Ambriel's Quest: Book 2 Page 11

  “Agreed.” This came from Mikal who couldn’t wait to get his mate alone.

  “Where will everyone sleep?” Ambriel questioned.

  “I stay with you,” Mikal replied in his commanding tone. He would not let her leave his side again. The enemy still roamed the Human realm, and he would fight to the death before allowing them to kidnap his mate again. “Ambriel, I think it’s best if you put the protection necklace back on.”

  She nodded and quickly pulled the necklace from her pocket and slid it over her neck. That would make it a little more difficult for them to find her. Glancing at the other half-human, Mikal wasn’t so sure. How easily could they find one with their blood?

  “We have plenty of room here,” Brian supplied. “My wife won’t be back for a couple of days.”

  Mikal looked around the small dwelling, taking in every possible weakness. The doors were sturdy, but too many windows lined the walls. Not that it mattered—the Santiarns could transport in. He’d have to sleep with one eye open or not at all.

  His mate must have read his thoughts or felt his concern. “Keiana, can you protect the house? Keep us safe from the Santiarns for tonight?”

  The girl nodded before starting a chant in an unknown language. Mikal felt the power surround him, all of them, as it branched out and encircled the house. The power she wielded spoke of more witch than human, maybe not human at all. At one time, witches inhabited the Human realm, but after the witch hunts, they blended in, making them hard to find. Could she be a descendant of one of them?

  “Will this spell affect my second in command?” Mikal realized that Lukke needed to be able to find them after he found the missing ingredient.

  “No,” Keiana answered in a small, timid voice. “This protects only us against Santiarns, and I don’t know how long it will last.”

  “It will have to do.” Mikal grabbed Ambriel’s hand, needing to feel her touch. His body tingled with desire, wanting to take her where she stood.

  “Let me show everyone where than can sleep,” offered Brian.

  They followed the human down a short hallway that held three doors, each leading to a separate bedroom. “You can sleep here,” he said to Ambriel before looking at Keiana and pointing to the other room. “And you can sleep in that one.” The rooms were so close together, he would easily hear Keiana if danger found her.

  Finally, alone with Mikal in the bedroom assigned to them, Ambriel softly closed the door. He didn’t waste time as he pulled her to him. His fingers threaded through her hair as his lips crashed down on hers in a desperate kiss. He needed her now!

  His tongue sought hers, twirling around in a mating dance while his hands roamed her perfect body. He kissed down the side of her neck while he ripped the shirt off of her, shredding it as if it were nothing.

  Panting, she said, “Stop.” Using every drop of willpower he possessed, he immediately released her. “I don’t mean stop, I mean…don’t rip my pants. I don’t have other clothes here.”

  “Then I suggest you take them off… now!” he commanded, his eyes glowing turquoise with heavy desire.

  She quickly shed her pants, and he did the same; they faced each other completely naked. His hands cupped her cheeks as he crashed his mouth onto hers once again. Letting one hand drift down her body, he inserted a finger and found her wet and ready. “I need you now, Ambriel, I can’t wait,” he rasped out.

  “Need. You. Too,” she barely got out as he carried her to the tiny bed and laid her down. Raising one of her legs, spreading her wide, he entered quickly, forcefully, taking what he needed. “Ahh…” he grunted as he pounded into her.

  Looking down at his mate, he saw her staring back with sure ecstasy on her beautiful face. As she neared her release, her nails dug into his shoulders as she breathlessly said, “I’m…gonna…ahh…” Her eyes closed, and he could feel her core clench his shaft.

  He followed with one hard thrust, held himself deep inside, filling her with his seed. He grunted with every pulse of his shaft. His soul reach for hers, but right now, he rejoiced more in the feel of her body, needing the physical pleasure that came from the flesh.

  His shaft remained hard as he pulled out, rolled her onto her stomach, and lifted her hips before surging forward once again, sheathing himself to the hilt. With one hand on her hip, and one at the base of her neck, he set a steady pace…

  Several hours later, Ambriel lay naked in his arms, her head on his chest with one arm flung across his body. Mikal had one arm around his mate while the other rested under his head. He had worn her out, and she had fallen sound asleep, but he had too much on his mind. Could this really all be over soon? After so many years, it seemed impossible, even though his head knew it was true. What would they do without the Santiarns to fight? Peace was before his time, something he’d only read about in history books. None of them ever thought they see peace in their lifespan.

  A bright light appeared before him, but he didn’t move, not wanting to wake Ambriel. She was already tired, and he had exhausted her with his fervent need. He only made sure that her breasts were covered by pulling the sheet over her shoulders.

  Lukke stepped through the portal and then hesitated when he spotted the two lying in bed together. “I’m sorry, Commander. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

  “That’s okay, Lukke. Did you find what we need?” Mikal noticed Lukke studying him and Ambriel. After the last few days everything finally felt right once again, and Lukke probably noticed how relaxed he was.

  “I found the stone, yes. It was difficult, but it was in a volcano just as we suspected.”

  “Good. When the sun rises then we can get started. I’m itching for this to be over.”

  “As am I,” Lukke admitted, letting his eyes lazily slide to Ambriel every now and then. Mikal didn’t mind; he knew his friend had no interest in her but probably wanted a mate of his own.

  “I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes.”

  “What?” Lukke’s gaze left Ambriel and shot back to Mikal’s once again.

  “It is different when you love your mate. She is my pillar of strength and my greatest weakness.”

  Lukke nodded and then said, “I’ll get a little rest downstairs on the couch, if I can. It’s tiny.”

  “The couch is tiny,” he laughed. “Have you seen this bed?” It was true—Mikal’s legs were hanging off the end.

  Lukke chuckled, “I’ll see you at sunrise.”

  With that, Lukke fled the room. Mikal hugged Ambriel a little tighter and closed his heavy eyes.

  Ambriel

  They gathered in the living room as Keiana tossed the spell ingredients together, chanting as she mixed. Just as she sliced her hand to let the blood drip into the mixing bowl, the windows shattered with great force, sending shards of glass flying throughout the room. Brian lay dead on the floor with a large piece protruding from the side of his neck. His eyes remained open, with a look of fear forever etched onto his grandfatherly face.

  Ambriel, remembering her training, ignored Brian and the other damage inflicted on her friends as she walked to the window. Nothing could hurt her here. Peering out of the broken window, she watched as hundreds of Santiarns stormed the house. Mikal and Lukke surrounded them, swords drawn and ready. They held their own for a short time, but they were no match for the hordes that surrounded them.

  Ambriel bolted upright in bed, sweat covering her brow, her breathing heavy as she panted. “What is wrong?” Mikal asked as he sat up beside her, noting her glowing eyes. He let his hand tangle into her hair, trying to offer comfort.

  “Ornias is coming with hundreds, maybe thousands of hunters. They will surround the house, and we will be dead before the spell is complete.”

  Mikal threw off the covers, jumped out of bed, and after quickly stepping into his pants, bolted down the hall. After throwing on a bathrobe, Ambriel followed right behind.

  They found Lukke already up, looking concerned, his hand on the hilt of the sword.
“What is wrong?”

  “Ambriel had a premonition, and the war has come to us. Hurry to the Cusasleon realm, bring everyone and have them surround the house. There is no time to waste. Go now!” Turning to Ambriel, Mikal stated, “This is it, Ambriel, the final battle. I need you to call on your premonition and see what else needs to be changed.”

  She nodded and then sat cross-legged on the floor. With her eyes closed, Ambriel calmed her mind and called to her power once again.

  It was still dark outside when Lukke and the others returned. Hundreds surrounded the house, swords drawn and ready. “Where are the others?” Damien asked.

  “Most are scattered in the neighborhood while the rest roam the city.” Avis answered.

  Just as dawn approached, black lights blocked the rising sun as the Santiarns poured out of the portals. There were so many, it looked like a black hole. The two sides met in combat, but Ambriel ignored it all. Instead she lightly stepped around everyone as they fought. Even swords passed through her body, leaving her untouched.

  She spotted him standing far away, watching the scene unfold. Arms crossed, red glowing eyes, Ornias stood with a triumphal grin on his wicked face. Gotcha! She grinned. He stood between a brick house and shrubs. The house number read 8412. She walked quickly back to the house and noted that although the Cusasleon were losing a few warriors, they were still winning!

  Ambriel opened her eyes and found an impatient Mikal staring at her. “Well?” he asked.

  “They will be here at first light. From what I saw, we are winning. Mikal, Ornias is coming.”

  “Ornias? He rarely leaves the Santiarn realm.” The crease between his brows deepened as he paced the floor. “Do you know where?”

  “Yes,” she grinned.

  Chapter Twelve

  Mikal

  Ornias, in the Human realm. His mind reeled with possibilities. He started this blasted war, and now Mikal would finish it! “Ambriel, wake Keiana and the human.”

  Just as she hurried down the hall, her feet slapping against the hard floor, Lukke appeared, along with Damien and Avis.

  “Commander,” they said in unison, standing at attention.

  “Damien, Avis, glad you’re here.” He clasped arms with his fellow warriors. “The final battle begins at first light.”

  He could see the desire shining in their bright eyes, each excited to fight and anxious to end the war.

  “Avis, I want most of the warriors to surround the house and spread outward throughout the neighborhood. Focus more on the surrounding area with a few throughout the city, as well.”

  “Yes, Commander.” Avis left to see that the orders were carried out.

  “Lukke, when the time comes, you and Damien will remain inside the house to protect Ambriel and Keiana.” He matched their intense gazes with one of his own.

  “Yes, Commander,” Lukke answered, holding his gaze a moment longer than necessary. Mikal could see the question in his friend’s eyes, but now was not the time.

  Ambriel hurried back toward the living room with a sleepy Brian and Keiana following behind her. She still wore the bathrobe since he’d shredded her shirt earlier. “Brian, do you have some clothes Ambriel could wear?” He hated asking the human for any favors, but he couldn’t have his mate fighting in a robe.

  “My daughter still has a few things here. They look about the same size.” Ambriel followed him back down the hall, leaving them alone with Keiana.

  Mikal’s eyes slid sideways and noticed Damien staring. Not wanting the girl to feel more uncomfortable, Mikal stated, “Lukke, give Keiana the stone required for the spell.”

  He reached into his pocket, pulled it out, and then handed it to Keiana. “Thank you,” she mumbled.

  “Can we start the spell now, or do you require more time?” He wanted to get the ball rolling. He could feel it in every fiber of his being—this is what they had trained for.

  “We can start now. I do need an old metal mixing bowl.” Her voice was barely a whisper. Such a powerful witch with no confidence. No wonder his mate took a liking to her and felt instantly protective.

  “I’ll get it,” Brian yelled from down the hall. He headed for the kitchen while Ambriel came to his side, now wearing a black tee shirt and a pair of jeans.

  “Damien, nice of you to join us.” Ambriel smiled at her friend.

  He gave her a deep nod and then grinned mischievously. “I brought you a present.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes. Here you go.” He handed her the sword that she always trained with but never used in battle.

  “Thanks,” she said with heartfelt gratitude. Her hand slid up and down the blade as if it were her most prized possession.

  Brian came back with an old, battered mixing bowl, one that looked as if it should’ve been thrown out years ago. “Thanks,” Keiana said.

  Keiana grabbed the book and read over the spell before grabbing the herbs she’d brought from the Santiarn realm. Just as she started the spell, Mikal, Lukke, and Damien paced stiffly, each one walking to the window to peer out. “It has begun,” Mikal said in a commanding voice.

  “What is it?” Brian asked, peering out the window. Mikal waved his hand in front of Brian’s face and allowed him to see the fight.

  “Oh, my, God!” he gulped out. “Those are the warriors and demon creatures Ambriel talked about, and I can see them!” The fighting outside increased, the sound of so many swords clashing together thundered inside the house. The battle cries joined the fray.

  Keiana’s musical voice was in the background, chanting the words of a spell in an unknown language. This was it! When Keiana cut her hand to allow the Santiarn blood to drip in the pot, Mikal went to her side. Before Ambriel could slice her hand and let Cusas blood flow into the pot, Mikal grabbed the knife and sliced his open first. “Using my pure blood will make the spell stronger.” Keiana nodded. The last ingredient needed was human blood. Mikal watched with great satisfaction as Brian followed his lead, letting his own blood mingle with the other two.

  Keiana’s voice continued to rise. So much powerful magic filled the room it was almost suffocating. Ambriel’s eyes glowed brightly, and Mikal had no doubt his did the same.

  When the chanting stopped, Keiana slumped to the floor, drained. Ambriel rushed to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist and helping her to the couch. “I’m okay,” she whispered.

  “Is it locked?” Mikal inquired.

  “Yes, it should be,” Keiana replied. He nodded, and then disappeared.

  Opening the portal, Mikal stepped through and unsheathed his sword, determination brimming in his glowing eyes. The sun had just risen across the horizon, shooting streaks of reds and orange across the sky. A new day dawning. The air was crisp, but Mikal saw nor felt none of that.

  Images flashed in his mind. His former warriors and friends who had been killed by the Santiarns in years past. His mate stolen from him, all because of this one Santiarn. He had one purpose, and it stood right in front of him.

  Ornias stood exactly where Ambriel had said, watching the fight from a distance. If Mikal hadn’t been with Ambriel, or waiting for the chance to slay Ornias, he would’ve been leading the charge, not standing at a distance watching his men be slaughtered.

  Ornias turned just in time to see Mikal raise his sword, dodging the downward blade that promised death. He grabbed for his own sword while fumbling with the transport crystal, but nothing happened. No portal opened up, there was nowhere to hide. Ornias would either fight or die. Or both.

  When the portal didn’t open, Ornias’ deathly grin compelled him to take a step back and raise his sword. Mikal stood, clutching his own.

  “What did you do?” Ornias demanded.

  “Locked the Santiarn realm. You’re stuck here!” He brought his sword down, but Ornias blocked every move, both comfortable with the blades. Ornias lunged, but Mikal sidestepped, bringing down his sword and piercing Ornias’ arm.

  They circled each other, both br
eathing a little heavier as time passed. More lunges, more sidesteps, both evenly matched. Ornias had several bleeding gashes, as did Mikal, but neither would give up until one of them lay dead. This war had gone on long enough.

  Mikal lunged, using his body weight, and his sword swung true, knocking Ornias to ground, his sword flying from his clawed hand. Hate-filled eyes looked up at Mikal as he finished the fight. "Now you die!" One last swing severed Ornias’ head, and it was over.

  With his sword hanging by his side, Mikal stood with sweat dripping from his brow, breathing heavily as he stared at Ornias’ unmoving body. After a lifetime of fighting, he couldn’t believe it was finally over.

  Ambriel

  Keiana’s head rested on the arm of the couch, her body stretched the full length of it. Outside, the war raged on. “Are you okay, Keiana?” Ambriel asked as she sat on the coffee table and faced her friend. She looked exhausted, the spell zapping more magic than Keiana’s small body was used to.

  “I’m okay, just tired.” She smiled sleepily, her eyes now a dull red. “We did it.”

  Ambriel clutched her pale hand and smiled. “You did it.”

  “You’ve got to see this!” Brian stood, holding the curtain back and peering out of the window.

  “What is it?” Ambriel joined him and saw for herself as she watched the battle outside. She also looked for Mikal, who had disappeared as soon as the Santiarn realm was locked. She didn’t see him but noticed that the tides had turned and the Santiarns were losing big time. It would be over soon.

  Lukke and Damien kept watch, protecting them in case one of the Santiarns got inside. If she knew the two of them, they were probably a little upset not to be in the fight. When it was almost over, a bright light in the living room caught her attention, and Mikal stepped through.

  “You’re bleeding!” Ambriel quickly fetched a towel and started wiping the blood from his arms before moving to his side. She didn’t notice Lukke or Damien’s hint of a smile as she worried over Mikal. “Set down and let me bandage you up.”