Night of the Tiger

Chapter Eighteen

Roric stared out the kitchen window into the shadowy woods beyond the yard. He could sense a disturbance in the air. Their reprieve was over. He’d dressed for battle in leather pants and a fitted vest, leaving his arms free to swing his swords. His boots hugged his calves to just below his knees and gave him sure footing.

He was as ready as he’d ever be.

He heard her soft footsteps on the stairs and caught the lush smell of lavender before she entered the room. Aimee. He turned away from the window, his heart clenching as she came into view.

There was no teasing smile, no knowing glance. Her expression was serious and determined. She knew the end was at hand. One way or another, it would soon be over.

He held out his hand, and she walked across the room and took it. There was no comfort he could offer her, no promises he could make. “Aimee,” he began, not quite certain what he wanted to say. He wanted her to know that she meant something to him, that she was special.

Reaching up, she placed two fingers over his lips. “There’s no need to say anything.”

He frowned at the sadness and resignation in her voice. Fury surged through him. He’d given thousands of years of loyal service, but none of that mattered now. Nothing would stop Hades and his minions from coming to destroy him, to destroy her.

There was no justice in that. But Roric had learned over the years that it was often that way when dealing with the gods. They were fickle, and everyone else’s fate rested on their whims.

Even his own goddess, whom he honored and served, had cast a spell on her warriors, twisting their fate into what she wanted it to be. He was glad to be alive, but at what cost? His freedom was not worth the price of Aimee’s life.

No more.

He would take his destiny into his own hands. He would fight, and he would protect Aimee to his dying breath. He would never give Hades what he wanted. Roric prized his honor above all things, and if he abandoned that, then he was nothing. Better to die or spend eternity rotting in Hell than to give in to the devil.

A sizzle rent the air. Sparks flew, igniting into flames. Roric grabbed Aimee’s arm and shoved her behind him. He manifested two swords and handed one of them to Aimee, wanting her to have something to protect herself with. He only wished there had been more time to train her with the weapon.

The acrid odor of sulfur filled the room as menacing laughter echoed off the walls. “Still fighting, warrior?” The smoke cleared to reveal a tall, dark-haired man with a commanding presence. Power radiated around him. Roric had seen him many times during the war.

Hades himself sauntered forward, wearing a black Armani suit and a tailored shirt, obviously designer. His shoes were black leather and his tie was red. He looked more like the CEO of one of those Fortune 500 companies he’d heard about than Lord of the Underworld. Hades paused and examined several antique dishes in the hutch next to the table.

“I will always fight.”

Hades shook his head, as one might do to a recalcitrant child. “Such surety.” He traced a finger over the edge of the table, leaving a scorch mark on the wood. “The Lady’s time is done. She is free of her prison but not from my domain.” His dark eyes glowed with the fires of the damned. “She will never be free.”

“Perhaps.”

The devil threw back his head and laughed. His amusement with the situation pissed Roric off, but he kept his calm. Hades’ intent was to anger him so he’d do something stupid. And he couldn’t afford any mistakes, not with Aimee’s life hanging in the balance.

He could feel her behind him, her palm resting gently against his lower back. She was afraid, but she was standing strong. Damn, but he was proud of her. Brave men throughout the ages had disintegrated into sobbing heaps in the presence of this particular god, but not his Aimee.

“Because I’m such a generous soul, I’ll give you one last chance.”

Roric snorted. Hades frowned, his brow crinkling with annoyance before he smoothed his features out again.

“It’s true,” Hades continued. “I am generous. It’s not my fault people get themselves tangled in my web.”

“You trapped us with your power games. We were no threat to you.”

“But games are so much fun,” he taunted. “And I play to win.” He leaned against the table, crossing his arms over his chest. “What would it take for you to join me, I wonder?”

“I will not lead your legions. I will not allow you to bring your realm into this one.” On that point, Roric would not give an inch.

“No?” Hades seemed unconcerned by his refusal. “Everyone has a price. I just need to find yours.” He tapped one long, tapered finger against his chin. “Hmm…let me think. Ah, yes. How about the freedom of your precious Lady?”

Roric’s heart leapt. He could feel Aimee’s tension mounting.

Hades smiled, and it wasn’t a pleasant sight. “My, I’m sure she’ll be disappointed when I tell her how ungallant you were.”

“She would not want her freedom at such a price.”

“You think not?” Hades waved his hand in the air in front of him. “No matter. How about the freedom of your fellow warriors?”

“You cannot do that or you would already have done so.” Roric ignored the ache in his heart. His friends were trapped until the curse was broken. There was no shortcut to be had.

Hades’ features tightened, and smoke began to seep from beneath the cuffs and lapels of his tailored jacket. “What about the woman? If you join me, I will spare her life. If you refuse, I will have her tortured in the vilest manner you can imagine for all eternity.”

Roric wanted to howl with anger. Instead, he forced himself to smile. “How about I kick your ass and send you back to Hell where you belong?”

Aimee held her breath as Roric taunted Hades. She didn’t think it was a good thing to anger a god, but she understood the need to fight back. It was hard to stay strong and resolved when the devil presented such a pleasing and reasonable mien. He was like a lawyer, arguing the pros and cons of a case, letting them think that they could change the outcome, when in reality, they couldn’t. There was only one choice.

It would almost be amusing if the stakes weren’t so high.

Roric tensed, his shoulder muscles rippling beneath the leather vest he wore. She knew he wanted her to stay behind him, but she could not. Stepping to the side, she let Hades see her. There was no way she’d let her fear show. It didn’t matter that she was sweating so badly her top was clinging to her body. It didn’t matter that her heart was pounding so loudly it threatened to block out all sound. All that mattered was that Roric knew she stood with him.

He didn’t glance her way, keeping his eyes trained on his adversary, but she knew he sensed her there.

The tension level ratcheted up a notch.

“Well, if it isn’t little Aimee Horner. Your parents send their regards.”

Her stomach lurched, but she swallowed hard and refused to rise to the bait. Over and over, she reassured herself that those had been demons earlier, not her parents.

“Such courage,” Hades mocked. “She is almost worthy of you, warrior. Too bad she has to die because of you.” He focused all his attention on her, his dark eyes almost hypnotic. “Really, my dear, you should look out for yourself more. He’s willing to sacrifice you to get what he wants.”

“I know.” It hurt to say it aloud, but it was true. She’d known it from the beginning.

“Aimee.” Her name was a tortured whisper pulled from Roric’s lips.

The sound made her ache for the possibilities that would never be. She wanted to sleep in late on a Saturday morning, loll in bed with him and make love before getting up and making brunch. She wanted to watch bad horror movies and laugh with him. She wanted to spend long days and nights with him, see the changing of the seasons as he experienced more of the world as it existed today. There was so much for him to see and do. And they would do none of it.

Even if they escaped with their lives, Roric would leave her. He would have to. His fellow warriors were still imprisoned, and the Lady was still a prisoner in Hades’ realm. Unlike the graphic novels and comics she illustrated, good wouldn’t necessarily win. There was no hidden advantage, no cavalry coming to the rescue. The only certainty was death.

Hades straightened away from the table, his patience at an end. “That is your final answer then.”

Roric nodded.

A calculating gleam entered Hades’ eyes. “Well then, I’ll let one who knows you best deal with you.”

With that, Hades disappeared in a huge flash, leaving the stench of brimstone and death behind.

“He certainly has a flare for the dramatic,” Aimee said as she waved her hand in front of her face to clear the smoke.

Roric captured her hand and yanked her against him. “Stay behind me.” His face was set like stone, his blue eyes like ice. He loomed over her, an intimidating sight. Yet she wasn’t afraid.

Aimee shook her head. “I will fight by your side. This is my battle now as much as it is yours. Your Lady and Hades have seen to that.” It might be painful for him to hear it, but the Lady of the Beasts was just as responsible for the predicament she was in as Hades was.

His eyes narrowed and his features shimmered, revealing the predator lurking beneath his skin. He released her hand and, as she watched, he pulled himself back from the edge.

A black hole appeared in the corner of the room, growing larger with each rotation. “Not again,” she groaned.

Roric fisted her hair in his hand and pulled her to him. He slammed his lips down against hers and took her mouth in a devastating kiss. It was short, but she was breathless when he pulled away.

There was no time to speak as a tall, well-built man wearing khaki pants and an olive drab T-shirt stepped through the opening. A half-dozen grotesque creatures followed him. She recognized the man immediately.

“Mordecai.” Roric’s tortured whisper almost broke her heart. Roric hadn’t wanted to believe one of his fellow warriors could have gone over to the dark side, but the proof was right in front of him.

“Hello, Roric.” Mordecai stepped forward, swinging a four-foot sword in his right hand. “Still playing the hero.”

Roric rolled his shoulders and raised his weapon in a mock salute. “It’s better than playing the traitor.”

For a moment, Aimee was afraid that Roric would lose his temper and do something foolish. She should have known better. He’d been a warrior since the dawn of time, the leader of the warriors of the Lady of the Beasts. His shoulders were squared, but his limbs were loose and ready to fight.

Mordecai flinched slightly, but never lost his taunting smile. “But I like to be on the winning side.” He swung the sword in a tight circle by his side. “I got tired of being trapped on that damned carousel, tired of being a pawn in a game I couldn’t win. Join me and we can defeat anyone.”

Roric raised his sword and motioned his friend forward with his free hand. “Come and best me, if you can.”

The two men seemed to surge forward at the same time. Metal met metal and sparks flew. As if that was the sign they’d been waiting for, the demons attacked. Aimee took two steps to the side. There wasn’t much room for fighting. And Roric, damn him, was maneuvering himself in front of her even as he fought Mordecai.

As hard as he tried, he couldn’t protect her forever. Mordecai was relentless in his attack and drove Roric away from her. One of the demons jumped in front of her. She ignored his leathery skin and the two rows of sharp teeth. The thing was hideous. Keeping the sword behind her back, she took a step away from the creature.

It smiled, sensing an easy kill. She let it come closer, knowing she’d only get one chance. It roared as it swung its long arm toward her. At the last possible second, she ducked and came up under his arm. Gripping the sword with two hands, she swung with all her might.

What she lacked in technique, she more than made up for with determination. Her instructor from Comicon would be proud. The blade bit into the creature’s neck, hacking through bone and sinew. It let out a high-pitched squeal that hurt her ears. Wincing, she pulled back to avoid getting sprayed too badly by the blood and gore. The demon dropped to the floor in front of her.

Panting for breath, she whirled back to the fray. Roric was engaging several of the demons. Mordecai had abandoned the fight and was working his way toward her. Rubbing her hand against her jeans to wipe the sweat and blood from it, she gripped her sword once again, ready to fight.

Mordecai raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Not bad for an amateur.” He thrust his sword forward. She automatically countered it, knocking his blade aside. She got the feeling he was toying with her as he parried and feinted from one side to the other. There was no mistaking the fact that his skill was far superior to hers. Aimee was becoming very aware of the difference between fighting a demon that was unskilled with a blade and fighting a master warrior.

There was no contest. She was going to die. For some reason, Mordecai seemed to be playing with her before he killed her. Sweat rolled down her temples and coated her palms, making her grip on the sword slip. Still, she held on and countered everything he threw at her. She knew better than to go on the offensive with a man with his skill. He’d kill her in a second if she gave him an opening. She was totally in defensive mode.

He backed her into the corner by the door. Mordecai glanced to the side, and she knew he saw the possible escape route.

He thrust his weapon forward. She slid out of the way at the last second, the motion pushing her closer to the door. His blade hit the wall and cut right through the drywall. Mordecai yanked his sword back and attacked again. She used her blade to shove his aside as she gripped the handle of the door and yanked it open.

Mordecai struck hard, his blade sliding down hers as he pressed close. The muscles in her arm screamed, but she held him off. Barely. He had to be toying with her. She was no match for him in the strength department, and they both knew it.

They were practically nose-to-nose now. His dark eyes were flat as he leaned forward. “Run.”

The word was so low, she wasn’t certain she’d heard it. He gave an almost imperceptible jerk of his head. Aimee didn’t want to abandon Roric, but she wasn’t a fool either. If she could draw Mordecai and some of the demons away from Roric he might have a chance. Jumping through the open door, she raced down the back steps and into the garden. Mordecai was right behind her. He was so close she could practically feel his breath brushing against her neck.

The sky was dark, and the only illumination in the yard was from the light spilling from the open back door. She supposed the lack of light wouldn’t be a problem for Mordecai and the demons, but it would make it much harder for her to fight. She had to stay close to the house and make her stand. Aimee skidded to a stop by the woodpile and spun around to face her adversary.

An anguished roar filled the air, part beast and part man. Roric burst through the door behind them. His left arm was bleeding and so was his right thigh, but neither wound seemed too deep. He leapt from the step and raced toward her. Whirling around, he faced Mordecai and the three remaining demons that followed him from the house.

“Fight me. Not the woman. Or are you too much the coward?”

Mordecai’s gaze narrowed, but he did not respond to the taunt. “Aimee and I were just passing the time until you joined us. Isn’t that so?”

Before she could answer, a rumble of thunder shook the yard. “Enough.” Hades appeared in a flash, dark eyes blazing with fury. He glared at Mordecai. “I thought you said you could dispatch him easily.”

Mordecai shrugged. “What can I say? He’s a tough bastard.”

Angered further by the insolent reply, the god raised his hand. “I will do what you cannot.”

“Do you think that’s wise?”

Aimee could only stare at Mordecai as he continued to argue with Hades. The warrior was crazy. He had to be.

“That kind of power surge will draw attention.”

Aimee could see that the god no longer cared if he brought attention to himself from the other gods and goddesses of Olympus. All he wanted was to destroy Roric, no matter the cost.

A bolt of dark light flew from Hades’ fingertips, headed straight toward Roric. Aimee didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. She threw herself in front of the man she loved.

Pain seared through her as her body jerked as though suspended on live electrical wires. Every nerve in her body was on fire. She could smell the tips of her hair sizzling. She lost control of her muscles as they began to spasm and felt her body begin to fall. A tiger’s roar echoed in her ears, followed closely by a male cry of pure anguish.

Strong arms wrapped around her, catching her before she hit the hard ground. Roric. She’d know his touch, his earthy scent anywhere. “Don’t you die on me, Aimee. Do you hear me?” His voice was hoarse with pain, and she was shocked to see tears on his cheeks.

She tried to raise her hand to wipe them away, but it was no use. She didn’t have the strength to move them. Licking at her dry lips, she tried to speak. She had to tell him it wasn’t his fault. It was her choice. Already, she could see the blame and guilt in his eyes.

The world around her was fading rapidly. Her heartbeat was getting slower with each breath she took. Summoning the last of her reserves, she got out the words she’d longed to tell him. “Love you.” Those two words took almost everything out of her, but she wasn’t finished. Although it felt as though a two-ton truck was parked on her chest, she pushed on. “Not your fault. Die for you. You live.”

Hades let out a roar of fury, and the world around her started to spin. She closed her eyes, but she could see him in her mind’s eye. Light surrounded Roric, growing brighter with each passing second. It burst forth from within him, surrounding all of them and turning night into day. It was so bright it hurt her eyes even though they were closed.

The demons disintegrated instantly, turning to dust. Mordecai jumped away from the light, his arm shading his eyes. Hades caught him by the arm and dragged him through a black hole. It whirled around, growing smaller until it winked out of sight. She thought she saw Mordecai smiling at her as he disappeared.

Strong arms lifted her, crushing her against a muscled chest. Roric’s tears dripped down her face as his light surrounded her. In the distance, she swore she could hear a clock chiming twelve times.

Midnight. He was free.

It took a supreme effort, but she managed to get her eyes to open. Her eyelids fluttered as she focused on Roric. She let him see all the love she felt for him.

He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “You’ll be all right.” She wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince himself or her. “You have to be fine.” He continued to stroke her face and arms, trying to give her his warmth. “You can’t leave me, Aimee. You can’t. I need you.”

She held those words tight to her heart and sighed. Breathing was getting harder. The light was fading, being replaced by darkness. She didn’t fear the dark now, but welcomed it. Exhaustion pulled at her, tempting her to just give in to it and release the pain once and for all. She hurt so badly.

She didn’t dare look down at her chest to see the extent of the damage. It was enough to feel it. Blood seeped out of the wound and slid down her sides with each beat of her heart. It was only a matter of time now.

But it didn’t matter. Hades was defeated and Roric would live to fulfill his destiny. A wisp of pride filled her. They’d beaten the devil himself.

“I love you.” It sounded as though the words had been dragged from the depths of his soul. “I won’t let you die.”

His words gave her solace. She needed him to understand none of this was his fault. Giving her life for his was the right choice, the only choice she could have made. She tried to shake her head, but it was too heavy. Her limbs were heavy and cold.

She parted her lips but no sound emerged.

But Roric wasn’t listening to her anyway. He laid her down on the ground beside him and placed his hands over her heart. Blood covered his fingers.

She wanted him to look at her one more time, but he closed his eyes, his thick lashes brushing against his cheekbones. Darkness pulled at her. Time had run out.

Her heart slowed and her lungs refused to work. Aimee let out a final gasp. A rattle came from her throat instead of the words she wanted to say. Her eyelids closed as she breathed her last breath.

A jolt of energy rocketed through her. Her eyes flew open, and her entire body jerked as though it had been zapped with electricity. A golden light surrounded Roric’s hands. The light changed as she watched it flow into her, the color going from gold to purple and rose and every color in between. It swirled around her, circling her frame before entering her body.

Her lungs heaved and a rush of air flew into them. Her chest rose and her heart began to beat faster and stronger. Her limbs began to warm as the damaged tissues, cells and bones began to heal. As she watched, the jagged skin of her wound knit together until only a faint scar remained. It was the equivalent of supernatural CPR and then some.

As the pain receded and her brain began to fire on all cylinders, she understood what was happening.

Roric was giving his life essence to her.

She knew what the light was now. When the curse had finally been broken, Hades had lost. By the terms of the curse, Roric was now free. All the powers he’d had but lost were restored to him. He was a being of light, of immense power.

A breath caught in her throat as the last of her internal injuries was repaired. It was an amazing and scary thing. Roric bowed his head, his body swaying. She realized that the more alert she became, the weaker Roric got.

She hadn’t given her life for him just to see him kill himself saving her. Wrenching away from him, she rolled out of his reach. The band of light connecting them stretched and then snapped. Aimee cried out as the unexpected backlash ricocheted through her body.

Roric gave a yell and toppled over, hitting the cold ground with a heavy thud.

Aimee scrambled over to his side, calling his name. “Roric! Roric! Don’t you do this to me,” she commanded as she patted his cheeks with her hand. “If you die, I’ll kill you.” She knew she wasn’t making any sense, but she didn’t care. All that mattered was that Roric lived.

His eyes remained closed, but one corner of his mouth kicked up in a lazy grin. “I wouldn’t want you to have to kill me.” Then he opened his eyes and met her concerned gaze.

She didn’t know whether or not to smack him or hug him. He deserved the smack, but she was so damn happy she flung herself on top of him. He caught her in his arms, closing them around her. Aimee felt as though she’d come home. She started laughing and crying at the same time. “You’re okay. You’re alive.”

He sat up, taking her with him. Rotating his neck, he flexed his arm muscles. “So it seems. And better than ever.”

“What did you do to me?”

He cupped her face in his large hands. “I shared my immortality with you. You are my mate. The tiger knew it even if I wouldn’t admit it to myself.”

Suddenly shy, she ducked her head downward, but Roric wasn’t having any of it and tilted her head up until she met his gaze. “Did you mean what you said?”

She knew what he wanted and gave it freely. After what they’d been through, there was no place for anything but absolute honesty. “Yes.” She traced her fingers over his jaw, feeling the muscle jump. “I love you.”

“Be with me. Forever.”

“What about the Lady? What about your fellow warriors?” She knew Roric well enough to know he couldn’t just abandon them.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose and finally, her lips. “We will continue to search for a way to free them all.”

We. She liked the sound of that.

“Our home base can be here. You can continue your work, and we will search for the others. Well?”

He was waiting patiently because he already knew her answer. There was only one she could give him. She’d sealed her fate when she’d climbed onto his back to ride him. “Yes. Yes, I want to be with you. Yes, I’ll love you for eternity.” She kissed his very sexy mouth, unable to resist.

Roric surged to his feet with her in his arms. The man’s strength was incredible. He carried her into the house and kicked the door shut behind him. Aimee rested her head on his shoulder. Their life together was just beginning.