Riiight… I know I promised an epilogue for COA… Changed my mind. But here is book 2… You’ll just have to be patient to see what happened to Gabi! Until then, enjoy a little CadexKalin action. It might not be what you expected. Hugs all, SH!

Chapter 1

Months ago, Galamar, capital city of Alaria

Kalin’s sword clashed with that of his second in command. He smirked at Galer and moving his weapon expertly, took him by surprise. The sword flew from the hand of his sparring partner, landing several feet away.

Kalin tensed as he heard a sound of clapping. “Good job there, prince Kalin.” He fought to quench his irritation at the sound of HIS voice. Prince Cade of the Xeetah…

Turning, he smiled, answering as politely as he could. “Thank you, prince Cade. You are most generous.”

The blonde demon laughed, “Please, call me Cade.”

The refusal was on the tip of Kalin’s tongue. But his mother had specifically instructed them on how to treat the demon delegation. If he crossed his mother… He didn’t even want to think about the consequences.

Kalin smiled again, “Thank you, prince… I mean, Cade. You do me a great honor.”

Of course, what he really wanted to say is “Stop stalking me! I already have a mate and I have no interest in sleeping with you!” Kalin wasn’t stupid. He knew what Cade was after, he could see it in the demon’s eyes. But complaisance only went so far. He just hoped Cade would leave him alone, but at the same time he knew he had to be polite for diplomatic purposes.

The prince arched a brow and Kalin knew his act was being transparent, “Well, then can I call you Kalin?”

The purple-haired Alarian assented, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the conversation, “Of course.”

The demon smiled and went to pick up the sword still laying abandoned on the sparring field. “Perhaps one of these days we could spar together?”

Kalin couldn’t help a grin. As much as the demon unnerved him, he was always up for a challenge. Obviously, the blonde didn’t think Kalin had a chance against him.

He brushed his purple hair out of his face, “Of course. I’d like that.”

Cade handed the sword back to Kalin’s second in command. “Well, then, until that day…” He saluted militarily and took off.

When the demon prince was out of sight, Galer said, “He’s a dangerous man, that one.”

Kalin shrugged, “Don’t worry about it! I can handle him!”

The older Alarian frowned, “Just be careful, Commander! Ok?”

Kalin tapped his friend on the shoulder, “Truly, you worry too much. Come on, let’s take a break!”

Galer reluctantly nodded and they exited the sparring field.

Later that night

Kalin woke up a sweaty mess and cursed out loud. He cursed Cade and he cursed himself for having a wet dream about Cade. He passed a hand through his purple locks, taking a deep breath. He hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it, but he was attracted to the golden blonde. There was just something about him, something mysterious Kalin couldn’t quite place. And of course, the fact that he was dead drop gorgeous helped.

Kalin groaned at his own thoughts. At least Dallea didn’t share his room to start questioning him about the hows and the whys. That woman irritated him terribly. It wasn’t even the fact that she wasn’t attractive. She wasn’t ugly, more likely the word for her would have been plain or passable. But it was her personality that made her the bane of Kalin’s existence. Well, the second bane…

Kalin wondered what his mother would think if she knew the thoughts he entertained about the gorgeous first born demon prince. Although same-sex matings were by no means illegal, there was nevertheless a big problem if heirs to the throne decided that they suddenly like males. Of course, this wasn’t the case in the situation of his baby brother.

Kalin suddenly realized how selfish he was being. His problems with Cade and/or Dallea were minor in comparison to what Gabriel had to suffer. Especially now, when this absurd mating was being set into motion. He couldn’t get over the fact that his baby brother was going to be handed over for life to that monster, Lothar.

The Alarian prince rubbed his eyes, feeling exhausted all of the sudden. He knew there was no way he could deal with all this by himself. Smuggling Gabriel out of Alaria might have been an option, but there were only so many he could trust for such a task. He had Orin, Galer and probably his Royal Guard. But even if he did manage to take Gabriel out, where could they go? Where could they go where Leyra and Lothar couldn’t reach them?

It hurt Kalin to realize that all of his warrior expertise and strategy was worth next to nothing in front of his mother’s plotting. The bitch was simply too cunning and had efficiently cut their way out before Kalin had even made the attempt to think about escaping.

And Orin… his poor Orin… It wasn’t his fault for having the gift he had. Nobody but Kalin knew about it, about the way Orin could see into people’s hearts. It was a tricky gift, Orin’s, and a heavy burden. Sometimes, it had caused his little brother to act rashly as a child, only to receive a very harsh punishment from Leyra. And now… Kalin was afraid Orin was slowly dying inside. Because there was only so much a soul could stand.

His two little brothers. Lost in the machinations of the Queen of Alaria. And he was helpless to do anything about it.

But wait… Was he really helpless? Perhaps there was something he could do about it…

Kalin got up from the bed, and as he hastily dressed, a plan was already forming in his mind.

Kalin hesitated in front of Cade’s door. He knew what he had to do… Cade was the only one that could help him. Then why was he so freaked out about it?

In his heart, he knew why. His plan wasn’t by any means the most moral endeavor he’d ever set into motion. But he didn’t have any choice.

Taking a deep breath, the alarian knocked at the door. A few seconds passed with no answer. Kalin knocked again, praying Cade would answer before he lost his nerve.

The demon opened the door and Kalin suppressed the urged to stare. Cade was only half dressed, or rather, he was half nude. He was topless, wearing only the tight leather breeches, which were oh-so-conveniently untied so that Kalin could see the beginning of Cade’s pubic hair.

Kalin swallowed as Cade reclined against the doorway. “Well, well. What a surprise! Hello, Kalin…”

The Alarian suppressed the urge to shudder at the intent he could read in Cade’s voice. He was out of his depth here, he knew. For all his military experience, sexually he was still more or less a novice. He’d had some sexual contact with other males, but nothing of to much import, just getting off on campaigns, more out of the stupid desire to defy his mother than actual lust. It had been a reckless choice, since he’d risked a man’s life on a whim. He’d been lucky that Leyra hadn’t found out.

This time, though, it was very different. He was willingly entering the den of a predator. And he knew that if there was going to be something between them, Cade would most definitely not be the one to bottom.

Kalin fought the surge of panic pooling in his stomach. He’d decided on the way that there was no point in trying to manipulate the demon. He’d just go out and say it outright. At any rate, he was most likely to nervous to create a convincing deception. His only card was that Cade wanted him. Of that he was certain. He’d play this card, this last card, to get his brothers out of the hell hole that was Alaria.

“Hello, Cade. I needed to speak to you about an issue. Do you have a moment?” Kalin congratulated himself because his voice didn’t tremble as he spoke.

Cade smiled, a dangerous spark in his eyes, but Kalin didn’t back down. “Of course, Kalin. As many as you need…” He purred, gesturing for Kalin to enter his room.

Decidedly, Kalin stepped inside the demon’s chamber. This was his last chance. And he was going to make it work! No matter what!

Cade couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in the mind of the oldest Alarian prince. For certain, he knew the gorgeous purple-haired youth was attracted to him. But he hadn’t expected Kalin to go down without a fight. And he most definitely hadn’t expected Kalin to knock at his door in the middle of the night.

Sadly, despite the fact that he was quite enthused with Kalin’s arrival, Cade had to admit that he doubted the Alarian had in mind a spontaneous bout of lovemaking. In spite of the obvious way Kalin had admired his body, he was fairly certain there was something different on the mind of his victim.

In confirmation of his suspicion, Kalin entered the room, looking around warily. His violet eyes were suspicious and betrayed his nervousness. Cade wondered what could be so important so as to push Kalin into something he obviously had no desire of doing.

That thought, that Kalin might not desire being with him, suddenly unnerved him greatly. But, no! The Alarian wanted him, he was certain of this. He was just too proud to admit it. Cade could work on that. He was patient enough and he would wait if he had to. The reward would be that much sweeter.

Kalin took a deep breath, as if bracing himself for something. Then he turned towards the demon and looked him straight in the eye. “I’ll be blunt. We’re both adults here, there’s no point going around the topic.”

Cade arched a brow, but said nothing, since it was obviously not expected of him. Kalin took his silence as permission to continue. “I know what you want of me and I am willing to give it to you, in exchange for something.”

For the first time in his life, Cade felt perplexed. He fought to keep the shock of his face. Arching a brow, he inquired, “Oh? And what would that be?”

Kalin hesitated for a minute then said, “Haven. For Gabriel and Orin.”

Cade pondered Kalin’s response for a second. There was something deeply wrong going on here in Alaria. He hadn’t come here to get involved in family dramas, but there was nothing for it now. Lucien was showing interest in the young brunet and the interest seemed mutual. He was most definitely supportive of them. Orin… Orin he didn’t know. Zeli had always had questionable taste.

“Well?” Kalin asked impatiently. “Is it a yes or a no?”

Cade thought he detected a hint of despair in Kalin’s eyes before it was rapidly hidden. “Why?”

Kalin scowled, “Why? Why what?”

The demon sat down, analyzing the Alarian at leisure, “Why do they need haven? I need to know what I’m potentially fighting against, do I not?”

Kalin looked away, hesitating for a second. Then he nodded, “My mother. In Gabriel’s case, Lothar as well. Unfortunately, there’s close to nothing that I can do. Even if I got them out, we have no place to go. But if you would agree to take them…”

“What about you?”

Kalin averted his eyes, “I am not important. My brothers first…”

Cade observed the Alarian closely for any sign of deception. He didn’t want to think that he was lying. In fact, he was fairly certain that Kalin was honest. Could he trust the purple-haired prince just like that?

“I may believe you in Orin’s case, but you don’t seem to fond of your youngest sibling.”

Kalin’s head snapped up, eyes shining with aggression “And what would you know of how I feel? You know nothing of me. All you wish of me is to sate your lust within my body. I am willing to give you that. Why are you making this more difficult than it has to be?”

Cade moved faster than Kalin could predict, effectively jumping the Alarian, pinning his hands to the floor. “You know nothing of me either.” He pressed his body to Kalin’s. “When I do fuck you, you’ll be begging for it.” He licked Kalin’s earlobe, whispering in his ear, “You want it now, but you’re too proud for it.”

Cade lowered his lips to his neck and proceeded to lick and suck the Alarian’s throat. He was startled to admit that he was very much tempted to bite Kalin, to mate with him. Luckily – or unluckily – Cade didn’t have the chance to explore his dilemma further because Kalin broke out of his hold and pushed the demon off. He glared at Cade. “I didn’t come here to be mocked.”

The demon just laughed, “I’m very serious. At any rate, to ease your mind regarding your brothers, you needn’t make such a dubious deal with me. I was planning to look into their situation anyway.”

Kalin was openly surprised at that, “You? Why?”

The demon got up. He grabbed Kalin’s arm and squeezed. “What I’m going to say now, it doesn’t get out of this room.”

The Alarian liberated his arm easily. “If you’re going to say something, just say it. You don’t scare me, you know.”

Cade smirked. “I know. It turns me on.”

Kalin rolled his eyes. “So? What’s so important that I can’t tell anyone?”

Cade hoped he wasn’t making a mistake trusting Kalin. His gut told him that the Alarian was trustworthy, but of course, there was always the chance that it was actually his cock doing the thinking. He decided to take the chance. If push came to shove, they could always blast their way out and steal the youngest prince, perhaps Orin as well. “In short, my brother is supremely interested in Gabriel’s mating not coming to pass. And Zeli… these days he’s very fond of lavender hair.” He smirked playfully.

Kalin paled. “Your brother… with Gabriel? And that red friend of yours… with Orin?” He groaned and he collapsed on the bed. “When did this happen? Light help me!”

After a brief panic attack, Kalin had agreed with Cade that the best thing for all was for Gabriel to be with Lucien. He wasn’t sure about Orin, since his brother was too unreadable sometimes, even for him. If Zeli could crack the ice that surrounded Orin’s soul, Kalin was all for their relationship.

However, he needed to speak to Orin first. If his brother didn’t like Zeli, it would be pointless to even try. He resolved talking to the younger Alarian at once. Orin was probably still awake, reading or combing his hair, or whatever it is that he did at this time of night.

Creeping through the castle, Kalin thought about Cade’s words. Could he really try something with the demon prince? When Cade had held him down, when he’d felt their bodies connect, even through layers of clothing… It had been the most erotic moment in his life. Granted, he’d never had much sexual experience, but the fact that simply the touch of Cade’s tongue in his ear and on his neck had nearly made him come in his pants… Well, that was something in itself.

Before he knew it, Kalin was in front of Orin’s room. He could see that the light was on, so his brother was awake. He rapped the door a little, but there was no answer. Then he knocked a little harder. Still nothing…

Concern started growing in Kalin’s heart. What if something had happened to Orin? Without giving it another thought, the young Alarian pushed the door open. It was unlocked.

Kalin froze in the doorway at the sight that presented itself before his eyes. Zeli was on top of his little brother, working his way with Orin’s intricate garments. Kalin felt a surge of righteous anger, and would have probably jumped the demon to defend his brother’s honor if he hadn’t noticed that Orin was doing a little exploring of his own and moaning the red head’s name wantonly. Light above… He shouldn’t have seen this. But at least, it answered his question.

Kalin took small steps back, hoping to manage to exit the room without being seen. Unfortunately for him, he obviously didn’t move soundlessly enough, because Zeli turned suddenly, shielding Orin’s body with his own. “Wha…what’s wrong?” Orin asked in a dazed voice. “Oh for the light, is someone there?”

Orin’s head appeared from behind Zeli. His brother blushed a million shades of red. “Oh, Kalin, it’s you…”

Zeli efficiently covered Orin with a sheet. “Yes, pretty… See? Just your brother. Nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about?” Orin snapped. “My brother just saw me making out with you! I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life, you jerk!”

Zeli scratched his head, “Well, take it like this… It could have been your mother or a guard. Sooo…”

Orin directed another glare at Zeli, but it had lost most of its poisonous intensity. Kalin was stunned. He cleared his throat, “I am really sorry for interrupting, but when you didn’t answer the door… and then I heard a noise… I was worried.”

Orin blushed again. “It’s all right. Just… you know…”

Kalin smiled at his brother. It felt good to see Orin show emotion – well, any other emotion than pain. “So, I think I’ll just go now.”

Orin shook his head, “I guess you wanted to see me about something. You’re here… So come in and close the door.”

Zeli cursed under his breath. Kalin thought the demon said “So close…” and couldn’t help a smile. So Orin had given the red head demon trouble… Good…

Kalin sat down on an armchair and said, “Actually, the reason I was coming to talk to you was Zeli.”

The red head perked up, “Oh? I didn’t know I was so important to you, pretty.”

Orin kicked Zeli. “Shut up, you! How did you know about him, anyway?”

Zeli answered, “Cade told him.” He grinned at Kalin. “Didn’t he?”

Orin made a confused expression then his eyes settled on Kalin’s neck. “Oh… Light above… You didn’t… You slept with him!”

“I did not!” Kalin argued.

“But you’re going to…” Orin actually giggled. “Damn, you’re easier than I expected.”

Zeli wiggled his eyebrows, “See, pretty? What did I tell you?”

Orin nodded, sharing a knowing look with Zeli. Kalin was beginning to feel embarrassed. “You… you were discussion my sex life with… with him?”

Orin waved a hand, “He’s all right, for a demon.”

Zeli laughed. “I love you, too, pretty.”

Kalin rubbed his eyes. “Orin, why didn’t you tell me this?”

The younger Alarian got flustered at the stern voice of his brother, “Well, there wasn’t time… and you were busy and…it’s actually something kind of new…”

Zeli scowled, “Hush up, pretty! He was embarrassed and afraid to disappoint you. But anyway, you know now. So what about you and Cade?”

Kalin shrugged, “I don’t know. Maybe.”

Zeli grinned, obviously taking the Alarian’s vague response as a positive one. “So that leaves Lucien and Gabriel.”

Orin reclined against Zeli, “I don’t know about that… with Gabriel. I mean, no offense, but Lucien is just…”

Zeli mouthed to Kalin. “He’s jealous.”

Oblivious to what his mate had said, Orin continued, “I’m just not sure if he’s right for him, is all.”

Kalin suppressed his laughter. He knew why Orin was reluctant to Lucien and Gabriel’s relationship: for the same reason he was reluctant towards Zeli. “I understand that. I thought you and him were together, Zeli.”

Zeli just laughed, “No, we’re not. It’s a little complicated, but we’re not together. We’re actually more like brothers than anything else.”

Orin gave his almost-lover a skeptical look. After a minute, he nodded, albeit a little reluctantly. “Ok then… So Lucien and Gabriel…”

Zeli considered the issue for a minute, “If I know my friend half as well as I think I do, he’ll fuck it up for sure by himself. At any rate, he’ll refuse our help right now.”

“We should discuss it with Cade.” Kalin said impulsively.

Orin gave him a telling look, “Discuss it with Cade, huh? Ok, then, brother, go discuss with Cade.”

In spite of himself, Kalin blushed. He never blushed! UGH! Turning around, he exited the room furiously, without bothering to answer Orin. He navigated the corridors to the demon’s room. He’ll show Orin! He’ll resist Cade, if it was the last thing he did.

So yeah… Over The Edge, Chapter 1. Was it good, was it bad, you tell me!

And before you ask, yes, I will say what happened with Gabi and Luce. Patience! But first am giving a little background on CadexKalin. Hope you like nevertheless!