Coward

**Devon POV**





Just as I thought Lena had given me hell on the call. Smartly, she tried to keep me on the phone, asking a bunch of needless questions to stall. I'm sure she would have loved to get some answers, but she knew better. Hence, the questions were pointless. I would be gone long before she could show up.

Dealing with Lena in person may have been preferable to Aileen's father.



Oh yes, the Heartless King whom had managed to kill one of Shiuku's men back in his youth. If only the dark boy had held himself back, Shiuku would have never of looked into him. King Ulrich's daughter would be just fine standing by his side if he had done the sensible thing and ran from that demon. But no, the stubborn king had to prove he was not one to give in to fear. Well now his princess belongs to that demon's lord.



I'll give King Ulrich this, he could hit hard. As he used me as a punching bag; I made no move to defend myself. My hands were not clean in this situation. The ones who brought her here were both Prince Roy and myself. We were both at fault. I now had an understanding of the pain Prince Roy was complaining about.



Lucky me that prince could not shut up. Not only did he try to defend his traitorous actions, but also insulted the princess once again. Aileen's father switched from attacking me to giving the dumb prince some more broken bones. Lesson to learn here, don't mess with the king's flesh and blood.

This gave me time to go to her brother. Guilt stabbed at me as I had looked down at him. I'd used Aileen's fragile trust and in the process used the DSS for Shiuku's gain once again. Some habits never die, even several years later.



Lena would never forgive me. Once she saw Trevor's body she would remember my betrayal. The very event that led to her old Squad Leader's ultimate grave. Even after giving Trevor some first aid and attending to his burns; he didn't look good. The boy would have some serious recovery time in the DSS infirmary. Healing talents won't be able to undo my lord's damage easily.



Walking up to the king, I handed him the phone I had used. I made sure the location was on for Lena to track. I had expected another blow. When none came, I met the king's stare. He regarded me with unreadable eyes. An empty gaze that sucked in everything surrounding it. I kept my own blank while gesturing at his friend still lying unconscious on the ground.



"I did not give him any first aid, but he should be fine until Squad Leader Lena comes here. She will most likely have either her team, or husband with her. They are good people. Let them help your friend as well." I had told him. I knew he would hate being given an order. There was a place for stubbornness. A friend's life being in danger is not the appropriate time. Hopefully the king had swallowed his pride when Lena got there.



After my word of advice I had turned to leave. A smile formed at the corners of my lips remembering the way the king had beaten his fists into the bastard prince. I wanted to do more. The blast of wind I had hit him with earlier was not enough. That boy had brought out a dangerous blood lust in me.



Before I left back for Shiuku's castle, I had heard a voice call from behind me. It was her Father. "Promise me right this second something."



"Why would I listen to anything you have to say. I'm given enough orders by your daughter's husband." I cringed at that word. It left a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps I would drink some heavy liquor to get rid of it. To forget.



"I was kind enough to not stab you and anyone can tell you that is quite the feat for me." he cracked his shoulders then knuckles. "Just look after my little girl. Don't let that demon break her. She... she has a past. I may not be there if she tries to be stupid again."



My voice got caught momentarily in my throat. I could hear the weakness in his own. That girl meant more to him as well.

Little did he know that I cared for a fair amount after watching over her with Shiuku for last several years. I would try to make her as comfortable as I was allowed; without risking being murdered by a pissed off demon lord.

I pitied the girl. No one should have to endure like she has. How she still had a kind heart was beyond me. She did try her darnedest to hide how compassionate she was. She tried so hard to be like that cold hearted father of hers; to no avail. Now her soft heart landed her in her enemy's bed.



*Aileen actually belongs to him...Why does this bother me so much?* I decided it was better not to think on that any further.



"I must follow his orders. But you have my word that whatever I am permitted to, I will do to help her." I bowed to him. This man was strong enough to stand up against someone clearly more powerful. He had my respect. Him and Kaibec both did what I was to cowardly to do. They should be thanking all the Gods that they still have beating hearts!

*So why am I the one suffering?*



After that thought, it was time for me to go back... Before an enraged squad leader uses me as target practice.





**Squad Leader Lena POV**





I had just arrived where Devon had told me Trevor was. Devon fled before our arrival. Again he had caused someone I care for to be hurt. The next time our paths cross, I'll make sure it's his last day. I've given the damn coward too many chances. He crossed the same line as before. I will have no more mercy for my old teammate.



For this mission I brought Tom. Later, I would be calling Kaibec to see if he has any further information about Aileen. Anything that could help us locate her, or predict her future moves would be necessary. That girl really could attract danger. Living an ordinary life would never be in her future. Especially if she started growing a demon spawn inside her belly.

Keep yourself safe Aileen. Don't let him trick you.



Behind the destroyed old house we found more than we bargained for. There was no ambush that I had half way been expecting, but a few extra characters. Several faces from the DSS escapee list!

Wonderful, as if drama wasn't enough, today would also be full of extra paper work. Tom better be ready to give me a hand. He did say he owed me for the Jacob/ Aileen situation after all.



I really was lucky to have such an amazing husband! Along with the promise of 'owing me one' he had also gotten me flowers with little balloon butterflies poking out of the bouquet. I shook my head at the silly thoughts. I was on a mission right now!



The first thing I noticed was dark haired man standing with bloodied knuckles. He appeared to be ready to stomp on some barely conscious man.



I recognized him as the escaped man from another dimension. Aileen's father if I'm not mistaken. Poor quivering guy probably wishes he'd just black out already. Did the shaking man on the ground have something to do with Aileen's abduction?



I heard the king was very protective over his daughter. That's why he left DSS custody. He wanted to find her and make sure she was safe before our investigation on him was done. Hmmm... This may lead to quick battle after all. He would have to come back with us. I could imagine the rage fueled King putting up a fight.



Tom nudged my side. He was pointing to a patch of tall grass. There was another man there. This one was knocked out flat. He had less blood and bruising then King Ulrich's victim. In fact, he only appeared to have one major injury and some scraping upon closer examination.



The king stayed where he was, letting us approach this curly haired male. I went down on my knees. A steady heartbeat, labored breaths, and a chest rising and falling proved him to still be alive. His face was scraped up, but could have been the knight that fell with his Highness. He too had escaped.



Shiuku must have thought it was funny to bring the whole family along huh. Tormenting Aileen's brother wasn't enough for the evil demon.



"Squad Leader Tom, what kind of condition is your second in command in? Did Devon really stabilize him?" I asked formally.



My dragon tapped gently on Trevor, he moved slightly. The burns on his body were still pretty bad. Tom had better take it easy on him with fire for the next few training sessions.



"Better shape then that man." My love pointed at the trembling man. "King Ulrich, would you mind letting him go? There has been far too much blood shed. I would hate to spill some of yours as well."

"And as you are the only one unharmed, we have some questions about what took place here." I added.

"I got this if you want to take the king back to the DSS. I'll handle the wounded my Butterfly." Tom winked.

Any time Tom tries to order me he would call me by my nickname. That's how I knew he was kissing ass. And to his credit, it worked more often then I would ever admit.

Both our nicknames, Dragon and Butterfly were originally meant as taunts. Tom was a fire elemental with a nasty temper when we first met; like a dragon. He's really come a long way since becoming my husband and then a squad leader. My dragon; such fond childish memories.

On the other side I used to be fragile like my wings could easily be ripped. At least that's what Tom says.

Since we got over our dumb teenage hormones, we have come to love our nicknames. Tom was fierce like a dragon to me and I was a symbol of hope and beauty for him.

"And you yell at Aileen for spacing, my cute Butterfly." Tom took a gibe at me.

This time her Father spoke up. "You know my daughter?" Thankfully, he ignored our playful flirting. It wasn't very professional.

"I'm her Squad Leader." I straightened up, serious once again. "I've got some questions for you. If you wouldn't mind leaving that man alone. I'd like to have a calm conversation. I doubt that'll be possible if you continue harming him."

I would have to intervene to protect that bloody pulp if the King attacked again.

The King appeared taller turning away from his victim. I could understand how others would be intimidated by his presence. King Ulrich had more muscle than I initially realized. His face showed no kindness, or mercy. His eyes were an icy storm.

He took two measured steps towards me. "I don't think you'll want to help that sorry piece of shit after questioning me Squad Leader."

His composure was full of animosity as he waved a hand backwards at the bloody mess of a man.

I was about to speak when he cut me off. "Are you going to try to save my daughter? Or is she just a solider...written off now? She is with a demon. Does this make her expendable?"

This man's posture... He was ready to fight us on his daughter's behalf. I would think him dumb, but Kaibec did say he killed one of Shiuku's demons. And not a weak one either. He would not go down easy if it came to that.

There was pure determination and coldness in his eyes. There was no changing his mind if we gave a wrong answer.

Wonderful, so he has Aileen's stubbornness too.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tom start to unsheathe his sword; just in case.