Finally, the men returned and Chago took a seat beside her on the sofa. Kagan sat in an arm chair across the coffee table from them.
“Okay.” Chago laced his fingers with hers. “What questions do you have for us?”
“What powers do you guys have?” she asked, starting with something safe.
“Other than summoning the vortexes for traveling, we are also fine warriors and strategists. Some of us are scholars and trackers too,” Chago said. “We can also manifest clothing and other things we need for our missions, as you saw at the airport.”
“Cool.” She narrowed her gaze on Kagan. If they could manifest anything, why was the guy living here instead of a mountaintop mansion? “Where do you go when your missions are over?”
“We choose where we live. As long as we monitor our Seal hosts and fulfill our duties, we can go wherever we like.” Kagan sprawled in his chair, his long legs stretched out before him. He was just as rugged and handsome as Chago, but she preferred her Scion’s kindness and warmth, his sensuality and passion, his luscious mouth made for kissing. She found herself staring at Chago’s lips now, her own tingling in response. Kagan cleared his throat, a hint of amusement in his tone. “He lives out west, because that is where you are. Guarding our Seal’s host is a Scion’s top priority. Where you go, he goes.”
Meaning Chago was hers to command, hers to vanquish.
Wait. What?
No. She didn’t want to fight with him, to win against him in some imaginary war. She wanted to be with him. The only prize she hoped to gain was his heart.
“I’m sorry. You guys keep talking about this Seal thing inside of me, but you’re mistaken.”
“No mistake.” Chago kissed her hand, his gaze sincere. “I’ve watched over you since your birth, first from my heavenly quarters then from my ranch in Montana. As I said, the Seal is woven into your DNA. A part of you.”
She thought back to all those Sunday School classes about the Book of Revelation. “But I can’t be the host of War. Seriously. I’m the least aggressive person you’ll ever meet. I don’t even kill bugs. I catch them and put them outside.”
Kagan chuckled. “You and my Mira will get along fine.”
“Mira?” Irena glanced over at him. “Who’s that?”
“My Seal’s host and my eternal love.” Kagan smiled. “She’s a pacifist, except in certain… situations. I’m not complaining.”
Her eyes widened. There was someone else like her? With a weird birthmark and power that seemed to flood her system out of nowhere?
“Will Mira be home soon?” Chago asked.
Kagan’s eyes brightened with affection. “Yes, she’s been eager to meet you since I mentioned your visit. Of course, she’ll be even happier since you’ve brought Irena. She’s wanted to meet another Seal host.”
Irena slumped back in her seat, thoughts swirling as the guys discuss everything from living in Chicago to all the things they’d accomplished since last seeing each other.
Kagan was in love with this Mira, a mortal like Irena. If they lived together in this apartment, then she and Chago should be free to fall in love and settle down together in Montana.
Meeting and talking with Mira would hopefully give her more insight. She could ask about her relationship with Kagan and how they dealt with the immortal-versus-mortal aspect.
The front door opened a short time later and in walked a petite female with brown curly hair and bright hazel eyes. She wore faded jeans, a white tank top, and a dazzling smile. Kagan stood and wrapped her in his arms, kissing her.
Mira pulled away to look at their guests with wide eyes. “You must be Chago.”
They shook hands. “And this is Irena.”
She was about to say hello when Mira pulled her into a tight hug. Her birthmark flared, not with power this time, but with recognition.
“Kagan said one of his Scion brothers was going to visit, but…” Mira gave Irena a watery smile. “I never expected to meet another Seal host.”
“Happy?” Kagan twined his arms around Mira’s waist and pulled her back against him.
“Yes!” She smacked his forearm. “I’m so glad to meet you both.”
“Same here.” Irena snuggled into her Scion’s side. “I’ve got lots of questions.”
Chago laughed. “I knew you would.”
“C’mon. Let’s have some coffee and talk.” Mira led her into the kitchen, leaving the guys alone to talk once more. She poured them each a cup placed a chocolate cupcake next to each of their mugs. “I don’t indulge much anymore since Kagan can’t have chocolate.”
“Why?” Irena asked, curious. She’d die without her chocolate infusions. “Is he allergic.”
“No. I mean, he does indulge occasionally, but chocolate’s like Viagra to their kind.” Mira winked.
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. Interesting. She filed that tidbit of information away for later, taking a seat at the table across from Mira.
“How long have you and Chago been together?” Mira asked.
“Well, we’re not exactly a couple.” She glanced into the living room, but the guys appeared to be absorbed in their talks. “I only found out he’s a Scion early this morning. Did you know right away?”
“I did. But my case is special.” Mira smiled. “I’ve dreamed about Kagan since I was a child.”
Huh. She’d attempted to do a bit of Internet research on her phone while they’d waited to board their flight, but had found no mention of the Scion anywhere.
“Your apartment’s nice.” Not as nice as the huge open beauty of Montana, but clean and safe, and space came at a premium here in the city. One more reason Irena preferred to live where you could have all the room you needed.
Mira shrugged. “It was fine when it was just me, but with Kagan here it’s too small , especially given his height. But he’s attached to the place for sentimental reasons, so we stay.”
Irena nodded. She supposed for men who lived for eternity, having safe havens where they were comfortable was important.
“I felt the same way you did, believe me.” Mira watched her over the rim of her coffee mug.
“I’m sorry?”
“Walking around in a daze, wondering how you fell in love with an immortal warrior.” Mira sighed. “Chago will change your mind.”
“Like Kagan changed yours?”
“Exactly. They can be very persuasive. I was unsure, just like you, but Scion do sometimes fall in love with their mortal hosts and have relationships. It’s their choice.”
“Really?” Irena wanted to believe, so darned much. “After Chago told me about himself this morning, I tried to do some research , but couldn’t find anything about the Scion.
“You won’t. Like I said, I’ve known since childhood because of my dreams, but I can lend you some books, if you want.”
“So, you dreamed about Kagan before you met him?”
Mira nodded. “Nightmares, really. About the Apocalypse. But that was my Seal’s doing.” She tapped a finger against the side of her cup. “Chago’s nice. He’s got a good heart.”
“He’s the best.” Irena smiled. “Tell me more about the Seals. I doubt I’ve really got one inside my DNA. Especially War.”
“From what Kagan’s told me, a new Seal host is born when the old one dies. Sounds like they’re chosen based on how opposite they are from their Seal’s characteristics. Helps keep the power in check. Mine is brutality and enslavement and I’m a total pacifist. Except when it came to my ex.”
“Bad break up?”
“You have no idea.” Mira shuddered. “Anyway, the Seal stays dormant unless we’re killed or the end days arrive, then all hell breaks loose. The Scion exist to prevent either of those things from happening.”
“How many warriors are there?”
“Seven, just like the Seals.”
“Hmm.” Irena tried to take it all in. “I’m just scared, I guess.”
“I understand.” Mira watched her, gaze narrowed. “I
was worried too, after Kagan and I got together. I thought he’d wake up one day and realize what a mistake he’d made and go back to Heaven. But we’ve been together for six months and are more in love now than when we first met.”
Hearing that opened the floodgates on Irena’s curiosity and one question after another poured out. “Okay. You said this Seal’s power is dormant, but sometimes, I get this weird power surge inside me, mostly when Chago and I are…intimate.” Heat prickled her cheeks. “And I have a birthmark, on my lower back. It hurts sometimes too and…”
“All normal. Happens to me too.” Mira winked. “Especially the sexy times power surges.”
“Thank goodness.” Irena lowered her voice. “I thought there was something wrong with me. When I’m with Chago it’s like I’m a nymphomaniac.”
“Girl, that’s the icing on the cake. When a Scion and his Seal host are together, their connection’s out of this world.” Mira leaned closer. “Sometimes, I can even feel what he’s feeling. It’s weird and wonderful all at the same time.”
“Wow.” Irena hadn’t gotten to that point yet with Chago, but then they’d only spent one night together. She hoped it wouldn’t be the last.
“Do you love him?” Mira asked, her tone conspiratorial.
Doubts about the future still lingered, but her feelings for Chago had never wavered. “I do.”
“Then do yourself a favor and look past his immortality and powers to the man beneath. Our Scion aren’t as strong as they appear... especially when they fall in love.”
“Do you think—”
Mira took her hand and smiled. “He loves you. He never would’ve brought you here if he didn’t.”
Irena felt the truth in those words. Chago had to be as terrified about all this as she was, after all he’d experienced and lost. Mira had been scared too, but she’d found her courage and now she looked beyond happy. She wanted that same joy. She wanted to be with Chago. She wanted what Mira and Kagan had.
“What are you two whispering about?” A deep voice made Irena jump, sloshing coffee everywhere.
Mira grabbed some paper towels.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” Chago crouched to blot at Irena’s front. Irena placed her hand over his and waited until he met her eyes.
“It’s fine. No harm done.” She grinned and finished cleaning herself up. “It’s all good.”
Chago’s answering smile was so beautiful she swore a choir of angels sung.
“Ugh. Please tell me we don’t look so sappy.” Kagan swept Mira into his arms.
“She could, brother.” Chago straightened. “But it would be a lie.”
Kagan scowled, and Mira laughed.
“Did you discuss what you needed to?” Irena asked Chago.
“Yes. But we still need additional information.”
“Oh.” A niggle of dread burrowed inside her. “What does that mean?”
“It means we go to Hell tomorrow.” Chago squared his shoulders. “Kagan thinks we can find more on the Nephilim plans there.”
A chill slithered down Irena’s spine. She couldn’t imagine what he’d face in the underworld and she didn’t want to lose him or see him get hurt again. In the end, though, she’d come here to support the man she loved and if he needed a reason to return to Earth she’d give him one, along with the strength to face the fires of Hell.
“We’ll make up the guest room,” Kagan said. “I’ve cleaned it out and redone the interior. You can both freshen up then we’ll go out tonight and forget this mess. Sound good?”
If Chago was brave enough to risk himself to achieve justice for those men, then she’d be brave enough to take the leap and tell him how she felt. Later. When they were alone.
Irena smiled. “Sounds perfect.”
5
Later that night, Chago opened the guest room door and smiled as Irena passed him then stopped near the end of the double bed. Their evening out with Mira and Kagan had been nice, and he felt he and Irena had made progress. She seemed more comfortable with him. Now if he could just relax himself, they’d be all set.
He swallowed hard against the anxiety constricting his throat and closed the door behind them. “I can sleep on the floor. Or out in the living room on the sofa.”
“Kagan and Mira seem happy,” she said, avoiding his statement entirely.
He glanced at her, nodded. “They are. I feel it.”
“You do?” She looked at him expectantly.
“Hmm. As I feel your emotions too.” He took a tentative seat beside her on the bed. “Something wrong?”
“I don’t know.” She toyed with the hem of her shirt. “Just nervous, I guess.”
“You’re not the only one.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.” He reached for her hand. “I want to be with you, Irena, not just for a night. I’ll do anything to convince you.”
His pulse thudded as he waited for her answer, balanced on the edge of falling and desperate to make her see that things between them could work if she gave him a chance.
“That’s not why I’m nervous.” She looked into his eyes, her blue gaze full of honesty. He’d give anything to hear her say she wanted to spend eternity with him. “I’m scared about tomorrow.”
“You’ll be safe here with Mira.”
“No. I’m worried for you, Chago.”
His name on her lips stirred his soul and he held her tighter. “I’ll be fine. I will not surrender, Irena. Not to anyone but you. I am your Scion. I will always come back to you.”
She threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his shoulder. He held her close, her breath warm against the side of his throat, teasing him, His eyes slid closed. It felt so good to have her back in his arms, the first clear sign she might give him the chance he wanted more than life itself.
Chago kissed the top of her head. She’d worn her hair down tonight, and it spilled like pale moonlight down her spine. He loved the floral scent of her shampoo mixed with warm, clean woman. She raised her head a bit and murmured his name against his jaw.
Pulling away was the hardest thing he’d ever done, but he refused to rush her. “It’s been a long day. You should get some sleep. I’ll take the floor. Unless you’d rather have me out of the room.”
He stilled, hoping she wouldn’t avoid his question again. He had to know where this was heading. Having her so close, yet unable to touch her, had been nearly as torturous as what he’d suffered at the hands of the Nephilim. All day he’d longed to pull her close, to kiss her until they were both breathless with need, then make sweet love to her again. He wanted another night in her arms.
He wanted forever.
Irena stroked her fingers down his chest.“I don’t want you to sleep on the floor.”
“What do you want?” He held her gaze, needing to hear the words in order to believe this was happening.
“I want you.”
The words nearly dropped him to his knees. Chago couldn’t resist any longer and kissed her. She rewarded his courage by parting her lips. This time would be so much better. There were no longer any secrets between them.
His tongue danced with hers, tasting her, teasing her, luring her deeper into the kiss. She pushed him back onto the bed then took charge, climbing atop him, her thighs straddling his hips, her breasts grazing his chest as she leaned over to ravish his mouth again, hot and deep.
She was clearly enjoying her power, her grin wicked as she tugged off her shirt. He groaned at the sight of her red lace bra. She left him to shimmy out of her jeans, revealing a matching scarlet thong.
Too much. It was all too much. Chago wanted her so badly he ached, but any coherent thoughts fled as Irena undid his belt. He didn’t move, not wanting to break the spell, marveling at the growing hunger in her eyes. He was completely at her mercy. She made deft work of the button at his waistband then slowly drew down his zipper and slipped his hand inside his boxers to free his hard cock. Her thumb grazed the sensitive t
ip and he growled, praying she’d take him into her mouth.
Irena didn’t disappoint.
After climbing between his spread thighs, she took him in hand again, catching the bead of moisture at his tip with her index finger before bringing it to her lips. She unbuttoned his shirt, tracing her fingers over his Scion mark again. The power of her Seal pulsed through him, strengthening the connection between them and he felt her desire, her need. His heart pounded faster and he closed his eyes.
At last, she ran her nails down his chest, wrapping one hand around the base of his throbbing cock while fondling his balls with the other, then took the tip of his cock into her warm, wet mouth. He did his best not to thrust, but it was difficult. The feel of her lips around him was pure bliss. She worked him well, taking as much of his length into her mouth as possible while working the rest of him with her fingers. From her soft moans, she was enjoying this as much as him.
All too soon, though, Chago felt a familiar tightening at the base of his spine and threaded his fingers through Irena’s hair, pulling her away. When he came, he wanted to be deep inside her. He ran his hands down her sides, snagging that red lace thong on the way and sliding it down her thighs. She reached behind herself to undo her bra. Soon, that joined its mate on the floor.
“Please.” Her voice was rough with need.
After putting on a condom, he rolled her beneath him then gave her another heated kiss, his cock sliding between her thighs to rub against her slick folds, while he lavished attention on her breasts. She gave a breathy sigh and he couldn’t wait any longer. Drawing back, he positioned himself at her wet entrance.
She stared deep into his eyes. “Make love to me.”
He entered her slowly, until he was buried inside her to the hilt. He stayed still a moment, allowing her body to adjust. Then he began to thrust, long strokes that had her whimpering each time he withdrew. He kept the pace unhurried, running his hands through her hair, wanting this to be more than the furious coupling they’d shared the night before. This time was about passion and their feelings.
Scion's Surrender Page 4
