He sipped. “Good. There is one more thing you can do for me right now.”
“Anything,” she whispered.
He let his fangs extend. “I find myself hungry.”
Raven set her glass on the side table and rose from her seat. Untied the black, silk robe she wore and let it fall to the floor. Pert breasts and rounded hips caused him to stifle a moan. She pulled her long tresses to one side to expose her neck and slipped into his lap. He cupped her firm ass with one hand and ran his tongue along her soft skin.
“My lord, there is something you should know.”
“Hmm, what is that my dear?” He could hardly wait to taste her. It had been awhile since he’d had human blood.
“I was chosen by the other members to come to you. I am a virgin.”
Fucking perfect. He couldn’t have asked for better timing. To have the humans offer him a virgin female as sacrifice just opened the portal to their world. He sank his fangs into her vein and drank. Power filled him. Nothing would stop him now.
Chapter Sixteen
Seth dressed in record time then turned his back on Katie while he waited for her to finish. He couldn’t stand to look at her. Between his lust and guilt, he was ripped in two. Lust wanted to fuck her over and over and damn the repercussions. Guilt wrenched his gut. He’d used her like a common whore. Instinct reminded him she was his mate and therefore belonged to him. He had every right to her body and her blood. Gods how he wanted to drink from her and when he’d accidentally pricked her tongue and tasted her...He still couldn’t believe he’d been able to refrain. Allowing what just happened between them had been the biggest mistake of his life. His heart felt like someone had placed a vice on it and slowly turned the screw.
I cannot fall in love with her. However, he knew it was too late, he’d already started down that path.
“Are you done yet?” he growled a little louder than he had meant to.
“You know for a man who just got his rocks off, you sure are pissy.”
“Sorry, but we need to hurry and get out of here.”
She slipped in beside him, her skin still flush from the sex they’d had. Damn he wanted to take her again. He fisted his hands at his side to keep from touching her. Do it! Throw her to the floor and bind her wrists. Have your way. He closed his eyes. Damn the fucking voices. He tried to remember when they had actually taken on a life of their own. Used to be they were only memories of those he’d drunk from. At some point the tides had changed and they started speaking directly to him.
“Seth?”
Another voice. A soft feminine siren called to him. She alone rose above all the others. He shook the rest free and realized Katie was talking to him.
“Seth?”
“What?”
“Are you okay?” Her hand was on his arm and concern on her face.
“Fine.” He started to turn, but she grabbed a handful of his shirt. “You tempt fate, woman.”
“You’re lying to me. You don’t look fine. How can I help?”
After he’d used her, growled at her, and even threatened her, she still wanted to help him. He didn’t deserve a woman like her. “You can’t help me. The only thing that can is cold steel biting through my neck. Soon, I’ll be a menace.”
“I don’t believe that. Look, I don’t pretend to understand any of this, but if you were a lost cause why would the gods have chosen us to be together?”
He sighed. Really didn’t want to go into it, but he owed her. “We may be mates, but fate was cruel. If I had found you maybe even a year ago things would be different. It’s too late now.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I know if I feed again it will be the last time. Ever. The last shred of sanity I have will cease to exist. I can’t chance drinking from anyone, not even you.”
Pain filled her eyes. “What happens if you don’t feed?”
“I become weak, lose my powers, but I’ll still be immortal. I have already bargained with someone to end my life when that happens. I will not be a burden to my brethren.”
Her face paled. “Bargained? So, you are paying someone to off you?”
“In a sense. I can’t count on those close to me to do it. So, I have taken out insurance so to speak. My time is running out. I need to find you a suitable mate and know you’re safe. You need an immortal to help you.”
She pursed her lips then slapped him across the cheek. “Fuck you! This isn’t the dark ages and you can’t just marry me off.” She grabbed her pack and stomped away.
The sting on his cheek was nothing compared to the ache in his heart. “I’d be honored to have you, Katie, but I’m not fit,” he whispered.
Katie stormed down the corridor with no clue where she was going or if Seth followed. How the hell am I supposed to save him? Where was Vivian now because she sure as hell could use some guidance. It would be so much easier to simply share with him what the plan was. Everything she’d learned, and believe her, the goddess had dumped a shit-load of info into her brain. Yeah, she could read and speak a language so ancient it wasn’t even in the history books. It amazed her how she knew these things.
She stopped and took in a deep breath. Had to find a way to make this work. Somewhere, in her mind the answers were there. She turned to look behind her. Seth followed yet kept a safe distance. He stopped several feet back and stared at her. The man’s face didn’t give much away. He rarely showed emotion, and was more complex than anyone she’d ever met. At first glance, he was a warrior. A fighter who would never hesitate to step into a battle and protect those who were unable to protect themselves. She’d gotten a glimpse at the inside though. Heard the voices in his head and realized the nightmare he lived with every second of his life. He fought his own internal battle and the fact he had survived this long and not gone over the edge yet was a testament to his integrity. His determination. His will to live. So, how could she give up on him?
As she stood there and stared into his eyes, she saw something that she’d never noticed before. Sadness. There was sadness in his eyes and it ripped her in half. She walked back to where he stood and looked up at him.
“You can’t simply marry me off. I’m not a child.”
“I need to know that you are safe before I leave this world.” He sighed. Don’t kiss her.
She tipped her head. Can you hear my thoughts? She waited but he never answered. Was it possible she now heard more than the voices in his head? She searched her memories and came back with something about the blood tie. She’d drank from him, but he hadn’t from her. That could mean she was connected yet he wasn’t.
“Are you okay?”
She blinked. “Yes, I was just wondering something. If we were chosen to be together, then how will it work if I take a different mate? I thought mates were destined?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
“So, I could actually be worse off then, if I bond with another?”
Shit. I never want you hurt. “We will figure out something. There has to be a way. Perhaps once I am gone you will be able to choose your own.”
She did hear his thoughts. This could work to her advantage big time. “You think I will be given another chance?”
“You are the daughter of the Phoenix. I think you can do whatever you wish. We need to hurry so I can leave. The sooner the better for you.” Fucking Zarek! Why can’t I have happiness once in my life?
Another piece of her heart was chipped away. She entwined her arm in his and bit her lip to keep the tears at bay. “Let’s find a way out of here.”
Together they walked the corridor. Sunlight shined at the end and fresh air whisked past them. There was an opening and they picked up the pace until they were both at a dead run. Neither of them wanted to be stuck in this place any longer. As they stepped outside into the sunlight they were transported to the middle of the Egyptian desert. To Katie’s surprise Baal rose from behind a sand dune and a large shadow blocked out the sun. She looked up to see a beautif
ul dragon circling.
“Well it’s about fucking time you two showed up,” Baal growled.
“Believe me. We are happy to be free of that place,” she replied.
Baal placed a hand on each of their shoulders and they were sucked into a black void. When next Katie saw light, she stood inside a room.
“Damn. I wish you would warn me first.” She glanced around and found herself in a windowless room. A large conference table sat on one side with a wall of monitors. On the other were several leather chairs and a matching black leather sofa. “Where are we?”
“Our headquarters,” Seth replied.
She cocked her head to the side. “And exactly where would that be?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I need to go check on things. Stay here with Baal and I’ll be back soon.”
He flashed from the room and in seconds Baal stood in front of her. Golden eyes pinned her.
“Did you get the book?”
She moved away and pulled her pack off her shoulders and tossed it on the sofa. “I did.”
He glanced around the room as if he was looking for someone hidden in the corner. “Look, I don’t know when he’s coming back so I’m going to hurry. I was sent on this mission to make sure you two got together. So, did you?”
She felt her jaw drop. “Are you asking me if we had sex?” She thrust her hands to her hips. “And who sent you?”
He narrowed his gaze. “Yes, I am asking if you two fucked and his leader sent me. I don’t know the entire story, but I trust Aidyn with my life. When he told me to put you two together I didn’t hesitate.”
He held nothing back, she liked this demon. “Yes, but he still has it in his head that he will not bond with me. He said he can’t feed anymore.” She cast her gaze around then lowered her voice. “Did you know he has a contract to have himself killed?”
Baal tossed his head back and laughed. “Sugar, of course, I do. I’m it.”
“You?”
He held his hand up. “Now don’t go getting your thong in a twist. I have no intention of doing the job.” Sadness came over his face. “Unless I’m forced. You need to get him to take your blood, even if you have to resort to trickery.”
She sighed. “I tried seduction and the man has a will of steel. He still refused to bite.” She touched her forehead. “I honestly don’t know how he is still functioning. I’ve heard the voices he deals with. It’s downright frightening.”
“He has resorted to pain management.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means he’s addicted to the blade. He cuts himself to keep the dark one appeased. My concern is when that stops working then what will he resort to?”
She shivered and again another piece of her heart was chipped away as she remembered he had told her that. Somehow, coming from another made it even more real. She began to pace.
“Other than chaining him down and force feeding him, I’ve run out of ideas.”
The demon lifted a brow. “That can be accomplished if need be.”
Katie stopped in her tracks and rubbed her arms. “Let’s save that for a final resort.” She feared that even if they were successful in saving him, Seth would never forgive her for taking away the last of his dignity.
Lowan was drunk on the power that filled him. A virgin...given willingly. Stupid humans, but all the better for him. He’d left Raven in his room with a guard outside the door and planned to keep her until she wore out her usefulness.
“My lord, you summoned me?”
He looked up from the map he’d been studying. Chaval wore the battle gear of a Sumari and even Lowan had to admit he made an impressive appearance. Leather sleeves were strapped to his arms and gold cuffs lined with spikes circled his wrist. A shield of gold and silver was laced to his abdomen. Leather leggings met black boots and the traditional dark leather loin flowed in a strip down the front. But what really caught his eye were several small skulls strung at his waist. Reminders of what happened to an enemy of a Sumari warrior.
“Yes. Have the demons started to arrive yet?”
“They have and word is that the guardians are not far behind.”
“Then we prepare for an ambush.” He rose and went to the sideboard and retrieved his sword. “I wish to be on the battlefield.” He ran his finger along the edge of his blade, blood dripped to the floor. “I’m in the mood to kill a guardian.” Lowan flashed to the valley below and Chaval came up beside him.
“Is everyone in position?”
“Yes, my lord,” Chaval replied.
The air sizzled and snapped. They were coming and he would welcome them all home with a greeting they would never forget.
Chapter Seventeen
“We have been summoned. The demons have retreated to our home world,” Seth said coming through the door.
“Shit,” Baal replied.
“What do we do?” Katie asked.
“You will stay here under guard. Baal and I need to leave immediately.”
She shook her head. “But I can fight demons. You need me.”
Seth moved to her, but he dared not touch her. This could well be the last time he ever saw her again. The desire to pull her to him and never let go warred with his common sense that said he was already tortured enough.
“I’ll leave you two.” Baal exited the room.
“Katie, I’ve seen you fight and I know you can. However, you have other things to worry about. Stay here and study the book. I need to know you’re safe.” He fisted his hands at his side. “I’m leaving two very capable Draki here with you. Should anything go wrong they have orders to take you to Lileta and Caleb.”
She nodded. “Okay, but don’t you dare die.” She cupped his face and pulled him in for a kiss. He tasted the desperation in every tongue swipe and he longed to stay in the comfort of her arms, but it was not to be.
He broke free on a moan. “I have to go. It is my duty.” He flashed from the room and could swear unshed tears filled her eyes. He had to have imagined them, why would she cry for him?
Seth took the already opened portal behind Garin, placing them on the beach of Vandeldor.
“Watch for an ambush,” Seth lowered his voice.
Garin tipped his head. “I’m ready to torch some demons.”
Seth laughed. “I’m not sure my senses can take all that stench, brother.”
“Ha. Let’s go kick some ass. I’ll see you when this is over and we’ll have a drink. Catch up on life.” Garin moved up a sand dune so he could scout out what was on the other side of the bluff. Seth took a quick glance around. Memories of all the brethren they had laid to rest here overwhelmed him. Not long ago it had been Queen Daria, Aidyn’s mother. He quickly tossed aside his thoughts and joined Garin.
“It’s quiet. Too quiet,” Garin commented.
Several shadows passed overhead, but Seth didn’t need to look up to know the Draki had arrived. “It’s time to flush them out.” Both he and Garin flashed into the forest and met up with Lucan, Gwen, Marcus and several of their brethren. The Kothar had an extensive army as well. He looked to Marcus.
“Do we know how they got in here?” Seth asked.
Marcus’s gazed pinched down to slits. “Chaval.”
Garin whistled. “Shit.”
Seth couldn’t agree more. The Sumari warrior was lethal and to have him on the opposite side didn’t bode well for anyone. He wondered what had happened to send the man’s loyalty into Lowan’s clutches.
“Does Gwen know?” Seth asked.
“Dear gods no.” Marcus gave a visible shudder. Gwen and Chaval had been friends as children up until the demon had gone to train with his father at the age of fifteen. No one had seen him since, but Seth knew it would break her heart to learn he was on the wrong side of the fight.
“They’re coming,” Marcus shouted. “May the gods be with us.”
In seconds, hundreds of demons descended upon them. Some had come from
the treetops, others flashed in. Already the ground was ablaze from the dragons above sending their fire into the mix. Seth ran out of the way. While he wouldn’t die from a Draki blast, it hurt like a bitch to heal from the burns.
A demon jumped in front of him and narrowly missed slicing Seth’s chest open. He met the beast blow for blow until the demon made a critical mistake and Seth sent his head flying. There was no time to catch a breath. Several trees caught fire and threatened to topple in his path.
Two more demons charged at him and he had to exchange his large sword for two shorter ones. He lunged at the one to his right, while he swiped at the one on his left. Growing tired of their little games, he flashed behind one of them and quickly took its head. The other came at him with a banshee scream and Seth jabbed his right hand, impaling the blade into the demon’s gut. As he thrust it upward, he swung the other knife across the demon’s neck removing its head.
Blood dripped off him and the ground was coated with the sticky substance, but it only spurred him on. An attack came from behind and one demon managed to come in low and make a deep cut across his thigh.
Seth hissed as pain sliced through nerve endings. Sweet pain that only served to give him the high he sought. If he thought he could get away with it, he’d stand there and let them carve him up like a holiday ham. He could even let one take his head and end his misery, but then he thought of sweet Katie and never seeing her again. He had to be certain of her safety first.
Seth ran at the next demon that tried to attack and lopped off his head. The stench of burning flesh met his nose and sent a bitter taste to the back of his throat. He was surrounded by fighting, but even with being outnumbered, they appeared to be winning and the demons were forced back into hiding.
He spotted Lowan and Chaval in the thick of a battle.
His fangs elongated.
“Dear gods, please tell me that’s not Chaval.” Gwen’s voice gave away her heartache.
Seth dared not take his eyes off Lowan. “I’m afraid so. Perhaps you should leave this place.”
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