Realms and Rebels: A Paranormal and Fantasy Reverse Harem Collection

by C. M. Stunich

  I really need a thesaurus. But yeah, this whole thing is still fucking surreal.

  “Should we be wary? Is this a trap?”

  Caspien pauses for twenty seconds while his mind spins. Knowing him as I do, he’s envisioning a million scenarios, scanning the magical energies flowing through and around this cursed weapon. “Feels like there’s a price we don’t know. But…do we dare quibble while Nova lies dying?”

  Deep inhalation, loud exhalation expresses my displeasure.

  “It’s not every day we make a deal with the devil, though…maybe she’s not that terrible. But not knowing the extent of the bargain? Man, I dunno. On the other hand, what choice do we have? Orders are clear.”

  “I share your trepidation. Let me scan this one last time.” Cas’s outstretched hand flinches as I slap the handle into his palm. Yeah, he’s nervous, too.

  Cas closes his eyes. A furrowed brow shows the deeply pulling magic pulsing through him. The air crackles as he searches the depths of the dagger for hidden spells or surprises.

  Finally, after a full three minutes, he’s satisfied. Eyes open and with a hint of resignation, he shrugs. “Time to roll the dice.”

  I wish I felt better about doing so as I open a portal back to Aravot, our anxious soulmate waiting for our triumphant return.

  Seraya, my love…I hope we’re not making a dire mistake.

  5

  ~Seraya~

  “Nova’s dying, and there’s not a damn thing I can do.”

  I spin around, throwing a punch in the gym beneath my apartment. One throw after another, my fists land into a bag hanging from the ceiling.

  Micah’s holding it from the other side; her eyes watch mine like a hawk, eyebrows pulling closer together with every punch.

  If I don’t beat on something, I’ll lose it, waiting for Nova to die. I’d be with her now if I thought it’d do any good. Remliel is a mess and they do need some time alone. Especially now. As much as I want to be selfish and keep Nova to myself, I can’t. If anybody understands the bond between Gemini, it’s me.

  “If they find that dagger, I may be able to counteract its effects. Any word on their progress?” Micah stumbles as I swing around my right foot and kick. She returns the favor with a glare of death.

  “Last I heard, they were in Chicago.” I land another punch. “Apparently, it’s the Shadow’s new hub.” Spinning around, I throw another four punches, alternating arms, shoulders popping as I swing.

  Micah growls, struggling to stay upright.

  Most Arch Celestials don’t fight in the field any longer, those days are long past. Except for Micah. Every now and then, she’ll assist, which is why she’s been my sparring partner since the dawn of human existence. For the most part, Archs are now the eyes and ears of Luxe.

  But after keeping things from me, they’re still on my shit list.

  “It’s been weeks since Zander and Cas went after that damn weapon.”

  Poor Cas. The man just arrived home from a year-long mission and gets sent back out just hours later. And we never even got around to a Convergence.

  Gabrielle comes in, water in hand, passing me off a peace offering.

  I guzzle down half of it, hand it back to her then swipe the beads of sweat from my forehead.

  “They’ve managed to get some Fallen and half the Shifters on board,” Gabrielle says. “Storms require a united front. There’s little room for Luxe versus Tenebrous when a war between three realms is on the horizon.”

  Nodding at Micah to forewarn her of incoming friendly fire, she plants her feet firmly and holds the bag while another round of punches land into her, the last so hard, it nearly knocks her to the ground.

  She lets go and steps back, the bag spinning in circles. “Enough.” She grunts out, grabbing the bag, keeping it from smacking Lailah in the face as she joins us. “I realize you’re angry with us, but…”

  “Angry is an understatement.” I grumble. “If you weren’t my sisters, I’d beat all your asses.”

  “This isn’t our fault,” Gabrielle says. “We understand you’re upset with Gaea.”

  “No, I’m hurt. Why would She speak to you and not her own blood?”

  “There are things in motion,” she says. “Things we cannot speak to yet. Trust me, though. When it’s time, you’ll know. There’s sensitive information…”

  “That the Eternal Mother can’t know? These are my children. My family.”

  “You’ve lost your way.” Her eyes are despondent. “Where is your conviction? You could take a lesson from your child.”

  “Don’t you dare talk about Nova. If you had warned me of this prophecy in the first place, my daughter wouldn’t be dying.” My gaze drills holes through their souls. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was hyperventilating.

  “Chayah.” Gabrielle sets her hands on my shoulders. “Breathe. You must return to your roots. Trust Gaea’s intentions.”

  “She spoke to you.”

  “Yes.”

  For more than a few moments, I nod, lips pursed. Finally, I peer up, my gaze meeting each of theirs.

  “I miss her.” I suppose if this has taught me anything, it’s that even a Goddess needs her mother.

  Gabrielle picks up my hands then pulls me into a hug. “She misses you, too.”

  “Stop, or I’m going to start crying.”

  “Now isn’t the time for tears,” she whispers. “A storm is brewing, perhaps even a war. You must hold your temper and build your strength. And please. Trust.” She lets go then stares. “Trust Her. Trust us.” She gestures to Micah and Lailah. “And for Goddess’s sake, trust in Genesis. You cannot do this alone.”

  I lift my hands and swipe my eyes at tears that almost fell. There’s nothing I hate more than crying, especially in front of those who need me to be strong.

  “Is there anything I can do?”

  Micah pulls herself up from the floor and sets her hands on my shoulders. “Nova’s strong, be patient.”

  “I don’t do patient.”

  She raises her eyebrows. “I know you’re used to being in control, but Gabrielle’s right. You don’t have a choice.”

  “Since the beginning of time, I’ve been forefront in ruling Humanity. Genesis. How can I just relinquish control, give it up to a Mother who refuses to speak to me?”

  “You protect them, Chayah. You don’t control their fates. There’s a difference.”

  Tilting my neck, I stare at her expression. Her affect is flat and unmoving. What’s she hiding?

  Closing my eyes, I focus my energy and dig into her mind, sifting through her thoughts to catch a glimpse of whatever it is she’s keeping.

  Nothing. I’ve been blackballed. Perhaps they’ve all been compelled to silence. This really pisses me off. I open my eyes and glare around my circle of supposed allies. Right now, they’re no better than usurpers.

  “Not all things are meant for your perusal,” Gabrielle says.

  “Really.” My gaze holds hers captive as I compel my sovereignty into her psyche.

  Celestials aren’t like humans or even Eternals. I can’t exactly exert my will over them completely like I can other beings, but as a Goddess, I do have some power.

  Gabrielle’s locked me out, so I turn to Micah. Her mind can be a bit easier to invade, especially since our relationship is more light-hearted. I hate taking advantage of that, but dire circumstances require harsh measures.

  “I don’t know anything.” She raises her hands in surrender then squeezes her eyes shut for a moment as I push my will, trying to read her thoughts. She shakes it off, eyes narrow and hands balled into fists. “Get the hell out of my head.”

  “No. Not until you tell me what’s going on.”

  “You’re compelling the wrong Celestial.” She shakes it off as my sovereignty releases her mind. “I said I don’t know anything.”

  Maybe not, but Gabrielle does.

  “How dare you betray me.” I turn to the traitor. “You serve me, not Mo
ther.”

  She remains quiet and steadfast, her gaze never wavering. “No, we don’t.”

  “Fine.” I relent. “What can you tell me?” My shoulders drop as I stand, resigned. Clearly, I’m going to have to take a different approach. “Talk to me. Mother to mother.”

  That, they can understand.

  “There are things in motion and when the time comes, you’ll be privy to what you seek, but that time has not come to pass.”

  “Nova, she’s… special. You three wouldn’t be mothers if it weren’t for Remliel’s sacrifice. If it weren’t for mine.” I hold my head, walking in circles. “Mother gave Nova immortality. Why would she take it away?” I stop spinning. “Is Gaea behind this?”

  “The Mother is in play, but she’s not the threat. She’s on damage control, at best.” Gabrielle confesses.

  “Damage control.” I stare at the white walls. “What the fuck is happening?”

  “A lot, and it’s happening fast.”

  “How can I sit here and do nothing while Nova’s dying?” I pace the floors. “I can’t. We need a plan, we need…” I feel like I’m losing my breath. “I have no idea.”

  “Wait and have faith.” Gabrielle lays her hands on my shoulders. “Trust your Mother.”

  “A mother who’s forsaken me.” I’m burning up inside knowing more needs to be done but having no idea what. “She left me. Alone to rule Jagat. Now she wants to take it all away, well, it doesn’t work that way. We need to do something.”

  “We want to help you, but this isn’t about you. Sometimes you need to relinquish control. Believe that, although Gaea isn’t speaking, she’s still present.” She picks up my ring, the stone still glowing Amethyst like it has been since my Gemini left for Jagat.

  “I don’t know how to let go.” Tears sting my eyes, threatening to overtake me. My chest tightens and it takes everything I have not to fall apart. “I can’t lose my daughter.”

  “I know.” She steps closer and picks up my hands, holding them gently. “Don’t lose your faith. When it’s time, I’ll tell you everything. But for now, please. Trust me.”

  “Is Nova going to come out of this? Please, be straight with me. No more bullshit.”

  “When the Aeterna prophecy has come to pass, the Firstborn soul will survive,” Gabrielle says, holding my hands. “As your sister, this, I swear.”

  Waiting is torture.

  Needing some space, I decide to take a walk. Clear my head. Wandering along the quaint cobblestone path toward my garden, I run my fingers along the archaic stone walls focusing on the feel of the textures beneath my fingertips.

  Our Eternal senses are heightened. Colors are more vivid, sounds sharper. Scents stronger. We can see and hear things from miles away and even feel people’s hearts beating in their chests. Hear their blood, my blood, rushing through their veins.

  All these things, I took for granted until my first human incarnation. After I Eternalized, I noticed the differences. Since that day, I’ve tried to slow down now and then, to look. Listen. Live.

  Life is a gift. Nothing proves that truth more than dying or watching someone you love die.

  My phoenix is circling overhead, watching me closely. Keeping tabs on her mother.

  After ten minutes I take a seat in my usual place with Viveka. My usual spot has a perpetual butt print engraved here.

  Journey lands beside me as I stare at the waning blooms. She leans in, pressing her smooth, black beak into my arm, nudging me carefully. She wants a companion in flight, but I don’t feel much like flying. Though truly, I could probably use a change of scenery.

  Shifting does give things a new perspective, somehow.

  Another gentle nudge, this time, she’s flipping my hair up over my shoulder spurning a giggle.

  Though my mood is bitter at best, I tip my head and reach out, lightly rubbing beneath Journey’s beak, pressing two fingers along her neck.

  Journey is like a manifestation of my soul. My spirit animal, of sorts. Some witches call them familiars. She gets needy now and again, like all my children.

  “Okay, love.” I stand. “Let’s go.”

  Closing my eyes, I inhale the scent of the garden. Focus is essential in shifting into Phoenix form. My mind wanders to Journey’s beautiful face, her lush, crimson feathers and long plumes adorn the peak of her head.

  A moment later, my clothes drop to the ground, and I’ve successfully shifted.

  I nudge my long beak to Journey, and she gives me her thanks in return, nudging me back. Her wings stretch out, flapping wildly, as she takes off in flight.

  A moment later, I follow suit. It’s been a while since I shifted. Taking a breath, I stretch my wings, flap them to get the wind beneath me, then press off my feet and lift up into the air. Scanning the lavender sky, I search for Journey, spotting her flying beyond the Tree toward the Grotto.

  Aravot is beautiful from any angle, but from the sky, it’s breathtaking.

  Clusters of peonies dot the hills as I rise, scattered in between walking paths and vividly colored trees reaching toward the pale sky. Flapping my wings, I streak up to join Journey. Together, we loop and dive, playing in a way that helps me clear my heart of darkness and worry. Flying is another form of therapy. Always has been.

  Soon, I’m able to let the troubles filling my mind recede as I revel in the glorious sensation of dipping and rushing upward. Riding air currents, we glide and soar above the beautiful hills and valleys.

  Letting my body wander and go where the wind takes me, I also relax, allowing my mind to do the same. Looking over the fields and hills, beautiful dwellings scattered throughout, I’m reminded how everything’s connected. The terrain below has a variety of components that comprise the landscape we see. Our residents intermingle with all of them.

  Streams meander through the land, flowing water that nourishes trees, which grow tall and provide shelter and beauty. Flowers grow in open spaces to provide food for butterflies, who flutter in the soft breezes and speak to me of beauty and simplicity.

  All of Aravot lives in harmony and peace because all things within it work together. Coexist with beautiful symbiosis. Everything has its place and purpose.

  The same is true of all of us in the realms. Each of us can live with purpose and peace if we maintain the balance. When it becomes upset, we must correct it. Maintain it. Even the best of the Shadowlanders know that

  So that’s what I need to do. Restore balance to the world. Bring peace back to all three realms, however difficult that may prove to be.

  There is a purpose for everything. Even this.

  Duty fills me as I pull ahead of Journey and begin my descent. It’s time to put my feet back on the ground and regain my footing. Literally and figuratively.

  Eyes closed, I appreciate the last moments in my Phoenix form – Goddess knows how long it’ll be before I can shift again – then focus on shifting back into my human self.

  Time is short for this life, I feel it in my origin – the core of who I am. My soul. After my flight, after the sight of my world from another perspective, both Journey and I know time is running out.

  My shift is seamless as usual; my body transforms back into human form. Standing naked on my balcony, I walk into my bed chamber to find Zander holding Azrael’s dagger.

  “You found it.” The grateful words leave my lips as I rush into his arms. Tough as it is, I manage to hold back tears. Nova could be okay. “We need to get this to Micah.”

  “Already done. Micah’s working on a remedy now.”

  Nearly out of words, I sink my lips into his, thankful for what he’s done for our family.

  As always, Zander’s tongue tastes like spearmint from his gum. His soft lips press gently to mine, velvety smooth as he explores my mouth. Something about what he’s just done sets my soul on fire. Burning simmers deep between my thighs as he kisses me, his hands exploring every inch of me.

  Full of need, I press my hands to his shoulders and push him backward
s, step by step, until his legs graze along the footboard of my bed.

  Grabbing the hem of his T-shirt, I peel it up over his head, revealing his strong, firm chest and rippled lines of his stomach. My gaze feasts on my youngest Gemini. His physique, like all my Gemini, is firm, reminding me how lucky I am.

  “Sit,” I command.

  Zander obeys, sitting on my unmade bed, his gaze still glued to mine.

  Slowly, I crouch before him. Unlacing his boots, one at a time, I then stand and step back. “Strip.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Eyes never wavering, he smirks, his adorable crooked grin that makes my mouth water. Moving his hands down to his waist, slowly and methodically, he unbuttons his fatigues then pushes them off his hips. He kicks off his boots, socks, then shimmies out of the remaining leather between us.

  Within seconds, he’s naked, and my body and soul are on fire.

  I step closer, running my hands gently across his chest. Fingertips trace the fine lines showing off every muscle. My gaze follows the trail as it explores the light smattering of hair on his chest, down to his erection that’s growing with every touch of my hands, every glance of my heated gaze.

  Gripping his cock, his muscles flinch beneath my fingertips and a low growl escapes his lips. “Seraya.” He gasps as I run my hands along his shaft, stroking him slowly to get the blood flowing.

  “Thank you for your service, my soul. You’ve earned a reward.”

  His eyes are soft; the sexual desire becomes mixed with more than just need. But love. He nods slowly, his eyes skipping between mine.

  Embracing his cheeks, I eliminate the space between us and sink my lips into his, deepening our kiss. Heat from his breath escapes as he opens his mouth, inviting me in. I accept his invitation, gently exploring the ridges of his tongue, basking in his spearmint breath.

  Gently, I press his shoulders down, and he obeys my unspoken command, scooting back on the bed. We move in sync; his body moves backwards and down while mine moves forward and settles above him. Pressing my bare breasts to his chest, his erection brushes over my skin as his cock settles between my thighs.