Alek stood back and glanced at her, “And if she did, does it change anything,”
“For me it doesn’t, she’ll always be my precious little sister.” Lanias answered. “I didn’t say anything to them about the Surrem, True-ones or the Half-breeds. I figured that it was better saved for later. I don’t want to overwhelm them.” She looked down at her cup, spinning the dark liquid inside. “There was something else…” she trailed off. “I don’t know if I should say something or not. I’m afraid it would change the way they look at me.”
Alek wondered what it was, to make her look so troubled. He wanted to fix all her concerns and carry them, but he knew Lanias wouldn’t readily accept it. She was the type who preferred to handle her own problems. And he enjoyed watching her work through an issue. He just wanted her to know he was always there and ready to support her. “I am here, your Vampire King,” he said softly. “Do not worry over things alone. Tell me what it is that troubles you.”
She smiled, looking up. “You’re right, I have you on my side.” She dropped her cup; it didn’t hit the ground but was consumedby black fire. She walked over to him; with a little skip throwing herself into his arms, he lifted his arms providing openness as she hugged him. Pressing her chin against his chest she said, “I have a big strong nearly mad Vampire on my side.”’
He chuckled, lowering his arms so that they wrapped around her while he still held his cup. “And I have a blood thirsty Witch on mine.”
She leaned back looked up to search his gaze. “You know, you’re the only man who makes me want to say, ‘I love you,’ repeatedly and truthfully.”
He laughed. “Well, there should only be one man who does that to you. And it should be me.” He nearly growled.
She grinned, “Back at ya.”
Her smile dropped. “The night that everyone at Nerium thinks I saved them it was really Eris. As a father, he defied his own creed and saved me, and everyone else that night.”
Alek took this in, the cup was swallowed up by the red mist, and he clasped his hands behind her back and pulled her closer. His long hair falling forward, a silver curtain hiding them from the sun. “What about this would change how the other Witches look at you?”
“They all believe I saved them, and until very shortly I thought I had,” she whispered, lowering letting her eyes close softly as she turned her head and leaned against him. “I never realized how much I wanted to be the heroine they believed me to be, now I feel like a fake.”
“Just because the savior of that night changed, doesn’t mean you’re not their hero.” Alek said, pressing a kiss to her head. “Your father gave you a chance to live, was he there to help you survive?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Did he give you the Shade, from what I know Madame Lanias built it from the bottom up.” Alek moved so his lips werenear her ear. “I don’t think you have to worry because they only show you true loyalty. Madame Lanias is nothing more than your ego, though I enjoy her just as much as I enjoy you.”
He lifted his head, “You are not a fake. You have always been a hero to them, and you’ll always be.”
The two remained standing holding one another. When the shadows fluttered, and Dmitri stepped out from behind him came the other three. “Monarch, we’ve arrived.”
Lanias retreated from the comfort of his arms. Turning around she faced his sons. “Looks like it’s time we get this started.”
She smoothed her hands down each side of her body as her outfit transformed into a suit with flared red pants, and matching jacket. Her undershirt was a silky white, her hair lengthened to mid back. The rings on her fingers flashed.
Alek loved watching her perform magic. It buzzed against his skin, warm and electric, alive. Every side of Lanias captivated him: the part of her that complained about food with dramatic flair, the Witch who carried her power with beautiful arrogance, and the ruthless, radiant goddess with brown skin that glowed with health. Her eyes held the focused stillness of a predator. Her lips tasted of pleasure, with just a hint of sin.
Lanias was his queen. A powerful Black Witch. And to him, the most beautiful force in the world.
If he were to lose her, this would be his last life.
She glanced at him. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
“Then, let’s go meet the Hyenas.” She walked out of the room, followed by Alek and his sons.
Just as they exited the room, she paused when she felt something tingle on her cheek. She scanned the hallway and spotted two figures. Alek stiffened; his eyes turned hard as he followed the line of her sight.
“You’ve been through a great deal, Witch,” Jion said, stepping into the light. The Vampires all drew their weapons at the sight of the Unseelie. His brows rose at the sight of their impressive weapons. “Oooh, you’ve even brought yourself a band of warriors.”
“Jion, cease antagonizing them,” Lyon chided, walking into the light as well, he turned his eyes on Lanias. Seemingly unbothered by the mix of hatred, and blood thirst behind her. “You’ve succeeded in learning the ability to send us back?”
Lanias lifted her chin, the corner of her lips kicking up. “And what if I have?”
He gave her a long look. “Then you should assist us in returning to our home.”
She fully turned to face him, placing her hands on her hips. “And just why should I do that? You’ve been out of sight this entire time. One would almost think you’re trying to just ride on my hard work.”
