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

by Karen Tomlinson

  “Is this from the day I lost control of my magic in the forest?” she asked quietly, remembering how he had fought so hard for her back then. They had not known each other long but, even then, their rare magical bond had been tugging them together. A frown etched her brow. Her magic had been a wild, uncontrollable force; all she had done in return for his bravery was burn him.

  Her eyes met his as she ran her fingertips lightly along the scar’s raised edges. His whole body tensed at her touch, and her eyes flew to his. Thinking he was remembering his burns, she instinctively hung her head again. “I’m sorry I hurt you back then,” she whispered. “You always seem to get hurt when you’re near me.”

  “Stop blaming yourself for the things that happen to me,” he chastised whilst gently pushing wisps of hair from her face. “Gods. I have been injured more times than I care to remember before I even knew you existed. Besides, I hurt you that day, not the other way around.”

  He lifted her chin.

  Diamond stared at him, still trying to recall what had happened. Hugo had confessed a while ago about the bite he had given her, but she had no recollection of it. All she remembered was agony as her magic consumed her body and everything around them; well, that and his eyes as he had crawled towards her. Only the strength and dominance of Hugo’s magic had saved them that day. Rendering her unconscious with venom had been the only way to shut down her wild, self-destructive power.

  Struggling to sit upright so he could see her better, Hugo gave her an encouraging smile. “Shall we deal with these wounds first? Then, when we are recovered more, we can talk about other things,” he suggested and kissed her forehead.

  Diamond nodded and placed her hands on his thigh, trying to ignore the fact this was a part of his body she had not seen or touched before. Spiralling down to reach her energy and focusing on his torn flesh was far easier than acknowledging that information. As her magic twisted and pulled his ripped muscles back together, he arched his neck, another growl of pain escaping his throat. Diamond tried to pull her hands away but he placed his own on top of hers.

  “Keep going,” he bit out, sweat beading on his brow.

  Fighting the weakness of her own body, Diamond healed the wound, leaving another red and angry scar next to his old one. Her shaking hands pulled the covers back over his exposed skin. His head wound would have been easy for her to heal, but she was struggling to summon any magic at all now.

  “Hugo,” she whispered, intending to tell him she needed to rest, but her stomach chose that moment to threaten to expel its contents.

  “It’s all right, my love. Please…just stop now,” Hugo said, understanding softening his face. A film of sweat glistened over his chest, his face tired and drawn in the soft light of the sconces. “I need to rest and so do you. If you still want to, you can heal my head later,” he told her.

  Diamond felt herself lifted from the floor by arms that were strong again. He dragged her tightly against his side before collapsing back against the soft down-filled pillows.

  “Sleep,” he ordered, weariness evident in his voice.

  Far too tired to talk, Diamond gratefully rested her head on his chest and an arm across the ridges of his flat stomach. At first Hugo’s breathing seemed laboured, his heart racing. Diamond hoped it was just a reaction to the pain and not an infection setting in.

  No, Ophelia, is a good healer. She would not have let that happen, Diamond told herself firmly.

  Keeping her body still, she listened intently to the rhythm of Hugo’s body, feeling his magical touch on her skin, wrapping around her. Soon his chest rose and fell steadily, and his heart rate slowed to a strong, steady beat. Its solid thrum relaxed her. Diamond smiled, deciding it was the most wonderful sound in the world, letting it lull her to sleep.

  Both of them slept deeply, neither of them dreaming or moving an inch further apart. Without their knowledge, their magic entwined. It created a bubble of protection around them, seeping through their minds and keeping the nightmares from each other’s dreams.

  Chapter 2

  Way above the secret city, the sun bowed to the power of the ice moon. In seven days Tu Lanah would touch the horizon and darkness would consume the day. The winter storms would whip the ocean into such a rage, great waves would swamp the harbours and shorelines of the island city and skies would roar with thunder before unburdening their heavy clouds upon the kingdoms of Avalonia and Rhodainia.

  Hugo, however, did not care about the outside world; all he cared about was the woman in his arms. He shifted onto his side and pulled her sleeping form into his warmth. A contented smile curled his lips as she turned her face into the bare skin of his chest.

  He inhaled deeply. Her hair smelled sweet, like summer flowers. It was not her soap, it was just her; it was a scent he cherished ever since he had been driven to dive from the sky and save her from the monstrous Seekers who had been sent to kill her. It had slammed into him and caused a wave of protectiveness that had stunned him. She had forced him from the emotionless shell he had built around his heart, no matter how hard he had fought it.

  With the skin of her cheek deliciously soft against his chest, Hugo squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. He was not stupid; he remembered the agony of dying, of clinging onto their bonds as something dark and malicious tried to drag him away. He had forced his magic to leave his body and thrust it, along with every bit of energy from his soul, into Diamond’s. Then he remembered nothing. Now he could only wonder what Diamond had done to save him.

  His stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly but, although he was no longer in as much pain and was ravenously hungry, he had no intention of moving. Diamond’s body was warm and softly moulded to his. There was absolutely no way in hell he was getting out of this bed.

  Gently, he pushed his face into her hair and kissed her, trying to ignore the heat stirring in his blood. He pulled her closer, knowing he would be happy to stay like this forever.

  It was glorious, the warmth of Hugo’s skin against her cheek. She remained still, listening to the strong beat of his heart. Her cheeks flushed as she realised there was no space between their bodies. Then she remembered he was naked.

  Oh goddess! Now what do I do? she asked herself, trying not to immediately pull back.

  You relax, said the voice of reason. He is your mate, and you love him. You may not have shared your body with him yet, but he is yours, and soon you will be his. Hopefully.

  One of her hands already rested against his waist, and the other was trapped between their bodies. Despite her nerves, it was impossible to suppress a contented smile as she tentatively ran her hand over the curve of his waist and into the small of his back.

  “You’re awake,” he accused in a deep timbre.

  She grinned widely. It had all been real. Hugo was alive, and she had healed him. “No, I’m not,” she muttered in denial. With gentle fingers, she moved her hand up his back.

  He had released his wings from the confines of his body and they draped behind him on the bed. Raised scar tissue passed under the sensitive pads of her fingers before she explored the silken mass of those wings, making sure they were healed.

  Keeping her eyes shut, she mischievously dragged her nails across the sensitive scales under the base of his wings, delighting in the shiver that ran through his body.

  A low groan rumbled through his chest. “Yes, you are,” he whispered hoarsely, his breathing now uneven as he pulled back. “And if you do that again, neither of us will be getting out of this bed at all…not until I get to return the favour and drag my nails across your naked skin.” He grinned as heat flooded her face and her eyes flew open. He pulled back a bit more to look at her. “Hello, my love,” he chuckled, kissing her forehead.

  Diamond smiled, still overwhelmed with relief at him being alive. She could not resist wrapping her arm around him and holding him tightly.

  “Come on, we’re both fine. And I’d really like to find out where we are and who these people are. Be
sides,” he laughed as his stomach growled loudly. “I need food, lots of food...and I need to answer the call of nature,” he informed her in an amused tone.

  Diamond groaned but secretly would have been more than happy to rake her nails over his back all night and have him return the favour. “Oh, all right,” she agreed reluctantly and pushed herself up. Without pulling the cover back too much, she scooted over his legs and sat on the side of the bed.

  Hugo grinned and stared hard at her flushed cheeks.

  Ignoring his amused stare, she went to pull on her boots.

  A hiss escaped him as he glared at the offending bandages. “What happened to your feet?” he barked.

  She shrugged and went to stand up.

  Hugo prevented her from moving with a gentle but strong grip on her elbow. His gaze was so intense she was sure he was trying to use their bonds to see inside her mind.

  Her frown was mirrored by one of his own.

  The barrier to his mind instantly evaporated. “I will never use the venom bond to coerce you again or force myself into your thoughts and feelings. You know that,” he informed her quietly.

  She could feel his sincerity. It poured into her, along with his love.

  He reinforced his mental barrier again and those emotions receded.

  “I do know that. Hugo, I trust you, with everything. It’s painful to remember what happened. I thought…” her voice trailed away. It was hard to talk past the lump in her throat. “I thought I’d lost you. I was so angry. I wanted revenge, for you—for my father—for every soul that the Wraith Lord had imprisoned. And I wanted to stop him from stealing the souls of all the people in the Rift Valley; Jack, Tallo, Elexon, all those warriors and refugees, they would all have perished.”

  For a moment she just sat and breathed. Panic attacks were very rare for her now, as she had learned to control them, but she could feel when one threatened.

  A warm hand gently turned her head; she opened her eyes. He didn’t speak, but there was a question in his eyes.

  “I’m fine,” she reassured him. “I can handle them now.”

  “Good,” he replied, then his tone became a little firmer. “So tell me, granddaughter of the goddess, how did you hurt your feet? And how is it I am alive?”

  “I don’t know how you are alive,” she answered truthfully. “Our Nexus maybe? But I can tell you what happened after…well, after Elexon and Havron took your body inside the shield.”

  Hugo absorbed that information and looked thoughtfully at the door as if sensing the fae who guarded it.

  Diamond clenched and released her jaw. She wanted to share all that had happened to her, to show Hugo that she could be strong and powerful without him. But part of her balked. She had killed so many, even though they’d been monsters. At first her voice shook but then it became stronger and more assured as she recounted her battle with Ragor, and how she set the souls inside him free, of fighting and defeating an army of the dead and thousands of monsters.

  When Diamond told him of the presence hovering over the valley, he tensed but remained quiet, giving her time to tell him everything. She ended by telling him how Jack had charged out from the protection of the wall with an army of fae and humans.

  “I don’t know what happened after that. I don’t even know if Jack is alive.” Worry for her friend brought tears to her eyes.

  Hugo wrapped his arms around her and gave her a squeeze of reassurance. “Jack is a capable soldier and a far better leader than he thinks. He will not have fallen,” he assured her.

  Diamond wanted to believe his words were true.

  Hugo pulled back, his sapphire and silver eyes glowing with pride and love. His calloused fingers were rough as he ran them down her cheek. “You defeated an immortal lord and an army of the worst creatures these two kingdoms have seen—alone. You,” he said, dropping his forehead against hers, “are amazing.”

  The compliment floored her enough she could only stare at him.

  Hugo chuckled and leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. It was the briefest contact, but it still sent bolts of energy sizzling across her skin.

  Diamond blinked rapidly as he pulled away, trying not to show her disappointment as he said, “Now, I need food before we discuss…err—other things…like our mating bond.”

  Diamond ran her tongue over her suddenly dry lips but held his gaze and smiled. “I could insist you go without food, and we discuss it now,” she replied.

  “Oh really?” Grinning wolfishly, Hugo flung the covers aside.

  With a surprised squeal, Diamond whirled away, mortified that her cheeks were now hotter than a guardian’s fiery breath.

  “And that, my sweet, is why we need plenty of time to…discuss things,” he chuckled, putting his big hands on her shoulders and turning her to face him, even though her hands covered her eyes. He gripped her wrists but didn’t pull her hands away. “You have every right to look at me, Diamond. I am yours. But as much as I’d like to convince you of that right now, I really need to answer the call of nature and to eat. I am going to get dressed. While I do, perhaps you should heal your feet.”

  He dropped his hold on her, and she felt the bed shift as he stood. There was a tug on her chest and the heat of magic against her skin.

  Diamond bit her lip and gave in to the urge to ogle his body. But it wasn’t only his beautiful, wide back and shoulders or his firm behind that commanded her attention, it was the armour born of his inner dragon, materialising from the dark swirling magic that caressed his body.

  Its beauty stole her breath. Wherever Hugo’s shadow magic touched, sapphire flame flared and armour formed until rich blue scales edged in silver covered him, accentuating his powerful body.

  Diamond inhaled sharply. The guardian stared out at her from the armour covering Hugo’s chest. Silver flame flared in its eyes.

  Hugo looked down. His throat bobbed as the guardian blinked and bowed his head at Diamond before meeting Hugo’s gaze.

  Silently, the guardian and the warrior contemplated each other. They were separate entities in their own right—but also one and the same. The air began to heat; it seemed neither wanted to back down first. There was still a fight for dominance and control between them.

  Hugo snarled, shadow and silver fire swimming over his face. He pushed that magic against the guardian. The guardian bared his teeth, but it seemed he did not want to fight with his host.

  “I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to seeing that,” Hugo commented shakily as the guardian faded back onto the armour, leaving only an outline.

  “Well, you don’t have much choice, seeing how he’s part of you,” Diamond pointed out dryly.

  Hugo smiled. “I guess not,” he agreed.

  Patiently, he waited whilst Diamond healed her blistered feet and straightened her clothes and hair. He held out his hand. “Come, let’s go pay our respects to the people who have cared for us and guarded us,” he suggested.

  Placing her hand in his, Diamond nodded.

  Chapter 3

  Elexon and Tallo both grinned, pushing their big bodies off the wall when Diamond and Hugo stepped out of the door.

  “Commander. My lady,” greeted Elexon, glaring in warning at Tallo, whose grin widened when his gaze dropped to Hugo’s and Diamond’s entwined hands.

  The heat of red magic receded from the corridor, though the heat in Diamond’s cheeks did not.

  “Feeling better?” queried Tallo with a knowing smirk. He stretched and flexed his wings in mock weariness. “Been waiting ages for you two to leave that bed.”

  “Stop being an ass or I’ll drop you on it,” Hugo replied, but was smiling widely as he let go of Diamond’s hand and hugged his friend. “It’s so good to see you. In fact, you are one of the last warriors I expected to see. What exactly are you doing here? Wherever here is.”

  Tallo pulled away to give Hugo’s shoulders a solid thwack. “It’s good to see you alive and well. I thought you were a goner for a while. Now you’v
e really shaken up the viper’s nest. Both of you have.”

  His eyes fell on Diamond, who stared back. She lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes. Tallo was almost as tall as Hugo, nearly seven feet, but she no longer dropped her gaze as she once would have. She was a warrior, a magic-wielder and a descendant of the goddess. She had destroyed the Wraith Lord and razed his army to the ground. Diamond would never cower from anyone, ever again.

  Tallo merely smiled and bowed his head. “My lady, you fought way beyond anything I ever expected. I am humbled by all you did—all both of you did—to save this valley.”

  Hugo opened his mouth to speak, but Diamond put a hand on his arm. He closed his lips.

  “Tallo, not one soul in this valley deserved the fate the Wraith Lord intended. But I don’t think this war is over. I think his attack was the beginning of a larger war.”

  Tallo raised his brows and looked to Elexon. “Perhaps you are right, my lady. I think maybe I will let my lord explain where you are and what that bigger war might entail—for all of us.”

  Hugo frowned as Tallo addressed Elexon as his lord. However, neither he nor Diamond questioned it. There was much they still needed to understand.

  Diamond met Elexon’s gaze. “Thank you—for everything,” she said. “I know I said that earlier—but, well...”

  “Yes. Thank you, Elexon,” interrupted Hugo, sincerity thick in every word. “It seems I—I mean we—owe you a great deal. I know I would not be here without you bringing me back inside the shield. The Wraith Lord would have taken my soul. And I will always owe both of you a debt of gratitude for keeping Diamond safe.”

  Warm fingers reached for her own again, and she gladly squeezed them back. It was good to feel the heat of his skin. She gripped him tighter when he would have dropped her hand, instead she laced her fingers through his. Hugo looked mildly surprised, and she didn’t miss the heat flushing his face or eyes as she moved in close to his side before releasing his hand to slip an arm around his waist. He raised his brows at her outward sign of affection. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders to squeeze her in tight.