by Erin West
He stares at me like he doesn’t have a clue what to do.
Is that feeling coming from him?”
His hand caresses my cheek, and astonishment filters through the connection. “You’re so beautiful. I didn’t think you could be any more beautiful and alluring than the first time I laid eyes on you.” He pulls his hand away and there’s a matching symbol on his palm.
I grab his hand. “What the hell? How is this possible?”
Bending down, he stares at his hand. “That wasn’t there just a few hours ago.”
Like he’s telling me something new. I flip my wrist over, showing him my matching tattoo. “Look, we match.”
Getting out of bed, I place the dagger down and put on some jeans and a blue t-shirt. I grab the dagger up again and put it inside my waistband, where it’s flush against my skin but hidden by my shirt. “Something is happening.”
He dresses as well and glances at the clock. “Believe it or not, it’s eight in the morning.” He brushes his hand against my arm. “I know you didn’t get much sleep, but I think we need to get back to the others, especially with this new,” he glances at our wrists, “art on our body.”
Ugh, I’m exhausted but he’s right. We need to get to the others. I can rest when I’m dead. I brush my hair and pull it back into a ponytail. Despite how tired I am, my face glows and no trace of fatigue can be found.
Heading to the door, he opens and holds it for me.
Not used to his sweeter side, I smile. “Thanks.”
Reaching down, he brushes his lips against my cheek then takes my hand. “Hold on.”
Turning my body, he has me now facing the lock of the door. He uses his fang and dabs some of his blood on the sensor, then enters in a series of numbers. After a few moments, the door beeps. He glances my way. “May I prick your finger?”
Holy shit. He wasn’t kidding. He’s going to give me access to his room. My heart flutters at this, but I trust him. “Sure.” I hold my hand out, placing it in his.
He brings it up to his fangs and pricks it.
I have to hold back the moan that wants to escape. I still don’t understand how the hell his bite feels so fucking good.
Bringing my finger to the sensor, he places the drop of blood, which causes the machine to beep several times. Then it pauses, and a green light blinks.
“There, you have access to our room now.” He leans down and licks my wound, healing it.
Who is this guy, and when is the jackass going to make an appearance again?
We head through the house, making our way to the entrance. This house is huge. It’s almost as if I’m seeing it all over again for the first time. We get to the main entrance and walk up one set of the stairs, heading to Drake’s temporary room.
As soon as we get to his door, it opens.
Drake takes me in and pulls me into his arms. “Are you okay?”
Melting into his chest, I nod. “Yes, but we need to get back to the house so we can talk to everyone.”
Letting out a deep breath, he releases me. “I’m ready to go.”
Eli walks out the door. “I’ll get the help to get the car out front, and I’ll be down there waiting on you.”
That’s weird. He doesn’t leave me alone with the others if possible, ever.
Grabbing his bag, Drake stops in front of me. “So… you and Eli, huh?”
Oh my God. Is he trying to have this conversation with me? He’s a wolf. He knows. I glance at the room behind him, which looks the same as when we got here. Everything is in place and the bed is made. “Did you get everything?”
He smirks. “Yeah, I did.” With his other hand, he intertwines his fingers with mine and tugs me to the door. “Come on, let’s go home.”
We make our way through the house and outside.
The car is pulled around and Eli is leaning against the passenger side. When he sees us approach, he opens the back door.
I slide in the back and get comfortable, sitting on one side so the dagger isn’t digging into me.
The trunk pops open, and Drake throws his bag in then slams it shut. Soon, both guys are in the car and we are heading back to the wolves’ compound.
Silence descends in the car for a few minutes, but Drake clears his throat. “So, what happened?”
Eli places his arm on the passenger door armrest and puts his head in his hand. “Nothing great, but I’d rather just tell the story once.”
That makes sense, instead of rehashing it multiple times. The less I have to discuss it, the better. To think, just six months ago, I lived alone and didn’t have any friends. How many lives have changed?
The rest of the car ride is made in silence and I’m glad. It was an eventful night, so a little peace is more than welcomed.
We're not even halfway when my eyelids droop and sleep pulls me into the sweet abyss. The movement of the car slows, waking me from a power nap. The houses of the pack come into view, and soon, we’re pulling into Drake’s driveway.
As we make our way into his house, Oren’s black limo is parked out front. So, my favorite Fae prince has already made it back to me. He’s the one I’ve gotten the least amount of time with the past few weeks, and I miss him a little too much for my own good. However, I won’t let him know that.
Drake opens the door for me, so I walk in ahead of them.
We make our way into the living room, my body humming to life with power. I almost miss a step when I find Amon sitting in the chair by the window, his large wings spread out, covering the furniture.
He smirks at me. “Well, hello there. We meet again.”
My mates surround me in an instant. Bael stands in front of me, blocking me from Amon’s view, while Drake and Eli stand on each side and Oren behind.
Lifting one eyebrow, Amon leans back and crosses his ankles. “Interesting.” He cuts his gaze over to Bael. “I didn’t figure you’d be one to share.”
Shoulders tense, Bael remains stoic. If I hadn’t spent so much time with him, I would never know that comment phased him, but it did. He hates the fact I have other mates, but we are at the mercy of… hell, I don’t know what. Fate? That sounds a little cliché, doesn’t it?
I’m so tired of his shit. Isn’t owing him a favor enough? “Stop with your mind games.” I march around Bael. “I’m not in the mood.”
The dark angel opens his mouth but then shuts it. I’m sure Bael has something to do with that, but I’m too tired to deal with anything more than what we have at hand.
Plopping down in the middle of the couch, Bael sits on the left side of me, closest to Amon, and Drake sits on the other.
Oren stands in front, but on the other side of the coffee table, while Eli stands beside Drake, glaring at Amon.
Taking my hand, Drake squeezes it. “Okay, fill me in.”
“Well, we met with a Seer. She told me that a crown awaits my return and that there are two forces of evil intent on threatening everything, but if we don’t triumph, all will be ruined.” I glance at Eli, hoping I didn’t give too much away.
Eli nods. “Not the exact words the Seer said, but close enough. That is the gist.”
Biting his lip, Oren scratches his chin.
Barking out a laugh, Amon raises his arms and puts them behind his head. “I’m so glad you invited me. This is gonna be fun.”
Throwing my hands up, I turn to face Bael. “Why the fuck did you bring him?”
His jaw clenches. “Believe me. It’s not my first choice, but protecting you is annoyingly more important than my issues with him.”
Okay, that’s kinda sweet… for him. But still. I don’t know how I feel about Amon. I mean, he’s a dark angel from Hell. Can we even trust him? Granted, my mate is the son of Satan. So, I’m two for two on that front.
Focusing back on my other mates, I realize I left out something from them. “When I was in Underworld, Bael and I ran into an Oracle.”
The sound of thunder comes from out of the blue and pierces the sky. Another lo
ud roll sounds right after, shaking the windows.
What the fuck is going on?
Amon bursts out laughing. “Someone isn’t happy with you, little Briar.”
I point my finger at Bael. “Stop it. We are in this together, and if we want to figure this out, we have to be open and honest.”
Some common sense must exist in him, because he keeps his mouth shut.
“As I was saying,” I turn back to the other guys, “we met with an Oracle, who said I was tied to the following prophecy.
“A baby born of light, destined for the night.
Cursed to dormancy due to fright.
Hidden away to withstand the fate of time.
Morals tested by those of the Dark for her to ascend to her true self.
Four bonds to bind power so strong, to conquer the one who does wrong.”
Oren gasps. “I knew it.”
My focus turns on him. “What?”
“You’re Aurora.” His eyebrows curve upward. “The lost princess of the Fire Fae.”
That makes sense. We know I’m Fae and I control fire. “How do we know for sure?”
He moves his shirt down, revealing the tattoo I already know he has. “You’d have a tattoo of your royal family somewhere.”
Standing, Bael clenches his fist. “Don’t be so naíve. If people went to all this trouble to steal her, hide her, and alter her magic, wouldn’t they hide her royal mark?”
Could I have a family out there, searching for me? I’ve been alone all my life until the last few months. Did someone rip me away from a loving home?
“We need to focus on the main thing first.” Eli rubs the back of his neck. “We are dealing with two evil forces. We only know of one. Who the hell is the other?”
Ugh, he’s right. We need to figure out who all we are up against. We thought it was bad when it was just Rumple. Who else hates me?
“Well…” Amon shifts and sits straight up in his seat. “I might have the answer you seek.”
Of course, he does.
“Why am I not surprised?” Bael faces him. “Are you going to tell us?”
No, it doesn’t work that easy with him. I’ve got the favor mark to prove it.
“Actually, I am.” He leans forward on his knees. “But we’re even. You can’t hold me telling your father about you helping your mom when she was sick over my head anymore.”
Bael goes silent for several seconds before he responds, his voice just above a whisper. “She was about to die. He killed her.”
Fire dances in Amon’s eyes. “She was in pain. I told him because I knew he would kill her out of revenge, but it helped her. She was suffering.” He takes a deep breath and shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter. This makes us even, me helping you save your mate.”
Wow, they do have some serious shit between them. I could see both sides, but I’m always going to side with Bael.
You don’t know how much that means to me. His voices tickles the back of my mind.
How the fuck does he always do that?
“Okay, we’ll be even.” Bael’s tone is raspy.
Amon extends his hand to him, but Bael hesitates.
“But,” he takes a menacing step toward him, “if one bit of this information is proven false, I will kill you with my bare hands.”
Once Amon nods, Bael claps their hands together and a black mist surrounds them.
What the fuck?
Bael turns to me. Don’t worry. That was magic sealing our promise.
Swaggering to the middle of the room, Amon stands tall. “So, as it’s common knowledge, having a mate makes you stronger. Well, now that Bael has found his true mate, he is now stronger than dear old Lucifer, who isn’t taking it well.” He pauses, enjoying the moment.
“Oh, dear God. Just go on with it.” He is something else.
“I know you might get confused, but my name is Amon, not God.” He winks at me. “But Lucifer has teamed up with you know who and plans to take you down together.”
Without thinking about it, my feet push me to standing and I pace in front of the couch. “So, this is all about power?” The fire inside stirs to life, more forceful than any other time. I lift my head, meeting each of my mate’s gazes.
A chuckle grabs my attention. “Power is what it’s always about. Love the silver eyes, by the way. Makes you more intriguing.” Amon appears calm in the midst of the storm, leaning back in the chair as much as his wings will allow him.
My mouth turns down. “What are you talking about now?”
“Others are always after power. If you’ve got more than them, either you’re an ally or an enemy. Looks like you’re an enemy. Look at history; it’s always bound to repeat itself.” He shrugs a shoulder.
Why can’t people say what they mean? “And what do you mean, silver eyes? They’re blue.”
“Sure. They’re blue now, but a second ago, they were glowing silver.” He leans forward. “You’ve completed all of the bonds now. Interesting, very interesting.”
What the hell is he talking about? That’s just what I need right now. Another man showing interest when I thought things would calm down and fall into place.
The tattoo. I hold my hand in front of me and turn my wrist upward, revealing the tattoo on my palm and wrist. “Do you all have this too? It appeared…” I trail off, not wanting to say exactly when it happened. They all know about each other, but I don’t want to hurt any of them. “Earlier this morning.”
Drake and Bael stand from the couch, while Oren and Eli step closer to my spot, surrounding me. They place their left wrists in view, identical marks on each of our skin.
Silence.
Laughing, Amon hits his knee. “That’s cute. You all got matching tattoos.”
I glare at him.
Bael growls, “Fuck off, Amon. I’ll summon you when we need you.”
Amon looks over my shoulder and stills. “The Quinfecta.”
The feeling of being gut-punched swooshes the breath out of my lungs. “What did you say?” My hand falls to my side, my mates following suit.
He nods at my arm. “That symbol means the Quinfecta is complete.”
My head spins. “That’s the term the Seer used.”
Eli stares at me before his gaze swings to the windows. “So, it begins.”
Chapter Ten
Taking a deep breath, I center myself. “Well, we’ve got this. We’re just up against the one who can’t be named and Satan. No biggie, right?”
A deep laugh rumbles from Oren. “Thank you, I needed that.”
Shaking his head, Eli frowns. “Now isn’t the time for jokes. This is serious.”
“Okay, as much fun as this is,” Amon circles his hand around to the other five of us, “I’m going to get back to the Underworld before Satan notices.”
Bael nods. “That’s a good idea. Let me take you back.” He reaches out, touching Amon’s shoulder, and the gray smoke surrounds him, making them disappear right before our eyes.
Jaw dropping, Oren walks over where they disappeared. “That’s freaking amazing. That’s one badass gift.”
Drake runs his hand through his hair. “We need to figure this all out.”
“At least someone is on the same page as me,” Eli huffs. “This isn’t good. The vampires are too selfish to provide assistance at this point.”
Needing to get away, I head to the back door. “Hey, guys, I’m going out here for a minute.”
Oren turns to join me, but Eli grabs his arm.
The vampire shakes his head. “No, we need your head, too. Let her have a minute. She’s been through a lot.”
Sticking his bottom lip out, Oren lowers his head. “Ahh, come on.”
Sometime soon, I do need to make sure I spend some time with him. I haven’t gotten quality time with him since Bael showed up, but right now, I’m thankful Eli stopped him. Between everything, my head is spinning.
Stepping out onto Drake’s back deck, I walk to the edge of the patio and ta
ke in the pink and white hibiscus and purple-crested irises in the flower beds. He planted those a few months back, when he asked me what my favorite colors were when I first stayed here. He’s always done the little things to make sure this place felt like home, and he’s succeeded at just that.
Twigs snap out from the woods, almost as if a person was heading my direction. After a few moments, they stop, but the wind picks up and the smell of wolf blows in my direction. Huh, that’s new.
I keep my eyes peeled in that direction, and soon, a gorgeous woman steps out from the trees.
She has long, dark hair and tanned skin. Her eyes still have a faint glow from her shift, which means she must be one of Drake’s pack. When her eyes find mine, she pauses then snarls. “I take it you’re Rose.”
Refusing to break her stare, I lift my chin. “I am. What can I help you with?”
A hateful laugh barks out of her. “You can’t help me with anything.” She comes closer to the house. “Only my alpha can, not his slut.”
Wow, and I thought humans were bitches. Maybe I have them pegged wrong. “You must be confused. He doesn’t have a slut. If someone else tried to sleep with him, I’d have to teach them a lesson.”
She steps into my bubble and leans down into my face. “Oh, so only you’re allowed to sleep around?”
Fire explodes inside of me, and thunder courses through the air.
The back door opens, and Drake is beside me in an instant. He grabs the girl by the shoulders and slams her against the wall. “What did you say to her, Claudia?”
Looking down, she whimpers.
Slamming her against the wall again, he growls. “Did you call my mate a slut?”
Staring down at the ground, she nods. “She is spending time with other men, and is not a wolf herself. She doesn’t deserve you.”
Is Drake going to tell her about the fourth guy?
Glowing amber reflects from the window, Drake’s wolf out in all his glory. “You don’t get to make that decision, and how dare you disrespect me. She is my mate, whether you like it or not.”
She nods, quivering. “I… I’m sorry.”
Letting her down, his jaw clenches. “If I ever see you or anyone else disrespect her that way again, I will not be so nice. Do you understand?”
