The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet

by Karen Tomlinson

  Diamond still could not meet his eyes.

  His wings shimmered as he tucked them tightly into his back. For a moment he simply contemplated her.

  Silence stretched.

  Swallowing hard, Diamond turned her attention from his wings to his face. Then wished she hadn’t. Her stomach tightened. She must have imagined any compassion in his words.

  Black, fathomless eyes glinted back at her, full of vicious amusement. Suddenly his fingers twisted in her hair, wrenching a pained gasp from her. “So you still believe you’re that pathetic little girl? You really need to toughen up, magic wielder. After all, Jack didn’t die. Or maybe that’s what’s bothering you, that he just upped and left. That he didn’t care enough about you to stay.” His voice was mocking and cold.

  Diamond’s face flamed as he ran his eyes over her body and raised one brow.

  “Don’t let it bother you too much. With a face and body like yours, it won’t take you long to find another lover.” A smirk curled his lips. “After all, it didn’t take you long to seduce Jack, even after I told you to keep your legs shut. You’ll only have to open them again and any of these hot-blooded fae will happily rut on you.”

  “Shut up!” Diamond hissed, her eyes flashing as she fought his grip. Anger and indignation flared hotly at his crass words. “Jack is not, and never has been, my lover!” She forced out, slapping and clawing at his hand. “Let me go!” she spat.

  “Oh?” Hugo drawled, ignoring her demand. Gripping harder, he pulled her head back further. Something flashed in his eyes that she didn’t understand. Triumph? Relief? She didn’t have time to think about it before his eyes glittered darkly again and he nodded as if making a decision. His tone turned purring and insulting.

  “That’s it, isn’t it?” he drawled. “The handsome prince got impatient. Maybe you simply aren’t worth all the effort he put in. Picking you up every night. Dropping you off in the mornings. Gods, what did you do together all night if you aren’t his lover by now? Is that it? Did you tease him? Get him so worked up he’s had to go find someone else to—”

  Diamond slammed her fist as hard as she could into his jaw. Satisfying pain exploded across her hand.

  He jerked back, his mouth twisting into a wicked grin, blood bright against his teeth. “That’s the Diamond I know. The one who shoved her thumbs into the eye sockets of a Wolfman, the one who turned an entire legion of Dust Devils to ash. It’s about time she showed herself again. Bring her back to fight me with as much determination as you did those monsters. Work out your anger and your grief before it shreds your soul,” he demanded, letting go of her hair before shoving her away from him.

  Falling hard, Diamond tumbled across the ground, thudding as her back connected with the wall. Hot breath exploded from her lungs and she hissed with pain. But the impact shocked her out of her melancholy mood.

  Blinding rage flashed through her blood. Her vision changed and she saw blinding rivers of colour encompassing them both.

  How dare he treat me like this? All that compassion was simply for show, when he thinks me a whore who will open my legs for anyone. Well, I’ll show him. Bastard!

  She snarled, magic raging in her eyes.

  Giving her a feral grin, Hugo spat a globule of blood on the ground, cricking his neck side to side.

  “Well, well, little girl. Have I made you angry? Good. Come on then, defend your honour,” he goaded, pacing impatiently while she scrambled up. “Let’s go. Prove to me you aren’t a pathetic little girl rolling in self-pity and grief. Show me the warrior you have become. Show me how hard you can fight. Destroy the grief and blame, here and now, before it can destroy you,” he growled.

  Fine! He wants a warrior, well, that’s exactly what he’s going to get.

  Dodging sideways, she avoided the back-kick Hugo aimed at her chest, her elbow connecting with his back as he spun past. She danced away from him.

  Lethal intent flashed in his glittering eyes as he faced her.

  Realisation dawned. Hugo had manipulated her until she boiled with enough fury to blast the dark thoughts from her mind.

  For the first time, he looked right in her eyes and gave her the slow, arrogant grin of a dominant fae male.

  “There she is,” he crowed. “So are you going to fight me, little girl? Or give up and spread your legs for a horny warrior instead?” he goaded.

  Incensed, she loosed a wave of magic and their Nexus ignited. Power exploded, charging the air and her blood.

  Hugo tipped back his head, the veins on his neck engorged. He roared into the sky. His body rigid, his eyes intense and full of silver fire when he looked back at her. A wicked grin distorted his face. Instead of shielding against her magic, Hugo sucked it inside himself.

  Diamond gasped. It was exactly what he had done when the red warrior had attacked him. It did not matter.

  He wants a warrior? Then a warrior is precisely what he will get.

  Chapter 9

  Wind gusted around Hugo and Diamond. They ignored the cold fingers whipping at their hair and clothes, their eyes only on each other. Nothing and no one existed outside the bubble of emotions and magic that surrounded them.

  Unaware the squadron had observed them fighting before being ordered away by Tallo, Diamond adjusted her balance as Hugo feinted with his right fist. Breathing had become hard, and blood stained her teeth. Diamond’s anger was abating, leaving her body tired and her limbs heavy. Her magic reached out to Hugo, trying to pull some strength from him, but lithely he danced away. Shadow and mist disappeared instantly. A weighing look crossed his face.

  “Ah, ah! That’s cheating, even if you are tired,” he smirked, but she could see how he was panting too. He launched a barrage of power at her. Matching his attacks while shielding pushed her to the limits of her energy. As her vision fogged, something wrapped around her ankles.

  No.

  He had distracted her and got beneath her shield! Before she could sever the shadowy ribbons, he yanked. With a squeal she fell backwards, so close to the wall her head connected with a sickening thump. She sprawled in a daze on the floor, her body becoming heavy, her arms and legs filled with a strange liquid warmth. It was as if she were listening through water.

  He squatted down, his mouth stained with blood and said, “I think that’s enough emotional release for today. It’s time for us both to accept who we are and what we have done. We need to move on.” His fingers were gentle as he brushed blood-matted hair off her cheek. “Maybe we can talk about what happened between us, too. If and when you are ready,” he suggested softly.

  Diamond could only look at him, still feeling dizzy—and now confused. Had she heard him correctly? He actually wanted to talk?

  Hugo stood and stretched. Turning, he looked at the men and women of the squadron. They had stopped what they were doing and stood silently nearby, despite Tallo’s order to train.

  “Leave us,” Hugo ordered, his voice no longer soft. “I will take care of her.”

  Diamond watched from the ground as dozens of booted feet moved reluctantly away. Hugo spoke quietly with Tallo, who tipped back his head and laughed loudly. Even Attion smiled at whatever Hugo said.

  When Hugo returned, he didn’t even give her chance to stand up before he swept her off the floor. Her head ached more than she thought possible and she winced, holding in her tears.

  “Put me down, Hugo. I can walk,” she declared.

  “I know you can,” he remarked, tightening his arms. His feet ground to a halt, and it became hard to ignore the weight of his gaze. “But I would like to carry you. If you’ll let me?”

  It was a question. He was asking for permission.

  Diamond’s throat dried out completely. Without looking at him she nodded.

  Hugo resumed his progress, quickly covering the ground to the west quarters. With each movement of his body, his musky scent and warmth enveloped her.

  Adjusting her weight, he bent to open the door to her room, crossed the floor, th
en lowered her carefully onto the small bed, supporting his weight with one knee.

  For an unnerving moment Hugo silently studied her.

  “I’ll call a steward to fill your bath and order you food. You’ll need to eat something after using all that magic, especially as you haven’t eaten all day.”

  “I’m not hungry,” she whispered.

  “You’ll need energy. We have to go out tonight,” he informed her, looming over the bed like a great solid oak, unbending and large—she felt like the little girl he accused her of being.

  “What? Out? Out where?” she croaked, gawking at him. She could hardly move let alone go out.

  “The deal you made with Reese. Don’t you remember? You landed a punch on the ‘miserable bastard’. So we are going to the old docks for me to buy everyone beer for the night,” he said, looking amused.

  Whooping and shouts of glee erupted from the yard. Tallo had obviously just told the rest of the squadron about their night pass. Feet thundered past her window towards the soldiers’ quarters.

  Hugo contemplated her intently. The weight of his regard had her wriggling.

  “Why can’t you go alone?” she asked when the noise had settled.

  Hugo let his eyes roam over her bruised cheek and down her body as if assessing her injuries. Reclining, she closed her eyes, hoping that would settle the sudden tightening in her stomach.

  “Because,” he said, cocking his head to one side, arching one brow wryly, “this was your deal. You made it and you landed the punch, so you have no choice but to come with me for a night of drinking with your brothers-in-arms. Besides, you’ve wallowed in enough self-pity for one day. It really doesn’t suit you,” he said as he grabbed a pot of salve off the washstand and tossed it.

  Diamond caught the pot in one hand.

  “Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  “Good. I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” he retorted, grinning as he closed the door.

  Chapter 10

  When Hugo knocked on her door, Diamond was a mess of nerves. Trying to make sense of his earlier behaviour had thrown her into a whirlwind of confusion. He had been distant with her for weeks. And Attion’s quiet but constant presence had served to remind Diamond of Hugo’s true loyalties. Or were they his true loyalties? A sigh escaped her. She had been over these thoughts so many times in her head, she was dizzy.

  She exhaled, trying not to think about how gently Hugo had lifted her off the ground or how carefully he had placed her on the bed. She swallowed and bit her top lip, twisting a lock of hair around her finger. He had even been concerned enough to send a phial of painkiller for her. That and the salve Rose had given her had dulled the edge off her aches.

  Diamond jumped at a polite knock on the door. Swallowing hard, she waited a moment before opening it. Her mouth dropped open. Hugo had braided his hair back tightly, accentuating the hard angles of his shaven jaw. Unable to stop herself, her eyes travelled over his body. He was out of armour, and she could see a black shirt covering his broad chest under the edges of his cloak. His clean, spicy scent hit her, enticing her to inhale. Her cheeks flushed as he registered that tell-tale sign of fae interest.

  His scar twitched as he smiled at her reaction. His eyes seemed even more blue than normal against the rich shade of his cloak. It was impossible for her to look away. Her mouth turned dry. Gods, he really is handsome, she thought, trying not to seem too overwhelmed by the fact she was going out and socialising with him.

  He coughed and cleared his throat, “Good evening, Diamond. Shall we?” he asked, indicating the corridor with a sweep of his hand.

  When they stepped outside the main door, she saw Attion waiting. Reality hit her like a slap in the face. Gritting her teeth, she passed by the other guard.

  “Attion,” she greeted in a cursory fashion. He nodded politely and waited for Hugo to pass before dropping in step behind them.

  It was dry but cold outside. Shivering, she silently thanked her mysterious benefactor for purchasing the thick cape currently secured around her shoulders and the soft leather gloves she wore. One day she would find out who it was.

  Hugo glanced back. Attion nodded and moved ahead to join Tallo. Diamond raised her brows in question. Hugo smiled a little and shrugged.

  The squadron waited impatiently in the training ground. They cheered as she walked toward them. Embarrassed, she rolled her eyes, groaned and hid behind Hugo’s back. Tallo grinned at her, while Reese gave her a flamboyant salute. Surprise flicked through her when she heard a soft chuckle from Hugo.

  In a flurry of activity, the squadron set off, the voices of the eager soldiers loud in the night. It was going to be a long walk through the city to the docks, but none of them seemed to mind. It was an excuse to escape from the barracks for a while. The banter of the soldiers eddied around Diamond, and she wondered what her father would have made of her situation. Her eyes shifted sideways to Hugo’s slightly swollen lip. Maybe Arades Gillon would be impressed. She smiled a little, hoping that was true.

  When they left the palace grounds behind, Hugo looked down at her. The lamplight caught his eyes, making them glitter disturbingly from under his hood. He slowed to match his stride to hers until he walked by her side.

  The weight of their past hung heavy in the air. It seemed neither were ready to talk about the day Diamond was kidnapped or what had transpired afterwards in the throne room. Perhaps neither wanted to destroy the fragile peace that had settled between them.

  The squadron seemed eager to reach the docks and walked ahead at a faster pace, soon leaving her and Hugo behind. Diamond used the opportunity to study her surroundings. The last time she had been outside the palace gates was during her kidnapping. They had run for their lives that day. Hugo had rescued her, and then forsaken her for the Queen. Pushing those thoughts aside, Diamond made herself study the buildings. Their architecture changed as Hugo led her away from the palace. She stared at the beauty of the city. Representations of the guardians and fierce fae warriors covered the walls and columns of many buildings, reminding her of Lunaria.

  Diamond glanced at Hugo, then quickly looked away when his gaze flicked her way. What would he say if he discovered she was a descendant of the Goddess of Creation? She swallowed that thought, still not entirely sure of his feelings towards her.

  Further into the city, it felt strange to look into softly lit windows and see normalcy as people sat around dining tables or kissed their children goodnight. She felt so far removed from that life, as if her own father had been a glorious, comfortable dream that had wrapped her in love. But it was a dream that had dissipated in the harshness of her present life. She swallowed and kept her eyes averted from the tender, yet heart breaking scenes.

  Soon the street lamps became less frequent and the shadows darkened. The rest of the squadron had long since disappeared. Alleyways and small backstreets led off the main cobbled thoroughfare. Hugo turned down one, and she found herself wishing to walk closer to him. Growing up in a trade town had not left Diamond innocent to the dangers of the darkness, but she had never wandered through such vast shadows as Valentia’s before. Some backstreets appeared so dark it looked as if anyone who wandered into them would be devoured. She shuddered.

  Hugo’s voice rumbled out from under his hood. “Those streets lead down to the eastern docks and quays. It’s a dangerous part of the city, run by a notorious crime lord. These docks haven’t been used by big trading ships since the main harbour and west docks were built. Only local fishermen, smaller traders and captains trafficking illicit goods use them.” Amusement coloured his next words, his eyes sparkling as he rubbed his jaw. “Although, if you fancy off-loading some of your anger on someone other than me, there are some vicious fighting dens down there. I expect their bloodthirsty audiences would lose quite a bit of money if you decided to walk in and challenge their fighters.”

  Diamond gaped. Good goddess above! Hugo, with a sense of humour? He was normally as serious as a cleric at a
burning ceremony.

  “Nah,” she responded as nonchalantly as possible, her heart thumping as the mischief of a flower imp took her. She remembered their flirtatious conversation from weeks ago, the night he had told her she was beautiful. Maybe they could be like that again. After all, if she was going to lure him away from the beautiful Queen, she had to start somewhere. “You are the only challenge I need. Once I have triumphed over you, I will not need to best another warrior,” she declare, holding his eyes and trying not to blush.

  Hugo seemed momentarily stunned, then smiled widely and raised his brows,

  “In that case, I might just let you win,” he rumbled.

  Diamond quickly turned away, trying to calm her suddenly erratic heart.

  They walked on in silence, and Diamond became lost in thought. She had never really grieved for her father or allowed herself to think about what had happened with General Edo. Hugo had understood her low spirit far better than she had herself. He had purposefully given her a way to confront her grief. Ignoring it wasn’t an option any longer, which he had made her realise. In his own way, Hugo had helped her deal with the emotions triggered by Jack leaving. A small cough was enough to clear her throat.

  “Hugo?”

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you.”

  “What for?” he rumbled, looking puzzled.

  “For making me confront my grief and guilt.”

  He snorted. “Oh, is that what I did?”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his mouth twitch into a smile.

  “Yes, and you know it.” She smiled. “I don’t know why I felt so low today. I guess I let my feelings get the better of me.”

  He frowned down at her. “You’ll miss Jack, but there is more going on in your head, and your heart, that you need to deal with. You saw your father killed—violently. You were forced to take the life of a man you had trusted since you were a small child. Your world has been turned upside down, mainly because of me. I know you think me weak for serving the Queen and even think me indifferent to your pain, but I am not. I have only seen you cry for your father once, and that was the day he died. You need to grieve for him, for General Edo and for the life you have lost.”