by Brianna West
When I opened my eyes, the sphere in my palms was much larger and deeper in color. Blues, greens, and whites mixed and gyrated in streams that tightly coiled within my palms. I was entranced by its beauty and almost forgot that this was an incredible weapon I now held in my hands. I was seriously amazed that it took so little effort for me to create it this time. It was as if whatever energy Lucas harbored was attracted to my own.
“Show me, Izzy,” he implored.
Sighing, and giving my beautiful ball of energy one last wistful glance, I threw it once more at the forest and hoped that nature would forgive me for destroying it twice in one day. There was a high-pitched whistle in the air as the sphere made impact. Then the world shook beneath me, and I was thrown backwards with a force of wind that felt as solid as the earth beneath my feet.
Lucas appeared beneath me, grabbing my body to his, and using his own to cushion our fall. When we hit, I felt my body jolt against his hard form with the impact. His arms tightened around me, protecting me from any pain I might incur from our landing.
The high whistling sound made me outwardly recoil and wish I could cover my ears, but they were currently imprisoned within Lucas' arms. As bright as sunlight, the world around me lit up. I closed my eyes tightly as it nearly burned my retinas.
A few seconds after our impact, the world around us went silent, and the ground beneath us ceased trembling. Lucas helped me to my feet, his arms still around me as if protecting me. Protecting me from myself really.
I did this.
I realized this undeniable truth as I looked around us and saw piles of earth and wood scattered about. Trees had been uprooted, leaves and branches blanketed the ground, and the subtle pulses of wildlife had ceased. My heart lurched in my chest. The area looked as if it had been on the receiving end of a bomb attack.
My attack.
I gazed down at my hands as if I would find the answer within them. It was the incredible power within these palms in which caused instant destruction. It was too much power for one person to harbor. I felt a terrible foreboding as I once more gazed at the devastation I had caused.
“Lucas,” I whispered breathlessly as he turned to gaze at me. “What am I?”
“I am not sure, Izzy,” he answered honestly. “But regardless of what you are, I will protect you.”
“I think I'm not the one in need of protecting,” I responded sarcastically as I gestured to the world around us.
“Yes you are, pet.” I was caught momentarily off guard by the use of pet name before he was continuing. “You will be hunted as you are a commodity that those of the Dark will do just about anything to get a hold of. I suspect that the arch-demon's sudden appearance here is no longer a coincidence.”
Oh, how lovely.
“What should we do now?” I asked.
“We need to speak with Victor,” Lucas said as he led the way back to the house. “He will be better equipped to deal with this situation.”
I stumbled after Lucas, my eyes pinned on his backside as the muscles stretched and moved with each quick step he took. His black hair was in disarray due to our little wind blast, but damn if it didn't look good that way. If anything, it gave him a wild and dangerous look that was, in turn, giving me pleasant shivers. He definitely made one good-looking bad boy.
“What about closing the portal?” I questioned.
Lucas was sighing as he responded, “You will no longer be helping. It is too dangerous.”
What the hell?!
I hurried my step and grabbed his arm as I finally reached him.
“Hold on,” I demanded. Lucas glanced back towards me, his sapphire eyes luminous post-bomb. He said nothing, however, despite my protesting eyes. My blood was boiling at his subdued reaction. “Just because it may be riskier than before doesn’t mean you decide we should part ways. I realize that I may not have been very forthright with my help early on, but now I'm a part of this. Let's finish what we started and see Victor afterward.”
Lucas was shaking his head, and his jaw was clenched tighter than I remember seeing it thus far.
“No,” he replied firmly. “I will not risk it. Pavel and I can handle the arch-demon. Victor can keep you safe for the time being. I suspect he will want to have a hand in your training after he sees just what you are capable of.”
“Lucas,” I started, but he immediately shot me down with another shake of his head.
His gruff baritone interrupted firmly, “I will not be swayed, Izzy.”
Bastard!
“I am a grown ass woman, Lucas!” I argued, despite knowing my efforts would be fruitless.
I had known Lucas for only a few days; but in that time, I had concluded that he was very stubborn and impossibly hard to persuade.
Lucas did not answer me until we were at the back door of the house. “I will not endanger you,” he said finally as his hand gripped the knob of the door so tightly that the metal curved in his grasp.
Holy hell!
Noticing he had just literally destroyed the knob, he jerked the door open and ushered me inside, discarding the useless door knob as he did.
“Moya solnishka,” Pavel greeted. “Did you show our little uptight British vampire your incredible powers?” He turned towards Lucas. “Isn't she incredible? She'll help take down that arch-demon with little effort at all.”
Lucas' jaw clenched. “She will no longer be helping us. I will be leaving her in Victor's care.”
To my surprise, Pavel grew angry at this announcement. “She could help us. Her power—“
“Is most likely the reason the arch-demon has appeared here,” Lucas finished, his fists clenched at his side, and his body coiled like a snake. “I doubt the demon is ill-prepared to take any measure necessary to imprison her. I will not risk it. Victor will shelter her while you and I close the portal, and we will discuss this no further.” His eyes were so severely set on Pavel that even the usually aloof blonde hesitated under the gaze.
Between my energy being depleted and the discovery that I would no longer be allowed to stay, I was ready to crawl into bed and sleep the day away.
It would seem Lucas had other plans as he immediately gathered my luggage as I grumbled while tiredly following him, complaining that I was fully capable. He subsequently made a call to what I could only assume was Victor, ignoring me as if I never spoke.
A knock at the door startled me in the midst of battling Lucas to allow me at least one night's rest. Lucas walked the short distance from where we stood and the door, jerking it open to a man just as large as he was.
Long pale hair—nearly white in the sunlight—framed blue eyes the color of the sky, and a handsome face unlike any I had ever seen. All of this was accompanied by a body built out of sheer power. If I had to compare him, his looks reminded me oddly of Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter movies. The dude was gorgeous.
Despite his looks, which were very appealing indeed, I took a step backwards at the arrival of this large man who exuded authority and power with his very presence.
“Lucas,” the man greeted with a smile that could cause any woman to fall lovesick at his feet. “You look well.”
“Victor,” Lucas responded as he sidestepped to allow the very large man inside. “Thank you for coming so quickly. I assume you have already assessed the clearing.”
“Yes,” Victor responded with a slow nod of his head.
Victor’s eyes held mine from where he stood, iridescent blue orbs watched me with interest. I suddenly felt very inclined to prostrate myself in front of this man and pledge my allegiance.
He came towards me then, his body gracefully moving about as if he weighed nothing at all. It almost appeared as if his feet never truly touched the floor.
“You have an incredible essence, dear Izzy,” he said smoothly. “It is very inviting,” he continued with a small smile.
Um, hottie alert. Forgive me while I swoon.
“Thank you, mister angel sir,” I responded lamely.
I guess. Whatever that meant. I wasn't really sure what an inviting essence pertained to, but it looked like it was good at least by the way he was smiling.
Were all Guardians gorgeous? I wonder if it was a requirement for employment. Jesus, this man was unlike I had ever seen. His beauty even surpassed Pavel's, which was a feat indeed. I remembered that he was an angel, which would make sense since that was about all I could attribute his godliness to.
“Can you detect her heritage, Victor?” Lucas asked.
Heritage referring to what creature or creatures were inside me.
Pavel had been sitting in an arm chair, sulking it would seem since their fight earlier. However, after Victor entered, he was quickly on his feet.
“I cannot,” Victor surmised as he held his hand out to me.
Without a thought, I placed mine into his. I felt the shock of his touch like static electricity. I nearly pulled away if not for his grip on me.
“She is a mystery. I feel the degree of her power, which is unlike any I have come in contact with in my time. Her abilities could be limitless but come with a great cost.”
Cryptic much?
Yeah, I was following about as well as a five year followed an adult conversation. But holy hell! His eyes were so entrancing.
His lips were the color of budding roses in spring and had a subtle lift to them as if he was always seconds away from smiling. It was mesmerizing. The flowing pale blonde of his hair was so shiny I had to internally wonder what sort of shampoo he used. I mean, my hair never looked half as shiny.
Victor laughed. “She has quite the interesting mind.”
Oh crap! Another mind reader.
“Yes,” Pavel agreed with a slow grin that had my eyes narrowing into a glare. “She definitely has interesting thoughts.”
“You can read my mind?” I asked, despite knowing the answer.
Victor smiled in a way that made my girly bits respond with fervor. “I am an angel capable of many things, my dear. While I am able to read your thoughts, it is not without effort. You are quite powerful and have a barrier even I have difficulty breaking.”
Thank god.
“Sorry about that, uh, sir,” I lied.
“Call me Victor,” he chuckled softly.
Straight to first names then? We were practically married.
“Victor then. Can I ask you something?” I asked sweetly, turning up the speed on my eyelash flutter.
“Anything,” he replied sweetly.
Hot damn! All of them were natural players. Not that I could really blame them with looks like those.
I glanced towards Lucas. He stood at the far end of the room, watching us with eyes I couldn’t read, but his body language was saying a great deal. His arms were crossed tightly against his torso, his jaw clenched in a tight line, and his lips thin. I wasn't really sure why he looked like he was about to storm in, guns blazing—figuratively speaking—but I didn't have time to ponder it. I had bigger fish to fry.
“I would like to ask your permission to stay and help with the arch-demon,” I said, getting right to the heart of things.
“Izzy,” Lucas warned.
Victor held his hand up, silencing Lucas who looked every bit as furious as he had earlier. “Why do you wish to stay?”
“I want to help them. If what Lucas believes is true, then it is partly my fault that those people are missing,” I entreated honestly.
Yeah, that sounded amazingly logical. I gave myself an internal pat on the back.
“You do understand that you risk much by staying,” Victor admonished gently. “Pavel and Lucas are quite capable of handling the situation without your help.”
I breathed out my frustration before answering. “But still, I would like to stay.”
Victor regarded me with a contemplative gaze, his hand still holding firmly to mine. I could feel the power of this man through his touch. His pulse was resonant and omnipotent. It flushed through me like a hot heat and set my body aflame. I felt indestructible with it. It was as if I could do anything just by using even the smallest of amounts.
After long minutes, it would seem Victor had arrived on an answer as he released my hand and turned towards Lucas. The large back of him caught my gaze.
He wore a long sleeve button down the color of a gray stone tucked into his black trousers with a belt that bore a sign I could not recognize. His body was angular, roping with muscles that had been tirelessly earned. Without his aura, he was sure to be a mighty man; but with it, he was unchallengeable.
“I will allow her to stay,” he declared finally.
Relief washed over me at the announcement. However, Lucas looked as though he had been punched square in the jaw as his face went lax and his eyes wide. Suddenly, as if finally realizing just what had been proclaimed seconds before, his body tightened, his strong jaw went taut, and it was easy to see he was enraged from the fires burning in his sapphire eyes.
“Victor,” he bit out. “It is too dangerous.”
“I am well aware of the risks, Lucas,” Victor chided as he sent a reassuring smile towards me. “I can feel a great sense of justice within her. She will require very little training and is already powerful enough to defend herself in the event of attack. I can see her resilience and responsibility to protect. She will make a fine Guardian. Thus, as I risk with all of you, I will allow her this request.”
“Glad to have you, moya solnishka,” Pavel proclaimed with a sexy smirk.
I couldn't help the smile. The jerk made me laugh sometimes. “Thanks, Blondie.”
“I do not agree with this,” Lucas growled. “She is not yet fully trained and declared as a Guardian, so she does not fall under the same standards.”
“You employed her, did you not?” Victor asked.
Lucas seemed to hesitate before answering. “Yes.”
“Then you risked her with very little training from the beginning,” Victor responded judiciously. “Her powers and the possible reason for the arch-demon's presence are of no consequence. And as with any mission, you are all at risk for capture or demise. It is a risk we freely take. As Izzy has given her consent to continue, I do not see any reason to deny her. Yes, she is a commodity, but she is like us all and given the choice to do with her powers what she will in the protection of the innocent. Do you deny this to be the truth?”
“No,” Lucas breathed in frustration.
Victor was smiling again as he replied, “Then you too have no reason to deny her this.”
Okay, I had just met the guy, but Victor was pretty awesome in my books. If not for being the head honcho, I might be so inclined to ask him to marry me. Well, maybe we’d start with a dinner first.
“Even head honchos require a dinner from time to time,” Victor offered with a smile that caused my face to probably turn every possible shade of red. “I would be honored to dine with you any time.”
Oh lord, please tell me I wasn't hearing this.
“You are,” he answered.
Stop reading my mind!
Victor chuckled heartily causing the other two men in the room to look on bemused by the interaction. “Another time, perhaps?” he asked, still smiling.
Damn them all!
He gave all of us a small nod of farewell before he disappeared from the room. No grandeur with billows of smoke. Just blink, and he was gone. I was flabbergasted despite knowing I shouldn't be at this point. Still, it threw me for a loop every time one of these huge macho men disappeared as if they had never been there to start with.
“Are you thoroughly satisfied to have your way?” Lucas growled at me.
Pavel was chuckling. “Oh, stop sulking Lucas. You heard the boss.”
“That does not mean I have to agree with it,” Lucas nearly hissed in response. “It will be difficult to ensure her safety when we are in battle.”
“I can take care of myself,” I spat.
Stubborn jerk.
I pivoted on my heels, after gathering my luggage
, and stalked to my room.
Chapter Four
I kept to my room for the remainder of the day. I wasn't ready to see Lucas as he nearly succeeded in throwing me out to ensure my safety.
Jerk.
I wasn’t a damsel in distress. I didn't need him to take care of me; I had been taking care of myself for twenty-seven years without his help. I trusted that if the head honcho was okay enough with my being here, then he should be as well.
Lucas was a stubborn bastard though. I'm pretty sure he was going to do everything in his power to ensure I helped little to not at all.
I threw the book I had been reading, its soft thump echoing after it hit the wall I had directed it at. I was growing tired of Lucas and his need to always have the last say. I would make damn sure I was every bit involved as they were in finding the arch-demon. With my new resolve, I left my little hideaway and went in search of the vampire-angel, Captain Lucas.
I found him in the kitchen, retrieving one of his blood bags from the refrigerator. I cringed automatically. I still had issues with this whole drinking blood thing.
I didn't blame Lucas for what he was, but that didn't mean I had to like what he ate. It was like being friends with a vegan. Sure we were friends, but don’t think I’m about to be okay with your tofu-eating ways. I am a carnivore, and your tofu is totally freaking me out. Put that thing away.
He must have sensed me immediately—vampire senses and all—because he turned towards me with a pointed glare. Ah, he was still angry. I offered him one in return.
“So what is next on the agenda?” I inquired sweetly.
If vinegar didn't work, how about some honey...
Lucas slammed the door of the refrigerator shut, the poor thing trembling in his wake. He stalked past, ignoring me as he found his way to the table and sat himself down. As if to prove he cared little of my obvious discomfort and thought me inconsequential, he began to chow down on his blood bag.
It was the first time I had seen him eating, and to say I wasn't suddenly dry in the mouth would be an understatement.
