by Heather Long
“You can do it, my sweet,” Seth told her. “I believe in you.”
Her wings vanished, and her glow faded a notch, leaving her the Dahlia he’d seen that first night, just far happier and every bit as beautiful. When she opened her eyes and met his gaze, she grinned. At her raised eyebrows, he nodded.
“Perfect.”
She leapt off the bed, and he caught her easily.
They would always catch her.
“Sinner’s?”
“Anywhere you want,” he promised. “Forever.”
Epilogue
Welcome to the Karma cafe. You get served what you deserve. - Karmen
Karmen
Karma was a hard grace to balance. I single-handedly delivered acts of karma to those who had done good in their lives, as well as those that were not so good. It was one of the more satisfying graces in my opinion. Who wouldn’t love spreading a little good into the world, while handing the assholes a taste of their own medicine?
The only thing that constantly irritated me was how I always felt twenty steps ahead of everyone, no matter how hard I tried to lead the chosen to water.
Cue Judgment, Punishment, and Justice. Those three had a little good coming their way, and that darling girl deserved someone—or multiple someones, rather—to love her the way she so often loved others.
I hadn’t anticipated they’d be as thick in the skull as they had been, but it had all worked out in the end.
And I was smug as hell, I could admit it.
Shoving the thick wooden doors open to Sinner’s, I sighed from the kiss of cold air. Out of all the places Keepers ran around the world, this was my favorite place to haunt. Mostly because it was a giant fuck you to the King of Sin himself. But that wasn’t a story for now.
Not that I’d ever admit it, but I did genuinely enjoy the vibe and patrons. Often, true colors would shine through in the height of inebriation, making my job easy. Too many times, I’d flexed my grace on people I’d come across in this very place. It was how I’d found Dahlia.
Ah, lookie there.
The happy little family was out on a date.
It’d been over two weeks, and immortality was treating Dahlia well. She was as gorgeous as ever and sparkled in her happiness. We met gazes across the half empty bar, and I lifted my hand to give her a finger twirl in greeting, a small smirk sliding over my lips.
I’d go see her soon, check in and make sure things were veritably looking up for her, but not yet. She deserved a honeymoon phase with her lovers.
“Quetta, give me the usual.” I slid up to the bar, grinning at one of my oldest friends. Excess and karma didn’t often go together, but we made it work.
“You got it, girl.” She winked, whipping the towel out of the back of her apron and wiping the counter down.
“Fancy seeing you here.” That voice, smooth like an expensive aged whiskey with just enough bite. A shiver rolled down my spine while I snapped a glare at the newcomer.
What the hell was he doing here?
“Cipher, you never actually put in any work at your bar. What brings you in tonight?”
This man was everything I hated, and you better believe I had the ultimate plan for Karma to bite him in his fine ass. Again, story for another time. I wasn’t about to let this soreass dim my high on completing a good job.
One stray dark lock fell out of his meticulously combed hair, adding to the dangerously wicked vibe he had going on. His classic white T-shirt stretched over his muscles as he leaned across the bar, trying too damn hard to be a James Dean wannabe. It literally burned my biscuit that it worked so well on him.
“The lovely couple. Or quad? I don’t judge.” He shrugged, chuckling under his breath. “They’re all anyone in the Keeper circles are talking about. She’s the first as far as I know. Remarkable really.” He let his gaze linger over Dahlia, sweeping over her entire form.
This was Cipher. He appreciated all beauty and had no qualms about showing it.
“I know. I did a good job.” I slipped onto a stool and spun around to face them. They were in a adorable and a little too sickeningly sweet, but I’d much rather stare at them than the Keeper of Sin.
“What was that?”
Damn it! Tonight was supposed to be a good night.
“What was what, Bish?” I flicked my gaze up to the towering Keeper of Death for a brief second. He was really too handsome for his own good.
“About Dahlia. What were you saying?” He stepped closer, his gaze intense as if my answer was very important to him. Flanked by a pair of dogs, he seemed even more menacing, despite their wagging tails. They’d been following him everywhere, and Quetta didn’t even bat an eyelash at their presence.
“I did a good job,” I repeated slowly so he could follow along.
Pulling back, his face twisted into disgust. “Cipher, I’ll be at the other end. Have Quetta bring me a glass of Nectar, would ya?”
Rapping his knuckles on the bar, Cipher stood up. “I’ll do one better than that. I’ll join you.”
Just like that, both Keepers wandered off without so much as a goodbye, nice to see you, or your ass looks fucking amazing after decades of not seeing you.
Cipher grabbed a top shelf bottle of Nectar on his way. They settled down like old pals ready to engage in an hours-long discussion.
What the hell was up with that?
You know, not my problem. Quetta delivered my drink, and I grinned at her. “Send a round over to Dahlia and the boys for me?”
“Will do, honey.” Quetta winked, and I grinned. Yep, I’d done great work, and I didn’t give two figs what Death and Sin had to talk about. Tonight, I toasted myself.
I was worth it.
Bonus Scene 1
Dead men tell no tales is such a weird, and if I’m honest, kind of morbid sentiment. It also smells a lot like just desserts. - Dahlia
Judgment
The woman slept in his bed, and he drew the covers over her. He’d been careful to strip away her bloody clothes and clean her before he dressed her in a sleeping gown. Her peaceful face reflected none of her earlier torment. His grace was already working to repair her injuries. It would be some time before she woke.
Gathering her soiled clothing and all the remaining items of her life, he checked the security to assure himself no one could get in and she would not be able to get out and hurt herself before he returned, should she wake before then. Then he transported himself away from Domum. The clothes, the purse, everything had to be burned. Once done, he turned his attention to the only item from her wallet he’d kept.
A driver’s license that included the address. It took him back to the building not far from Sinner’s. Cloaked, he glided to the front and then slipped in the doors. The locks wouldn’t keep him out, he could just transport to the other side if necessary.
Still, he took the stairs, side-stepping the blood where she’d fallen. The long walk gave him time to consider how he would render the judgment on the one she called Alex. He’d committed the crime, there was no doubt in Judgment.
At the spot where rusty-red shaded blood stained the wall, Judgment studied it. This was where Alex had smacked her head into the wall several times. He’d wanted to hurt her. His wounded ego lashed out, and this stain was the result.
Jaw tightening, he continued his ascent to the correct floor, then let himself onto that level. The number on the license read 715.
That was the apartment. The image of Dahlia staring up at him from the card included her warm smile and dark eyes. He should destroy it and would—later. For now, he stowed it away and went to the door. Raising his fist, Judgment debated knocking.
Then decided against it.
Transporting himself beyond the door, he paused in the darkened room. The television flickered in the corner, and Alex leaned back on the sofa, eyes closed, feet on the coffee table, and one hand down his pants. A low, dull snore escaped him.
Three empty beer bottles sat on the table next to his fee
t. Judgment stared. He’d murdered his lover and now slept, after having a few beers? Shadows coursed around him, feeding on what was left of his insignificant soul.
On the floor in the corner, a beautiful golden retriever lifted his head at Judgment’s entrance, but didn’t bark. Sadness weighed down on the animal. The poor creature likely understood she wasn’t coming back either. He would return to make sure the animal found a good home.
A strange feeling swept through him as he searched the room, his gaze not so much curious as cataloging. A pair of shoes sat near the door, heels, with one tipped on its side. Plants decorated the ledge near the window. Colorful pillows strewn about. A painting on the wall showed a gloriously colored forest in autumn. Little feminine touches everywhere, and he could almost taste her. The flavor of her lingered on his tongue after the kiss.
This was her place. Her murderer slept off his drunkenness against pretty things her hands had touched. This was more than injustice.
This was infuriating. Judgment unfurled his wings and crossed to the sofa. He loomed over the man and then seized him by his shirt and dragged him upward. Not bothering to shroud his real self, he shed his guise of humanity as he hauled the pathetic scum to eye level.
Alex gave a snort and then blinked his eyes open. The drunken-sleepiness erased as they widened, and he gave a little shout.
“Human of darkness, you are hereby found guilty in crimes against Dahlia.” At the mere mention of her name, the one called Alex began to struggle against him. What came next should have been delivered by his brothers. They should have been there to do it before the unforgivable had been done. Now, there were no second chances, and this one would know the same terror she had before he threw her down those stairs. “Tonight, you will feel the punishment you so richly deserve.”
He was not able to render true justice, but the retribution and punishment would have to be enough. Alex screamed, first obscenities, and then he turned to pathetic pleading. Judgment didn’t care what his excuses were, his whole being was stained with his crimes.
Dragging the man with him, he exited out onto the balcony. The night was still thick over the city, and the air hot. With a shove off, he launched into the air, and Alex’s screams grew hoarse and high-pitched.
Circling the roof once, Judgment glanced down at the shrieking man when his screams finally went silent. His eyes were near white with terror, and his clothing soiled.
“You terrorized and killed her, now you die as she did. Know this is the meaning of real justice. My judgment is final.” Then he released him and watched—though far from impassive, as he should be—as the man crashed to the Earth.
His landing was far more unforgiving than hers had been.
There would be no need for Judgment to drop him again.
Satisfied as the shadows dispersed and faded, he returned to the apartment for the animal.
But the dog was already gone.
Perhaps another Keeper had come for him. There were Keepers for the animals of Earth as much as for the humans. With one last look at the apartment, he transported himself to Domum to wait for his guest to wake.
He’d kept his part of the bargain.
Now, it was her turn.
Bonus Scene 2
I could almost see the struggle Seth had in the beginning. He wanted to like me, but he also wanted to hold me at arm’s length. Let’s just say that back then, the jury was still out. -Dahlia
Judgment
In the shadows of the hallway the Keepers liked to use so much, Judgment crossed his arms as he watched the scene before him. Just as he’d predicted, both Justice and Punishment were drawn to this woman in a way they’d never been drawn to anyone else, at least not that he’d ever witnessed.
And he made a point to watch them over the years.
Dahlia was a walking dream, turning heads wherever she went, especially when in the presence of Keepers. What was so special about this girl?
He’d spent a few days with her now, granted she was unconscious for a good bit of that time, and even he could admit there was something compelling about her. Only Seth couldn’t figure out what it was. And now that he watched Zhan step far too close into her as Tarus held Bish against the wall, he didn’t much like the way irritation scratched at his skin.
Shrugging it away, he focused on trying to hear what Zhan was saying, but the sounds of the bar were too overpowering, even with his exceptional hearing. That, and Zhan must have been whispering.
In a flash, they were gone.
Zhan stole Dahlia away while leaving Tarus behind. Seth could barely contain his surprise. Suddenly, he didn’t know if this was such a good idea after all.
Not waiting for Tarus, he closed his eyes and followed the link to the ranch. He’d been here before. Not often, but he was glad now that he’d put in the extra work to learn the layout.
Creeping around the house, he checked the bedroom windows first—nothing. Zhan wouldn’t take her there, would he?
He cursed under his breath. His brother, who had a love for bondage, would absolutely take her to his playroom. What better way to contain a woman?
The ranch was one story, so he easily reached the window sill. Cloaking himself as much as possible, he angled himself so he could see in from the side. Dahlia would never know he was there, and Zhan wouldn’t either, unless they looked right at him. Knowing his brothers, he was sure they’d have other more interesting things to hold their attention.
Maybe he should flash in and take her away. No matter how little detail he gave her in the plan, she hadn’t signed up for this.
Fuck.
There she was. Dahlia was strung up on a platform close to the wall as Zhan paced in front of her, as if he wasn’t sure what to do with her now that he had her. And Dahlia? She was holding her calm quite well.
Tarus popped in a moment later, scowling at Zhan before his eyes widened in shock. Why was he shocked? Even Seth recognized that this was a possibility once Zhan took her.
When they built this house, the brothers had soundproofed each room, making it incredibly difficult to hear anything said inside. So he was left as a spectator. Seth fucking hated it.
He hated it so badly, once he got her back, he wasn’t going to continue with any of this foolishness. There had to be another way to bring them to heel, while at the same time, punishing them for their inaction.
Watching them circle Dahlia and her open invitation for more, he knew now that this had been an epic failure on his part.
Forcing himself to watch, he noticed the small things. Like the way Zhan gravitated toward her when it was clear he was second guessing his decision to bring her here. Or the way Tarus couldn’t keep his gaze off of Dahlia for more than two seconds.
Seth understood how they felt.
She was something unlike anything he’d ever encountered. She was beautiful, but it was more than that. It was her snark, her sweetness, and her heart all wrapped up in one long legged, ravishing package.
Then the brothers circled closer, and he caught a glimpse of Dahlia’s eyes fluttering shut before Zhan cut off his line of sight altogether. Their hands traced her body, and even with only small snatches of Dahlia when they shifted around her, he knew to his very being she enjoyed what they were doing.
Spinning on his heel, he placed his back against the warm brick.
His heart pounded to an uneven rhythm, and fury so hot burned through him as he tried to calm his thoughts.
She wanted what they were doing. To them, it might even seem like she needed what they were offering. And he had been the one to place her there. This was his fault, and not a fair trade to ask of her.
Obscene thoughts floated through his head of what they must be doing, but no matter how he tried, he couldn’t watch.
Seth wanted to touch her, learn her, please her.
Barely leashing his emotions, he turned, preparing himself for the worst.
But the room was empty.
The ropes that he
ld Dahlia swung gently. They couldn’t have been gone long.
Tracing his link to her, he transported back to Sinner’s to collect her, catching the bare end of Tarus’ words.
“…I never want to see you again.”
Tarus used his grace to disappear, and she spun around, running right into his chest. The stark hurt flashing across Dahlia’s face did little to cool his ire. As much as he tried, his emotions were too tumultuous to leash.
If Seth didn’t get her out from under his skin, he was going to be an unsuspecting victim of his own punishment.
When he noticed her mussed hair and slightly swollen lips, his tight control began to slip.
The last person he wanted to lash out at was Dahlia. He needed her out of Sinner’s and away from his brothers, and anyone else who might put their hands on her.
Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed Dahlia and her angels (not angels!) as much as we did! If you would, please consider leaving a review as it helps promote the books you love.
You can stalk Blake on her Facebook Author Page, Bookbub and you can also find her in her closed reading group the Lusty Legion. In the LL you can interact with her directly, find excerpts and information on upcoming releases, as well as play games and enter for giveaways.
To stalk Heather and keep up with all of her series, join her in Heather’s Pack where you get all the perks of hanging out with her, play games, get sneak peeks and so much more!
We’d love to have you join us!
Turn the pages for a look at all our books and a sneak peek of Blake’s last release, Pin-up Girl, a RH college romance standalone, with a sexy side of suspense and Succubus Chained, the first chapter of Heather’s new Shackled Souls trilogy, a RH paranormal romance that’s super spicy!
About Heather Long
USA Today bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime. From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family. She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.
