To Love a Shifter: A Paranormal Romance Boxed Set (46 page)

“At his age?” she gasped.

“You heard them. They mature early.”

“And they die early, too? Is that it?”

Domenico grinned briefly. “It is just how they are. Caros do not like being coddled. They consider any sentimental attachment a weakness.” Seeing her curiosity, he added, “I have been conferring with the three since they were fourteen.”

“
Fourteen?”
Misty yelped. Dear God! What kind of race were Caros that they didn’t even allow their kids to be kids? She shuddered. “If we have kids, I’m definitely not letting them date Caros.” And then she realized what she had just said out loud.

Her eyes flew to Domenico, but he was studiously avoiding her gaze, acting as if she hadn’t committed the most embarrassing faux pas. Misty knew she should be happy about it, but she wasn’t.

She had thought about having kids with him.
Domenico was secretly stunned although he made sure that his feelings were not visible on his face. The realization was bittersweet. A part of him was filled with triumph, urging him to take her now, and his cock shot up  at just the thought of pouring his seed inside her and creating life in her womb.

But another part of him shied away from the thought, telling him it was futile because he did not deserve to have Misty in his future.

When she reached out to him, Domenico instinctively took a step back. He saw Misty whiten at his reaction, her arm falling back limply on her side as she gazed at him questioningly. “Domenico?” He could see her visibly struggling to keep him from seeing her hurt, but that was futile, too.

She was his other half, and he knew everything about her.

But it did not mean they were destined together.

“I need to speak with Riyu. You will be okay here?” In his effort to keep Misty from learning how much it hurt to deny himself of her company, especially when she appeared willing, Domenico ended up unconsciously sounding cold.

The icy tone of his voice made Misty falter even more. “I…” She wanted to say so many things but she lost her courage when Domenico continued to gaze at her with inscrutable green eyes. No, it was worse than inscrutable – he appeared
indifferent. Impersonal.
She nodded jerkily. “Yes, I’ll be okay.”

He nodded before swiftly leaving the room.

For a long moment, she could only stare at the door as it closed behind him, unable to believe that he really was leaving her just like that. In the past, he never failed to take advantage of any situation that left her alone with him. In the past, Domenico would have done his best to seduce her…to woo her with sweet, sexy words…by now, she should have been pushed down on the bed, his cock sinking deep inside her, and her legs wrapped tightly around his hips as they cried out each other’s names.

But this was not the past.

This was the present, and never had it been so painful and confusing.

Domenico loved her, didn’t he?

So why was this happening? And – whatever this was – why was she letting it happen without doing anything to fight for her chance to have Domenico back? Was she going to be a wimp forever?

The thought gave her the strength and courage she needed to take action, and Misty determinedly pushed herself off the bed. The world spun a little with the first few steps she took, but she stubbornly continued. It took a while but she managed to cross the room and open the door.

A pair of guards bearing the Lyccan Council’s colors was standing outside, and they immediately bowed at the sight of her. “Do you know where I may find Riyu Delicazzi? Domenico is supposed to be speaking with him and I want to speak with my husband.”

She got the same reaction from the guards, and the incredulity in their gazes hurt because Misty had a feeling that they both believed that she had coldly thrown Domenico away. If she felt so bad seeing that, how much worse could it be for Domenico? How many times did he have to listen to other Lyccans talk about him behind his back, to laugh at him for having his wife leave him for another race?

One of the guards escorted her down and into a hallway that she assumed led to Riyu’s office. This time, a pair of guards she assumed to be Caros was stationed on each side of the double doors. They bowed upon seeing her before one of them knocked on the door and went in to announce her presence.

The door opened again and out came Riyu, a puzzled look on his face. “Can I help you, princess?”

Despite the heaviness in her heart, she couldn’t help but smile at how arrogant the boy was. Misty could literally hear the small ‘p’ in the way he called her ‘princess’, as if reminding her that they were of the same rank. He really was so much like Domenico – and she had no doubt this was how Domenico had acted in his younger days.

“Is Domenico inside? He said he was going to talk to you.”

The frown deepened. “As far I know, princess, he went back to his room.”

“Oh.” For a moment, all she could do was stare at Riyu, lost as to what to do.

A barely perceptible sigh escaped his lips. “Would you like me to escort you to his quarters, princess?”

Even as she blushed, Misty said, “If it’s no trouble?” It was embarrassing to let Riyu know that she was seeking Domenico’s company at this time of the night. The conclusion to that was practically inevitable. But she really didn’t care. She needed to see Domenico tonight and talk things out with him.

“As you wish,” Riyu replied after giving her a long, considering look. He dismissed her Lyccan escorts and she followed him back up, all the way to the fourth floor. He gestured to the first door to the left.

“Thank you,” she told him.

He cocked his head to the side in acknowledgment but did not move an inch, as if waiting to see what she would do next.

Blushing harder, she went to where Domenico was supposed to be and knocked on the door.

There was no answer.

She said shakily, “Domenico?”

There was still no answer.

Her hand shook as she tried one last time, knocking and calling his name once more.

But still Domenico didn’t come.

She rattled the door knob. “Domenico?” Misty couldn’t believe he really was shutting her out.

Silence remained as her answer.

Misty heard Riyu say quietly behind her, “Perhaps he’s already asleep?”

“Yes,” she managed to whisper. “Maybe…he’s asleep.” She turned back to Riyu, smiling even as she felt her eyes sting with tears. Domenico was a Lyccan, and it would have been impossible for him to miss her knock or her calling out his name.

As Riyu and Misty gazed at each other, his face bland, hers pale, the truth of the matter was like a silent scream only both of them could hear.

Domenico hadn’t opened the door because he was dead to the world.

Domenico hadn’t opened the door because Misty was dead to
him.

Inside his room, Domenico knew the moment Misty started to cry, the sound and scent of her tears easily reaching him and twisting his heart into pieces.

Misty’s face was devoid of color when she showed up for breakfast the next morning, escorted by another pair of Lyccan guards. Without any makeup at her disposal, Misty was unable to conceal the fact that her eyes were swollen and underlined with dark bags. Earlier, a Caro guard had knocked on her door, giving her a parcel containing a fresh change of clothes. It was from Riyu, according to the note attached, and she was welcome to them only if she didn’t mind the fact that the clothes used to belong to his late sister.

She didn’t mind, but she did quietly recite a prayer for the soul of Riyu’s sister. The dress was beautiful and silky, with a sweetheart neckline, capped sleeves, and a skirt that fell a little past her knees.

The three Caro boys were at the table when she came down, and they immediately stood up as she walked towards them. There was no sign of Domenico, though.

“I hope you’re feeling better now, Princess?” Luka asked.

Stefan pulled out a chair for her. “It would be my honor to have you seated next to me, Princess.”

Riyu grunted.

She had to smile. The three had acted exactly the way she thought they’d act. Breakfast was pleasant, particularly because no one made mention of Domenico even though she had a strong gut feeling Riyu had told the others what happened last night.

When they finished breakfast, Luka said quietly, “Your escort is waiting outside whenever you are ready, Princess.”

Hands twisted with worry on her lap, Misty nevertheless managed to say in a calm voice, “I’m ready.” And she was. If Domenico thought she would give up without asking him what had suddenly made him change towards her then he didn’t really know her.

She wasn’t the same old Misty. Maybe she wasn’t that much of an optimist anymore, but she was still stubborn and she believed in herself more – or at least enough to think she still had a chance with Domenico. They just had to talk first.

The three were more subdued while escorting her out of the hall. At the front door, she paused, turning to the boys with a hesitant smile. “I just want to thank you all again for helping us.”

“It was our honor.” Luka bowed.

“It was my pleasure.” Stefan winked.

Luka cleared his throat.

Riyu sighed. “Princess, as part of the Alliance, we are obliged---”

Luka stepped on his foot.

Riyu glanced at her.

She gazed back at him.

A smile slowly formed on his lips. “You’re nothing like I imagined Domenico Moretti’s woman would be, princess.”

Misty tried not to take offense even though he said it like she was the worst possible choice that Domenico could ever make.

He beckoned her to follow him. “Come. I have something to show you.”

Luka and Stefan exchanged glances and they simultaneously smiled.

Misty’s senses prickled. “Are you guys planning something?”

Stefan grinned. “Just go follow Riyu.”

“But---”

“Please.” Luka said it very politely, but there was no doubting it was a command as well.

Sheesh. Misty was starting to feel glad she was going to leave this place. Spending another day surrounded with arrogant mini-Domenicos would surely drive her crazy.

Riyu was waiting for her impatiently when she followed him to his study. “Come,” he ordered.

She rolled her eyes. “Does the fact that I’m several years older mean anything to you?”

“It does,” Riyu said seriously, his eyes on the monitor, a smile still on his lips. “It means you will die earlier.”

Misty burst into laughter.

He gestured for her again. “Princess, move more quickly.”

“Okay, okay---oww!”  The shining rays of the sun that greeted her from the LCD monitor was so bright that Misty had to squint. Weren’t Caros supposed to be weak against sunlight? So how was it that they were living in a place where there didn’t seem any shortage---

She squinted again and gasped. The shining light wasn’t coming from the sun – or at least not directly. Rather, it was the reflection of sunlight bouncing from the shiny steel armor worn by a hundred-strong army.

Ninety percent of the army were Lyccans, and she easily recognized the colors of the different packs, something she had taken time to study when she had worked at Lyccan Hall. There were the black-and-silver shades of the Moretti pack and the blue-and-white shades of the Cavalier pack. There were also the colors of the Fontabellas, the Buenaventuras, and even the Fiarinos.

And next to them was a small army of…

Misty frowned.

Perhaps this was the contingency of human soldiers that Luka mentioned last night?

What were they all doing here?

Thud!
The entire army suddenly split into two in simultaneous action, and her heart literally stopped beating when she saw Domenico also dressed for battle as he walked between the two halves, barking out his commands. Domenico looked powerfully invincible and so wonderfully gorgeous that he simply took her breath away. Gone was his dashing billionaire persona, and it was replaced entirely by the Lyccan warrior that he was born to be.

Pack leader or not, Domenico Moretti was a man who was born to lead.

He raised his hand, and the entire army moved in synchrony once more, their boots landing hard on the ground as they twisted to face Domenico.

When he spoke, it was in a cold steely voice, and the words he uttered made Misty’s entire body shake.

“You are here to protect Misty Wall.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I want your senses on full alert. No threat is too small to overlook.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If there is anything – anyone – that you feel is a threat…” Domenico’s face hardened, and Misty had no doubt any opponent of Domenico unfortunate enough to see that look on his face would have quaked in fear.

 “Eliminate the threat.”

“Yes, sir.”

Beside her, Riyu said blandly, “He might have been asleep last night, princess, but I think it’s safe to say that he was dreaming of you.”

She couldn’t speak, only managing to nod because she was too busy crying.

~~~

Both Misty and Domenico remained stiff, quiet, and tense, almost paranoid in their vigilance as they and the entire army under Domenico’s command crossed the Midways. After last night’s attack, the foggy highway no longer felt nostalgic to Domenico or even to Misty, who had once been fond of hearing stories about the bustling activity that used to take place in the area.

Now, it felt haunted and desecrated, and the fog no longer felt wonderfully cool. Now it felt chilly, a blanket where monsters might be lurking from behind. 

“I’ve been thinking…” Misty was the first one to break the silence. “Didn’t you tell me the Midways were supposed to be safe from vampires?”

Domenico nodded curtly. “It had never been invaded by vampires or any other evil creature in the past. But…the Midways have always been mysterious. It’s almost like it’s a living creature, and it’s been around forever. There’s really no way to understand every aspect of it.”

“If the Midways…which we thought was safe…have become possible for the vampires to attack, then…don’t you think it’s the same for the Faeries’ realm?” When Domenico didn’t answer, she looked up, intending to repeat the question.

The words died in her throat at the look on his face.

It was as if death was imminent…for the Faeries.

Worry squeezed Misty’s heart. “I need to do something,” she muttered even as she told herself not to succumb to panic. “When we get to the realm, I will request for a meeting with the High Circle and…would you come with me?” Misty couldn’t keep her voice from shaking. Her mind was tortured by images of faeries battling against vampires, and it was horrible – every image was horrible because none of it ended with victory at their side.

Misty couldn’t let that happen. She wouldn’t, and she was determined to do everything she could to protect the race that had taken her in when she had been so badly hurt and broken.

“Misty.”

She looked up at Domenico, unable to hide the fear in her eyes.

“I will always protect you.”

Misty nodded. She believed in Domenico, but…who would protect the Faeries?

Once they reached the realm and got past the shields, Misty wasted no time, sending missives to all members of the High Circle requesting for an urgent meeting. When she reached the tower of the Main Hall, Lysander was already there, dressed in yet another outfit that was almost but not quite drowning in lace.

There was, however, nothing gay with the way he swiftly walked to her side, and there was no denying the strength in his grip as he pulled her into his arms, taking Misty by surprise.

In truth, his own actions surprised Lysander, too. It was only this morning that his spies had reported to him about last night’s vampire attack on Misty and Domenico in the Midways, and never had he been filled with so much fear.

Could this be what those damn fools were talking about? Was he fucking in love? Lysander still wasn’t sure, but all he was certain of was that he had been so fucking afraid for Misty.

He cupped her face, his voice uneven as he asked, “Are you all right, my pretty?”

She had forgotten how beautiful Lysander was. This close to him, it was hard not to feel a little dazzled, especially with the way his eyes were shining. “I’m okay,” she stammered.

“You must never leave this realm again without me, Misty.”

The way Lysander kept staring at Misty started to make her feel uncomfortable, and something nagged at her. “It’s okay, Lysander. I’m okay. I was with Domenico.”

His lips compressed. “And look at how well he had protected you!”

She stiffened. “Lysander, he did protect me!”

“There wouldn’t have been any trouble if he hadn’t made you leave our realm in the first place,” he snarled.

Misty pushed away. “Why are you acting like this?”

Misty’s words acted like a bucket of cold water, and Lysander was silently aghast at how much he had allowed his disguise to slip. “I’m sorry,” he managed to say. “I was only truly worried about you. After losing my family in the Great War, you are the first person I cared for that I had almost lost again.”