Soul Unleashed (Key to the Cursed Book 4) (5 page)

“Asshole,” Kit mumbled at the now empty space. The
pressure in her head threatened to explode, she was so furious. Kamen all but
said she was useless. Sure, she wasn’t as strong as Lilly, but she damn well
could hold her own. She hadn’t gone through the pain of her Nehebkau initiation
just to sit on the sidelines and do nothing.

“What the hell is wrong with all you?” Kit glared
at Bomani, the only convenient testosterone laden target in the room.

Bomani raised his palms. “I am innocent.”

“Bullshit.” Siya coughed and then smiled.

“What?” Bomani beseeched his mate.

Siya laughed and covered Bomani’s ears. “They are
all the same and do not lessen with age.”

Kendra snickered. “It takes some getting used to.”

“I’ll never get used to it,” Kit growled. “Stubborn.
Chauvinistic. Control Freaks—all of you.”

“Okay, you got me on stubborn.” Bomani hefted a
load of books in his arms. “I will be in the vault until it’s safe to come out.”

“Sorry.” Kit sighed and scrubbed her fingers
against her scalp.

Bomani nodded and headed towards the back of the
library.

“Are you okay?” Kendra asked.

“No, I’m not.” She was crashing hard, she knew it.
The pressure to transition. Her mother’s plea to help their father. Her visions
of war. Hell, even her body was revolting against her. Her libido in overdrive,
but not for her usual male fair. No, she was having dreams of a hulking brood
male. Sleeping in his bed hadn’t helped either as his scent taunted her. Maybe
that was why she was even more extraordinarily bitchy and on edge.

Everything about Kamen infuriated her. And, she
wanted to keep it that way, as like hell was she giving into her mother wishes.
Libido be damned. It was for everyone’s protection, right?

“Come have a seat, Kit. We could use the help.”
Kendra patted the seat next to her.

“I can’t. I need to be doing something.” Kit paced
the length of the table and back. Maybe a quick drink at the warrior tavern
would chill her nerves. “I’ll be back in a bit.” She turned and walked to the
door.

“I know what you’re thinking, but not a good idea,”
Siya called out.

Kit closed the door and stared down the beach to
the warrior village. Siya was probably right, but right now she needed an
outlet. The beach along the river may be off limits, but he never said the bar
was. No matter, she would be back before her chaperone ever got home from his
mission.

At lightning speed, Kamen shifted through the
buildings of the windy city following Asar’s trail. Winter had taken hold of
the region, despite the bright shine of the sun. Nothing more than dark mist,
the ray’s still burned him.

As he suspected the scent of death grew stronger. Visualizing
the target he shot through the threads connecting the realms. He appeared in
the building just behind Asar and Lilly.

His brother turned and frowned at him. “Brother?”

Kamen slowed, sensing Asar’s irritation. Either
with him or the empty warehouse, he was not sure.

Bakari jogged down the steps to the right. “They
cleared out. Not long ago either.”

Asar refocused on his son. “They knew we were
coming.”

“I don’t know how they could,” Lilly said,
circling around the trough filled with blood. Chains to suspend their human
sacrifices now sat empty and shifted above the collection bin. “Damn it, they
were here. The stench is still warm.”

“I will track them,” Kamen said and moved towards
the door.

Asar planted a hand on Kamen’s chest. “Let the
warriors do the job. I want you back in Aaru.”

Kamen narrowed his eyes on his brother. “The trail
will dissipate quickly. I am the best tracker you have.”

“That may be, brother, but you are in no condition
to track demons in daylight.”

“I will have them in less than ten minutes. We are
wasting time here.”

Asar pushed him back to the corner and lowered his
voice. “We both know you have been holding things together by a thread lately.
And, do not try to bullshit me. The feedings are taking a toll on your control.
I cannot have you shifting in the middle of Chicago. Not even I will risk
that.”

Kamen grabbed his brother by the shirt. “I am
fine.”

“Are you?” Asar stared down at his shirt bunched
in Kamen’s fists. “Go back to Aaru. Rest. I will call you when I need your
help.”

The room fell silent. Staring over Asar’s shoulder
Kamen met Lilly’s wide eyes, smelled her fear. His intentions had been
honorable, but he had crossed the line with his brother. Disobeyed his orders.

Kamen released Asar. “I am sorry. That will not
happen again.”

“We will talk when I get back.”

Ashamed he had broken his promise to always serve
Asar, Kamen nodded. Today was probably the worst day thus far. He
dematerialized back to Aaru and trudged the hallway back to his room. He paused
at Kit’s door but did not sense her energy on the other side. He turned away,
intent on going into the chamber and riding this out.

“She went where?” Bomani’s voice carried down the
hall. “To do what?”

“What else do you do at the tavern? The woman’s
walking a tight rope,” Siya replied. “We need to go get her out of there.”

Kamen stopped, realizing of whom they were
speaking. Kit knew damn well what she was doing—getting back at him for leaving
her in Aaru. But, going to the warrior tavern was pushing too far. No less than
a brothel, the dark warriors were far from gentlemen. They would certainly take
advantage of Kamen’s absence.

Driven by sexual images of Kit and warriors, Kamen
dematerialized and reappeared outside of the red arched door. The sentry
standing watch jumped, startled by Kamen’s arrival.

Bomani appeared between him in the door. “Uncle,
let me take care of this.”

Kit’s laughter carried through the thick wooden
door and ignited Kamen’s anger further. “Get out of my way.” Kamen shoved
Bomani aside and yanked open the door. Warriors scattered in his wake. Kamen
targeted the warrior licking salt off Kit’s neck and then drinking the shot she
held to his lips.

A low growl rumbled through his chest, enough the
warrior jerked upright and retreated into the corner. “Everyone out!”

Kit raised the bottle. “The party was just getting
started. Stop being a buzz-kill and have a drink with me.”

He was past having a drink, not that it would cool
his temper. “What in
duat
do you think you are doing?”

“Having fun until you arrived.” Kit shoved past
him, steering in a wavy line to the bar. “And, don’t give me that shit, that I
don’t belong here. I’m not your wife or girlfriend so shove off.”

The sharp inhales from the staring warriors was
audible in the room. Several had the sense enough to back out the door,
including the bartender behind the bar.

“Time to go boys,” Bomani said, expediting the
evacuation.

“I’m so sick of this shit,” Kit said and leaned
over the bar to grab another bottle of honey colored liquor. Sliding back to
her feet, she leaned against the ledge. “Don’t give that evil stare, if you’d
seen what I have, you’d drink too.” She closed her eyes and wavered.

Kamen grabbed her shoulders before she toppled
over. “Give me the damn bottle,” he growled, jerking it from her grasp. He gave
it to Bomani. “Time to go home.”

“No.” Kit jerked away from him and ran for the
door, scattering several chairs in her wake.

“Uncle, perhaps—”

“Don’t.” Kamen held up his hand, silencing Bomani.
This was going to end tonight. He charged out of the tavern, following the
sickly sweet smell of liquor to the beach. He caught up to her in less than a
few seconds.

“You don’t need my help, I sure as hell don’t need
yours.” Kit stumbled forward and landed on her knees.

Kamen stood over her, realizing it was pointless
to argue the fact that he did it to protect her. He grabbed her under the arm
and hoisted her to her feet.

“Stay away from me,” she yelled but stumbled into
his chest.

“Let me take you back to your room. You can sleep
it off.”

Her wide horrified eyes looked up at him. “No, I
can’t sleep.” She backed away. “I don’t want to sleep.”

Sensing her fear, Kamen’s fury extinguished. “What
is going on, Kit?” Kamen pursued her slow uneven strides. Snagging her elbow,
he turned her around.

Tears ran rivers down her cheeks.

Brushing his thumb across her jaw, he chased the
drops of sorrow. He hated seeing her in pain but was at a loss on how to
comfort her. He lived a solitary life for a reason. Whatever compassion he had
was lost long ago. “You are not well. I need to get you back to the palace.”

“I don’t want to go back.” She wavered on her feet
and grabbed his shirt to steady herself.

“Talk to me, Kitten,” he whispered and continued
to stroke her cheek. She was unable to mask her sorrow with her anger as she
normally did. It was open and raw.

She stared at him with swollen red eyes. “I can’t
do this anymore.”

“Do what?” he asked, alarmed by her statement.

“Everything. I’m tired of fighting. My mother.
This war.” She inhaled a deep staggered breath. “You.” She blinked as more
tears fell.

He cupped her face, hating he was a source of her
agony. The tension between them had tightened like an over torched spring. He
tired of it too. “I will ask Asar to reassign you a new bodyguard.”

Despite her tears, she laughed and shook her head.
“I don’t trust anyone else.” Her hand flattened on his chest and she met his
stare. “I don’t
want
anyone else.”

Kamen looked away, feeling the weight of her
statement. Motivated by his own wishful thinking? Certainly she could not feel
that way about
him
. “Kit, I—”

“Can’t? Shouldn’t?” She leaned her forehead on his
chest. Her hands slid down his sides to his waist and slipped under his shirt.

There were so many reason he could not touch her.
In her right mind she would not want this. Want him. Yet, his fingers trailed
the curve of her neck under the fall of black hair. Her pulse beat rapidly
against his thumb. So real. So alive. So unlike himself.

Did she know what she was playing with? Did he? A
woman’s touch had been absent from his life for so long, he did not know how to
process his arousal. The hunger.

No matter how good it felt, it was not right. The
alcohol was inhibiting her normal restraint. He clamped down on his physical
reaction. “You are drunk, Kit,” he said on a strangled breath as her palms
explored his chest and abdomen.

“Yes, I am.” She pulled him down to her lips.

The minute her lips touched, pain sliced down his
back. He ignored it in favor of drinking from the lips that had taunted him for
so many months. The sweet liquor flavor of her tongue met his. Energy slammed
into him intertwining with the beast’s. The Devourer reached out to her.

Kamen grabbed Kit’s biceps and pushed her way at
arm’s length, breaking the connection.

“Holy shit.” She covered her lips with her fingers
and stared wide-eyed at him.

“This cannot happen,” he said roughly and released
her. He put distance between them in the hopes it would lessen his want of her.

It didn’t work.

“We are done here,” Kamen growled and turned to
walk down the beach towards the palace. It would easier to dematerialize but
would require him touching her and that he could not have. The temptation to
restart their kiss would be too much to resist.

She nodded and walked down the beach beside him.

How many hours had they spent in silence together,
but now it was excruciating. The tension returning ten-fold.

She slowed and placed her hand over her stomach.
“I think I’m going to be sick.”

Kamen lifted her up into his arms and cradled her
against his chest. So feather light, her ribs were pronounced beneath his
fingertips. She was not well. “I will get you back to your room.”

She sagged against him as silent tears resumed
their path down her cheeks.

He slowly walked down the beach, savoring the
moment. Knowing he would never dare touch her again. There was a good chance
she would never remember what had transpired between them. It was best she
didn’t.

Entering the palace, he headed to her room. Her
breathing slowed against his chest as she drifted off to sleep. He lowered her
on the white silk sheets and pulled up the duvet.

He brushed back the stray hairs that had stuck to
her wet cheek. Leaning into his palm, she moaned softly. Warmth flushed through
him, and along with it, the ache in his spine, a constant reminder he could not
go there, lest he put her soul at risk.

Kit needed help, but not from him. He would only
end up hurting her as he had his family so long ago. In the morning he would
ask Asar to relieve him of his duties.

“Be well, Kitten.”

He dematerialized, going to the one place he
belonged. The cold air of the chamber chilled the heat against his skin but did
not cool the boiling fury inside him. Engaging the lock, his hands trembled as
the last of his restraint left him.

Pain contorting his spine, Kamen dropped to his
knees. He arched back and roared. No matter how hard he fought to remain in
control, the beast owned his soul.

For eternity.

“We need to talk about last night,” Asar said,
directing Kamen to the closest chair.

Kamen ignored the invitation and remained
standing.

“Suit yourself.” His brother stared at him a
moment and then sat down in his gold chair behind the desk. “Listen, I did not
mean to dismiss you so quickly, but having you in a room full of siravants
would certainly set you off. I know you are struggling lately, and you need to
realize your limits.”

“Yes,” Kamen agreed. “That is why I must request
that you remove me from Kit’s detail.”

Asar rubbed his jaw. “Is this because of Kit’s
visit to the tavern last night? Bomani briefed me on what happened, although he
was vague on the details after she ran out. Information I am sure you can fill
in for me.”

“I did not hurt anyone, if that is what you are
implying. I returned her safely to her room.”

“Then why do you want to be relieved of your
duties?” Asar leaned forward and rested his elbows on his desk.

Kamen looked away. “I think it would be best if I
stayed away from Kit.”

“You have feelings for her.”

“She is unhappy with me being her bodyguard. As am
I,” Kamen replied instead of acknowledging Asar’s statement. He gripped the
ache settling into the base of his neck. “The tension is putting a strain on my
control.”

His brother measured him with his eyes. “I need
you to hold it together, Kamen. We have limited resources and few I trust
enough to protect her properly.”

“Bakari would be a good match.”

“You will continue your duties as assigned. You
and Kit need to work out your differences for all our sakes.”

Kamen paced the space in front of Asar’s desk.
“She is not well. She is not eating or sleeping.”

“What do you think is wrong?”

“I assume she is feeling pressured.”

“To transition?”

“I suppose. Her behavior has gotten more erratic.
I found her by the gates, past the barrier. She claims to have fallen in the
water, but I could smell her fear.”

Asar rose to his feet. “When?”

“Two days ago after our briefing.”

“And you are just telling me this now?”

Kamen scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I thought
she was just up to her old tricks, finding new ways to irritate me.”

“She was past the protective barrier?”

“Yes.” Kamen turned to face his brother.
“Something happened, but she refused to tell me. She was scared.”

“What do you think happened?”

“I think she was looking for a way out.”

“Out? Of Aaru?”

“She had come to me that morning, asking to be
taken to the base to receive the weapons’ shipment. When I refused, she became
very angry. When I accused her of lying…well, I am sure you can guess what
happened next.”

Asar steamed out a breath. “She knew it was coming
in a day earlier than expected?”

“Possibly.”

“Lilly and Kendra’s gifts were present before
their transition, just muted. Do you think we are seeing some of Kit’s
talents?”

Kamen hoped not. The fact she could breach the
barrier without even knowing it was a dangerous prospect. Duat was unbreachable
for man or god. Only the dead could pass.

“You think she is hiding something?”

“Yes. What—I do not know.”

“I will speak with Lilly to see what she can find
out.”
Asar regarded him a long moment.
"Have you told Kit how you feel?"

“What is there to
tell?”

“Have you told
her?” Asar asked again.

Kamen stared out
the veranda to the flowing river beyond. Tell her? He barely could carry on a
conversation, let alone get in touch with his feelings. The tension between him
and Kit did not lend well to talking anyway, just arguing. The moment on the
beach being the only exception. “No, and she will never know.”

“You will let her
transition by another?” Asar stared at him wide-eyed.

Anger burned
through Kamen’s veins at the thought. Yet, he had to face the truth—she would
be better off with another. “It is her choice.”

“And, what if she
chooses you?”

Last night’s kiss
was a momentary lapse of judgment on her part. She did not want to transition,
she had made that abundantly clear to all. Things would return back to normal
when she sobered up. “She won’t.”

“I would not be so
certain.”

“
I
won’t.”
Kamen growled, becoming more uncomfortable with the conversation.

“Why?”

“Because I cannot,”
Kamen snapped. The reason clawed beneath his chest and in his veins.

“Bullshit, you of
all people deserve to be happy. You have long since paid your debt to me. Stop
making excuses and claim the damn woman.”

“I cannot very well
do that, can I?” Kamen rubbed his aching head. The urge to claim Kit was not
the problem, in fact it was all too consuming when she was around. From the
first damn encounter. Ever since, his control was faltering. It took centuries
to become master over the beast, and Kit unraveled his control in less than six
months. He barely made it here to Asar’s office. There was only one way to keep
Kit safe from him.

“I want you to seal
the chamber.”

“What? Absolutely
not.” A mix of anger and horror plagued his brother’s face.

Kamen stared at
Asar. “You said it yourself, I am losing my control. Siya, the baby, Kit.” He
shook his head. “I would not survive if I harmed them.”

“
Isis
, I
knew you were struggling, but I never once doubted your resolve. You have had
bouts in the past and powered through those. You can do it again.”

His brother’s optimism
only worsened the ache in Kamen’s chest. “Not this time.”

“You are not
thinking clearly right now. You need to rest.”

When Kamen did not
answer, Asar continued, “Give it a few more days. Kit is needed at the temple
for more initiations. We need to plus up our numbers and Lilly is tied up with
the Council. Can you hang in that long?”

No
. Despite the truth, Kamen nodded. He would use the
last of his reserves to serve his brother honorably. “You will seal the chamber
then?”

“I am hoping that
will not be necessary.”

“I want your word
you will seal the chamber,” Kamen hissed through gritted teeth. His vision
burned red, his fury unfurled. Only then would Kit be safe.

Asar regarded him
with sympathy. His brother spoke after a long silence, “You have my word.”

* * *

Kit groaned as she sat up in bed. The room pitched
and so did her stomach. She swallowed back the bile collecting in her throat.
Her head pounded with each beat of her heart.

“Here, this might help,” Lilly said, walking over
to the bed with a glass of water in her hands.

“Thanks.” Kit grabbed the goblet. The cool water
soothed her parched throat. “I feel like I was run over by one of those
Minotaur soldiers.”

“You should after two bottles of tavern wine. God,
Kit. Not even dark warriors drink that much, and they’re three times your size.”

A few figments of the evening began to play out in
her head. Lime. Salt. Shots. Warriors and one angry Underworld god. “How did I
manage to get back here?”

“Kamen brought you home,” Lilly said and sat down
on the bed. “Let me purge the toxins from your system, otherwise you’ll be
useless the rest of the day.”

Kit flopped back onto the pillows, her stomach
rolling just from the slight movement. Miserable didn’t quite describe the way
she was feeling. Nor did she want to spend the rest of the day throwing up in
the bathroom. “Do your magic, sister.”

Lilly laid her hands on Kit’s abdomen. The point
of contact heated to a slow burn. Kit’s body flushed hot, which worsened her
nausea for a brief second before relief cascaded through her. The throb in her
head dissipated and the acid in her stomach neutralized. She expelled a sigh
and opened her eyes.

Her sister’s concerned stare swept over her. “How
much weight have you lost?”

Kit pulled down her shirt to cover her ribcage. “Only
a couple of pounds. We have been so busy, I’ve had barely time to eat.” Wanting
to escape Lilly’s scrutiny she hopped out of bed. “I wish you had this talent
when I was in college. Would have saved many a hangover.”

“You haven’t been sleeping either.”

“Did Kamen tell you that?” Kit growled, knowing he
knew more of her habits than any.

“No, your serotonin levels are less than nothing.
You’re anemic and protein deficient.”

Okay, maybe her sister’s healing powers were more
intrusive than she thought. “You gave me a full diagnostic in less than two
minutes?” Kit walked to the bathroom, intent on brushing the horrible taste out
of her mouth.

“I don’t have to use my power to tell me something
is wrong. You look horrible.”

“Thanks, sis. Just what I want to hear in the
morning.” Kit shoved her toothbrush into her mouth.

“You are having nightmares again, aren’t you?”

Kit froze. She met her sister’s stare reflected in
the mirror. Spitting out her toothpaste, she stalled for an answer. “I don’t
know what you are talking about.”

Lilly frowned. “I remember what it was like the
years before Dad fell ill. Before the curse. Hearing you wake up crying night
after night. Dad and you arguing. You looked horrible then too.”

“I’m fine. It’s just we have a lot of things to
get done in thirty days.” Kit disrobed and kicked on the water. “Thanks for
helping me out. I can get back to base and finish out the initiations.”

Lilly leaned against shower door. “You would tell
me if something is wrong, right?”

Kit stopped soaping her hair, hating she was about
to lie to her sister. “Of course I would.”

“I’m sorry we haven’t had time to spend together,
like we used too. Maybe we can do a picnic tonight like old times. Just you, me
and Kendra.”

Kit peaked out and smiled in an attempt to
reassure her sister. “Sounds great. See you at breakfast?”

Lilly smiled, no doubt pleased with Kit’s sudden
interest in joining family events. “Sure.”

Kit waited until she heard the outer door shut and
then sagged against the stone wall. Despite feeling relieved of her hangover,
she couldn’t shake the uneasiness still hanging on with a tight grip. The
alcohol had limited her deep sleep and thus any visions. It was the only way
she could rest without the nightmares disrupting her sleep. Unfortunately,
being robbed of her regenerative phase was taking its toll.

Lilly was right, she looked like a bag of bones.
She would make a point of eating in front of her sisters. Maybe then, they
would leave her alone and stop asking questions she couldn’t answer. No matter
the subject, it would always lead to why she refused to transition.

Kit wanted her sisters to be happy for as long as
it lasted. They didn’t need to know their efforts in this war were fruitless.
Lilly and Kendra just needed to remain blissfully happy until then.

Not willing to dwell on her visions, she grabbed the
towel off the wall and dried off. After getting dressed, she stared at herself
in the mirror. Despite her sister’s help, dark shadows still marred her eyes.
She grabbed some makeup and swept it under her lashes, improving things
slightly.

Sighing, she headed towards the dining hall. The
smell of eggs and bacon beckoned her stomach. She paused at the door, hearing
the voices on the other side. The whispered conversation halted the minute she
stepped into the vast hall. Obviously,
she
was the subject of conversation
this morning.

Kamen sat off on his own as he always did but
seemed even further from the group. He didn’t bother to look up as she passed
but stared at his full plate instead.

Kendra smiled. “We saved you a seat.”

Kit scanned the enormous dining table with any
number of seats. “Thanks,” she said, sitting down next to Kendra. Sensing the
awkwardness of the moment, maybe it was a good thing she didn’t remember much
from last night. Based on everyone’s facial expression, it had to be a doozy.

She blew out a breath and accepted the steaming
plate of breakfast food. Her hunger wilted, despite the fabulous aroma. She
stabbed a piece of egg and forced it into her mouth, knowing all eyes were on
her. Bite after bite, she shoveled into her mouth until her gut protested the
engorgement.

The weight of Kamen’s stare drew her eyes up from
her plate. The look on his face told her he didn’t buy her sudden interest in
food. She forced her eyes away and looked at Lilly. “So what is the plan for
today?”

“I’m going to be tied up with the Creation
Council. I have a few more members on my side but not enough to ensure a win on
lifting the Underworld ban. They still believe Menthu is working alone and
solely responsible for the reven curse. Not to mention they are in complete
denial about the siravants being present in the human realm even after the
attack on the Protector gods.”

“Bast is saying nothing?” Kit asked. Menthu and
six siravants had attacked three of the strongest Creation gods. Bast was the
only one to survive.

“If she is, it is not in front of the Council. I’m
not giving up though. I will bring them more proof, if I have to.”

Bakari leaned forward. “Are you suggesting a
siravant?”

“Capturing one would be much too dangerous,
considering it could infect someone in the process,” Kendra added.

“Although that would be a damn good show, I do not
think it worth the risk.” Asar lifted Lilly’s hand and kissed it.

“What about the Chancellor?” Kit asked, worried
her sister was going there alone without Asar.