The Real You Read online

  Mitch’s eyes turned from hazel to emerald in no more than a nanosecond. And Claude knew what was about to come out of his mouth. “Well, they can all kiss my ass. I’m here to stay, and there is nothing they can do about it. My family has bonded, and I’m here to tell you, it can never be undone.”

  Murtagh sighed dramatically. “Didn’t I just tell you all to play nice? I meant the four of you. Whatever you do, don’t do anything stupid that will result in the guild deciding to break the bond you all have.”

  “They can’t,” Remi stated confidently. “Demon-binding trumps anything they can do. They can try, but nothing will work. If they don’t believe me, they need to go back and read the guild laws. It says, ‘a bonded demon does so for life and death. The bonded ones will remain together forever, in each and every life time, no matter what species they mate with.’ I may have been out of action for a few years, but I’m positive that’s one law that will never change.”

  Claudius prayed with everything in him that Remi knew what he was talking about. As much as he and Isiah tried to remain under the guild’s radar, he had also known for a very long time that Daven and Eric had been put in place to watch over them. At first, he and Isiah had despised the fact they weren’t allowed to live their lives unseen. All these centuries later, they had become close friends with their watchers, even though he knew Daven still reported to the guild. Eric was more like them, and shunned the guild completely. They all pretended Daven wasn’t a member.

  “Are you okay?” Isiah asked softly as he stepped near.

  With a nod, Claudius answered, “I was only wishing we could do as Mitch suggested and stay home. I don’t want to put our love on display for the rest of the world to see. Our private lives should be our own concern, instead of being viewing matter for everyone else.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. If they start to piss us off, we’ll sic Mitch and Remi on them.”

  Even though he knew Isiah was joking, Claudius also understood without a doubt that both Mitch and his inner demon wouldn’t take any shit from anyone. Putting a sincere smile on his face, Claudius took Isiah’s hand in his own as they walked outside and got into the car. He left locking up the house to Daven. As of right now, he had two men to show off.

  “Is this place far away?” Mitch asked as he sat on the other side of Isiah.

  “Not too far,” Isiah answered. “We could have walked, but I bet they thought we’d do a runner or something. This way they’re assured we’ll make it to our intended destination.”

  “Are we all set?” Daven asked.

  When he and Murtagh sat opposite them in the car, Daven continued, “I hope the food is better than the last one of these events we had to go to. I don’t understand why they always have to serve fish and chicken. As rich as they are, you’d think they’d throw a bit of steak our way every once in a while.”

  Murtagh chuckled. “Quit complaining. At least we don’t have to cook for ourselves. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find the love of your life at the dance. Or even a lover for tonight.”

  “Do you honestly think Princess Telarah is going to allow me to find someone like that? I swear to God, that woman has my whole life planned out for me. She’s only a distant cousin for Christ’s sake, and she acts like she’s my mother. I think she forgets I’m actually older than she is by a good fifty years.”

  Mitch inhaled sharply. “Are you telling me you’re a freaking prince?”

  “I’m not a prince, and no one is going to force that mantle on me. I’m just Daven, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s going to stay that way.”

  “Admit it, being a prince has its perks.” Claudius paused for a moment. “The princess is happy to get you anything you want. Ask for it, and it’s yours for the taking.”

  Daven sighed. “The problem is that I never ask for anything, and she still keeps interfering in my life. No matter how many times I send gifts back, they still keep coming.”

  “Better she treats you like she does than how everyone treats me and Isiah. I’d take—” Claudius froze as he realized what he’d revealed. Grimacing, he went on, “I don’t suppose you could all forget what I just said?”

  Murtagh frowned. “How are people treating you? If you are being treated poorly, it’s all news to the guild. I haven’t heard even a whisper about what’s going on, and guild members have a tendency to gossip more than old human people.” Murtagh turned to Daven. “Why haven’t you said anything at our monthly meetings?”

  “This is the first I’m hearing about it,” Daven answered and stared at Claudius, as if wanting clarification.

  “It’s nothing,” Claudius said. He didn’t want to make a big deal out of this. He wanted to be able to go back a few minutes and keep the words from being said in the first place. He should have known this would only open a can of worms.

  “People are disgusting,” Isiah announced. “When they’re not drooling over us, because they think we’re twins who are having sex, they treat us like garbage because of our relationship. This is why we usually stay at home. It’s safer that way.”

  They never got to discuss the matter further, because the car came to a stop in an underground parking garage, then the doorman was opening the car for them all to exit. The man’s eyes widened as he took in how close Claudius was standing to Mitch and Isiah. This was the first test of the night, and Claudius wasn’t going to let the others get to him. As Eric would have said, he was about to pull up his big boy panties and face the world by pretending they couldn’t hurt him. Yeah, that should work—not!

  * * * *

  Mitch froze the moment the elevator doors opened and they stepped out into a lavishly decorated room. Maybe it was his imagination, but it felt like every set of eyes turned to them, and all conversation instantly died. Fear had no place in tonight’s event. Earlier, Mitch had decided he was going to do nothing, which would give people the wrong impression. Mainly thinking he only cared for one of his men and not the other. Taking a deep breath, he took Claudius’ and Isiah’s hands in his. They stood and waited while someone announced them. One step at a time. Mitch wasn’t sure if his bravery was his own or Remi’s. Two steps. More than likely it was all Remi’s doing. Three steps. Right now Mitch couldn’t be more pleased. Four steps. Inside his mind, Remi thrummed in approval. And now they stood in the room.

  “Keep your eyes open. I sense someone here has ill intent toward our men. I can’t pinpoint where it’s coming from, but I can taste the malice, ” Remi whispered.

  At the message Remi had shared with him, icy tendrils ghosted the length of Mitch’s spine. Right then, he knew he wasn’t going to let either of his men out of his sight for one second. They wouldn’t even be able to take a piss without Mitch being there to watch their backs.

  Movement across the room caught his attention and he smiled. He led Claudius and Isiah over to where Eric was waving crazily at them. The person sitting beside Eric didn’t seem to be impressed by the company they were about to receive, and Mitch had to wonder if he was one of the people who had gone out of their way to treat Claudius and Isiah like crap. The sneer on his face all but proved Mitch’s suspicions.

  “Do they have to sit with us? Their taint will pass on to us. I for one don’t want to be shunned because of who I’m forced to share a table with.” Even though the words were spat in bigotry and hatred, his eyes told a whole other story. What the hell is wrong with this guy?

  By the look on Eric’s face, Mitch knew he hadn’t been aware of his date’s feelings. “What the hell are you talking about? Since when have you felt this way?”

  “Everybody believes the same as I do. Why do you think no one stepped in after their day warden walked out on them? Hell, if their day warden couldn’t stand them, why the rest of us should be forced to put up with them, I don’t know,” the man growled

  Mitch tightened his grip on Claudius and Isiah, and the burning in his eyes let him know Remi was making his presence known. “I’ve got this, love.”
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  Remi didn’t hold back his anger as he snarled, “Lucky for us your narrow-minded opinion doesn’t count. And for the record, Claudius and Isiah don’t have a day warden, they have two. Two entirely different entities who won’t even blink at ripping your balls off and shoving them down your throat. You ever come near our men, ever look at them funny, or talk to them with anything but respect, we will come after you.” Turning to Eric, he continued, “If I were you, I’d cut this dickhead loose. You deserve someone better to hang out with. He’s liable to bring you down if you don’t.”

  Before Mitch could add his own thoughts to the jerkoff, Remi had them turning and heading back across the room to where Daven and Murtagh were standing. The two men were talking with a stunningly beautiful young woman. By the look of exasperation on Daven’s face, Mitch could only assume the woman standing with them was Princess Telarah.

  “Claudius, Isiah and Mitch, I’d like to introduce you to Princess Telarah Emelgreen.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” they all murmured, and gave her a slight bow.

  The princess studied them intently for a moment then said, “The pleasure is all mine. My dear cousin has told me so much about you that I already consider us old friends.”

  Daven and Murtagh stared at her, and Mitch got the feeling her announcement was not something she’d usually hand out.

  Daven seemed to recover first. “I was just telling Telarah how you found true release.”

  “You talked about our sex life?” Mitch’s body heated in embarrassment at having their private lives so openly discussed. Both Claudius and Isiah frowned then growled at Daven, who only held his hands up in defense. Mitch took a deep breath and continued. “So, then it’s okay if I decide to start discussing your private life in public. I guess you won’t have a problem with that at all, will you?”

  “It wasn’t like that.” Daven seemed to backtrack. “She made me do it. Telarah can…she has a way of…”

  Princess Telarah giggled as Murtagh explained, “What my friend Daven is trying to say, is that Telarah could worm anything out of a person. It’s her special magic where people have a tendency to spill their secrets, or anyone else’s secrets, to her.” Murtagh grinned at Princess Telarah. “I can tell you this because Lara and I grew up together and she is one of my best friends.”

  “There are no secrets among friends, silly. If you can’t tell your friend something, then who can you trust?” Princess Telarah winked at them.

  Not long afterward, Eric joined them and he didn’t look happy at all. “Is your date not going well?” Murtagh asked coyly.

  “He’s not my date. And after tonight, I don’t think he’s even my friend anymore. I don’t understand bigotry in any form,” Eric growled. “Usually, he’s not like that.”

  “You’re better off without him,” Mitch stated. He squeezed his friend’s shoulder, offering comfort.

  Eric smirked. “Actually, I think he’s a little scared of Remi. I don’t think he quite knows what to make of him.”

  “Who’s Remi?” the princess asked curiously.

  “I’m Remi,” Remi answered through Mitch. “You already know me, Lara. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already. How could you forget Paris and all the trouble we caused?”

  “Remi? What the hell are you doing inhabiting Mitch?” The princess paled. “Tell me who slew you so I know who I have to kill!”

  Remi chuckled venomously. “That’s my girl. Not to fear, precious. The ass who killed me is already dead. If I was ceasing to exist, then so was he.”

  “Who was it?” she demanded.

  “Jordan St. James. He wanted my power. Instead, I took his, and now young Mitch has it all.” To the others, he said, “We’ll discuss said powers later, because once people know Claude and Isiah have mated, and that I’m still alive—well, kind of—they will be coming for us. Some paranormal species don’t like change, and as of last night, we’ve opened a big old can of whoop-ass on the world.”

  Isiah was the first to speak. “And when they come, we’ll be ready. We just found Mitch. There’s no way we are letting the world end anytime soon.”

  “Tonight we dance. Tomorrow—if necessary—we prepare to take on anything that stands in our way,” Claudius said.

  “Count me in,” Telarah said. “We’re family, and I protect my family. But you are right. Tonight we need to paste on our happy faces and figure out who, if any, are our friends.”

  “I think we can count out Eric’s date. Who is he anyway?” Mitch asked.

  Eric frowned. “Adrian St. James.” Turning to Mitch, he asked, “I wonder if he’s related to the guy who killed Remi?”

  “That would be our bloody luck,” Mitch snorted.

  Remi added his own two cents worth, “I knew there was a reason I didn’t like the dickhead. All I can say is he’d better watch himself.”

  Not that Mitch was defending the guy. “There was something off about the way he was acting. It was like his eyes and words didn’t match. I know it sounds idiotic, but it’s what I sensed.”

  “Okay.” Princess Telarah clapped her hands. “Stop the negativity. I say we show these old fogies how to have a good time. Then tomorrow, we can rendezvous and plan for what’s to come. We can also deal with young Mr. St. James then, if need be.”

  Mitch shuddered at what could possibly be heading their way. Deep inside, he wondered if, at some point, they could contact Gabriel and get him to call a truce and join them for a while.

  “Yeah, cause that bastard’s as sneaky as hell,” Remi agreed.

  “I say we divide and conquer. You guys take one side of the room and we’ll meet in the middle.” Mitch frowned. “The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get out of here. I, for one, have had enough bullshit for one night, and, sadly, the party hasn’t even really started.”

  “Do we have to?” Eric complained.

  Mitch chuckled. “Yes, and just for that, you can stick with my guys and keep them safe from your date. Tagh, Princess Telarah and Daven can go suss out the guild to see what’s happening. I’m going to mingle and watch the crowd for a bit.”

  As they all split up, Mitch tried to find a quiet point from which to watch the crowd. More importantly, he knew Gabriel was here and Mitch wanted to talk to him without Claudius and Isiah present.

  Chapter Ten

  “How did we get roped into this again?” Eric asked.

  Isiah stood calmly beside Claudius and Eric. They were being introduced to many of the guests. The next person in line had stepped up to offer a heartfelt—and all too fake—welcome. Unease ran through him. “We need to go. Something’s happening to Mitch and Remi.”

  Isiah didn’t wait for an answer, he grabbed Claudius by the hand and hauled him headlong through the crowd toward where the restrooms were situated. Halfway there, all hell broke loose. The very second darkness descended upon the room, screams rent the air. Isiah didn’t have time to stop and help reassure people everything was okay. Mitch and Remi needed them.

  After rushing through a doorway leading into the hall, they came to a halt at the sight in front of them. Mitch was facing off against the idiot, Adrian, and some other people. Gabriel was right there fighting alongside Mitch and kept throwing punches while protecting their mate. Gabriel grunted as a fist connected with his face. Blood hit the floor when he spat. Without hesitation, Isiah and Claude jumped into the fray. If these fools thought they were going to win, they had another think coming. He started punching anyone who was stupid enough to get in his way. All he knew for certain was that he needed to help Mitch and Remi.

  Dirt covered the corridor floor from the overturned potted plants, the greenery scattered and trampled, and still everyone fought on. The confusion still going on in the main room drowned out their own fight. Isiah dove to the side and tackled the man closest to him. Luckily, they were all fighting with their bare hands, as weapons had not been permitted at the dinner.

  Isiah fell to the side in pain. He saw sta
rs when one of Adrian’s buddy’s fists connected with the side of his head. He stared at the hand offered to him for a moment. Grudgingly, he allowed Gabriel to help him to his feet. There was something different about their first day warden, but now was not the time to find answers. He roughly shoved Gabriel aside as he launched himself at the enemy again.

  “What the hell is going on?” Daven roared as he stepped into the hall.

  “What does it look like?” Eric retorted. “We’re getting our asses kicked. Are you gonna help, or just stand there looking all menacing?”

  Isiah threw another punch at one of Adrian’s men. “It’s time for fists, not words.”

  The brawl came to an instant stop when Princess Telarah swore like a sailor and threw her arms out, freezing everyone on the spot. “Adrian, what possessed you to attack the guest of honor of tonight’s banquet?” She soon turned her fury soon on the others. “Why would you jeopardize your existence by attempting to murder the one person deemed off-limits by the guild? Why have you fought the prophesied ones? Are you so stupid to think you’ll get away unharmed? Not only that, but your actions have destroyed one of our gathering places. Who’s going to pay for all of this to be set back to rights?”

  Isiah glared at the princess. “Release me. I need to see if Mitch and Remi are hurt.”

  Princess Telarah only released them once Adrian and his friends had been taken into custody. When the guild tried to arrest Gabriel, Mitch stopped them, and Isiah couldn’t have been more shocked.

  Mitch shook his head and said, “Gabriel had nothing to do with what happened. In fact, he probably helped save our lives.”

  Isiah couldn’t wait for them to find somewhere more private. He pulled his mates into his arms for a much-needed hug. Stepping back, Isiah concentrated on running his hands over every inch of Mitch’s body to make sure there was nothing wrong. Aside from a few bruises and torn clothing, he seemed okay. Only then did he turn his attention to his cousin. “Why are you here, Gabe?”