Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series (38 page)

She was still laughing over his playfulness
when Lorcan grasped her hand and pulled her down the steps.
Kaitriana felt positively miniscule in the company of the oversized
warriors. Lorcan made the introductions – Aidan, an Ancient nearly
as tall and muscular as Lorcan, hair and eyes were both black
giving him a sinister look. His fierce rugged appearance was in
stark contrast to Alexandros who was a few inches shorter. Though
muscular, this Ancient was lean, sleek muscle rather than hulking
like the others. His demeanor was more polished; with his easy
smile, warm blue eyes and blond hair he appeared more aristocrat
than warrior. The last was Devlin, roughhewn like her mate, she
knew from Myrrdyn’s memories that this one had been transitioned
from human and had gained leadership of his Coven through his skill
and abilities.

Broderick was also engrossed in conversation
with the elders and sharing their camaraderie. The brooding Elite
member was slightly older than Lorcan, he too being a first
generation Vampire born of an Ancient couple. Myrrdyn appeared
completely at ease with the bunch as did Cade. That wicked witch
had sauntered up and offered each in the group a hand in greeting.
Kaitriana got a wink from him to which she made a face and hid a
grin. Quickly growing bored with their conversations of war and
weaponry, she directed her attention to their surroundings.

She was enchanted. Whether Witch, Vampire or
a combination of the two was responsible for preparing the night’s
festivities, they had created a beautiful setting. The grounds were
filled with the soft glow from intricate bronzed lanterns artfully
arranged throughout the space, silk-draped tables were piled high
with tempting offerings and white tulips were in bloom everywhere.
The last touch was definitely magical as the flower was not in
season.

Noting her distraction, Lorcan interrupted
his conversation to press a kiss to her hair and murmured, “All is
well?” Her smile was answer enough and her heart tumbled further
for her vampire. His concern and his ease at displaying his
affection, even in the group of mighty warriors, spoke volumes.

She caught Lilly’s wave from across the space
and acknowledged it. Venturing that direction after politely
extracting herself, Lorcan’s smile of approval was still with her
as she came to her friend. They exchanged pleasantries and
compliments over one another’s gowns. After Lilly wrangled a
promise from Kaitriana to spend a day conjuring an extraordinary
wardrobe for her, Lilly offered, “You look well Kat. The glow of
your happiness makes you only more glorious. The Coven is pleased
for you both, Lorcan has been too long alone.”

As Kaitriana reached for a cup from the
table, she gave her friend a bemused look, “Why is that, Lilly? It
is very uncommon to be so ancient and without a mate, is it
not?”

Lilly’s laughter rang out merrily as she
pointedly directed her attention to the group surrounding Lorcan,
“None of those elder males have mated; it seems to be an issue with
our leadership. Perhaps they are so busy with their duties that
they lack the time for the simple pleasure of a mate or perhaps
their expectations are so lofty that only one or two acceptable
females are born each millennium.”

The pretty female focused on Lorcan, “Between
us alone, I will share with you that he was devastated when he
returned after your reported death. Despite his efforts to contain
his misery, we were all aware of it. Lorcan remained an empty
shell, fulfilling his responsibilities but not experiencing
life...until you returned.”

Kaitriana appreciated the insight and grasp
her friend’s hand with an affectionate squeeze, “Why do you share
this with me now?”

Lilly considered for a moment then
elaborated, “Because he is a good male Kaitriana and he has finally
returned to us fully. You are responsible for that. I wanted you to
be aware that while he may be hard at times and he most certainly
will clash with you over his expectations, you are obviously his
life. Look at him.”

Kaitriana did just that and could not help
but smile over the ease in his stance, the ready smile and warmth
that radiated from him. Her stoic male actually appeared
relaxed
. She finally gave her attention
back to her friend, “Thank you Lilly. I will do my very best to
make certain I keep him thus so, always.”

Seeing Lilly stiffen, Kaitriana wondered
momentarily if her words had been inadequate until she viewed the
true cause on the periphery. Gareth was present and he was
obviously attempting to avoid detection by Lorcan and his friends
as he skirted around the edge of the gathering. He had honed in on
the two females and Lilly looked to her in alarm, “Shall I get
Lorcan?”

Her bright smile was belied by the dark
flicker in her eyes, but Kat shook her head, “This is a situation I
am fully capable of handling. Besides, I would never pass by an
opportunity to roast a nasty vampire; twould be a waste to forego
an occasion to practice my magic.”

Kaitriana winked and actually took a step
forward to meet the approach of the smarmy little creature. Fixing
a false smile on her face, she gave greeting enthusiastically,
“Good evening,
brother
. I am so pleased
you would come to our celebration and rejoice in the reuniting of
our Witch and Vampire families.”

Gareth looked as though he might actually
spit he was so incensed by the welcome. The female was obviously
goading him, but Lilly distracted him from his malice by smiling
and offering her hand, “Good evening Gareth.” The young vampire
female was dazzling and her action had the intended effect.

Gareth was positively besotted with her.
Raising her hand, he brought the back to his lips, “It is a
pleasure, Lilleas. You are stunning as always.” He missed her
cringe of disgust but she managed to hold her place until he
finally released her hand.

Lilly smiled when he lifted his gaze to hers,
bent on defusing the situation, “I too am very pleased that you
could join us. You are missed and I hope you might be here to
reconcile with Lorcan and Kaitriana.”

She added a note of wistfulness to the lie,
giving Gareth a moment’s pause before he shook himself and offered
her his answer. He was glaring at Kaitriana with the delivery, “I
fear it cannot be Lilly. I understand your loyalty to your Coven
leader and that is commendable, but her existence is forbidden. Her
mating with Lorcan defies our laws. You know this.”

He eyed each of Kaitriana’s palms steadily to
make certain magic was not firing when he deigned to speak to her
directly, “This farce will not be permitted to continue, Kaitriana.
Mating my brother will not protect you; you cannot circumvent the
Council. I suggest that you come with me now and surrender
yourself. You can spare the Coven and Lorcan the repercussions of
remaining in violation of our laws.”

Kaitriana had been so focused on the hatred
churning beneath his words that she had not sensed the arrival of
Lorcan. Gareth had been woefully unaware as well. If Vampire were
capable of dying from fright, Kaitriana would have sworn this vile
one would have expired when the heavy hand of his brother came to
rest on his shoulder. Were the situation not so dire, she would
have giggled over Gareth’s expression. Shifting her gaze, she was
surprised to see that the other Coven leaders and the Elite flanked
her mate. She inspected each face and all had the same air of
disapproval. Her uncertain gaze swung to Lorcan, hoping none of
that censure was directed towards her.

Lorcan gave her a reassuring smile and
released Gareth’s shoulder to allow the younger to turn to face
him. It took Gareth only a second to assess the level of upset in
the wall of warriors, but he put on a show of false bravado and
raised his chin higher, “Lorcan, we have matters to discuss.”
Looking pointedly at the group, he added, “Privately.”

Lorcan deliberately misunderstood, “I hoped
we might. It is good to see that you have come to your senses and
returned to us. As I told you, when you were ready to make amends
for your earlier mistakes, you would be welcome. As soon as you
offer Kaitriana your apology, we may discuss anything you like
Gareth.” The last words were sharp as steel and matched the chill
that had settled in Lorcan’s eyes.

Gareth blustered under the instruction, “Our
father does not recognize this union. Moreover, the Council forbids
it. You need to cease with your obstinance and surrender the girl,
Lorcan.”

Lorcan was harsh as his fingers curled
against his brother’s shoulder in a tight hold, “You might want to
lower your voice, fool. The girl’s entire faction as well as her
coven surrounds you. Either would likely tear you to bits were you
to attempt to remove her.” His grip increased in force when he
ground out the next warning, “But if you dare touch her, I will
have your throat before any others can do you harm.”

Releasing Gareth with a hard shove that
caused him to stumble, Lorcan threw in snidely, “If Alaric wishes
to express his disapproval, I invite him here to do so rather than
send you as his messenger boy.” Before Gareth could formulate a
suitable response, Lorcan waved his brother away dismissively, “You
can report that I have the support of three Coven leaders. In case
the significance of this eludes you, it means that four of the
eight Council members that are in support of a renewed alliance
with the Witch faction.”

Gareth was speechless over the level of
insurrection and Lorcan used the opportunity to make clear the
ramifications of the new order, “We are no longer subjecting our
covens to their rule. If they wish a war, you might remind them
that this new alliance,” the sweep of his hand encompassed the
other Coven leaders, “constitutes the bulk of the strongest
warriors in our breed. The Council best tread cautiously. It would
be unwise to attempt to force our adherence to their dictates.”

Gareth’s face was mottled red as he took in
the whole gathering. His eyes clashed with Lorcan’s when he sneered
caustically, “Alaric will have both your heads…you have signed the
order for your own deaths.” Puffing up a bit, he glared at the
others, “As have you all.” He shadowed before any could reach him
to show him the stupidity of his threat.

Lorcan glanced worriedly down at Kat. He was
shocked to see not only a serene expression on her face, but that
no light was filling her palms. He cocked his head at her, his
puzzlement obvious.

Laughing, she lifted a hand to cup his cheek
before rising on her toes to brush her lips to his, “I trust you
implicitly and I know I have your protection, Warrior. There is no
need for me to add my flames to this fire.” She delivered another
kiss, pleasure radiating from her eyes, “You have already achieved
the consent from these leaders to unite with the Witch?”

At his affirmative nod, she slipped her arms
around his waist and nuzzled her cheek to his chest, “I should
never have worried whether this would come to pass. You are a solid
leader Lorcan.” She was reeling over the fact that half of the
Vampire Faction – most importantly, the strongest half – had
rejoined her Witch in their purpose.

Lorcan dropped a kiss to her hair,
instructing, “You should never worry lass. It suggests a lack of
confidence in your mate.” His teasing smile was still present when
he gave his praise, “I did not accomplish this alone; you are the
Chosen and you brought the Witch faction to this alliance. Your
part in this result must not be under appreciated.” Kaitriana was
near ready to do her happy-dance; the tight squeeze of her arms
around his waist indicated her joy.

Lorcan turned with her still tucked against
his side to face his fellow leaders. His expression was solemn,
“There will most certainly be fallout from this. If any of you have
had a change of heart, now would be the time to excuse yourself
from this alliance.”

The Vampire leadership only returned his hard
stare until Alexandros broke the silence, “Been longing to give
those pious sons of bitches a kick in the ass for some time now,
Lorcan. We are firm in this decision.” He added as an afterthought,
“Your father has always been a narrow-minded arrogant bastard.”

Looking sidelong at a group of Witch females
gathered across the yard, Alexandros stepped away with a chuckle,
“Now, if you will excuse me…it has been too long since I have sunk
my teeth into a good piece of Witch.” Devlin, Aidan and Broderick
saw the focus of their friend’s attention and quickly followed.

Shaking her head over their eager departure,
Kaitriana was bursting with happiness. She spoke to Lilly, whom had
remained at her side, as they moved towards the crowd, “The Witch
are about to be besieged by the Vampire and they shall never see it
coming.”

Lilly joined in her laughter, adding, “Indeed
they are.” She disappeared. When Kaitriana spied her a few moments
later, the pretty vampire had engaged Kendrick in a spirited
conversation. Glancing around, she observed that the interactions
between the two factions were not hesitant, but rather there seemed
to be an overwhelming sense of amiability in the gathering. Of
course, the Witch’s love of a party and their propensity to indulge
in strong brew had probably eased any of their remaining
reservations. She glanced up to catch Lorcan studying her intently
and she gave him a tiny smile, “Are you pleased? You can tolerate
the presence of the Witch?”

She was taken aback by his heavy sigh and the
sudden frown that creased his brow, “I have come to the conclusion
that if I am stuck with you, I am stuck with them as well.” Her
eyes widened with mock outrage at his playful banter and she
responded with a hard pinch to his arm. Lorcan winked at her before
his gaze became heated; he was eyeing the fine column of her neck
exposed so temptingly, “Careful, Witch. I will take you to bed and
make you beg for hours if you misbehave.” He grinned lasciviously
while nodding to confirm the threat, “I think I have found the best
way to ensure your ongoing good behavior. Who knew you would be
such insatiable little tart?”