It was only beginning. And he had people to protect.  

He got up slowly and leaned over his family, staring for a moment in awe that they were truly safe… and with him. Every sacrifice he had ever made, ever
y beating or ruptured organ he had ever suffered under his father, was worth it to be here with them.

His eyes misted as he watched his son sleeping next to his mate. The love he had found with them had proven to him that his
brothers, and his people deserved the chance to find this kind of happiness. And he would make sure they got it. One way or another.

Giving them both a gentle kiss, he was torn about leaving them, but knew that he had to, he had things he had to do.

“They will be safe young warrior. Do not fear for them. No one here will harm them. There is no intent to do so, or I would know.” 

Grai was startled at the voice in his head using a previously dormant communication path. Looking around the room, h
e silently drew his weapons, Death immediately scanning the area for the threat.

“Don’t panic. We are a sentient
species, and although we are not beast we can communicate telepathically in the same fashion. I am Gibly.”
Gibly said, coming from behind the privacy curtain and walking up to Grai before sitting down in front of him. His bright green eyes glittered up at Grai as if waiting to see what he would do next.

“Why are you speaking to me?”
Grai asked curiously, testing out the new communication path with the fierce little creature. He had heard through the Shengari’ of the cat’s bravery in trying to help Dare and Tricia kill the dark one earlier and knew the creature was not a threat to his family.

“We are a bit more than telepathic… let’s just say that we see much more than others and what I have seen from
you, and your people, tells me that we should call each other friend. If you are willing.”
Gibly responded, swishing his tail gently in a slow, hypnotic way.

Grai considered the cat’s strange words. He’d never heard of an animal species with the abilities that this cat displayed. Although extremely curious, he was surprised to note that he wasn’t afraid at all. He detected nothing but kindness from the strange little creature.

“I am very short on friends and can use all that I can get. I would be honored to be considered friend to one such as you. Thank
you.”
Grai responded with a slight nod and bow to the cat.

“
I believe the honor is mine, brave one. Mine indeed.”
Gibly said cryptically before walking back out behind the privacy screen.

Grai smiled to himself before following the cat into the outer room. Looking around at the patients
, he checked to make sure none were awake or in need before he slipped quietly out of the door.

He headed up the stairs to the door that led to the roof access hatch and easily climbed the ladder that led to the top. Opening the hatch door, he climbed through and stood on the roof, closing the hatch behind him.

He almost sighed when he realized that he was not alone. Without hesitation, he strode confidently over to where the Tezarian brothers were standing, staring out at the sleeping city.

“Interesting check you do on your people.” Viper said lazily
. Grai was relieved that he detected no censure in his voice.

“I’m not used to having other beast around other than my people. I apologize if Death’s probe offended you.” Grai said wishing that he had thought of the Tezarian’s, Dare and Balduen before having Death perform their usual check. He sighed knowing that Balduen was going to be seriously pissed at the intrusion
, and rightfully so.

“He’s joking with you. It’s actually a very impressive strategy considering you have people all over right now. And your beast was very courteous. We took no offense.”
Dread said reassuringly.

Truthfully, they were a little surprised that he car
ed so deeply that his first thought upon waking was to check the welfare of his family and his people. His beast had politely asked theirs if they were well, if all was safe around them and if their host needed anything.

“How did you come up with a name like Death for your beast?” Viper asked curiously. It was a strange name… even for a beast, he thought.

Grai sighed quietly, not quite sure how to explain it without getting into too much detail regarding his past. His life.

“We were taken from our mother as soon as we could eat food without choking to death. We were allowed to visit her only when my father saw fit to allow it, which wasn’t very often so I didn’t know about the beast.”

“When it first began speaking to me, I had been punished. I thought it was the God of the Death realm coming for me. When I said, ‘You are death’, I didn’t realize that named the beast.” Grai explained, hoping that the Tezarian’s did not realize the reality of his words. He knew he failed by Dread’s next words.

“You’re fucking kidding me… you were a toddler and were beaten so bad you thought Death was coming for you?”

“At that age every punishment feels like death.” Grai tried to cover up what he knew they had figured out. Embarrassed he turned away and saw Balduen standing behind him.
Yeah, this was getting better and better;
he thought sarcastically.

Looking at Dread and Viper, Grai realized that they knew Balduen had come up the stairs and thought he had known it as well. Grai cursed himself for allowing his thoughts to wander and chided his beast for not telling him.

His beast gave a mental shrug and said,
“There is no threat.”

“Relax, I’m not here to beat the hell out of you. But I would appreciate if you ask your beast not to check on my mate
like that again.” Balduen said, moving to stand on the other side of Viper and looking out over the city.

“I apologize. It will not happen again.” Grai replied, noticing that Balduen hadn’t asked
Death, not to speak to his beast. He was putting that in his ‘win’ column, he needed all the wins he could get right now.

No one bothered to turn around when they heard Ivint, Banatar and Reven come up to the roof. One of his hybrids told Death that they had been noticed on the cameras in the conference
room, and the group had headed their way.

Grai gave a nod of respect when Ivint came to stand next to him.

“This is far from over isn’t it?” Viper asked anyone in general.

“Unfortunately, while I was down here building my business,
Dagog was down here expanding the empire. He has thousands of humans working for him and the ability to manufacture more hybrids and dark ones at will.”

“He has no concept of empathy and will kill
everyone on the planet if he thinks it will get him what he wants. No one is safe from him. It will only get worse now that he is in full control of the empire. He’s spent years killing his enemies and building his supporters. No one is strong enough to challenge him.” Grai said sadly but honestly. They deserved to know what they were all facing.

“Yet you and your brothers are so different from him. Are you sure he cannot be reasoned with?” Ivint asked, hoping that maybe if
three of the brothers turned out so different from their father, that maybe there was hope for the fourth.

“No. He
is beyond reason. Beyond help. The only thing he ever loved was power, being cruel and Traze. Now that Traze has chosen sides, he will hunt him with the same determination that he will use to hunt us all. He knows no mercy. Not even for his own.” Grai explained, his heart broken over the loss of his brother.

Although if he were honest with
himself, he’d admit that his brother had never truly cared about anyone but himself and what he could gain from those around him. Using Grai, Koda and even Traze to get the things he wanted.

Whether it was an extra piece of bread from Traze or Koda’s only blanket, he had always been a brother to the one who had what he wanted. And it only lasted until he got what he wanted before he moved on to being ‘friends’ with whoever had what he desired next.

Out of all of them, Dagog was the one who was truly their father’s son. The true heir of the Relian Empire. The only contribution his father had seemed to make to he, Koda and Traze had been the beast. It was the only thing from the man that Grai was grateful for.

The irony was not lost on him that Death had saved him from just that fate more times than he could count. Death
also helped him keep his brothers and his people alive for hundreds of years.

“Are you sure there is no hope for him?”
Banatar asked, hoping that maybe a rift between the brothers was clouding his judgment.

Grai thought about the questions again and knew that they were probably having a hard time believing him. As much as he hated to share any details about his
past, he knew that he had to impress upon them the danger of thinking they could negotiate with Dagog.

“My mother never gave up hope that she could convince Dagog to be different from our father. She loved him no differently than she loved any of us.”

“One of Dagog’s spies told him that she had been trying to recruit our hybrids into defecting. He immediately told our father who had already begun to lose his mind. Father had her dragged to the cells where he had her strung up and suspended.”

Grai paused, taking a deep breath to steady his emotions before he continued. “Dagog proved his loyalty to the empire by
disemboweling her. We found out moments after it happened when he showed it on every vid comm in the fleet as a warning to anyone else thinking of defecting.”

“Just to be
even crueler to Koda, Traze and myself, he had her body cremated before we could perform the Death Rite for her.” Grai said through gritted teeth, his anger and pain showing more than he wanted.

Silence followed Grai’s
confession, and he shifted nervously as he fought to control the resurgence of the emotions he had gone through that day. The day he thought the love and joy in his life would be diminished forever at the loss of his beloved mother.

It was Tricia and then
Tristan, who had shown him that he had been wrong. The love he thought he had known was a mere shadow of what he felt for his mate and his child.

It was this love
and happiness that his mother had wanted for him, for all of his brothers. It was the opportunity; he wanted his brothers, and his people have as well. The chance to find the same thing. It was why he was here now, why he’d made the choices and sacrifices he made.