Chapter 8
Guilt
Janel watched as Julio walked away and instead of the pain and fear of rejection she’d felt before she was ate up with guilt. The look on his face when he’d realized she was with child had made her feel horrible. He’d immediately known the baby was his and never questioned that. It was obvious he felt betrayed and it would be hard to overcome that.
She went to her room where she paced and worried. There were no solutions here so she went to find Pru who was in her room with her feet propped up. “Hey Girlfriend.”
“Hey, Pru. Got a minute?”
“Sure do as long as I don’t have to stand on these feet with the swollen ankles. What’s happened?”
“Julio kidnapped me and we ended up at a house he rented that was spelled to keep me from escaping.”
“Clearly that didn’t work out.”
“No, he figured out I was pregnant and he felt betrayed. He brought me here and walked away.” A tear ran down one of Janel’s cheeks. She angrily brushed it away.
“So now that you think you’ve lost him forever it’s not so hard to forgive what he did?”
“You’re right. That’s how I feel. I wish I’d let him talk me into giving him another chance. Now it’s too late.”
“I doubt that it’s too late. You might have to give him a little time to stew, but you’re gonna have his baby so he’ll have to come to you.”
“That’s true if he cares about the baby.”
“There may be some males who don’t care, but most do.”
“What’s going to happen now? Herk’s made his report hasn’t he?”
“They want him to get someone closer to him inside Turnia to see what is really going on. They also want someone watching the spies that sent the message about Hubolla followers there. It will cover all their bases.” Pru explained.
“That sounds smart. We can’t take any chances if we want our children to enjoy a world that’s free.”
“It certainly makes it personal when you have a baby about to be born.”
“How close are you?”
“I may only have a month. It’s hard for them to tell.”
“You’re so lucky. I have at least two or I think so.”
“I know, Sweetie. Things will work out you just have to give it time.”
“I’m not a patient person.” Janel admitted.
“Me either, but sometimes there is no choice.”
“Not when it depends on other people. You think he’ll stay mad long?” She looked at Pru hopefully.
“If he talks to Herk, maybe he’ll come around faster.”
They sat around talking about unimportant things just to pass the time. It didn’t seem like hours had passed, but they had. Herk came in and looked surprised to see her. “Looks like things were going too smoothly. Julio wants you taken off battle duty.” Herk informed.
“It isn’t his decision. I’m in little danger where you have us standing behind the warriors.”
“Hey, I’m on your side for now. Pru will have to quit soon. So many of the witches are expecting we can’t afford to lose them all at once. He was just shocked, I think he’ll calm down after a while.”
“Do you really think so?” Janel asked hopefully.
“Sure. I believe he loves you. That’s why he’s so confused and hurt right now.” Herk admitted.
That didn’t make her feel any better. She’d been stubborn and now it was his turn to withhold forgiveness. It looked like their relationship would never work out. Maybe they were just not meant to be. Just the thought filled her with overwhelming sadness.
“He’ll come around. Even my stubborn mate did.” Pru encouraged.
“Thanks guys. I’m going to go downstairs and grab a snack before I turn in.”
After saying their goodbyes, she headed down to the dining room. A snack would help her sleep and tonight she would need the help. She thought about how good it felt to be in his arms and regretted being so stubborn a little bit more. Pru had Herk to rub her feet and share the joy of the baby when it kicked. All alone, it wasn’t as easy and it would just get harder.
In the dining room she made her way to the area where she ordered her food. A meat and cheese plate with a hot herbal tea to drink should relax her. She got her order and headed to the door just as Jespers and Julio were headed in. Jerking back in surprise, she almost spilled her hot tea on herself. Goddess, that male drove her crazy.
“Need some help?” Jespers asked.
“No, I can make it alright. Thank you.” She hurried by and Julio made no attempt to delay her. He’d not softened toward her at all yet.
Janel headed back up to her room. Once inside she ate her food, sipped her tea and tried not to think about him. It was a wasted effort. He seemed to be all she thought about. Why couldn’t their mating have been a normal one instead of full of trouble? She had never thought she really had bad luck so much as no luck.
Julio always seemed to have good luck as far as she could tell. That left her wondering where all this bad mojo was coming from. Everything had been so good to start with then Julio had doubts that finally caused him to walk away with little explanation. Then he changed his mind and she had her pride which certainly wasn’t going to keep her warm.
Now he felt betrayed by her not telling him about the baby right away. It seemed his pride was kicking in and stubbornness ruled. He’d wanted her to forgive him, but he wasn’t any more willing to do so himself. Tears began to fall as she sipped her tea. Once it was done she undressed and lay in bed naked crying herself to sleep. It seemed like nothing was ever going to work out for her.
She woke confused as she sensed someone in the room with her. “Who is there?”
“It’s just me.” Julio. He’d come to her as Pru had expected. Sitting on the edge of the bed, his hand reached out and touched her arm. “I don’t know what to do about us. How can one couple have so much trouble?”
“That’s what I was wondering as well.” Janel admitted.
“Do you think we can change that?”
“I was hoping we had managed to get through all the usual problems so we would have smooth sailing now.”
“I’d like to believe that.” His hand moved to her belly stroking it softly. The baby moved and he gasped. “How often does he move like that?”
“More and more often. In two months he should come out.”
“So soon?”
“Not nearly soon enough.”
“I know little about pregnancy and giving birth. Is it uncomfortable to carry him around?” Julio asked.
“It’s not too bad yet, but Pru is closer to having her baby and she has a lot of discomfort. What time is it?”
“It’s the middle of the night. Why don’t you move over and I’ll lie down with you?” He stood and began to undress.
“Okay.” She said but she meant goddess yes. Nothing would feel nearly so good as having her male hold her as she slept.
Julio was naked and he crawled in to bed next to her wrapping his arms around her. His body heat warmed her so she could finally relax. “How did you get in?”
“I just flashed in. After I had time to think I realized I wanted you to forgive my mistake but I was unwilling to forgive yours. If I made a move to bring us together, I hoped you would reciprocate. There’s been too much time spent apart when we belong together.”
“You’re right. As soon as you walked away I realized I’d been stubborn and now you were going to be. I didn’t know what to do to bring us back together.” She pressed closer to her mate breathing in his deep rich manly scent.
He smelled like sunshine and grass. It reminded her of when she was young and she laid or even rolled around in the thick grass around her home or down by the lake. Those memories were good. The new memories they were going to make would be the best once this horrible war was over.
Life could be great if the war was over and Hubolla defeated. They could go home and raise their children together. A large piece of land with room for her male and their children to roam. She was sleepy and the sweet thoughts helped her drift to sleep. He pulled her in even closer and she could hear his breathing even out as well.
She woke to hands stroking her and instantly her breathing was fast and her heartbeat sped up. “Goddess!”
“I hope that means you like what I’m doing.” Julio said as his hands seemed to stroke everywhere.
“Hell yeah! Just don’t stop.” Thankfully he didn’t.
He turned me around and his lips claimed mine and his tongue slid in her mouth. Her tongue met his in a sensual dance as her body heated with desire. This she’d missed but it was the love and affection she’d missed the most.
Pulling back, her hands slid down his throat stroking his chest and working their way lower until his hard cock was in her hands. Her thumb ran over the bead of come on the end of his shaft and she raised it to her mouth to take a taste. She moaned as Julio watched her every move.
“Goddess that’s a turn on.” Her mouth moved down his body following the path her hands had gone down until her head was over his cock.
“Then you’re going to love this.” She observed as her mouth widened and slid down his cock. A moan escaped his lips and his eyes rolled back. Nothing pleased her more than a responsive male.
Sliding back to the head of his cock her tongue rolled all around it. Julio breathed in heavy gasps. He was close to finding his release. Her mouth slid down all the way to the base and her lips tightened as they moved back and forth driving him wild. Faster and faster, she went deep and moaned once in a while since he seemed to love it.
“Janel, oh goddess you’re driving me crazy with need.” He admitted.
That was exactly what she had planned to do. This male was hers and she wanted him happy and satisfied. There would be no more being apart ever. She went down all the way just as he arched up and thrust into her throat.
“I’m coming.” He warned as she felt the hot semen sliding down her throat. It was a big load which made her believe he’d kept himself away from other females.
She took every last drop then slowly pulled up until she was at the head of his staff which came out with a pop. Janel smiled as she looked at her mate laying their relaxed and sated. It looked like things might work out for them this time. She could only pray to all the gods and goddesses that it would be so.
“That was amazing, but now it’s my turn.” Julio said with a growl. He pushed her down on her back and moved between her legs.
His nose moved to her pussy where he took a deep breath. “You smell heavenly.”
This time when he lowered his head, she felt his tongue run over the seam of her pussy and slide inside. It moved up to her clit where he rolled his tongue over and over. “Oh my goddess!” She screamed.
Julio moved a finger inserting it in her channel and pumped as he continued to lick. He added a finger and pushed harder and deeper as she moaned loudly. One more finger was added and now she felt him stretch her to the point it stung slightly. She knew it was necessary to prepare her for what was to come.
His fingers moved faster as his tongue continued to lick until she climaxed wildly. He was an amazing lover and he continued until she stopped screaming and her body settled down. That’s when he rolled her over and using his arm under her belly to lift her to her hands and knees. She looked over her shoulder where she could see his eyes glowing with need.
This was his favorite position probably because of his horse half. She could feel the head of his large cock press against her entrance. Instead of pulling forward, she pressed back against it and shivered as she felt him slowly sinking inside her. “Oh, yeah!”
Once he was in to the hilt, he paused to let her adjust before he began to move in and out. Before long he was pounding in and out as he groaned in enjoyment. “You feel damn good, Baby.”
“So do you.” She replied but it was building so much pleasure she lost her ability to speak.
She could feel him so deeply inside her she swore he tapped her womb with every stroke. He was hammering away at her groaning every once in a while with sweat pouring down his forehead. Janel looked at him again and saw the look of complete concentration on his face. It wouldn’t be long before they both had their release.
“Damn, I’ve missed this.” Julio yelled. She could totally relate to that. Months without any sex was being made up for in one morning. “I’m coming.”
“Me too.” She added.
They’d barely finished their gigantic climax before there was a knock on the door. “Meeting downstairs.” Jespers said.
“Terrible timing.” She observed.
“The worst.” Julio agreed looking like he’d had one hell of a workout. She smiled because they both had worked out in the nicest possible way.
“Shower?”
“Definitely.”
Janel dug her clothes out but Julio was on his own. He was stuck putting back on the clothes he’d worn here. Maybe it wasn’t dirty. Moving into the bathroom, she turned on the water setting it to as hot as she could handle. Stepping under the spray she moaned. Julio stepped in with her wrapping his arms around her.
“We’d better hurry or we’ll be late.”
“Hurry up and have sex or hurry by skipping it?” He asked.
“We’d better skip it and just get clean quickly.”
“You’re probably right.”
They each soaped up and shampooed taking turns rinsing off. “Next time we’ll have shower sex.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Julio insisted.
They dried, dressed, and headed down the stairs. A meeting called unexpectedly wasn’t a good thing.
Once they got downstairs, they entered the meeting room. They would not be the last ones to arrive. Pru and Herk looked at them with relief. “Together again?” They nodded together. “Thank the goddess.” Herk said.
“The meeting, good or bad?” Julio asked.
“A bit of both. We had a traitor but we now know about him.” Herk informed.
“Who?” Janel asked.
“Samson.” Pru said. It was clear she was upset and so was Janel. They’d both known and trusted him.
Everyone was there and Herk called the meeting to order. “We were lucky we didn’t attack Turnia. We had a traitor that fed us false information. From now on we will verify any information we receive. We could have lost allies and killed the innocent. The traitor was not within our numbers here but in those giving us information. Now our attacks will be slowing down as we take care to double check any information we get.”
“How can we double check all our information?” Jake yelled.
“We have talented spies in our own numbers we can use. Since we will have time off between attacks, there will be a roster to send people home for a week at a time. Those who can’t flash will be taken home and picked up at the end of the week. I believe the time off will be good for all of you.”
A few cries of approval sounded in the room. They’d not been here long as far as wars went, but few were used to long stays away from home. She thought it might be just what was needed for morale. Herk was definitely on to something. It seemed he had the first list of people to go home for a break was already assembled.
As he called off the names, there were some happy people stepping up. Those that could, headed home on their own. The others gathered in groups going to close locations. She got to take the group to California and the surrounding states. Julio insisted on going along to protect her. Males were funny. To believe that he could protect a powerful witch.
She wisely kept her mouth shut and just flashed to location after location until all their soldiers were home. Somehow she’d remember each location when it was time to get them back. Janel didn’t know how it worked, it just did. It was as automatic as breathing.
About a fourth of their troops would be gone until the end of the week. They still had plenty to protect their base until they came back and even enough to attack one of their bases if need be. Although Herk had been told they’d built up a following in this area, the groups in towns or small cities stayed separate from each other. It even looked as if they were unaware of other groups even those near them.
From a strategical point that made no sense. If they came together as an army they might have one those battles. Hopefully they would stay separate until they were all destroyed. She thought communication might be one of the flaws her people could take advantage of as long as they didn’t allow Hubolla’s troops to grow to a large number.
Julio pulled her into his arms. “You’re thinking too hard.”
“I worry about what is ahead.”
“It’ll be hard, but we’ll win.”
“I wish I had your confidence. Each battle hits harder as we watch the innocent die.”
“Think how many innocent will die if Hubolla enters our world.”
“I have and that’s what keep me going. But I still fear for our children’s futures.”
Julio grinned flashing his snow white teeth at her. “You already plan for more children?”
“No, I meant the children of all that battle beside us as well.”
“We will do what is asked of us and hope others will join our cause when they become aware of what may happen to our world. Hopefully, those of higher powers than ours will lend a hand.”
“What if they don’t?”
“Dwelling on the worst possible outcome never helped anyone win a fight.”
She knew he was right, but since she’d found out she was with child, she worried more than ever. It seemed so far that there was no way for her to stop. The baby moved, rolling around as if aggravated with her. Pru could communicate with her baby sometimes. She wondered if that would ever be possible for her.
“Let’s go upstairs. You flashed all over several states with a large group of people. You need rest.” She nodded. Tiredness suddenly rolled over her. He was right and she could barely walk now.
Her mate swept her into his arms carrying her away. They were in her room in no time. “Is my room nicer than yours?”
“Yes and Jespers is in mine. I didn’t think you would lie naked in my arms with him in the room.”
“You were right. I like him, but not in that way.”
“He likes you as well and I’m not sure that it isn’t in that way. He seems fascinated with witches and you and Pru in particular.” Julio admitted.
“Maybe his mate is a witch too? That would explain it, wouldn’t it?”
“It might. I hope he finds her soon because he was always made to be mated. He’s not the wild and wicked kind.”
“Are you admitting to something?”
“Me? I can’t remember anything I did before I met you. It was unimportant.”
“I never thought you would be romantic.” Janel admitted.
“Never was I until I met you. I’m a changed male wanting nothing but to spend my nights with you and my days as a mate and a father.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Me neither and I only wish I had realized it sooner. It would have saved us both from so much heart break.”
“We’ll put that in the past and build our future together.” She said it, but she knew the war would have to be overcome before they’d find any peace.
Chapter 9
Moving On
Julio agreed with Janel hoping they could finally move on. A break from battle like the one they were getting now would be good for relationship building. A romantic weekend on the town would be good for Janel and distract her from any pregnancy discomfort. He was pleased with his plan.
Now that morning was upon them, he intended to woo his beautiful mate. “I was planning a trip to town. We’ll be doing some walking so dress accordingly.”
“Okay. We playing tourist?”
“We are. They have a marketplace where many artisans display their wares for tourist to purchase.” Julio knew Janel could send any purchases wherever she wanted them to go.
“That sounds wonderful.” Janel’s eyes were bright and her cheeks flushed with excitement.
He took her hand and they flashed to town. A short walk down hill and they’d be at the market which was set in the valley below. It looked like a large attendance both for merchants and customers. They made it quickly since they were both in good shape. The first booth had clothing and Janel immediately began searching for things.
A lovely dress, yellow with black lace caught her eye and she had him hold it. There was a baby blanket in a soft green color woven by a local. He held that as well while she looked at a full size blanket in a matching color. Touching the baby blanket he was amazed by how soft it was.
She added a skirt and a top then began to bargain with the stall owner. Janel was pleased with the price and the fact that the seller threw in a huge bag with a tropical scene on it. After folding all the items carefully, she got them all in the bag. They walked down a deserted alley and she sent the bag of bargains to her room.
It was a good start for their date. Julio would do anything for his perfect mate. The next stall was popular for most buyers. It was loaded with silver jewelry of exquisite detail. His sweet female left him behind temporarily as she ran to pick out some items.
“It’s just a few months until Christmas.” She shared.
Julio stepped back so the crowd wouldn’t keep bumping him and watched his lovely Janel as she selected items and bargained when she had a pile. This trip was pleasing her and he was so glad he’d thought of it. A few more stalls and it would be lunchtime. He could already smell the foods some of the vendors were cooking and his stomach rumbled with interest.
Another stall, this one with baby items like cradles, rocking chairs, and a lovely rocking horse. The horse caught his interest and he examined it closely. “You have a good eye for craftsmanship.” The seller said from behind him.
“It’s a great piece of work. Does the crafter do custom orders?”
“He does. Of course the price is higher.”
“Expected. How about a unicorn?”
“Painted white or wood?”
“Painted white.”
The male shot off a price and Julio nodded. “That is acceptable.” They exchanged information. “Do you need a deposit?”
“No, if you don’t take it, someone else will.”
Okay, that was an incentive to make sure he came to get it when the male called. He found Janel haggling for two wooden cribs. Once negotiations were done she came back to me. “I got him to include delivery free.” Janel noted.
That made things easier. “How much did you buy?”
“Two cribs, one is for Pru, a rocker, and a rocking horse.”
By the time the trip was done he thought they might be fully supplied. They went through several more stalls buying seasonings, spices, oils and vinegars. There were candles of many scents and once they hit the stall with chocolates and candies, he knew it was time to eat.
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes, this would be a good time to eat.” Janel agreed.
“Let’s go to the place all those delicious aromas are coming from.” He suggested.
He escorted his mate carrying her bags to a table. The food vendor had an open fire cooking meats and vegetables much like they had a century ago. Before the war started tourists had flocked here for the rustic atmosphere of a time long gone. Now only a few brave or foolish souls that weren’t local came here. The stories spread of outlaws attacking tourists had been necessary to keep the innocent from being harmed.
Julio went up to a long rough table to put in an order. Half the table was covered with fruit and drinks were in a large cooler at the feet of the male taking orders. “I’d like two specials with some of the fruit, a juice and an ale.”
The cashier quickly totaled the order, Julio paid, and a small amount of change was given before two plates were set down with the drinks and fruit. Julio brought Janel hers first then went back to get his. The prices here were high, but the food was good.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Very much. I love that you came up with this.”
While no one watched she transported the bags to her room. It made things easier since they would have nothing to carry. They ate and drank speaking of unimportant things. It was like a real date when everyone was in a light hearted mood. This they would do again and soon.
Once the food was done, they ambled through more booths, but he saw Janel was getting tired and soon they would find a spot to flash home. Home was a funny term that meant different things at different times. Right now it was Janel’s room at the base, but really it was wherever she was to him. Thankfully he’d discovered he would never be happy without her before it was too late to claim her.
They made it to the end of the stalls, but after lunch she had not done any shopping. “It’s time to go back.” He declared.
“You won’t get an argument from me.”
Looking at her he could almost feel her tiredness. They ducked into a patch of trees and flashed away. They never saw the males who followed them into the trees and looked surprised when they couldn’t find them.
They made it back instantly to a room where the bed was covered in purchases. Janel immediately began to sort through them letting him know his hopes of sex wouldn’t be realized. She even called Pru over and the two of them went through each item discussing it.
“Want to go have a drink?” Herk asked after he appeared at the door.
Glancing at the two females who looked like they would be busy awhile, he looked back at Herk. “Why not.” They flashed downstairs to a room Pru usually used to gather the females for tea. Knowing she was busy right now paid off.
Herk pulled a bottle of whiskey out from a potted plant. Julio raised an eyebrow at that. “Pru can’t drink while she’s pregnant so she doesn’t want it around her.”
Julio wondered if Janel would get that way too. He’d do what he had to in order to keep her happy just as Herk was doing with Pru. “We poor males do what we must.”
“I wish you hadn’t taken Janel to town. It’s dangerous and Pru has wanted to go but I’ve refused to take her.”
“Why?”
“Someone’s not reading their notifications. We’ve had Intel that they’re targeting our females. They know they can get to us that way. Hubolla’s people won’t care that they’re pregnant. It’s too big a risk to take. Now Pru’s going to say Janel went with no problems.”
“I’m sorry, Bro. Tell her Janel had no problems because they were caught off guard. Now they will be looking harder. That’s scary thinking of the risk I took.”
“I’ll admit it surprised me. It made me wonder if you got desperate to get her back and had to promise to take her there.” Herk admitted.
“Desperate, yes. But it never occurred to me to make promises like that. She never asked either.”
“They’ll all want to go now. Regardless of what we tell them, we’ll have to watch them so they don’t sneak out.”
“Pru is uncomfortable enough from her pregnancy that I doubt she’d leave here.” Julio observed.
“Are you crazy? That’s why she’d go. She wants a distraction. Something to hold her interest so her attention is not only on how she feels. It’s like when you are wounded but can still get around. You want to fight so you don’t dwell on your pain.”
“Is it that bad?”
“It is and sometimes it’s worse. I’ve been told it will only increase as the baby grows.”
“Shifters can be bigger than humans or witches.” Julio whispered.
“She doesn’t know that yet. No one with any sense would tell her either. Who knows, the baby may be small.” Herk said. Julio looked at him like he was crazy.
“We can hope.”
“What are you two in here hoping about?” Pru asked. Both Julio and Herk jumped. “Feeling guilty?”
“No, of course not. It was just male talk about the war.” Herk insisted.
“What he said.” Julio agreed.
Janel came to him and hugged him. “My hero. Pru is jealous because her grumpy male won’t take her to town to shop.”
“About that. Apparently I missed some of the warnings about threats to our females in the surrounding communities.” Julio admitted.
“Having regrets about showing me a good time?” Janel asked quietly.
“No, of course not, but we can’t go again. If we do it will be far out of the war zone.” Julio insisted.
“We’re together for two days and he’s already been corrupted.” Janel said rolling her eyes then looking at Pru.
“I told you that would happen. These males stick together.” Pru observed.
“We are only concerned with your safety. You should be too with the little ones inside you.” Julio declared.
“You went there? There is so much we can’t do because we are expecting and now we can’t even go shopping.” Pru said.
“I’m sorry, Sweetness. I’ll make it up to you after the baby is born.” Herk offered.
“So meanwhile I have to be miserable?” Pru asked.
“It seems that way.” Janel stated.
Both females turned and walked away talking about alpha males and how they wished males had to carry the offspring. Julio shuddered. He didn’t want to carry any offspring. Truly he wished he could make things easier on his mate, but there seemed no way to do so.
“What do we do with them?” Julio asked as he watched them walk away.
“The best we can. Maybe they’ll realize the danger and give up on their wishes.” Herk suggested. Julio looked at him in astonishment. Yeah, right.
The next few days went well enough. He should have realized the females were too quiet and obedient. It was easy to let go of the worries and hope for the best, but it wasn’t smart. Four days later he had his first hint that all was not well. Julio was in the gym working out with Jespers when Herk came in looking frantic.
“Have you seen Pru?” He asked.
“No, we’ve been here over an hour. Is she with Janel?” Julio asked.
“Why didn’t I think of that?” He asked sarcastically. “I can’t find either one of them.”
“Have you checked at the gate?” Jespers asked.
“I haven’t because I’m hoping they are still inside somewhere.” Herk admitted.
“Gate. Answer.” He said into his radio.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Have you seen Pru or Janel?” Herk asked. There was a long pause.
“I’m not sure but we saw two females heading down the road. They didn’t go through the gate but they appeared suddenly. It may have been them.” The soldier replied.
That made sense. The two females knew they couldn’t just appear in town with all the humans around. Instead, they had flashed outside their headquarters and continued down the road. Julio had no doubt their mates were going to town. Now they would have to go and catch them before something terrible happened.
“What now?” Julio asked.
“We flash as close as we can without being seen and hunt our misbehaving mates.” Herk instructed. He touched Jespers and Julio before flashing off. They ended up in the trees near town. Their females were nowhere to be seen.
Stepping out of the patch of woods, they followed the street checking out each store as they passed finding nothing. Being supernatural helped as they picked up the scent of their mates. They had been through here not long ago as had dozens of others. They couldn’t move faster with so many stalls, alleys, and other people moving along.
Julio was worried more than he had been when he found out their mates had escaped the base. He felt watched and he wondered if the girls had been captured. If they had, someone would pay. They were at the place he and Janel had eaten and other than an old scent, there was no sign of their females.
Things weren’t looking good and Herk was getting angry. At this point Julio had to admit Herk was right about the risks of coming to town. As they continued walking down the last half of the stalls they were finding only the lightest smell of their mates. Anger and frustration rose in him as the fact that they’d been taken became clear.
How was obvious as was when. The question became where and how were they being treated. As they reached the last stall he was ready to howl like a wolf. He’d finally come to terms with his mate only to have her taken away. They’d stolen not only his mate, but his foal. A murderous rage burned inside him as he tried to think past the pain.
If he got her back, she would never be allowed to get away from him again. The question was, would he get her back. “Where do we search now?”
“We call in all our spies. Everyone in the field must be grilled to see if they know or saw anything. We will find our mates. We must.” Herk assured.
Julio just wished he could believe him. They had walked down the road and were out of sight of town now. They flashed back to the base. Now they searched in all the usual places just hoping their females had come back home. It was a wasted effort. They both collapsed in chairs in Herk’s suite.
“If I wanted to find someone I would look for a witch.” Julio said.
“The two most powerful ones are missing.” Herk reminded.
“Maybe one with less power or one further away could do the task anyway.”
“Winifred hangs around Pru sometimes trying to learn. If she can’t find them, perhaps she’ll know who we should ask?” Herk got up and went to the door where a guard stood. “Find Winifred and send her to me.” The guard hurried off.
It was nearly an hour later, during which he and Herk went crazy, when Winifred popped in. “What’s up? The guard wouldn’t tell me a thing.” Winifred was smacking her gum and looked about seventeen.
Julio looked at Herk in disbelief. “You think she can locate our mates?”
“It’s worth a try. Winifred, Pru and Janel have been taken. I need you to find them.”
“You’ve got to be joking. They are both powerful witches. Maybe they’re hiding from you two. You both overdo the protective mate thing.” Winifred observed.
“What if you’re wrong? Are you willing to take that chance?” Herk asked. Now the girl looked worried. She chewed on her lip and looked around as if she could find the answer in a corner of the room.
“Okay, but you’ll owe me one.” She said.
“That’s acceptable.” Herk responded.
Winifred set up at one of Pru’s tables. She pulled out a candle and a paper writing Pru and Janel’s names on it. Quickly she burned the paper which divided in half. Her face paled showing she wasn’t liking what she was seeing.
“They are not together. Pru is hiding in the woods where you looked earlier today. She escaped with Janel’s help. I can’t track Janel something is blocking it. Get Pru now, she is in danger.”
Both males flashed quickly splitting up to find Pru. Julio yelled when he found her. She looked rough with her clothes torn and dirt all over. Scratches were on her face and legs. Goddess help them all if they hurt his mate.
“Pru, it’s okay. I’ve got you.” Julio said. Herk appeared in seconds pulling his mate into his arms. They flashed back to the base.
It was obvious to him Pru wouldn’t be able to help them locate Janel any time soon. She was nearly hysterical, exhausted, and hurt. At best, it would be morning before she was in a proper state to attempt a spell. Herk hustled her away and while he was still lacking information to find his mate, he understood.
Instead of worrying and being frustrated, he flashed back to the patch of trees and waited for those searching for Pru. They could answer some questions. It wasn’t long before he heard a male moving through the thicket surrounding the trees sounding like a herd of elephants. He flashed behind him and had him neutralized and contained before he could let out a sound.
Flashing him to the prison under headquarters, he took several restraints and headed back. Once he’d gotten three of them, he saw there would be no more. It was time to go back to question his prisoners. He started with the small one who looked as if he would pee his pants. The kid looked young, maybe fourteen.
“You would be wise to just tell me what you know so things don’t have to get bloody. I doubt you know anything I don’t anyway.” Julio said. “I caught the others that were with you.”
“I only know we were hunting a witch.”
“What of the other witch?”
“When we left, she was in Junito at the jail. I doubt she’s there now.”
Julio flashed away to the jail in Junito with hope in his heart. As soon as he arrived he knew she was no longer there. “Damn!” Now all he had was the opportunity to pay back some assholes that thought imprisoning an innocent pregnant female was the right thing to do.
He appeared behind the jailer. “Boo!” The man jumped two feet in the air. Turning, he shivered with fear as he stared at Julio.
“What do you want?” He asked.
“I’m looking for my wife. I was told she was here not long ago?”
“There was a woman. Jorge had her in the first cell. He had two but one escaped.” The jailer laughed. “Jorge is an ass. I hope he gets beaten for losing the one.”
“Tell me where he went and I’ll make sure he loses the other one too.”
He looked Julio over closely. “I bet you could. They went to Turnia. There’s a group that Jorge works for. The jailer and the mayor support them. The townsfolk for the most part are innocent. There’s a facility under the city hall. That’s where she’ll be.”
“Many thanks.” Julio said as he flashed out in front of the human. There was no time to waste.
Appearing in the basement of the Turnia city hall, he thought it looked like a medieval castle’s dungeon. Torches hung on the hallway walls with only a few lit. The odor was dank the atmosphere dismal. Walking along the hall he found Janel quickly. She looked like she’d been tortured until she’d passed out.
Opening her cell, he grabbed her and flashed her to the base and had the guard call a healer. Next he got Herk and quickly told him what he’d found out. They grabbed weapons and restraints before heading back to Turnia. Herk went upstairs while he went back to the basement. A male had just stepped out of the cell in a panic.
“Jorge?” Julio yelled.
“Where’d she go?” He asked.
“Escaped.”
“Did you see her get away?”
“She mumbled a spell and was gone.” Julio said.
“Damn witches. She’s just signed my death warrant.”
Julio pulled out a gun and shot him in the heart. “That’s exactly what taking her did.”
There seemed to be no one else in the basement so he flashed to Herk. It was a good thing because he was outnumbered and they were after blood. Pulling his gun, he shot the other two males leaving the mayor for Herk. He had him restrained in seconds.
“Now what?” Julio asked.
“Put the other two downstairs and we’ll take him with us.”
Julio flashed them both at the same time and flashed back to base where Herk had the mayor strapped to a chair. The male looked frightened as he should.
“I bet you think you’re so smart. You convinced us not to rip your town apart.” Julio observed.
“You got all of us except Jorge. The others are not part of the plan.” The mayor said. “We had no choice, except for Jorge who is truly evil. They have our families.”
“Jorge is no longer a worry.” Julio admitted.
“You’ve saved hundreds of people. That male loved to kill.” The mayor informed.
“I need to go.” Julio looked at Herk who nodded.
He flashed to Janel who was still out but now she was clean and her scratches had eased. Her bruises had darkened making them look worse but he knew it meant they were healing. “Is she okay?” Julio asked.
“She needs rest. I believe she is exhausted and sore. I’ve dulled her pain but I can’t take it away completely because many things might be harmful to the baby. It’ll be a week or more before she is fully recovered, but recover she will.” The old healer said before she left.
Grabbing her hand, he sat in the chair next to the bed. The fear he’d felt when he couldn’t find her had almost given him a heart attack. There had been fear again when he had found her and seen her terrible condition. Killing that monster had helped, but he needed her back to herself. His mate was his life.
Fixing some food, he ate it then fixed her some soup. The healer had left a list of recommendations and that was on it. When the soup was lukewarm, he tried to wake her. Apparently it was too soon. He put the soup up and stripped lying down beside her. With her in his arms he willed some of his strength onto her.
At some point he fell asleep. It was a good deep sleep and he felt better when he woke. Getting up, he tried to get her to wake for food again without luck. Sleep was the most important but a little food would also help. She still managed to frustrate him without even meaning to.
He killed some time and this time she woke. “Oh goddess it hurts.”
“I need you to eat some soup.”
“I can’t even concentrate much less swallow.”
“You will try.”
“You’ve been hanging out with Herk too much.” Janel accused.
“Here, I will help.” He put the spoon to her mouth and emptied it as she opened. It was slow, but she finally finished the bowl.
“What happened?”
“All I know is we figured out you were gone. Winifred found Pru and we went and got her. You weren’t with her but I eventually found you, killed the one that hurt you and now you are here recovering.”
“You’re not going to let me go anywhere, are you?”
“Not any time soon. You scared me to death. I feared you were dead or gone somewhere I could never find you.” Julio admitted. It was wasted words. He looked at her and she had fallen asleep again.
A few days passed as she regained her strength and her health. She wouldn’t say exactly what happened, but at least he was sure it wasn’t sexual and the one who tortured her was dead. Pru felt guilty, that was obvious and she visited often.
“We need to reevaluate our plans. The one who told us Turnia had a nest of Hubolla followers was correct after all. It was just undercover and hard to locate.” Herk said. “I wonder how many such nests they have.”
“One less and soon we’ll discover a way to find more.” Julio answered.
“The mayor was helpful, but they shared little with him. What he knew came from things overheard or idiots who didn’t think before they talked. It was still a help. I’m keeping him in jail while I have males trying to find his family.”
“Smart decision. He can be used against us until his family is freed.”
“Pru hasn’t been the same since we brought her back. She blames herself for what happened at least the part where she left Janel behind.” Herk admitted.
“Let me talk to her. No one blames her.” Herk nodded.
Julio went looking and found Pru in her tea room looking like the world was about to end. “There you are. I’ve been wanting to talk to you. Thank you for all you did to get Janel back.”
“Me? I did nothing.”
“Not true. Had it not been for you telling us the males were after you, we wouldn’t have found her. I captured them and traced their information back to her. It also helped us find a hidden nest where we least expected it.”
“I should have done more.” Pru’s eyes were full of tears she fought to hold back. “I should have never left her.”
“Had you not left her, you would both be dead now. We can’t always control how things happen but if you are ever caught again and only one can escape, they must. That is your only hope. You escaping is not sacrificing another. It is the only chance you had.” Julio said before he walked away. It was his hope that once she thought about it, she would realize he was right.
It was time to check on his own mate. She was sitting in the rocker asleep. Janel still slept a lot but she tried to get up as much as she could. He knew she was afraid there would be a battle and she would not be available when they needed her. If anything, seeing the character of those who followed Hubolla had strengthened her will to fight them. Doubt no longer plagued her.
His mate was filled with a cold resolve to destroy those who led the rogues. It was a good thing she no longer felt doubts, but he wished she remembered life was about enjoying every day too. They hadn’t had sex since she’d been brought back. He hoped they would tonight.
He was staring at her awed by her beauty as always when her eyes blinked then popped open. “Hello, Mate. How do you feel today?”
“I am fine.” What a liar. He could see she was anything but fine. Her incident still caused her anguish.
“You need to let it go. The male is dead as are the others that helped him.” Julio insisted.
“It takes time to put things such as that behind me. How is Pru doing?”
“Better every day. She cries for you.”
“She need not. Pru did the best she could under the circumstances. I told her to go and send help and she did.”
“You suffered and she is aware of that. It pains her as it does all of us.”
“I’m a soldier and have been injured before.”
“That’s true, but this is different.” Julio suggested.
“Why? Why does it feel so different?”
“You felt helpless. That’s hard for a strong warrior like you.”
“That’s true, but it seems more than that.”
“You saw the ugly side of an enemy. Such evil is rare and hard to swallow.”
“He enjoyed inflicting pain and threatened our baby.” Janel admitted.
“He was a coward and is dead. He’ll never bother you again. All you have to do now is move on.”