My Battle Lord's Passion: The Battle Lord Saga, #9

By Linda Mooney

The battle lord and lady of Alta Novis are still recovering from disease and loss, but things are slowly getting back to normal. Of course, things can't be that easy. There's a new enemy in town, of the eight-legged variety—an infestation of them. The species is a new one, and it's unknown how dangerous they are, but Yulen isn't going to take any risks to find out.

 

With a plan in motion, Yulen and a small army of men set out to track down the giant creatures, finding their nest in a cave. He and his crew waste no time going in to burn out the egg sacs, but when Yulen emerges from the flaming caverns, he finds himself…in the past? At least, he believes so when he sees the figure of a long-dead adversary.

 

Somehow, a twist of fate has switched Yulen with a different version of himself. With the monsterous Yulen. The way he was before Atty. Before love. Before his acceptance of the Mutah. Realizing the other D'Jacques could be with his Atty, the reformed Yulen is seeing what his life would be like if she'd never come along. Now he must figure out how to get back to his own present. But before he does, he knows he has to bring this alternate timeline back up to speed with his own thriving world.

 

Parallel lives, parallel realities, but totally different people and circumstances. Sometimes you learn a lot about yourself from experiences that you never knew possible, and it alters the course of your future for the better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: May 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9780998532769

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

1

Spider

"I t’s a boy! "

Cole Mastin burst into the main dining hall to announce the good news. I have a son!

Everyone paused in their eating to clap and cheer. Several, including Yulen D’Jacques, got up from their seats to go over and pound the second on his back and shake his hand in congratulation.

Now you’ll know what it’s like, the battle lord jested with a wink. "Just wait until you have to start changing nappies. That’ll give you a good taste of fatherhood!"

Mastin laughed, his face flushed. Promise me you’ll whack me up side of the head if you ever hear me complaining about it.

How’s Paas doing? Warren Paxton inquired.

Fine. She’s doing just fine. A bit tired, but no complications. Cole let go with a relieved sigh. That was the shortest delivery time I’ve ever heard of. The baby was almost here before Liam showed up!

No kidding! Renken said, joining the small group. We all sit down to eat, and suddenly she gets up and runs into the clinic. Pow! The kid’s here before we have dessert!

Any idea what you’re going to name him? Yulen inquired.

Mastin grinned. Nevo, after my father.

Yulen slapped him on the shoulder. Who was a good, strong warrior. Good choice, Cole. I’ll go tell Atty when I’m done here.

The remark earned the battle lord a frown of concern. I noticed she didn’t come to eat. Is she all right?

She’s fine, Yulen reassured them. She’s still a bit weak, but she could beat my ass right now in a game of knives if I challenged her. No, she stayed in to help feed and tend to the children. Matt’s about fully recovered and chomping at the bit to get out of the lodge. Misty’s being fussy, as well. He smiled. I promised I’d come right back when I finished eating to help relieve her.

Paxton nudged the man. Take her one of Berta’s sweet rolls. Better yet, take two. You know Matt’s going to want one. That boy definitely has his mother’s sweet tooth.

Yulen laughed. You’re right about that. Thanks for the suggestion.

He glanced back at his tray of half-eaten food and briefly debated whether or not to finish it. He knew how tired Atty was. Not just physically tired, but emotionally drained as well. Especially after fighting the milk disease, and then losing their unborn child.

Turning, he headed for the side entrance. She needed a break from tending to the children. He could always grab a bite later, after dinnertime was over. Yulen grinned to himself. One of the few perks of being a battle lord was having the key to the larder.

He emerged into bright sunlight, and immediately the call went out to alert everyone he was on the grounds. Since no one approached him, giving him the impression he was needed elsewhere, he proceeded to the lodge.

It was blissfully quiet when he entered. The living room was empty. His first guess was that the children had to be asleep. If that was the case, that was good. Atty could go eat. Get out of the house for a while. Check on Paas and the new baby.

He took care not to make any noises going up the metal stairs to the bedroom. When he reached the top, he noticed the bed was vacant and the door to the bathroom was shut. He was tempted to open it. Instead, he lightly rapped on the door with his knuckles. Atty? he asked softly.

I’m in here, she responded, her voice slightly muffled. Can you check on the children?

Okay.

Going around the foot of the bed, he tread softly toward the partially open doorway leading into the back room where the children slept. He pushed it open, expecting to see Mattox in his little bed on the right, and the crib to the left where Mistelle lay. Instead, he saw his firstborn standing on the crib’s railing and looking down at his sister. A hard, intense stare covered the child’s face, leaving Yulen curious as to why.

Until Mattox raised his knife into the air with both hands and brought it down into the crib.

"Mattox! No!"

Yulen leaped toward the child to prevent him from stabbing the baby. With a sweep of his arm, he knocked the little boy onto the floor and turned to examine what he’d done.

Cold dread nearly froze him in place as he stared at the huge brown spider writhing in agony, the short dagger buried up to its hilt in the middle of its body, directly behind the thing’s eyes.

Less than a hand’s breadth from where Mistelle continued to sleep.

He snatched up the baby, cradling it against his chest as he stepped away from the crib. Turning, he knelt in front of Mattox, who was sitting up from where he’d landed.

Are you okay? He placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Mattox glared at him, his unique eyes bloody red in anger. Why you hit me?

I thought you were going to kill Misty!

Yulen! What’s going on here? Atty appeared in the doorway. What do you mean, he was going to kill Mistelle?

Their daughter began squalling, surprised by the sudden yelling and her being rudely shaken awake. Atty hurried over to take the baby into her arms, rocking and shushing the little girl.

Yulen explained. I walked in and saw Matt standing over the crib. Next thing I knew, he lifted his knife and plunged it down into the crib. I honestly thought he was trying to stab Misty.

Atty cast a glance at their son, who continued to stare at his father with narrowed eyes. Mattox?

Taking her by the elbow, Yulen led her over to the baby bed. He didn’t have to point out the spider that was as big as his outspread hand. A thin white line of pus-colored blood trailed across the blanket and pooled in the indentation in the mattress where Mistelle had been lying.

He saved her life, the battle lord revealed.

Returning to his son, he picked up the child and gave him a quick hug. The boy didn’t struggle as he usually did when someone tried to show him affection. With the exception of his mother, Mattox rarely accepted it from others, including his father. This time, however, he seemed to want the attention. When Yulen set him back on his feet, the child’s eyes had faded to a pale pink.

Thank you. Yulen stared into the boy’s face. Forgive me for believing you’d be capable of such a thing. It should never have crossed my mind, and I’m sorry. I know how much you love your sister.

Tell us what happened, Atty urged in a softer tone.

Mattox shrugged. I woke up. I checked on her. I saw the spider. It was gonna bite her, so I killed it.

Yulen scanned the room’s interior. Have you seen any more of those spiders, Matt?

The boy’s face paled. I didn’t check.

Go look around. Let’s make sure.

Giving a quick nod, Mattox hurried to inspect the far corners in the bedroom.

I saw one yesterday inside the compound, Atty informed her husband. What are you thinking? That we might have another invasion on our hands?

Now calmed, Mistelle rested quietly against her mother’s shoulder. Yulen reached over and took the infant from his wife, cradling her on his chest.

I don’t know, but I don’t want to take any chances. I want you to go get something to eat. I’ll call for Paxton to have the men check the outer perimeters, and talk to the townspeople. See if they’ve noticed any unusual activity.

Atty frowned. Why not call Cole?

Her question reminded him of his intent. He’s sort of…busy right now. During dinner, Paas went into labor. She delivered a few minutes ago. They have a son.

"Oh, that’s wonderful! Giving the baby a kiss, she also gave one to her husband, then turned to Mattox. Anything?"

A head shake answered her.

Atty held out a hand, which he clasped. Want to go over with me to the dining hall and see what Berta’s got cooking?

The boy’s face lit up, his eyes turning almost white. Can I have a sweet bun?

Yulen mentally chided himself for forgetting said sweet buns, as per Paxton’s suggestion. So far he was two for two.

Only after you have something a little healthier first, she gently derided him. Then we’ll see what’s for dessert. She checked with her husband. I’ll have Warren come over for instructions. Anything else?

You might want to spread word among the troops who are still eating. Have them keep an eye open for any signs of activity.

Gotcha. Come on, Mattox.

Yulen followed them out of the nursery and down the steps as they descended the circular stairwell. Once they exited out of the lodge, he took a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs to await the second’s arrival.

2

Web

Within an hour of sending Paxton out to alert the troops, Yulen received news he’d hoped he wouldn’t get.

There’s a small nest of them outside the main gates, right past the tree line on the east side, Brady informed the battle lord.

How long as it been there?

It was noticed a few days ago by our hunters, the Mutah replied. We didn’t think anything of it at the time. There’s always spiders, especially in heavily wooded areas. You know that.

What about inside the compound?

There is a problem, Paxton spoke up. We’re seeing several webs popping up between the storage tanks in the outer section. A couple of people admitted to sweeping the tanks clear, to prevent the creatures from laying egg sacs within the grain and all.

Yulen stared at the small group of men surrounding him. "Have the spiders infiltrated the storage bins? Did you check?"

No one admitted they had. I’ll send a few men to look, Paxton promised.

Are you thinking we might be looking at another infestation, like we had with the rats? Renken inquired.

I’m not ruling out anything, Yulen admitted. This could be worse than what we had with the rats. We don’t know if those spiders are venomous. I dread to think of what we could be up against if they’ve laid eggs.

What do you suggest we do? Paxton inquired.

We have to discover the source. Atty walked into the bedroom to join them. Yulen didn’t ask her how she’d known they were gathered in the now empty room above the dining hall. They could find each other, no matter where they were. She glanced at each man present as she continued. We can’t wait for them to show up here, and try to deal with them then. We need to see where they’re coming from and stop them before they overrun us.

Atty, you know you can’t stop spiders from going where they feel like going, Yulen pointed out.

That’s true. But maybe we can divert them. Make them detour around us, if there’s no other choice.

"Whatever we decide, we have to be proactive and do something now, Renken acknowledged. We can’t wait to do something after they’ve practically taken over the whole compound, like the rats did."

We weren’t aware of the rat problem until it was almost too late, Atty reminded him.

That’s because they were underground, out of sight most of the time. Spiders aren’t that secretive. Sure, they’re going to build their webs in locations where they hope they won’t be disturbed, but they’re not going to hide them from plain sight, Brady stated.

How do we even know where these things are coming from? Paxton wondered aloud.

His question elicited a grunt from Fortune Kalich, who’d also joined them late. "We can find out for you," the Mutah hunter promised.

If you do, can you destroy them once you find their nests? Yulen inquired.

Fortune gave a little shrug. Depends on how big the nests are. Might take more than a couple of us with torches to burn them out.

Atty turned to her husband. Do we have any idea where to start looking?

Yes. The east. That’s where a nest was spotted, by the tree line.

How about other locations? Has the entire perimeter been searched?

Paxton answered her. Yes. So far, we haven’t seen any webs other than in that area.

Renken spoke up again. Yulen, we’ve had spiders inside the compound before. Why is this time different?

Because Mattox just killed one that had managed to get inside Misty’s crib. The battle lord held up his hand, fingers spread. Damn thing was as big as my hand. Fortunately he managed to plunge a knife into it before it reached her. I dread to think what kind of bite that thing must have. A shudder went through him at the thought of the creature feasting on his daughter.

Renken gasped. Matt made his first kill?

Yulen paused, then chuckled. I haven’t thought of it, but you’re right. He did.

Saving his baby sister, Paxton added. Definitely a D’Jacques.

Brady hoisted his crossbow over his shoulder. Want us to head out there now and start tracking?

Yulen nodded. Yes. Try to be back by dark. I want to know what you find before I make any further decisions on how to proceed.

Brady and Fortune waved a hand in acknowledgment and left the bedroom. Paxton placed a hand on Yulen’s shoulder. I’m leaving to have the men check those storage tanks. I’ll get back with you when we’re done.

Yulen nodded, and the second also took off.

What can I do to help? Renken inquired.

I’m going outside to ring the bell, to gather everyone so I can inform them of what’s happening. I want you to act as my go-between. I want every report of spider activity and webs and such to go directly to you, and for you to check them out. Let me know what you learn. The battle lord managed a smile. With Cole temporarily detained, can I rely on you to help me?

Like your surrogate second? Sure, Renken agreed.

Thanks.

Atty interceded. Garet, why don’t you go ahead and ring the bell. It’ll take a few minutes for the townspeople to show up. I need to speak with my husband in private.

The ex-mercenary nodded slightly and departed, leaving the battle lord and lady alone.

Atty took her husband’s hand. Before you ask, Tory is watching the children.

What about that spider?

I threw it over the wall. Berta’s sending someone to gather up Mistelle’s blankets to wash.

Yulen squeezed her hand. I hope Matt understands why I yelled at him. I swear on all things holy, I had no idea what he was doing.

Pressing herself closer to him, Atty whispered, It may take a while, but he’ll eventually realize you were trying to protect her, too. By the way, when I went to remove that thing, I noticed it had a thick carapace. At least, that one did. I’ve never encountered a species of spider before that had an outer shell, but that one did.

You’re thinking it’s a new species altogether?

If it is, it definitely isn’t from this area, or from any remote lands where I’ve traveled. All spiders I’ve ever seen had soft bodies.

He shook his head. I haven’t heard of spiders with exoskeletons, either.

It had to take a lot of strength for Mattox to penetrate its shell in order to kill it, she remarked.

He thought back on that moment he’d seen the creature in their daughter’s crib. The knife itself was small by adult standards. Barely a five-inch blade. But it was just the right size for their young son to learn how to use. It had taken all of his childish strength