Grave Signs (Hellgate Guardians Book 4)

by Ivy Asher

  Ire clears his throat. “This is the sitting room. Besides this, we have six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a library. There’s also a private entrance to a garden outside, and a special training area with a full cache of weapons and our own personal weapons maker.”

  I smile at that as the three of us nod, taking it all in and seeing how the progeny of Wrath lives, though we fall back into silence. I feel like I’m on the most awkward blind date ever, which is stupid, because I have feelings for each of them and we’ve all had our moments together, but for some reason, as a group, we’re awkward as hell. It’s as though everything is settling into us: the reality that we’re free, that Morax can’t come for us again, that we’re not in a dungeon or fighting for our lives. And then there’s all the heavy mate stuff and all that entails.

  I turn to look at my three mates, and everyone is quietly looking around. Ire has his hands in his pockets, and he keeps stealing looks at the three of us like he’s on edge about our reaction to the space, seemingly worried we won’t like it. It’s bold and dramatic, everything in blacks and reds with a modern vibe, and even though it’s not what I would call homey, it’s still decadent. It fits him, and I’m glad I get to see where he lives, to get a peek at this piece of him.

  I realize that as much as I’m waiting for one of them to take the mate reins and steer this horse, I’m the common denominator here, which means I have to be the one to bring us together and make this work. I have to be the glue. I just wish I’d thought to ask Medley and Delta how glue works, because then maybe this wouldn’t feel so intimidating.

  A wave of nervousness rises up inside of me, but I shove it aside. As much as sudden shyness wants to grab hold of me, I can’t let it. Right here, right now, this moment is important. The way we begin our quad is vital to how we’re going to go from here. We need to get to know each other, grow comfortable with each other, and that depends largely on me setting the tone and the example. I don’t want Ire to feel like the odd man out, and I don’t want Vudu and Toreon to hesitate or hide themselves either.

  So I swallow and clear my throat and pull up my half demon, half angel, big girl panties. “Okay, how about we get cleaned up first,” I say, looking between them, “then we can eat and rest?”

  The three of them immediately nod, like they’re grateful I’m taking the helm. Even though they haven’t said anything, I know that Toreon and Vudu need a moment to process, to talk, so I’m going to make sure they get that time, and then I’m going to make sure we eat and rest together, because I know that we all need that, too.

  They need to know that I’m here, that I’m okay, that I choose them, and I need that reassurance from them as well. I’ve had so little time with my new mates, all of it while we were surrounded by danger or dejection, so I’m looking forward to being able to learn about each other without being stuck under a cloud of worry.

  “This way,” Ire says, and he begins to lead us down an open corridor straight ahead. Once inside, he shows us the different doorways and which lead to bedrooms and bathrooms. “I usually take this bathroom here, but…but I don’t need to,” Ire says, blue eyes swinging around.

  “That’s fine, I’ll take the second one,” Toreon says before giving me a smile that doesn’t quite meet his eyes before he turns and slips inside.

  Ire looks up at Vudu. “Fucking hell, you’re massive,” he says as if he’s looking at Vudu for the first time.

  Vudu grunts and I giggle. “Just give me a bath I can fit my ass in, and it’ll be fine,” he says.

  “Better take the last one there,” Ire says tilting his chin, and Vudu squeezes my hand before stomping his way down the hall and going into the designated room.

  As I watch Vudu go, something tugs at me. I hold up a hand to Ire, silently asking him to wait, and then follow after Vudu, knocking gently on his bathroom door. It cracks open, and I’m met with dark gray skin and muscles for days. My eyes lift from Vudu’s bare chest until my gaze is fixed on his red eyes, and I audibly swallow. I wasn’t prepared for the rush of...sensations to sucker punch me like that.

  “Are you okay, Little Mate? Would you like to bathe with me?” he asks simply, and my eyes widen.

  “Um, I would...but I shouldn’t, I mean, I didn’t come here for that, although I’m very interested in that,” I blabber, shaking my head at myself and internally yelling, get a hold of yourself, woman! “Crap, sorry. What I mean is, I just wanted to check to see that you were okay,” I finally spit out.

  Vudu’s eyes soften, and he pulls open the door and reaches for me. As I step into his arms, it’s the strangest thing, it’s like just his touch chases my worry away. He wraps his large arms around me, and I press my cheek against the armor plating on his chest and just breathe him in, feeling so small and safe as he holds me.

  “Toreon and I are good, thanks to you,” he tells me, his voice rumbling against me.

  “Are you sure?” I ask, my fingers moving against his chest. “You and Toreon seem…” I trail off, not knowing exactly what to say.

  Vudu leans down and kisses the top of my head before he strokes a hand down the tip of my wing. I feel his touch against my feathers like it’s between my thighs, but I don’t say anything because I don’t want him to stop. I’ve had so little time with Vudu—so little time with all of them—and it’s like I’m parched of them, hungry for their affection.

  “Morax had Toreon for a long time,” Vudu says in his low, gravelly voice. “I know you understand how difficult that must have been for him. Of course he’s happy to be free now, but he lost everything, and that guilt is going to take time for him and me to come to terms with. He also feels vulnerable. It’s ingrained in him, and me as his protector, to be distrustful. But we have a mate now, and we’re trying to be trusting and follow your lead as it should be, but it’s not in our nature to be out in the open and so exposed.”

  I look up at Vudu, understanding awash in my eyes. Like my sisters and me, Toreon is now the last of his kind, and like us, his people have been hunted, used, and forced into hiding. And I just brought them straight to a Sin’s house in the middle of Nihil, where they probably see threats everywhere. No wonder they’re feeling tense about it. They don’t feel safe here.

  “Is there somewhere you two would feel better, less exposed?” I ask. “I know Ire would understand—” I start, but Vudu brings his lips down to mine, cutting me off.

  He kisses me slowly, leisurely, as one hand presses me in against him and the other pulls gently at my feathers. I lift my hands to cradle Vudu’s face, ready to climb him and see where this kiss can take us, but with a purring sound I feel light up through my whole body, Vudu pulls away.

  “You’re a good mate,” he tells me against my lips. He tugs at a feather, but it feels like he’s tugging at my nipples instead. “Wrath gave her word that we would be protected, and the Sins do not make oaths lightly. We’re as safe here as we would be anywhere, it’s just going to take time for that to sink in.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure,” he confirms with a smile that makes me feel all melty. I never wanted to know what the cheesy center of a grilled cheese felt like, but nevertheless, I get it now. “Now go, Little Mate, before I abandon my manners and keep you in here with me, all to myself,” he tells me, popping a little slap on my butt before stepping away.

  Confusion fills my eyes. “Your manners?” I question.

  “Yes, my manners. This is Ire’s lair, and as such, he should get you first.”

  My mind sputters, rebelling at what he’s saying, but there’s also a pesky heat that settles between my thighs at the implication.

  “But don’t worry, Sable,” he adds, interrupting my reeling thoughts. “I’ll have you soon.” And with that, he gently pushes me back a step before shutting the door in my face.

  I blink at the closed door, my face just an inch away from it. I hear a chuckle on the other side, and the telltale sound of a lock snicking into place. My mouth drops open in s
hock, and I stare at the red wood where Vudu’s naked chest just was.

  Did he seriously just lock me out like I would barge in and steal his virtue?

  Ah, who am I kidding? I just might. The crap he was doing with my feathers was heady stuff. I step back from the door, but I give it a glare for good measure. I swear I hear another deep rumbling laugh like Vudu can see what I’m doing, and I search for a peephole or a camera as I step away.

  I find Ire in the same place I left him, and I lean against the wall across from where he’s standing and stop myself from lifting a hand and flapping it to fan myself. I’m not sure if coming back from one mate all hot and bothered just to fall into step with another mate is bad etiquette or not.

  Ire just watches me for a moment, and I’m not sure if he heard what Vudu said or what he thinks about it if he did. I look up at him, my winged back leaning against the dark wall. His once polished and pristine suit is ruined, slices and singes marring the fabric, dried blood in various places from his shoes to his neck. And yet, he still looks gorgeous. My hussy beacon-call chose very, very well.

  “You okay, Snarls?” he asks quietly as we stare at each other in the shadowed hall.

  I sigh and run my hand down my face. “Yeah,” I confess. “It’s still all sinking in, you know?” I tell him, looking around at him and the closed doors that my other two mates are behind. I can tell by the slow nod of his head that he knows I don’t mean just Morax or the battle, but everything.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  After another beat, I clear my throat. “Which bathroom is yours?” I ask.

  He pauses for a moment, his blue eyes looking between mine, searching for something. I let my expression bloom for him to see, and Ire doesn’t disappoint. Maybe he meant what he said earlier about being so deep inside of my mind that he knows what I’m thinking.

  Ire takes my hand and begins to lead the way down the hall, and he stops us in front of a door before pushing it open and letting me go in first. When I step inside, I look around and immediately note that this space looks lived in.

  Instead of red, weaponized, and gory, all the decor in here is black, gray, and chrome. There’s a massive bed in the center of the room, and it’s set in front of a wall of glass that showcases the dark Hell sky beyond. At the opposite end of the room, there’s a fireplace, a couple of doors, a desk with some books flung on it, a sword leaning haphazardly against the wall, and a couple piles of clothes dotting the floor.

  Ire quickly goes to pick up, chucking the clothes into one of the open doors and shutting it. “Apologies about the mess,” he says, scratching the back of his neck. “I don’t let the imps clean in here.”

  I want to laugh at his adorable embarrassment, but I hold it back, not wanting him to get defensive or think I’m mocking him. “I like it,” I tell him, and then I make my way to the other door that I’m guessing is the bathroom, and he follows me inside like a shadow.

  I feel his close proximity against my wings as I go inside, and I gape at the gorgeous massive bathroom. There’s a big square chrome tub that’s the size of a big jacuzzi, and it’s already full of water, the hint of something minty and spicy in the bubbles as steam permeates the air.

  “Towels are there,” he announces pointing to the obvious pile of fluffy folded towels on the counter. “There’s shampoo and things already by the bath for you, and...” He looks around, his brow dipped in consternation. “It looks like they didn’t put any clothes for you in here. I’ll just grab something from my drawers for you if that’s okay?” he asks.

  “That’s perfect,” I reassure him, feeling his nerves from here.

  Ire disappears faster than a brownie during PMS, and I stare at the empty doorway for a beat until finally looking at myself in the mirror. I’m a little taken aback at the reflection I see staring back at me. It’s me, but more. I twist so I can get a peek at my wings for the first time. The feathers look soft and yet strong, the purple dark and rich looking against my creamy complexion. My hair, however, is terrifying. Part of my bangs are pulling a There’s Something About Mary and sticking embarrassingly straight up.

  I immediately try to calm them down, leaning into the mirror, but then I get caught up in staring at my face. I’m radiant. And not in an egotistical I’m so hot kind of way, but my skin is legitimately glowy. My hair is the same color as my wings, while my lips, nose, and eyes resemble my sisters’, although I’m a little more gaunt than they are. Hopefully, that’s nothing that a little binge eating can’t fix.

  I step back from the mirror and take in the tattered gown I’m still draped in. How I’m still covered, I don’t know, but the skirt ripped up both thighs, and the rest of it didn’t fare much better. The black plunging number will not be bouncing back from battle. I stare at the sequined fabric for a beat and then all at once, I need it off me. Morax’s crony put me in this thing, and I want to burn it down and not wear it for another second.

  I reach behind me to get the zipper, but my wings get in the way, and I can’t quite get it. So instead, I pull the top down and push it over my hips, the fabric tearing as I force it off me. I’m panting by the time it drops to the ground, and then I kick it across the bathroom, anger surging inside of me.

  I know the Ophidian is gone, but I wish he was here so I could kill him again. In an effort to soothe myself, I replay his screams as he died, but it’s not enough to placate me. I rest my palms on the countertop and try to breathe through the hatred coursing through me, hot tears pricking behind my eyes, my fingers trembling as I curl them against the black tile.

  I go still when I suddenly feel Ire press against my back. My eyes snap up and meet his in the mirror, his gaze steady as he reaches around me and places his hands over mine.

  “Breathe, Sable,” he encourages, his voice low and comforting. His chest rises and falls as an example of what he wants me to do. I didn’t even realize that my breaths were short and shallow, so I work to match my inhales and exhales with his.

  “He’s gone,” he reassures me, his body anchoring me to the here and now.

  “I know. But he didn’t suffer enough,” I say thickly.

  “I know,” he parrots back, his eyes never leaving mine.

  He runs a gentle stroke down the edge of my wings, and my breath catches, the heat of his body soaking into my back as he presses his chest against me. “I was so fucking worried when you disappeared with him,” he confesses, his words nothing more than a murmur that feels like silk against my ears.

  “When you got portaled away…I didn’t know what Lucifer had planned. I thought—” His words choke off, and then he shocks the hell out of me when he buries his face against my neck and takes a ragged breath.

  My heart squeezes in my chest, and I turn around so I can press my lips to his lips. “I’m okay,” I whisper, both to him and to myself, and he raises tortured eyes to my face.

  “I was a fucking asshole to you,” he confesses. “I mean...don’t get me wrong, I’m an asshole to everyone, that’s who I am. A progeny of Wrath isn’t going to have a sunny disposition,” he says dryly. “And...I didn’t want a mate. I was convinced of that. Then you beaconed, and I was so pissed. So fucking arrogant about it. About how I was better than you. About how you couldn’t possibly be my match. But then...I kept hearing you. Even when our connection was cut.”

  My eyes grow wide at his words, but I don’t interrupt.

  “I couldn’t always hear clearly. Snippets at best. But I just got used to the sound of your voice. To the cadence of your breath,” he says, raising a hand up to skim across my bottom lip. “Pretty soon, I couldn’t even sleep without listening for you in my dreams, and if I went too long without hearing you…”

  He drops his hand from my face and runs it through my feathers, and I can’t suppress the shiver that it sends over me.

  “No one has ever spoken to me like you have. You had fire. And I knew right then that you weren’t just trying to catch me because I’m Wrath’s progeny. You didn
’t even know who I was, and you weren’t afraid to hand me my ass with a verbal lashing,” he chuckles before his expression grows determined. “So I hope you can forgive me, or at least learn to put up with my temper, because I decided that you’re my mate and I’m not letting you go.”

  His declaration makes my stomach leap, and his voice captures my heart.

  “You’re not alone, Sable. You never will be again, and if I could kill that fucker for you a thousand times over again, I would, and then I’d do it a thousand more,” he tells me, brushing my nest of hair back from my face.

  I clear my throat of the emotions that want to clog my airway. “I don’t know how I beaconed you, but I’m glad I did,” I whisper.

  “Me too,” he replies softly, his hands coming down to my waist. “I wouldn’t admit it then, but the first moment you snarled at me, I was a goner,” he says with a smirk.

  I smile, feeling the attraction between us sizzle like boiling water over a fire. Gratitude warms me, replacing the anger and helplessness that was just coursing through me. I lick my lips, and his eyes drop to the movement, his own gaze flashing with desire and making my body hum in response.

  Now, all I can think about is claiming his lips with my own, about touching him everywhere and learning every hard line and curve of his body. But...I look down at myself. Yeah, bath first.

  Then...then I’m going to enjoy us getting to know each other, every moan, every pant, every sound of his body against mine. Very, very well.

  40

  I step away from Ire and turn around, testing the water of the bath with the tips of my fingers. It’s hot, steam sneaking past the bubbles and promising relaxation. My muscles suddenly ache for it, and I take a deep breath and turn to face Ire.

  His eyes jump from my ass to my face, and he swallows hard, a glint in his eyes that’s somehow both cocky and vulnerable. I stand there, inviting his perusal, and after a beat, his scorching blue eyes drop and then travel slowly up my body, starting at my feet and then grazing the scrap of black panties I’m still wearing. I feel every single part of skin that his gaze touches until I’m both burning hot and prickled with chills.