Betrayal (15 page)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The cloudy day enhanced the lushness of the Highland’s green foliage surrounding the cemetery near Inverness, Scotland where Kieran and Cyn stood side-by-side.

The latest Fraser Laird had been laid to rest and they’d come to pay their respects.

Cyn stepped forward and touched the tombstone. “Godspeed Calum.”

He took a deep breath. “Nothing smells like home.”

Kieran nodded. “Yes and it’s as beautiful as I remember. Unfortunately we should leave soon, before we’re spotted.”

Cyn noticed a man approaching, a short distance away. “Too late.”

“You two are definitely Frasers. You’re spitting images of my forefathers in the portraits that hang in my home.” The man walked up to them and held out his hand. “Welcome, I am Ian Fraser, the new Laird. I take it you’re the American Frasers my father spoke of so often. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see him one more time.” Ian’s eyes misted as he looked at his father’s tombstone. It was obvious he’d cared deeply for his father. “I’m sure Da would also be disappointed that he missed you.” He studied Cyn closer. “The resemblance is uncanny. You seem so familiar, have we not met before?”

Kieran interrupted. “We are indeed the American Frasers, I’m Kieran and this is my brother Cynden. I met your father once. He was a good man.”

“Aye he was.” Ian motioned toward Fraser castle. The great castle still stood proud. It had been well taken care of over the years. “Please come, family is always welcome to stay. I will have your luggage collected at the inn if you have already checked in.”

Kieran started to decline, but Cyn stopped him. “I think that’s a good idea. We need to talk. We leave tomorrow, so it will just be overnight.”

They walked into the large estate. Both brothers hesitated when the memories of their past life there assailed them.

In the entryway, a portrait of Malcolm, Kieran and himself startled Cyn. He glanced at Kieran who peered at the picture and then back at him. The sight of Malcolm’s familiar face shook Cyn so much, he had to look away. Next, his attention went to the portrait of his parents and he smiled remembering them. Ian Fraser waited patiently as they looked at the portraits.

Ian frowned and his eyes narrowed as he glanced from the portraits, to them, but he didn’t say anything. “Come meet my family,” Ian told them and led them toward the great room.

They followed the new laird to the space where their family had gathered for generations. The brothers were introduced to Ian’s wife, Maggie, and two of their four children.

That night in a guest room, Cyn paced not able to sleep. It had been over a hundred years since he last stepped foot inside the castle and yet he instantly felt at home. He looked out the bedroom window and thought back to the last time he lived there, slept in that very room. Nearly three hundred and eighty years ago.

# # #

Northern Highlands, Scotland 1634

The Laird, Malcolm Fraser, Cyn's older brother, reined in his horse and slowed it down to trot alongside and Cyn ignored him.

As of late, along with the change in his personality, Cyn had also changed physically. Through a painful process, he’d grown to a towering height and filled out his already muscular physique. Goliath, the immense charger horse, Cyn rode upon, trembled as if he wanted to continue to ride hard.

Blood thirsty, like him.

The only time Cyn felt like himself of late, was on the battlefield. Once they headed back to their homestead, he became sullen and withdrawn again. Dread of what awaited enveloped him.

Malcolm gave him a worried look. “I’m not sure what has caused this change in you brother, but I can sense your unhappiness at heading home.” His brother knew him too well.

“Cynden you have always been the easy-going one of us. You have our mother’s patience and care about the clan’s folk.”

Until recently, I’ve become a different person
.

Out of the corner of his eye, Cyn could see Malcolm studying him. “Good turn back there. I do not think the MacLeans will want to trespass our lands anytime soon.”

“Aye,” Cyn answered without emotion.

“Mayhap we can celebrate our return with a betrothal brother.” Malcolm tried again, “Tis time you take a wife and give the servant girls a reprieve. The housekeeping and cooking have declined since you’ve been using our serving wenches almost nightly. And quite thoroughly at that, it seems by their lack of energy during the day.”

Cyn didn’t answer as he already contemplated bedding the chambermaid upon arrival. Three weeks without a woman was far too long for him.

“The Campbell’s lass, Marlene, is of marrying age,” Malcolm continued, determined to have the conversation with him. “She’s a bonnie lass. Don’t ye think?”

A grunt was Cyn’s response. The thought of marriage did not sit well with him. He knew it was his duty to the clan, to marry and have children. But he’d never met a woman that didn’t bore him after bedding them a couple of times. He didn’t even try to get to know them anymore.

Besides, he wasn’t sure he could stand to have anyone around him every day and night. Nearly every night in the last few months, it was either nightmares that haunted him or excruciating pains that awakened him. He woke panting and sweating from either hurt or fright. It felt as if his muscles separated from his bones, the aches so extreme he wondered if he might go mad.

When he’d asked his brother questions about hurting and nightmares, Malcolm just gave him puzzled looks, not sure what he talked about. His brother Kieran at just ten and four was too young to ask.

Now he kept what happened to him a secret.

The isolation of his situation was the worst part. His days were a trial. Tired and in a foul mood after the restless and painful nights, he trudged through his duties ignoring the curious looks of his clans folk.

He withdrew more and more from his family. Lately, he spent more time with Goliath than with his clan. The only time he had a respite from the nightmares was on the battlefield or after bed sport with a wench or two.

At his brother’s questioning look, he realized Malcolm wanted an answer, but not the one he was to give. He granted Goliath his wish and they thundered away from his brother.

That night the entire clan celebrated the return of the men, sharing the evening meal in the great room. Everyone was in good spirits. Even Cyn relaxed, already eyeing a new serving wench. He sat next to Malcolm at the main table and studied the revelry around him, not quite a part of it.

“I worry about him.” Cyn overheard Malcolm’s wife, Lizzie, as she spoke to his brother. She repeatedly glanced at him, which made it obvious they were speaking about him. “Have you talked to him about taking a wife?”

“Aye, but he wasn’t too keen on the idea,” Malcolm answered her, kissing her brow. Lizzie sighed and dropped the subject.

Cyn drank deeply from his tankard and watched a messenger enter the room and stand before Malcolm.

The laird acknowledged the boy. “Speak lad and then have your fill from the trenchers before departing.”

The young man’s eyes bulged, as he took in all the food on the tables. “Thank you my Laird, I bring a message from Sir Julian D’Arco. He wishes to speak to you on the morrow.”

The next day, Cyn woke with a heavy head and the new serving wench in an exhausted slumber, next to him. He rose noiselessly, as not to wake the girl and walked to the window. It was a warm morning and he didn’t bother covering himself.

He would have to avoid Lizzie this morning. She’d be cross at him for keeping the serving girl away from her duties. He decided to get dressed at once and leave out the back way through the kitchens. He would grab some bread and cheese to break his fast and go to the stables. Once he got Goliath, they’d go to the nearby loch to bathe. Afterwards, he’d head into town and visit a certain tavern where he always received special favors.

Movement beneath his window got his attention. A regal beast of a horse, the likes of which he’d never seen before, pranced continuously.

A man with the physique of a warrior stood next to the horse. The stranger looked up at him. His penetrating stare observed him without expression.

The visitor the messenger announced the night before.

This must be Julian D’Arco
.

He abandoned his plan to avoid his brother’s wife and dressed with swiftness. Cyn rushed out of his room to learn what news the visitor brought.

As he reached the library, its doors had already closed, which gave him no choice but to wait in the hallway and pace. Malcolm met with the stranger in private. A rare occurrence as Malcolm usually included Cyn in all matters. This didn’t bode well.

Lizzie approached and hit his shoulder. “You are an ogre Cyn. Where is Maureen? If you don’t take a wife soon, then find a mistress to use so that the household is not affected.” Although her tone was terse, her eyes twinkled playfully at him. Lizzie was a beauty, with long red hair and sparkling green eyes.

He shrugged at her noncommittally. “I’ll consider it.”

She huffed and stalked away. He watched his sister-in-law’s retreat. He liked Lizzie. She was the perfect wife for his stern brother, fiery and not afraid to stand up to the Fraser men. Perhaps one day he would find a wife such as her.

Finally the door opened and his brother called him inside. Tense, he walked in to find a taut faced Malcolm sitting opposite the visitor.

The burn in his gut told him his life was about to change.

A month later, Cyn rode away from Fraser lands for good. Goliath whinnied barely holding back, anxious for the open road ahead.

For the next five years, Cyn trained to be a Protector and demon slayer with the best warriors known to mankind, Gladiators and Spartans.

Then he stopped aging.

# # #

Present Day

“So it’s true.” Ian Fraser leaned back in his chair and studied his ancestors with renewed clarity. “Da told me about our secret ties to the Protectors when it became obvious he wouldn’t live long. I didn’t believe him, not at first. But he was adamant and I began to imagine it was true.”

Kieran and Cyn sat across from him and waited for what they’d told the Laird to soak in.

They’d taken turns explaining the Fraser Clan’s ties to the Protector army. They told him of their experiences since they’d left Scotland.

“We try to inform each new Laird just to be sure they haven’t inherited the gifts of the Protectors. Since you have a wife and have sired children, I take it you haven’t received the call,” Cyn told him. Ian already looked to be in his early forties.

Ian shook his head. “I can’t say I have.”

“Have any of your sons?” Kieran asked him.

“No… maybe. My first born, Tristan, has changed drastically since he turned twenty. I figured he was trying to find himself. You know prove his manhood. But he has become increasingly distant and brooding of late. He’s got his mother and I worried.” Ian confided.

“Then, we will talk to him. Can you tell us where we can find him?” Cyn asked. “After we speak to him, we will let you know if it’s the call.”

Ian nodded. By the dazed look he sported, it was obvious he was still overwhelmed by all the information. “He’s probably in the stables. He’s home from the University for his grandfather’s funeral.”

The laird rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It must be something to be immortal. I am not sure I envy your calling. But I know it’s an honor to be chosen. Yes, go to my son and help him.”

# # #

Tristan would be a Protector. He showed all the distinct signs. The Fraser brothers knew what it was like for the young man, not knowing what was happening to him. After they’d explained his destiny, a relieved Tristan had jumped into the air excited to know that all the dreams and strange pains were for a purpose.

For now, Tristan would remain in Scotland and wait for Julian to contact him. Since he just turned twenty, it could be only another year or two. Already at well over six feet the strapping young man, with golden hair and bright green eyes, would be an excellent Protector.

They drove away from Fraser lands in silence until the village came into view.

Cyn tore his eyes from the abundant green lands they passed.

“Time to go home, aye Kieran?”

“Aye, back to face our demons.”

Cyn snorted at his double entendre.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The demons had moved. The warehouse buildings were gutted and abandoned. The few humans they’d found did not remember anything.

Cyn kept vigil from a short distance away and watched several police units and ambulances drive away. The Protectors had called them in case any of the humans needed medical assistance.

“The bastard got away,” he mumbled under his breath.

Maybe he should do the same. Once they found the demons’ new location, he’d ask Julian for a transfer. Blue was old enough to adjust to a new place. He was sure the boy would welcome the adventure of a new city or even country.

Fallon’s silver jaguar pulled up and the British Protector climbed out of the car. He ambled over to where Cyn stood.

“Julian is worried,” Fallon told him, after they greeted each other. “Quite a few high-level demons remain in Atlanta. He wants us to find them before more people die.”

“More humans went missing last week,” Cyn told him. “I’m sure a lot of them are being kept as a food source. Once we find their new location, we will increase our patrol of the surrounding areas.”

Fallon didn’t reply, instead he looked around with disdain at the neglected area overgrown with weeds. Old decaying barrels and wooden spools lay strewn haphazardly over the old parking lot. Several smaller buildings looked about to fall over from neglect and the air was putrid from the chemicals that had been dumped haphazardly.

The Brit frowned at him. “This place is horrid.”

Cyn followed Fallon’s line of vision. “Yep, this area is pretty ugly. But Atlanta as a whole isn’t that bad. You might as well get used to it, your highness. You’ll be living here for a while.” Cyn liked to banter with Fallon, who was easy to irritate.

“You can address me as My Lord,” Fallon replied haughtily.

Cyn punched him in the gut, knocking Fallon back a few steps.

“Or Lord, Lord Fallon is fine,” Fallon wheezed, and threw a punch back, across Cyn’s jaw.

Cyn flung himself at the Lord, satisfied at hearing Fallon’s “umphf” as they tussled to the ground.

“I can’t leave you two alone for long, can I?” Kieran walked up. “Why don’t we just shoot up a flare and let the cops know we’re here?”

Cyn removed his hand from Fallon’s throat and the Brit lowered his fist. He jumped up and held his hand out to help Fallon up. But Fallon slapped it away, got up, and then proceeded to brush debris off his pants. Cyn stared at him for a moment and then shook his head. “Sissy.”

Kieran glared at them but didn’t comment, seeming to understand this was their way of getting to know each other. His brother had been on the other side of the area keeping an eye on the activities.  If any demons were left behind, he would have followed them.

“Did you see any blood-breaths?” Cyn asked already knowing the answer.

Kieran kicked at the dirt. “No, I didn’t see anything. When did they leave? Roderick and I have been patrolling around here for weeks. We never saw any movement.”

Cyn shrugged. “Who knows, but they got past us. It’s all right, we’ll find them.”

“Where are you staying?” Kieran asked Fallon, changing the subject.

“I bought a house in the area called Druid Hills. It will do for now.” The British man gave them a bland look that told them he found his new home sub-par. Fallon was quite wealthy. The Protectors were well compensated by Julian. However, Fallon’s wealth exceeded that of most of the Protectors.

It was obvious the Brit did not like the idea of being forced away from his beloved England. But he’d been in the country almost twenty years and it was past time for him to relocate.

The first rays of sunlight rose on the horizon. It had been a long night. Cyn regarded the other two. “I’ll talk to Roderick, he knows Sebastian better than the rest of us. Maybe he can talk the Incubus into getting some information for us.”

# # #

Sebastian leaned back in his chair in the office at Inferno, and pressed his fingertips against the bridge of his nose. Although the last twelve hours had been tense, he was still surprised to find he had a headache.

An Incubus with a headache
.

If not for the stiffness in his shoulders and the throbbing at his temples, he would laugh.

Detectives had just left, after they questioned him and all the staff for hours. Inferno was closed down until the local authorities finished their investigation of a murder on the premises the night prior.

A demon had slaughtered a woman in the middle of his packed club. Several panicked humans started a hysteria, which ended in the police arriving before he and the staff could contain the situation.

He knew the media would have a grand old time once the coroner released the report of bite marks on the victim’s throat and death from blood loss at Inferno. The press would call the young demon a vampire wanna-be or some sort of exaggerated name that would bring unwanted attention to Inferno.

“Oh great,” he mumbled at his security monitor. He watched the two Protectors as they made their way toward his office. Cyn and Roderick walked past his already nervous staff. “The day just gets better and better.”

The Protectors strolled into Sebastian's office and remained on their feet. Roderick approached him. “Hello Sebastian, you look like shit.”

Sebastian stood after looking at each of them for a moment. "Fuck you, Roderick. What do you want?" He didn’t bother to hide his irritation and glared at them. "I am not in the mood for visitors today."

"What can you tell us about Gerard’s current dive?" Cyn returned the glare, cutting straight to the reason they were there. "As one of his high-level minions we’re sure you know where they moved."

"I am not exactly in Gerard's inner circle,” Sebastian replied staring at the ceiling while he clenched his jaw. It proved hard not to lose his temper. "After you two got away, he was beyond pissed and suspected that I might have helped in your escape. I took a big chance and returned for Emma after I found out he planned to kill her too."

Sebastian noticed Cyn tense at the mention of her name, a slight frown formed and his eyes snapped to meet his.
Interesting.

"I don't think he saw me, but someone might have. So as you can imagine, they are not sharing any information with me at the moment."

Roderick glanced at Cyn who narrowed his eyes at Sebastian. "Why was Gerard going to kill Emma? She brought him Cyn."

"He never planned to let her live. I am told the sister was the one that planned the whole thing. Briana is full demon now and remains with Gerard voluntarily."

Sebastian turned his full attention to Cyn. "Emma believed her sister's life was in danger. She was stupid to believe Gerard, of course, but her sister is her only family."

"Only a fool believes the word of a demon." Cyn's voice was flat as he turned the conversation back to the original subject. "Have you heard talk about Gerard’s preferred hangouts? Perhaps from some of your customers?"

"As you just said, only a fool believes the word of a demon, so why waste your time and mine?" Sebastian brushed past them out of the office.

# # #

Roderick stared after Sebastian. "
That
went well." The Spartan motioned to the monitors showing the bar and dance floors.

In the monitor, Emma walked up to Sebastian and hugged the incubus. The Protectors walked out of the office.

"I heard what happened and came as soon as I could. I'm so sorry. Want to go have a cup of cof..." she stopped talking when she saw Cyn and Roderick. Her eyes widened. Sebastian placed a protective hand on her arm and held her in place.

Cyn’s eyes honed to where Sebastian touched Emma and he fought the urge to ram his fist into the male’s face.

"Coffee would be nice Emma,” Sebastian told her. He wrapped a possessive arm around her shoulders.

Although his stomach pitched, Cyn set his jaw and ensured his expression remained blank as he neared them. Emma looked down and shuffled her feet. She seemed uncomfortable, but didn't move away from Sebastian. The thought of her with the Incubus filled him with rage.

He didn't realize he’d stopped moving forward until Roderick elbowed him.

Thankfully, Emma stepped away from the Incubus to go sit on a barstool nearby.

“Hello,” Roderick acknowledged Emma before he turned his attention to Sebastian. "I never got a chance to thank you for helping us escape Sebastian. Thank you."

"It was a job Roderick. No thanks are necessary. But, I am glad to see you are well."

Roderick didn't respond, just held out his hand. Sebastian took it and they shook hands. The Protectors started toward the door.

“One minute.” Sebastian stopped them from leaving. “I think perhaps there is something we can do to help one another.”

Sebastian looked to Emma whose gaze flickered to Cyn and back to him. Her brow crinkled.

His torn expression grabbed Cyn’s attention. “The girl that was killed here last night had an uncanny resemblance to you, Emma. I am almost certain that the demon thought he was killing you. This was not a random or accidental death. You need protection.” Then Sebastian turned to the Protectors. He was quiet for a moment, his lips pressed together in thought. “Perhaps, we can work together on this. You can provide protection for Emma and I can find the demon’s location through my sources.”

Automatically, Cyn stepped toward Emma. She eyed him warily as she slid off the barstool and then glared at each of them. “I have a say on this decision.” She moved to stand at Sebastian’s side. “I don‘t want to be under anyone’s protection. I can take care of myself. I can stay here,” she said as she pointed to the ceiling to Sebastian‘s apartments above.

The men remained silent and listened as she continued, “Maybe if I find Briana, she will help us find the Master demon’s location and….” She stopped talking when Cyn glowered at her and Sebastian gave her a stunned look.

“Briana cannot be trusted Emma.” Sebastian’s aggravation was evident as he spoke. “You will have to stay with a Protector. I cannot keep you safe here. Too many demons come here nightly. And I have to leave in order to find their new location.”

Roderick held his hand up. “I have to make a call, wait a sec.” He walked a short distance away, speaking into his earpiece. “Julian?”

Cyn and Emma looked at each other and then immediately looked away. He didn’t trust anyone else to watch over her, but at the same time wasn’t sure he trusted himself to be near her.

Roderick returned, and interrupted the awkward silence.

“Julian is okay with Sebastian’s idea. He thinks that Emma should stay with you Cyn, but we can ask Kieran or Fallon to guard her.”

Cyn was grateful to his friend for giving him an out. But the thought of Emma alone with any other man, even his brother, didn’t sit well with him. What the hell was wrong with him? He didn’t even trust the woman. “That’s all right, I can handle it.”

“
It
is standing right here and
it
can hear you,” Emma told him through gritted teeth. “Why can’t I stay with you and Rachel?” She asked Roderick while ignoring Cyn’s stare.

“Rachel’s gone skiing with the boys. I doubt she would look kindly on me inviting a beautiful single woman to stay at the house while she’s gone,” Roderick answered her, his face soft.

“Oh. Well then I will to return to my apartment and take my chances.” She turned and walked toward the front door, all three men followed the soft sway of her hips. Sebastian and Roderick promptly looked away when Cyn cleared his throat.

# # #

“This can’t be happening,” Emma whispered under her breath for the third time as she grabbed clothes and threw them in a small overnight bag. She took a quick inventory, not sure how many days she would be gone. She collected t-shirts, several pairs of jeans, a sweater, and an extra pair of flats. She opened her underwear drawer, grabbed a bunch of panties and bras, and tossed them in the bag.

Cyn’s presence was overwhelming. Not yet ready to face him, she sunk into the bed.

He waited in her small living room. She’d known that once the three males made up their mind that she needed protection—she had no chance. Although, she still argued with them for almost an additional hour. Once becoming aware that a woman was in danger, they all turned into knights in shining armor and insisted on saving the damsel in distress.

It was dreadful to be near Cyn. He’d barely spoken to her on the drive to her apartment. He’d hardly even looked at her. Just the fact that he was in her apartment, made her stomach churn with anxiety. She patted her midsection to keep the butterflies at bay.

Perhaps this was a second chance with Cyn. There had to be a way for him to understand how much she loved him, and maybe she’d find a way to gain his trust again. Emma grabbed the bag’s strap and swung it over her shoulder. She gave her bedroom one last glance and came to a decision.

He is going to know how I feel about him and I am going to gain his trust again, even if it kills me
.