Free Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly by Valerie Twombly Page A

be terrorized. “There was a witness who saw her leave with Odage. I took his memories and saw him myself.”
    Caleb snorted. “So he found a whore to spend the night with. That doesn’t make him guilty of kidnapping.”
    “There’s more,” Marcus said. “The woman I was with saw a man fitting Odage’s description turn a bum into a minion.”
    Caleb threw his head back and laughed. “Odage doesn’t have that kind of power. Your female is mistaken.”
    Aidyn stood, slamming his palms on the table. He leaned toward Caleb with a sneer on his face. “Then where is he? You are either hiding him, or you don’t have a fucking clue where the murdering bastard is.”
    Caleb shot up from his chair and moved in so close he was nose to nose with the vampire king. The warriors placed a hand on their weapons but didn’t make a move. “I do not have to answer to you— vampire.”
    Aidyn hissed. His fangs elongated, and his muscles rippled with anger. “Your leader must answer to murder charges according to our laws.”
    Caleb pounded his fists on the table. “Fuck your laws, and fuck you! I will declare war if you do not cease this action against Odage.”
    Marcus stiffened as did Garin and Seth. Things were going to hell fast, and it looked like it was going to get nasty. All three warriors were ready to pounce at any moment should the threat against their king become real. Marcus linked with Garin and Seth. Stay focused, men. Don’t attack unless I give the order.
    Aidyn clenched his fists. “You are second in command, Caleb. You can only declare war if your ruler is missing. You have no idea where he is or…maybe you do, and you’re in this together.”
    Shit, this might be the gem that breaks the dragon's back. Marcus stood. My lord, please, step away from Caleb.
    Caleb’s eyes glistened with anger. “You now accuse me of murdering your queen? The dragons withdraw their alignment with you, Aidyn. From this point forward, we are enemies.” Caleb vanished.
    Aidyn murmured under his breath. “So be it.”
    Marcus released the grip on his dagger and let out a breath. This entire scene burned him. Caleb had once been a trusted friend and a fierce warrior, one who would not be easily taken. He understood defending his leader, hell, he’d do the same for Aidyn no matter what the king was accused of.
    “Garin and Seth, go prepare the others for the possibility of war. Marcus, I will speak with you,” Aidyn said.
    Garin and Seth bowed. “Yes, my lord.” Then vanished.
    Once they left, Aidyn turned to Marcus, the mental push he received from his king meant he better not fuck up. “Let go of my sister, Marcus, and claim your mate.” His voice gentled. “I fear she may need our protection.”

Chapter Seven
     
    Hot water rolled across his body, he wanted to burn the sting of Aidyn’s last words off his skin. “Claim your mate.” He reached for the soap and scrubbed, wondering if he could wash away his desires. It wasn’t working. He imagined her hands running down his chest. Soft, wet, naked curves pressing against him.
    “Fuck.” He reached for the faucet and forced it to cold.
    Once toweled off, he threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, strapped a dagger to the outside of each thigh and tied his hair back. He scooped the amulet off the nightstand as he walked by and placed it around his neck then flashed to the mountains.
    He entered the Cave of the Gods. His senses reached out and scanned the area, no dragons. Hopefully, they were hunting, and he’d be gone before they got back. No telling how they would react if they discovered him in their territory. He’d like to think Caleb would turn the other cheek, but who knew if the Draki would still consider this cave a neutral zone.
    It had been years since he last came here. He’d forgotten how majestic it looked. The walls swirled with iridescent colors of blues, greens, purples and yellows. Tiny veins of diamonds and rubies shimmered throughout. Steam rose