Page 23 of A Demon’s Resolve (Demonic Tales and Adventures #3)
CHAPTER 23
Alec hadn’t wasted a second pulling Kian into his arms, crushing his mate against him. That lithe body shook as Alec tried to calm Kian with his touch and soothing words. His heart raced as he thought about how he’d almost failed his mate. Never in his life had Alec been as terrified.
His lips crashed against Kian’s in possession. Alec wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to release his mate after all that happened, but he needed to get him away from this place and back home where they belonged. Looking up, he saw Tarak watching them with his mouth wide open, as if not believing what he’d just witnessed.
Even Alec didn’t know how Kian managed to master his skills to get away from Brant, much less execute a skill that Alec had only recently learned demons had the ability to master. He’d tried to teach Tarak and the other Sentinels for the past couple of weeks, yet, not one of them had managed to come close to what Kian had done.
Alec was beyond proud, especially when he’d felt his mate’s terror blasting into him the whole time, yet he’d managed to control it enough to fight. Not once giving up and letting Brant win.
Capturing his mouth again, this time more gently but no less demanding, Alec let his senses feel him completely. The fist of mind numbing panic that had been twisting his heart since he’d been kidnapped slowly loosened its grip. It wasn’t until he felt he had some control over the panic that had consumed him since the moment Kian had been taken that Alec was able to pull back just a little.
Alec’s eyes roamed over every inch of Kian, followed by his hands. The need to touch in order to ensure his mate was, in fact there, alive and safe, was too hard to ignore, so Alec didn’t even try.
“Are you hurt anywhere?” He didn’t bother asking if he was okay. How could he be after all Kian had been through?
Kian shook his head as if he were too afraid to speak. Those slim, yet strong hands gripped him tightly, as if refusing to let Alec go, which was fine with him. Slowly, his mate’s trembling ceased but he could still feel the fear that coursed through him.
When he felt Kian sag against him in exhaustion, Alec didn’t hesitate to lift him up, cradling his mate against his chest. He’d hold Kian as long as he needed him to.
With Kian tucked safely against him, Alec made his way to Tarak. “Time to go. I want to get him home.”
“Okay,” Tarak said with some hesitation. It was as if he were debating telling Alec something. He must have decided it was better to just get it out, for he added, “The humans saw us.” Indicating the destruction surrounding them. Then he pointed up to the sky. “There were satellites above us. Obviously, I have no idea what they were able to see, but with everything else they’ve seen since…” Tarak trailed off.
Tarak may have been nice enough not to say it, but Alec had no doubt he was talking about his fellow demons being forced to expose themselves to stop the destruction Alec had created.
His father let out a harsh breath. “The Council will want an accounting when you get back.” Tarak stared at him, his gaze hard and unyielding. “We need to be ready. They will come after both of you.”
It was no less than he’d expected. Alec had caused enormous problems when it came to the humans. Not that he gave a damn. If it meant saving Kian, he’d do it again.
He gave Tarak a curt nod and disappeared with Kian still in his arms. Tarak followed Alec, leaving the others to fix the damage that had been created.
The first thing Alec did was take Kian home, do his best to wash of the dirt and grime in the shower, which wasn’t easy since Kian was still passed out, and tuck him into their bed. No way was he going to force his mate to face the Council again after all he’d been through. He’d been the one to put their kind in peril. He’d be the one to take their punishment.
But not until he could ensure Kian would be okay. He had no idea what Brant had done while holding Kian. Alec wasn’t about to leave his mate’s side until he woke up and assured him Brant hadn’t done any damage.
“Alec, the Council is demanding you and Kian appear before them,” Aira said softly from the door. She kept herself partially behind the wood of the door as if protecting herself from Alec.
Guilt riddled him for putting his sister in danger when he’d discovered Kian missing. The bruise on her cheek was because of him. He’d hurt those he loved. Yet, even knowing that, Alec wasn’t sure he would have been able to have done things differently.
Kian was his world. His reason for existing. Alec wasn’t sure how that was possible, but he knew, deep in his bones that Kian was the reason he’d been put on this earth. That didn’t mean he didn’t feel terrible for hurting others.
Alec just didn’t think he would have been able to stop himself, even if he’d known the devastation he would leave behind.
“Aira,” he whispered, slowly getting up from where he sat on the bed next to a sleeping Kian. “I’m so sorry.”
He hadn’t gotten more than a few steps when his sister held up her hand to stop him. “Don’t. I get it. I do.” Her voice wavered a bit. “I don’t blame you. Mostly,” she added when her words didn’t ring true. “I just need some time, but…”
Aira’s gaze met his for the first time since she’d opened the door. There was a lot of pain and fear in her gray depths, but Alec also saw love shining back at him. “I love you. I will stand by your side when you face the Council, but please, give me some time.”
Alec nodded. It was the least he could do.
There was a flash of relief that crossed Aira’s features. “Look, the Council is out for blood. You better get going. I can watch Kian.”
There was no way he was leaving Kian’s side. “The Council will wait. I’m not going anywhere until Kian wakes up.”
Aira’s gray eyes went wide as saucers. “But…you don’t…you can’t…I mean…” Aira took a breath as if trying to get ahold of her stuttering. “This isn’t one of those times to stick it to the Council. They want you dead, brother. Forcing them wait will only make things worse.”
Alec let out a short burst of laughter. He glanced around his room with its large cracks in the walls and several rocks that were scattered around the room from where they’d come loose from the ceiling and walls. “I’m not sure that’s possible,” Alec admitted to his sister.
He gestured at the destruction around them. “I mean I basically destroyed our home and exposed demons to the humans. Hell, Aira, I risked our very lives, if the witches are still alive. Somehow I don’t think appearing before the Council sooner rather than later is going to make that much of a difference.”
Aira’s shoulders dropped as the reality of his words sank in. “You’re probably right.” Then her grey eyes went to where Kian lay on the bed. “Is he okay?”
Alec turned back to Kian, staring at that beautiful face for several seconds before the need to touch once more had Alec going back to sit next to him. It was more than a need for him to be near Kian, it was like a craving. There was no denying the way he called to Alec on every level.
That link that was always there, connecting their very cells to each other had been severed for too long and Alec had sworn it was like a part of his body had been missing.
As if his hand had a will of its own, Alec reached out to trace his fingers along Kian’s forehead and down his angelic face. He continued skimming his hand along the skin of Kian’s arm until their fingers tangled together.
It was only when he felt Kian’s fingers curl around his, even in his sleep, that Alec was able to answer his sister. “I hope so,” he whispered, praying it was true.