On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Evening arrived, and the moon began shining its light upon the Isle, and compound as if highlighting the paranormals that ran about, all howling and scratching or clawing at their skin that tore from their bones and frames. The Guardians upon the wall, watched the shifts, then looked away seeing the sea of naked bodies running around, but their nudity wasn’t their concern. As they glanced at the moon above, it shone brightly like a spotlight upon the beasts; the Wraiths could hear their bones cracking and breaking, accommodating their bulkier Lycynian frames that hunched forward, or bent backwards. Some had winced, not wanting to listen to their agonizing screams.

Anthony, kneeling on the ground, clawed aggressively along the grass, leaving deep claw impressions. Screaming, he closed his eyes, seeing a series of intimate moments he shared with Yzavela. Feeling her soft touch, and hearing her voice whispering his name and purring in his ear, made the shift less gruesome but as his bones broke in places, he fell forward, thrashing around the ground, ripping off his skin that was thrown aside in unsettling heaps of bloody flesh. Managing to raise his head, his facial features crushed inward before a large snout protruded outward, snarling his tapered nose. Releasing a loud howl, his final thought in his mortal form was of her, his wife, smiling back at him as they lay in bed, before his animalistic impulses took over.

The Lycynian pack, once fully shifted, ran around thrashing around, biting and clawing at one another, before running into the forest and expressing their freedom of the island, something I had decided was best for them after the Boar-wolves.

The Guardians patrolling the wall, ran along the walkways, watching as the paranormal beasts ran in opposite directions across the island, howling loudly nearby or in the distance. They did, however, try to pound against the barriers that protected the homes, RP&V, stables and farm, causing violent shimmers that startled them from the series of bright sparks from the magic and crystals bound in place. They all turned their attention toward the prisons, hearing an alpha’s howls, but even that structure was kept protected from their persistent and aggressive bombardment. Snarling, encircling the prisons, the beasts growled and snarled, seeing figures that stood upon the roof, holding their dart guns and weapons, or clenched their fists that glowed with magic in low pulsating hues of various shades and purposes.

Leonus, hearing the Lycynians outside howling and pounding against the magical dome, screamed for the shackles bound around his wrists kept him from shifting completely. Feeling his bones breaking loudly, and repeatedly, he couldn’t express their full growth as they snapped back in place of his natural 6’6 frame. Laying on the ground, he cried and shouted, clawing at the rock walls, before he sprung to his feet to pound against the bars of the cell door, but they wouldn’t budge, and flashed violently from the barrier that Wyatt had put in place. As he leaned his back against the wall, before the next round of breaking or snapping of his bones, he glanced at his wrists, knowing the Demons’ magic was too powerful.

Two days, and nights had passed, and the Lycynians were released. As loved ones and friends stood around the gates, greeting them, both Thomas and I were there for Anthony who hadn’t yet emerged.

Pacing anxiously, biting my bit, I winced, biting a little too hard.

“Yzavela…” Thomas placed a hand on her shoulder, “he’s coming.”

“I know, but I won’t feel better until I see him.” I worried, scanning the crowd that continued emerging through the tunnel and gates.

“There!” Thomas pointed ahead, “With Derek, toward the back!”

Peeking through the crowd, I watched as the Italian and Samoan had trailed behind the mass, speaking with one another. Both men were covered in deep scratches and bites marks from their shifts. I held my breath, scanning his body that I loved so much, and the sight had just broken my heart. Watching as the two men shared a brief laugh, and handshake, they parted ways.

“Anthony!” I called out to him, waving my arms in the air.

“Tony!” Thomas hollered.

Glancing to his right seeing his brother and wife, Anthony grinned. Walking toward them barefoot, carrying his shirt, he was embraced by his brother then felt as Yzavela held onto him, afraid of letting go. Gently picking her up, he gave a quick twirl around.

“I didn’t think you’d be here.” he muttered, taking in her scent, after sharing a long, lingering kiss.

“Why wouldn’t we be?” Thomas added.

“Oh my god, look at you!” I fretted, scanning his body, “You’re…” I gasped softly, “covered in scratches.” my hands gently ran along the smaller cuts but he winced, “Sorry.”

“It’s nothing new.” he grinned, “But if it makes you feel better, I will go to Beth and get them looked at, hmm?” he glanced at her, then at Thomas.

“If you don’t, I swear I will carry you there myself.” Thomas nodded, being the overbearing, but protective older brother. Placing his hands on his hips, he realized he crowding his brother his new wife, “I uh, I think I’ll go home and let Louisa know you’re all right, si?” he took notice of their anxious expressions.

“Si.” Anthony jokingly shooed his brother away.

I chuckled, loving the teasing nature between the Italian brothers.

Thomas nodded, then backed away.

“Oh, Thomas…wait!” I called out after. As he turned to me, I had finished, “Tell Derek that Azir will be waiting for him by the gate for their trek to the Great City tonight.”

“You’re not going again.” Anthony unintentionally growled, looking down at her.

“No…” I reassured, gently stroking his cheek, “no, I’m not.” then I looked back at Thomas, “Please?”

“Will do.” the Italian nodded, offering a charming grin, “Take care, love birds.” he winked then turned, walking in slow, straight strides.

“Love birds?” Anthony wondered, “More like love doves, no?”

“Love doves?” I laughed, looking up at him.

“Si, I love the sound of doves cooing at one another. Soft, tender…” he leaned in, wrapping his arms around his waist, then sniffed at her hair, “little coos that swoon and…”

“Um, okay…” I knew he was beginning his mating ritual, “easy. You just finished your shift and you’re wounded.” I placed my hands on his chest, “Let’s get you to the hospital and then once you are taken care of…” I leaned in, purring softly, “we can coo and swoon.” I bit my lip, looking up into his dark eyes that flashed yellow with a sexual excitement.

“You drive a hard bargain.” he growled, holding her closely.

“I, uh…had a comment to that, but I think I’ll keep it to myself.” I backed away, gently guiding him forward, “Come on…” I turned in a flirtatious manner. Once summoning one of the Jeeps, I urgently drove to the hospital where Matthews and Beth stood outside, “Look at that, they’re already waiting for you.” I looked at Anthony who sat slightly hunched next to me, “Anthony?” I worried.

“I’m all right, I’m just tired.” he looked at her.

“Coming from the one that wanted to mate ten minutes ago.”

Anthony grinned, then slowly climbed out. Leaning against the side of the Jeep, catching his breath, he began feeling the fatigue hit him.

I ran around the Jeep, doing my best to help him toward the steps.

“What happened?” Matthews questioned.

“What does it look like?” Anthony barked.

Mathews frowned.

“Sorry.” Anthony moaned.

“Just get him inside, there’s a room down the hall that’s available.”

Beth followed after Yzavela and Anthony inside, where nurses rushed forward with a wheelchair that the Italian refused.

“Anthony please, just sit down.” I affirmed, gently plopping him into the chair, “No ifs, ands, or buts.” I leaned in, whispering in his ear.

Looking up at her, he knew there was no sense in arguing. Nodding, he felt the chair moving forward as one of the male nurses pushed him down the hall. Making sure Yzavela was closely following, he felt her hand reaching for his. Once in the room, he stood and sat on the bed, allowing Matthews and Beth to examine his wounds then he frowned, hearing that Yzavela would have to wait outside.

“Seriously?” he wondered, looking at Matthews.

“Really?” I pondered, “Matthews, come on…don’t make me pull the Keeper card here, please? He is my husband and I’m not leaving him.”

“You went there?” Matthews rasped his deep English voice.

“Yes, I did.” I stood by the door, folding my arms.

“Oooo, you got done told.” Beth teased.

“Fine, but stay by the door.” Matthew surrendered the argument.

“Thank you.” I nodded, taking a seat in one of the chairs. Watching as Beth and Matthews examined the wounds, I contained my laughter as Anthony slapped their hands away as they hovered too much over nothing he hadn’t been through already, “Anthony?” I spoke to him.

“This is ridiculous.” he complained, “Just give me something for the scratches like you’ve done before so I get home and take a shower.”

Beth and Matthews huffed, sharing a disgruntled glance then turned to Yzavela who shrugged, knowing it wasn’t her place to interfere with his decisions.

“Fine.” Beth groaned, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” she tossed her used gloves into the trash, “Unbelievable.” she shook her head, then swept out of the room.

“Perhaps next time, Anthony…” Matthews hissed, “don’t waste our time coming here, if you’re just going to bark at everything and head home anyway.” he glanced over his shoulder toward the door, where Yzavela stood outside speaking with Beth.

“This wasn’t my choice, Richard.” Anthony moaned, then put on his shirt, leaving it open momentarily, “But I did it for her, she worries too much.”

“Yes, well…” Matthews looked at him, “she loves you, can’t blame her for that.” he nodded, then removed his gloves, tossing them into the trash as well.

“I don’t blame her, it’s one of the things I love most about her.” he sighed softly, then glanced at his bare feet, “Um, do you have any shoes? I kind of, uh…” he ran his hands through his hair, “left mine in the compound.” he grinned.

Matthews shared the grin, shaking his head.

“I’ll have one of the nurses bring you some sock, or slippers.”

“Thank you.” Anthony appreciated.

“Hey…” I approached, “is everything okay, can he go home now?” I stood by the bed.

“Yes.” Matthews nodded, “Excuse me.” he backed away, then swiftly sped out of the room.

“So, what was that about?” I stood in front of Anthony, buttoning his short slowly, “Hmm?” I looked up at him.

“Nothing to worry about.” Anthony grinned affectionately, then his eyes glanced at the bed next to him, “And what’s this?” he reached for a small jar.

“The medicines for you.” I watched as he opened the lid, taking the quick sniff but pulled his head in disgust of the scent, “I didn’t say it would smell good.” I chuckled, “But come on, let’s go home.”

“And he’s okay, though?” Louisa worried, looking at Thomas.

“This is Anthony, what do you think?” he grumbled softly, sitting at the kitchen table.

“That’s not funny.” she sat next to him.

“Yzavela’s with him, of course, he’s in great hands and care.” he sat forward, burying his face in his hands, letting out a deep sigh.

“That’s true.” Louisa whispered, “Perhaps we should bring him some food, he must be hungry.” she stood, scampering toward the kitchen.

“I rather doubt it’s food that’s on his mind, you know how he gets.” Thomas stood, walking toward her, standing closely behind her, “He gets all riled up and wants fare l’amore con la sua donna come se non ci fosse un domani.” he whispered in her ear, stating that Anthony wanted to make love to his woman like there was no tomorrow, “It’s not a bad idea.” he turned her around, placing his hands on her hips.

“Thomas, what’s gotten into you lately?” Louisa wrapped her arms around his neck, gently running her fingers through his hair around his collar.

“I love you, isn’t that enough?” he leaned in close, kissing her,

“Mm.” she moaned within their kiss.

After a hot shower, Anthony and I sat on my bed, while I applied the salve Beth had prepared for his wounds; he flinched slightly from the faint sting as it seeped deeply into the scratches that were beginning to heal already.

“How do they look?” he glanced over his shoulder.

“Better.” I muttered, “I think the salve is working, plus you’re healing on your own, so that helps.” I leaned over, placing the jar on the table, then looked at him.

“No…” he turned to her, “it’s not just me, it’s you.” he wrapped his arms around her, holding her closely, “It’s your touch, and your love that keeps me going, before that, I just went with the flow of things, and suffered much worse. You give me all the strength that I need.”

“And you are my strength.” I combed his hair behind his ears, then I leaned in, sharing a soft but passionate kiss then heated quickly as I felt his arms tightening around my waist, “Now…” I pulled my head away, looking into his eyes that turned yellow, “is there anything else I can do for you, Italian of mine?”

“I can think of a few things.” he grinned, flicking his eyebrows. As he gently laid her back, climbing atop, he untied her robe, feeling her small waist and figure, then removed the towel wrapped around his waist. Once they were tossed aside, he leaned in kissing her longingly, feeling her hands gripping his back and as he pressed against her, he growled passionately, digging his claws into the pillows and sheets.

Moaning deeply, feeling his heated passion, this wasn’t the first time I made love to him after a shift, but each time felt different and more aggressive yet as gentle as he could be considering the lingering urges of his shift. Closing my eyes, biting my lip, I could feel him and as I opened my eyes, sharing a moment of eye contact, I could see a faint reflection in his eyes, a reflection of me steaming.

“There it is…” Anthony growled, offering a sly, sexy grin continuing his passion.

“Mm…” I smiled, “stop talking.” I pleaded, reaching for his lips, for I didn’t want him to stop.

Hours later, laying in his arms, I ran my hands along his chest, seeing his wounds had fully healed, leaving faint scars.

“See?” he glanced down at her, “All healed.” he whispered softly.

“Mm.” I closed my eyes, cuddling closely, resting my head against his chest, listening to his steady heart beat. Feeling his left hand running down my back, I smiled then looked up at him, “Are you hungry?”

Anthony chuckled.

“A little.” he answered.

“Want me to make you something?” I looked up at him, “Anything.”

“Anything?” he raised his eyebrows.

“Anything.” I chuckled.

“One of your bacon and egg sandwiches with that delicious dressing.”

“Mm, that does sound good.” I nodded, “All right, I’ll be right back.” I kissed him quickly, “Don’t go anywhere.”

“I went somewhere.” he teased, tickling her then plopped his hands on the bed as she climbed out, dressing in his shirt and her leggings. He shook his head, with an affectionate smile, then propped himself against her pillows, watching as she swept out of the room with her wolf and dragon in her company.

“So this is really happening?” Heather fretted, sitting in front of their large fireplace. Looking at Leonus who sat next to her, she waited for a reply but he remained silent, staring into the dancing flames.

“Aye, it is.” he groaned, clearing his throat. Looking at her, reaching for her hands, he gave them a firm but affectionate squeeze, then held out his arms, wrapping them around her. For the first time in a long while, they shared a tender moment that didn’t involve arguing, “For the first time in my life, Heather…I’m scared.” he mumbled softly.

Leaning into his arms, loving the feeling of being embraced by them, she raised her gaze, looking into his bright blue eyes.

“It’s all right you know, being scared.” she rasped softly, “We all are.”

“Aye, but it shows weakness.” Leonus grumbled, pouting slightly.

“Weakness?” Heather gently pulled away enough to straighten her posture, but still held onto him, “Being scared Leonus, doesn’t make you, or anyone here weak, it’s what makes you human.”

“But I’m not.” he growled, “I’m a Lycynian, an alpha!” he looked at her, pushing aside the tenderness they shared to become the warring Scotsman, “And if it weren’t for that she-b*tch, I wouldn’t be weak, I would just end her life and take the island for myself, instead of just waitin’ for her to die in the war.” he pushed Heather away to stand.

“What did you say?!” Heather stood after him, grabbing his arm, “I know I didn’t hear you just say what I thought you just said?! Leonus, what did you say?!”

“Why repeat myself, you heard me!” he turned to her swiftly, pulling his arm away, “And don’t look at me like that, I don’t need your…” he waved his hands at her, “bloody judgement and all that, I know the man that I am, he’s standin’ right here, and it’s who I have always been, lass…you knew that the day you married me!”

“Perhaps I did, but I had hope that once we were married and you had a family of your own, you would put away such harsh actions, it looks like I was wrong.” Heather felt tears in her eyes as she glanced around their home. Placing her hands on her hips, “You really have shown your true colors Leonus, and I’m ashamed to call you husband, and the father of our children but our fate is sealed.” she argued with a swift hand to her face, wiping her tears away, “And fate, has things planned for you that I want no part of.” she turned away.

“What does that mean?!” Leonus shouted after her, “Heather!?”

“You’re a smart man Leonus, figure it out!” the Irishwoman groaned over her shoulder before disappearing down the hall, slamming their bedroom door.

Clenching fists tightly, Leonus let out a deep sigh, cursing under his breath a string of Scottish slurs then turned to the kitchen, brewing a new pot of coffee.

Azir paced outside the wall, waiting for the Samoan to arrived, and as his golden eyes glanced at the sky, the time was getting later.

“Azir!” the Samoan’s voice called out.

The Jinn turned toward the tunnel through the wall, watching as the man’s tall figure emerged in swift strides, carrying a bag that hung on his back.

“You’re late.” Azir complained.

“I know, I’m sorry.” Derek apologized.

Azir frowned then turned, strolling along the wall far ahead of Derek.

“Where are we going?” Derek questioned, noticing the Jinn headed toward Ravenswood, “Why are we going through Ravenswood?” but the Jinn didn’t answer, “Azir!” he reached out, firmly grabbing hold of the Jinn’s arm.

Azir turned, pulling away, then pushed the Lycynian against a nearby tree. With one hand wrapped around the man’s throat, and the other pressed near his liver, digging his fingers deep against his skin, Azir’s golden eyes stared deeply into Derek’s wide brown eyes.

“First and foremost, never place your hands upon me, is that clear?!” he warned firmly, “Is that…clear?!” he groaned, quickly receiving a nod in reply, “Good, and secondly, where I am going is for me to know, and since this is your idea and yours alone, allow me to see it through! And I swear, if I hear one more word out of our you…” he leaned in close, starting into the man’s eyes, seeing into his very soul, “you will spend the rest of your life without a mouth.” he pressed the man’s back against the tree then took a step back, shaking out his hands feeling magic surging through his fingers and palms. He eyed the man up and down once more then turned, continuing his elegant strides through the trees.

Derek grunted, adjusting his jacket and bag. Tilting his head as if he had a cramp in his neck, he followed after the Jinn silent as a mouse. Emerging from the treeline on the opposite side of Ravenswood, the Samoan frowned, having unpleasant memories of being on this side of the trees, having dealt with the Boar-wolves.

“Stay here.” Azir turned, instructing the man firmly then disappeared, teleporting in a pillar of his green magic before questions could even be asked.

“Yeah.” Derek complained, folding his arms, “Jinn and Wraiths, or Demons and hellhounds. Dragons and Lycynians…” he glanced at the night sky, “what’s next, f*cking fairies or Bigfoot?” he shook his head, then realized where he was, what island he dwelt on, “Sh*t, you never know with this place.” he looked around him, “Derek, come on, get a grip.” he huffed, “Now you’re standing here talking to yourself, and you’re still doing it.” he slapped his forehead, then walked over, sitting on a large chink of rock. Playing with a lighter, flicking its tall flame off and on, he suddenly heard loud moans. Slowly removing a large pistol from its holster beneath his jacket, he made sure it was loaded, then cautiously looked around him, before the sound of what appeared to be a strong whirlwind or heavy flapping of wings broke the eerie silence. Focusing his eyes toward the cliff side, he cleared his throat, “Don’t do it, Derek…don’t do it.” he pushed himself toward the ledge, “Okay, you’re doing it.” he cautiously stepped forward and avoided the crumbling ledge but before he could peek over, a massive force pushed him backwards to the ground, scattering the gun from his grasp. Quickly leaning on his elbows, he watched as a blue dragon soared high into the air above, stretching out its wings to balance its weight as it hovered, “Wow…” he smiled in admiration, for he had never seen such a magnificent beast other than Abraxas. He remained on the ground, watching as the dragon’s scales glistened in the moon like a sea of Sapphires then widened his eyes, listening as the dragon released a loud roar before soaring downward, landing gracefully. As he crawled backwards away from the dragon that approached, Derek paused, watching as the dragon’s massive snout leaned in close taking in his scent. Closing his eyes, feeling the pressure of the dragon’s deep breath against his face, it blew strands of hair off his face.

“This one has a different scent.” Axeon complained telepathically.

“Yes, I know.” Azir groaned, holding onto the spikes upon his back.

“He has a foul stench of both mortal and canine.” Axeon turned his head, gazing upon the Jinn, “He is repulsive, I would not eat him if I were starving.”

Azir grinned, adjusting his position between the spikes.

“Very repulsive yes, but this one is working to help us. We have to do this for the island and Yzavela, you know this.” the Jinn spoke in a firm, but respectful tone, reaching out stroking the dragon’s neck.

“I understand, but that does not mean I am accustomed to doing it.” Axeon groaned, snarling his snout. Laying down, he glared at the man ahead that slowly pushed himself to his feet, after retrieving his pistol, “Lycynian…” he continued verbally, offering a brief nod.

“Wh-what the f*ck?!” Derek hesitated, “Did you just…”

“Speak? Yes, I did.” Axeon nodded, “And I ask that if you are going to lose your bodily functions, do it now before you take your ride upon my scales.” he leaned closer, “You are not, are you?” his blue eyes squinted menacingly.

“Um, n-no…” Derek stuttered, “not at the moment, I mean I don’t think so.” he shrugged, “I might have already after that introduction.”

Axeon snarled, showing the tips of his large razor-sharp teeth.

“Axeon, that is enough!” Azir stroked his scales once more, “Derek, come…” he nodded, then leaned forward speaking telepathically to the great dragon, “and if he does lose his bodily functions, you have my permission to throw him off your back during flight, and into the sea.” he grinned faintly, watching as the dragon side eyed at him.

“Riding a dragon.” Derek exaggerated, putting that on a list of things he never thought he’d ever do. Approaching closer, he reached out to grasp Azir’s hand, then carefully climbed up the dragon’s scales, and for a moment he slipped, scraping roughly, “Whoa…” he listened as the dragon groaned in complaint, “sorry.” he huffed. Grabbing hold of the spikes, he awkwardly sat between the smallest ones that were snug enough to brace his size and stride, “Whoa…” he immediately felt Axeon’s movements as the dragon turned, “I’m not going to like this, am I?” he grunted, looking at Azir who sat in front of him.

“No, you are not.” Azir muttered over his shoulder.

“Thought not.” Derek frowned.

Axeon moaned as he approached the cliff, then with in one fierce flap of his wings, he pushed his feet off the ground, taking flight into the air like a rocket blasting off.

Derek yelled loudly in surprise, for he wasn’t used to this. In his past, he dropped from helicopters for missions but this was nothing like that. Holding tightly onto the spikes, he felt the breeze through his dark wavy hair, and taking in deep breaths, the air was so crisp and fresh it stung his sense of smell, as did the salt from the sea that the dragon flew closely above. Pushing aside the awkwardness, removing from his bag, Derek held a pair of steampunk goggles, USB cord and a smaller iPad. Managing to connect the goggles and cord before the sudden tilt, his reflexes were acute; he grabbed hold of the spikes and kept his grasp upon the gadgets at the same time. Raising his gaze, he watched as the dragon turned, leering toward him, as if messing with him.

“Funny…” the Samoan muttered, “very funny, but please…don’t do that again, or you’ll blow any chance of helping Yzavela and the Isle.”

Releasing a low growl, Axeon kept his flight slow and steady.

“Thank you.” Derek appreciated, feeling the occasional up and down motion of the dragon’s body and the sound of his wings slowly, and steadily flapping alongside him. Quickly raising his scarred eyebrow, Derek activated the iPad then put on the goggles, “How do I look?” he teased, looking at the Jinn that turned to him.

“Same as before, just as ugly.” Azir groaned, focusing forward.

Letting out a deep growl, Derek let the comment slide, knowing the Jinn’s dislike for the Lycynian species. Lowering his gaze down at the screen on the iPad, he immediately saw the feed from the goggles that played back what he looked at through their lenses. Possessing a high-tech zoom capability, the soldier recorded and scanned what he felt was necessary to be documented. Approaching closer, however, the tension between himself, Azir and Axeon ceased as large fires and signs of destruction spewed across the landscape.

“Azir, tell him to tilt slightly to the left.” Derek reached out, tapping the Jinn’s shoulder.

“This is your flight Derek, if you ask him, he will obey.” Azir turned to him, then reached out, stroking the dragon’s scales once more, as he sensed the uneasiness, “It’s all right…” he spoke telepathically.

Axeon groaned, beginning to tilt his body, fiercely gliding against the wind, allowing the Samoan a better visual and chance of recording all of the necessary data.