Blood Ties (Blood Lust Sequel)--COMPLETED

Chapter Three: Warning

Aiden hobbled close behind as I made my way down to the dock. We descended the stone steps, walked through the pretty silver gate, and trudged down the wooded path that led to the shore. Per usual, Nero was there--naked--with a towel thrown casually over his shoulder.

You'd think with as many times as I had seen him naked I'd be used to it by now. But no. His nudity still caught me off guard. And it apparently had the same disarming effect on Aiden.

"Oh, shit!" Aiden winced at the sight of Nero's huge manhood, shielding his eyes. "Cover that thing up before it reaches out and bites someone."

Okay, so maybe the effect wasn't quite the same for him as it was for me. Where Aiden was relieved when Nero wrapped his towel around his waist, I was disappointed. But it was for the best.

"What are you guys doing here?" Nero huffed, amethyst eyes shifting to look me up and down. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, Audrey. I just have my hands full at the moment."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to intrude." I began, sincere. "I only came to make sure Aiden didn't hurt himself."

That was mostly true. Aiden was still having a bit of trouble with his knees, and I really was worried he'd worsen his injuries if I hadn't came along. However, like Aiden, I was also curious about Lucius' "progeny". So much so that I didn't object when he had suggested we go to the shore to investigate.

"And I came to greet Lucius' child." Aiden said with an impish grin. "So, where is the little rugrat?"

Just then, a sharp gasp sounded behind Nero. Our heads snapped in the direction of the sound, which was quickly turning into a gurgling sort of cough. Before anyone else could move though, a dark blur whizzed by us and headed for the noise.

Lucius came into focus as he knelt next to a slender form that was on all fours. He gently patted her back as she vomited water, moving his hand when she was finally able to sit up.

"Oh," Aiden's voice abruptly shifted to a mixture of boredom and disappointment. "It's just Simone."

"Nice to see you, too, Aiden." She choked out.

"Simone," Lucius spoke softly, ignoring the exchange. "Are you alright?"

"Aye, Sire." She nodded, still coughing. "Just got caught up in a rip current is all."

Simone?

Why did that name sound familiar?

Too blown away by the woman next to Lucius to speak, all I could do was watch their interactions. Simone was lean, with rich cocoa skin, a pointed chin, and spiky platinum hair. She looked edgy, beautiful--even soaking wet with gritty dirt sticking to her knees and palms.

"What are you doing here?" Lucius asked her.

"I came to warn the queen." Simone cleared her throat, adding, "The AOD found my compound in Quebec...and they may be on their way here."

My heart dropped.

The AOD.

The vicious group of mercenaries my mother left to be with my father.

The very group Gabriel tried so desperately to protect me from my whole life. 

Holy shit!

Lucius' onyx eyes instantly found mine, fearful and angry, before he spoke again. "How long before they arrive?"

Simone followed his gaze to land on me solemnly. "Nightfall. Maybe sooner."

Nero and Aiden inched closer to me, with Aiden taking me by the hand. "You said they may be heading this way, right?" He asked, giving my hand a light squeeze. "So there's a chance they might not show up at all."