Vaulcron (Enigma Series Book 3) (18 page)

Chapter Thirty-Six

“It’s too early to do a pregnancy test without blood work,” Abbie reluctantly informed Mallory. “But if Zaureth says you’re pregnant, you can bet the farm that you are.”

Mallory’s heart swelled with happiness. “How is it even possible to tell if someone is expecting by simply touching their hand?”

“Zaureth is special,” Abbie admitted. “He holds a power that is foreign to me. But it exists. I’ve seen it firsthand.”

“This is all just so incredible.” Mallory made her way over to sit in the chair across from Abbie. “Before this all started, I never would have dreamed that something this unbelievable truly existed. Yet here we are, mated to two of them. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and find it was all a dream.”

“It is a dream, Mallory. The dream of a lifetime.” Abbie’s gaze suddenly flicked to the television. “Turn that up.”

Mallory snatched up the remote and pressed the volume button in time to hear Vice President Pratt announce his temporary seat as president of the United States.

“The trial is set to begin sometime in the next two weeks, to determine the fate of President Rueben Howell. Until then, I will be acting in his stead. Further investigation into the Incola cover-up is underway. The troops will be pulled from the gulf until we can secure a meeting with the Bracadyte king. It’s peace that I seek. There’s been enough bloodshed on both sides. It’s time to put an end to what I feel is an unnecessary war.”

“I don’t know how to thank you,” Abbie declared, tears filling her beautiful hazel eyes. “If not for you, none of this would be happening.”

Mallory grew uncomfortable with the praise. “Vaulcron deserves most of the credit. He’s the one that contacted me, insisting I interview him. This was his plan all along.”

A soft knock sounded on the door. Mallory stood and trailed over to open the door. “Hello?”

A young native girl wearing a maid’s uniform stood next to Amy. “I found her lost in the hall. She asked me to guide her to your room.”

“Thank you,” Mallory murmured, reaching out to take hold of Amy’s hand. “She’s my sister.”

“Has anyone seen Zaureth?” Amy immediately asked, allowing Mallory to guide her into the room.

Mallory led her to the closest chair and helped her sit. “I’m sure Vaulcron is with him. He left to go find Zaureth about an hour ago.”

A look of relief settled on Amy’s face.

Mallory knelt down next to her chair. “You’ve become quite close with Zaureth, haven’t you?”

“Yes. He’s the only one doesn’t pity me. Not to mention he has more patience than anyone I’ve ever known.”

“Amy, honey? Zaureth is a healer. He plays a very important role in the Bracadyte world. He can’t spend every waking hour with you. Do you understand?”

“Don’t treat me like a child, Mallory. If I’m smothering him, I’ll back off.”

Pride filled Mallory’s chest at how much her sister had matured over the past five years. She’d grown into a responsible young woman. “I didn’t say you were smothering him. I’m just giving you some sisterly advice.”

Amy smiled and tilted her head to the side. “Hello, Abbigail. How are you today?”

Mallory grinned at Abbie’s stunned expression.

“How did you know I was here?” Abbie asked in an awed tone.

“I recognized your scent. You always smell so clean with a hint of floral.”

Abbie laughed. “That was the best compliment I’ve had all day.”

The door opened, and a grim-faced Vaulcron slipped inside.

“What’s wrong?” Mallory questioned, reaching up to touch his face.

“Zaureth is gone.”

Amy turned her face toward Vaulcron. She remained perfectly still, no emotion evident in her voice. “What do you mean he is gone?”

Vaulcron recited the details of his talk with Oz, ending with his conversation with Zaureth and the healer’s need to be left alone.

Amy paled, but otherwise remained calm. She slowly got to her feet and felt her way to the door.

Mallory rushed to her side. “Where are you going?”

“To my room. I have the beginnings of a headache, and I’d like to lie down for a bit.”

“I’ll walk you there,” Mallory offered, opening the door.

Amy shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I know my way back now. I’m six doors down on the left.”

Kissing Mallory on the cheek, Amy stepped out into the hall, dragging her hand down the wall as a guide.

Mallory waited until she safely entered her room before closing the door to find Vaulcron pacing along the foot of the bed.

Abbie stood and rounded the coffee table. “I’ll give you some privacy.”

“Talk to me,” Mallory beseeched him once the door shut behind Abbie.

Vaulcron paused and sat on the foot of the bed, pulling Mallory in between his knees. He was tall enough that their faces were level with each other. “This behavior Zaureth is exhibiting is not like him. I have known him since he was a babe.”

“I thought he was older than you?”

Vaulcron shook his head. “He was born during my tenth summer.”

Mallory ran a hand down his hair. “In human terms, please.”

“I am ten years his senior.”

Shocked, Mallory slowed her hand on its downward trek. “He’s only thirty?”

At Vaulcron’s nod, she continued stroking his long hair. “I would have never guessed him so young. His hair has white streaks along his temples.”

“The discoloration began once he came into his powers. Even I am not privy to what all he is capable of.”

“You mean his healing abilities?”

“Among other things,” Vaulcron revealed. “But to what extent, I do not know.”

“Wow,” Mallory breathed, sliding her hand down to cup his cheek. “I’m sure he’ll be back as soon as he works through his issues, Vaulcron. He doesn’t strike me as the type to abandon his people.”

“I hope you are right, my love,” he murmured, snaking a hand around her waist. “I will attempt to speak with him again on the morrow. In the meantime, I would very much like to be inside my mate.”

Mallory’s eyes grew heavy with desire. She pressed her body against him and rested her mouth next to his ear. “I want you to take me in every way possible. And then take me some more.”

The feel of his erection growing between their bodies was her undoing. She shrugged out of her robe and pushed him back onto the bed, following him down. “Vaulcron…”

Epilogue

Six Weeks Later

Mallory stumbled from the bathroom, holding a cool washcloth against her forehead, Vaulcron tight on her heels.

“What can I do, my love? It hurts my heart to see you like this.”

Another round of nausea seized her, but she breathed her way through it. “I just need to lie down. And maybe a small glass of ginger ale would help.”

Vaulcron helped her to the bed before rushing across the room to the refrigerator for her ginger ale.

He set the drink on the bedside table. “What else can I do?”

“Lie down beside me,” she whispered, taking a sip of the cool, bubbly liquid.

Vaulcron climbed into bed next to her, propped himself up against the headboard, and adjusted her body alongside his with her head resting on his shoulder. “I wish I could remove your sick feeling. I would gladly take it into myself.”

“I know you would.” Mallory sighed, the ginger ale already working to calm her stomach. “Have you heard anything from Zaureth?”

“Still nothing. He has been gone too long without contacting anyone. I am worried that he will not return.”

Mallory snuggled up tighter against him. “Amy isn’t acting right either.”

“How do you mean?”

“She’s withdrawn and stays in her room more and more lately.”

“Perhaps she misses her home,” Vaulcron suggested, running his fingertips up and down Mallory’s arm.

“I’d thought of that. But she can’t go back yet. Not until President Howell has been officially impeached, and Pratt has his meeting with Klause.”

“And what of us? Are we returning to the States when your sister does?”

Mallory tilted her face up to look into his eyes. “If that’s what you want. I’d be content to stay here in Playa Pilar, frolicking on the beach with you and our child.”

“You are aware that I am to be king of Aukrabah once my father steps down.”

Mallory didn’t miss the hesitancy in his voice. “I know. And hopefully by that time, there will be peace between the humans and Bracadytes, and we can all live together in harmony.”

Vaulcron kissed the tip of her nose. “We shall see…”

Zaureth

Book Four of Enigma-Coming Soon

Ember-Book One in The Seeker Series

Chapter One

Ember Wells gazed around her new seventh-floor corner office. She’d been promoted to lead photojournalist at the
Lakeland Hedger
after eight years with the fast-paced newspaper company. All those late nights spent sucking down coffee and abusing her laptop had finally paid off.

“Eat your heart out, Lois Lane.” She grinned and strolled across the room to open the blinds. The morning sun bathed the city below in a golden glow. Horns could be heard from several cars and cabs in a hurry to reach their destinations. This was her home.

Ember had grown up in Lakeland, Florida, with no desire to relocate. Her busy schedule didn’t allow much time for a social life other than an occasional drink with her editor and dearest friend, Laura Donovan. The pretty blue-eyed blonde was the closest thing she had to a sister.

The trill of a phone put a stop to her musing, and she abandoned the view with a little reluctance. A large oak desk faced the windows with a hideous painting hanging on the wall behind it. That definitely has to go, she thought as she toed off her stilettos and padded across the carpet to take the call.

“Ember Wells.”

She almost laughed when Laura’s voice came over the line, laced with a flat tone and a side of sarcasm. “Would you mind bringing me some coffee now that you’re up here with the big dogs?”

Ember’s lips twitched at the request. “I’ll be right there, Your Highness. Will there be anything else? ” When a contemplative
hmmm
echoed back, she chuckled and hung up. Snatching up the office keys, she stepped into her heels and tucked her purse into the bottom drawer of the desk on her way to the door.

It opened suddenly, and Alan Boyd stuck his head inside. “May I come in?” Without waiting for confirmation he stepped into the room “Nice office.” He took in everything with a quick glance.

“I was just heading out. Can I help you with something?”

He stopped just inside her personal space, wearing enough cologne to peel the paint.

“Yeah…I was wondering if you had any plans for tonight.”

Ember noticed he had something stuck in his teeth. She made a conscious effort to stare into his eyes, but her gaze strayed back to his mouth against her will.
What in God’s name is that? Celery? Broccoli?

Her attention remained on the unknown substance as she spoke. “I’m having drinks with Laura after work. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.” She suppressed a shudder and tried to step around him, but he blocked her path.

“How about after that? I could come over when you get home.” His knowing smile made it clear he wasn’t offering to hang drapes.

“I don’t think so. I’m already late, and I really do have to go.” She skirted around him and marched through the open doorway, nearly running into the mail guy in her haste.

Alan stormed from her office without another word. It was obvious he wasn’t happy, but it couldn’t be helped.

Ember had agreed to go out with Alan a couple of years ago, and it was not something she wanted to repeat. Between his roaming hands and lack of Binaca, the date had ended in disaster.

“Miss Wells?” Stanley held a manila envelope with her name on it. “This came Friday, but you weren’t in your office, so I kept it for you, ma’am.” He flushed and handed over the mail, making it hard to resist wrapping him in a hug.

“Thank you.” She accepted the envelope with a smile meant to put him at ease and turned to lock her office door before heading off in the direction of the break room. “Have a nice day, Stanley.”

Stanley had worked for the
Hedger
for two years before gathering enough courage to speak to Ember. She could only imagine how difficult he found it to make eye contact.
Poor guy. He has to be the most introverted man I’ve ever met.

The smell of coffee rolled through her senses as she entered the employee lounge. Tucking the envelope under her arm, Ember plucked two paper cups from the wall dispenser and filled them with Columbian blend. She stirred in some creamer and headed toward the exit.

Movement could be seen through the partially opened door, and she backed up a few steps to avoid a collision. The heavy wood swung wide, admitting a frowning janitor pulling a cleaning cart that had seen better days. He was extremely tall with oily brown hair, dark beady eyes, and wore a navy-blue uniform with the name
FRANK
stitched over the left breast pocket.

“Excuse me.” She gave him an expectant look, but he refused to step aside.

Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Could you please back up some? This coffee is hot. I would hate for either of us to get burned.”
Twice in one day? What’s up with the barricades?
The longer he stood there leering at her, the more uncomfortable she became.

His gaze traveled over her body in a way that made her skin crawl before he stepped back enough so she could inch by him.

Once in the safety of the open hallway, she blew out a breath she’d been holding and made her way to Laura’s office.

Her spirits lifted when the editor’s nameplate came into view along with a pile of blonde, curly hair that could be seen through the partially open door. Laura sat behind a massive desk, squinting at a computer screen while her fingers flew over a keyboard.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing your glasses?” Ember bumped the door with her hip, forcing it open enough to walk through without spilling the coffee.

“Did you have to pedal to Starbucks?” her friend asked without looking up.

She smiled and deposited Laura’s caffeine on the desk before taking a seat. “I just saw your man in the break room.”

That brought her head up. “Brad Pitt?”

“More like arm pit.” Ember took a sip of coffee to hide her grin.

“Is that what took you so long? Making out in the lounge is against company policy. You, of all people should know that, especially after that last incident with Alan Boyd.”

“Yeah. How could I forget? I still have nightmares of garlic breath and cologne baths as a painful reminder. Speaking of Alan, he made an unwelcome appearance in my office a few minutes ago, right before I ran into arm pit in the break room.”

Laura’s blue eyes twinkled. “So, you did them both?”

“Ha. You know I don’t kiss and tell.” They shared a laugh for a moment before Ember sobered. “So, who’s the new member of the Adam’s family? He seriously gave me the creeps a few minutes ago.”

Laura blinked in response. All trace of humor disappeared from the other woman’s face. “What are you talking about?”

“The new janitor.”

“I wasn’t aware they had hired anyone. Did something happen?”

“Nothing serious. He just had that whole Lurch thing going on with a side of
Deliverance
.” She shivered with the memory of his stare. “He blocked the exit when I tried to leave. Maybe he’s slow and didn’t understand, but something wasn’t right. His eyes…” She shook off the thought. “I’m sure it was just my overactive imagination.”

“That’s understandable considering what you’ve been through. Are you still having trouble sleeping? And you really should rethink talking to someone about your nightmares, Em. It’s over. He’s behind bars.”

“I’m fine, honey.” Ember really didn’t want to rehash the past or mention the changes in her dreams. Laura worried enough as it was. Ember had never known anyone quite like the talented editor. She was loyal, funny, dependable, and giving.

Since the discovery of the first picture over a year ago, the curly-haired vixen had been by her side protecting her with an unconditional love and friendship that was humbling.

The photos began appearing shortly after a body had been found in an alley not far from the
Hedger
. Ember had been dispatched to cover the breaking news and soon learned she wasn’t the only one photographing the grisly scene. A couple of days later she’d received a package at work with no return address. Inside were two images: one of the body’s chalked outline and one of herself. That had been the start of a yearlong investigation ending in four murders, several suspicious photographs, and ultimately the conviction of Malcolm Carnley aka the Watcher.

He’d been named the Watcher by the media for his uncanny ability to hide in plain sight, aware of every move his prey made.

Ember would still be looking over her shoulder or possibly dead by now if not for the diligence of Detective Clay Harper. He’d led the investigation with the efficiency of a general, eventually catching the Watcher through evidence left at one of the crime scenes.

“I know of a really good doctor if—”

“I need a drink not a shrink,” Ember interrupted, effectively cutting her off.

“Okay. You win. Where are we going tonight?” Laura’s gaze softened.

“I thought we would go to Sam’s Pub. They have a live band and the best wings in town, unless you’d rather have sushi?” She took a drink of the now lukewarm coffee and glanced over the rim to wink at Laura, whose blue eyes were narrowed in her direction.

“I don’t know how you eat that nasty stuff. It’s raw and sticky. Not to mention it reeks. I’m surprised you ingest it with that bad-breath fetish you have.” Laura visibly shuddered.

Ember laughed. “It’s not a fetish. It’s an aversion. And sushi is an acquired taste much like oysters.”

“I’ll stick with the wings. You’re freak enough for the both of us.” Laura chuckled and picked up her coffee. “Are you driving or riding with me?”

“I’ll take my car. I have some things to do this evening, so I’ll just meet you there.”

“You really need to get laid, Miss Lead Photojournalist. Did you ever call that cop? He seemed pretty interested in you.”

“Clay? Not yet. And before you say anything, he’s been on annual leave for a few weeks. He was back at work last Wednesday from what I hear, so maybe I’ll give him a call this weekend.” She stood and tucked the envelope back under her arm. “Speaking of interests, I heard from Shon last night. He said to tell you hello, and he’s planning to pop in soon.” Laura showed no reaction to the news other than a slight blush.

Ember smirked. “Go ahead and ask. I can smell your curiosity from here.”

A sigh came from the other side of the desk along with a raised middle finger. “Okay. I’ll bite. Wait. Let me guess. Your cousin broke another heart and is looking for someone to fill the bubblehead’s shoes?”

Ember wasn’t fooled by Laura’s display of sarcasm. Beneath the editor’s cool exterior lay a vulnerability visible only to those closest to her. “He’s going to Daytona for bike week and was hoping you would ride with him.”

“He’s persistent, isn’t he? It must run in the family.” She winked. “I’ll think about it. Now go do whatever it is you do, and let me finish this report before Kalli crawls up my ass.” She made a shooing motion with her hands. “And stay away from that janitor; he’s mine.”

They both laughed as Ember turned to go.

“Oh, wait. When is bike week?”

“Friday after next,” Ember responded while fighting a smile.
This is going to get interesting.

She strode off in the direction of her new office while making a mental note to text Clay.
Laura’s right. I do need to have some fun
. The last date she’d been on was with Alan the Octopus. He was a nice enough guy if you could get past the overpowering cologne, roaming hands, and dragon breath.
Yeah, not my cup of tea.

It didn’t take long to reach her destination, which was a blessing since both feet were cramping with every step from the new shoes she’d worn against her better judgment. She unlocked the door and hurried inside, tossing the envelope onto the desk before heading to the bathroom.

Ember poured her coffee down the sink and practically limped to the computer chair to remove the painful stilettos. Relief was instant.
Why the hell did I wear stilts to work? And new ones at that.

She opened the bottom drawer and fished out her cell while glaring at the offensive heels. The desire to flush them down the toilet along with her coffee would have been tempting if she thought for one second it would work.

It only took a moment to locate Clay’s name and type out a quick message. Her finger hovered over the Send key a second before pressing it.
That wasn’t so hard
. She shook her head and set the phone aside. There was an article due in an hour, and it wasn’t going to write itself.

Ember fought a yawn and switched on her laptop, thankful she’d remembered to bring it. The report she worked on was far less daunting than her last assignment where a woman had been found strangled in her home across town. An autopsy was being performed to determine the cause of death while the police searched for the victim’s missing fiancé for questioning.