SENTINALS OF VARNUSE 2: Wind Walkers [8]

# 8

Raevyn stared at the space between him and Simian total shock running through his body as he stared at the beautiful transparent creature hovering above them who had taken both his and his cousins hand. How did the vision know they needed to be connected? How did he even know where to find them? But most importantly who was he? Ant why the hell did he call to Raevyn’s very essence.

Was the beautiful man something he and Simian conjured to them in their moment of need? Raevyn wanted to scream out as the vision exploded into a thousand shards of nothingness. He didn’t have time to think on it more as in that exact instant he felt Simian’s power combine with his own and his strength came rushing back to him, combined with Simian’s. Giving him enough force to break the bonds tethering him to the ground. The last beating Simian had taken at the hands of Tondran and his men kept his cousin slightly subdued and unable to focus his power.

Raevyn was still in shock over the whole waking up one day with his cousin staked out beside him. He’d never thought to ever see any of his true family again. The law stated—they were to be kept separated because combining the powers of the first line would be dangerous to the lives of every living thing in the known universe. Did the fool holding them captive even know who he was messing with? If he did, he obviously didn’t care.

Slowly but surely, Raevyn worked his tethers out of the ground until he was free. He rested in the pose as if he was still held by the restraints. He needed to make sure the time was right before he took out the person who had held him tied down like an animal for the last three cycles of the moon. The idiot and his minions had made an enemy of him when they treated him as a lesser being.

When he’d awoken to find Simian beside him his anger had grown tenfold. If it was the last thing he ever did in this life he would see his cousin free—Simian was destined for far greater things—things he couldn’t do if he was caged.

He wondered if Tondran would still have put them so close together if he knew they didn’t need words to communicate. Raevyn turned his face to the side until his gaze locked with Simian’s. “I will get you out of this. I promise. I swear to you I will get you back to your mates before the next cycle of the moon.”

Simian shook his head slightly, “They will come for us, and our new found friend will lead then directly to us?”

“How do you know?”

“Because when he was here I could sense my mates on him. Wherever he has come from my mates are with him.” Simian sounded like he knew exactly what he was talking about.

“Do you know who he is?”

Simian smiled sadly. “Don’t you?”

Confusion filled Raevyn’s brain. Yes the guy had somehow seemed familiar but Raevyn couldn’t remember meeting him anywhere before. Why would his cousin think he would know a total stranger?

“Look inside yourself, cousin, and listen to what you find.”

Raevyn could tell by the tone in his head Simian was laughing at him. What the hell is so damn funny? Why couldn’t he just come out and say what he knew? He hated not knowing what was going on in his own damn life.

Closing his eyes and concentrating, it didn’t take long for the ghostly image to appear in his mind. There was no denying the man’s image was so beautiful it hurt to look at. Maybe their ancestors sent the man to him in his time of need, but why send him something and just rip it away from him again. Raevyn hated being one of the cursed. Whoever said the pure lines where the sacred beings sure didn’t know what the hell they were talking about. Tondran just didn’t care about the legends at all. Then again, Raevyn was betting Tondran didn’t even know who they were—or more so from whom they were descended. Because if he did know, he would’ve secured them a hell of a lot better than this.

Bringing his thoughts back to the present he concentrated again on the beautiful man’s image until it became clearer in his head. He took in the sharp blue eyes, his lips were a little fuller than most, and looked softer. His face was oval shaped as his dark hair fell in waves around his shoulders. Raevyn saw the beads which had been intricately woven near his left temple showing he was a being from the hawk. So it meant this dark hair beauty was from the Earthen lands, and not from the realms of the Gods.

If he was a real person than it meant Raevyn had a chance of finding him again. A chance of finding out just who he was? And why he felt like he should know him? His heart lurched as he felt what his cousin meant. Why would Simian feel the connection between them when he couldn’t?

“My mate—but how?” All his life he had known he would be alone Varnuse would never have mated someone to one of the pure line. Except, Simian had two mates, didn’t he? Did that mean he also had another mate out there? His gaze locked on his cousin once more. “Should I be expecting another?”

Simian nodded his head, “Yes, our father ensured we would need two souls to tether us to reality. Your mates will come for you together. They have already bonded.” Bitterness seeped into his tone. “At least they like each other. I have also have two men to love me—Two men who cannot stand each other. You are lucky that Varnuse has given you men who want to be together.”

“Your mates will work it out.”

“I am not so sure.”

They fell silent as they heard feet approaching their gazes no longer focused on each other. Not wanting to give away their secret. Raevyn swore everyone in this encampment had to pay. They were going to die for all the things they had done to him and Simian.

Sentinels Of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [7]

#7.

The sound of silence is not always the best thing and Crimson even though he was lying on the jungle floors knew this particular silence could only mean bad things—real bad things. It didn’t help that when Nico got hurt it sent Crimson’s own mind into overdrive. As hard as he tried he couldn’t smell what was out there—he knew something was out there—but for the life of him what it was eluded him. Something, or someone, was now sitting and watching. Maybe they were waiting to see what they would do next, or possibly they were waiting for those of them whod been hit to bleed out.

Crimson couldn’t seem to get his eyes to focus, and everything felt wrong. As he heard the worried voices around him he was still trying to work out what could have made the enemy who had attacked do so. Also as the drug seemed to knock Nico out, somehow their mind had linked. Crimson had not only lost the ability to speak and reassure Dominic he was okay. He was numb, if this was death than it wasn’t so bad at all. The pain of his nest mate being harmed had completely left his body, and he now floated above; looking down at the scene on the ground where the other’s worked on his brother’s body. He wasn’t even sure the other’s had even realised he was currently linked to Nico.

Somewhere off in the distance a sound caught his attention. The strong urge to follow it pulled him away from the here and now. Crimson looked back at his travelling companions as he drifted toward the sound calling to him. It seemed as though in a matter of minutes he was above a completely different setting. He quickly realised this was definitely not a place he wanted to linger. Below him, Tondran stood out among the many, yelling orders to move one of the prisoners. Crimson drifted lower knowing he needed to find out what the hell was going on. Something was screaming at him to take notice as if what he was seeing was important.

Crimson’s heart lurched as two bound men were dragged into view. Both were extremely dirty, yet even covered in filth as they were Crimson could see their underlying beauty. He saw the chains bit deep into their flesh as they were staked to the ground arms stretched out so they appeared to be reaching for each other in desperation. Something in Crimson told him this was done on purpose; whoever did this knew if these two men touched then all hell would break loose. Crimson sensed this was some sort of twisted game to Tondran.

As quickly as the realisation came to him Crimson knew what he had to do.

Drifting down until he hovered centimetres above the ground between them. Even though he’d come to the conclusion he couldn’t be seen in this form, both sets of eyes turned toward him with their unspoken request. Taking one of their hands in each of his own, he closed his eyes he let the power flow through him. He felt the way the power met inside him and entwined before heading toward the other person—a whispered ‘thank you’ could be heard as their essence passed through him.

Crimson’s eyes flew open and stared at the man on his left. Dark hair matted with dirt and blood looked so out of place and Crimson knew he if it was clear of tangles it would fall in gentle curls around his face and shoulders. Beautiful golden eyes the colour of the king’s ale stared back at him. Confusion was clearly written on the man’s face. Plump lips swollen more so with being beaten than because they were naturally full, mouthed the word, ‘Who?’

No words of his own would form on his own lips—in this visage he was mute. He smiled sadly at the stranger as he felt his own body calling him back to where he lay in the clearing with his is brother, mate and travelling companions. He shook his head as his fingers touched his own throat indicating he couldn’t talk—he wanted to let the stranger know why he couldn’t answer.

And with the next breath he was gone.

**~*~**

“He’s coming around,” Dominic stated in relief. He couldn’t believe how good it was to see Crimson’s eyes open, even if they weren’t fully focused yet. As everyone had worked on the wounded no one even realised something was wrong with his mate—a tidal wave guilt washed over him. He didn’t have to see the others to know they all felt exactly the same way.

“Don’t move him, Dom.” Nico said. “It would be best to wait for his soul to reconnect with his body.”

Dom nodded letting Nico know he understood. “I wasn’t going to. I just needed to be touching him. I just—”

“Simian.” Crimson whispered before he had even opened his eyes.

Dom heard both Vayne and Arron gasp as the sound of their mate’s name fell from Crimson’s lips. What was Crimson trying to say?

“What?” Arron asked as both men moved closer.

“I saw,” Crimson closed his eyes as if he was trying to grab hold of a dream, his words coming out in short sentences. “I saw Simian staked to the ground near another man. They were the same, yet different. They are family, I think. I bridged the gap between them. I…I,” confusion and pain filled his eyes.

“What did you see?” Vayne demanded and Dominic growled at the man’s tone of voice.

Crimson pushed himself up and spoke. “Tondran,” Dominic tried to hold him still, but his mate moved until he could look at them all. “I don’t know how I saw what I did, but he’s getting ready to move Simian again. I was right,”—he frowned at Vayne—“they’re headed towards the altar at Mount Varnuse’. I just don’t think that’s their final destination. I kind of got the feeling Tondran doesn’t even know who he has. When I bridged the gap I think I set in motion things he isn’t prepared for. We need to rescue Simian and his fellow prisoner as soon as we can.”

Vayne looked very frustrated as he asked in a less demanding voice than he had earlier. “Do you know where they’ll be, or which way we’ll need to go?”

“Yes, whatever passed through me is now like my own personal homing beacon. The closer I get to them, the easier it will be to follow. Somehow I know whatever it was that fought off the ones who attacked us, was a manifestation sent by the two men. They were sent here to save you and Arron. Simian was saving both his mates.”

Dominic spoke up before Vayne could ask any more questions. “Who’s the other prisoner? The one who was with Simian.”

“His name is Raevyn Blue. I think he’s our mate.”

Shock flashed through Dominic. One second he was holding his mate and the next darkness had claimed him.

Sentinels Of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [6]

#6

Dominic was given the position as the rear guard as they marched. The forest they’d been making their way through was steadily becoming thicker and harder to navigate. Everyone was covered in scratches from their surroundings. The denseness was becoming suffocating, and worse yet, was the fact he could feel they were no longer alone. Somewhere along the lines they had picked up a tail. He was still deciding whether or not to alert the others when Arron stopped and slowly turned in a circle, scanning their surroundings ‘down’ was the only warning given.

Dropping to the ground Dominic covered Crimson’s body with his own as a shower of arrows passed over them. Leaves and bark rained down upon them as they lay there waiting to see what was going to happen next.

“I told you this jungle was trying to kill us—now do you believe me?” Crimson growled, “If we had just taken the route I had said and gone the right way; none of this would be happening. But did anyone listen to me? Noooo. The almighty Vayne and Arron knew better. HA! What a crock of shit.”

Grunting in pain Dominic didn’t even need to look to know that he had an arrow imbedded in his leg. The back of his right thigh to be precise. He could feel the blood beginning to soak into his trousers as it ran down his inner thigh.

“Somebody make them stop.” Dominic heard Nico yelp in pain.

“Nico?” Crimson reached out a hand in his brother’s direction.

“I think I’m dead, Crim.” Nico whined and Dominic couldn’t stop the chuckle from escaping.

Crimson began squirming underneath him, trying to get to his brother. “Nico?”

“Stay still,” Dominic hissed, “remember whoever’s shooting at us is still out there. Don’t make yourself a more obvious target.”

Again his mate wriggled around beneath him. “Nico’s hurt, he needs me.”

“How hurt are you?” Dominic asked Nico. His pain intensified as the constant movement of Crimson trying to free himself made the arrows embedded in his leg bit deep. “Crim, you need to stay still, I’ve been hit.”

They moment the words left his lips Dominic felt as his mate stilled beneath him. His breath came out in pants as he waited for the pain to subside. He willed his body to relax as he listened to his friends.

“I have something in my back.” Nico said softly, by the sound of the tremble in his voice Dominic thought it was serious.

“I have him,” Arron said quietly. “He has been hit just below his right shoulder blade. It isn’t too deep but I have no clue about the inner workings of a hawk shifter. Vayne on the other hand,” Arron seemed to spit the name out in annoyance. Has somehow managed to catch his head on a protruding root and has knocked himself out.”

Dominic grimaced in pain, “I have two arrows in my right thigh. Both are buried deep—one’s gone all the way through and is coming through the front of my thigh.”

“I’m okay,” Crimson whispered from below him.

Pushing himself up on his arms Dominic made enough room for Crimson to slide himself from beneath him. It crossed his mind that whoever had attacked them was still out there watching. Were they getting a kick out of seeing three of them wounded?

“Dom, there not arrows.” Crimson whispered. “They look more like long darts.”

What the fuck! “Pull them out, I need you to pull them out, baby.”

Crimson’s hands froze on his thigh. “What if I cause you more damage? They have little barbs that I think will catch into you if I try and yank them out.”

“Fuck!” gritting his teeth he said the one thing he really didn’t want to happen. “Crim, you will have to push them through my thigh, and then pull them out from the front.”

**~*~**

Arron’s hand touched down on Crimson’s shoulder, he’d been arguing with himself as to whether he would hurt Dominic more. He wasn’t sure what to do. “I’ll do it. You go and sit beside Nico. Just close your eyes and I’ll tell you when you can open them.”

“Okay,” Crimson felt relieved that he wouldn’t be the one to cause Dominic pain. He was much better at helping his mate heal.

Reaching out and running his fingers through his brother’s hair he spoke. “Hey Nico, I’m here now.”

His heart just about stopped as his brother’s pain filled eyes turned in his direction until their gazes locked.

“Don’t let them push this thing through me. I need you to get them to cut it out of me.”

“Shh Nico, don’t you worry about it yours is different to Dom’s.”

Nico’s eyes widened. “How?”

Crimson blinked furiously to stop his eyes from burning. “Well, Dom’s goes deep into his thigh and yours runs more under the surface of the skin.” He flinched as Dominic cried out in pain.

“One down and one to go,” Arron said matter of factly.

Crimson couldn’t see because he had purposely kept his back to his mate. Did that make him a coward—probably? A groan to his right told him Vayne was starting to wake up.

“What happened?” Vayne asked as he sat up. “What the hell’s going on?”

Crimson didn’t have time to answer as the sounds of a fight ensued in the jungle surrounding them. There were curses and cries of pain as metal clashed against metal. Gripping his brother’s hand tightly he tried to tune it all out he didn’t want to know if there was anything out there that was worse than the people who had already attacked them.

He whispered words of nonsense to Nico as Vayne, Arron and Dominic all stilled, listening to the raging battle. Then as suddenly as it had begun—it was over—until only silence remained.

What the hell was happening? What more could be out there and possibly wanting to hurt them? Or was the new attacker friendly? So many questions and no one showing themselves to give the answers needed.

Sentinels Of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [5]

#5.

After days of walking through the forest listening to his brother’s constant babbling complaints Crimson had had enough. “How hard do you think it will be if once we get to the next village if I publicly sell you off to the first wiling person that wants you?” He growled as he rounded on Nico. “Do you ever shut up?”

“It’s not my fault if these people are be leading us to our deaths,” Nico pouted a hurt look filled his eyes and Crimson knew it was because he’d never really ever yelled at Nico before.

Sighing Crimson took a deep breath. “They’re not trying to get us killed, Vayne and Arron are searching for their mate. Dominic was ordered to follow and help. He’s my mate, so where he goes, I’ll go.” Touching his brother’s arm he continued. “You can go back home if you want, I won’t force you to come with us. Dad’s the one who believes we’ll find your destiny along our travels.”

Nico did a whole body shiver before answering. “I can’t go by myself. Dad told you that I had to follow you.” He pointed to where Vayne, Arron and Dominic had stopped and were watching them. “If they were really interested in finding their Simian, then you think they would at least be heading in the right direction. Instead they’re just wandering around and getting us all lost, or worse, eaten by the Grimmask people. Can’t we just tell them which direction to go?”

“We’re going the right way.” Arron said menacingly as he strode towards them. “How is it you two always think you know everything? What makes you both so sure we’re headed in the wrong direction?”

Crimson stepped between his brother and the angered warrior. He felt Nico’s hands trembling as he held Crimson’s waist. Right now he didn’t know whether the trembling was caused by fright or anger. Knowing Nico the latter would be the right guess. His suspicion was confirmed when his brother stepped around him and stood toe to toe with Arron. Their size difference was almost laughable.

“I know all this because I’m not an idiot. Any fool knows where Tondran is taking Simian—if he believes Simian is the final great one Tondran wouldn’t have headed in this direction.” He gestured wildly in the direction they had been heading.

“If you are so smart then what direction would he have taken?”

Everyone watched and Crimson realised it was his turn to perform. He closed his eyes and turned in a circle, his arm held out in front of him. “Tondran went there. He’ll be taking the great one to monument of Mount Varnuse.”

Crimsons eyes flew open as Vayne snorted.

“Little one, Mount Varnuse is this way.” He pointed back in the direction they had originally been moving.

“Yes, Mount Varnuse is that way, but the monument isn’t actually at the base of the mountain. It was moved eons ago to Scarsian. It lies beneath the ruins of the original castle of our first kings.

What are you talking about, love? The castle of our kings is in the High City of Panthea—where King Quinlan now lives.” Dominic said as he stepped up beside Arron.

Crimson glared and slammed his hands down onto his hips in frustration. “I swear to the great ones that you people are as dumb as rocks. Did any of you even open the books you had in the years of learning? Everything I have been telling you is written down. It’s part of our histories.”

When it looked like no one—except for maybe Nico—knew what the hell he was talking about he started again slowly. Trying not to let his frustration get the better of him.

“In the age of the great ones; at the beginning of all known time, our king—Scarsian Varnuse Degart I, built his castle, it was near the small village that was of course named after the king himself. So if Tondran really knows just who he has in his hands he’ll be heading for the alter of Scarsian.”

When Arron turned towards Nico and spoke it made crimson see red. “Is he always like this? Does he believe the crap that’s coming out of his mouth?”

Crimson snapped slamming both palms into the centre of Arron’s chest, not that it even caused him to stumble. “Now you listen to me you big bone-head,” he fumed, “I along with my brother may complain a lot about walking through this damn forest. But do not—and I mean don’t ever—tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about when it comes into our histories. It’s something that’s been drummed into my head since I was a nestling. I know all of this because our grandmother believed in remembering where we all came from. Our ancestors, and our histories are important.”

Nico finally spoke. “Crim is right, Grandmother taught us everything. What he isn’t telling you is that Grandmother made Crim in particular learn everything to memory. She believed he was destined to be what our people would have once called The Queran—the mate of the first bird shifter’s descendant.”

“The who?” Arron sneered. Ï thought he was mated to Dominic. Are you telling me Dominic is a shifter?”

“No I’m not saying that at all. If Simian is a great one and he has two mates then is it not possible that Crim and Dominic also have another mate out there? Somewhere out there is the one person who’s a direct descended from Jaradeen Aarondyte. It’s said this descendent is the only one of all bird shifters who can take the form we were first gifted with. He’s the only one among us who can take the form of a crow.” Nico answered.

Crimson snorted. “It’s never going to happen because as much as I believe in the histories, I think that our bloodlines are too polluted for there to truly be a pure descendent. I honestly don’t need anyone other than Dominic.”

“What makes you so sure? Not that I’m saying I want to share you either.” Dominic asked.

Crimson blushed, “I believe if there was a true descendent still living, then I would feel them here.” He placed his hand over his aching heart. “If he’s our mate then you would feel it to.”

Thinking about the mate he would never have if his grandmother was right, hurt like a bitch. It was honestly better to focus on what he did have and not wish for more.

Sentinels of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [4]

#4.

Dominic leant back against the log and watched as Arron and Crimson bickered over just what to put in the stew pot. What did it even matter—food was food. He was sure Crimson only argued for the sake of hearing himself talk. It was kind of funny watching Arron get so flustered over the little slip of a man. He wondered how long it would be before Arron just lashed out and knocked Crimson out. God he hoped the stopped arguing soon—anything for some peace and quiet. Mind you, then he’d have to retaliate by knocking Aaron onto his arse for harming his mate.

“We need more spices, it brings out the flavours more, it will infuse the meat more.” Crimson declared.

“What meat? You chucked a hissy fit and wouldn’t let me add any.” Arron growled.

Crimson rolled his eyes, “I said you couldn’t have bird flesh as your meat source, feel free to stick anything else in it. Why don’t you get your big strong mate to catch your some fish and use that? Or hunt down a wilder boar”

Dominic chuckled; he knew Arron would rather die of starvation before he would ask Vayne for help with anything. The two were only together now because they were both mated to Simian. Not that either of them seemed to believe. They constantly argued no man in the history of their people had ever had two mates. So now they worked together to locate Simian, and once the man was found he’d be able to sort all this shit out by telling them just who his true mate was.

Over the time they’d been travelling companions Vayne had talked to him—probably needing someone to be his sounding board—someone who wouldn’t judge. He knew that deep down in his heart Vayne honestly he was Simian’s mate. Vayne was also pretty sure that Arron believed the same thing. The worst past for Vayne told him was that the more time he spent around Arron; the harder it was to keep the man at arm’s length. Apparently everything about Arron attracted seemed to Vayne.

“If you don’t go away and leave me the hell alone I am going to rip your tongue out and add it to the stew.” The sound of the anger in his voice was enough to bring Dominic back out of his thoughts

“I’m not doing anything wrong. You are the one who doesn’t know how to cook.” Crimson yelled as Arron stood up and strode towards the forest; punching a small tree as he passed. “You know that tree never hurt anyone” Crimson taunted.

Crimson turned towards him with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “Well my work is done.” He laughed as he came over and sat beside Dominic.

“One of these days you are going to push him too far.” Dominic said

“He’s too uptight; he needs to loosen up a little. I never see him smile unless he’s looking at Vayne. But then it seems more of a sad smile like he’s hurting. I don’t understand why he’d be hurting? I mean they’re mates after all. Why doesn’t he turn to Vayne for comfort? Why doesn’t Vayne comfort him when he needs it? I know with us I’m going to love you like there’s no tomorrow. I’ll never treat you like you Like Vayne and Arron treat each other. Why can’t they see how wrong it is?”

When Crimson finally slowed to take a breath Dominic answered. “Arron and Vayne aren’t willing to admit they’re also mated to each other as well as Simian. They each think the other is claiming to be Simian’s mate out of spite.”

“What do you mean when you say they’re not mates? Of course they are. If they’re both mated to Simian then they have to be mated to each other, right? That’s the way it works with Simian’s kind. He needs the added love to keep him grounded and safe. If they don’t come to some sort of compromise on this, then they’ll never be truly happy once they’re reunited with Simian? Fate chose the three of them for a reason. Fate is never wrong.”

“Again I have to ask how do you know all this?” Dominic asked his mate genuinely perplexed by it all.

“Our grandmother was a big believer in the old ways, she taught Nico and I all about how things were and the way they were meant to still be. Something happened in all the eons that have passed and our way of thinking changed. Grandmother told us that one day it would be up to Nico and I to lead the world in the right direction and get our people back on track. Grandfather thought she was polluting our minds and he had her killed, he burnt all her books along with her body but I always remember the things she told us. Because I believe they are true.”

“Your Grandfather had his wife killed?” Dominic blurted in utter shock.

“Yes, apparently Grandfather isn’t a believer in the old ways.”

“One day you are going to have to write down all that your grandmother told you. Preserve the stories for generations to come.”

Dominic pointed to where Vayne had followed Aaron into the surrounding bush land and smiled—maybe things will all work out.

I hope so.

Sentinels Of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [3]

#3.

Dominic grunted for the umpteenth time since they had risen that morning and they were already three hours into the day. He was already tired of the two men who he’d been sent after. It’s seemed they couldn’t go five minutes without sniping at each other. And for some reason Vayne wasn’t happy about Dominic’s mate and brother tagging along. Crimson and Nico were bird shifters and descendants of the Aarondyte line—albeit a side line of descendants—but still should have been treated with more respect. They had enough of the Aarondyte lineage running through their blood to count as possible sentinel mate, Dominic wondered if Nico was also destined to mate with one of his fellow sentinels. His thoughts were interrupted when Vayne glared at him and snarled.

“Oh, for the love of…” Vayne trailed off as the shout of pain came from behind them on the trail, “Go and get your idiot of a mate and his sibling before they cause themselves some real harm, or announce to everyone within a hundred mile radius exactly where we are.”

Dominic grinned; he’d wondered earlier how much it would take for Vayne to crack—now I know. It hadn’t surprised him when he realised Crimson had followed him. What shocked him was the fact that he’d dragged his brother along for the journey. They’d all left the shifter village three days ago, and with every step he took he wanted to turn around and rush back to Crimson and beg him to come away with him. Now he was glad that he didn’t have to do it, he’d been sent after Vayne and Arron for a reason, maybe this was it—maybe he’d been sent along just so he could find his mate—maybe this was what Lucas had meant about his destiny.

“I swear if they slow us down I’ll kill them myself.” Vayne growled again just as Arron punched him hard on the arm.

Arron frowned at Vayne. “You won’t touch one hair on either of their heads, especially not Dominic’s mate.”

Dominic chuckled at their squabbling as he slipped away into the forest behind. For two men who were supposed to be mated, they sure didn’t act like it most of the time. If Arron said the sky was a nice shade of blue then Vayne would immediately argue that it was red. He honestly hoped his mating with Crimson Redhawk was not going to be as volatile. All he’d ever wanted was to be loved and be loved in return—was that too much to ask for?

Dominic quickly climbed the nearest tree as he waited for his mate to catch up. When they were almost underneath him he swung down somersaulting to land on his feet before them. He grinned at the shocked looks they both wore.

“Holy Shit!” Nico clutched at the shirt covering his chest. “You scared the ever-loving crap out of me.

At first Crimson didn’t say anything. A beautiful blush seemed to ghost over his mate’s skin as he bodily launched himself into Dominic’s arms and clung tight. The only thing Dominic could do was wrap his mate up in his arms and hold him in return. He could breathe a little easier now knowing his mate was close at hand where he could protect him.

“You left without me.” It was a simple statement which tore at Dominic’s heart.

Dominic tightened his embrace fractionally. “I know, and I’m so sorry about that. I shouldn’t have done it.”

“No you shouldn’t have.” Crimson retorted with a snort. “It would have been so much easier if we just left with you.This place is dangerous.” He ended as he gestured to the forest around them. “Do you know how much stuff in this place can hurt you?” Crimson went on.

Dominic picked up his mate and headed back to where Arron and Vayne waited. He didn’t have to look or say anything to know that Nico was following them. When he’d spoken to Nico back at the village he’d found out how close the siblings were.

He shook his head in dismay as he stepped into the clearing when he realised Vayne and Arron were still arguing. Vayne abruptly cut off what he was going to say and stared at Crimson in his arms.

“Is he hurt?”

Dominic shook his head.

“Then who was making all that noise?” Vayne demanded.

“That would be me.” Crimson glared at Vayne. And Dominic smiled as he watch his waif like man face off against Vayne who was quite clearly three times the bird shifters size. Crimson’ voice jumped an octave. “Do you know how much scary crap lives in this forest? Sometimes it just jumps out and hits you for no apparent reason.”

Vayne seemed to be watching Crimson with a slightly bemused look on his face. Arron on the other hand was openly grinning.

Nico chuckled and stated. “He was bitching and moaning about never catching up to Dominic and walked into a tree because he wasn’t watching where he was going.”

Dominic laughed softly only to have Crimson turn his pissed off glare in his direction. Oh his mate had fire in him. Dominic like that—a lot.

“Laugh it up chuckle boy, one of these days the great ones will come back to our world and Karma will bite you on the arse.”

“Great ones?” Vayne suddenly asked, and by the look on his face Dominic knew something of importance was happening.

“Yes, the great ones.” Crimson shrugged, “Shifters might be known as the old ones, but we’re descended from the great ones. They’re the ones of our kind who can shift into all beasts. Their true beast form is that of the dragon. The one true ruler of all the phases of the elements.”

Dominic let Crimson slide down his body until his mate was standing in front of him. Not willing to let Crimson move too far away from him he wrapped an arm around his mate’s waist so Crimson’s back was flush against Dominic’s chest. “How do you know all of this?”

Crimson stepped out of his embrace, turned to him and rolled his eyes. “Because I can read. All shifters are taught at a young age about the greatest creature in the world. We learn it because it is part of our heritage.”

“What else do you know about these great ones?” Vayne demanded, though Arron looked just as curious about what the answer might be.

“Well, I know there’s reportedly only one of the great ones left in all existence. I know some guy named Tondran had him in his grasp and then lost him. I know Tondran is now on the exact same quest you guys seem to be on. I know Tondran left his son in charge of his compound.”

“Not anymore.” Arron said quietly. “The last I saw of Ormand he was most assuredly dead.”

“Huh, I wonder how that happened.” Crimson said in a thought filled voice.

“Could have had something to do with the dirty great knife that Arron ran through him.” Vayne said with a proud smile—it would seem Vayne did have at least some feelings for his mate.

Dominic, Nico and Crimson all stared at Arron in opened mouth disbelief. The forest fell silent as if it knew to make no noise. It seemed like a lifetime of heartbeats passed before they cracked up laughing.

“Guys I’m serious. Arron really did kill Ormand.” Vayne snarled.

“I know,” Crimson howled with laughter, “That’s what makes it so funny.”

Sentinels Of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [2]

#2.

Crimson Redhawk shook his head in wonder. He watched the three men who had stopped in for supplies leave his village and he had the strange urge to call out to them and get them to stay. Vayne and Arron were two of the strangest men he’d ever met in his life. Honestly, it seemed as though they both loved and hated each other at the same time—confusing as hell if you asked Crimson. Dominic Bourke was another matter entirely. Not only was a strange one, Crimson had yet to work out what the hell was going on. Dominic was quiet yet he seemed to always be near. Lately every time he turned around Dominic was either watching every move he made. His brother, Nico, said he thought maybe the sentinel was infatuated with Crimson.

“You looked troubled young one.”

Crimson turned and looked up into the face of his father and shrugged. “I’m okay, there’s not much I can do to change things.” As the words left his mouth sorrow washed over him.

Crimson and Nico were from the same nesting. Though, Nico was older by about ten minutes. Not that they looked anything alike. Crimson could feel his brother’s worry—he knew Nico could feel his pain over Dominic leaving with the others.

“Your path lies elsewhere, it won’t take long for you to follow your heart,” his father said softly. “I will be sad to see you go, but I cannot watch you stay here and lose this chance at a better life.”

Shock raced through Crimson. “You want me to leave?”

What would he do without his father and his nest mate? He and Nico had been inseparable in the entire twenty-six years they’d been alive. If he left Nico behind it would be like leaving behind a huge part of himself. Out of the four hatchlings in their nesting, he and Nico were the closest; it could be because they both had similar tastes in all aspects of their life, from the way they dressed to their sexual preferences. Their other nest mates Terrell and Loren never did understand either of them.

His father nodded, he reached and placed a gentle hand on Crimsons shoulder. “You will need to take Nico with you. He won’t survive here alone. His destiny is to keep you sane and whole. You’ll need to enhance the mind link that you share. As you know it’s a rare and cherished gift among our kind.” Squeezing crimson’s shoulder his dad went on. “By following you Nico will find his own heart. Somewhere out there is the man that will love him as he was meant to be.”

Without another word his father walked from the room. Crimson stared after him, his mouth opening and closing rapidly in sync with the fluttering beat of his heart. He was shocked to find out that his father even knew about his and Nico’s tastes in men. To date all his rendezvous had been in secret and kept well away from his village and especially his family. In stunned silence Crimson made his way to the small hut that he shared with Nico.

“Are you okay?” Nico asked as soon as Crimson walked into the room and collapsed on the bed across from him. “Are you ill?”

Crimson shook his head he was still trying to digest the fact his father wanted them to leave, and he knew they were both gay. More so that their father didn’t seem to be disgusted or disappointed by the fact.

“Then what is it, Crim?” Nico sounded worried.

“Dad, knows that we’re gay… he… he says that we’re leaving the village—that I need to follow Dominic, and that I have to take you with me.”

Nico stared at him in stunned silence. “I was thinking about leaving anyway. I talked to your Dominic while he was here. He told me about all the places and things he’s seen. I want to see what is outside the perimeter of our village.”

Crimson stood up and paced around the room. His brother sat and watched as him thought hard about the conversation with his father and the implications of what it meant. Once his decision was made he nodded and pulled out his travel backpack. Walking to his dresser he opened the drawer and began shoving clothes into it. He turned and grinned, “Well are you getting your shit together? They’ll get too far ahead of us if we wait.”

Getting up Nico blushed as he pulled an already filled bag from under his bed. “I might have already packed mine,” Nico said softly as he pulled the bag onto his back and waited for Crimson to finish and do the same. “Do we tell the others?”

Crimson shook his head as he shrugged into his own backpack. “Why? Dad already knows we’re leaving, we have his blessing and that’s all that matters.”

It felt like a load had been lifted from his shoulders as they made their way past the outer guard’s perimeter and into the jungle fully. Nico could feel the eyes of the guards following them and knew one set belonged to Terrell, their brother. It was kind of nice knowing that he would not have to put up with the hate filled glares of their brothers and Mother. Marion Redhawk detested both him and Nico. He never found out why. All he was certain of was were never good enough for her. Instead she doted on Terrell and Loren, the two sons that shared her hatred for him and Nico. It saddened him that Nico suffered right alongside him. Nico was a gentler person than Crimson and took their brother’s disdain to heart, whereas Crimson hated them right back.

“Stop thinking so hard.” Crimson snapped at the worry on Nico’s face. “Those arseholes aren’t worth it.” He stopped and turned and stared straight at Nico. “We’re better than them all. Dad’s the only decent one among them and he encouraged us to leave before things got worse.”

“It just worries me that they might turn on him now that we have gone,” Nico said so softly.

Crimson shook his head. “Dad, basically told us to leave, he knew we would never be able to advance through the Redhawk line with our sexual preferences. He knew the only way for us to truly live was if we left the village. He wanted us to leave all the crap we’ve endured at the hands of our siblings over the years, and moved on with our lives. He”—Crimson fell silent for a moment—“You know Nico; I never thought dad knew I was gay, but I guess he’s always known.”

Nico blushed as he confessed. “He knew, I told him when we were in our early teens. But I think he even knew before then.”

“What do you mean?”

Nico smiled, “Dad always told me that the bond you and I share was a precious gift, one to be cherished. He said not many people were given this gift, especially not siblings. He told me no matter what else happened in our lives we would always have each other to count on. Dad believed we had this connection because we're gay.”

Crimson grinned as they bumped shoulders. “Well I guess he was right. Together we leave the past behind and take the first into the future we were always meant to live.”

Sentinels Of Varnuse 2: Wind Walkers [1]

#1

As Vayne made his way through the ever thickening forest he sensed he was being followed—and followed by a man he didn’t want to see right now or ever again. He hated knowing they had something in common. He didn’t want to share he never had.

“What the fuck are you here for?” Vayne growled over his shoulder, hoping like hell his unwelcome companion would turn around and go back to where he came from.

Arron sighed dramatically, “You know why. Simian belongs to me just as much as he belongs to you. Why would you think I’d let you go off alone and look for him. I’m not a coward. I’m willing to help you search.”

Vayne spun around and glared at the younger man. “Stop saying that. Simian is my mate. Mine! Given to me by Varnuse. I’ve never even heard of people mating more than one person. So go find your own mate.”

Arron chuckled, “I can claim the same damn thing as you Varnuse gave me to Simian just as he did you. Stop denying what the world already knows. We both wear Simian’s mark. He doesn’t belong to us—we both belong to him.” Arron pushed up his sleeve and bared his forearm so the sunlight shimmered across the exact same marking Vayne knew adorned his own forearm.

“But I don’t have to like it.” Vayne growled.

He still hated sharing.

“No,” Arron sighed again, “You just have to accept it. Remember it was our constant fighting over Simian that allowed him to be kidnapped in the first place. If we had learned to get on and share his love then he would still be with us. I won’t rest until we get him back.”

“Can you just shut up for five-fricken-minutes? You are more annoying than a Juju bug in the morning.” Vayne stared at Arron and it struck him right then that he’d never before really looked at Arron—never took the time to notice what he truly looked like. Arron stared back calmly and Vayne could almost feel himself being pulled into those pale green eyes that seemed to see everything. They were so clear he swore he could see his own reflection. Arron’s skin was pale and flawless and his lips looked soft and plump. Vayne fought not to smile as those perfect lips pouted in his direction. Taking a deep breath Vayne asked. “Okay, now how pissed do you think Josep is going to be at us?”

“It’s not Josep we have to worry about. You know Lucas is the one who’ll kick our arses. That man may act like a pacifist, but he’s the fiercest one of us all.” Arron shuddered and took a step towards him.

Vayne took a step back, “Lucas will understand. He knows what Simian means to me.” When Arron glared at he corrected himself, “I meant to us. Lucas knows what Simian means to us.”

“Yes, it’s best you remember there are three of us in this little love fest. When and I do mean when we get our mate back we need to try for his sake not to kill each other. It hurts him when we argue.”

Vayne and Arron froze as they heard someone or something making their way towards them. Vayne reached out and pulled Arron behind him, while his free hand was wrapped around the hilt of his knife as he waited. Even though Arron was grumbling softly behind him he knew the man would be just as ready in case trouble came their way. A sentinel stepped out of the trees and stopped before them.

“Aren’t you a bit lost, brother?” Vayne asked not letting down his guard in case the king had sent men out to bring them in. He wasn’t going to allow something like that to happen. He wasn’t going home—not without Simian at his side.

“My name is Dominic Bourke.” The man said.

A growl erupted from his throat when he felt Arron move behind him. “If you have come for either Arron or myself, then we are taken. You would be best off going home where you belong. Sentinel or not the woods are dangerous for those unfamiliar with them.”

Dominic stood a little straighter. “I never came here for either of you. I came because Lucas told me I must. He also told me that my destiny lies in wherever you are going. He said it’s now time for my story to unfold. That you and Arron were to guide me.”

Vayne couldn’t stop the grin as Arron strode over and pushed up Dominic’s sleeve and sighed in relief when he saw the forearm. “He bears a mark, but it’s not the same as ours.”

“It’s okay, Arron,” Vayne chuckled, “fate would not give Simian another mate for us to contend with.” Shaking his head he turned in the direction they were going. “I just wished that we had found Ormand before we left… maybe we could have gotten something worthwhile out of him.” Arron bit his lip and Vayne knew he wasn’t going to like whatever it was he was going to hear.

“Yeah, about that… I may have killed Ormand just a little bit.”

“You did what?” Vayne demanded. Belated panic raced through him at the thought of Arron being hurt. He may not want the guy to share his mate—it didn’t mean he wanted the guy to be harmed in any way.

When Arron refused to look at him for the longest of times He wasn’t sure what he was going to hear. So many emotions ran across the guys face and not all of them were good. Finally after an eternity Arron spoke.

“He shouldn’t have put his hands on you. I saw you at the tavern. I saw him touching you. The idiot should have known you were off limits.”

Vayne studied his companion trying to figure the guy out. “You don’t like me, and yet you killed Ormand because he touched me?”

“I never said I didn’t like you. You’re the one who is hell bent on arguing all the time. I actually listened when Simian explained things to us—maybe you should have too.”

“As touching as this is, maybe we should get a move on. As you said these woods can be a dangerous place and nightfall seems to be heading our way fast.” Dominic said interrupting the conversation they were having.

Looking up through the trees to the darkening sky Vayne had to agree with the man. They needed to find shelter. Somewhere  where they could light a fire and keep away the more dangerous creatures of the night. He also needed time to digest the conversation he’d just had with Arron. He knew when Simian was back with them he’d have to change his ways if he wanted their relationship to last.