Control

Chapter 50

Brian, Letty, and Anton left Dom’s room and walked across the street to Richard’s. They saw the argument coming and none of them cared enough to stay and get involved. Their only concern was Dom and Mikaela’s health and they had to see her.

When they entered the room, they found Richard running a wet cloth over her skin. Apollo and Ares were lying on either side of her and Zeus was at her head licking her face.

Brian rushed to her side and felt her forehead. “She’s burning up! How long has she been like this?”

“It’s been climbing steadily for the past 20 minutes. Here!” Richard threw an extra washcloth to Brian. “Help me.”

“Richard, this isn’t enough! We need to break this fever or she could lose the baby. We could lose her!”

“What do you suggest?” He exploded at Brian. “There isn’t exactly an abundance of ice around!”

“The well.” They both turned to Anton. “It is fed by a natural spring. It is ice cold!”

Brian looked back at Richard who nodded his agreement. “Works for me. Come on!” Brian lifted her up and rushed out the door. As they all ran into the street, they could hear Dom screaming. “He knows!”

“He knows what, Brian?” Letty asked as she followed them.

“He knows she’s in trouble! Someone go get him!”

“He’s been stabbed! I don’t think he is in any shape to…”

“Letty, he’ll die if she dies! Now go!” He stepped into the shallow well and knelt down. “Richard, you and Anton get in here.” They positioned themselves with Richard at her right and Anton at her feet. “Get ready, guys. This is not going to be easy.”

He lowered her burning body into the cold water and she screamed in agony. She thrashed wildly about trying to escape the pain but the 3 of them managed to keep her submersed. She suddenly stopped screaming and went completely still.

Letty burst into Dom’s room to find Vince, Leon, and Andros trying to restrain a frantic Dom. He was yelling out for Mikaela and throwing the men off balance as he struggled to get free. “Let him go!”

“Baby, he’s burning up and he might tear his stitches!”

“Vince, so is she! Her fever is off the chart and Brian says she needs him or we could lose all 3 of them. Help him outside!”

“MICK!” They released him and he tried to get to his feet but the blood loss left him weak. He pitched forward and Leon caught him. He looked up at him with indescribable terror in his eyes. “Please…get me to my wife.”

Leon could feel her slipping away and his heart tore with pain. He knew it had to be worse for Dom. He nodded his head but no words came from his tightening throat. He hoisted the big man up and helped him out the door.

He started towards Richard’s but Dom turned to the square and pointed at the well. “She’s there!” He started to move by his own driving need and Leon was trying to keep up with him. Dom stopped at the edge of the well and saw her still body floating in the other’s arms. “NO!”

He pulled her away from them and clutched her to his chest. “Baby, don’t leave me! I’m sorry! I was trying to protect you!” He kissed the top of her head and rocked her back and forth. “Please don’t take her away from me.” He whispered brokenly.

“Dom, she’s breathing. It’s shallow but she is breathing.” Brian moved to pick her up and Dom tightened his hold on her. “You can’t carry her in your condition! Let me take her to your bed.”

Tears in his eyes and shaking with fear, Dom nodded his head at Brian. He let him take her into his arms and carry her to their room. “Leon…would you…”

“Yeah.” Dom put an arm over Leon’s shoulders and leaned heavily as they followed Brian. The others parted as he entered the room with Mikaela and Leon with Dom. They all moved into the room and stood in shock as the fate of their family hung in the balance.

Brian stood Mikaela on her feet as best as he could and held her up. “Someone help me get these wet clothes off her. Leon, get Dom back in bed!”

Richard came forward and pulled her shorts off. “Sit her down, Brian.” They held her upright, removed her shirt, and dried her off.

Leon helped Dom sit down. “Hold there, man. I’ll prop up the pillows.” Dom nodded but his eyes were on his wife’s bare back. “Lean back, Dom.”

He moved back and sat up against the headboard. His eyes never left her. He couldn’t sense her at all. Nothing was coming through their bond not even the sensations he had felt from his son. His eyes welled up with more tears and he held his arms out for her. “Please…give her to me.”

Brian moved her limp form into his arms and stood back. Dom cradled her into his side with her head on his shoulder. Richard covered them up with a blanket and backed off as well.

“Leon.”

“Yeah, Dom?”

“Can you feel her?” He asked in curious tone. “I…I can’t feel her anymore.”

“No.” He whispered. “I can’t.”

“I can’t feel my wife or my son.” He cried openly and choked on his sobs. “Mick…baby?” He brushed her wet hair from her face and touched her cheek with shaking fingers. “Please don’t be gone.”

“She is not gone, my lord.”

They all turned to see an elderly woman in the doorway. She wore a hooded cloak that covered her almost completely. Her weathered face and long gray hair was all that could be seen.

“Mother?”

“Andros. Janna.” She regarded her children as she moved cautiously into the room.

“Why are you here? You never leave our home.”

“Son, I could feel my niece’s torment and it nearly drove me mad.” She looked at Dom holding Mikaela close and smiled. “It is a wonderful thing to see her again and with her true mate.”

She slowly made her way to sit on the side of the bed by Dom. “This is the closest I’ve been to my niece since her gift surfaced.” She spoke with a touch of awe in her voice. “You love her more than life. Any fool could see that but you did her a grave injustice today. Your reasons are clear. You just wanted to keep your mate safe but you should not have interfered.”

His eyes clenched as he listened to her continue. “She was never in any harm. She would not have been touched. Mikaela is this clan’s strongest warrior. No one has ever beaten her and no one ever will. Their fear alone would have been against them. Most important of all is that she would have sensed Demitri’s deception the instant she was near him.”

Dom’s face twisted in agony and guilt. He placed light kisses on her forehead and whispered. “Baby, I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry.”

“My lord, do not blame yourself. You didn’t know. Hey.” She turned his face to hers. “Your wife is still in there. She just closed her mind to protect herself. She’ll come out and you need to let her know it is safe to do so.”

“How do I do that?”

“Knock on the door.” She smiled and got up. “Please wait until I leave though. I cannot be near her. As a matter of fact, all of you young people should leave them alone.” She herded them all to the door and turned back to Dom. “It was a pleasure to see you both, my Prince.” She shut the door behind her.

Dom placed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. He focused hard and felt himself enter her. It was dark inside of her now where once it was bright and warm. ‘Mick. Come back to me, love.’ He couldn’t see anything as he mentally walked through her mind. ‘Baby, please. I need you.’

He felt as if he had been searching for her for hours in the pitch-black expanse of her psyche with no end in sight. The strain of maintaining a one sided connection and his injury was taking a toll on him. He began to stagger through the darkness. ‘Baby…I can’t live without you. Please come out.’ He was exhausted and could barely remain in control of the bond.

He mustered up the last bit of strength he had left and mentally screamed out. ‘Mick! Come to me now!’ Just before the connection was severed, it got bright and her inner warmth surrounded him. He could sense his love and his child again before he lost consciousness.

Leon sat on the edge of his bed and held his head in his hands. He felt a loss deep in the center of his heart and it was proving to be more than he could bear.

“I can feel your pain, love.” He looked up at Janna with tears in his eyes. “You are hurting deeply because you think you lost someone you love and from the guilt you feel for your part in this.”

“I shouldn’t have stopped her. Andros said she could’ve prevented all of this from happening.”

She knelt at his feet and gently took his hands in hers. “My brother is trying to alleviate his own guilt. He knows he should not have done this without her. You didn’t know. Do not blame yourself.”

“I’m trying not to but she isn’t here to tell me to stop.”

“Leon.” She lifted his chin so she could look in his eyes. “She will be. My cousin is a legend amongst my people for her strength and tenacity. She always will be.” She went silent for a moment and her own eyes welled with tears. “Am I competing with a legend? Are you with me because we resemble each other?”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Janna. When I first saw you I was drawn to you for that reason but I fell in love with you.” He saw the pain flash across her face but he also knew she believed him.

“Will I have to fight her for your heart and love? I cannot compete against her.”

“You don’t have to. Janna, she and I belong to each other in a certain way…”

“I know. The bond comes from my people. I never thought I would have to share the man I love with my cousin. How did this happen? I know Mikaela bonded with a friend of hers once but usually it only happens when…” Her eyes snapped up to his.

He averted his gaze for a second and then looked back at her. “It isn’t what you think. We did not make love but…it was as close to it as you can get. Janna, she belongs to Dom and I belong to you but I do have a commitment to her. Do you understand?”

“Yes. I guess you are worth the trouble.” He stood up abruptly and turned his head towards the wall separating his room from Dom’s. “Leon, what is it?”

“She’s back.” He ran to the door, opened it and looked back at Janna. She smiled and nodded. He bolted out and did not see her lie down on the bed and cry.

He opened the door quietly and shut it behind him. He walked slowly over to the bed and smiled. Dom’s hand was holding hers over his heart. They were both unconscious but Leon could feel her again. He sat heavily in a chair beside the bed and let his fear go.

He kept up his silent vigil over the two lovers for hours. Watching every move they made as if it would be the one to herald them waking. Exhaustion started to replace his anxiety and he nodded off. His dreams were fitful. He kept seeing the both of them fall in the arena and her floating in the well. It finally became too much and he startled awake a few hours later. “You’re awake.” He said in relief.

Mikaela was moving her hand lightly over Dom’s chest. “Yes. Should I be concerned about you hitting me over the head again while my back is turned?” She whispered hoarsely.

He ignored her smart-assed remark and moved to the edge of the bed. “Thank God. I was so scared that you…”

“Don’t be.” She reached out her hand behind her and grabbed his. He sat beside her and leaned his forehead down to her shoulder. “When I feel better I’m gonna kick your ass though.”

He laughed through his freshly shed tears of joy. “I’ll accept it graciously. Are all 3 of you okay?”

“I think so. What happened besides me getting my ass kicked by invisible men?”

“Dom got stabbed, you felt it too, you both passed out, you ran a fever, he ran a fever, Brian, Richard and Anton broke yours, Dom woke up screaming for you, you disappeared from our mental radar, Dom broke down, and your aunt told him how to get you back.”

She looked over her shoulder at him with wide eyes. “Wow. All of that, huh? Well I guess I had a busy day. No wonder my head hurts.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“It isn’t that. I am being bombarded by guilt in stereo. What is your problem?”

“I thought I was protecting you. I’m sorry. If you could’ve gotten there sooner…”

“Shut up. I don’t blame you so stop blaming yourself. I don’t hold Dominic responsible either. I should have seen this coming.” She shook her head in frustration. “There is something the both of you need to come to terms with though.”

“What’s that?”

“When I need help I’ll ask for it.”

“You’re not real forthcoming in admitting you need help, Mick.”

“Dominic!” She kissed him gently on his lips and was about to withdraw when he pulled her back in for a hard kiss.

“Leon, why are you in my bed curled up next to my wife?” He stared lovingly in her eyes as he asked the question. Tears flowed down her face as she caressed his cheek.

“Just keeping an eye on you both.”

“I almost lost you, Mick.” He whispered in broken voice.

“Dominic, I need you both to drop the guilt. You didn’t know. I know your need to protect me because it matches mine for you.” She looked at him sideways. “How did you keep fighting? The pain you were feeling was excruciating.”

He touched her face with shaky hands. “My need to protect my mate was overwhelming. It drove me…to almost get us all killed.”

“I’m gonna go. You two need to be alone.” He started to get up and Mikaela stopped him by grabbing his arm.

“Leon, get everyone together and tell them to pack. Tell Anton to fuel the jet. Anyone who is leaving needs to be ready in 2 hours. We’re going home.”

“Micki, don’t you think the 2 of you need to recuperate first?”

“I’ll rest in my own home. Get Andros and come back here. I’m settling up with the council. Go now please.” He left to do her bidding and she stared at her husband.

“Mick, please wait to do this. I almost lost you a little while ago. If it wasn’t for your aunt I would’ve died from grief.”

“My aunt?”

“She told me how to reach you.”

“She did? Come to think of it, Leon mentioned that earlier and it didn’t register.”

“You seem surprised.”

“I am. My aunt is a low level empath. She can’t handle being near anyone. Especially me.”

“She’s a low level and she hid away. How in the world did you handle being around people with the level you’re at?”

She smirked. “Just stubborn I guess. I need clothes.” She moved to get up and he tightened his hold on her.

“Take me with you.”

“Love, you were stabbed.”

“So were you thanks to me. We stand together always.”

“Okay but you better be able to walk because I can barely hold myself up and we need to show strength in front of the wolf pack.”

“I love you, Mick.”

“I love you too but I’m still gonna kick your ass too for almost getting yourself killed.” She laughed and kissed him. “Come on, my lord. Let’s get dressed.”

They got up and gingerly moved to put on their clothes. “Baby?”

“Yes, love.”

“Your aunt called me lord and prince. What was that all about?”

“Exactly what it sounds like.”

Twenty minutes later, their entire family came in the door. They stood in shock at the sight of the 2 of them standing side by side. Brian stood in front of them and broke into a grin. “You’re okay.” He placed his hand on her stomach in concern. “Is the baby okay?”

“Hey!” Dom swatted at his hand. “Get your paws off of my wife and son. You guys are getting too comfortable touching my woman and taking her clothes off.”

“Dominic.” She snuggled into his chest and smiled. “They were trying to help and I love the attention.” He swatted her ass and she yelped. “Okay I’ll behave.” She turned back to Brian. “I believe our son is fine. Thank you for last night.” She kissed his cheek. “I should make you my personal medic.”

He blushed at her comment and a boyish grin appeared on his face again. “You are welcome and I would be honored. As your new medic I advise against being on your feet and traveling this soon.”

“Don’t push it, Brian. That drop dead gorgeous smile of yours will only get you so far.” Her eyes caught Richard’s and she saw the relieved look on his face.

She moved through the crowd and fell into his embrace. “You scared me. I thought you died in my arms.” He whispered in her ear.

“I know. I’m sorry.” She pulled back and rested her forehead against his. “I did not mean to cause you more pain.”

“Please don’t do it again. I don’t think I can take anymore.”

“I promise.” She gave him a quick kiss and turned to the others. “Sorry to cut this trip short but I’ve had my fill of it. I want to go home. Dominic, Andros, and I are going to the council and then we will meet you at the jet. Got it?”

“We got it, Mikaela. I’ll make damn sure we are ready to go when you get there. I’ve had enough of this place too.”

“Vince…are you okay?” She felt a myriad of things coming from him.

“No. This place sucks.” He was uncharacteristically distraught and she moved to stand in front of him. “I…almost lost…”

“Dominic.”

“All 3 of you!” She cupped his cheek in her palm in an attempt to calm him. “Your family really sucks.”

She chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. They do. We’re done here, ok?” He nodded. “Now get my new family ready to go home.” He smiled and nodded again.

The 3 of them walked through Town Square and watched everyone eye them with a mixture of fear and pride. They entered the council chamber and the remaining eight stood.

“Sit. This is going to be quick.” She looked them all over as they did as they were told. “You know what the outcome of yesterday’s trials means?”

Pietro nodded his head. “You are the senior council member now.”

Her eyes flashed in anger at the old man. “I was before the trials! You monopolized on my instability and took control from my line. That ends now!” She walked the length of the table and read every feeling that statement brought out in them.

“Andros takes the seat.” Some of their heads snapped up and looked at her in shock. “What did you think I was going to stay here and make your lives miserable?” She smiled and turned to her husband. “I have a life to get back to. Andros rules and I am going home. Any arguments?”

None of them spoke up and she grinned with her back to them. “Didn’t think so.” She started to leave the chamber followed by Dom and Andros. “Oh and gentlemen, I know you had nothing to do with Demitri’s treachery but if anything happens to my cousin I will come back and tear this town down around your ears. Have a nice day.”

She walked out smiling at the fear she induced in them. “You enjoyed that way too much, baby.”

“I really did. Andros, I’m fixing to drop. Get us to the airfield.” She put her arm around Andros’ waist and Dom wrapped his arm around his shoulders.

“I got you, cousin. Both of you.” He helped them to the truck and they laid against each other in the back seat. “You both put on a hell of a show. You could barely stand.”

Dom held his already sleeping mate close to his side as Andros got in and started the engine. “We stood long enough.”

They arrived at the airfield in record time. The other vehicles passed them on the road so Andros knew she would be leaving as soon as he woke them. He heard her tired voice come from the back as he parked the truck and shut off the ignition.

“I assume we’re here because the melancholy is coming off of you in waves.” He turned and looked at her. She opened her eyes and gave him a slight grin. “Come on, cousin. Why the sad face? You got what you wanted.”

“Mikaela…I did not want this.” He indicated them with a wave of his hand. “The two of you almost…and your child.”

“You would be dead if I didn’t come. Dominic and I presented a greater threat to Demitri because I am an elder. If you went through the trials alone he would have killed you instead.”

“Don’t sweat it, Andros.” Dom hugged her closer to him. “Danger and intrigue appears to be our forte.”

“You are both amazing. I hate to see you leave so soon.” The back doors opened and Vince and Brian helped them out.

“Tough shit.” Vince wrapped an arm around Dom to steady him.

“Yeah.” Brian picked up Mikaela and glared at Andros. “We’re taking our family home.”

“Boys, please behave.” They all looked at Mikaela. “I knew exactly what I was getting into. I just didn’t expect my darling husband to out smart me. Vince, is everyone aboard?”

“Uh. Yeah.”

“You’re fidgeting. What is it?”

“We have an extra passenger.”

Mikaela looked at Andros and they both spoke together. “Janna.” She sighed deeply and jerked her head towards the jet. “You better go say your goodbyes to your sister. We are taking off as soon as my ass hits the seat.” He ran up the ramp and into the plane. “Walk slow, boys. I need a moment to digest this too.”

Ten minutes later, Andros was waving at the departing plane. The others were quiet again. They were expecting the worst when she arrived and found Leon intent on taking her cousin along but Mikaela surprised them. She nodded her head once at Janna, nuzzled into her mate’s chest and went to sleep.