When we came out of the wooded area and back towards the field I saw Pyper running around with Thor. Sheri was watching over her as were a few of the other women. As we approached the women all looked down, not making eye contact. I scented the air and growled. Both girls scents were strong.

  “ Natalia Marie! Marissa Lynn!Get out here, now!” The Prince growled. He moved to stand, his fists balled as they both came out of the big tent. Natalia looked away from her father, but Marissa, yeah, she didn’t. She glared at us all.

  “Do you have-”

  “No, you don’t get to yell at us!”

  “Marissa Lynn, do not speak to your uncle like that! You will show respect! Your little stunt was not only careless, it was irresponsible. You could have been attacked while we were out in the woods looking for you. Anyone here could have been put into danger because you were acting like a petulant child. I raised you better than that!”

  “We have enough enemies after us, can we not add each other to the list. I agree with your father, but what we did to you both was no better. It was sneaky and way out of line. I see that now. We had a good reason and good intentions, we just failed to execute them properly.”

  The Prince moved towards the girls and took both of them by one hand. He stood there for a moment before he looked back at us, and then spoke to the girls.

  “There will be no more tricks, and we will not use Pyper like that again, either. Now, the two of you will work with the people around here, Rixon and the bears. I want you to be able to take down an enemy in your sleep. There will be no playing around, no holds barred. We will be crossing the veil soon. I need to know everyone there and here can kick ass and take names.”

  “Are we going with you, father?” Talia asked him. He shook his head.

  “No. The two of you, and a select few of my guards and wolves, will be left here. You will have to keep Pyper and the others safe.”

  “And if we don’t come back, come save our asses.”

  I snorted at Alex’s comment.

  “I know my way to the castle. The old woman, the Seer, she said I would always be able to find the castle,” Mari said this, crossing her arms over her chest.

  With her standing this way, arms crossed, you could see her baby bump. I moved to her and rested my hand over our baby. My eyes met hers.

  “Ya gotta worry about more than ya self now, love. Our wee one needs ya to stay strong and fight for him, or her.”

  “Dem-” she started, but I cut her off with a finger to her lips.

  “Please love. I can’t do my job and worry about you, too. I need to know ya are safe.”

  “You’re not playing fair,” she grumbled deep in her chest. I ran my fingers over her belly before her hand joined mine.

  “All's fair in love and war, lass.” I gave her a cheeky grin.

  “Asshole,” she growled.

  “Aye, but ya love me nonetheless.”

  “True.”

  “Now that is settled,” Alex said. Both girls growled and turned from us. I cursed, turning to glare at him.

  “Ya asking to get hit.”

  “They need to get it through those thick skulls, they aren’t going!” Alex growled out.

  I moved towards him, but a large body moved between us. I growled up at the Prince. He was like a brick wall. I wouldn’t fare well trying to move around him, either. I let out a long, frustrated breath and turned. I followed after the girls. Joshua, who had been quiet throughout this exchange, was a few steps ahead of me. At least he had enough sense to not say anything. I snorted at my next thought. At least the wolf wasn’t in the dog house.

  A week has passed since we had the little fight with the girls. Things around the camp have changed slightly. The girls have been putting in some long hours working on fine tuning their fighting skills and the guys have had to reign in their protective instincts so they don’t get in the way. The pack, the bears from Bartholomew’s sleuth along with Pyper helped the girls gear themselves up for the upcoming fight. It would be a fast, tough hit to the men not expecting us. We were gearing up to charge the castle in waves, something they would not expect. But, before we could do that, we had to wait on word from the guardsmen sent back to the castle to see Esmeralda.

  Both Mari and Talia are now showing. There is no doubt that they are with child and, I will be honest, it has us all a bit on edge. Joshua and I are trying to keep as close as we can to them. After all, they are our mates. We will not allow harm to come to them or our children.

  I can’t wait to meet my son or daughter. I am nervous, as is Mari, even if she wouldn’t admit it. She was going to be a wonderful mother.

  A loud whine from Pyper pulled me from my daydreaming of Mari.

  “I wans do it!!”

  I snorted as Pyper jumped around. She was reaching for the bow Joshua had in his hand.

  “No, this is for big people, not cubs.”

  “Taya says I can!”

  The tears started then. We were all trying to ignore them, but hearing her cry… well it was a kick in the balls. I got up from the stump I had been sitting on and moved to where Joshua stood, his brows furrowed as he looked down at the little bear.

  “Hey, why dontcha wait just a wee bit. Then when you get a little bigger you can try. I bet you could out shoot the wolfman there if you did.”

  Joshua grunted.

  “Pwease, I wants do it!”

  “For the love of all that is furry, let her try it!”

  Talia walked over and tried to pull the bow from Joshua’s hand. A growl rumbled between them and he shook his head.

  “It is not a toy. She is too little.”

  “Here, I have a solution.” We turned to see Trenton and Alex walking our way, both grinning like cheshire cats. I raised a brow. “Alex and I made a bow and arrows her size.”

  Talia scooped up the crying toddler and kissed her cheek, whispering something to her. The tears started to ease off as the Prince came up to her. He leaned in and kissed the little one’s forehead.

  “I wondered where you two had gone off to,” Sheri said as she came over to the circle of wolves and vampires.

  “Ram gave us the help we needed to make it work. Now, we will show you how to use this, but it is not a toy. Do you understand that, little one? If you point it at someone and hit them, it will hurt them.”

  “I not hurts pespoles. I pwomises.”

  “Good. Talia, you show her how to do it. You are a better shot than most of us.”

  Joshua huffed.

  “Aw, baby. Relax. You’re a good shot, too. I just happen to be a tiny, little bit better.” She smirked as he looked down at her and scowled. That scowl soon turned to a smile.

  “I guess you are right, love. I’ll go set up a target. Should we start close and move back?”

  “Go ten foot. She can do this.”

  It was Mari who spoke. Talia looked back at her and nodded. It took her a moment to explain to Pyper what a bow and arrow were used for and how to stand. She stood her facing us, the target on her left. Her feet were set apart as Talia explained to her how she needed to pull back on the string. Talia - who was on her knees behind the little girl showed her how she had to pull back, hold and then release.

  A few minutes later we watched as Pyper held the bow up, her little face showing her determination. We waited as she slowly got her shot lined up and let go. The arrow shot true and right into the target. It wasn’t a dead center, but it was damn close.

  We all whooped and clapped for her. The little grin that grew on her face had us all smiling. In a few years she would be one hell of an archer.

  “That’s a great job, Pyper. You keep that up and I will make you a part of my guard when you are older,” The Prince commented. Talia scowled at him as she scooped the little one up.

  “Yeah, I don’t think so.”

  I chuckled then looked around the small clearing. The people here were all family. I only hoped when we crossed the veil, that we all came back across it, in one piece.

  16

  Marissa

  I stood and watched as the men around us gathered the things they would need to cross into the veil. They were heading to the castle. That thought made my stomach churn. With each sword or dagger that was slid into a sheath, panic rolled through me. This was really happening. They were going to storm into the castle, where so many enemies would fight to the death to protect the man sitting on the throne.

  “I can’t do this! I can not sit back and wait to find out if they are dead or alive. This is utter crap!”

  I paced the tent, ranting to no one. I’d been keeping to myself. I was just not ready to face the fact that I could lose my father, my mate - my entire world - all in one fight. I was panting by the time the tent flap opened.

  “Marissa?”

  I turned to see Daddy standing there. I looked away and went back to pacing. I could feel the freak out about to happen. Daddy doesn’t say anything else he just comes over to me, wraps me in his arms and holds me as the dam inside me breaks. He is all I have, other than Dem, of course. My mother has been gone since I was born. I don’t know her, I never got to know the feeling of a mother's hug. My daddy is my world and I could lose him. Over something stupid, mind you.

  “Shh, my little one. It’s okay. I’m going to make sure we all come back to you. I promise you.”

  “You can’t make that promise!” I snarled.

  His arms tightened around me more.

  “I can, and I am. Now, come see your man off so we can go. The faster we kill this tyrant the faster we can come back to you all.”

  “Daddy?”

  “Yes, daughter mine?”

  “You promise, promise hard to come back to me?”

  “I do, baby girl. I will make sure we all come back.”

  “If you don’t, I will find someone to bring you back so I can kick your ass myself.”

  “I’d expect nothing else from you, my daughter.” He chuckled and kissed my head.

  We walked out of the tent and towards the men that were assembled. I moved to Dem and wrapped my arms around him.

  “I love you. I will be back for you and our child.” His hand moved to my belly which was small and round with our growing baby.

  I sniffled as tears started to fall from my eyes again. “Promise?”

  “Aye, lass, I promise. I will burn that place to the ground to get back to ya.”

  I leaned up on my tip toes and kissed his lips. “You better.”

  “Let’s get going.”

  My uncle’s voice rolled across the area. I saw Talia pulling back from Joshua, she too had tears in her eyes.

  Pyper was latched onto my uncle’s leg and was crying. Each time Talia would reach for her she’d run to a new set of legs. She’d taken to everyone here weeks ago and now, it was breaking my heart watching Talia pull her from Joshua’s legs. He leans in and murmurs something to the little girl and she curls into Talia.

  I move over to her and wrap my arms around them both.

  “Shhh, it’s okay, pretty girl. They’ll be back soon. It’s okay…”

  Talia’s voice cracked. I kissed Pyper’s head.

  “We will return.” My uncle said.

  We watched helplessly as they walked off towards the woods. Talia and I held onto Pyper and tried to soothe ourselves. They knew what they were doing. They knew what was ahead of them and they knew if they didn’t keep their promises, we’d find away to make their everafters miserable.

  “Mawi, looks!”

  I glanced up from where I was perched on a log to see Pyper holding her little bow, a huge grin on her face. It had been two- no, three days since the men had left, and I was trying my best to keep busy. She was getting good at shooting. She was also getting really good at hitting her target. I glanced out passed her and snorted seeing the makeshift dummy loaded with little arrows.

  “Good job, Princess.” I looked around. “Where is Talia?”

  “I’m here.” She called out from behind me. I looked back and grinned seeing she had a plate of food in her hand. “I was getting lunch. I’m starving.”

  “I could eat, too.” I laughed.

  “I can habs some, tooooo?”

  “Of course, baby girl.”

  Pyper ran over and dropped her little bow on the stump where more arrows sat. She - knowing the drill - ran to the bucket of water Sheri kept out. She used the cup and scooped some into the washing bowl so she could wash her hands. When her hands were clean she came over and sat in Talia’s lap.

  “I wish we had word of what was going on. Something, anything,” I grumbled as I took a piece of sandwich from the tray. Talia had placed the tray on the stump next to us and nodded.

  “Me too, but we have to - try - and stay positive. Even if it makes us crazy.”

  We sat in silence for a few minutes while we ate. Talia was helping Pyper, who as usual, was making a mess. I chuckled as the little bear tried to catch a piece of meat and yet it hung from the corner of her mouth.

  “Kid, we have to work on your table manners,” Talia said, laughing.

  “Girls.”

  We looked up to see Sheri smiling at us.

  “Yes?” We replied together.

  “We are going hunting. Xavier and Rone will be here with you should you need anything. We will not be long.”

  “We’ll be fine. I plan to nap as soon as my belly is full. This kiddo,” she nodded down to Pyper who was devouring her sandwich still, “will be joining me.”

  “Me, too,” I said, laughing.

  With a wave the wolves around us shifted one by one and took off towards the woods to the south of us. I went back to eating and smiled as I watched Pyper. Talia was laughing as she helped the little one catch her sandwich since it was breaking into two pieces.

  “Here, why don’t you just eat half at a time.” Talia shifted the sandwich half she held to a napkin. “Boys, if y’all are hungry, I made plenty.”

  I looked to where Xavier and Rone stood. They both shook their heads.

  “We are fine, Princess. You three eat. Thank you for the offer, though.”

  I shook my head at them. It was good, that meant more for me. I was always hungry lately.

  Two sandwiches, a couple bottles of water and a belch later, I was ready for a nap. Pyper was blinking and Talia looked a lot like I did - ready to collapse.

  “Come on, let’s go lay down for a bit. The babies need a nap.” Talia stood and took Pyper’s hand. As with any three year old, she was not having this whole thing of nap times. However, we discovered that she would nap with us if we said it was for the babies. In truth, it was a genius move on Talia’s part.

  We moved to the tent and got Pyper settled with the doll Sheri made for her and her blanket. Talia and I joined her and I was out in no time.

  Talia

  There was something wrong. I could feel it inside me. I looked around as the walls of the castle shook. I could hear the growls of wolves, the snarls of vampires and the unmistakable clanging of swords. I ran as fast as I could. The fear running through me makes my heart pound.

  My eyes scan the room as the doors burst open. Wolves and vampires tangle in moves meant to kill one another. Swords jab and slice through the air. I watch as my father and uncle fight off two men, both of whom are huge. They duck, weave and dodge blows that would kill a regular man.

  There are creatures fighting that I don’t even know what they are.

  I sprint towards the spot where Marissa stands and take her hand. She is in danger. The baby could be hurt. The moment our hands touch, our magics twine and mold into one.

  With a primal cry, the power sweeps through us both and the room falls silent.

  I watch as the men fighting my father and uncle fall to their knees. There is another person with us. Another hand is brought into the mix, the power coursing through us eases and I am able to focus once again.

  As one, we say words that are floating across the air, the vampires and the various creatures - the evilness in them seeps from their eyes, mouths, even their pores - and they all collapse to the floor.

  The blonde holding my hand turns to Mari and I and speaks. “It is over.”

  I sit up with a start, gasping for air. Mari is also sitting up now. We share a look.

  “What the hell-”

  There was a snarl from outside the tent that had us fully alert. I jumped to my feet, as did Mari, and we hurry out to see what was happening. Both Xavier and Rone were in their massive wolf forms. I moved to stand on one side of them, and Mari took up post on the other.

  The scent of shifters wafted across the grounds, carried by the wind. I partially shifted, opening up my senses further. A growl rumbled through me when two men pushed through the treeline to the east of us. I turned slightly as two more came from the west of us.

  “Talia?” Mari questioned and I shook my head.

  “Xav, Rone, easy, boys. Let’s see what they want…”

  I looked between the men pushing through the trees. They were the size of the trees they were pushing past.

  I shifted back to my human self. My hand went up into the air. “Halt!” I took a step in front of Xav and Rone. Both growled and tried to move before me. I turned and stared them down. They grunted, but made no further move to push passed me.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” I asked.

  “We are here to see Prince Trenton.”

  “Why?” I growled out.

  “That is not a concern of yours.”

  “When you’re here to see my father, it is my business.”

  The men around us looked between themselves and then back to where we stood. I spun when a tinkling laugh filled the area. I met the gaze of the blonde from my dream.

  A growl once again left me as I took a step towards her. “You!”

  “Yes, cousin, it is I. We need to cross the veil. If we do not, they will all be lost. Things are not as they seem.”

  “Fucking great!” Mari snarled.

 

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