Chapter 41 #2
Shock silenced Lucius. Everything Valerian told him was a lie.
He had no right to take everything from Lucius, especially his family—the family he still mourned the loss of.
A shudder ran through him followed by long overdue fury, a fury so all-consuming, his body began to vibrate and his eyes turn blood red.
Everything faded from his consciousness, leaving him with only one thing left in his mind: make Valerian and everyone else who helped him pay for what they did to him.
A red haze obscured his vision and the only thing Lucius saw was Valerian, laughing at him just as he’d done so many times before.
Shaking his head, he tried to clear the image from his mind, but his rage wouldn’t allow it; instead it was pushing him to do something…
to exact his revenge on the one who destroyed his life.
Once again, his fangs grew, and his mouth watered for the taste of his master’s blood.
But this time, there wouldn’t be any stopping…
this time he would suck Valerian dry…taking Valerian’s life just as his was taken from him.
Everything was ready…he was ready. Lucius felt power surging through his body.
More power than he ever felt before, now knowing why it had suddenly appeared.
Licking his lips, Lucius opened his mouth, anticipating the feeling of his fangs piercing his master’s neck.
Brady wasted no time, knowing what was happening to his mate, he spun Lucius around until they were eye-to-eye, reaching up to cup his mate’s face.
“Look at me, leelan…look at me!” he demanded, keeping his eyes locked with Lucius’.
“Don’t let him win…don’t let the bastard win!
” Slowly rubbing his thumbs over his mate’s cheeks, Brady said softly, “Baby…come back to me…please…”
Shaking his head at the voice penetrating the red haze, Lucius was unwilling to be sidetracked from getting satisfaction for the years stolen from him.
Focusing again on Valerian’s face, he discovered it had changed.
No longer solid?parts of it had dissolved?allowing Lucius to see through it in spots.
His eyes flited wildly around as the voice continued to penetrate the red mist. Then, slowly, the fog lifted along with his rage until only Brady’s face filled his vision.
“Leelan,” Brady whispered, “you came back to me.”
Staring at his mate, Lucius frowned, trying to make sense of Brady’s words. “Where did I go?”
“It’s not important,” Brady whispered, brushing his lips lightly against Lucius. He knew his mate would eventually remember the blood rage he suffered, but for now, all he wanted to do was to get him to the place where he’d feel safe. “Ready to go home?”
“Yes, but what about the Witches’ Council meeting?” asked Lucius.
“We have plenty of time before…” Brady started.
Remy interrupted, “It doesn’t start for another ten hours. You and Brady go home and get some rest.”
“Thank you,” Lucius said, grateful for the suggestion, Then, grasping his mate’s hands, they vanished together, leaving only a whisp of smoke behind.
Exhaling the breath he’d been holding in, Zane looked at his brother. “I know now it was stupid of me to approach Lucius but he reminded me of David and how afraid of everyone he was in the beginning. I thought if I apologized…”
Turning around, Jackson studied his brother, thankful Zane was still alive.
Sighing, he said, “I know that…and I know your heart was in the right place. But Lucius isn’t ready…
for a lot of things including an apology from someone who he thought was going to kill him only a short while ago.
Next time, ask me first before approaching a vampire who doesn’t appear to have been taught to control himself…
yet. You’re lucky to be alive…and by the way, thanks for your restraint. ”
Nodding, Zane rose unsteadily, eager to leave and get back to his cave. He just wanted to find David and hold him.
“I didn’t know your Alpha power would be effective against magic,” Remy said, softly, looking at Jackson.
Running his hand through his hair, Jackson said, “Sorry about that…I never used that much before, but given the circumstances…”
“It was necessary,” Remy agreed. “Lucius would never forgive himself if he harmed Zane. It would’ve resulted in tragic consequences for everyone.”
“Glad you understand,” Jackson replied.
“Yes…but you won’t always be around to prevent Lucius from doing something he’ll regret,” Remy said.
“I know…especially after seeing him go into a blood rage…” agreed Jackson, his voice trailing off as he began to mull over several options.
“I have a suggestion…well actually Cody does,” Dylon said. “Dr. Rom DiLupo, the psychologist, will be here soon to help with any problems the boys have when they come to live at our home. Maybe he could also see Lucius and hopefully undo some of the crap Valerian did to him.”
Impressed with Cody’s idea, Remy said, “It’s worth a shot. I’ll speak to Brady…”
“No, better let Mystia do it. Brady trusts her, so he won’t look at it as anything else, except her wanting to help his mate,” Jackson replied.
“One other idea,” Dylon said. “Lucius definitely would benefit if Kieran visited him. Removing some of those layers of guilt inside him would be a giant step toward healing. Right now, his aura is very dark and getting it just a few shades lighter might be greatly beneficial.”
“I’ll talk to Logan,” Jackson replied. “And if that’s all…”
“For now,” Dylon said, returning to his desk.
“Good.” Then looking at Carson and his mate, Jackson grinned before saying, “Let’s go see how Eamon and Captain Gally are getting on with their treasure hunt.”