CHAPTER 27
N ikki rolled over and buried her nose into the comfy pillow. Gaetan’s unique scent filtered into her senses, and she tugged the cushion closer. Memories of their day together flitted across her mind, warming her. She slid her hand across the sheet, searching for him and wanting to snuggle once again.
Cool and barren to the touch, his place on the bed was empty. Goosebumps raced up her arm. She opened her eyes in an instant. “Gaetan?”
No response.
She pushed away from the pillow and caught a glimpse of her arm. A dark mark trailed from her left shoulder, around her elbow, and down to her wrist where it split into four lines ending at her knuckle. The mark mirrored the one on Gaetan’s right arm. I’m his mate.
Her chest flooded with love for him, yet, a twinge of unease danced along her nerves. His addiction was so like her father’s.
The slight swish of a page turning caught her attention.
Seated in the rickety chair, Gaetan, wearing his shirt, long pants and shoes, poured over an old text. He skimmed his finger over the page and his lips moved, silently forming the words.
She draped the sheet around her and scooted to the edge of the bed. “Gaetan?”
Brow furrowed in concentration, he didn’t move.
As her feet touched the cold stone floor, a tingle of dread chilled her arms. “Gaetan, did you find something?”
He flinched. “Nicole, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’d woken.”
His gaze drew to the dark mark on her arm. He stood, and a masculine, possessive growl broke from him. “Nicole, my mate.”
The deep timbre of his voice had her crossing the floor in an instant. She tumbled into his embrace, and he pressed a powerful, possessive kiss to her lips. The warmth and desire emanating from him sent a thrilling shiver travelling through her.
When she wasn’t sure she could take much more, he broke the kiss, placing his forehead against hers. His cool breaths teased her cheek. “My sweet Nicole.”
She glanced to her left, toward the open tome on the desk that had captured her attention. “What are you reading?”
His gorgeous aquamarine eyes flashed with excitement. “There’s so much history in these books. You’d be amazed at what I’ve discovered.”
His enthusiasm endeared him to her. She placed her palm on his shoulder and smiled. “Tell me.”
“Mitan built a reactor to transport energy to Lemuria. Based on his description and approximate location, I believe that reactor is Roan’s Rock.”
She scrunched her forehead. “Roan’s Rock?”
He exhaled. “It’s a large boulder, its base larger than its tip, and sits in a meadow not far from here. We’ve used the place for many rituals over the centuries. I had no idea it was something more.”
“Okay, so what does this information mean for our future?”
A brief flicker of disappointment crossed his features. “I’m working on that.”
His stomach rumbled, the sound loud in the small cave.
She squeezed his shoulder, enjoying how his firm muscle tightened under the pressure. “I noticed some jars of fruit in the cupboard. Food sounds good to me. How about you?”
His gaze focused on the sheet wrapped around her body, lingering for a moment at her breasts before returning to her eyes. Heat flared between them, and a slow, sexy smile curled his lip. “I’d rather have you, but sunset will be here soon.”
A mixture of desire, sadness, and regret swept through her like a tornado. If she didn’t know better, she’d have sworn her hair moved in the breeze. Of course, he needed to get on with his mission, find Anlon. Bitterness at her own selfishness crawled up her throat.
She forced a quick smile. “I’ll be right back.”
After running to her clothes, she dressed as fast as possible. Her pants were still damp, but that helped ease the hot sting of rejection burning her skin. As she strode to the cabinet, she peered at him.
Hunched over the old books once again, his guilt and self-blame were etched in the lines on his face. Her heart ached for him. Focusing on her task, she yanked two jars from the shelf.
With a quick twist, she opened the first. The sweet scent of peaches filled the air. Her mouth watered in anticipation. The second jar followed suit. Several utensils lay on the bottom shelf. She grabbed two forks then picked up the jars and returned to Gaetan.
She handed one to him, and as their fingers brushed, the heat flared between them once again.
“Thank you.” He ran his hand up her arm until he’d wrapped his fingers in the hair at her nape. Gently, he eased her toward him. His tender kiss electrified the nerve endings and sent a tingle all the way to her fingertips. “My sweet Nicole.”
Love for him spilled from her heart. She wanted to reach into his chest and, through sheer force of will, repair his broken soul. Unable to help him, frustration burned inside. She couldn’t look at him, so she motioned to the peaches. “These smell good, but I haven’t tasted them yet.”
He stuck his fork in one then slid a single slice between his lips. His eyebrow rose as he chewed.
She leaned against the table. “Is it okay?”
He winked at her and swallowed. “Food from the gods.”
A giggle bubbled up inside, and she bit into one for herself. The sweet flavor woke her taste buds, sending them into overdrive. “This is delicious.”
They ate in silence for a moment, enjoying the peaches and each other’s company.
She focused on the books. “Did you find anything else?”
“I read a passage on Mitan’s theoretical use of the reactor.”
“Theoretical?” She swallowed the last bite of peach and set the jar on the end of the table.
He nodded, setting his empty container next to hers and returning his attention to the book. “Mitan indicated he hadn’t tested the reactor yet, but that it needed all four elements to ignite.”
“All four elements? You’re testing my memory of my limited high school science class. Do you mean earth, water, fire, and air?”
He smiled. “Something like that. Here, let me read the next section.”
She gave him a quick nod.
He skimmed his finger over the text. “The four magical elements should ignite the reactor, sending hydrogen molecules through the portal to Lemuria. Once there, they can be combined with two oxygen molecules to create water.” Gaetan inhaled and glanced at her. “Mitan searched for water, too. Fascinating.”
She leaned closer to him, enjoying his unique fragrance as it washed over her. “What else does it say?”
He swept his gaze from her breasts to her eyes. Desire sparked within his depths, and she wanted to lose herself in them. No, she already had.
He swallowed and focused on the text once again. “A great energy burns from the rock, as if it has a mind of its own. If not used with care, it can be deadly to those that oppose it. Use caution.”
Nikki scrunched her nose. “Does that make sense to you?”
“Not initially, but let me continue.” He ran his hand through his hair and focused on the writing once again. “Initial tests indicate all elements must be present. The catalyst is the blue sunstone. Whoever possesses the magical gem shall command the other elements, Roan’s Rock, and the power within.”
“The blue sunstone…” Nikki pushed away from the table, her heart pounding. “Do you still have it?”
Faster than she thought possible, Gaetan stood. His sudden movement sent the chair crashing against the stone floor. He shoved his hand into his pocket. Relief flickered over his features. After withdrawing the stone, Gaetan raised the sacred gem to eye level. Light from the sunstones lining the walls flared, refracting in the blue crystal’s soft glow.
“Ginnia was right. We need this crystal.” Gaetan’s attention slid from the blue sunstone to Nikki. “The pieces are beginning to fit together. I believe we might have a chance in this war after all.”
Confusion clouded her mind. “What do you mean?”
He grasped her hand, unfurling her fingers. With deliberate attention, he swirled his thumb over the ‘M’ etched in her palm. “In addition to the blue sunstone, I believe we have all the magical elements. They are bound in the new Dren. You are Mitan’s descendant and your power is water. Sheri is also a descendant. Her power is fire. Air belongs to…”
The muscles in Gaetan’s shoulders tightened. His features darkened. He released her hand and staggered against the table. “No, no, no.”
Nikki’s pulse spiked. She rushed to his side and placed her hand on his broad back. “What’s wrong?”
“Melissa. She was the only other recent Dren. She had a shield power, the ability to bend air. Without her…” Ragged breaths eased from him.
The queen was dead. Nikki had never met Melissa, but she’d heard about her. “Sheri mentioned there are other Dren in the Keep. Do any of them have an air element for a power?”
“No. The other Dren all have telekinetic abilities to move or float objects. If not for Mauree, that traitorous…” Gaetan pushed away from the table. A tic pulsed in his jaw.
A tendril of fear snaked its way into Nikki’s chest. “What’s wrong?”
“Without Melissa, we can’t ignite Roan’s Rock.” A tremble wracked his body, and his brow beaded with sweat.
Nikki brushed her fingers down his arm. “There must be something we can do.”
“Craya, thinking of Melissa reminds me of the little prince. I made a vow to raise Anlon and still feel the commitment wrapped around my soul, so I know he’s alive. Mauree or one of her minions must’ve found him. He’s my responsibility. We can’t do anything about the elements without Melissa, so I must save Anlon.” He fumbled in his pocket and withdrew his satchel. Fingers trembling, he worked at the opening.
“Please don’t.” She placed her hand over his, trapping the small pouch in their combined grasp. “You don’t need this. You said yourself the pain is gone. I heard you when we first arrived in the cave.”
A wince crossed his features, darkening them. For several long seconds, neither moved, each evaluating the other. His jaw tightened, and he held out his palm. “Take them from me, please.”
Her heart ached for him, but she wouldn’t do it, wouldn’t become his new crutch. She drew her hand away and shook her head. “No. This is something you have to do on your own. Toss them into the water if you must, but I can’t do it for you.”
His brow furrowed, pain etched within the crease. “I…I…don’t know if I can.”
“I have faith in you.”
A keening cry erupted from him. He gripped the end of his cane, his fingers turning white from strain. A bead of sweat dribbled down the side of his face, evidence of his addiction. Jaw set, he strode toward the pool of water just outside the small room.
She followed him, hope filling her chest.
He stopped at the edge, the water lapping at the tiny pebbles. Clenched in his palm, the small ties of his satchel dangled from his fist. She stood behind him and couldn’t see his face, but the muscles in his shoulders tensed.
C’mon Gaetan, I know you can do it. She wanted to voice her encouragement, say it over and over until he threw the damned medicine away, but she remained silent.
He raised his fist above the water and uncurled his hand. Ties wrapped around his fingers, the satchel dangled in the air.
Nikki held her breath. Her heart pounded in her ears.
A deep, mournful cry tore from his throat. He curled his fingers around the satchel and brought it to his chest. Working the ties, he shoved his hand into the bag and withdrew a single pill.
“Gaetan…please don’t.” Nikki’s voice broke on a sob. Tears blurred her vision.
He met her gaze and shoved the small white tablet into his mouth. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “I’m sorry, Nicole. I can’t…”
A mixture of rage, bitterness, and grief ripped open her heart, as if smashing the fragile organ against the rocks at her feet instead of the pills she wished he’d crushed. Trembling, she turned her back on him.
“Nicole, I’m not worthy of you. There’s something you need to know—”
Not willing to hear anymore, she pressed her palms over her ears. No, no, no! This can’t happen. Her head spun, and she closed her eyes, trying to clamp down on the nausea rising in her throat.
He placed his hand on her arm.
“Don’t touch me.” She jerked away from him. Spittle flew from her lips.
He recoiled, pain etched in his beautiful eyes. “I’m the reason the Gossum attacked you.”
“What?” Her mind spun as she processed his words.
“When we were in the woods, the Gossum attacked you because of me. It’s my fault.” He winced, and she couldn’t stand to see that sad look on his face, the guilt etched deep in the creases in his forehead.
He cleared his throat. “The pain in my leg flared, and I knocked my cane against my knee. That’s why the Gossum turned to investigate, but instead of attacking me, the damned thing assaulted you. If it hadn’t been for me, you’d be home, living your life. What I’ve done to you is unforgivable.”
Her throat constricted, tightening to the point she almost couldn’t breathe. “I can’t go through the pain of seeing you slip down the slow road of addiction, not after watching my father spiral down. You’re too much like him.”
“Nicole, please.” He raised his hand, but then rested it at his side.
Steeling her heart, she used the fear, pain, and sadness flooding through her and swirled her palms over the water.
A tunnel opened, moonlight filtering through the hole.
Setting her jaw, she pointed toward it. “Go. Do what you must. Find Mauree and her minions.”
“I won’t leave you here.” Gaetan’s words slid inside, poking at the sore spot in her heart.
“Just go. Since I have your blood in me, I can contact Rin to open a portal and return to the Keep, alone.”
He flinched. The agony burning in his eyes just about did her in. She bit back a sob and shook her head.
The lines around his mouth constricted. He tightened his grip on his cane and strode through the opening, taking her heart right along with him.
The crushing pain in her chest had her gasping for breath, and the urge to follow him warred with her conviction. She couldn’t be with a mate addicted to drugs, no matter how much she loved him, no matter how much it hurt.