Adriel awoke to the gentle hum of machines. He lifted his head from the bed and saw his hand still wrapped around Eilam’s. Sitting up straighter in the hospital chair, he saw that Noah was no longer linked to the machine and was now dozing lightly in the chair on the other side of the bed, his hand still entwined with his brother bear’s.
Eilam’s eyes were closed, but Adriel noted a little more color in the man’s face. He was no longer as white as the sheets he slept in.
A nurse came into the room and checked the machines. Adriel sensed the power in her and knew her to be one of his kind. A witch.
“How is he?”
“He’s gaining strength, Your Majesty. It appears the transfusion helped.”
Adriel lifted a hand and wiped the sleep from his eyes. “Good news, indeed.”
“It is,” the nurse finished her checks before turning to him. “Is there anything I can get for you, Your Majesty?”
“No, thank you,” he murmured before she smiled and left the room.
The witch waved a hand and the lights lowered slightly before she bowed and exited the room.
Once they were alone again, Adriel took the opportunity to look over both shifters. They were huge—both well over six feet and muscled all over. They dwarfed his five foot six frame and took up too much space in the room.
Yet he’d never felt safer than inside that little room with them.
Both were dark haired and handsome. Eilam had a stately, almost regal look to his face—especially now in slumber. At least now there was no anger in the lines of Eilam’s face. That anger was too familiar these days. They had argued too much… the desire they had morphing into something ugly. He hated it, even more now.
He allowed his gaze to travel over every inch of the man’s face before turning to his brother bear and doing the same. Noah was dark and brooding, with a little danger in his look.
Together, they were even more dangerous. He’d felt it the second Noah had walked into the room. The lust he felt for Eilam had doubled in an instant.
Fortunately, the fear he had for Eilam’s survival had been stronger.
He rose to his feet and stretched his body before heading for the door.
“Leaving?”
Adriel turned to see Noah’s eyes barely open. How long has he been awake? Did he see me staring at him? Embarrassment wasn’t an emotion he had much familiarity with, and it threw him off guard.
“Just checking in with my guardsmen,” he answered before opening the door.
Apparently, a changing of the guard had taken place as he slept. Garretson and Cannon now stood on either side of the doorway, not Kaeso and Ruger.
“Your Majesty,” Garretson murmured before both men bowed. After they rose, Garretson asked, “How is Eilam?”
“Improving, but he still hasn’t awakened. I plan to remain here until he does.”
Garretson nodded. “We will be here to protect you, sire.”
“Is there any news on who the attacker was?” Adriel asked.
“Theis and Valen notified us they’re on the way. They have information on that front to share with you,” Garretson answered.
“Good. Send them in as soon as they arrive. I want to know who attacked us.”
He returned to the room, his gaze washing over both men. Eilam still slept as Noah stared back.
“Any news?”
“Two of my guards are on their way with information. I’ve asked that they be sent right in to share it.”
“Do you mind telling me what you know?”
“Of course,” Adriel said before returning to his seat and taking Eilam’s hand in his. “We were arguing—Eilam and I. As we do so often. As he was storming out, a portal opened inside my study. Directly between us. An assassin—all in black—emerged and attacked. My magic bounced off the assassin… Eilam threw himself between me and the attacker. Eilam killed the man in black.” The king paused, tears shimmering in his eyes again. “Just as the assassin slit his throat.”
Adriel paused again, trying to hold back the emotion he felt. When he could speak again, he lifted his stare. “My magic doesn’t work on Eilam for some reason. That’s saved him from a few slings and arrows over these past months as we’ve argued, but it also prevented me from helping him when it mattered most. The door was bound by magic… no one could get inside to help. I had my hands at his neck, trying to stop the bleeding. I had to let go and break the spell on the door or… he definitely would’ve died.” Adriel gasped. “But I wonder if those precious few seconds made things worse for him. If he awakens and isn’t himself…”
“It sounds as if you did all you could,” Noah murmured. “Had you not opened that door, he might not be here struggling at all.”
The thought gripped him so hard he could barely breathe. Had Eilam lost his life… Adriel looked down at Eilam’s hand, sure he’d felt a faint squeeze. “I think he gripped my hand.”
Noah sat up straighter. “Eilam… we’re here, my love. We’re here, and we’re waiting for you to wake up. Just open your eyes… even if it’s for a moment. Let us know you hear us and that you’re okay.”
Eilam’s lids fluttered some. He opened his eyes and stared at Noah for a moment before they fell closed again seconds later. Adriel lifted Eilam’s hand to his lips again and pressed a kissed to the man’s knuckles.
Those bright eyes opened again and pinned him with a glance before they closed once more.
Adriel let out a strangled cry, thankful for a sign Eilam was coming back to them.
Not us.
He’s coming back to Noah.
Noah moved closer and brushed a few strands of hair from Eilam’s face. “You sleep and get stronger, brother bear. We’re here when you’re ready.”
There is no we. Them. They’ll be reunited. And I’ll be alone… just as I have been.
At least I’ll be alone, knowing Eilam is safe.
For now.
The door opened, and Theis appeared. “Your Majesty?”
“Come,” Adriel said, urging his guardsman inside.
Theis entered fully, and Valen followed. The latter shut the door.
“What can you tell me?” Adriel asked.
“Not as much as you want, I’m afraid,” Theis said. “The attacker turned to ash soon after Eilam was taken from the room. We had no chance to see his face.”
“Damn it,” Adriel cursed.
Valen fished something from a small bag. He lifted his forefinger and thumb, holding a small item. “Something that didn’t dissolve were his teeth. Fangs, actually. The other is being tested to see if we can find who he was.”
The king rose from his seat and crossed the space. He spied the tooth before taking it from Valen’s hand. “Vampire? But he had dark magic. Magic so strong, I struggled to defend against it.”
Adriel was considered the most powerful warlock in Midnight. If it got out that another had bested him, it would be hard to live down.
“The Midnight Accords put an end to witches being changed into vampires many centuries ago, but this lot has little use for laws. Do you think they were able to change a witch or warlock over to the cause?” Theis asked.
“At birth, witches are bound by magic that prevents them from being changed by a vampire. I find it next to impossible,” Valen answered.
“What about Hart?” Noah said from behind them.
Adriel looked over one shoulder.
“Hart was born in the human world. A natural witch who had no idea the power he had. The witch world knew nothing of him. If a vampire had found someone like Hart… could he be changed?” Noah asked.
Adriel turned to Noah. “Just how much does Eilam share with you?”
“Everything,” Noah answered.
“Considering he’s heading the team that’s destroying the illegal portals, he needs to know what Eilam knows,” Valen said.
Adriel turned and stared at Noah, ire rising in his blood. “I told Eilam you were not to be on that team.”
Noah frowned. “Why’s that?”
Because I couldn’t have both of you in my presence. Yet he hadn’t laid eyes on Noah so far…
Explains why the reports haven’t been as thorough as usual. Eilam had been hiding something from him. Were there other things the bear shifter hid from him? “You’re the one responsible for the recent closure of the portals? I saw the reports come across my desk. Five in one day… that was… impressive.”
“My team is responsible… and potentially the cause for this attack,” Noah said. “We struck them, so perhaps they had to strike back.”
“That’s an interesting theory,” Valen murmured.
Adriel stared at Noah. Another protector. Working to keep Midnight safe.
Yet here they were, with one of them struck down. “You were doing as I asked. The portals need to be closed down. If anyone is to blame, it’s me,” Adriel said.
A scream sounded from the hallway.
The crashes of a fight outside filtered into the room.
A blast of magic knocked the room’s door across the room, and knocked both Valen and Theis off their feet until it smashed into the outside window. The twinkling of glass sounded as another assassin covered in black stepped into the room, smoke swirling around him.
Adriel lifted his hands and flung a ball of energy at the assassin—who dodged it. He drew more power into his palms and took a step closer, as did the assassin. They both fired at the same time. Adriel and the assassin were both knocked off their feet.
Three roars filled the room.
A bear raced past him and leapt onto the assassin, just as both Valen and Theis closed in.
The glimmer of claws glinted before the paw swept down and sliced through the attacker.
Adriel scented the coppery odor of blood and climbed to his feet. The huge bear breathed heavily as it hovered above the lifeless assassin.
The king stared at Noah in his bear form, shocked by the animalistic side to the male. The bear turned to face him, bright eyes illuminated. Heat slammed into Adriel.
My protector.
Adriel shoved the emotion aside, focusing on the assassin.
Theis ripped the mask off the attacker, and Adriel could see the red slash along the male’s neck. Blood flowed steadily from the deadly wound Noah had made. The king stepped closer, getting a better look at the man’s face. “I don’t recognize him. I know all the witches and warlocks in Midnight.”
Valen lifted the attacker’s top lip.
Fangs.
“Another one,” Theis said.
Adriel moved to the door and saw both Cannon and Garretson were knocked out, but breathing. Small wounds were already beginning to heal over their hands and faces. A few nurses were already checking them over, so Adriel turned back to Theis and Noah—who had returned to his human form.
His naked human form.
Adriel averted his eyes, looking at Eilam lying silently in the bed. Unfazed and unmoved by what had transpired only feet away from him.
What if the assassin had further wounded him? What if Noah had been hurt?
Two attacks. One so brazen, right after the other. He’d never encountered anything like it… He didn’t know how to protect himself.
Or those he cared about.
Snapping his fingers, he found himself on the beach.
Alone.
“Damn it,” he whispered, snapping his fingers again. He’d forgotten for a second that his magic didn’t work on Eilam. Apparently it didn’t work on Noah, either. He reappeared in the hospital room, a glaring Noah walking closer.
“Where did you go?”
“Somewhere safe,” Adriel said. “Somewhere I’m taking you and Eilam. I’m going to open a portal. You’ll have to carry Eilam inside.”
“He’s attached to the machines,” Noah said.
“Unplug him. We need to get him to safety so he can heal,” Adriel said. “Before another attack injures him further.”
“He needs a hospital,” Noah lamented. “They aren’t sure how he’ll be when he awakens.”
“He’s not safe here!” Adriel cried. “Another assassin might be on their way!”
Noah eyed him a moment before heading to the bed and taking off some of the leads. The machines began to ring out alerts. Adriel ignored the sounds and began to open a portal. A wind formed as he allowed the power to run through his hands.
“Where are you going, Your Majesty?” Theis asked.
“It’s better no one knows,” Adriel said, moving his hands around in a circle.
“We can’t have you simply disappear,” Valen said.
“Find my uncle, Ralnur,” Adriel said to Theis instead of answering.
“I’ll be back to check in once you have Ralnur inside the castle. Inside my study.” He began to chant an incantation… and the air shimmered before opening up. He turned to see Noah lifting Eilam into his arms. “Come… hurry.”
Noah paused at the edges of the portal. “Where are you taking us?”
“Somewhere no assassin can get close,” Adriel said.
Noah met his stare. After a few seconds, he nodded and moved through the opening. Adriel followed them and closed the portal once on the other side.
He turned to see Noah staring out over the sea. Noah turned, looking up at the mansion filled with windows. “Where are we?”
“A realm of magic.”
Noah frowned.
“Similar to the magic that made the city of Midnight. But this is my own, private refuge. No one gets in that I don’t invite.” He looked down at Eilam in Noah’s arms. “Come. I have a bed for him to rest in.”
Adriel led the way inside the house and up the stairs. At the top, Noah paused and leaned against the railing. “Are you okay?” Adriel asked.
“That transfusion really took it out of me.”
Between the transfusion and then shifting, the fight, and now carrying a huge shifter, Noah was apparently close to his limit. Without being able to use his magic, Adriel wasn’t much help. “It’s not too much farther.”
After a moment, Noah rose to his full height and soldiered on. Adriel pulled back the bedding and watched as Noah placed Eilam into the huge bed.
“What if he doesn’t improve? He might need the doctors,” Noah said as he rested on the side of the bed.
“We can take him back if he begins to decline,” Adriel said. “But you saw him open his eyes. He’s getting better.” I can sense it. He waved a hand and a heart monitor appeared, hooked to Eilam’s arm. It began to beat regularly, a slow, even tempo. The sound brought hope to Adriel.
As long as it beats steadily, there is hope.
“I hope you’re right,” Noah said before scrubbing a hand over his face.
Adriel’s head turned at the parroting of that word. Hope. They both needed it, now more than ever.
“Are you hungry? Need anything?” Adriel asked. He waved a hand and a pair of drawstring pants appeared on the bed beside Noah. “Besides something to cover up with, that is?”
Noah chuckled before grabbing the pants and pulling them on. “I forget those who are not shifters have an issue with nudity.” He rose to draw the pants on. Adriel tried not to notice the cut muscularity of his narrow hips as he slid them up. “How can your magic not work on me—yet I can wear these pants you’ve made?”
“I can’t do anything directly to you. I couldn’t make the pants appear on your body—but I can make the pants. If that makes sense.”
“So you could’ve made a bandage and affixed it to Eilam’s neck, to stop the bleeding?”
Adriel paused, realizing his oversight. “I suppose I could have. The thought hadn’t come to my mind.” Years of simply making things happen had made him weak in a moment he’d needed clarity.
Noah stared at him, his gaze feeling as if it saw too much. Adriel took a step back and turned away slightly. Those eyes felt like they burned through him.
“Is there anything even here to eat? I didn’t see a kitchen as we came in.”
“I have no need of kitchens.” Adriel waved a hand and a feast appeared on the console along one wall, turning his stare from Noah and the big broad chest still inviting his gaze. “There. I’m sure you can find something you like.”
Noah frowned again. “Must be interesting to snap your fingers and get what you want.”
Adriel shrugged. “When I needed it most, I couldn’t get what I wanted.” I couldn’t save him.
Noah was silent. After a moment, he sauntered over to the buffet and picked a few things, adding them to the plate he’d taken. He sat back on the edge of the bed. After one bite, he sat the plate away.
“Not hungry?”
“I know my body needs energy after everything it’s been through. Hard to want food when all you feel is worry,” the bear said. He rose to his feet again and moved to one of the many windows. After searching outside, he turned back to Adriel. “You’re sure no one can get to us here?”
“Positive. You two are the only ones who’ve ever been here besides me.”
“Do I smell food?” came a breathy question.
Both Noah and Adriel turned to the bed. Eilam’s eyes were open. He was trying to sit up. Noah was first to reach him, and helped pad pillows behind the man so he could sit.
Eilam’s stare fell on him, his eyes glowing slightly. “The assassin?” he growled out, his voice raw sounding.
“Which one?” Noah asked flippantly.
“Dead,” Adriel interjected, overjoyed that Eilam appeared to remember what had happened before he was attacked. It had to be a good sign the loss of blood hadn’t affected his mind. “You got him.”
“There were more?”
“Don’t talk,” Noah said. “Rest your throat. You nearly died on us.”
“Tell me and I will,” Eilam demanded in his froggy voice.
“You lost a lot of blood,” Adriel said. “We got you to the hospital, and the healers were able to close the wound. Noah gave you some of his blood in a transfusion… and you’re healing.”
“Where ar—”
“You promised,” Noah interrupted. “He’ll get there. Be patient.”
“There was another attack just moments ago. In your hospital room. Noah fought him and killed him, as well. For your safety—so you can heal—I brought you to my private dimension. No one can enter this space without my invitation.”
Eilam looked between Noah and Adriel. He opened his mouth, but Noah pressed a finger against his lips. “Another few hours and we’ll see how your voice is.”
Eilam mimicked writing. Adriel waved a hand and a notebook and pen appeared on the bed beside Eilam. He grabbed it and scribbled something across the top before lifting it for them both to see.
Warlocks?
“Most definitely,” Adriel answered.
Eilam scribbled again. Your people have turned against you?
“I don’t know,” Adriel answered. “The first attacker turned to dust moments after the fight. But Valen found vampire fangs in the ash. And the second attacker—who also had magical powers—he had fangs, as well.”
Witches can’t be vampires, Eilam scribbled on the page.
“Yes, but look at Hart. The human was born outside Midnight and was unknown until recently. If a vampire clan found someone like that and turned them, how powerful could they become?” Noah asked.
Eilam frowned before scribbling again. Too damned powerful.
“I asked Theis to bring Ralnur to the castle. I plan to meet with him and see if he can do a locator spell on any entity of both vampire and witch blood inside Midnight—I’d do it myself, but it’s a long and tiresome spell. I wouldn’t feel safe doing it there, and I can’t do it here. If he finds any, we might have more assassins to contend with,” Adriel said.
You can’t go back to the castle. Too dangerous. Bring Ralnur here.
“He can’t do the spell here,” Adriel said. “He must be in Midnight.”
Bring here. Instruct. Send back. You stay here—safe.
“I trust Ralnur. But this is my space,” Adriel spat. “No one comes here but me.”
Yet you brought us. Why?
Adriel stared at the words on the page. “I had no choice but to bring you here. I need the head of my security safe and well.”
Eilam pointed to the same word. Why?
Adriel frowned. “Because you’re important to me.”
Eilam held his gaze, and Adriel felt a tremor race down his spine. It wasn’t the admission Eilam had been trying to force for months, but it was damned close. They both knew that, he could see it in the bear’s eyes.
Finally, Eilam turned back to his notebook and scrawled something else before he lifted the page. Take Noah to protect you.
“We can’t leave you here alone,” Adriel said.
I’m fine.
“You nearly died.”
I’m stronger. Take him.
Adriel looked to Noah for support in his argument.
Noah shook his head. “While I don’t like the idea of leaving him, of the two scenarios, he’s right. I should go with you. We shouldn’t be long.”
“I can protect myself. And I’ll have my king’s guard there, too.”
Take him.
Adriel sighed. “Fine. I’ll take him.”
Eilam almost appeared to smile. The room grew quiet for a moment, and Adriel struggled with the weight of the desire he felt for them both.
Now that Eilam appeared to be safe and unharmed—there was nothing to hold them back.
Nothing, but Adriel.
“Are you hungry?” the king asked. “You did ask about food.”
Eilam wrote a few words and lifted the paper. He began to look weak, as if the simple task of writing was wearing him out.
Yes. But throat sore.
Adriel waved his hand. A tray with bowls of beef broth, green gelatin, and mashed potatoes appeared beside Eilam. “You need soft foods for now. The potatoes might be too much, but the broth and Jell-O should be fine.”
The king sat down on the bed and took the bowl of broth. He lifted a spoonful to Eilam’s lips. Eilam stared at him a moment, and then at the spoon, his eyes darkening with what appeared to be lust. Adriel felt the desire rising within, too, but that couldn’t happen now, even if he wanted it to.
Eilam leaned in and slurped the broth from the spoon. He cringed slightly, but seemed to swallow it down. Adriel watched closely, worried. He offered another, and Eilam took it. The bear appeared to swallow it a little easier. By the time they were midway through the bowl, Eilam motioned he was done.
Adriel lowered the bowl to the tray and waved a hand, making it all disappear. “Later, we can try a little more,” he murmured before reaching out and wiping the corner of Eilam’s mouth with the napkin he still held.
Eilam reached out and grasped Adriel’s wrist.
“Thank you,” he croaked out.
The feel of Eilam’s hand on his skin sent a shock wave through him. He snatched his hand away quickly. As soon as he did it, he felt bad. The look of disappointment on Eilam’s face rocked him to his core.
“You’re welcome,” Adriel said, trying to downplay his offense. He jumped from the bed, fearful he’d be touched again and moved to one of the windows.
Waving his arm and chanting an incantation, the window turned into a view inside his study. He saw almost his entire king’s guard inside, along with Varian. Varian? Why is he there? Adriel turned to Noah. “We should go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Noah said before leaning in to caress Eilam’s face. “Be well, my brother bear.”
They kissed briefly, but it was enough to send a wave of jealousy through Adriel. He fought back the sensation before lifting his hand to create a portal Noah could move through.
The second they exited the portal, a half dozen shifters were ready to pounce.