The Kings Series #2 His Silver Hand novel Chapter 30

The hours spent making love had not eased the heavy feeling in her heart. By late afternoon, they decided to join their guests at the library. Hands joined and clasped tightly. She was afraid to let him go.

To her surprised, Esmeralda and Lucifer were waiting for them.

Anna Marie blushed. She didn't mean to be late. She and Lucas shared a bath then well...

"Your Majesty, I am glad you heeded my advice." The priestess inclined her head. Though her face was unreadable, her palest of green eyes showed hope.

Out of character, which surprised the lady, Rie closed the distance between them, embraced her tightly, and bussed her cheek.

It took a few seconds, however, Esmeralda recovered and patted her back like a loving mother. A soothing sensation slithered down her spine. Anna Marie was grateful to the priestess.

Then her attention was riveted to man elegantly sprawled on a cushioned chair. Eyes as black as night, thick lashes, nose straight like of a Roman god, his jaw and cheeks chiseled. With his dark hair, a stark contrast to Esmeralda's white locks, open collar black dress shirt, and black pants, he fitted the picture of a sinful beautiful demon. Ready to guide to commit wickedness. A pulling sensation enveloped her. Her dragon spirit resurfaced and was displeased.

She blinked and looked away. Lucas was hotter.

"Stop doing that, Lucifer, or I will roast you until you are ashes on the ground." Lucas suddenly said in a harsh voice beside her.

"My apologies, my friend. I was just reading your queen. Not seducing her." He murmured. Unfazed. His voice was silky and smooth. Like an aged brandy.

Her mate muttered something in Greek then both of them occupied the loveseat beside the Vampire couple.

From the corner of her eye, she saw her sister Mish, cheeks adorned with a fiery blush, her hand securely held by her beloved was looking around them with a lot of unspoken questions.

Rie inwardly frowned. Did Xavier reveal to her sister all her past? She hoped so. No one wanted to deceive her anymore.

"Have we heard from Ruby yet?" The question came from Alexander. Impatience lacing his voice.

Setting aside her thoughts, the dragon queen gave all her attention to the discussion.

"Yes. She sent me this. This is the key to her world. " Esmeralda held out a baby onesie for everyone to see.

Anna May, the Lycan's mate gasped and cried out as if physically hurt. She burrowed her face on Alexander's neck who growled and tightened his hold on her.

"The cloth has Annalisa's scent." His voice was guttural and rough.

"A warning if you don't comply with her ransom demands." The priestess answered in disgust. Her hate for her estranged sister reflected on her face.

"And we will. We will do anything for the pups." Lucas voice out. And everyone else agreed including their seconds-in-command. "We just have to be prepared for what she had in store for us."

"You do know that Ruby is not just a psychotic witch right?" It was Lucifer who voiced it out. His black eyes flashing in disdain. "Even I myself couldn't hold off easily from her advances."

What did he mean by that? Uneasy glances were shared by everyone in the room except for the three sisters.

"What is she?" Mish asked softly. Xavier stiffened by her side.

"Ruby is a succubus, the only daughter of Lilith, who seduced Samael, an Archangel, Esmeralda's father, during his travels in the underworld," Lucifer informed them.

"What is a succubus?" She couldn't stop herself from asking any longer. She needed to know what type of enemy Lucas would be facing.

"Sweetheart," from beside her, he draped his arm on her waist, hugging her to his side.

"Ruby is a half breed demon, a succubus, seducing any man to her bed. She uses them for sex to gain more power. And her victims had no power to resist her." Esmeralda informed them bluntly.

"No one is going to put her hands on my mate. I will be going with Alexander and that's final." Anna May

stood to emphasize her anger and she clenched her hand into fists.

"Baby girl," her mate softly coaxed.

Rie herself was so worried and so revolted at the same time. She couldn't imagine Lucas with another woman. Her stomach recoiled at the thought.

"Shhh, that won't happen, sweetheart. My dragon will burn her if she touches me." He murmured on her temple. Lightly touching his lips to her skin.

"I will go with you." She declared.

"Me, too." Mish seconded.

"No, beloved. It won't be safe." Xavier answered. His ice-blue eyes piercing hers in a warning.

"You can't tell me what to do. You're my beloved, I am your equal." Mish shocked everyone with her commanding attitude. It was the first time seeing her so confident. The vampire king actually smiled down at her indulgently.

"A cloaking spell," Esmeralda murmured. Almost to herself.

"What did you say?" Alexander asked. Still displeased with the idea of his Anna May going with him.

"The four of you will need to travel to her realm. Of course, I am going with you. And your queens, too. But we will be hidden by a cloaking spell. One Ruby had never suspected before. Your seconds will also be disguised. I know my sister. She will be ready with an army and yours would be obviously waiting at the edge of her property, so only I, your mates, and your seconds can provide you assistance while you are inside." Esme outlined her plans. She really wanted to get her hands on her evil sister and kill her once and for all.

"We don't want our queens in danger." Xavier opposed.

"They are stronger than you think." Clucking her tongue, the witch answered. Glaring at the men. All the women were on her side.

"Remember, Luc, I am your dragon's heart. You will need me." Rie stated flatly. She wouldn't be denied.

"Goddess, Rie." He looked away and ran his fingers through his hair impatiently. His jaw clenched.

To either of her sides, the lycan, and vampire couples were also occupied on a heated debate.

Anna Marie was confident she and her sisters will win. Her gaze collided with Lucifer's and he had a smirk on his lips. She rolled her eyes.

"We do not have time to spare! Our pups need us! I want my babies back. So please, I beg you..." The Lycan queen, on brink of losing her control, said in a guttural tone. Voice shaky and tinged with unshed tears. She was trembling where she stood. Her mate went to her to comfort her.

Absolute silence reigned in the room.

"Please, Luc," Rie beseeched, cupping his face. "I'm worried sick, too. I can't imagine what I would do if it's our children. I'd go crazy as well."

He kept looking at her, devoid of any expression. Beyond his tough exterior, she knew better. Then his hazel eyes softened. "Fucking fine! But you will do exactly what I tell you. Promise me, Anna Marie."

Lucas had rarely called her by her first name. In fact, this might be the first time. She nodded. Eyes sober. She was not a fool.

Looking around her, every couple had reached a general consensus as well.

"This will be fun," Lucifer uttered dryly. Dark eyes filled with anticipation.

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