FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

The following evening Acharius declared his arrival.

“What are you doing here?” Deragan spun on him.

Who’s at the caves?

“Lucien and Bast are rallying us.” Acharius lifted a hand in surrender.

“You don’t need to put yourselves in danger.”

She’s my mate, afterall.

“You’ve never been one to ask for help. And we all did vow to protect her Captain.” Acharius reminded. “And you.”

That’s where Lucien was. Knowing there was little he could say Deragan grunted.

“Who?”

Is guarding the artifacts.

“Rhyers. I fight better. He guards better.” Acharius laughed. “So…Now I’m here where you want me?”

“In the treeline. Don’t let them see you.”

“Of course not!” He sounded insulted. “Bast here?”

“Off and on.” He sighed. “Don’t let him startle you. You know how he loves that.”

“Won’t be me he gets the jump on.” Acharius vowed in a determined voice.

Good luck. Deragan shook his head.

Around midnight Deragan heard branches cracking. Shedding his human skin, he was instantly the wolf. His low snarl elicited soft huffing from the other animal meaning he was no threat.

Just coming to visit.

The white creature inched from deep shadows and turned human.

“Teverius. You know how I feel about being crept up on in the dark.”

“I couldn’t come in daylight!” He said sullenly. “It hurts my eyes. I’d rather be underground.” He complained. Strangely pale with long white hair and light eyes Tev was a vivid blotch in the darkness.

“You stand out like a sore thumb.” Deragan grunted. “Sebastian?”

Told you to come?

“Lucien.” Tev corrected. “And after this to his island?”

Yes. Deragan tilted his head. To pursue Meralee Carter.

Tev gave his captain a quizzical look. But receiving no answer he knew he was dismissed.

“Did you bring your demon dogs?” Deragan called after him.

Tev’s back stiffened. “No. I gave them away a few years back.”

He’s reluctant to face me. Why?

“You hand-trained them for two decades.”

“Someone needed them more.” Tev murmured.

Who’s that? Deragan’s curiosity was piqued before registering why Tev was acting so suspiciously.

“Ah.” Deragan’s eyes narrowed. “A woman.”

Tev is always very reserved in talking about them.

As testament to that fact, Tev still wouldn’t turn.

“Face me, Teverius.” He ordered.

Tev obediently rounded. Looking shamefaced and flinching at the thought Deragan would demand an answer.

I could. But I won’t.

“No shame in it Tev. They get us all.”

Tev’s head snapped furiously. “I’ll not be among them!”

“Sure you won’t.”

Tev opened his mouth to object but silenced as Deragan lifted a staying hand.

It’s not worth arguing.

“If there is a woman, you need only go to Lucien’s island long enough to give him a taste of competition.” Deragan said.

“You don’t want me to strive to win.”

“No need.”

Lucien will be a force to be reckoned with.

Tev assumed his post next to Deragan so the alpha could rest.

Together they stood sentry over Rosewynn until Deragan tired enough to lay down, crossing his paws and resting his chin on them. Staring up at her window until his eyes eventually eased closed.

By noon the following day twelve more would come.

At Bast and Lucien’s summoning.