Jericho Page 19

Rich and hearty, Jericho chuckled. “She's now Queen Annabelle Evergreen Sullivan. True.”

  Lon croaked, “When?”

  “Recently.”

  “Which invokes Jinn law…and enduring protection for your Queen.”

  “Correct.” As King of the Jinn, he had many loyal and faithful subjects who would ever heed his call. His power was formidable as were Jinn numbers. Few to none ever provoked him enough to provide a showing of his power, except for right now. He wanted to shout out to every mind reading wave length and from the fucking rooftop – Your Queen has been chosen.

  But, once Lon left the compound, word would spread fast. Homages and gifts would begin to pour in. As for Abe, she was the safest female in the entire universe. “We haven’t made an official announcement yet.”

  "Ah," Lon nodded, "I take it then that Giaa is unaware."

  "If I have my way, mommy dearest will be the very last to know."

  “Can I at least speak with Annabelle, Abe?”

  “With me present, yes.”

  “There’ll be some delicate questions. Might need you to step away.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Jericho knew if he went upstairs to get Abe he wouldn’t be back down for a while. Maybe a good long while. Only because he wanted Lon gone from the compound did he let out a short sharp whistle.

  His office door opened, Conn popping his head in.

  “Have Fifi or Matty see if Abe’s awake. Lon needs to speak to her.”

  Conn hesitated long enough to tip off Jericho. “I believe she’s in the kitchen, having tae.” Conn didn’t move, but stayed by the door, looking all innocent when he never was.

  Jericho nodded at Conn who slipped out of the room, but left the door wide open. “Lon, I'm reconsidering. I’ll speak to Abe first about your request. She can make her own decision. We’ll let you know her answer.”

  Marklon reached out and grabbed Jericho’s shoulder. “Be fucking careful, my friend. Giaa doesn’t like to be told no.”

  “Always. I hear mommy dearest is a real piece of work.”

  Lon laughed wickedly and vapoured.

  Jericho whistled once, short and sharp, telling Conn he was on his way. It pissed him off that news of his mating would be leaked as Lon would have to share it with the Council of Nine.

  Conn stood at the top of the back stairs off the kitchen and when spying Jericho, he slipped down to the lower level.

  Caleb heard Jericho enter the command center – he was never silent when angry. “She’s crying, boss. I hate it when females cry. Heart breaker.” Cal glanced over his shoulder at Jericho.

  He’d never admit it, but Jericho expected her to be a little upset about his rush to mate her especially since she hadn’t quite agreed before he took her choice away.

  Abe wanted promises he couldn’t keep. Emotions and feelings were not his forte. Some males, yeah, but not him. Yet, it was all too easy to call to mind that sensation of peace when he held her in his arms or when she touched him. A burning urge almost overcame him; he wanted to cuddle her, soothe away her tears, tell her some bullshit about it was going to be all right.

  “Fuck! I didn’t think she’d take it this hard.” He glanced around the room, silent as a tomb.

  Everyone looked at him. Conn with horror and Cal with sheer disbelief.

  "Hey man, don't fucking tell us you asked her to go. Don't wanna hear that, boss." Sadly, Reno shook his head.

  Zulu huffed loudly and inched away.

  Jericho, blue eyes twinkling with mischief asked, "Are you all fucking crazy?"

  Cal shifted around, face serious as hell, he waited. His gut twisted. Fuck it was gonna be bad if Abe had to go. She had become part of their extended family and everyone loved having her around.

  Willing to push buttons since it pissed him off what every one of his team was assuming, Jericho casually shrugged. "You know me, nothing lasts long."

  "Fuck man, this is bad." Reno hung his head. This was one of the rare times when clearly Jericho was making a bad decision – real bad.

  The big Scot held his breath, not believing what was happening. Too many times he'd been present to see the way both Abe and Jericho lit up when they were near each other. Too many times, he'd watched Jericho tend to the lass with consummate care as if she were his biggest treasure.

  Conn eyed Jericho closely, noting one corner of his mouth kept tweaking up. When he shifted, Conn caught the twinkle of mischief in his deep blue eyes.

  Jericho's slow grin ripped onto his face as all eyes landed on him again. "Officially," he pointed at Abe's tear streaked image, "she is my mate. Annabelle Evergreen Sullivan is your Queen."

  It took a few seconds for it to sink in then the command centre exploded with hoots, hollers and whistles with high fives all around.

  Reno yelled, “We gotta celebrate!”

  Conn tilted his chin at one of the wall screens. “Aye, but mebe not right away. Lass needs a bit o time to come to grips it seems.”

  Silence descended, all eyes drawn back to the wall screens. Purposely or not, Cal replicated the one image across six big screens – Abe’s tear streaked face centered in each.

  Everyone waited on Jericho’s next move.

  And they waited.

  Jericho studied Abe, who was calmer now as she wiped away tears before lifting her face to the sky and breathing deeply. Yeah, he’d let her settle. Emotions and females he knew nothing about, so he was gonna step very carefully with his female. “Best to give her a little more time. There’s a lot to take in. Hell, females are – tricky,” he added lamely.

  Conn harrumphed, big arms crossing his chest.

  Reno glared at Jericho who ignored him.

  Zulu huffed, shifting from toe to heel and back again.

  “Shit!” Jericho stormed out, pounding up the back stairs. Taking deep breaths, he calmed down before going outside. He strode across the grass and when Abe looked up it broke his heart. Face tear streaked and eyes swollen, she seemed so lost and alone, confused and frightened.

  He leaped the last few steps and hauled her into his arms, her bare feet dangling off the ground. One hand swept over her hair and down her back. “Don’t cry. You were lost, but now I've found you.” Gently, he smiled as he tilted her head upwards.

  Muddy green eyes, puffy and red, stared back at him. “I’m sorry. I feel very different this morning and the tears just seem to roll. It’s likely a female thing. I can't believe we're...ugh mated...”

  “Is it so bad that I'm your mate?” He tried not to stiffen.

  “No! I feel so weepy. Truly, I’m not normally like this.”

  Hand running down her long blonde curls he tried to soothe her. “Piccola, it’s perfectly natural what you’re experiencing. We’ve taken a big step. Together.”

  Abe ducked her head grateful Jericho assumed it was all about their mating. For her it was more about problems he wasn't aware of – not just Mamam but Daddio too – and how to explain – damn it wasn’t possible. She should've told Jericho sooner, but there never seemed to be a good time. “I know. I just need time to get it together.”

  “Of course,” he swung her into his arms and started back to the house. “I’ll answer all your questions. Okay?”

  She nodded, head turned away from him. Abe felt like she didn't really know him, couldn't really trust him after he rushed her into mating him – okay it was the best sex of her life, but also the only sex of her life.

  She was afraid, in the dark, not really knowing Jericho as she thought she did. Sometimes he was so cold and unemotional it created distance between them. Would he eventually turn cold on her? Who was the real Jericho?

  He hated that she turned away from him and held her tighter. “Myn lykyng?”

  “What does that mean, Jericho?”

  “My mate, my soul. That which brings me pleasure. That which is mine.” Jericho kissed her.

  Briefly, Abe melted in his arms, returning his kiss, but she soon shifted back, breaking away. W
hen she dared look at him, his dark blue eyes rimmed with deep purple were a magnificent combination of colors – hauntingly so. “And piccola?”

  “My little one.”

  “I need to tell Mamam what I’ve done before she hears it from someone else."

  “No Abe, what we’ve done. Are you ready? I’ll be there with you.”

  Abe shook her head. “I’ve got to do this on my own or she’ll assume…you coerced me.”

  “Myn lykyng, I don’t care what she thinks. I am your front fucking line and she'll have to go through me first. We’re mated and we do this together, Abe, or not at all.” Jericho held her close as they entered the back door.

  “Jericho it can’t always be all your way. You don’t know Mamam the way I do. Please put me down.”

  “Myn lykyng, listen to me. You’re under my protection for all time – my mate, my world and my future. Nothing and no one, not even mommy dearest is going to get in my way. I will never leave you at her mercy. Do you hear me? Never, Abe. Your happiness and protection mean everything to me.”

  “Mmhmm." Abe's mood lightened briefly as a giggle slipped out. "Like happy wife, happy life stuff?”

  “You got it, piccola.”

  Conn stood at the stove waiting for the kettle to boil as Rad set out a tea bag next to Abe’s favorite mug.

  Silently, they all agreed no one would mention the biggest news ever – for now.

  Her puffy red-rimmed eyes lit up. “Is that for me?” When Conn winked over his shoulder, she added, “You boys take good care of me. Thanks.”

  Jericho settled her at the kitchen island, hovering close. None of them liked Abe crying. None liked the swollen puffiness around her eyes. And, none liked that her usual sunny personality was nowhere in sight.

  Her mood dipped when she considered what she hadn’t shared with Jericho. She hiccupped and more tears began to fall. Poor Jericho had no idea what he’d gotten into by mating her. For sure it might scare him off. Was that why she never found the opportunity to come clean with him? Ragged breaths caught in her throat, she sobbed louder. Why did she feel so strange – so emotional?

  Jericho grabbed some tissues to dab her face. “Piccola? Please stop crying. It’s breaking my heart.”

  Abe only hiccupped more and sobbed louder. It was a lost battle to stop her tears from rolling and yet she was absolutely thrilled to be Jericho’s mate – he was hers forever. Why did she feel so odd? So different somehow?

  To a male their hearts clenched – it seemed their new Queen was quite unhappy about recent momentous events and that didn't bode well for anyone or the future.

  Conn’s brows were one heavy line of consternation and Zulu actually looked worried, standing very still.

  His elite team were definitely Abe’s champions one way or another. Jericho leaned in and kissed the top of her head, letting her scent play over him.

  Rad was all hard shoulders as he leaned against the counter. Jericho had no doubt he would do nothing to further upset Abe. Rages controlling him in the past were few and far between lately. Full credit went to Abe for that, refusing to accept Rad as only a tortured soul and instead seeking out what lay beneath all the damage, recognizing a male of worth and coaxing him back. She cared about Rad; refused to leave him to that dark place he usually resided. It was a miracle.

  Conn busied back and forth to the fridge for milk, adding a spoon of sugar and stirring vigorously – the spoon clattering loudly as he carried the mug of tea to Abe.

  Dull emerald eyes lifted and all tension, doubt about what Jericho would think once he knew the truth about her family and the whole stumbling into her future blindfolded released in a rush of giggles.

  Soon gut-wrenching laughter tumbled out until it turned to hiccups and her eyes welled up, streaming tears again. With a wide smile through her tears, she croaked, “Nice t-shirt.”

  High on his t-shirt around the neckline was a message in bold white letters with a set of plump bagpipes beside it – Blow me, I'm Scottish.

  Jericho hand signaled Reno to get Cal onto contacting mommy dearest.

  Smiling, Conn placed the steaming mug in front of Abe. “Scotsmen always take a gander in the looking glass of a mornin’.” For effect, he added a slow-mo wink.

  She giggled again, the tension in the room easing further.

  To a male, none had a clue how it was possible for a female to laugh and then cry and then do both at the same time. Yet, they would do anything to keep her laughing and stop the tears.

  Conn was intent on just that.

  Abe giggled again. “I can’t take credit, it’s not one of mine.” A high-pitched twang rounded up mine.

  “Piccola? What does that mean? Not one of yours?” Jericho leaned in, face inches from hers, waiting.

  Abe brushed her lips against his as electricity arced between them. Pulling back, she announced, “Don’t get so close. I can’t help myself.”

  King of the Jinn gaped with delighted surprise. He wanted her upstairs now. His office was closer, but not a good choice. They would likely be loud while he took her over his desk. Would that work for Abe? She was still fresh and tender. He suspected she always would be.

  Images came of the two of them in the shower, him driving into her as she braced against the tile. Up on all fours riding his face. Yeah, he…

  “Jericho, your mouth is hanging open and the candy store is closed for now. When can I speak with Mamam?”

  “Who?” Jericho blurted, snapping back to reality.

  All ears, Reno stood in the dining room doorway. “Mmhmm, my man. That’s some fine candy store you got there.” He signaled Jericho they made contact with mommy dearest.

  A bright red stain flushed her face as Abe ducked her head. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  Rad nodded. “No outs here, that’s what you meant. Own it.”

  With a gentle smile, Conn asked, “So, lass. What do we call ye? Tis a title or two you’ve got up your sleeve I’ll say.”

  One scarred brow shifting high, Rad stared. “How many titles?”

  “Ugh…I’m not into titles really. I hate it when anyone calls me Princess. I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m going to like being called Queen any better." Abe took a deep breath to steady herself. "I uh…I’m also the future Regent of the Earth Family, but only after Mamam goes into the Fade.”

  Without considering, Jericho barked, “Any hope of that happenin’ soon?”

  Abe peered at him. Was he really that cold? That unfeeling? Once again, she was reminded she didn’t know Jericho all that well. “You might be without a heart, but I’m not.”

  Jericho tried to shrug it off. “Sorry, that came out wrong.”

  “Nah,” Abe shook her head. “You own it.”

  Rad chuckled.

  Jericho nodded. “Myn lykyng, your mother is on her way here.”

  Emerald eyes darkened as Abe shrugged. “Better now than never.”

  Near the back door came a blast of white light as Lon appeared on shaky legs, hands spread wide. Bent to the side, he vomited, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, before spitting out, “It’s a trap, she’s gonna snatch your Queen.” With that, Lon vapoured.

  Every member of the team tore into action. Reno and Conn pounding downstairs. Rad prowling the kitchen perimeter, hazel eyes bright and keen, muscles bulging and hands fisted, ready to roll. In seconds, both males were back upstairs, weapons slung over their shoulders and hands full of more.

  He held Abe tightly. “Shields up, Cal.” Jericho waited for the whirr.

  Caleb activated titanium shutters, sliding over all external doors and windows, while locking down the underground garage as layered security systems tripped on.

  Zulu returned from checking for Matty, Elron and Fifi just in case they’d come back to the compound without anyone knowing. In a flash, he stood near Abe, flanking Jericho.

  The tribal warrior didn’t have to worry about weapons. Zulu favored a good spear, but Jericho forbid him to carr
y weapons when they opened the compound. He kept them in his room, at the ready.

  Still, he was steady and sure.

  He knew ways to kill with his hands only taught to males of his tribe.

  Yeah, he was cool.

  CHAPTER 19

  “My office. Lock and load. Let’s move.” Jericho refused to release Abe from his tight clutch – she still didn’t have any damn shoes on. “You bring a vest for Abe?”

  “Yeah and a gun too.” Reno was almost chest to back behind Jericho. Mommy dearest might appear on a whim and he wasn’t taking any chances on this one. Jericho’s office was the best choice. It was a fucking bunker and built for just that purpose.

  They crowded into the large room, Jericho hustling Abe into the chair behind his massive – repaired and reinforced – desk. Feet on the floor, Abe pushed the chair back. “Bear, out.”

  Bear appeared instantly in the alcove next to a row of shuttered windows.

  “Mamam comes. If she gets me, I won’t take you back.”

  Snarling, top lip lifted, incisors as big as a male’s hand climbing down his gums, Bear showed his disapproval by clawing a deep groove in the hardwood floor.

  Panicked that Bear wouldn’t listen, she turned to her mate. “Jericho. He’s my weakness-”

  Abruptly, Abe was hauled upwards, powerful arms crushing her against his massive body, black hair sweeping over her face. “She’s not taking you anywhere, Abe. Over my dead body.”

  Bear whined, brown eyes lowered.

  A winning smile in place to hide her confusion, Abe wondered if Jericho was stupid or powerful.

  “Boss? What we up against?” It was Zulu and he wasn’t shifting around as usual, but stood stone cold still and on point.

  “Abe?”

  “Your weapons won’t work. I’ll keep her focused on me.”

  “Myn lykyng, these human weapons come in handy simply to gain attention. The last tactic that’ll ever be used is your mother focusing on you. I won’t permit it. Remember, Abe, I am who I am. True.”

  Dark emerald eyes stared into his. So much swirled in their depths Jericho couldn’t begin to capture even an iota. He sensed that his mate had already made decisions she hadn’t bothered to fill him in on. Only a true female of worth would or could choose her own path.