Lucky's Charm (11 page)

Lucky ducked and scrambled off Dubh, falling to the ground in a heap before leaping to his feet. His brows connected to form a straight line as his eyes narrowed. Strands of hair fell forward covering his forehead. If the situation weren’t so serious it would be comical. She jumped down and changed hands.

“Now, luv.
Mo Shearc
, I’m not sure what’s going on in that pretty head of yours, but put the mace down.” His voice had a lyrical quality to it and briefly she felt compelled to do as he asked.

She shook it off. “Why didn’t you say you had someone before we made love!” she yelled as she marched toward him.

In the background, Dubh chuffed, and if she wasn’t mistaken, it sounded like he was laughing.

“We made love?” Lucky cocked his head.

“What the hell would you call it?” Landis stopped, her chest heaving. She was literally seeing red. The grass, the mountains, everything was the color of blood.

“
Searc
. That’s what I would call it, but it sounds better the way you say it.” The quality of his tone deepened. “Put the mace down, luv.”

Her grip loosened. She needed to follow his directions; it was important she do so. Her steps faltered and it was hard to hold on to her thoughts. She was mad. “I’m so angry with you.” She swallowed. Why was she upset again? The other woman, yeah that was it.

“Why, Landis?” His eyes softened.

“You—you have somebody else? No wonder Tolley was always mad. He knows what’s really going on.”

“I think we have lost a bit in our communication.” He smiled and deep dimples etched his cheeks. “The only woman I have ever wanted in eight hundred years is you,
Mo Shearc
. I am concerned for
you
.”

“Oh.” Giddy, she eased the mace into its holster. “You’re old enough to be my daddy several times over.” Landis couldn’t think of anything else to say. She felt silly and was sure the big, cheesy grin on her face reflected that.

“I got your
da
all right.” He stalked up to her. “I’ll not send you away if you truly want to stay. But when we get to Droicheal, you must do everything I tell you. I’d rather send you back through the veil and know that you’re safe than keep you here where any means of beast could get a hold of you.

She caressed his cheek. “Going back doesn’t mean I’ll be safe there. There are monsters where I come from. Sometimes you really can’t tell what they are, though.”

The idea that she no longer thought of Florida as home flashed across her mind. She didn’t care at all.

~ * ~

Lucky couldn’t stop smiling. Landis wanted to stay. He was making headway with her and hadn’t realized it. His thoughts turned dark. He couldn’t go after Tolley with her in tow, and he would need help. She still had a lot to learn about his world. He would have to call in a few of his men and a close friend or two. There was no way he would catch up with Dicklaus. There just wasn’t enough time.

Once they got to the troll kingdom, they could rent a room from one of the Bauchans who ran boarding houses. He still had two gems from the lot they tried to sell to Dicklaus, hidden on his person in case of emergency. Lucky gazed up. Dark clouds dotted the horizon.

“Why the frown?” Landis slid her tongue along his lower lip.

“I’d hoped to get to my old friend before he was taken into Dicklaus’ castle. It will take a small army to break him free if that happens.” He scratched his head. “I need to buy a hat.”

Landis’ brows came together. “Where did that come from?”

“I can’t very well break a giant out of a dungeon alone.”

“Not that…never mind. We can’t stand here debating. Maybe if we move fast enough, you won’t have to.” She turned away and walked toward Dubh. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

He was the one with the gift of speak. He could bend words, sounds, and entice beings to follow his directions. It worked on everyone he’d ever tried it on, yet the few times he’d done it to Landis, she’d shaken off his suggestions. Lucky rubbed the scruff on his jaw. Somehow she had turned the conversation around and he had no idea what the hell they were actually talking about. He trotted behind her.

“How did you do that?” Lucky tried to keep the shock from his voice.

“Do what?” She placed her foot in the stirrup before twisting around to gaze at him.

“I gave you an order.”

Landis burst out laughing. She stopped and held up one finger and then cleared her throat. “You were saying.”

“Luv, when I talk, people listen. You have a way of ignoring my requests.” He helped her up on the steed.

“Guess there is a first time for everything.” She shrugged as she scooted forward on the saddle, a clear indication she wanted to ride in front of him.

“Bloody hell.” He grabbed the reins, stepped into the metal ring, and hauled himself up. Lucky caged her with his arms as he took the reins in both hands. His dick was hard enough to cut gems, and he tried to get comfortable on the saddle.

Landis scooted back, pushing her ass against his cock. He groaned. Yeah, Landis had come into her own, and she was definitely a woman to reckon with. Absolutely perfect for him. He no longer wanted to hide her to keep her safe. He had no doubt she would be at his back, swinging that damn mace.

“What’s taking you so long?” She eased to the side to look at him. “We have trolls to catch.”

“Hold on, luv. Seems we have a storm brewing behind us, too.” Lucky clicked his tongue and Dubh started off at a run.

Landis giggled and the sound of her laughter made his chest tingle. She was right, and maybe they could catch up with Dicklaus. If they couldn’t, he would fall back on plan B and call in the few men he trusted to break Tolley free. He rubbed his cheek on her hair. Stands of her locks got caught in the scruff on his jaw. He took a deep breath. She smelled of earth and leather, and he’d never smelled anything more wonderful. After this he would take her home. It was beyond time to rebuild his kingdom.

TEN

Dicklaus peered up. Ominous gray clouds rolled across the afternoon sky. He lowered his head and gazed across the plains of light purple grass, all open fields. It wasn’t safe to cross in a thunderstorm. His men were already tired and he was down to only five guardsmen, two horses, and the golem. The stone giant kept Tolley in check.

He had lost seventeen trolls in the battle with the banshees and had left the leprechaun for them to feast on the night before. There was no need to hurry. He had his prey, and he would very publicly dissect the bastard in his courtyard to serve as a reminder that King Dicklaus of the Bridge Trolls was not to be trifled with. He raised his hand and crooked his fingers to get Stalker’s attention. His scout nodded and jogged over to him.

“Sire.” Stalker crossed his arms and waited.

“Make camp here. We’ve taken heavy losses in battle. The men are tired.” Dicklaus smiled. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had to fight. We have gotten soft. When we get back I want to institute a regimental plan and get them combat ready.”

“Yes, sire.” Stalker hesitated. “What about the giant?” He cocked his head toward Tolley.

“Leave him. Maybe a little hunger will make him more docile. I don’t care what happens to him as long as he is alive and mostly whole for his dismemberment and execution.” Dicklaus shrugged.

“Do your worst Dicklaus the Dickless—”

A crack of thunder drowned out the rest of the giant’s words.

The troll king lifted the clay doll and uttered low words at it.

Tolley yelled, “That be all ye got!” He spit red fluid out.

Dicklaus murmured, “Tighter.”

Tiny fissures formed along the rock monster’s shoulders as it tightened its hold on the giant. Tolley grunted and continued to stare at Dicklaus through cold eyes. Dicklaus turned away and marched toward his steeds. Restless, the beasts stomped in place. They yanked at their reins tied to stakes in the ground. The troll king ran his finger along a horse’s side, speaking soft nonsensical words to calm it.

Stalker followed close behind. “I must say, sire, I don’t think this is wise. The men can have a day of rest once we get to the keep.”

Dicklaus swung around to peer at him, and the tracker lowered his gaze. “When were you crowned king, Stalker?” Dicklaus growled. “I believe I missed your coronation.”

“Apologies, sire.” Stalker bowed and hastily backed away. “I’ll let the others know.”

“Do so.” Lightning formed a network of streaks, lighting the darkening sky above them. Dicklaus stopped next to his horse and carefully placed the clay doll in his saddle bag.

Thunder rumbled and the ground shook. He searched for the source of the shaking. A bright bolt struck a tree in the distance and sparks flew up high, illuminating the area around it. Rain followed the light show, pouring so hard his hair plastered to his head.

From the direction of the tree, hellacious screaming rent the air, and Dicklaus squinted to keep the water from his eyes as he tried to pinpoint the source of the yelling. He leaned forward. A person flailed their arms before collapsing on the ground.

Anxious to inspect the commotion, Dicklaus leapt on his steed and directed the horse toward the blaze. Fat drops of rain stung his face and flowed down his collar. The thunderstorm roared in concert with the screams coming from the vicinity of the fire. Near the tree, he pulled hard on the reins, forcing his steed to a stop. When he jumped down, his feet sank in the mud. Heat buffeted his skin, and there was a constant faint sizzle as he moved closer to the prone form.

Unusual clothing drenched dark by the falling drops gave him no indication of who lay on the ground. Small braids covered the head of the person, and strange boots with thick yellow soles covered their feet. Large holes were singed in the clothing. He toed the figure and waited. The person heaved up, rocked forward then collapsed into the mud. He kicked the being in the gut to force the person on their back. A bulky coat flung open when the man flipped over.

He crouched. Not a man—a woman. Her eyes were closed, but there was no mistaking the voluptuous lips and high cheek bones. Plaits that he had only seen his servant women wear covered her head but her manner of outfit wasn’t right. Her skin was the color of rye bread.

She groaned, twisting her head back and forth.

Two of his men appeared at his side. Stalker rubbed a hand on his face and pushed his hair back. “What is she?” Stalker bent over her body to get a better look.

“I don’t know,” Dicklaus muttered as he crouched and grabbed her chin, swinging her face one way and then the other. “I don’t know.” He spoke louder. “But she’s mine.”

~ * ~

Lucky stopped to peer down at the town of Droicheal. Landis leaned forward and pushed the cloak off her head. Storms had started mid-afternoon and had yet to let up, making the ride miserable. He turned his head to gaze at her profile. They had rode almost continuous across the lavender fields, stopping only long enough for her to put the cloak on to give her a degree of protection from the piercing drops.

He chuckled at the look on her face. She’d screwed her mouth up and covered her eyes with her hand. He returned his gaze to the village. Stone-covered wooden roofs were nestled between ones made of hay and mud. Some building entrances were covered only with a blanket, while others had solid doors. Dicklaus was not a benevolent ruler. He was arrogant and selfish, putting his needs before those of his people.

From afar, Lucky could make out blurry forms that resembled squat, thick trolls stomping along the narrow, muddy paths. Lucky knew other beings lived among them like the Bauchan, inn keepers who were distant cousins of the elves. He flicked the reins and Dubh started down the steep incline.

“Wait.” Landis wrapped her fingers around his wrist. “Don’t they know you here? You won’t be safe.”

“That’s why we are going to stay in town. No one would expect to find me in Droicheal. I’ll buy a hat. Folks will never see my face.” He pushed the wet tresses back on his head. “Trust me,
Mo Shearc
. We’ll be fine. Plus, I promised you a bath.”

“I think we already got one,” she said dryly.

Lucky snorted as he urged Dubh to move. The unicorn eased down the hill and trotted around the outskirts of town. They would stop every time someone was near then continue once the person passed. Finally, Dubh stopped in front a long, tall building with large double doors. Lucky jumped down and shoved the entrance barriers open, leading Dubh in before sliding the doors shut.

He walked up to Landis and helped her down. Lucky pulled the hood over her hair. “Keep your head down, luv.”

“You act like people have never seen a black woman before.” She offered him a crooked smile and he traced his finger down her nose.

Landis looked around. Half-open stalls lined one wall. Some of them contained horses. The scent of fresh hay and manure probably tickled her nose as it did his.

“Let’s just say you are far more exotic-looking than I.” He grabbed her hand and looked over at Dubh. “Stay hidden.”

With Landis in tow, Lucky passed through a side exit. As they ran across the alleyway, mud splashed on their shoes. He slammed through a door and yanked Landis in behind him before shoving it closed. Large pots and pans hung from racks screwed into the ceiling. A large fire pit was dug out in the middle of the floor with a low wall surrounding it. Metal grates lay across the opening. Embers burned low; red-rimmed coals were just visible. Large cabinets and deep shelves lined the walls. Various food items were openly displayed and large basins rested on the cupboards.

A tall slender woman with salt-and-pepper hair eased through a thin curtain. She lifted her head and gazed up through silver irises “Who’s here?”

He stepped in front of Landis. “’Tis I, Siobhan.”

“For the love of all things holy. You should be in the Winterlands by now, boy. Who’s that with you?” Siobhan placed her fists on her hips and leaned forward, narrowing her gaze.

“Where are your spectacles? Tolley was captured. I had hoped to catch Dicklaus before he made it back here. I need to send word to Fizell.”