Symphony of Light and Winter (22 page)

“That’s why you didn’t make a move on me.”

“Oh, I wanted to. When I gifted you the book, and without hesitation you took it, I was lost. I struggled between right and wrong. My need for you overwhelmed me, but my concern for your happiness was the pinnacle of my focus. I tried so hard to be selfless, which is why I tried to keep some distance between us.”

“Surely you’re not trying to argue how noble you are? You’re a little late.”

He paused. His embrace loosened but he still held me, speaking into my hair. His breath moved the strands and tickled my ear.

“I didn’t do it to take away your choices. I did it out of desperation, thinking I would never see you again. There was a good chance I would forget everything after the Awakening. I told no one else of your existence. Not even Stanton knew of you. If anyone knew, they could have hurt you to get to me. I never expected to die. I was afraid, and fear is not an emotion I deal with often. The thought of losing you caused me to cast the spell. My blood made the spell permanent. It was our kiss that made you mine.” He squeezed me a bit tighter.

It felt like some sick fairy tale. “What are you saying?”

“The life I wanted you to experience can never be, because you are bound to me. Your fear that I could ruin you for anyone else was well-founded, but not in the manner you imagined. The misfortune that befell Michael in your wedding bed was because he bedded and bit my mate. The bonding spell has precautions against anyone trying to take you from me and you have my blood, which to him is poison. But I think somewhere deep inside, you knew it already.”

My hands hung limply at my side. Thank goodness I refrained from dating. I would have left a body count.

“I am so sorry. I would like to think with age and experience, I would have infallible judgment. Unfortunately, the power I gather amplifies my mistakes. It makes them more devastating. Stanton told you his story. The guilt I feel for what I caused my dear friends is unending. But it pales in comparison to the guilt I have for what I’ve done to you. You tried to rescue me, and I’ve done nothing but damn you.”

We both said nothing for a long time. He unwound his arms and reached to twirl tendrils of my hair between his fingers. “It’s beautiful and mirrors your feistiness, but why dye it? Your locks were equally as lovely natural.”

I looked away from him. “I knew, deep down, I wasn’t meant for anyone. I figured it made me seem fierce and unapproachable; that way everyone would be safe and I wouldn’t be tempted.”

“You’re wrong.” He cupped my face, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You were meant for me.”

I swallowed hard. Those words made my heart ache. I’d dreamed of hearing them fall from his lips, but I could not give him absolution. I was in a unique position to make a few demands; I’d be crazy not to use it to my advantage.

“You know everything about me. Tell me what you are.”

“You already know too much. If you leave, you’re a liability. Come to me willingly and I can share everything with you. Everything.”

I laughed, the sound bitter. “You can’t possibly be serious. You violated me in the worst way, told me you intentionally bound me to you against my will so I can never be with anyone else, and now you want me to give myself to you? Never! Now give me the answers you owe me!”

“I can’t.”

“This is bullshit! I’m leaving.”

“Where will you go?”

“Home to my apartment.”

He wouldn’t meet my eyes.

“What did you do?”

“I’m sorry, Linden. You don’t live there anymore. Your things are in the garage.”

“Son of a bitch! Is there anything you haven’t screwed up for me?”

I climbed out of his lap, noticing his defeated look, but unable to bring myself to care.

“I guess I’ll be in the garage…with my things.” I stood and turned my back to him.

“Linden…”

“No more. Either you give me answers or shut the hell up.” I looked at him and knew he wasn’t going to change his mind. I righted my gown, tied the lacing, and walked out the door.

* * *

With as much dignity as a girl with no panties could have, I headed into the hallway. My stride slowed as I thought about all the things he said. The one that kept resurfacing was his offer for me to be his.

What did that even mean? Be his what?

All those years ago I would have jumped at the chance to be called
his
no matter what he was, or what he did. Foolish. Now with everything he had done, how could I ever trust him?

His refusal to give me the rest of the story until I made some kind of commitment was ridiculous. I was in too deep already. No matter how much I wanted to go back, it wasn’t a possibility. That sick, sappy girl somewhere deep inside, reminded me he probably didn’t need to ask for any of the things he desired. He possessed enough power to take whatever he wanted, but he gave me choices?

I looked behind me, relieved Cyril had not followed. I navigated the long, dark hallway leading to the garage. A bright light from an open closet door cast strange shadows on the wall as someone moved inside it. Overton backed out, carrying two oversize suitcase-like containers. He huffed a few times before catching sight of me.

“Linden…” he said on a breathless whisper as the baggage dropped free of his grip. The case broke open and the contents scattered. I remembered my attire, certain it was the source of his alarm. Under normal circumstances I’d be embarrassed to be seen half-dressed, but after the night I had, I couldn’t care less.

“Shit!” He immediately dropped to his knees and gathered up the contents.

“Here, let me help.” I knelt beside him and started placing the strange-looking objects back into the case. It looked like weaponry of one sort or another.

“What are these?” I held up what looked to be a high-tech dart with a red casing, a chamber containing green liquid, and a button on the opposite end of a large needle.

“They are paralytic darts,” he said with a touch of frustration.

“What are they used for?”

“Contrary to what you might think, we don’t like to kill people. From time to time we need to obtain intelligence from less than willing subjects. Instead of torture, we bring them to Cyril so he can use his mind-reading gift. You could say we catch and release. It’s easy when he’s with us, but sometimes we have to bring the subject to him. It makes it easier and no one gets hurt while trying to get away.”

“Ah, so how do they work?” I held the dart up to the light to inspect it.

“It’s pretty simple. You get close enough to stab the intended target and in fifteen seconds they are at your disposal. It does make you appreciate how long fifteen seconds can be. A lot can happen while you’re waiting for the effects to take hold. They contain a paralytic agent that renders the body useless, but the subject is conscious the entire time. They are very useful. We are going to capture one of Myghal’s servants and find out why he wants you.”

Oh, this was
good.
I had a different plan.

“Great idea.” I plotted my next move. Myghal would have to wait.

As I went to place the final dart back into the case, I leaned forward and slipped. I fell into Overton and knocked over the case, spilling the darts across the wooden floor. He had already witnessed my descent down the front stairs, so I was sure he wouldn’t think my clumsiness out of character.

“Damn it! I’m so sorry.”

He looked stunned. His arms supported me. With the strangest look on his face, I heard him inhale deeply.

“Here, let me get those.” I went to pull away, but his grip tightened. When I looked up into his eyes, what I saw was immediate cause for concern. Desire. I had more than enough issues with Cyril right now. But on second thought, it was the distraction I needed.

“Overton…” I breathed his name seductively. He pulled me in closer. He cupped the back of my head, lacing his fingers through my hair, and tugged gently to pull my head back and look squarely into my eyes.

Oh shit!
Was he going to kiss me? I wanted to distract him, but didn’t anticipate this.

“We, I…shouldn’t—”

“Linden, you should go.”

“Yes.”

He didn’t release me, but stared with a look of confusion creasing his brow.

“Stanton. You need to let go.” I stroked his back as I used his first name.

He shook his head. “I am so sorry. Forgive me.” With that he released me.

“Nothing to forgive.” I shot him a sincere smile.

“Here, let me help.” I dropped to my knees and started to place the darts and weapons back into the case.

“It’s OK, Linden. I’ve got it. Go ahead.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” We locked eyes and I gave him a final
we’re OK
smile.

I palmed one of the darts and concealed it behind my back.

“Don’t worry, it’s our secret.” I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. There was something genuine about Overton. He had a purity about him that put me at ease. I didn’t want him to feel bad about our awkward moment, and I felt guilty because I never considered his reaction. I was too nervous and excited about my plan to contemplate what happened.

He looked up from his kneeling position on the floor. “Thank you.”

I didn’t wait for him to finish his response, but registered the worry in his eyes.

I took off down the hall toward the room with the piano. I prayed Cyril would still be there. As I approached the doors, a tickle of anticipation ran through me. Would he still be there?

Cyril stood in the room. Jackpot!

He was closing the lid over the piano keys when I moved toward him. I clasped my hands behind my back, holding on to the dart. The posture exposed the tops of my breasts, and pushed them forward.

He registered my presence and turned toward me. “Changed your mind?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Linden… You have no idea.”

I made eye contact with him, inclining my head in invitation. He needed no urging.

As we met my free hand palmed his cock through his jeans. He captured my lips with a stunning ferocity.

He felt so good.
Dear God, his size. I had to remind myself to stay focused on the dart.

He pulled me closer. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to feel you like this?” He asked between kisses.

“Yes, I do. As long as I have.” It wasn’t a lie. He did feel good. The hand cupping his cock was needed to uncap the dart, though. I moved closer and rubbed myself against him to replace the friction. How was I ever going to pull it off?

“No, Linden. Much longer.” He moaned and reached for the lacing on my gown. His lips brushed back and forth across mine before he trailed kisses down my throat. “I’ve dreamed of it since the first night of my creation.”

The electricity made my insides quiver and I lost more control. It was now or never.
Fifteen more seconds of this and I’d let him fuck me on the piano.

The lacing undone, he freed and cupped my breast. He dipped his head and the moment his full, luscious lips closed around my nipple, I groaned, uncapped the drug-laden dart, and with every ounce of force, stabbed him in the ass.

He winced, but did not release my nipple.
Instead, he sucked harder. Now to find out just how long fifteen seconds was.

He looked up and the surprise on his face was unforgettable; even more surprised than when I forced him out of my head.

When I looked down and saw him latched onto my nipple, I regretted stabbing him. My body ached with each touch. The sensations left me breathless, but he had to pay.

He released my nipple with a
pop
as his knees buckled. One arm released me and grabbed hold of the piano bench. The other pulled me in tighter, dragging me with him. “What did you do?” He stared at me in astonishment.

I tried not to grin. Victory was in my grasp. Ten seconds to go.

Releasing his hold on the piano bench, he managed to pull out the dart and toss it aside. I watched as it rolled under the piano.

The question in his eyes faded as he began to sway. I was still clutched in his embrace, and had to make sure he didn’t fall on me.

“I’m a quick study. Just doing what I’ve learned from the master.”

Relaxing my knees, I hoped my weight would help pull him down so I could control his fall. It worked. His hand slipped from the piano bench and he landed squarely on his ass. I pushed the bench out of the way as he said, “You’re a cruel woman.”

I shoved him back with all my might. He fell like a giant redwood, his head against the floor. The bewildered look on his face was most satisfying. I straddled his waist as he lay supine.

Damn, I should have found some underwear first.

“Linden, please?”

“You had your fun. Now it’s my turn. You owe me this. I don’t have the capability to mind rape the answers out of you so I had to improvise.”

I steadied myself as I sat astride his hips. “I want answers or we’ll find out just how much pain you can take before you break.” I tried to look severe.

I should have grabbed a knife or something. Maybe his impulsive stupidity was rubbing off on me. I had to hope that the surprise he felt would be enough for me to capitalize on idle threats.

“I’m not sure if I should be pissed or turned on.” His facial features did not communicate his emotions either way.

“Shut the fuck up. You’ll only speak when I tell you to.”

“Oh, definitely turned on.” He shot a wicked grin at me.

“You will answer my questions and you will answer them honestly and thoroughly. No one-word answer bullshit. If you ever want me to be cooperative, you will do as you are told.”

“Fine, for the sake of diplomacy, I’ll answer your questions, but only for as long as the effects of the dart last. I hope you know how long this lasts because once it releases me you are fair game and I plan to finish what you started.”

Fuck!
I never asked Overton how long the darts lasted.

“No bullshit! First question…” I paused to revise my set of questions in my head. I had originally intended to ask him to tell me what he was, but a more important question trumped it.

“How long does the dart last?”