Page 20 of A Seduction Of Death (Umbra Hunters #4)

TWENTY

Lennox

“ H old still,” I snap, my arm winding around my Little Demon’s waist as she tries to wiggle off my lap. My head is pounding, and I feel like I’ve been concussed or something with how blurry my vision is.

“Nox, let go!” she growls, whacking my hand as I glare at the door of Victor's office, wanting to go to the dining hall but needing to make sure Meyer is fully healed before I step a toe out of this room.

“No.”

“I have to pee,” she grumbles under her breath, glaring over her shoulder at me when I move my hand from her neck to her torso, letting my magic seep through her, healing everything it touches. Victor has Cali sitting on his desk, his angry face moving from her to the door as he begins to pace, listening to her recount what happened when she woke up to the entire castle asleep. He looks as pissed off as I feel, and I have to consciously stop my claws from extending with Meyer in my hands. I know I wouldn’t hurt her, but I don't need to add to the stress, and me losing control will only worry her further.

“Yes, I know, but you will hold it until I know you won't pass out from blood loss,” I grind out, my arm tightening around her and yanking her firmly against my chest when she almost slips through my grip.

“You’re being dramatic,” she hisses up at me, eyes flashing with defiance, the look going straight to my cock, and I close my eyes as it hardens under her. Now is not the time and place to fuck my pretty little mate, but damn, do I want to order everyone from the room so I can bend Meyer over the desk a few feet away and give her an attitude adjustment.

“He’s really not,” Creed growls, hovering over us like a shadow, his arms crossed as he watches Meyer's skin knit back together. I eye my brother, wondering how bad the situation must have been for him to snap like this. Creed is the calm one and has handled mating Meyer so much better than I have, but he looks seconds away from hauling our girl over his shoulder and racing back to the barracks with her.

“Where is Razar?” she asks, brushing off our concern as she wiggles on my lap again, making my dick ache with need.

“Meyer,” I almost beg, trying to still her hips. I swear I’m seconds from coming in my pants like a damn teenager, and if she doesn't stop moving, I will be embarrassing myself in front of the Drakos Senior. Victor shoots me a look, eyebrow quirked as he listens to Elaine's daughter prattle on about whacking Archer upside the head, and I glare at him until he looks away.

“What? she asks, batting her eyelashes up at me, an innocent look on her beautiful face. “Is there something wrong, Lennox?” A deliberate swirl of her hips accompanies her words, and I growl at her, leaning down to nip at her ear as I try to control my need to fuck her hard.

“You brat. You know exactly what's wrong,” I mutter in annoyance. Moving my hand from her torso, I lift her to her feet and smack her ass, making her squeak in surprise as she turns and glares daggers at me.

“Nox sent Raz to do a sweep of the perimeter to make sure Archer… or I guess Jesthren didn't bring anyone else into the castle,” Creed answers her question for me as I sigh, my magic finally lessening as it heals the last strained muscle in Meyer’s back. “But you two need to hurry and decide what to do before Father returns. He and Valen are ensuring Arch is locked up somewhere safe until we can get Jes out of his head. Razar will figure it out soon enough, even if you keep the information from him. You know how he and Arch are. I give it an hour tops before he’s tracked him down in the dungeons.”

“How mad is he going to be? Like what do we need to prepare for?” Meyer asks, worrying her lip between her teeth as she tosses another look at the door. I reach up, popping the lip from her teeth before she can draw blood, and stand, pushing her into Creed’s very willing arms as I sigh.

“With Raz, you won't know until it happens. He could go off, and I might need to send him to the North Ridge to work off some bloodlust, or he could play it cool and not be bothered.”

“He’ll be bothered, even if he pretends not to be,” Meyer whispers, and I nod, agreeing with her. I almost hope Razar snaps and lets that anger out rather than internalizing it. The other option is far more dangerous for my brother and those around him.

“You need sleep,” I say, trying to change the subject as Meyer bites her lip again. “Stop,” I demand, tapping her lip and glaring at her. “I just healed you, and if you start bleeding again, Creed will have a heart attack.” Meyer looks up at me and grimaces, releasing her lip with a nod. She’s worn out. I could feel it while healing her. I also felt the new and extremely strong mate bond that Valen constructed, only hours old and gleaming with magic, at the very center of her. Whatever he did, he did it well, but it drained her to the point that I’m concerned. Add the fight with Archer and Jesthren, and Meyer needs to get some sleep, or her health will be at risk.

“I’m–” she starts to say and I glower at her.

“Don't you dare lie to me. You’re not fine. Take her to bed,” I command, looking at Creed, who nods and scoops her up.

“You don't get to tell me what to do, Lennox,” my Little Demon snarls, smacking Creed, who winces but doesn't let her go. “I already want to kick you in the balls for what happened with your dad; you want to add another?”

My hands drop to cover my dick as I grimace and shake my head, internally cursing myself. She’s right. I told her I would be less controlling and try to talk more but, damn, this is hard. I’m not used to having to think of others' feelings.

“You're right, and I’m sorry,” I quickly spout off, making Creed chuckle as he kisses her hair, eyeing me with amusement.

“Don't listen to him, Lemon Drop. He’s only saying that so he can save his balls. I think he needs that kick just to set him straight.” To my horror, Meyer nods in agreement, and I shoot my brother a look that promises revenge for working our already bloodthirsty mate up. I swear to the Gods, if I get another knee to my balls, they might just shrivel up and die. I’m already concerned about not being able to produce a child in the future; just the thought of her kicking me again makes me want to double over.

“Let me try that again,” I plead, letting her see my genuine concern about her health in my eyes and pressing it into our mate bond as I stare at her. “Meyer?” I ask hesitantly, trying not to smirk when she huffs and rolls her eyes.

“Yes, Lennox?”

“I would truly appreciate it if you would allow Creed to take you to our room and get some rest. Your magic reserves are low from mating Valen, and the fight's strain has taken a physical toll on your mental and physical health. I promise to relay all information gathered here in the morning when you wake up,” I promise, keeping my voice soft and trying not to glare at Victor when he starts to chuckle, watching us from the corner of the room.

Meyer opens her mouth to respond, and I take the chance to cut her off and answer the question I already know is coming.

“If Razar becomes too upset or poses harm to someone or himself, I will wake you up. Immediately,” I add, making Meyer’s mouth snap shut as she eyes me suspiciously. “I promise,” I stress the words, meaning it wholeheartedly. Despite how much I want her to sleep through the night, I also understand that Meyer might be the only one able to calm Razar if he goes off the deep end. Meyer is my priority, but I will always protect my family, no matter who it is. If Raz needs Meyer, I will ensure she can be there for him, even if it takes all my magic to keep her healthy and happy.

A cute growl breaks from her lips as she grumbles, something I can't understand, but it makes Creed laugh before she sighs and nods.

“Fine. But you will get me… right?” she asks. Her emotions fill the air: the worry and concern, the exhaustion, then the slight bite of anger and arousal that mix as she stares at me.

“I will,” I promise, and she nods.

“Cali, check on your brother and send him down, then off to bed. It's three in the morning, and you need some sleep,” Victor commands, shoving Cali toward Creed as he nods at me and turns, waltzing from the room with the girls in tow. I wait thirty seconds to ensure they’ve left before turning to Victor, whose soft expression melts the moment mine does.

“How the fuck did that asshole get into the castle and knock us all out?” His face turns red as he runs a hand over his thick facial hair, nostrils flared as he steps closer to me.

“I’m unsure, but we’re about to find out,” I mutter, moving to settle at the chair behind the desk as Valen and Father stride into the room, the first looking like hell warmed over and the second as if he’s aged a century since the last time I saw him only an hour ago. I look to Father first, ready for him to explain what’s happened, but he only huffs, smoke billowing from his nostrils as he starts to pace, not glancing my way once. “Report,” I snap at Valen as he collapses in the chair next to the desk, his face paler than usual, his fingers trembling as he runs them over his eyes and groans.

“I don't even know how to report what I just witnessed,” he finally says, his voice thin as he slumps back in his chair.

“Where is Archer?” I ask, looking at Father when he growls at my brother's name, but he continues to ignore us, muttering something under his breath as he keeps pacing.

“Dungeons. I helped put a binding spell on him. It should hold for a few days, and Father’s mind has shut down.”

“Are we sure it's Jesthren controlling him?” I ask, desperately wanting to believe it but too scared to hope.

“Yes,” Father grits out as he grabs his horns and tugs on them. I can feel his anxiety and pain from where I’m sitting and have to mentally check myself so I don't lose control. Any high emotion is something I feel as if it’s my own, but Father’s and Meyer’s seem to be the hardest to ignore. “Once I was able to breach the shields Jesthren had constructed around Archer’s mind, I could see it. He’s so thoroughly twined into Archer’s magic and thoughts; I’m not sure we can remove him without hurting your brother.”

“It's like a delicate thread covered in thick black tar,” Valen adds, shuttering in revulsion as he looks at me with bloodshot eyes. “We have to clean the tar off the string, tar that doesn't want to be removed and has seeped into every strand of the string. We basically have to scrub it with as much damaging magic that holds it captive, all while not snapping the string. It’s impossible.”

I lean back in my chair at Valen’s words, feeling like I was just punched in the gut. How has this happened? How did I not notice Archer wasn’t in control? Why didn't I question his betrayal when it goes against everything I know of him? Fuck!

“Not impossible, but very difficult and…” Father trails off with another snarl. “He could have permanent damage. The Archer we know might very well be gone after we forcibly remove Jesthren’s magic. I need to figure out the best way to do it. I could remove his magic entirely, which should protect his mind. But that would shorten his lifespan and force him to live without that natural part of him.”

“Which could cause mental scarring and trauma. A Demon who loses his magic might as well be dead,” I rasp, trying not to think what it would be like to live without a part of yourself.

“I know. I-I need to figure this out and soon. The longer Jesthren has control of him, the worse his mental state will be.”

“Why can't we just kill the bastard? Wouldn't that release this other brother?” Victor asks, and I glance up, finding the big Hunter leaning on the side of his desk, eyeing Father with interest while listening to our conversation.

“Yes, but killing Jesthren won’t be easy, and who knows how long it will take. I’m not sure how much time Archer has left. Once Jesthren realized I had control of Archer’s magic, he tried to kill Arch. I managed a strong enough shield to keep him safe, but that's all I can do. I can't control minds the way Jesthren does. Archer is living on borrowed time.”

“Fuck. So, let's hunt the bastard down. You found his evil lair, right?” Victor asks Valen, who lifts a brow and chuckles.

“Evil lair?”

“Don't test me, Demon,” Victor grinds out, and I sigh.

“Jesthren will know Valen was there. It will be abandoned and he would have already destroyed any evidence he had. Jesthren is many things, but stupid is not one of them. He has been groomed to become king for almost two centuries and has the training of a battle-worn general. You can’t just attack him without a plan. That's how you die.” I look at Victor, and I can tell by the strain in his jaw and the way his hands are fisted at his sides that he doesn't like that response but, unfortunately, it’s the truth.

“So we just sit here with our thumbs up our asses?” he asks, and I shake my head.

“No. We secure the castle to ensure the Hunters and Rangers can handle an attack, and then we hunt,” Father answers for me.

“The Russians are here. Their skills and fighting techniques are unmatched. Training will be easy with Senior Regalis in place and overseeing their progress. That woman is as intimidating as any Demon General I’ve met,” Valen admits, and I smirk, nodding in agreement.

“Arch first, then we get Jesthren and hope we can stop him before he finds a way to wake Inanis. You have an hour before Raz finds out, by the way,” I whisper, looking at Father in warning. His head whips toward me and he glowers, shaking his head.

“You will not say a single damn word to your brother until I have answers. This could break him!”

“I won’t. But that won't stop him from knowing he’s here. You know how those two are. The fact that I got him out of the castle when Arch is this close is a miracle on its own. I won’t say anything, but you are on borrowed time.” Valen nods his agreement and looks at Father, who starts to pace again, his anxiety rising and giving me a headache.

“He’s right. My shield will hide Arch’s presence from everyone. But Raz will see through it in a heartbeat. He saw it when I hid Meyer and me that first time we snuck into the castle. And that only took minutes. I think an hour is too generous. Thirty minutes tops.” Father doesn't respond, and I wince, pressing a palm to my temple and glaring at him.

“For the love of the Gods. Sit down and calm yourself,” I hiss under my breath, earning a deadly cold look for my words. I hold my glare until Father finally relents and walks over to the small chair sitting in the corner and perches on it, looking absolutely ridiculous with his wings and tail flopped behind him.

Valen covers his mouth with a hand, hiding the amused grin that takes over his face as he watches our Father pout like a damn toddler. It's rare to see him like this. Everything with Arch and Jesthren must be taking its toll. A small meow breaks the tense silence, and we all turn, watching Meyer's angry ball of orange fluff waltz into the room as if he owns the place.

Valen eyes the animal with determination as it moves toward me through the small office. I know he’s been trying to win the animal's favor, trying to butter it up with chicken and special treats whenever he sees it, but so far, nothing has worked.

Holding my hand out, I wiggle my fingers at the cat and grin in amusement when he instantly walks over and rubs his tiny nose against my finger. I’m not sure why my mate's pet has taken a shine to me. I’m not a fan of the small animal and find it unnecessary to care for something so useless, but it brings me the slightest joy that the beast likes me and none of my brothers.

Moving slowly, I scratch behind his ear, earning a purr as Victor tenses and steps away from the desk, looking at Milo like he's a Beastia and not a simple house cat. Sitting up, I look at the big Hunter, ready to tease him but stop when I hear Father make a clicking noise with his tongue. Milo instantly moves to him and I hold my breath as Father leans down, his giant claw, which is basically the same size as the cat, stroking Milo's orange fur.

“What is this?” Father asks, head tilting to the side as he intently studies Milo.

“Meyer’s pet cat. Don’t hurt him,” I snap, suddenly feeling very protective of the annoying fur-ball. Father smiles and nods, acknowledging that he’s heard me. He reaches down, plucking the cat off the ground and holding him close.

Valen’s mouth drops open in shock when Milo curls up in our father's giant arms, eyes closing and a loud purr roaring to life. Victor, on the other hand, stares at the Demon King as if he’s never seen him before.

“It's cute, but in an ugly sort of way. Why does it make that sound?” he asks, looking at me. I take a moment to swallow down my shock before answering.

“It purrs when it's happy.” Father grins, his horns slowly shrinking, his wings curling in on himself, and his tail shortening until he returns to his regular form. Well, I’ll be damned. Milo must be some kind of magic user. I’ve never seen anyone besides Mom calm Father when he’s this wound up, yet somehow Milo just did the impossible.

“What just happened?” Valen asks, leaning closer to me as we watch our father pet Milo, loving on him like he’s a damn baby or something.

“I have no idea,” I admit as Valen’s shoulders tense, and he leaps from his chair. “What?” I shout, jumping up and watching him as his eyes go unfocused.

“Shit! We have to go. Someone just broke through my shield around Archer!”