Surrounded by Crimson: Sumeria's Sons, #4

By Lexi Ander

As Tristan prepares for the birth of the heirs of the Seat of Zeev, a hunter lurks in the shadows, waiting. A trap is set that he can't walk away from, setting in motion events that reveal his true destiny.

 

In nine days, Tristan will give birth and life couldn't be more hectic or dangerous for him and Ushna. He's agreed to bond with Ushna, but there is still much to do. Returning to Tribe Enkidu puts everyone on edge, and Tristan is being stalked like prey. It doesn't help that he fights depression as he mourns the loss of Nikita, or that claiming his birthright becomes a battle of wills with the Elder Council. The pleading of his adoptive daughter only adds to the oppressive feeling.

 

Stumbling onto a secret prison while searching for Ushna leads Tristan to risk everything to free a lost God. But breaking the bond to his Twin Flame all those years ago has more repercussions than Tristan knew, and the assistance of a forgotten Goddess and a centuries-old lover may not be enough to save him.

 

Tags: Lycans, sacred bonds, broken bond, friends to lovers, Sumerian myths & legends, cowboys, fated mates, alpha-preg, awakened deities, single POV, series follows same MCs, urban fantasy, paranormal, royalty, magic

 

Author's Note: This includes the Sumeria's Sons Interlude: A Child's Wish

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lexi Ander
• Release date: Jan 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224688937

Lexi Ander

Two time Rainbow Award recipient, Lexi has always been an avid reader, and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her eighty-pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.

Book preview

Chapter One

9 days until the birth of the heirs to the Seat of Zeev, the Wolf Throne.

"H e said yes !"

My consort, Ushna Ahura-Yazda, bellowed throughout the house. Curious over the obvious excitement, my sister, Neesie Janick, stepped into the hallway. We watched with bright smiles as my usually quiet and reserved husband announced to everyone listening that I had agreed to bond with him.

For us, this was indeed something special. We were Lycan descendants of Gilgamesh and Enkidu and blessed by the God Shamash with a Twin Flame. Ushna had lost his Flame when we were boys. I broke the bond with mine several years ago. We had both experienced losses that were known to kill strong men, but together we nursed each other through the deep despair that had plagued us. We’d built a future together and in nine days we would be fathers. I listened to Ushna’s shouting and grinned happily. I ran my hand over my much-distended stomach. By a miracle of the Gods, I was very pregnant with twin boys.

Just minutes ago, I had consented to magically tie my soul to Ushna’s. Different from the bond between Twin Flames, the words of an unusual spell would allow our spirits to be complete in this lifetime. In the future, when Ushna was reborn, he would be free of any tie to me and able to find his Twin Flame. I’d walk alone because the bond to my Flame had been irreversibly broken. But I wasn’t afraid. Revelations from last night had given me hope that my future would be entwined with Ushna’s since he’d been a part of my past. So when Ushna asked, I agreed. He rushed through the house with unrestrained joy, announcing my acceptance to any who would listen.

I took my sister’s hand. Neesie, would you speak to Gregori? I need to know what is required for the ritual to bind Ushna and me together. I’d like to have everything ready when we take that step.

Gregori Borchetta, a Magi of great power, was my friend and trusted advisor. I’d need his help to put together the ingredients for the binding ceremony.

Neesie regarded me with her big brown eyes, a single thick braid of hair draped over her shoulder. Her smile was infectious. Sure. I’ll have it taken care of before we leave tomorrow for Georgia.

I squeezed her hand then headed to the kitchen. My advisor Hakim, a priest of Shamash, waited for me when I walked in. I wouldn’t say we’d quarreled last night, but we’d had a difference of opinion regarding the dreams and whether or not they were of a past life. Everyone in the kitchen greeted me warmly, exclaiming over Ushna’s announcement. I blushed furiously from the attention as I grabbed a glass of orange juice and sat down at the breakfast table.

It was unnerving how Hakim watched me. I hated the tension between us and rubbed my hand over my pocket where I’d put the journal—Nikita’s journal. The book was proof my dreams were more than fantasy. Ushna allowed me to hold onto the diary for the time being. To have something of Nikita’s close was bittersweet.

Every Lycan had a destined Twin Flame, someone who was our perfect match. Ushna’s Twin Flame Brian had died when we were children, but recently I’d had dreams of Ushna and his Flame in a past incarnation. Nikita had been his name then. He and Ushna loved me, wanted to claim me, but I’d been afraid it would break their bond, and I denied them. When discussing the dream of my previous life last night, Hakim voiced his doubts, believing they were nothing but simple dreams. I’d been angry with him even though I understood his reticence.

Xenres, Hakim said hesitantly. I gave him an encouraging smile. Could I have a moment of your time this morning?

Hakim, you never have to ask. Come. Sit with me.

Pulling out a chair, he placed a large tome on the table in front of him. Ushna entered the kitchen, vibrant and laughing, an arm around Gregori.

Gregori gave me a kiss on the cheek and a brief squeeze to the shoulder, whispering, It’s about damn time you got your heads out of your asses.

Ushna playfully pushed him away and gave me a scorching kiss that left me a little breathless. My gaze followed him to the coffee pot. Hakim and I were already sitting at the kitchen table with the ranch foreman, Randy Aikman, and my childhood friend, Stanley Kendall. Both were speaking with Bixx Decimus, the leader of the Ophidians who had once been the personal guard to the Lycan kings.

Hakim graciously waited for everyone to be seated. He lightly ran his hands over the old leather-bound book in front of him, a pensive expression upon his face as he stared down at it. We waited, knowing Hakim would speak as soon as he’d put his thoughts in order. Once Ushna and Gregori had taken their places, Hakim addressed us.

"When the Gods refused to punish Gilgamesh for the demise of The Bull, Inanna used Enkidu’s impiety to have him put to death. Our patron God, Shamash, had argued against the judgment and had been overruled. He went to Tiamat for help. Even though the Goddess had been split apart and her power had diminished, she was still the oldest and strongest of the Gods. She struck a bargain with Shamash to save the descendants of Gilgamesh and Enkidu from Inanna’s jealous wrath. Shamash had promised ‘the first three of the first three’ to Tiamat as payment for her help."

Hakim regarded me; his dark eyes troubled. "What you said last night jogged my memory, and I spent the rest of the evening searching through my library. I’ve combed the texts and I can’t find the meaning of ‘the first three of the first three’. Neither can I find where Shamash paid Tiamat her due. There are only records of the blessings given to each of the children of Gilgamesh and Enkidu."

Gregori took a sip of his coffee, drawing our attention with a flick of his hand. So you believe Tiamat wasn’t compensated for her part of the agreement? Wait. What was the agreement? Do we know what she did to help Shamash?

I haven’t found anything that made note of the exact details of the bargain. Everything I’ve read states that she helped to save the descendants of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, Hakim replied.

Hakim’s wife, Marjan, set breakfast on the table, kissing my forehead and then Ushna’s. Ushna took the opportunity to steal another kiss from me. I refrained from smacking my lips at the delicious taste of coffee and snagged a warm apple Danish.

What if, I said around the pastry, the bargain was an exchange? Shamash wanted to save the descendants from Inanna’s wrath.

Randy nervously cleared his throat. The children of the King of Uruk and his consort were promised the same connection as Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Shamash promised a Twin Flame would be made specifically for every Lycan. Gilgamesh was called ‘The Wolf’ because he’d been fierce, wild, irrational, and untamed. When the people of Uruk raised their voices to the Gods, Enki created Enkidu to be the demigod’s balance, his match, who tempered and soothed the beast. Their children had been promised the same stability.

There were two blessings, Hakim interjected. The second boon was reincarnation. The gift was twofold. It was a reward to Enkidu. On his death bed he’d been tortured with visions of an afterlife without Gilgamesh. His lover, the king, was a demigod and long-lived. When Gilgamesh died he wouldn’t go to Irkalla, the Land of the Dead, as Enkidu would. He would pass into the Anunnaki heaven instead. Reincarnation allowed Enkidu to be reborn so he could be reunited with his beloved. The second purpose of rebirth was to thwart the Goddess Inanna. If she caused the death of one of the children, there wouldn’t be any lasting harm because we would be reborn.

I regarded Randy out of the corner of my eye. Recently, it had been revealed to a select few that the foreman had once upon a time been King Gilgamesh. Most everyone believed him dead. He’d been grief-crazed after Enkidu’s death. Until the last couple of decades, he’d lost track of and had become separated from his descendants. The sorrow upon his face was something I understood, and I squeezed his hand. Mere days ago, Randy had found his Twin Flame in my adopted son, seven-year-old Justus Sullivan. Hakim had just confirmed Justus had been reborn over the centuries to wander alone without his Bashert. Bixx grasped Randy’s free hand, bending in to whisper in Randy’s ear.

Well, I replied. The assassins are wearing Inanna’s emblem. So, she’s still holding a grudge—

Vendetta, Ushna interjected.

—against the children of Enkidu and Gilgamesh, I finished.

And some of these assassins can shape change into another creature, Gregori reminded us.

Bixx broke away from his conversation with Randy. What do you mean?

During a discipline meeting with a couple of pups, one of the fathers had transformed into an unknown creature. At the time, it wasn’t information we would’ve felt the need to share with Bixx. Randy had questioned Mr. Weatherby, attempting to uncover the reason Justus had been targeted by the assassins.

Kent Weatherby used a ring that allowed him to change into a wolf. It hid his true nature and scent from us.

I was aiming to discover more about the mysterious Lycan, only identified by the initial D, who’d stayed with the Weatherbys and manipulated those two boys into bullying Theo’s children, Randy said, clearly confused by Bixx’s interest.

I didn’t know. What type of creature is Kent? Bixx asked.

Prey, replied Stan around a mouthful of eggs.

Bixx appeared alarmed. Excuse me?

I touched his arm, drawing his attention. He’s not a true animal like we are when we change into our wolves. His is more of a half form and smells like prey. Kent called himself a descendant of the Glorious Firsts. Ashur said it referred to the twins Inanna’s priestess, Shamhat, bore Enkidu. Shamhat had been sent into the wilderness to tame Enkidu. She later brought Enkidu to Gilgamesh.

Randy appeared devastated. I never thought they’d harm their brothers, he said under his breath.

I squeezed his hand in silent support before turning the conversation back to the original question. None of that explains who the first three were or what the bargain was.

Ushna sipped his coffee. Maybe you were right, and the agreement was an exchange. The first three could be the first three children born.

Would Shamash make that kind of sacrifice?

No! Yes! Gregori sent me an apologetic expression. I mean no, they weren’t sacrificed, and yes, to the exchange. The prophecy said the first three of the first three. Gilgamesh and Enkidu had six children. Zircon was firstborn and the first Lycan King. Rashre was secondborn and the first Judge and Elder. Third was Sephits, the first Warrior. Then came the twins, Gasper and Kansbar, the money maker and the treasurer, followed by Behrooz who was the first Magi.

Gregori became more excited as he spoke. I was just confused. Yes, that’s got to be it. Tristan, you are the direct descendant of Zircon, obviously. He glanced at Ushna who appeared grim.

Sephits is my ancestor, Ushna confirmed.

Who’s the descendant of the second born, Rashre? Hakim asked.

Brian, Ushna and I said at the same time.

If the bargain was the firstborn sons of the first three sons then why didn’t Tiamat collect her due? I asked.

Randy growled, his chair scraping back as he got up from the table and stormed out the backdoor. He threw the screen open so hard it smacked against its restraint and slammed closed. Bixx asked to be excused before he rose and quietly followed Randy. Not two seconds had gone by when Stan excused himself and trailed after them.

Hakim pushed his plate away. I’ll be able to check the King’s Library while we’re in Bahbelle. Maybe this information has been recorded and kept there.

Gregori and Hakim excused themselves to go pack, leaving Ushna with me in the kitchen. My head whirled with partial information that only led to more questions and not enough answers. Why were the firstborn of Enkidu attempting to kill the descendants of Zircon? Kent Weatherby claimed his ancestors were envious of the throne and the blessings bestowed on Lycans. Did he mean the gift of the Twin Flames and reincarnation, or something else? How were they going to claim the Wolf Throne, the Seat of Zeev, when they themselves weren’t wolves?

I sent a quick text to Elder Jasper Lewis, who oversaw the Detention Center. Kent had been transported to the Center and would be in Jasper’s custody soon. Maybe he could find answers to these mounting questions. Jasper wasn’t content with what little information I texted to him, and he called me. It was nice to be able to talk to my friend, even if it was to rehash part of the morning’s conversation. I hadn’t spoken to him since he’d assisted Ushna and me in Seattle.

I hung up after promising to see him when we arrived in Bahbelle. Ushna and I had cleaned up the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher while I’d been on the phone. Finished, we were ready to complete our own packing when Randy, Bixx, and Stan entered through the backdoor. Their expressions told me everything I needed to know.

Come on, we can speak privately in the office.

The strike of boots on the hardwood floors followed me down the short hall. Gratefully, I sank into my padded desk chair. Ushna pulled his seat close to mine and grasped my hand. With everything that had happened this morning, he still wore a goofy grin.

Bixx stood in front of the desk dressed in the free-flowing black armor my warriors loved to drool over. The copper on the belt and wristbands appeared newly polished. The high dark braid at the crown contrasted sharply with his shaved head. His skin seemed to glow as Bixx gave me a formal bow, the braid slipping over his shoulder to dangle freely toward the floor.

Xenres, I humbly request permission to leave your territory and bring my brothers the news of your return. The Ophidians will be ready to serve you in whatever capacity you require. I would also request permission to return in fifteen days with the whole of the Order. We would wish to settle wherever you decide to reside.

He stayed bowed, facing the floor in his deference to me. Rise, Bixx, I commanded. You realize the Ophidians would be required to report to my Arms Master?

Yes, my Prince.

I regarded him thoughtfully. If I had believed he’d challenge my men, I would’ve denied his request. Adon Bixx Decimus of the Order of the Ophidians, permission granted. The service of the Ophidians will be welcomed in my tribe. You’ll be expected to report back here in fifteen days to Master Corey Bahar.

Bixx thanked me and bowed again before he stepped back. Stan strode forward and I realized he wore his leathers. There was the telltale sign of a gun in a shoulder holster under his jacket. The hilt of his sword could be seen jutting over his shoulder. He too gave a deep, respectful bow, his very first. It was awkward to see my friend honor me in that way.

Gaze directed at the ground, he said, Xenres, I ask your permission to leave with Adon Decimus. I wish to participate in the Trial of the Ophidians.

Shocked, it took me a moment to compose myself. Stanley Kendall, look at me. My voice was harsher than I intended.

He paused before standing to his full height. Fear, hope, trepidation, excitement—the emotions crossing his expression were easy to read.

I would have your reason why.

Stan stared over my head and seemed to come to a decision as he gave a slight nod. For the last several years, I’ve been a puppet for your enemy. I wasn’t my own man. I don’t want to be used again, and I refuse to be a detriment to my prince and his consort. If I pass the trial and become an Ophidian, no one will be able to influence me against my will a second time.

He wore a beseeching expression, begging me to understand and approve. My purpose—I know this down to my bones—my purpose from the day I was born, was to assist you. I was supposed to be your protection and your sword. I’d forgotten until I was reminded here recently. I screwed up. I gave my trust to someone unworthy and lost my conviction. Corey Bahar became your protector, and there’s no better man for the job, but I still have a chance to be your sword. As an Ophidian, I can be that for you.

I was torn. I needed Jory and Stan by my side. For what or how, I didn’t know. The elusive knowledge was like an itch I couldn’t scratch. I wanted to tell him no, make him stay with me. But I understood he needed to find his own way. I refused to force