Chapter Eight
Cassandra
Perched up in the window seat of the turret, I watched as the Escalade returned. It pulled up the rocky drive, under the arcading, parking in the same place it had when I’d first come to the castle. I had barely slept the night before, my body tender and sated at the same time, my mind going a mile a minute as I tried to assimilate all that had happened in the span of just a few days, and as soon as the first rays of sun peered into my window, I had sprung from my bed. This was the morning Cynthia would come, and Deo would reveal his secrets.
I could just make out my friend’s face through the dark glass. Cynthia’s jaw could not possibly hang open further than it did now as her wide eyes took in Ravensloft. I would have laughed had I not felt so guilty about the reason for her presence.
Moving as lithe as a panther, Baal was out of his side of the Escalade and holding Cy’s door open in a flash. The grin that spread on his face told me that he had not minded escorting my friend through the winding roads of the New York mountains.
Teetering on velvet leopard-skin pumps, Cynthia emerged from the car, and to Baal’s obvious pleasure, grabbed onto his strong arm. She wore a skin-tight purple satin dress that was better suited for a club, but looked amazing on her. Fluffing her already puffy curls, Cynthia puckered her freshly painted lips, looked right at me, and blew a kiss. Caught. I loved that my best friend knew I would be watching for her arrival.
After giving a quick wave, I hurried down from my perch in the window seat, rushing down the hall.
Draco caught me in his arms at the top of the stairs. He had come from nowhere. I hadn’t even seen his movement out of the corner of my eye.
“Slow down, Cassandra,” he said, his arms holding me firmly in place. His tone was stern, but his eyes warm.
With my relationship with Deo rapidly changing, and my knowledge of Draco’s witnessing my discipline, even if only through the sounds that had escaped the room, I had been prepared to never be able to look this man in the eyes again. Relieved to discover I was wrong, I said, “Yes, sir.”
He released me, a smile tugging on his lips when he added, “It’s nice to see that you did survive intact. It would be a shame to have you hurt yourself now. No running on the stairs.”
A bit surprised that he remembered my concern, yet pleased he had, I rolled my eyes. “Just barely.”
Draco cocked one eyebrow. He didn’t have to speak for me to hear him loud and clear. ‘If you don’t want a hot ass, then obey.’ Stealing Cynthia’s moves, I blew him a kiss, and when his lips twitched, I grinned and retreated down the stairs…willing my feet to walk, not run. There was no need to add Draco to the list of men who wanted to take me over their knee for disobeying them. That thought almost drew me to an abrupt stop, but the door opened just as I reached the final stair.
Baal and Cynthia stepped over the threshold, arm in arm, matching wide grins on their faces. Cynthia dropped his arm at the sight of me, rushing over and grabbing me into a huge hug.
“Oh, my God, Cass, I was so worried about you!” Pushing my hair back with her hands, Cynthia investigated my face. Her concerned eyes looked over every inch of me as if inspecting for damage.
“I’m okay, I promise.” I took Cynthia’s hands in mine.
Raising a suspicious brow at me, Cynthia asked, “What is going on here?”
“I’m not entirely sure, myself,” I whispered. Squeezing her hands, I said, “I’m sorry, Cynthia, I didn’t mean to drag you into this.”
“Drag me? I’m just mad you didn’t send this demi-god to collect me sooner,” she whispered back, releasing my hands and gesturing at Baal as he left the room.
The smile on his face went from ear to ear.
Laughing, we both dabbed at tears that were forming in our eyes. “Seriously though,” Cy said. “Cass, you know I’d do anything for you. It was killing me knowing something was wrong and not being able to be there for you.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, now.” I looked to the top of the stairs where Draco stood watching us from above, arms crossed, a satisfied look on his face. I mouthed the words, “Thank you,” to him.
Cynthia looked up to see who had my attention. Taking in Draco, she gave a low whistle. “Good Lord, there are more of them? Do they all look this good? Though I am partial to my chauffeur, with those jade green eyes and long hair,” Cy said dreamily.
Giving me a wink, Draco turned, disappearing back down the dark hall.
“That,” I said, pointing at the recently vacated stairs, “was Draco. Then there’s Deo.” I noted the displeasure in Cy’s face at the mention of my husband’s name. “Oh, and Alekos. He’s been by the office before. I believe you called him a ‘beefcake’ last time. And Xander is on the way. I’ve never met him. They call him the baby.”
“A young one? That might end up making me a cougar, if he looks anything like the others,” Cynthia said with a laugh.
“I haven’t seen him yet, but I’m sure he won’t disappoint. And I believe you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Balthazar, the one with the jade green eyes as you said.”
“Yes, name meaning ‘protect the king’, and make a lady swoon from the way a pair of pants hangs from that frame,” Cynthia purred. “Speaking of pants—what on Earth are you wearing?”
Embarrassed, I looked down at my flowery ensemble and ballet flats. “Deo picked it,” I mumbled.
Cynthia considered me for another moment. “The look suits you,” she said in wonderment.
“Doesn’t it, though,” Alekos said, entering from the opposite end of the room.
“Deo’s younger brother, Alekos,” I said, gesturing toward him in way of introduction.
“The name means ‘defending mankind.’ At your service.” Alekos halted his approach, taking a deep bow.
Clutching my arm, Cy whispered to me, “How on Earth did he hear you? He came out of nowhere.”
Alekos made his way across the hall to join us.
Her momentary spooking was quickly over, and her mouth stretched in a wide grin to match Alekos’ as he gave Cynthia a wink before grasping her hand and giving it a kiss.
“This one’s charming.” Cy licked her lips. “Pleasure to meet you, defender of man,” Cynthia said. Looking around her and taking in the main hall of the castle, she followed it up with, “You all are living a positively fairy tale life up here. I had absolutely no idea there were castles in New York.”
“The castle has been in our family for quite a few decades now,” Alekos said.
“Cass never told me she married royalty,” Cy joked.
“I didn’t know. As a matter of fact, in this case, you know about as much as I do,” I said.
Hearing the worried tone in my voice, Cynthia put her arm around me and gave me a reassuring squeeze. “It’s going to be okay, Cass.”
Alekos smiled. “The veil will soon be lifted. Get ready. Although there is really no way to prepare oneself for the truth. A couple of lawyers ought to know that better than anyone. Hey, ladies, what’s the difference between a good lawyer and a bad lawyer?” Alekos joked.
“A bad lawyer can let a case drag out for several years. A good lawyer can make it last even longer,” Cy quickly answered.
“Hey, Alekos, what’s the only difference between a female lawyer and a pit bull?” I asked.
“Beats me,” he answered, already chuckling at the coming punchline.
“Lipstick!” Cy and I said together, laughing. I linked arms with Cy as we followed Alekos into the dining room. Having Cynthia by my side calmed my nerves. We had tackled some seriously tough cases together. And I knew that we would get through this, too.
Cy gave another low whistle as she entered the dining room. Her eyes widened as she took in the tapestries and gold fireplace.
Looking completely at home in his elegant surroundings, Deo stepped forward to greet her. “Cynthia. So good to see you, though I wish it were under better circumstances,” he said, throwing a wary look in my direction.
“Deo.” Cynthia accepted his kissing of her cheek. As he moved to withdraw, Cynthia pulled him in toward her and whispered something into his ear.
I couldn’t hear a thing, but a smile came to Deo’s face.
“Well said, Cynthia, but you’d better ask Cass’ opinion on the matter, first,” Deo answered.
Giving me a curious look, I had the feeling Cynthia blamed Deo for this little fairy tale romp, and as much as she was enjoying it so far, I could tell she was going to watch him like a hawk.
Deo gave a nod, and his brother joined him, the two making their way from the room, leaving Cynthia and me alone.
“What did you say to him?” I hissed.
“I said if he hurt you, I’d kill him.” Cy narrowed her eyes at me. “You heard his reply.” She eyed me suspiciously. “Have you been over his knee again?”
The heat began in my chest, and I could feel it rushing, like a wave, up my neck and through my cheeks.
Cynthia read the flush covering my face clearly. “Cass, you naughty girl.” Staring at me hard before giving a quick glance to where Deo had disappeared, she turned back to me, her eyes widening. “You really do love it, don’t you?”
“I plead the fifth,” I murmured. “Just try not to get me into too much trouble. All right?” I asked. My eyes cut to the men as they returned to the room. Deo was flanked by Balthazar and Draco. Alekos walked in, his arm hanging casually over the shoulders of a blue-eyed stranger whom I assumed to be Xander.
“Ladies,” Deo said, “may I introduce you to Xander.”
Xander walked over to where Cynthia and I stood. His light brown hair was long and tousled, hanging over his eyes, giving him a boyish appearance. Though younger and smaller than his fellow Greeks, from the way his tight muscle tee stretched across his chest, the young man appeared as rock hard as the other men. I noticed he wore the same style belt around his waist and the chain bracelet encircled his wrist. His light eyes settled on me.
“Hello,” Xander said softly. “Cassandra, it’s an honor to finally meet Deo’s wife.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Xander,” I replied. “This is my friend, Cynthia.”
Cynthia extended her hand to Xander. “Lovely to meet you, Xander. And what does your name mean?” she asked, shaking his hand.
“Protector,” he answered humbly.
I liked him already.
“Okay then,” Cynthia said. “Good to know.”
Deo drew my chair out and I took a seat as Xander pulled the one next to me from the table. Cynthia shot me a smile, her eyes showing her amusement and approval of the display of manners as she thanked Xander after he pushed her chair in and then sat beside her.
The men took their seats around the table. Deo at the head of the table, Draco sitting across from me as he had last night, Alekos taking a seat beside him.
Baal sat on the other side of Alekos, tucking his long hair behind his ears. His green eyes rested on Cynthia as he sat down, sending her a warm smile.
When everyone was settled, Cynthia was the first to speak. “So, let me make sure I have this right,” she said. “Baal filled me in a little on the way.”
At Cynthia’s words, Deo raised a brow, saying, “Did he?”
Cynthia quickly reassured him, “Relax. Just the names, Deo. Everything else in this little adventure is still a mystery.” Turning next to her and flashing a smile at Xander, Cynthia said, “We have Xander, protector, but of what I’m not quite sure.” Xander gave a small nod. Moving on, Cynthia said, “Alekos, I’ve seen you around the office, but today is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the defender of mankind.”
“It must be your lucky day.” Alekos winked.
“Then Baal, of course, my personal escort to this strange little party, and protector of the king.” She turned to Deo. “Let me guess, Deo means ‘the king,’ right? That would round this little circle out nicely.”
“Not exactly,” Deo answered. “The meaning of my name is ‘godlike’, but yes, Baal is my protector, and what you may call my right-hand man. He has loyally served me for many years now.” Deo gave Baal a look of great respect and gratitude.
Baal raised his hand in a salute to Deo.
I looked over Baal’s lean physique. He sat, confident, calm, relaxed, yet somehow held an air of danger and power. How had I never met this man who meant so much to my husband? My first encounter with Deo’s right-hand man had been the stranger dragging me from my office, my possessions in his gray duffle bag.
I looked to my husband. Seated regally at the head of the table, the vision of Deo was striking. I was mystified by my memory of our last night in our home when I had thought my husband boring and mundane, and had threatened to leave. Days later, I felt as if I was in the presence of royalty: Deo, my husband, the king of this castle.
My thoughts and eyes strayed to the figure sitting directly across from me. If Baal was Deo’s protector, what did that make Draco to me?
Cynthia beat me to it. “Let me guess. Draco means dragon?” At his nod, she slid her eyes to me and then addressed him again. “I think it means more… perhaps, protecting dragon of Cassandra?” Cy suggested.
“Guardian… but, yes, protector as well,” Draco confirmed.
Cy nodded. “Pleasure to meet you by the way.”
“Pleasure’s all mine,” Draco answered, giving me a look that told me he approved of my choice in friends.
My own personal dragon of a guardian? Draco’s eyes locked onto mine, confirming my fleeting suspicions. “You’re really mine?” I asked.
“Yes.” The answer came from Deo, who was staring at Draco, the small muscle in his jaw twitching as he clenched his teeth.
Looking at my husband, I tried to read his expression. There seemed to be some anger there and something else I could not understand. Draco did not so much as flinch under Deo’s hard glare. There was a friction, a tension between the two that was almost visible like a thin white line of electricity between them.
The tension broke when an angry voice called out from the kitchen. “I’m not getting any younger in here. Alekos, come!” Margaret demanded.
Pushing back his chair, Alekos jumped up and ran toward the back of the hall. “Coming, Auntie Maggie,” he said, followed by a jovial string of Greek words.
A moment later, Margaret came hobbling over to the table carrying a tray that was heaping with breads just out of the oven, topped with tahini and honey, and a platter of sliced Peloponnesian and Macedonian ham and salami. In one hand, Alekos held a bowl of fresh fruit, and in the other, a pitcher of juice. Placing them on the table, Alekos returned to the kitchen.
“I have freshly squeezed orange juice from the groves of Laconia, and mountain tea from Taygetos. Thank goodness I had the whole ship to stock before we left Greece, or we would be starving.” Aunt Margaret slammed the platter down on the center of the table. “Will never step foot in a wretched, what do they call it, supermarket? Nothing super there. Just junk,” she grumbled as she busied herself setting the table to her liking. Crystal goblets and china plates found their way around the table.
A ship. That would mean that Deo was prepared to be here for a long time. My mind wandered as I chose a few pieces of the fruit from the bowl before me.
Margaret prattled along to herself, “Have you seen what these people call breakfast, Deo? Rainbow-colored skatá in a bowl, with cold milk. Cold—from a cow. In a bowl. Slurping it with a spoon. Disgusting.” Margaret’s rant trailed off as she laid eyes on Xander.
Walking over to him, she placed one of her hands on each of his shoulders. “Glad you finally decided to show up,” she cackled, placing a kiss on the boy’s head.
Xander smiled, reaching up and patting one of her hands.
Margaret left the table, shuffling back to the kitchen, complaining, “Everyone knows only goat milk is fit for human consumption.”
Alekos reentered the room, carrying a large tray that held china cups and a teapot.
“She lets you in the kitchen, Alekos?” Baal asked. “Last night I tried to go in there to get a piece of baklava, and she hit me over the head with a wooden spoon.” Baal rubbed the back of his head as we laughed. “It hurt.”
Deo responded, “Only Alekos may enter the kitchen. And don’t anyone dare try to call her Auntie Maggie. She will use that spoon to beat you within an inch of your life, I promise.”
Low enough for only me to hear, Cy whispered in my ear, “So now we know where Deo gets it. Does he have his own wooden spoon?”
I quietly tried not to choke on the grape that was in my mouth while kicking Cynthia under the table.
Sitting back down by Draco, Alekos tore off a huge hunk of bread. “I can’t help it if all the women like me.”
“Poor boy,” Baal said, rolling his eyes. “You need to learn it’s not the quantity that matters, it’s the quality.”
I smiled as he said this, his eyes not on Alekos, but focused across the table on my best friend whose cheeks were blooming into a very attractive pink.
“Enough,” Deo said, shooting a look at Baal. “The time has come for us to reveal the truth to Cassandra. And Cynthia, now, as well,” Deo added, shooting an angry look in Draco’s direction.
Despite paying a rather painful price, guilt filled me at putting Draco in this position with the ringing of my phone. As if reading my thoughts, my guardian looked from Deo to me and he shook his head, giving me a small smile. “I have no doubt she will be grateful to have all her questions answered.”
“I will give her the information she needs,” Deo fired back.
I looked at Deo, surprised by my husband’s outburst. His dark eyes shone with concern as they met mine. Suddenly I was apprehensive—not about what he was going to tell me—but about what he might decide to keep from me.
“The truth is, the more she knows, the better,” Draco said. He spoke quietly, but his voice carried authority.
The conversation hung suspended as the doors to the castle suddenly burst open. Straining my neck to see around Deo’s chair, I gasped when I recognized Andrew.
Normally a fashion plate, impeccably dressed, he now looked as if he’d been on some primitive camping trip. His suit was beyond wrinkled, it was soiled and he had dark circles under his eyes. Andrew came flying toward the table, brandishing a large stick.
“Andrew, what are you doing?” I shouted, standing from my seat so quickly, I knocked the heavy chair onto the floor. Before I had time to blink, Draco was by my side, my chair upright behind me.
“I’ve been following you since that thug”—Andrew pointed his stick at the amused face of Baal, whose long hair hid his face as his shoulders shook with laughter—“kidnapped you from your office. I’ve been hiding out in the woods waiting for the right time to intervene. Then I saw they abducted Cynthia as well.”
“Oh, for God’s sake,” Deo groaned, still seated at the table, head in his hands. “What’s the boy doing here?”
“I’m here to save Cassandra, old man.” Waving the stick in the air, Andrew stepped closer to the table. “Cass, Cynthia, come with me, quick. My car is hidden a few miles from here. Don’t even try to follow us.” He moved the branch in front of him, blocking his body.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Leaves sticking up out of his tangled hair, shirt untucked, and pants stained with mud, Andrew looked ridiculous. I looked around at the five men who surrounded me.
As amusing as the scene was, my heart was heavy. Because of me, another one of my friends was in danger.
Xander slowly stood from his seat beside Cynthia. Reaching out his right arm, Xander lifted his hand in the air toward the stick, focusing his pale eyes on Andrew. The stick left Andrew’s grasp, floating through the air. Passing over the table, the weapon made its way, stopping in front of Xander. The stick hovered in the air. Xander moved his arm toward his body, the stick moving with it. The branch moved slowly, contacting Xander’s open palm.
The room was quiet. Andrew stood frozen a few feet from the table, his empty hand still hanging in the air, eyes wide and mouth gaping in amazement. At the head of the table, Deo sat, looking frustrated.
Xander, a peaceful look on his young face, stood calmly, holding the huge stick. “Excuse me,” he said politely. Moving around his chair, Xander was careful not to bump Cynthia with the branch. Walking over to the fireplace, he broke the wood into three pieces, throwing them into the fire. He then returned to Cynthia’s side, casually pouring himself another cup of tea from the steaming porcelain pot. Teacup in hand, Xander took his seat.
“Mercy me,” Cynthia breathed.
Gesturing to the empty chair next to Baal, Deo said, “Join us for breakfast, Andrew.” Looking at me, his voice laced with disdain, he asked, “I take it you’ve missed dining with my wife? Is that to what we owe the pleasure of your company?”
Andrew’s astonished eyes focused on me. His face was pale, and he looked as if he might pass out.
“Sit, Andrew,” I said quickly, not wanting him to do anything rash while in shock over the supernatural display we had just witnessed.
A bewildered Andrew looked at each of us in turn, then quietly walked over beside Baal, taking a seat.
“Juice?” Alekos asked with a wide grin. At Andrew’s slight nod, Alekos reached over Baal and filled an empty crystal glass.
Returning to his place at the table, Draco made a plate and passed it to Alekos, who placed it in front of Andrew.
Deo sighed. “Well, it looks like you are up to at least two, now, Alekos.”
“Got to earn my keep,” Alekos replied, taking a huge bite of an apple.
“There will be more, in time,” Deo said. “I am certain of it.”
“More what?” Cynthia asked.
Taking my seat, I answered, “Mankind.” The pieces were starting to fall together, though I still had so few clues. Looking at my husband, I demanded, “Explain, Deo. Everything. Now.”
Draco fired me a look of approval.
Deo nodded, glancing at everyone seated around the table, leaving me for last. Meeting my eyes, he began. “For many years, we have been preparing for a war. The time for battle is nearing. We must prepare. We have only weeks, months at most.”
“Who are we fighting?” I asked, not for one moment doubting that he was speaking the truth. It was as if somehow, deep within me, I had just been waiting for confirmation. Yet the look Deo gave me sent chills down my spine.
“The darkness. Pure evil, itself. It is coming here to try and destroy us.”
“What does that even mean? How on Earth do you fight darkness?”
The table was silent. Deo stood, removing his napkin from his lap and placing it on the table beside his plate. Smoothing his shirt, he paced behind his chair.
It was only a few moments, but felt far longer before his deep voice broke the silence of the room. “There will be a battle, but it will be only the beginning of our journey. Dark spirits will seek us out, here at the castle, to destroy us. We will defend ourselves by using… powers, if you will.”
“What kind of powers?” I asked, feeling my brow furrowing as I gazed across Cy. “Like the trick Xander just pulled?”
“Yes. That and more. We have a few tricks up our sleeves for you and our guests.” Deo gestured at the wide eyes of Cynthia and Andrew as they sat, gaping at my husband.
I shook my head, reaching to place my hand on Cy’s arm where it rested on the table. “Deo, it is my fault that Cynthia and Andrew are here. You—I—can’t ask them to enter a fight that is not their own.”
“I’m afraid there is no choice,” Deo said. “Even if they choose to leave, they’d be in danger. The spirits know of them now… know how important they are to you. They are safer here… with all of us.”
“Of course we’d fight,” Cynthia said.
“Damn straight,” Andrew said, any evidence of his shock at being unarmed by the mere wave of Xander’s hand gone from his face as he nodded. “I’m not about to run from a fight.”
“That’s the spirit,” Alekos said, lifting his glass in salute to my friends.
Deo picked up the conversation. “Not only will you be trained, like I said, we have several things in our arsenal to help.”
“Like what?” I asked.
Deo gave us a small grin. “Disappearing daggers, deadly crystals, things of this nature.”
“Cool,” Cy murmured, a sparkle coming into her eyes.
“I know taekwondo,” Andrew offered helpfully, shooting me a proud look.
I was glad he was out of his shocked state and adjusting to the sudden news that we’d be fighting evil spirts so well, but still, could one really be taught how to fight evil?
“Good, good,” Deo said, a grin momentarily dancing on his lips. “As for the rest of us, things will be a little different.” Deo stopped his pacing. Placing his hands on the back of his chair, his dark eyes locked onto mine.
“Different, how?” I asked.
“We will turn to wolves,” he answered simply.
“Wolves?” I repeated dumbly.
“Yes, wolves. With the exception of Alekos who will remain human to direct you all in the battle. And Draco,”—my husband swallowed hard—“let us hope we will not need his powers, this time.”
Deo moved to my side. Lifting my hair, he bent down, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“Welcome to the pack, princess.”