Chapter 8 #2
"I can handle it. I work fast." Krevan's silver eyes glinted as he helped her to her feet.
"But first, I need to refuel. That meal you prepared—I can smell it from here.
" He guided her toward the stairs. "Once I've eaten, we'll retrieve our vehicle from Coti.
Those slashed tires won't take long to repair. "
Ancelin couldn't stop herself. "Their screams—I've never heard anything like it. What did you do to them?"
Krevan's jaw tightened. "My bite carries a toxin.
Paralyzes instantly." When her eyes widened, he added, "They were already screaming before that.
Something about my appearance when I'm... hunting.
" He blocked her path before she could reach the door.
"Stay in the kitchen or living room until I've cleaned up.
These men came to torture you, possibly the same ones who murdered your family.
" His voice softened. "In this place, we protect our own.
There are no authorities to call, no laws to hide behind.
Only survival. You understand that don't you? "
"I understand." Ancelin followed him upstairs to the kitchen. She rinsed her hands at the sink, and began plating the meal she'd prepared.
"The aroma is incredible," Krevan said, his voice gentler now.
Ancelin's hands trembled slightly as she set the plate before him. "They'll send others when these men don't return." She couldn't meet his eyes. "I've brought danger to your doorstep. Your life shouldn't be forfeited because of me."
Krevan reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers.
"Never regret coming to me. Finding you has given me purpose I never imagined possible.
We're mated now—I'll defend what's mine.
" As he spoke, the feral quality gradually faded from his features, though his silver eyes still gleamed with otherworldly light.
He devoured the meal with primal efficiency, draining cup after cup of coffee before rising. "I need to handle things outside. Stay here."
When he returned an hour later, Ancelin hadn't moved from the sofa where he'd left her, her tea had gone cold in her hands, her gaze fixed on nothing.
"Ancelin." His voice pulled her back. "The vehicle you ordered for delivery to Verrian—what were the specifications?"
She blinked. "Navy blue, gray roof. Extended cabin, eight seats. From Detroit All-Terrain."
Krevan's jaw tightened. "I believe they came in your vehicle."
"How could they—" The blood drained from her face as realization dawned.
"The documents I found inside were addressed to you—Ancelin Trever.
Scheduled for delivery on the next transport to Silos.
" Krevan's silver eyes narrowed. "They got here early.
Somehow they intercepted your order and used it to track you down.
" He squeezed her hand, attempting a grim smile.
"Ironic that they delivered your purchase right to us, wouldn't you say? "
He paced the floor, running his fingers through his dark golden hair.
"The question is what to do with it now.
Technically it's yours, but it's evidence.
We could wait to see if the dealer reports it missing, or.
.." He trailed off, staring at his hands.
"I think our safest option is to bury it temporarily.
See if anyone is comes asking questions. Your thoughts?"
"I—" Ancelin's voice faltered. "Burying it makes sense until we understand what's happening. I trust your judgment."
"Let's make sure it's actually yours first."
Outside, the night air bit at Ancelin's skin as they approached the largest barn.
She gasped at the massive excavation Krevan had already completed—impossibly deep and wide for the short time he'd been gone.
Circling the vehicle, she recognized the sleek lines and custom features she'd selected.
"Seems wrong to put something so beautiful underground," she murmured, running her hand along the cool metal.
“We can dig it up later. It’ll be fine underground, especially since I removed the power source—no trackers can ping it. And if whoever’s after you did manage to sneak on a crude locator, burying it deep should throw them off.”
“How will you lower it into the pit?” she asked.
Krevan shrugged. “I’ll drag it to the edge, stand underneath, ease it in, then crawl out. The hole will be wide enough.”
“No way,” she shot back, panic rising. “You could never lift that thing solo—you’ll crush yourself.”
“Ancelin, I know my strength,” he replied calmly.
“It’ll be awkward, sure, but I can manage.
I’ll eat again, dig the hole bigger, then do it.
You wait inside so you don’t freak out.” He paused.
“Lock up when I walk you back. After the hole’s ready, I’ll refill my energy and lower it into the ground. ”
Her voice trembled. “But what if it falls on you?”
He kissed her hand. “If I get trapped, I can just toss it out. I’m strong—I’m in my prime. And if something really goes wrong, use the SatView to call my father. He’ll tell you what to do. But don’t worry—I survived Hellgate; a vehicle in our backyard won’t stop me.”
“You’re incredible,” she whispered.
“Exactly why Triaxens hide many of their abilities,” he said. “If the others knew, they’d want to destroy us out of fear and we’d be at war.”
He helped her back inside, bolted the door, and set off. Ancelin paced the floor. Three hours later, Krevan returned, mud caked on him and rainwater dripping from his clothes.
“You already buried it?” she cried. “I thought you’d eat first.”
“It rained harder, and I got cold, so I just finished it. It was awkward, but I managed. Now I need food before I pass out.”
He collapsed into a kitchen chair. Ancelin rushed to serve him steaming stew and fresh pie, then sat beside him, stroking his damp hair. “You look pale. Eat, then go to bed.”
He smiled, kissed her fingers. “Call me Krev,” he chuckled. “I’ll shower, sleep well. Tomorrow, we head to Coti for our vehicle. I’ll call Krammer—he already knows it was vandalized.”
She watched him devour the stew, polish off the pie, and drink four large cups of coffee. Refreshed, he stood to make his calls while Ancelin cleaned the dishes.
"Let's head upstairs," Krevan said, appearing in the kitchen doorway.
"I've secured everything and finished my calls.
Come to bed with me." He extended his hand toward her.
As she took it, she noticed his pace had slowed considerably while they ascended the staircase.
In their bedroom, they fell into their nighttime rituals—Krevan disappeared into the shower while Ancelin changed and brushed her teeth.
"Krevan," she called over the running water, "where are my medications?"
"Disposed of," came his reply.
"What?" The word escaped her throat like a trapped animal.
"I can't function without them. I won't sleep—my mind will race all night.
They're the only thing that keeps my anxiety under control.
" The shower door swung open. Krevan emerged, water streaming down his body, towering over her by the sink.
His eyes shifted unnervingly between silver and green—a phenomenon she'd never witnessed before meeting him.
His already imposing physique seemed to expand in the small bathroom, backing her against the counter.
"Please," she whispered, "I need them. Get them back for me. Now."
Krevan's strange eyes studied her trembling hands, her dilated pupils.
"I'm all you need," he stated flatly. "Let me be your medicine tonight.
" His voice dropped to a whisper as he stepped closer, water still beading on his skin.
"I can give you what those pills can't." He bent toward her neck, his lips barely grazing her skin.
"One bite—gentler than this morning. Just enough to ease you into sleep.
" His eyes met hers, hardening slightly.
"Those bottles are gone, Ancelin. Your doctor had no business prescribing that quantity for this long.
The medical board would have questions." He reached for her trembling hand.
"I won't change my mind about this. Your anger doesn't scare me.
" His thumb traced circles on her palm. "Listen to yourself.
You've spent years helping patients recognize addiction.
What would you tell someone begging for pills the way you just begged me? "
"I'm not dependent on anything." Her eyes flashed like struck flint. "My doctor prescribed these for a reason. Give them back to me now. You had no right." She jabbed her finger against his bare chest, her voice rising with each word until it echoed off the bathroom tiles.
"Those pills aren't necessary anymore. Come to bed with me instead—I'll help you sleep." His tone left no room for debate. "You're finished with those medications."
"You don't control me, Krevan Vallex!" She planted her feet wider; hands fixed on her hips. "What about your bite? That's my real addiction. And let's not forget it's lethal to most people."
"For you, it's rejuvenation, vitality, and relaxing." His voice softened as he leaned down toward her lips. "It makes our intimacy... transcendent."
She twisted away from his approaching kiss, her features contorting with frustration.
"Transcendent? Please. Your Triaxen ego is exploding.”
"It's not ego when we both know it's true," he replied simply.