Chapter Thirteen

 

Declan sat in the dining hall long after everyone else had gone to bed. They’d been at the Talunaha for two days learning how to find and hunt the daemons changing the balance of energy, and they hadn’t seen Tristan even once. Every time one of the brothers asked about him, Tiernan, Asha or Dizarion would only say that he was all right, but busy elsewhere with something important.

Declan had spoken to Mikal through the shengari’ and knew that Tristan had been to see him on the Tri-Worlds and explained what was happening on Earth. It hadn’t surprised Declan at all that Mikal took the news in stride like he had expected it.

“You’re up late.” Declan looked up in surprise that he hadn’t heard Nalini enter the room.

“So are you,” Declan noted as his eyes took in the sight of her in a pair of low rider jeans and a snug fitting sweater.

It was the first time he’d seen her in anything besides a beautiful silk sari. Declan had gotten used to the way the traditional Hindu garment draped against her elegant curves, but the sight of her in the tight jeans and sweater caused him to shift uncomfortably in his seat.

“I couldn’t sleep. Mom snores,” Nalini replied with a shrug of her shoulders.

Declan only chuckled and shook his head at the news. With Nalini’s parents sharing his pod with her, he figured it would be pretty crowded and uncomfortable. Declan was hoping it would drive them to separate, but Morgan and Isabel were adamant that he and Nalini not be left alone.

“Have you heard from Tristan?” Nalini asked. Shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny she slid into a chair on the other side of the table.

Declan ran a hand through his hair and blew out a frustrated breath.

“No. Tiernan and Asha say he’s fine, just retrieving something we need,” Declan admitted.

He hated the fact that Tristan was ignoring his attempts to communicate with him and no one would tell him what Tristan was getting or how it would help them. Declan didn’t believe for a moment that Tiernan or Asha was clueless about what his baby brother was doing.

“Do you want any coffee?” Nalini asked, pulling Declan from his thoughts.

“No, thanks. If I have any, then I’ll never sleep tonight.” Declan held up the beer in his hand. “Would you like a beer?”

Nalini grimaced for a second then seemed to think better about it.

“You got anything besides beer?” she asked with a grin.

Declan smiled broadly as he launched himself to his feet and headed over to the fountain drink machine. He opened the cabinets underneath and stacked several bottles deep were an array of alcohol in front of the soda syrup boxes.

“We got scotch, brandy, bourbon, tequila, various liquors and schnapps, vodka . . .” Declan began listing off the alcohol until Nalini moved to stand behind him.

Her nearness drove the thoughts right out of his head, and when he looked up into Nalini’s wide-eyed face, her beauty took his breath away too. Declan couldn’t help but stare as she leaned over his shoulder to look at the contents of the cabinet.

“That 100-year-old Irish Whiskey will do quite nicely,” Nalini said as she pointed at the bottle on his left.

It took Declan a second to realize she’d spoken and he grabbed the bottle as Nalini stood back up and went into the kitchen. He was opening the bottle when she returned with two juice glasses.

“Fill it up,” Nalini suggested as she held out one of the glasses.

Declan grinned and did as she asked. When both glasses were filled he accepted the one, Nalini handed him. He gestured back to the table and set the bottle down in the center of the table as he sat down.

“What should we drink to?” Declan asked as she sat across from him.

Nalini tilted her head slightly and smiled sweetly as she considered it.

“The future that we will ensure for all the good people in this world,” Nalini suggested and held her glass up.

Declan closed his eyes for a moment as he thought of the battles she’d be forced to endure to make it happen. Ones he’d be helpless to prevent her from. He forced himself to clink glasses with her before he downed the entire contents of his.

He didn’t realize Nalini had done the same until she started gasping for breath and coughing. Declan was on the other side of the table in seconds and gently rubbing her back in small circles as tears welled in her eyes. It took several minutes before she could finally catch her breath.

“My, that was rougher than I expected,” Nalini whispered in a choked voice.

Declan chuckled and refilled both of their glasses, keeping his hand on her back.

“You’re supposed to sip it,” Declan warned as he handed her the refilled glass.

Nalini looked at it doubtfully before she took a small sip. This time she cleared her throat and nodded her head.

“It’s a little easier like that,” Nalini admitted.

“Yeah, it is,” Declan agreed as he polished off his glass.

“Is it stress or the toast making you drink so much?” Nalini asked, turning her dark eyes to his.

Declan chuckled. “Actually, I drink like this all the time. My metabolism and size prevent me from getting drunk easily. Plus I like Irish whiskey and the way it goes down.”

Nalini looked at the bottle on the table and noted the old looking label on it.

“Made in Ireland. Is that where you’re from? Is that where Grai found you?” Nalini asked, hoping to learn more about him. From his own words.

Declan’s eyes seemed to cloud over for a moment, and he nodded his head.

“Yeah, I was born in Ireland. That’s where my dad found me. July 12, 1857, in Belfast. My real dad and I were trying to pass through when rioting broke out between the Catholics and Protestants. He was killed trying to get me out of the riot.” Declan’s voice was steady and calm as he spoke but the pain of that day was still resonating through his energy.

Nalini reached over and held his hand as she smiled up at him, hoping he’d continue and lending her own energy so he could.

“I was only seven. I’d never seen so much blood or felt so much rage and hatred around me. When the people started trampling on my dad’s body like he didn’t even exist, I started to lose it. I let loose with a blast of energy that blew out all the street lights. I was getting ready to do it again, only stronger when Grai pulled me out of the crowd. He’d been there, saw what happened and took me home that night where I met Chris.” Declan poured himself another drink and downed it.

“I’m so sorry for your loss and grateful that you were found by someone like Grai. You have an amazing family,” Nalini whispered, trying not to tear up at his pain and loss that he still felt so profoundly.

Declan nodded absently and refilled his glass, then held up the bottle to her.

“This is my one concession to the life I had there. I love this stuff,” Declan admitted with a half-smile.

“It’s not too bad when sipped.” Nalini blushed when she remembered gagging on it earlier.

Declan laughed and kissed the top of her head. He was glad she hadn’t tried to move away from him and continued to sit beside him.

“Your mother was the Dranovian then?” Nalini asked though she already knew the answer.

“Yeah, I didn’t know that until Mikal came along and the three of us started trying to figure out what we were. Dad only knew so much, and we were struggling to understand it all.” Declan grinned as memories rushed through him at what he and his brothers had done in those days.

Nalini laughed. “I can only imagine the things three young and powerful boys could get into.”

Declan couldn’t help but laugh with her though most of his childhood would never be told to anyone. There were some things better left in his memories and not repeated aloud.

“You don’t seem like the troublemaking type,” Nalini observed, noting how calm and rational he seemed compared to his brothers.

As long as it has nothing to do with my safety, she thought to herself. Nalini hated to admit how much she liked that Declan cared so much for her and she felt the same way about him.

“I didn’t have time to get into trouble. It took Mikal and me to keep Chris out of trouble and by the time he grew out of it, we had little brothers who had to be watched and taught what little we knew,” Declan admitted with a casual shrug.

Nalini noted there was no anger or regret in Declan’s voice as he spoke of his unusual upbringing and his responsibility for his siblings. She admired that about him. He was selfless and kind.

“I thought Chris was the oldest?” Nalini asked, confused as to why he’d need Declan and Mikal to watch him.

“He is, but he’s also the most powerful. Chris came into his power first, and it was difficult to control. He’d have a nightmare, and we’d wake up to the room being destroyed by the energy he expelled,” Declan explained with a smile at the memories.

“Yikes, did you get into much trouble?” Nalini wanted to keep him talking.

“Nah, Dad was understanding about it all. But after the first two times the room had to be rebuilt, he made us learn how to fix it ourselves. It was pretty funny to see us covered in drywall dust as we tried to fix the room. We probably got more putty on ourselves than the walls, but Dad would just laugh,” Declan recalled with a smile.

“How many more times did you have to do that?” Nalini wondered.

Declan shrugged. “Every one of our brothers except Mikal and me had outbursts like that when they first came into their power. When it happened, we taught them how to help us fix it. By the time Shane went through it, we were able to redo the room in only hours.”

“Shane is the youngest?” Nalini asked though she already knew the answer.

“Yeah, Shane was the youngest until Tristan came along. Now little Grace is the baby of the family,” Declan replied.

He couldn’t stop the grin from spreading on his face as he reached for his comm and started showing Nalini pictures of his baby sister and Tristan in his real physical form.

“What beautiful children! No wonder why you’re so proud,” Nalini admitted as she looked at the pictures.

“They’re awesome kids.” Declan opened another file on his comm where there were, even more, pictures of his nieces and nephews as well and started explaining who was who.

An hour and several more drinks later Nalini wasn’t sure what was making her head spin. The whiskey or trying to remember all of Declan’s family members. Finally, she laughed and held up her hands.

“Stop, no more! I don’t think I can remember all of them.” Nalini took another sip of whiskey while Declan chuckled.

“There’s a lot of us. Did you like being an only child?” Declan asked, wondering if Nalini would willingly join his family like the other mates had done.

“I’ve always wanted brothers and sisters. Maybe this time, since my parents are so young, I’ll get them. Until then, I’m going to borrow all of yours. They look like a fun and interesting group,” Nalini said with a grin.

Declan burst out laughing at Nalini’s words.

“You have no idea how interesting! Even when alone, I’m never alone. There’s always one brother who wants to talk, needs advice or wants to make sure I’m still alive,” Declan admitted.

“I think you love it,” Nalini accused, feeling it in his energy.

“How can I not?” Declan replied with a grin as he downed another glass of whiskey. “Besides, I do the same thing to them. We’re all really close. It probably comes from us thinking we were outcasts all our lives. We banded together as more than brothers.”

“I can understand that. I spent the first years after my parents left making friends and trying to fill the void they left behind in my heart. It only made things worse when I had to watch them age or get ill and die while I stayed the same. It’s why I finally went back to a solitary existence,” Nalini admitted, her energy reflecting the pain she still felt.

“I can’t imagine the things you’ve seen though!” Declan was fascinated at the thought. “The true knowledge of history that you hold in your head must be incredible.”

Nalini chuckled at him. “Are you always so optimistic?”

Declan was taking a drink, almost snorted it out of his nose and set the glass down on the table.

“No, I’m not the optimist of the family. I’m more of a realist,” Declan admitted.

“I don’t know, you’ve sounded pretty optimistic since we met. Maybe you’re a closet one and don’t want anyone to know,” Nalini teased.

“Yeah, maybe that’s it,” Declan said with a laugh. “So, let’s talk about this war you want to be a part of. What role do you see yourself playing in this?”

Nalini sighed heavily, and Declan knew right away that she was a little miffed that he’d ruined the pleasant talk they were having. He didn’t want to fight with her, but Declan had to know what she was thinking.

“I plan on fighting in my father’s stead until the war officially begins,” Nalini replied as her dark eyes clashed with his.

“Because war can’t be declared if the Daemon’s abuse victim decides to join a group of Dranovians and get some vengeance.” Declan nodded his head in appreciation of her thought process.

“Exactly! Father and Tiernan think that if we start making some major headway against Mastema’s court and her minions, then she might clear the curse herself to save her army for the war,” Nalini explained, hoping Declan wouldn’t try to stop her from fighting. It was as much her war as anyone else.

Declan hadn’t thought of that and spent a moment wondering if there was a chance that Mastema would release the curse on her own. He knew it would alleviate Tristan from having to make a deal with the evil bitch to get the curse removed.

“Not a bad plan, huh?” Nalini asked with a grin.

“It might actually work,” Declan had to admit, though he still hated the thought of her in battle. “What if it does?”

“I will still want to fight. Curse or not. I’m capable and deadly when not fighting swarms of the bastards by myself.” Nalini stuck her stubborn chin out as she spoke as if daring him to say something about her fighting skills.

Declan merely nodded his head and poured them both another glass of whiskey.

“I know you’re deadly and will never let you fight alone again,” Declan promised as he raised his glass and clinked it against hers before swallowing it all.

“Thank you,” Nalini whispered as she took a sip of her drink.

She was so surprised by the determination in his energy that she didn’t know what else to say.

They sat in silence for a few moments until Declan heard the door open and felt the wind caress his face before Tristan flew into the room with something carefully wrapped in leather strapped to his torso.

“Where the hell have you been and why haven’t you answered me?” Declan demanded as he stormed over to his baby brother and pulled him in for a hug.

“I’m sorry, I was busy,” Tristan admitted as he hugged Declan back then stepped away with a grin. “I got what I was looking for, but I had to awaken someone first.”

“It’s about time you’re back!” Chris roared as he came into the dining hall and grabbed Tristan into his arms.

It only took a few more minutes for everyone to come to the dining hall and see Tristan. The brothers knew he was there by his energy and had come to make sure he was all right. Dizarion, Asha, and Tiernan only looked at his chest expectantly while Isabel and Morgan sat on either side of their daughter.

“So what was so important you had to leave us stranded here?” Chris asked.

“This,” Tristan replied as he unwrapped the leather and held up a gleaming black sword.

“Whoa, nice blade bro. Where did you find it?” Shane asked as he studied the shining blade.

“I found the ore, then had to awaken the weaponsmith to forge it,” Tristan said as he sliced through the air with the sword.

“What’s so special about it?” Luca couldn’t take his eyes from the weapon.

“You have a weaponsmith?” Siggy asked in surprise.

“You found her then?” Tiernan looked at Tristan expectantly.

Tristan grinned broadly. “Yes, I did, and she knew exactly what to do with the ore I gave her.”

“What’s so special about the sword?” Elias wanted one of them.

“It’s made from primordial ore which can only be found in the deepest places on the planet. It’s created by the primal energy and released through magma from volcanoes,” Tiernan explained as he moved to Tristan and reached for the sword.

Everyone watched as Tiernan took the weapon and turned it every which way to look at the whole thing. The long, black sword was made from a dark metal that appeared to absorb and reflect the light as he moved it.

“This is exceptional work. Did you ask her to make more?” Tiernan asked, his eyes wide with admiration for the blade.

“Of course but this first one is for Declan who will lead the Dranovian daemon slayer team with his mate Nalini.” Tristan shocked everyone when he pulled an identical, smaller sword from the leather on his chest and handed it to Nalini.

“Oh, my,” Nalini breathed out as she held the black blade in her hands. “It’s lightweight and perfectly balanced.”

“Why the Primordial ore?” Chris asked as he stared at the two swords.

“It’s imbued with Primal power and will enable the wielder of the blade to call upon it in battle with the daemons. I will teach you how,” Morgan explained, though he was still furious that he couldn’t be a part of the pre-war battles with the daemons.

“As the Guardian of War, you will train all of them and prepare them for what is to come. Many other guardians and Dranovians are awakening, and you will be needed to help them. This may not be the final battle, but it might as well be,” Tristan warned. “If we fail now, we will fall in the end, and this world will be destroyed the same as the Prime world. Only this time, the beast species and humanity will not be given another chance. Neither will we.”