Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - Were Love Conquers All [Were Trilogy 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (26 page)

She listened to the conversation but every so often glanced over her shoulder at Dravo. His eyes were dark and mysterious. He stared at her so intently she could practically feel a hole burning through her skin. She also felt not attracted to him, but connected to him. It was so strange. Something tingled inside her, and it felt as if it traveled through her blood stream.

Her mates caught her gaze and began to growl. All conversation in the room halted.

“What seems to be the problem?” Maximus asked, and Antoinette’s men stared at Dravo.

“The vamp has been in a dead stare at our mate since we arrived,” Jacob stated as he remained staring at Dravo.

Dravo looked at Charity then stood up, prepared to leave the room. Antoinette and her mates stood up as well. Her men moved toward Dravo, but Antoinette raised her hands at both her men and Dravo.

“Wait.” She raised her voice, and they stopped their approach.

Antoinette looked at Charity for assistance, and Charity instantly rose from her seat and walked toward them.

“We don’t have time for this. The enemy approaches, and we need to know what the plan is. I have an overwhelming feeling to protect my mate and also shift,” Jacob added to the conversation.

Charity took Antoinette’s hand in her own then looked toward her mates.

“This will be the easiest way,” Charity whispered.

“Take her hand and each of you hold hands.” The men took their mate’s hand, and Antoinette locked gazes with Dravo looking uncertain but curious.

“Princess, you shouldn’t overextend your powers. You will need everything you have shortly,” Dravo stated with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“Dravo, you need this. You need to know the connection in order to help me fight against Devlon.”

Dravo’s eyes widened, but he slowly reached his hands toward Charity. The moment they connected their eyes closed and the vision took over. Charity spoke to all of them and immediately they saw a reenactment of what had taken place as Charity narrated the entire thing.

“When your mother was pregnant with you, Antoinette, an evil rogue wolf, had wanted to claim your mother as its mate. Your father attempted to protect her. He attempted to fight an army of were, but there were too many. He would have died from losing so much blood until someone of great power sent a vampire through the woods to where your father lay dying. That vampire was compelled by the fey spirits to save him. That is why you have vampire blood in you. Somehow that blood was passed on to you when you were conceived. Your parents tried to protect you as long as they could, but somehow this rogue wolf found out about your existence, and he came after your parents. Your father, along with your mother, was killed while in the process of protecting your identity and your existence. That vampire blood that runs through your veins is—”

“My blood.” Dravo blurted out, ending the connection as Charity released their hands.

“Yes, it is true. Dravo is the vampire that saved your father so he could protect you from being captured and killed. This connection between your vampire blood and your sorcerers’ blood will be crucial in your fight. Also, Dravo, it was Antoinette’s father who passed along the sorcerer’s power to you as you aided him. He bestowed upon you the abilities to withstand the sunlight and have more power and magic than other vampires. This is your connection, both of you. I can tell you now that you will need this combined power to fight.”

Antoinette’s men had released her hand, but Dravo now took her hand into his own. They held one another’s gazes, and Dravo looked a bit unsure of what to do. Then suddenly Antoinette walked closer to him and embraced the vampire.

It only lasted a moment, and then Antoinette smiled at Dravo then smiled at her men before taking her seat between Lexi and Charity.

* * * *

“As you can see, the spirits and Goddesses have been preparing us for this fight. Everything happens for a reason. There are connections to one another for reasons beyond explanation, and it is your duty and obligation to take the position you are directed toward. Follow your heart, and use the strength of your love and connection to your mates and to our union as spirit sisters,” Charity stated then caught everyone’s gazes around her to be sure they understood.

“Lexi, you are of the powers of both fey and wolf. These powers will be needed to fight against Davis the Wizard. Your men, along with Feldman, will provide assistance in this fight. Remember that strength and power of your love as well as our connection to each other. That is the strongest and most powerful weapon you’ll use.”

Lexi nodded her head then held her mates’ gazes.

“And you, Princess, do not tell me that you are planning on fighting Devlon alone,” Dravo asked, and Charity remained silent.

“Princess?” Dante asked, waiting for an explanation.

She inhaled then clasped her hands in front of her.

“We will just have to wait and see,” she whispered, feeling the tiny hint of fear inside of her. She recalled her desperation to be saved when Devlon had nearly captured her.

“You cannot fight him on your own, Princess,” Dravo added, taking a step closer and eyeing her men.

Maximus, Dante, and Luther looked concerned.

“Explain,” Maximus ordered, and Dravo looked at the Princess and waited a moment. When she didn’t respond, he began to speak.

“Devlon is a very powerful beast. He can take any form and has both were and other magical powers. No one is certain of the intensity, but he nearly captured Charity.”

“Was he after her powers?” Luther asked.

“Yes, and his main objective is to capture and mate the Princess. If he were to succeed, then all her powers and abilities would be shared with Devlon.”

Maximus, Dante, and Luther growled.

“Why did you not tell us this immediately?” Maximus roared.

“There is no way we will allow you to be in the presence of him, never mind fight him, Charity,” Luther added, moving toward her.

“We will protect her. We can keep her in hiding if need be,” Dante suggested.

Charity rose from the seat, her fear, her uncertainty could be felt around the room.

“There is no way to avoid this confrontation any longer. We must fight for the Venificus family, for the continued existence of were and all other spiritual creatures. If Devlon succeeds in destroying us, then the world will never be the same.”

The room was silent as Charity’s words sank in.

“How long before they arrive?” Saber asked.

“They aren’t far. I can sense the evil moving closer,” Antoinette stated

“As do I,” Lexi offered then walked closer to Charity.

“There is more for us to discuss. Can everyone please give Antoinette, Lexi, and I some time alone? This is the first time we are meeting in person, and we have much to talk about,” Charity stated, and everyone rose from their seats. Charity watched as Saber, Paul, and then Andre caressed and kissed Lexi before leaving the room. Antoinette’s men Jacob, Troy, Luke, and Brad did the same to Antoinette then left the room with Dravo, Feldman, Celeste, and Marcus.

Maximus, Dante, and Luther remained standing in one spot with their arms crossed in front of their chests and looking as if they were not planning on leaving anytime soon.

Charity raised her eyebrows at them, and they did the same. Antoinette and Lexi took a seat and watched in amazement.

“That includes the three of you as well.”

“We are not leaving your side, mate,” Luther professed as he eyed her from head to toe.

Charity felt her body hum with desire, but now was not the time or the place.

“Please, Luther. I will be fine here in this room with my spirit sisters.”

“That’s not a decision you have to make solely by yourself. We are your mates, and we decide what is right for you and best for your protection,” Dante added.

Charity was shocked at their blatant disregard of her orders and especially at the way they stood there looking so damn superior and sexy. They reeked of intimidation and power. She adored them with every bit of her body and soul.

She walked over to them and whispered. “I adore you with all my heart, mates. We are one now, and you will know immediately if I am in danger. You will feel it here,” she stated then touched her hand over Maximus’s chest. She felt the beating of his heart then suddenly he grabbed her wrist, wrapped his arm around her waist, and held her against him.

Charity gasped then squinted her eyes at his little trick.

“I don’t like this one bit. Knowing that Devlon is nearby and how badly he wants you as his mate does not sit right with any of our wolves. We will give you a little bit of time, but then you are ours to protect, and one of us will remain by your side always.”

Before she could respond, he covered her lips and stole her breath away.

When he finally released her, she felt lightheaded and completely forgot about Lexi and Antoinette Luther took his place and gave her mouth another round of loving. He squeezed her tight before releasing her to Dante who actually hugged her first then nuzzled against her neck, taking his time with no consideration for their audience. His lips pressed against her neck, and he found that tender, delicate spot that nearly made her body explode. If it weren’t for the fact that two other people beside her mates stood in the room, Charity would have reciprocated her mate’s show of dominance.

Finally, Dante released her with a smile, and the three brothers nodded at Antoinette and Lexi before exiting the room.

Antoinette was fanning herself with her hand as her eyes remained on the wolves as they left, and Charity just smiled wide.

“Damn, can those men kiss,” Antoinette stated, and both Charity and Lexi chuckled.

She inhaled then released before taking a seat across from them.

She felt as if she were simply glowing.

“They will be perfect mates for you, Princess. Seeing that love firsthand, makes me think of my own bond with my mates. It’s like nothing I could have ever imagined,” Lexi offered with a smile of both appreciation and respect.

Charity thought about that and the way her mates showed such control of her at the moment.

“You suddenly appear a little flustered, Princess. Is it something I said?” Lexi asked.

“Not at all. It’s just that the Alpha wolf’s need to dominate everyone and everything can be overwhelming sometimes.”

Lexi and Antoinette smiled.

“They can be intense, especially now that I am pregnant with their cubs. I’m surprised that they weren’t insisting upon staying in this room beside me as well. You saw how they reacted to Dravo. By the way, thank you for what you did. It’s like having another family member besides just my grandma.”

Charity smiled. “That’s understandable, and I was happy to help eliminate a potential fistfight. I suppose I am just used to being on my own and need to get used to having mates just as the two of you did. By the way, how are you getting along with your powers?”

Antoinette sighed. “I have been dabbling in a bit of magic on my sorcerer side. Feldman has been helping out a lot. I feel a bit more confident, especially since your visit the other night.” Antoinette rubbed her small belly. “My concern has been mainly for the cubs. But I promise to serve you fully, Princess, and do whatever is asked of me.”

Charity smiled then touched Antoinette’s hand. Immediately the tiny vibrations ran up their arms. Charity pulled away, and the vision struck her mind. Both Lexi and Antoinette stared at her.

* * * *

Lexi looked at Charity. She stared off as if having a vision of some sort, except that Lexi could sense the foreboding, the fear, and anxiety Charity felt. A glance toward Antoinette and her serious expression and Antoinette felt it, too.

“They will come for us. Devlon knows that you are both here. Many wolves will die trying to save our lives and the existence of our mates.”

Lexi swallowed hard then touched the Princess’s hand. So did Antoinette, and immediately they were all pulled into a vision.

Chapter 14

The room was buzzing with conversations and plans of protection for the estate and the women. Saber, Paul, and Andre spoke with Dante, Luther, and Maximus about security and where the Venificus needed more backup soldiers.

Jacob, Troy, Luke, and Brad offered what soldiers they brought with them. Their concern for Antoinette and the cubs was taken into consideration.

“We could each protect our own mates in separate locations here in your estate to ensure their safety if, in fact, Devlon, Storm, and Davis the Wizard penetrate the outer perimeters,” Brad offered.

“It’s obvious that our wolves want to protect our mates and our cubs. We brought the triplets with us and have our main guards with them now,” Saber added.

“Along with our mother, Celeste, they will be in safe hands,” Luther offered in support.

“Devlon and his partners do not want your children or you. Their main objective is getting to the Princess. Your mates, Lexi and Antoinette, offer additional power because they are spirit sisters with the Princess. There is a bond there, created by the Goddesses in preparation of what’s to come. Your roles are important. Take your guards and try to hold them off as long as possible,” Feldman stated as reassurance to their plans.