6. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
Keir
I hurried up to the room and began shedding my clothes the instant the door closed. I draped my shirt and pants over a chair and went into the bathroom to turn on the shower. I was surprised the marble stall was so roomy, which was exactly what we needed.
I went to our shared duffel and grabbed the lube and our toiletry bags, wrapping a towel around my waist as I sat on the side of the bed to wait for Dash. Something was going on with him that he wasn’t sharing, and I was worried. There were so many unknowns in our future that I didn’t want to waste a moment of our time together dwelling on what-ifs.
A soft knock caught my attention, so I stood and peeked through the peephole. It was Dash, and he had his hands full. I opened the door and smirked at him. “Hey, sailor.”
He had a bag of chips hanging from between his teeth, a bottle of wine in one hand and three beers in the other. “I’m a walking happy hour. May I come in?”
“Sure thing.” I stepped aside to let him in and closed the door behind him.
I took the wine from him, which had been opened, and put the beer in the small fridge under a shelf in the closet that held a small safe. It wasn’t very secure, since even I could pick it up and carry it out.
Dash stepped closer and whipped off my towel, my hard cock bobbing for his attention. “Hang onto the clothing rod.” He backed me toward the makeshift closet, so I did as he asked and held on to the rod.
He slid between my feet and rested on his back on the carpet. “Circle those sexy hips for me, Dearly.”
I looked down at him, shifting my hips a bit to make my dick sway. “This is different,” I teased as I tried hard to hold my laugh but failed.
Dash sat up, his face even with my dick, and licked a hot, wet stripe from stem to stern. That shut me up.
He eased my leg over his shoulder before staring up at me. “Don’t let go of the rod, and I won’t let go of yours.”
Moist heat surrounded my hard-on as Dash licked, sucked, and nibbled my sensitive flesh. I was so weak in the knees I’d have fallen if he hadn’t held me up with both hands.
Dash pulled off. “Okay, I’m not looking to have you break your neck.”
He picked me up and carried me to the bed after I let go of the rod. He had to let go of mine, too, but he gently placed me on the sheets and stripped himself, never taking his beautiful two-colored eyes from mine.
“I need to talk to you before we go any further. God, you make my mouth water,” he said before he moved down and nuzzled my sack with his nose, inhaling deeply.
Soft kisses to my perineum made me lightheaded before Dash moved to straddle my prone body, his wrinkled brow alerting me there might be something to worry about. “Okay. I was talking to Adonis about this in the SUV before you came to get me. You know I love you and never want to do you harm.”
He stared at me as if waiting for some sort of acknowledgment, so I nodded. “I know, love. What’s wrong?”
Dash dragged his engorged dick over mine and closed his eyes. When he opened them, he dropped his jaw to show me four fangs I didn’t anticipate, though I should have. I had invited him to taste me. How did I think he was going to do that?
“When did…? May I touch them?” Dash nodded, so I cautiously lifted my hand and ran an index finger over one on the top. It was as sharp as the tip of a well-honed butcher knife.
“It happened earlier after you tapped your neck. This won’t be a permanent thing, Keir. No way am I going to remain a vampire.”
I pricked the tip of my finger on his new tooth and froze. Dash licked the wound and moved away from me.
“What’s…? Are you okay?” I sat up because I wasn’t sure what to expect. My invitation for him to bite me had been rather flippant, but seeing Dash’s hands flex into fists as he backed away, I wondered if I’d pushed him too far.
Dash stepped closer and sat on the edge of the bed. “Adonis told me that if I loved you, I’d be able to control myself. Before he went to Mexico, Dr. Carl told me to be wary of temptation. I thought he was overreacting about something that wouldn’t happen, but he was definitely onto something.”
“Do you want me to clear out and give you a minute?”
God knew I didn’t want to leave, but I wouldn’t make him uncomfortable. We’d been through so many changes in the few years we’d been together, and we were now facing an unknown future as we started our family. I was always on Dash’s side, regardless of the consequences.
Dash reached up and slid the elastic from his hair. “No, Dearly. I believe I’m strong enough to know when to quit.”
He picked up his jeans and reached into the front pocket, fishing out a pocket knife, opening the six-inch blade, and turning the handle toward me. “If you have pain in any way, or if you start to feel faint, stab me in the shoulder. You won’t hurt me. The blade will probably break, but it will bring me back to myself to stop. Will you allow me?”
A gentle touch to the crease between my groin and my thigh tickled. “Do you think it will hurt?”
Dash lifted his left arm and bit into it, shocking me. He took a few gulps and pulled away. His nose wrinkled as he licked the spots on his forearm.
“Nothing like yours, that’s for sure, but it doesn’t take much pressure. They’re very sharp. Maybe—”
“No. I want you to do it. I want to know this Dash while he’s here, and that’s the most intimate thing I can think of. I won’t let you go too far, I swear. You and I are destined to be, Dashiell. I want us to know everything about each other in all the phases of our life together. I have no doubt we’ll change over time, but if we stay connected, talk to each other, and work together to tackle problems, nothing can drive us apart.”
A slow smile appeared on his face as he climbed in next to me and kissed me passionately, his fangs nowhere near my tongue. The man could kiss like no one I’d ever imagined. He was my perfect other half.
“Please do it. As I said, I want to know this Dash, too.” I rolled onto my back, placing the knife on the nightstand. I trusted him with my life.
“Promise you’ll stop me if you feel anything weird, okay?”
Seeing the concern on his face urged me to lean forward and kiss his cheeks, his nose, and then his forehead. “I promise. I love you more than anything.”
“God, you silver-tongued angel. You ready?”
I nodded. “Please.”
Dash appeared over me in such a blur I didn’t see him move. He kissed me again before he moved down my body, swirling his tongue over my nipples…my ribs…my stomach, and around my pelvis. Every nerve ending in my body sparked like a live wire.
“Get the knife. I mean it.”
Dash’s voice took on a surreal quality, so I reached down to touch his silky hair as he sunk into me. It stung for an instant before it felt like I was floating above my body. I could feel the blood pulsing from my groin in time with the beating of my heart as Dash continued to stroke my dick.
He pulled away and reached for me, my mind still floating as he entered me. “I love you. I would die for you. I will keep you safe to care for our Grace.”
I stared into his eyes. “Grace?”
His tears welled, as did mine. “I’ve seen it, Dearly. She’s beautiful. The image of you. I can’t wait to meet her.”
I’d seen her too, but I was too tired to say it. We missed our dinner reservation, but I fell asleep in Dash’s strong arms, and I knew everything would be fine.
“Baby, time to wake up. Adonis and Dr. Carl are here to go with us to the tree. They’re meeting us for breakfast downstairs.”
Dash had held me tightly in his arms, his words sinking into me like a warm bath. I turned and stared into my husband’s eyes. “How’d you sleep?”
His sexy smile made my heart pound. “Like a rock. God, Dearly, you and I are part of each other. Whatever happens, we walk through life and death together. Wanna shower?”
I’d passed out after we made love the previous night, not even having a drop of the wine Dash had brought with him to the room. It had been a beautiful, dreamless sleep in the arms of the man I loved.
“Let’s.”
Dash stood and picked me up, carrying me into the large shower. He washed my hair and my body, and I felt his love for me in his actions. It fueled my soul. In the years to come, I would look back and cherish these tender moments with him. As he said, we would walk through life and death together.
Once dressed, we went to the restaurant where we’d missed dinner the night before. I was fucking starved, and I could guess Dash was as well.
Adonis grinned as he stood from the table. “Keir, how are you?”
We embraced for a moment, and I felt a new bond with Adonis. I was sure it was because of the supernatural tie we had, but through the tie, I knew Adonis would fight with us, which was what Dash and I needed to be sure our daughter Grace was protected.
“I’m good. I have a question for you though.”
Adonis studied me for a moment. “Ask away. I’ll help in any way I can, brother.”
“Do you know what’s going on with Nyx? Do you know if we’re going to win this fight?” I couldn’t help but ask. We had a future to plan.
Dr. Carl stepped forward and touched my shoulder, sending a jolt through me that nearly knocked me on my ass. I turned to look at him, seeing a long line of spirits behind him. “We’re here to help, Gatekeeper. Failure is not an option to entertain.”
“Thank you, but that didn’t answer my question, Adonis.”
The gorgeous man with the stunning silver hair stared at me as if assessing my metal. I was prepared for the fight, but I wasn’t ready for the possible lack of confidence in my ability to send Nyx back to her corner of Hell, where she could be sealed for eternity.
“Adonis, do you think I can’t handle this? Do you think I’m not strong enough to fight for my family?” My voice was harsh, but I was serious.
“I believe you’ll be as strong as you need to be, Keir. Mother is in hiding right now with Jophiel, both vowing to trade their existence to save your child. Keep your baby in your thoughts when the time comes, and you will have the strength of the ages to protect your child and the children of parents the world over. Have that faith, Keir.”
His words gave me a comfort I hadn’t anticipated. He was right. I couldn’t fathom the steps Nyx might take to force humans to bend to her will, and I was glad I couldn’t. Anticipating the kind of evil the demon could unleash on the Human Realm wouldn’t help me. I had to keep my focus on the image of the type of world I wanted to see as my daughter grew up. That vision would fortify my armor.
We ate breakfast, Dr. Carl sharing the details of his trip through Latin and South America. “I was visited by several spirit guides on my journey. Each advising that we need the protection and love only family can bring to break the curse. I’m not sure what that means. Hopefully, the bottom of the scroll will provide more details.”
I hoped he was right.
After we paid for breakfast, we went to Dash’s SUV, and I turned to the group. “I found the map my dad used when we buried the cigar box that weekend. I hope the area hasn’t changed to the point I won’t recognize it. I know nature is constantly evolving, so let’s cross our fingers.”
“We’ll find it. No worries.” Adonis smirked as he turned to Dr. Carl. “Won’t we?”
“I’ll find it. Can you keep up?” That sounded like a challenge between them.
Dr. Carl Lopez was a lycanthrope, able to transform into a wolf at any time, regardless of the phase of the moon. He was damn big and quite vicious in that form, as I’d witnessed in the mortuary when Paxton De Vil, the warlock, thought he could pull one over on us. De Vil lost that fight, hands down.
Dash parked at the head of the Black Butte Trail, where a large sign covered the wood-framed map, cautioning that the trail hadn’t been well maintained.
Dr. Carl walked around, sniffing the air.
“What’s he doing?” Dash whispered in my ear.
How the hell would I know? I shrugged.
Adonis, who was walking behind the holy man, turned to answer. “He’s checking to see if any supernatural beings are nearby.”
“Yeah? Is there a chance there are? How would they know we’re here, and why?” With the thorough exploration they were giving the area, it was easy to see that each of them was a formidable opponent. I was glad they were on our side.
Both men returned at the same time. “Just wildlife, so no worries. Shall we?”
Dr. Lopez extended his hand for the map, so I offered it and the compass. He only laughed as he took the map from my hand. “I’m good without the compass, thanks.” He turned and began walking into the thick underbrush.
Dash took my hand, and we followed. “I might have to put you on my back so we can keep up.”
I chuckled. “I don’t think you’ll be able to walk the four or so miles Dad marked on the map if you’re carrying me.”
Before I could blink, Dash moved in a graceful circle. The next thing I knew, I was on his back, and he and Adonis were running side-by-side, just behind Dr. Carl, who was now in his Lycan form with the map in his mouth.
“What the fuck? How can you run this fast? And carry me?” I was shocked at the speed we were moving.
Dash released a hearty laugh. “Baby, I’ll carry you for the rest of my life.”
Adon came to an abrupt halt, so Dash and Dr. Carl stopped as well. Adon stepped closer and lifted my arms, checking them, along with my neck. He stared into my eyes and grinned. “You’re okay, right?”
I kissed the back of Dash’s head before turning to Adonis. “I’ve never been better, thanks.”
Adonis’s laughter bounced off the trees as we continued through the forest, me clinging tightly to my husband as we followed Dr. Carl through the woods. Apparently, Adonis knew what had happened between us the previous night. I didn’t have it in me to be embarrassed.
“ Stop! ” Dash screeched to a halt at my command. I glanced around the break in the trail. It all looked unfamiliar, but I sensed I’d been there before.
“Keir, come on, buddy. We’re not far. How much water did you drink, son?”
My father’s voice echoed through my mind.
“Dearly, are you okay?”
My mind snapped from the memory, and I looked around. I turned to my right and saw it. The carving with an arrow pointing toward the roots.
DD+LD+KD = ?
I slid off Dash’s back and spun around, and there, in the thick growth, stood my father, looking the same as he had that day, an enormously proud grin in place. He pointed toward the huge tree and winked before disappearing into the forest.
“It’s over there.”
I hurried toward the tree, putting my hand over the weathered but still visible carving. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the sting of tears as the beautiful memory played behind my eyelids. My father was still guiding me.
The others approached the tree. Dr. Carl, in his Lycan form, sniffed around the base before he returned. He whined until Adon took off the backpack he was wearing and set it on the dried leaves in front of Dr. Carl. He took it between his teeth and disappeared, returning in his human form fully dressed.
“Okay, this is it. Did anyone think to bring a shovel? It will be best not to damage the tree.” Dr. Carl’s gaze went from me to Dash, and we both shook our heads.
When the good doctor’s eyes landed on Adonis, he lifted his hands with a smirk. Long sharp nails grew from his fingers as he turned to Dash, who lifted his hands in unison, his nails doing the same.
A shiver slid down my spine as Dash walked over to the tree and knocked on the exposed roots under the arrow. Was it possible to find new, sexy things about my husband?
“Here?” He studied me, and I nodded.
Dash and Adonis slowly clawed the dirt away from the base of the tree. There was a dark, shimmering figure lurking in the forest. It was trying to hide, but I saw it.
I took a breath and concentrated on sending my husband a telepathic message. We have company. Pretend not to know. Let it come forward, so we can see who it is and what it wants .
Dash turned and made a cute kissy face, which had me chuckling. “You shouldn’t have to dig too deep. Dad had me help dig the hole with a small shovel, and I’ve never been much of a digger. The box was white with gold, red, and black embellishments.”
“What’s in it? Do you remember?” Dr. Carl was staring at me.
I smiled. “Being the kid, I got to go first. I put a favorite tiny truck inside and a Spiderman T-shirt I’d had since I was three because I wanted to be Spiderman. Mom put in a handkerchief of her grandmother’s that carried the scent of rosewater perfume—which wasn’t as pleasant as it might sound. Dad didn’t show me what he put in the box, but I know there was a hand rolled Cuban cigar he was saving for some reason he never explained. Does that help?”
Dr. Carl nodded, and the three of them went to work. I saw the shadow in the woods again, so I stepped closer to them. “Stop. There’s an entity here we need to investigate before we unearth the box, in case they’re here to take the bottom of the scroll.” I kept my voice low on purpose.
Whatever was out there didn’t give me a friendly vibe, and I wasn’t about to lose my husband or the war before it started. I had a hell of a lot at stake.