by Dylan Quinn
“Bitch!” Azriel pulled out the dagger and threw it on the ground. “I should’ve killed you when I had the chance.” He charged toward her.
Zoe stood steady, her dagger prepared to bound forward.
Elijah stepped between them, hurtling Azriel to the ground.
“Zoe, go. Take Cade now.”
She nodded and dropped down beside me.
Over Zoe’s shoulder, I could see Lilith stirring from the corner.
“Lilith.” I tipped my head toward the door as she rose to her feet, dagger in hand, rushing toward us.
Twisting around, Zoe leapt to her feet. Grabbed her dagger, pulled back her arm, and sprang forward.
Lilith charged, but stopped short as Zoe plunged her dagger deep into Lilith’s chest.
Lilith wheezed, gasping for air as the color drained from her face.
Zoe stared blankly into Lilith’s eyes, holding the dagger in place. Frozen.
A moment later, Zoe pulled out the dagger.
Lilith’s eyes fell shut, and her limp form crumbled to the ground.
Zoe stared at the wall for a moment, then dropped her dagger and fell to her knees beside Lilith. She blew out a breath, and sat back on her heels, shoulders slumped, staring at Lilith’s now lifeless body.
“Lilith!” Azriel shoved Elijah and ran to Lilith’s side, picking up her sagging figure from the floor. “You’ll pay for this, bitch.” He threatened Zoe, then took off out the door.
I moved toward Zoe and drew her into my arms.
She just stared at the, pool of Lilith’s blood as it seeped into the coal floor and disappeared.
“I killed her.”
A second later, Julian and Remie stormed in through the door.
“Azriel took Lilith,” Julian said. “What do we do, boss? You want them, or what?”
Zoe remained silent, her body trembling in my arms.
“Boss?”
“Let them go.” She breathed out.
I closed my eyes, and her voice whispered in my mind, communicating as we used to.
"Take me home."
The heat spiked in the room as our heartbeats merged into one. A rush of wind pulled in through the door, and my head swarmed.
Julian said the incantation and opened a portal, but Zoe opened a portal of her own. One just for us.
Zoe held on tight, electricity jolted through us, transforming our bodies into their purest energy state.
The room faded out, and our lights pulled away into the darkness.
I closed my eyes, held Zoe, and focused on Aravot and the Great Hall, on Zoe's essence that was merged with mine.
The lights surrounding us disappeared and the cell faded.
The pressure changed. A hum soared through the air.
Zoe brought us home.
The peacefulness of our journey was disrupted when our bodies were sucked back into the physical realm. A jolt roused us. Her arms tightened around me as our souls separated.
I opened my eyes. Eternals circled us.
Zoe and I lay there on the floor amongst their Infinity Circle. She opened her eyes and moved closer. The chanting stopped, and the room fell silent.
We had materialized.
Zoe sat up and tugged me into her arms. I laid my head on her chest, her heart hammering against my cheek. It slowed to a normal pace, and my own heart began to synchronize with hers.
We both let out a breath. We were home.
"You saved my life, Zoe."
She peered down at me and lifted my chin with her thumb.
"No. You saved mine."
And although we were in a room full of people, it was just Zoe and me. Nobody else.
The rest of the room faded as she leaned in and rested her hand against my cheek. The background noises silenced, and the only sounds came from her breathing and the beating of our hearts.
Energized, I sat up and ran my hands along her cheek to her shoulders, then down her sides. I rested them on her hips and tugged, gently flipping Zoe onto the floor beneath us.
She giggled, such a beautiful sound that sent goose bumps racing to my heart.
I bent down and nearly brushed her lips against mine.
“Chayah," I whispered. "I love you."
Her eyes welled with tears, staring back through drifting lids.
I pressed my lips to hers. As I held her close, the softness of her skin brushed against mine. My body came alive and heat rushed through me. I needed her.
Now.
I kissed along her jaw and down her neck, nuzzling into the soft spot behind her ear to capture her sweet vanilla scent that wrapped around my senses.
Remembering we weren’t alone, I pulled back and rested my forehead to hers.
She laughed and closed her eyes. "I love you, Cade Adams," she whispered. "For Eternity."
"Then let's go." I drew away and stood quickly, extending my hands.
She reached up, and I pulled her to her feet.
"Where are we going?"
“Home.” I set my hands on her cheeks. “I’m taking you home.”
“But wait, don’t we have to do that Ceremony thingy?” She narrowed her eyes. “I thought we didn’t have all night?”
“We do have to do the Ceremony thingy first.” I held back a chuckle, gently running my finger along her jaw. “But tonight is the Winter Solstice, love. The longest night of the year?”
Color splashed across her high cheekbones. Her burning gaze locked onto mine as her breaths hitched, and her heart picked up its pace, sending mine into a frenzy.
“Tonight, Chayah, our Twin Soul’s Converge.” I ran my thumb across her bottom lip and leaned closer, narrowing the distance between us. “And for this night—” I whispered low. “Time stands still.”
The End Beginning…
Stay Tuned for a Sneak Peak…
~Evanescence~
Book Two of the Eternal Sacrifice Saga
Coming December, 2016
~About the Author~
Since sneak reading her first big girl romance at the age of eleven, Dylan's been addicted to Happily Ever Afters. Playing pretend with swoon-worthy book boyfriends and their strong leading ladies often keeps Dylan sleep deprived, though she seldom complains about dreaming in dialogue.
With juxtaposed interests, Dylan writes it all ~ Character driven romance in NA, YA and adult, from sticky sweet to taboo heat ~ Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. Nothing's off limits.
When she's not writing guilty pleasures, Dylan plays stage mom to her daydreamer offspring in the Midwest. This Music fangirl goes nowhere without her beats and playlists. She has an affinity for Moscato and chocolate-covered strawberries. Dreams of singing on the Voice with Adam and Christina, and fantasizes about getting trapped in Mystic Falls with Damon Salvatore.
~Check out Dylan’s Playground~
Website: www.dylanquinn.com
Twitter: @Dylan_Quinn
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGwendylanQuinn/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15162362.Dylan_Quinn
And for special surprises, free reads and sneak peaks into Dylan’s playground, sign up for her newsletter at… http://eepurl.com/bZwDWr
~Acknowledgements~
My Firstborns—Without your love, patience, and craziness, your Chayah never would have published this book. Let this be proof that if you work hard and never give up, your dreams can come true. Keep dreaming, singing, creating, writing, and playing. I love you all—for Eternity.
My Virtual BFF—KC Comarda, for your texts that keep me LMAO, for having my back when no one else does, and for letting me vent or just making me laugh when all I want to do was cry. You literally got me through the year it took to finally publish this, or anything for that matter. I’m Eternally grateful, my friend. Thank you.
My Chayah—It’s been a TOUGH year, but you got me through it. Thank you. Love you, always.
My Beta readers— Without your encouragem
ent and advice, my ‘shitty first draft’ never would’ve become my shiny #BookBaby Indie debut. Much #BetaLove to PK Hrezo, Lorna Richmond, Georgeann Swiger, Heather Brandt, Carmen Fox, Shawnnah Cox, Molli Moran, Sanne Heremans, Lindsey Lewis, my first publisher rejection (EP), and last but NOT least, my very own Firstborn Daughter. I love you, baby D!
My FB Friends and Writerly Yodas—You all helped me get this INDIE journey started. Thank you! Much #AuthorLove to Becca Moree, Nancy Colbert Hardy, Kara Leigh Miller, Crystal Swann Sexton, Jennifer Grey, Devanie Angel, Stina Lindenblatt, ST Bende, Diana Peterfreund, Stephanie J. Pajonas, and the former NA Alley, who all got me here today.
My Former Students—For listening to my book ideas and being as excited about this as I was: India Dickerson, FHS Yearbook Clan, and MHS for giving me time to write this first draft.
My Eve—Wendy Zajac, may you rest Eternally with the music gods.
~Eternal Sacrifice Saga ~ from Evanescence~
Zoe
“We live here?” My jaw literally popped open. “Wow.”
Cade laughed at me as we strolled up the path that led to our Eternal home.
“No, seriously. What could two people do with all this?” I asked.
The grounds encompassing the ginormous mansion went on forever.
Despite the darkness surrounding us, I could see for miles. The intimidating stone structure stood majestic, surrounded by the lake, a meadow, and a bit further, the garden. The scent of peonies in bloom breezed through the air.
“It’s vast. But you prefer your space. It’s how you designed it.”
“I did this?”
“Yes.” He tugged me closer. “In time, you’ll recall why.”
“If you say so.”
I was no architectural guru, but the mansion was something like an English fortress, Tudor, I think it’s called? But modern.
Cade opened the double doors and led me inside. He took my hand, and we walked through a barren foyer and down a hall that led into an even larger foyer.
The ceilings went on forever. Vaulted. Cold.
Nothing sparked any memory about this place.
We reached a spiral staircase, and lights flipped on by themselves throughout the room.
“Motion sensors?” I startled at the echo as my voice bounced between the walls.
“Modern conveniences.”
“So, what’s down here? Nothing? It doesn’t seem familiar.”
“The lower level is for meetings, occasionally entertaining. Our living quarters are up these stairs.” He ushered me ahead of him.
That would explain the lack of memories, and why it felt as if we were intruding on some stranger’s home.
I let out a sigh as I worked my way up the stairs and reached the top.
Lights danced across the ceiling, bringing a new, decorated space to life.
My life.
This. Was home.
The ceilings were shallow, but still vaulted, as if we were on a lower level. Warm colors glazed the walls, and inviting décor surrounded the space. It was a tad outdated, going back twenty years or so, but would’ve been modern in the 90s. Needed a makeover for sure, but still something I could work with. I wondered what lifetime each decorative piece belonged to.
As my gaze scanned the room, my breath caught at the sight of the pure white piano calling me from across the room. My piano, from Cade’s apartment back in Chicago. It really was mine.
Didn’t matter.
I blew out a harsh breath.
I was done with that. With music. I’d given it up the second I chose Cade and this life. Playing would only bring back memories, ones I needed to forget if I was going to move on with my life. A fresh start here with my Gemini.
Cade stepped up behind me, scaled my arms with his hands and covered mine with his. He bent down and kissed my neck gently. Whispered into my ear.
“I’ve missed you, love.” He laced his hand with mine. “Come. As you said earlier, it has been a long year for you. It’s time I put you to bed.”
Butterflies flooded in my belly at his loaded words.
The good kind.
Cade wasted no time, and led me to another room.
A bedroom. Soft. Feminine. Zoe 1.0 must’ve designed it too.
The bed was ginormous. I didn’t know they made them bigger than a king.
French doors stood open across the room, leading to a balcony. A light breeze brushed across my cheeks.
I let go of his hand and strolled out the doors.
Even shrouded in darkness, Aravot was like something out of a fairytale. The balcony overlooked what I assumed to be the Chayah Fountain, though it was too dark to know for sure.
I sucked in a breath, the scent of the peonies from the garden filtered into my lungs.
Cade padded behind me. His fingertips brushed across my arms and wrapped around my waist.
I leaned back into his chest, and his heartbeat raced, forcing mine to catch up.
This synched hearts thing was going to be hard to get used to.
“I don’t know about you, love. But I would very much like a bath. I’ve been lying on a dungeon floor for many months.” He nuzzled into my hair. “And I’m sure you would not mind getting out of these binding clothes.”
I stared down blankly at my shirt, blood plastered across my chest. Memories of killing Lilith flooded my head.
I killed her.
A knot tightened in my chest, and my breaths became staggered and short.
Stop. I closed my eyes to free my mind of everything. Slowed my breathing to release the memories.
Cade had waited twenty-one years to get me back, and I wasn’t about to let anything ruin what was supposed to be the best night of our life.
His gentle touch moved across my arms, stealing my thoughts. His lips brushed against my neck. Warm air puffed into my ear.
“Chayah.”
My name resonated through his chest, his voice like silk. Low. Sensual.
“How I’ve missed you.”
He left soft kisses to my neck, sending goose bumps racing through to my belly.
My pulse sped up, and my body shook.
This was really happening.
“Come.” He took my hand and led me to an adjoining bathroom. It was as big as my apartment back in Chicago. A huge Jacuzzi tub stood in the corner.
Cade set up the tub, while I leaned against the wall to keep my knees from giving out.
“Are you feeling all right?” He skimmed his hand across my cheek. “You’re pale.”
I couldn’t get out any words.
“Chayah.” He brushed my hair over my shoulders and cupped my cheeks. “Don’t be nervous. I won’t rush you. We have Eternity, love. When you’re ready…”
“Oh, I’m ready.” I mumbled a bit louder than I meant to. My eyes grew wide, and I pressed my lips together.
Cade chuckled. “There you are.” He gazed seductively.
“So, is there like, a time limit for us to, um.” I swallowed. “You know.”
“No. The ceremony has begun the Convergence, and it cannot be broken. We must merge physically, but we have as long as you need.” He tilted my chin, staring into my soul. “You have spent the past three months worrying about me. Tonight is about you, Chayah. Let me take care of you.”
The knot in my chest loosened. I was electrified. Tingling. Nervous energy pushed through every nerve of my body, this new body I recently inherited.
For the first time in my life, I trusted someone completely. Trusted Cade with my heart. With my body, and with my soul.
I was ready to give myself to him, in every way a girl could.
His eyes burned into me. His breathing became heavy, and the aura surrounding him came to life. He moved the hair from my face as it stuck to the tiny flecks of sweat brimming on my forehead.
“This may sound weird, since the night hasn’t really started, but—” I blew out a nervous breath. “I don’t want it to end.”
The corners o
f his lips curved up, and his gaze became heated. Craving.
“For now, my love, it is still night. And night, it will remain as long as you wish.”
He tilted my chin. Dropped a light kiss onto my lips, then pulled back.
I missed him already.
“Tonight is ours, love.”
His lips parted slightly as he leaned closer, running his thumb across my bottom lip.
“And as I said before. For this night—time stands still.”
