Reveal (The Lamian Wars Book 2) Read online

  Nora

  “Are you ladies ready to go to the island?”

  “Yes, I am,” I squealed. It was the first time in a week that I’d left the castle. I was finally getting a chance to see the lab he had built for me.

  “I know you are, my love. The lab isn’t as full as it should be just yet. We’re waiting on supplies.”

  “I understand. We’re not even going to be staying there today, so it doesn’t matter anyway.”

  “I’m sorry, but for the time being we need to keep a strong front for our people. They are risking their lives for all.”

  “So are we,” I reminded him. I was technically really damn young and I was in danger just the same. All of them had lived long lives. The youngest ones were the new mates. Hell, the youngest born vampire was in his seventies.

  “I know that, Nora. That thought hasn’t left my head since the day after we met,” he said, pulling me to his chest. I felt his heart beating hard, a constant reminder that I had his heart and soul. “We’re going to win this, you know?” Falcon said, kissing my hair as he cradled me in his arms.

  “So, are we going to do this or not?” Charlotte asked with a smile. I knew she was ready to get out of here, too. The castle was beautiful, but when you were isolated and constantly worrying about the next attack, the place had lost its majesty.

  “Let’s go,” Draco said, pulling Charlotte against his chest. Then the four of us left the castle. In mere seconds, we were on this deserted beach as sirens went off. Draco hit a button on his phone and silence.

  “Wow, that’s crazy. Does it go off for anything that steps onto the perimeter? We’re literally on the beach.”

  “No, but it senses weight and composition. Come, let’s explore our island,” Draco said, taking Charlotte by the hand and leading her down a path that had trees surrounding it. I felt like we were in some wild oasis. We followed behind, but I think these fools forgot one thing. We were over three months pregnant with heavy babies, and even with our strength, it was going be hard. I’d gotten three feet into the path, when Falcon pulled me back into his chest, then bent down and scooped me up.

  “Hey, I thought you couldn’t read my mind.”

  “As much as I want to be able to do that, as all men would, I can’t. I took one look at your sandals and worried that you would trip over the rocks. Besides, you know I love having you as close as possible.” He leaned down and kissed my lips. I moaned from the feeling and ached for him to take me right here in the middle of jungle. To feel his hands on my skin as the heat from the sun added to our sweaty mess would be amazing. The ravenous urge washed over me like the tide on the sand. “Would you quit moaning, my love. It’s quite hard to walk when my cock is stiffer than these rocks.”

  “We could take care of that right now,” I murmured, seductively wagging my brows.

  “No, we can’t. Not with them nearby. I want you right now, but we’ll have to wait. In a little while, we could stroll to a private spot. Or maybe I could show you our bed chambers.”

  “You know I love when you lose yourself in your old-school language. It comes out a lot and it’s sexy.” I don’t know what it was, but it reminded me of regency romance. Then I remembered he’d been through that era and many others. Suddenly, I was jealous of time. Time that I could have been by his side, seeing him twirl me around in a grand ballroom as a band played where the gowns were stunning and the crowd was in awe. One day, I hoped to dress in a gown with my breasts nearly falling out and my waist cinched in by a tight ass bodice. Our eyes would meet across the room. He would stalk me as I circled the guests, and with a rakish grin, he’d greet me with a promise of seduction. I would feel his hands wrap around my waist as he ushered me from the room, into a secret entrance to have his wicked way with me. It was silly because he could do that to me in any room, but the thought of it turned me into a needy bitch. The fantasy always came to life whenever he spoke to me like that.

  “Do you, my dear? If that is what you wish, I shall speak to you as eloquently as I can.”

  “Perhaps now isn’t the best time,” I sighed, pressing my hand to my pussy and squeezing the ache away. He shook his head and carried me through the trees until we reached a large clearing. In front of us was a home as large as the castle and nearly as beautiful. It had the large stones like the castle but also had steel reinforcements. It didn’t take away from the esthetics of the massive home.

  “How did you keep this place a secret for so long?”

  “Mostly a few locals from neighboring islands maintain the area. For large sums of money, they keep their heads down and do what they are paid for. The fast construction and security build came from other vampires, as well as Draco and me.”

  “Some vampires know of this place?” I asked.

  “Some do, but they have sworn to die before revealing the location.”

  “What about governments? Particularly the U.S. government. You know their nosey asses will be looking into the comings and goings of this place.”

  “It’s private land, and as a citizen of Italy, they cannot seize it or even monitor it. Most don’t even know there’s an island here. It doesn’t appear on world maps. We’ve made some recent modifications to make it almost invisible until you’re in short distance of it.”

  I nodded as though I believed it, but I knew better. I mean, nothing was ever a hundred percent safe, but this place didn’t feel safe to me. I almost got the feeling like we were a giant target. All I cared for was peace and time with Falcon and our son, who would be coming soon.

  “Let me show you around our island home. The lab will be last place we visit because I know what’ll happen. I’ll have to drag you out kicking and screaming.”

  “You’re probably right about that,” I said with a twist of my lips.

  “Probably? Shit, the man is going to have to use his super strength to pry your fingers off the microscope. I think this is the longest you’ve gone without touching one,” Charlotte teased.

  “Damn, bitch, you didn’t need to remind me. When we get back, I’m going to delete your music.”

  “That’s uncalled for,” Charlotte argued.

  “Keep it up and I will,” I threatened.

  She narrowed her eyes at me which made me crack up laughing. Charlotte giggled too. Then we hugged as best as we could, considering both of our bellies were gigantic. “Oh my goodness, our bellies are ridiculous.”

  We stepped back rubbing our roundness at the same time. “I know, it’s like we stuffed basketballs under our blouses.”

  “Well, we should have less than a month left, right fellas?” she asked the guys.

  “Yes, that’s what we believe,” Falcon said.

  “I love that you’re so sure,” I muttered, feeling cranky as hell.

  “Forgive us, love, but it’s been a long time since any vampire we know has given birth.”

  “Well, that shit should be written down in a manual or something. We humans have a million books on what to expect while you’re knocked up.”

  “Someone is getting grumpy. Let’s take you in for a quick tour then a mini nap.”

  I turned to look at my husband and mate, thinking that he was going to get punched, but I saw the implication in his eyes. Oh, that kind of nap. I was totally on board for that. “A nap it is,” I replied with a smile.

  He walked us into the large entryway after Draco entered three separate passcodes. I rolled my eyes because that wasn’t something I’d be able to remember. I can’t even remember my Gmail password. I had to send a new password to my phone all the damn time. Three at once, I hope that I wasn’t being chased by anyone or anything or I’d be a goner.

  “That’s a lot of damn numbers to remember,” I complained.

  “Says the scientist. You’ll get it easily, but we’ll tell you them later,” Draco added. I rolled my eyes at him, giving him the finger as I passed by. He was lucky I didn’t want to waste my time talking when I could be locked away fucking my mate.
<
br />   “Falcon, I think I need my nap now.” I smiled as he teleported me outside a grand double door. I was in for a major treat.

  Chapter 28

  Falcon

  I could stare at her for hours as she looked through textbooks. She caught me staring at her and lifted her eyes to mine. “I don’t have the supplies needed to draw blood nor the samples since they were all destroyed,” she said. I left her in here two hours ago while I took in all the changes and went over possible improvements on security. Since we wanted our babies to be born here, we had set up a delivery room as well. It would happen on its own, but I wanted to be there to make it easier, and there was no reason to have Nora go through it without the best there was to offer.

  I smiled, shaking my head. She couldn’t wait to get started, learning of her name’s meaning made her more determined to work hard. “I ordered some of the things you’ll need, but it won’t arrive until next week.” I didn’t order everything until after the whole name thing because I didn’t want her to work on it anymore. The thought of them coming after her was more than I could handle, and with the war raging on, I needed to be on the battlefield, not protecting her. That’s what this place was for after all - a way to keep them safe as we battled. Draco’s security measures seemed to be on point.

  “Can we sneak them from hospitals?” she asked. I shook my head because she was willing to resort to theft and I wasn’t going to let her taint herself like that. I knew she felt the burning desire, but it would have to wait.

  “No, I don’t want to start doing illegal shit like that. That’s the difference between them and us. Morality.”

  “Well, you didn’t mind sneaking in to do an ultrasound,” she countered, and it was well played, but I wasn’t going to let her win this one.

  “Technically, we didn’t steal anything but a bit of gel and electricity,” I answered, letting her know that it wasn’t going to work.

  “Whatever. I’m going to take these back to the castle to read.” I was ready to head back as well. I left Pietro and Placido along with Gideon in charge since Dante and Mary were still asleep. I watched as she nervously looked down at the microscope again. “Have you heard anything about Vigo yet?”

  I took the books from her hands, tucking them under my arm. Then I pulled her to me. With a kiss to her forehead, I shook my head and said, “No, our men are looking into it, but no one knows where he’s being kept.” I had a feeling that we wouldn’t know. I asked Charlotte if I should ask around about Vigo, and she agreed it was best to keep it quiet. Nora’s heart was too good. Once you were her enemy you were in trouble, but until then her heart bled for you.

  She looked at me with a serious and determined expression and said, “We need vampire sniffing dogs on it. Do you think there’s such a thing?”

  “There’s no such thing as a vampire dog. But I think it’s possible to train a dog to our scents. I don’t know if it will work, but we could always try. They don’t like us that much, but they can be trained.”

  “They can be? Cool, we need some like on the double.” My little demanding love had such a look of glee that I couldn’t tell her no.

  “We can pick out two that like you tomorrow. Okay?” I was a pushover where she was concerned. If she could find some that actually liked her that would be a miracle, but we could always try.

  “Yes,” she squealed, jumping up and down, almost making me drop the books.

  I gave her a peck on the lips, then asked. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, sir,” she said, clinging to me.

  The next day, I took her to the nearest human village. There were several dog owners with many pups for sale. It seemed like they used them because they believed the rumors of vampires at the castle and in our village.

  Several people began to stare at us. Many of them still lived without modern technology due to the town losing most of its crops a decade ago from flooding. The town hadn’t recovered and may never do so if they didn’t change their ways.

  I walked up to one of the villagers that had been unafraid to look me in the eye. “My wife wants a dog, and for her protection, I’d like to get her one. Do you know where I may find a strong breed?”

  “Yes, sir. Three houses to your left they sell dogs, and they are the best the town has to offer.”

  We thanked him and turned to the direction of the seller. We walked through the unpaved road to the house. After knocking, an elderly woman answered the door with a smile. “Lord Lombardi, it is a pleasure. Please come in,” the woman said. “We have many breeds.”

  “Excuse me, but how do you know me?”

  “Sir, I lost my sight when I was a young girl. A sense of smell is something I have and I remember you. You came here after the flood and offered to assist us. You were turned away, but it is because they are stubborn people and believe you are who you are.”

  “And who am I?” I asked suspiciously. For a blind woman, she knew a lot more than those who could see.

  “You’re Lord Lombardi among other things. Then again, I don’t believe I need to explain it to you. You’re a good being. I can sense it, and no matter what others believe, I believe in you.”

  “Thank you, madam. Please tell us which animal will suit my wife best.”

  “They will love her, but I suggest the husky named Thor. He is a worthy boy. My grandson will lead you to the kennel. I must rest.”

  “Thank you, again.” She waved me off as a young man with a fair complexion who looked to only be about twelve with bright eyes and warm smile approached us.

  “Sir, ma’am, this way, please,” he said, pointing toward the door he’d just come from. We followed him to a room full of twenty or so dogs. I was already not liking this idea, but she was overly enthused.

  “Oh my, they’re all so adorable,” she cheered, clapping her hands to her mouth excitedly.

  I saw the large husky that the lady had recommended. “What about that one?” I asked Nora. She looked at the dark grey and white dog with bright blue eyes, her own lighting up with happiness.

  “Wow, he’s gorgeous,” she said, leaning forward as the dog came toward her. I was nervous, but the dog sat and looked up for attention.

  The boy looked between Nora and the dog. They must be something nonhuman. That dog don’t like anyone. “He’s yours. We haven’t found anyone that wants him.” The little bastard is possessed.

  “Why not?” she asked as the dog bounced happily, wagging his tail at her.

  “They say he’s been cursed.” I sure as hell thought so.

  Nora and I looked to each other. “You want him? He seems to like you.”

  “Sure, let’s get him.”

  “How much?” I asked the boy, needing to get this over with. There was something about the dog, but I liked him anyway.

  “He’s free. Go on and take him.” The devil dog needs to go.

  “No, we can’t do that. Here, how about 2,000 euros?” I asked, holding out the bills. The village needed the money. The boy’s eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t take it.

  “Sir, I can’t take the money.”

  “Yes, you can. What are you worried about?”

  “That it’s the devil’s money.”

  “I’m not the devil, and I’ve earned this money as a business man and scientist. So please take it. Your village needs it.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Don’t thank me,” I said. “Come on, Thor. Let’s go.”

  The dog came along without a leash, another thing that caused the boy to weird out. Wow, that dog loves them.

  Nora, I want to contact a wizard I know. This dog seems off, he smells different.”

  I noticed it, too.

  It’s almost like he’s one of us. He kind of smells like Charlotte. Crazy.

  Yeah, crazy. But let’s not say that aloud. You don’t want Draco to bite your head off.

  We left the place with everyone in the town looking at us. I helped Nora into our car and the dog into the ba
ck seat. He laid down like he was going to sleep. We made a trip to the store and purchased all he needed for food. I didn’t think this was a dog. It was a bigger husky than any other one I’d seen before.

  We took him into the castle and Draco said, “That’s one damn big husky. Are you sure that’s not a wolf?”

  “The lady breeds dogs, she said this one was right for us.” I looked over at the dog, who was as pleasant as can be. It was almost as if he was trying to be a good dog so he could stay.

  “Did she breed with wolves?” he joked, looking at the beast with a quirked brow.

  “I was thinking this guy was big, but he seems to love Nora, so he’s a keeper. But he’s not sleeping in our room.”

  “No, we can set up his bed in the other room. Come on, boy. Let’s get you settled.” Nora led the dog through the halls and up toward our bedroom. I shook my head at their immediate bond. She was so good with the dog and he with her. I wondered if I was going to lose a lot of her time to him.

  Chapter 29

  Nora

  I was back in the lab for the first time in a week. I had all the blood samples from the Lombardi family. Vigo said something about Nero and that day he had the file. I wondered if the cure is in the Lombardi blood? If it had only been in Nero’s, we were screwed. I had a lot of work to do, but I wasn’t going to have a lot of time. It was a tedious process without an assistant, but I couldn’t have anyone else here. My large belly was making it even harder; I was bumping into everything.

  “I wish Vigo was here to help,” I muttered to myself. After all, I was alone. Draco was in the security room with Charlotte, probably getting freaky as usual. I sat down on the chair because this baby was hard for me to carry. They said it was because the whole new vampire thing and I was feeling it big time. My bones were achy and my muscles were tired. I didn’t tell Falcon about it because then he would stop touching me and force me to lay down. The first time I complained of fatigue, he didn’t have sex with me for three whole days and I wasn’t allowed to lift a finger without him hovering over me.