Ryder on the Storm (23 page)

“So I was always to be with Ryder? Like we had no choice in the matter?” Storm felt even more perplexed. How could she buy into such an idea? No choice? She really needed to read that journal.

Shaking her head, Damarra walked over and linked arms with Storm. “Yes, yes you do. Everything you need to know is in there. For now, let’s get your Immortal free and then I am afraid I will have to leave for a while. The Tuatha De, are waiting for your father and they grow ever so impatient for creatures with no real sense of time.”

Damarra gave her a squeeze and knelt before Ryder’s chains. “Alright, dear, grab your father’s limb, we need the blood.” As the goddess began chanting a thin veil of blue energy materialized along the entire length from the ring in the floor to the shackles at his ankles. Storm plucked her father’s severed extremity from the dusty floor, ignoring the flies that had already swarmed and the blood that dripping on her shoe. Gross. She held it by the forefinger and presented it to her grandmother.

“Oh no, dear. You have to do this, not me. Your father overestimated his power and underestimated your attraction to your Immortal. When you mated you formed a unique bond that Calibos failed to account for. See, foolish, always so foolish. Eh, well, he never believed that certain things were predestined. It is a shame you missed out on bedding those lovely seraphs though. Your father was very naughty to bespell you like that.”

“I’m sorry, this is just a bit surreal. Could we not discuss my love life or lack thereof right now?” Storm looked at her grandmother with the most reproachful look she could muster. “I mean, like you said, it all worked out in the end.”

“Oh, do not be so conservative, dear. It is clear you two have been together, and you have to admit that the seraphs are quite attractive. Now, stop stalling and do as I instruct.”

Ryder

He had a lot of catching up to do. As Storm worked on his bonds, Ryder watched her grandparents working on Jasper’s unconscious form.

“Could you please clear your head, I keep hearing your thoughts and it is disrupting me.” He could not help flashing an image of them together in the study before blanking his mind once again. Storm flushed for a second and he stifled a chuckle. “I could just leave you here if you like.” Ryder stayed silent until the chains cracked open. He wasted no time pulling Storm to her feet and slanting his mouth over hers. Her hands found their way to his hair and her tongue slid into his mouth forcing a moan out.

“Eh-hem.” Roane’s throat clearing ended their embrace before Storm things could advance much further. “Do you mind not doing that here?”

“Roane, when do you become so prudish? If I remember correctly, we showed little regard for others back in our day.” The woman, smiled coyly at Roane. How mind-blowingly peculiar.

“She is our granddaughter, Damarra, it seems uncouth.” Roane sighed and then laughed; a complete shock to Ryder who had never really seen the man smile. His laughter seemed rich and full, so unlike his creepy voice. “Ryder, do not look so surprised. I have not always been so sour, that was merely a byproduct of my son’s curse and centuries without my love.”

“I’m sorry, but what curse?” Storm must have plucked the question from his mind. He looked down at her and she shrugged in response. This mind-reading connection could be frustrating.

“He tried to prevent me from ever experiencing joy but it went wrong because he was inexperienced at the time, maybe twelve or thirteen. Needless to say, I have gone around with that irritating voice and limited range of emotion for centuries. As he fades, so does his magic.” Roane shrugged and turned to Damarra, “Besides, Damarra still affects me as much as she always has.”

“Ryder, take care of our Storm. I will return so we can get to know each other better but right now we have to be going.” She turned to face Roane, “They will grant you entrance to the pyre to offer your charges and say your farewells but then you must leave again. Do you wish to return here?”

Roane looked sheepishly at Storm, “Would it be alright if I returned to your home? I mean, I don’t need to stay with you, but I would like to see you when I am done.”

Storm walked toward Roane. “You are quite welcome to stay with me. I have plenty of room and it is fully furnished. It is the least I can do. You are the only family I have left.”

Roane smiled broadly and looked to Ryder. What could he say? Ryder nodded in agreement. He learned already that Storm would have her way whether he liked it or not.

“It is settled, Roane shall be returned to the manor when our business is concluded.” Damarra smiled at Storm, “I will be back as well, dear. I hope you have room for me.” She winked and disappeared in an explosion of water drops taking Jasper with her.

“That woman always did have style.” Roane smiled and then he too disappeared in a splash.

Storm turned around so he could see her face, glittering with magical water droplets. “Well, that was interesting. We’d better head out, I am dying to get home.” She dusted off her hands on her pants and took his hand, interlacing their fingers. A jolt of electricity shot up his arm and he instantly imagined her naked. “You are really going to have to get some control of that reaction, it is disconcerting to see myself naked all the time.”

“Then stop reading my mind, already.” Ryder frowned.

“If only I could. It is part of our love bond so you are just going to have to get used to.” Storm turned and headed toward the hole she’d blasted in the wall.

“Wait, what did you just say?” Ryder tugged her back toward him. Storm looked up, her eyes sparkling with life. She leaned up and kissed him deeply until he could barely breathe. His entire body flared with desire for her.

“I love you. Don’t make me say it again today. I am tired and I just want to go home, shower, and have a glass of wine.” She turned again toward the hole in the wall. Damarra popped into the spot right before her.

“Hurry back, dear. Your Aunt Trin is desperately worried after you.” And then she disappeared again, minus the water droplets this time.

“Don’t say it, Ryder. I know they are strange. I get it. But they are all the family I have left.” Storm tugged at his arm again. “Let’s go, please, this place gives me the willies.”

Storm

Stepping out of the shower, Storm listened for Ryder’s thought pattern, he still seemed engrossed in discussion with Lucian and the other Immortals. Roane had not returned yet but she got the impression they were waiting for him, not that she minded. Storm had spent a few hours with her aunt at the Soul Mirror. It felt wonderful to talk freely with her again. They cried a good deal and Storm had been able to extract her for a few moments to embrace once more. At least she could talk to Aunt Trin whenever she liked.

Storm’s stomach grumbled loudly and Pac Man lifted his head to look at her. “You’re such a good boy. I think we’ll drive into town tomorrow and get you some good treats. What do you think, boy?” He stood and rubbed against her legs, nuzzling her hand with his head and then gave a quick lick before trotting off through her open door.

“Are you decent, babe?”

Storm whirled to the hole in her bedroom to find Shane and Dan peeking in at her. She put her hands on her hips and frowned, “Would it matter if I weren’t?”

“Nah, I suppose not. Could we come in?”

Storm nodded, not quite certain Ryder would appreciate the guys back in her bedroom, but she’d deal with that later. “What’s up guys?”

“We just wanted to check on you before we left.” Dan looked down at her, his wings flapping gently.

“What do you mean? You can’t leave.” Dammit. People really needed to stop leaving, it was starting to piss her off.

“Sorry, babe. It’s the deal. We do our protection detail and then get reassigned. We count ourselves lucky that we stayed with you for so long, it is not always the case.” Shane looked sad and then broke into that cocky grin of his, “But it warms my heart to know you will miss me, babe.”

“You two have been my friends for years. Where do you go next? I mean, can I know that? Can I keep in touch with you? How does this work?”

“We will check in from time to time, don’t worry. Can’t tell you where we’re going though, you know, seraph secrecy and all, but it won’t be as fun as it’s been with you.” Dan leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek. Shane pulled her up in a bear hug and then set her down.

“Take care of yourself, babe. We expect great things from you. And take it easy on Ryder; he is a good guy, even for an Immortal.” Shane winked and they flew off out the window.

Storm stood in the middle of her room, hugging herself for a while. It still amazed her that a person’s life could change so drastically in a matter of days. She didn’t turn when Ryder entered but let him sneak up on her. Storm relaxed into his embrace and smiled as he nuzzled his head into her neck.

“Is anybody staying here tonight?”

“No, Storm. They are going back to my home. Roane has not returned yet though and I suspect he will stay.” His voice sounded muffled. He pulled back some and moved her hair away allowing his lips free access to her neckline and collar bone.

“Are you staying?” She tried to keep her tone level but a hint of desperation escaped followed by a soft moan. Dammit. So much for cool and collected. Then again, his thoughts were far naughtier than hers. Yep, he would definitely be staying over.

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Epilogue -
Ryder

Ryder closed the ledger on his desk. “Come in, Angeline.”

“Sir, I believe everything is in place. The packages are set to be delivered on Friday and your clothes are packed. I will make sure that things are ready when you return.” Angeline smiled, all the way to her eyes, “Does Storm know yet?”

“No, and I am looking forward to the surprise. Thank you again for handling everything.” Ryder stood and walked over to his assistant. He had not told her about the telepathic bond they shared, just asked her to plan their honeymoon secretly. Ryder stretched a hand out, decided against it and embraced her lightly instead.

Angeline’s face registered brief surprise when they parted but she quickly replaced it with a smile. “Would you like to know where you are going now?”

“No, I think we will both be surprised. I trust you, Angeline.” Ryder moved toward the door but turned back briefly, “Lucian is a good man, Angeline, he will treat you fairly.”

She flushed for a moment, “I know, my liege- I mean Ryder. We will be well enough here. Rosalee is staying on as well, though I think she is a bit sore that you opted to hire a new housekeeper.”

“That is all Storm’s doing, Angeline. She does not wish to have a housekeeper right now and I am quite alright with that. Please tell Rose that I will contact her if things change.” Ryder nodded and left Angeline alone in his study. He walked the long hall to his main entrance and scooped up the two bags Angeline had left for him at the door.

“Did you really think you could slip out without saying good-bye to us?” Lucian’s voice echoed down the length of the hall. Ryder turned to see Lucian, Kell, and Pollux striding toward him.

“No, I, well, the driver is waiting and we apparently have a flight to catch.” Truthfully, Ryder had hoped to slip out and avoid one of his least favorite customs.

“Oh, I think he was trying to avoid this, Lucian. Our Ryder hates this part.” Pollux smirked and withdrew a needle and ink from behind his back. “Where do you want this one?”

“I had not thought about it yet. I figured it would wait until I returned, I mean, I have not even told her about this yet and I –“

“Brother, you were trying to avoid. How have you explained the others?” Lucian frowned, “She knows about the others, right?”

“Yes and no. She knows that I have had other wives but not about the ink. I do not think she has put it together.” Ryder shrugged and moved for the door. In truth, she asked about them once or twice but he did not go into details about their true meaning.

“You have until you return. Be ready with your design and you’d better tell her.” Lucian hushed Pollux when he tried to protest. “If you do not return here within twenty four hours of landing I will personally track you down and lay whatever I damn well please on your stomach so that Storm can enjoy that sight. Believe me, my work is not as pretty as Pollux’s.”

The Scots laughed as they took turns hugging him farewell. “Later Ry, have a great time. We’ll be around when you get back as we agreed.” Pollux led Kell down the hall, the pair disappeared into the training room before Ryder turned to face Lucian.

“Thank you for this. She is new to our ways, new to our life. I am not sure what she will think of it.”

“It doesn’t matter, Brother. It is still our way.” Lucian’s eyes flashed flame for a moment and then returned to their natural state.

“How are you holding up? It seems your problem has gotten worse. Angeline fears she is not sufficient for your needs and Rose says there has been a lot of blood in the training room.” Ryder knew there was more to it, he’d seen more of the flame lately himself.