5. Malek

CHAPTER FIVE

MALEK

I sat in my study; in the same leather recliner I'd sat in over a thousand times. But, for the first time in a decade, I was home. This palace was now home, only because ‘she' was here. Sunny.

"It's too bright. Can you close the blinds?" Jeffrey squawked before flying over and perching on my knee.

"You've got it, Pal." I scooped up my familiar in the cup of my hands. Leaving him on my arm rest, I got up and closed the blinds, blocking out the sun.

Jeffrey, a large black raven, was now harder to see in the dim study.

"You'd better get comfy, Jeff. It's almost the 8am guard change. I'll be synced in for longer this time."

Picking Jeffrey up off the arm rest, I placed him on the wooden bird stand beside the recliner. He pecked my arm lightly, trying to get my attention.

"Do you have to do this today? I don't like it when you go in there." He gave three flightless flaps, ruffling his glossy feathers.

I fell into the recliner, summoning my power .

"It's a beautiful day. Why not go into town and talk to your people instead?" Jeffrey said.

"No. I'm working." I got comfortable and closed my eyes.

"This is why I'm your only friend." He squawked, flapping his wings, flying a few feet in the air before returning to his stand.

"I don't need more friends. I have you, Ferina and now Sunny is here. My circle is complete."

"A bride is not a friend, neither is your sister," he complained.

My energy swelled; and my connection to the ‘unconscious zone' strengthened. Like a master pulling a puppet's string, I entered the body of a wolf named David from the Fingerwood wolf pack.

A picture came into view, deep in my mind's eye as my vision synced with his eyes. I assumed full control of his body and tested the strength of the connection by doing a few jumping jacks.

His legs moved in and out as his arms waved up and down. Everything was working perfectly. I was in the woods just outside the alpha's cabin. I'd instructed David to be here when I synced with him, and he wisely obeyed.

David made a deal with me a year ago, and in exchange for all the wealth he could ever want, David gave me secrets on his pack and allowed me to use his body to spy on his alpha for a few hours every week.

Two heavily armed beta wolves stood guard at the door of their alpha's cabin. It was a grand structure, a four-story tall wooden fortress skirted by trees and shrubs.

The alpha opened the door, briefcase in hand. He saluted his betas before following them into the car that was parked out front. One of the guards drove and the other rode shotgun as the alpha sat in the backseat.

They drove away, heading towards the nearby town.

For the next few minutes, the alpha wolf's cabin would be completely unguarded. I've been watching his movements for days. The replacement guards usually arrived ten to fifteen minutes after the alpha left. Now was the perfect time to strike.

Checking that the coast was clear, I sprinted to the front door and tried the knob. It was locked, so I kicked the door. Had I tried this in my own body, it would have been done with a single blow. But in David's much smaller one, it took six kicks before the door fell.

I cautiously entered. When no alarm sounded, I ran through the hallway that connected all the rooms on the bottom floor. Downstairs, I only found the bedroom, so I flew up the stairs and checked all the rooms until I finally found just what I was looking for.

Every alpha wolf's home had a situation room, and I'd just found it. This was where Fingerwood discussed matters of pack security with his most trusted advisers. He held one of the largest packs in the southern United States, presiding over seven thousand shifters. So he had to spend a considerable amount of time here, planning how to keep me at bay.

So far, he's been successful. With other packs, I'd infiltrated and toppled their leadership in mere days. But Fingerwood was smart. He kept a tight circle and guarded his secrets well. It took me months just to find out where he lived, as very few people were privy to that information.

The big oval table in the center of the situation room was bare, but the south-facing wall was covered by a map depicting the entire Fingerwood territory.

This was what I came for. I had no idea the full shape or size of the territory held by Fingerwood. Without an understanding of his borders and what protected them, a ground assault with my armies would be futile.

He had thousands of highly skilled young wolves in his army, primed and ready to fight me when I'd invade. Hitting them where they least expected and overwhelming them before they even knew what hit them was key to my victory.

I took a mental picture of the map, paying closest attention to the borders .

Fingerwood's territory is a peapod shaped garrison, much larger than I thought with beta and sentinel stations at strategic locations in the forest that surrounded their territories. They even had manned guard towers spread out every couple miles to make spotting intruders easier.

I kept searching until I saw it to the southeast, one weak link in an otherwise impeccably strong chain. The Nagara River runs through the area and is famously teaming with the aggressive and seriously endangered spikebacked crocodile.

There were almost no guards stationed near the river. If I sent a few men in, armed with tranquilizer guns, we could use the river as a gateway and swarm the place before they even knew what was happening. By the time they responded, it would be too late.

A few grunts and the pounding of boots hitting wood let me know I'd been discovered. "Stay where you are and surrender yourself for arrest. We have the cabin surrounded." A voice barked from down the hallway.

A tear gas can flew down the hallway, a white mist spewing into the passage and situation room.

I slammed the door shut, barricading it with a chair.

I took one last look at the map, burning the image in my mind's eye before surrendering control of David's body back over to him.

I felt David's confusion as he regained control of his body and heard the voices barking orders angrily. The channel between David and I broke, and my consciousness made a swift retreat to my body that laid in my study.

My eyes drew open to the sight of my disgruntled familiar pecking my check.

"Are you done yet? You, done?" Jeffrey flapped wildly.

"Yes, I'm done." I seized him with both hands and returned him to his perch.

Swinging my legs over the side of the chair, I leaned forward, cupping my hands .

"How did it go?"

"I achieved my mission. Everything went perfectly except…" I rubbed my head.

"Except?" he flew onto my knee.

"Pretty sure David's been arrested," I replied.

This was my greatest power. Whenever someone had a wish they wanted granted, all they needed to do is ask me and it was theirs. But, in return, their soul was mine. That meant their body was mine to control if and when I needed it. Unless otherwise agreed, that was usually the deal.

"What did this ‘David' wish for?" Jeffrey flew to my shoulder.

"Money."

"Seriously?" Jeffrey's claws dug into my shoulder as if he was angry I granted such a frivolous wish.

"Money is very important to shifters. It can fulfill anything their heart desires. He can have all the property he wants, travel anywhere he wants, and enjoy anything he wants." I tilted my head to the side to meet his gaze.

"And how will he enjoy any of that money now that they've arrested him?"

"That's the price you pay for dealing with demons. David is in his fifties. He should be wise enough to know Faustian bargains almost always come with a catch. He knew the risks, but his prize was worth it for him. If he is smart, he will use his wealth to get himself out of this jam." I got up and went into the bathroom, turning on the faucet and splashing some water on my face.

A little bit of water got on Jeffrey, and he gave an annoyed squawk.

"That's why I tried to get you to stay on your stand." I playfully splashed him with a few more drops on purpose.

"Can you blame me for not wanting you out of my sight? If you keep making so many enemies, it won't be long before someone sends their own spies here, or even their assassins!" Jeffrey nicked my ear and I growled at him.

Taking a towel from the rack, I left the sink and strolled back into the study.

"Your anxiety is getting out of hand again, Jeff. Have you been taking the Lexapram the doctors gave you?" I rubbed the soft towel over my face.

"I don't need pills! I need you to be safe. Why is all out war even necessary? Why not just continue as you have been?" He squawked.

"The covert approach is messy. So far, all I've done is use my spies on the inside to take out alphas and their strongest betas. Then the leaderless packs would panic, running around like chickens with their heads cut off. At that point, they surrendered to me without a fight, coming under my flag. Because with no alpha they knew they had no chance. But this method is slow. I've only gained a couple of new packs this year. There are hundreds more. Not to mention the humans and mages," I said.

"But you got four packs and three mage settlements last year ," Jeffrey argued. "Is that not enough?"

"Don't you see? I'm going too slowly." I exclaimed. "I have to bring the fight to the shifters, mages, and even the humans head on, defeating their forces in battle. Only then will they all follow me."

"What about the casualties? What about all the shifters and mages you're pissing off?" He spread one wing out as far as it would go, a move he often did when agitated.

"Relax, Jeffrey." I petted him trying to calm him. "The faster I am Supreme Emperor of all beings, the world will be a vastly safer place. There will be no more random acts of violence, senseless killings or unnecessary pain or hardship. My plans will lead to more saved lives in the long run."

I sat him down on his perch and repeatedly petted him from his small round head to the tips of his wings. He squealed, flapping his wings violently and continued arguing.

I'd already played this out a million times in my head. The minute I had Sunny safely with me, I would initiate my war plans. I had to wait until she was safely with me to make sure she didn't get hurt.

This world wasn't safe. It isn't good enough for someone as pure and good as my Sunny. She deserved to live in a utopia of a world and that was exactly what I'd give her.

I poked a claw into the blinds, pulling a few of them down and peered out into the sun-drenched garden. It was a beautiful day, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming. She had to be awake by now. I should go to her and show her all the flowers I planted for her.

As if she could read my mind, Sunny appeared at the corner of my eye, marching across the garden in a series of wide gaited strides.

She was a vision. The way the sun hit her shiny emerald green hair made my tensest muscles relax, softening them to jelly. Her ample curves were worthy of devotion, her full red lips demanded a kiss. From head to toe, my beauty was a creature of graceful perfection. She was everything I'd dreamed of and more.

"Sunny's awake." I beamed at Jeffrey. "What should I do with her today? Should I take her shopping? The theme park? A picnic in the forest? How should I show her my love?"

"You haven't answered any of my questions. Did you see the letters from the human president? They're piling up and you haven't opened a single one. It could be something important." Jeffrey moaned.

"I won't stop until her heart is mine." My eyes followed her as she left the gardens and stepped into the driveway. "But how do I make myself worthy of someone so pure?"

"Are you listening to me?" Jeffrey flew over and perched on my left horn.

He flapped vigorously as if he were trying to lift me off the ground.

"Isn't it mating season for crows yet? Last year it started around this time." I plucked him from my horn and nested him between my palms.

He looked up at me with doe eyes. "How am I supposed to enjoy mating season until I know you're alright? Just because you're big and scary to others doesn't mean a thing to me. I know how vulnerable you are."

"I'm fine, Jeffrey! I've never been happier. Now come, you shouldn't keep your consorts waiting." I scurried out the office door as Jeffrey flapped wildly.

"Wait, if you take me to my concubines now, they'll seduce me for the entire mating season. They won't let me leave them for days, maybe even weeks! Who's going to watch over you?"

That was the point. I loved my familiar, but I didn't want anyone watching over me right now. I wanted as much alone time with Sunny as possible. My overprotective familiar had glued himself to my shoulder 24/7 since I started receiving threats in the mail a few weeks ago.

"Come on, mating season only comes once a year. You deserve your fun." I opened the double doors at the end of the hall. Hundreds of glossy black wings fluttered in delight as I brought Jeffrey inside.

His harem of exactly one hundred and fifty female ravens set off from their golden perches flying for Jeffrey all at once. He was the lone male in the harem, and though the females couldn't speak like Jeffrey, they didn't need words to express their glee. By the speed at which the females torpedoed for their male, it was without a doubt the height of raven mating season.

"Ladies, please calm down. Not all at once. There's plenty of me to go around." Jeffrey sputtered nervously. Three females snatched him from my grasp and tackled him to the ground, pecking him softly in what seems like the raven version of kisses.

Jeffrey quickly regained his footing, standing tall in a show of dominance over his consorts. This move calmed them as they settled on the floor in front of Jeffrey, lowering their wings and waiting for his instruction.

The spirit of mating season seemed to have taken Jeffrey as he hopped on his left leg five times, then switched to his right for another five hops. He threw his left wing skyward, working himself to the right in a matching dance that seemed to entrance the females.

He was like a showman, putting on the performance of his life for scores of adoring fans. Slave to the pull of love and desire, Jeffrey had completely forgotten I was even here. Feeling the very same pull tugging at me, now was the perfect time to go see Sunny.

I left the room and went outside to meet Sunny where I'd last seen her in the courtyard.

She had left the courtyard and ventured north towards the driveway. Her back was turned to me, so she didn't seem to notice I was there as she picked up one of the larger rocks that were scattered on either side of the driveway.

With both hands, she swung the heavy rock back, gathering momentum to launch an apparent attack, but an attack on who?

Tossing the rock with the precision of a discus thrower, she smashed the driver's side window of my jeep with an explosive crash.

Glass shards flitted in all directions and the car alarm suffused the palace grounds in a tumultuous sound.

Wow. She was dauntless and completely unhindered. Like the world was hers to command. Her glorious emerald hair fluttered freely in the wind, like a warrior princess. What a woman she had become .

She reached her full arm through the shattered glass and unlocked it. She swung the heavy door open. Even though she was tiny, and my truck was massive, and custom made to accommodate my height and weight, she confidently climbed into the driver's seat, slamming the door behind her.

Curious, I peeked through the broken window and wordlessly watched my Sunny fidget with live wires, attempting to hotwire my Jeep. Sparks flew, but it didn't bother her one bit. She just kept at it like a tenacious conqueror.

"Has someone vexed you, Dearest One?" I asked, and she jumped, turning to the side and gawking at me in shock.

"No." She breathed, frowning savagely at me.

"Then it seems you've grown quite mischievous. I like it." I smiled at her, but she just kept frowning.

Her sweet lips were so mesmerizing, I couldn't look away. Every atom of my being dared me to break what was left of the car glass between us and steal her sweet lips for myself.

"You know what? I think I've realized something." She dropped her hands to her lap. "The only reason you like me so much is because of your fond childhood memories of me. But news flash, I'm not that child anymore. I'm a grown woman and you have no idea who the adult me even is. The sooner that fantasy bubble you're trapped in pops, the sooner I'm hoping you will change your mind about this senseless war."

My booming laughter spread across the palace grounds.

"Sunny, there is no amount of trouble you could cause me that would ever change the way I feel about you. As a matter of fact, I look forward to getting to know the new versions of ourselves and having fun as we do."

My fist balled tight, I drew back and punched the backseat window, shattering it. Bewildered, Sunny gazed at me, open mouthed.

"Is there anything else you'd like us to do together?" I beamed at her.

"No!" She snapped.

"Well then, in that case, I'm having a picnic prepared for the two of us this afternoon. One with all your old favorite foods." I announced, and one of her brows shot up, her carnivorous expression said she wanted to bite my face off.

"Well, look who's here just in time." I turned to greet my assistant, Sam as he strolled up to the jeep, clipboard in hand.

"Sire, did I hear you say you wanted to confirm the picnic plans for this afternoon?" Sam removed the pen from behind his ear and started to jot down notes.

"Yes. I was just about to call for you. We'll be having the special menu I gave you last night. Also please make sure to bring extra fuzzberry jam. It's my Sunny's favorite."

"I don't even know what fuzzberry jam is," she complained.

"You don't remember, but it was your favorite as a child. Trust me, you're in for a treat," I chirped, and she was visibly displeased.

This didn't discourage me. I know how to make her happy, and knew things about her she'd long forgotten. It wouldn't be long until I made her smile again. I just needed to help her remember little by little, who I am and who we were.

Sunny went quiet for a moment as she fell into what seemed like contemplation.

"Fine," she nodded slowly. "I'll go on your picnic. But only if I get to ask you some questions."

"I've already told you everything. But ask away, I have nothing to hide from you." I gave a confident shrug and the nefarious glint in her eyes gave me pause. What plot was stewing in that beautiful head of hers?

"Ehem, Sire, about that update you requested." Sam interjected pointing his thumb at the patch of green to the left of the driveway.

I politely excused myself from Sunny's presence, and Sam and I strolled several feet away where we were just out of earshot from her.

Sam's head dipped low as he whispered, "I reviewed the security footage and I can now confirm that it was three intruders who attempted to break into the palace grounds last night, not five. And they were in fact the three demi-god alphas in beast form. They were the largest demi-god beasts the officers had ever seen, they only narrowly escaped without casualties."

"And? Did the officers manage to capture them?" I whipped my head back to make sure Sunny hadn't followed us. She was still by the car, only now climbing out.

"They fled our forces and remain at large, but we have every available tracker on the case." Sam flipped through the pages on his clipboard to read from the third one. "The team is led by Glen Williams, one of the most highly decorated soldiers in your army. He's determined and will not fail you, Sire." Sam pointed concerned eyes at Sunny. "In the meantime, you might want to keep an extra close eye on your bride. They will try to make contact with her and take her if given the tiniest opportunity."

Those three demi-gods had held my Sunny captive for five weeks. Those vile monsters killed her parents and dared to call themselves Sunny's fated mates. My bride's mates… As if there were any man in this world more made for my Sunny than me, let alone three.

The idea of them staking a claim on her boiled my blood and darkened my soul. I yearned to show those so-called fated mates why I was the most feared man on earth. For them, there would be no mercy, their punishment would be so ruthless that even my Sunny couldn't bear it. I promised her vengeance, but her heart was too soft for the retribution I had planned.

An evil grin snaked along my cheeks as I contemplated what I would do if I were the demon to confront the demi-gods first.

"Oh, I'm not worried about them trying to take Sunny," I said to Sam. "I'm counting on it."