Page 20 of Onyx Queen
“We can’t give up hope. She’s alive. I just know it.” Amalee spoke, her voice no more than a whisper.
“You're right. We must believe this man, Jason was it? Is keeping his word that he would protect her.” Anthony spoke as he wrapped his arms around Rory. “I believed him. He wasn’t there because he wanted to be.”
Sarifena nodded, lacing her hands with Heath’s as they made their way towards their awaiting cars. Everyone was headed to Sarifena’s place to spend time together. Onika held on to Luca’s arm, resting her head against his bulging muscle. She wished there were some way to ease Sarifena’s grief. She knew all too well what holding onto it could do.
“Your Majesty,” Constable Dennis grabbed Amalee’s arm, “There’s been another explosion. We need to return to the Amethyst Kingdom.”
“Shit.” Amalee turned toward everyone, “I’m sorry Sarifena, I need to go.”
“Do you need us to come with you?” Onika glanced around at the shocked faces, her heart pumping with anxiety.
“I do not think that is necessary. My men have contained the damage – but the Queen should be seen by the people.” Her Constable spoke.
“I understand,” Sarifena gripped her hand, “Thank you for being here today. Let us know if you need anything.”
Amalee nodded as the Constable escorted her away. Onika smiled when she saw his hand pressed into the small of her back, comforting her as he ushered her to their car. She wished Amalee would just tell her parents to fuck off and let her heart have what it wanted.
Chapter 19
She sat staring into the darkness, trying not to disturb Luca who was sound asleep in her bed. Onika had felt restless since coming home from the funeral. Her insides churned and her gut burned with something dark. Something heavy.
She stood, pressing her arms against the cool bricks of the patio’s ledge and closed her eyes. Yesterday she learned that Alex’s father had returned to take him back. Apparently, there was some twisted family dynamic and his adoptive dad was the one who died. Onika knew Sarifena was heartbroken, she hadn’t come out of her room in days. Everyone was trying to dig up information on the man, Nicholas Brigham.
Onika wanted to rip his heart out. He had no business turning up now and demanding the child. Alex belonged to Heath and Sarifena.
The shrill sound of her phone startled her, causing her to jump. She rushed inside and answered in a whispered tone.
“Yes,” she glanced at Luca, still sound asleep.
“Onika, it’s Heath.”
“Heath, is something wrong?”
“Yes. I received a letter this morning. It appears Nicholas Brigham is not who he says he is… I need your help. I don’t want Sarifena to know just yet – I fear if we are too late and something happens to Alex,” he paused. Onika could hear the emotion in his voice.
“Say no more. Tell me what you need.”
Heath filled her in on the letter’s contents and asked that she have her men scour the land trying to find him. He hoped that they would be able to bring Alex home where he belonged.
“You have my word, Heath. I will do everything I can to bring him home to you.” She disconnected the call and tossed her phone on the table. Grabbing some shorts, she slipped into them and started searching for her shoes.
“Going somewhere?” Luca’s deep voice startled her, causing her to jump.
“Shit… I didn’t mean to wake you. There’s been a development and I need to speak with my commander.”
“What is it?” Luca sat up, the sheet exposing his taunt muscles.
Onika bit her lip and smiled, “A letter was sent to Heath. Nicholas Brigham isn’t Alex’s father. I am going to have my men hunt him down.”
“I’ll come with you,” he slipped from the cool fabric and stood. His toned body made Onika growl, sparking a wink from him as he gathered his things, “Stop staring at me like I am a piece of meat.”
“What can I say, you look good in nothing. You ready?”
“Yes.”
Onika descended the stairs, her mind filled with rage. Someone had taken a child that didn’t belong to them. She was not was not going to sleep tonight… Instead, she would spend every moment hunting this man down.
“Commander Brady, I’m sorry to drag you out of bed, but this is time sensitive.”
