Surrender To Darkness (Eternally Mated Novel)

by Valerie Twombly

  He didn’t ask her to repeat it. With a snarl, he rolled and flipped her to her back. Peeled the rest of her clothes off until she was naked. A glorious offering before him. In seconds, he had his own jeans off and was planted balls deep inside her.

  She moaned.

  He summoned his wings, spread them wide until they shadowed over her. Abby reached up and caressed his feathers, eliciting a groan.

  “Does that feel good?”

  “Do it again, and I’ll let you feel it too.” He opened his link to her while she stroked the underside of his wing.

  She gasped. “Oh, my. Now I understand why you don’t let just anyone touch them.” Her brows dipped. “I better not catch another female stroking your wings. I’m already jealous that one had her mouth on your neck.”

  He pulled out, shoved in long, hard strokes until she was at his mercy. “No one but you, ma moitié.” Then he kissed her. Claimed her mouth and let her fire consume him. The woman was hotter than Hell itself, and she was about to become his forever. She came undone beneath him. Her sex clenched around him, and he couldn’t hold out any longer. His balls pulled tight and his release rushed forward, sending him into the same bliss as his mate. He broke the kiss as his insides burned. Another part of his soul replaced by hers.

  They were joined. Would carry a piece of each other with them for eternity. He stared into her golden eyes.

  “You can’t take it back now. You are mine.”

  She smiled, her hand stroking his cheek. “And you are mine.” She winced.

  “Abby?” He pulled free from her.

  “My back feels like it’s on fire.”

  “Damn, that was fast. Your wings are coming.” He pulled her into a sitting position and examined her back. “Nothing yet. Sometimes it takes time for them to fully appear.”

  She looked up at him. “It feels better now. What do you think I’ll become?”

  He moved off the bed to get dressed. He would much rather stay where he was, but shit was going down. “Hard to say these days after Ashley and Kelana.” He pulled on his jeans. “You feel well enough to get dressed?” He still had to ask even though he could sense she was fine.

  “Yes.” She gave him a funny look. “You have a craving for blood?”

  “No. Why?”

  “Logan said you might wake up thirsting for my blood.”

  Damn. He hadn’t had time to think what the consequence might be, getting bit by a vampire. “While the thought of sucking on your neck delights me, I have no taste for blood.” One more damn thing to worry about.

  Ashley? He needed to ask her to send someone to check on Abby’s family.

  Even though Abby wanted to lounge in bed with her angel, her mate, she rolled out and dressed, knowing they had a lot to do. She needed to make sure her family was still safe.

  “I’ve already spoken to Ashley. I told her what happened with Cassiel, and she’s checked on your family herself.” He pulled on his shirt, and she was sad to see him cover those delicious abs. “She has demons posted close by, but things are quiet in the States. So far, it’s Peru that’s having problems.”

  Abby finished dressing, relieved her family was safe. “What do we do next?”

  “I need to go back to Lulerain and help contain things until someone figures out how to stop this mess.” He stepped in front of her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m torn. I want you by my side so I can protect you, yet it’s not safe there.”

  She tipped her head back and glared at him. “Well I’m not staying here, so there’s nothing to decide.” Abby tried to pull away, but he locked her to him.

  “You are vulnerable now. At least until you finish your transformation and we know what kind of angel you become.”

  Finally managing to free herself from his grip, she flashed the dagger Drakkar had given her as she opened the door and stuck her head out. “Can you come here, please?” She turned back to face Cade, who had a perplexed look on his face.

  Drakkar stepped into the doorway and a bounding Riot flew into the room and ran circles around Abby’s legs. “Mistress?”

  The brow over Cade’s left eye arched.

  “Cade, you know Drakkar?”

  “Of course. You are Ashley’s new commander. The first to defect from Lucifer’s army and bring the rest with you.” Cade’s power flared out and snapped in the air as he looked from Abby to Drakkar. “I’m waiting.”

  Seemed her new mate had a jealous streak as well. She liked that. “Drakkar gave me his dagger and his protection.”

  Cade visibly relaxed. “You will protect my mate?”

  Drakkar bowed. “Until my last breath.” Abby swore the demon’s eyes twinkled. “Ashley wanted to speak to you in person, but then the fissures broke open.”

  “About?”

  “I belong to you now. She gifted you with an army of fifty Sitori demons.”

  “Well, I must remember to thank her.” He headed for the door, Drakkar stepping out of his way. “Then we return to Lulerain. Abby is your priority. You stick to her like glue.”

  “Yes, Sire.”

  The three of them descended the stairs while Drakkar brought Cade up to speed on what was going on. It seemed while Cade slept and healed himself, Logan was busy trying to repair the damage done to the portals. So far, the reports of demons had been confined to Peru, but no one knew how long that would last.

  Once they hit the last step, Cade took Abby’s hand.” How’s your back?”

  “Itchy.” She dared not tell him she was feeling...odd. There was nothing to compare it to so, no reason to bring it up. It wasn’t as if she felt ill, but her entire body tingled, and it was as if she wanted to break out of her skin. She also felt a little...dark. Perhaps it was Cade she was sensing. She would have to remember when things settled down to talk to the other girls who had more experience with this mating thing. Eva especially, she and Seph had been together for a long time. The woman should be a pro at this stuff. She wondered if she could now communicate with them.

  “Should I be able to mentally connect to any of the others, now that we are mated?” She asked Cade as they made their way outside, where apparently Cade’s new army of demons awaited their orders.

  “I believe once you have your wings the rest comes with it.”

  “Oh. I guess that makes sense.” They reached the door and stepped outside. Hell’s suns formed two balls of vibrant orange on the horizon and painted the sky with pastels of pinks, yellows, and purples as they sank over the landscape. If she had been any place else, she would have found the sight beautiful. But this was Hell, and Abby was quickly learning things changed in an instant. It was growing on her though, which was a bit of a concern. However, this was going to be her home now that she and Cade were mated, and she would make the best of it. No regrets as they descended the stairs and walked across the grass. The land surrounding the palace was green and lush. She wondered if it was meant to lull one into a sense of security.

  Cade spread his wings and let them settle to his back. The group of Sitori demons stood before him, lined ten across and five deep. Their black armor shimmered in the setting suns, and they looked menacing Weapons strapped to their backs and spikes rose from their shoulders, even at only fifty they looked as though they could mow down any enemy. Abby leaned closer to Drakkar while Cade addressed his new army.

  “They are frightening.” Riot settled in next to Abby and stared at the men in front of them. She wondered if he found them intimidating as well.

  “As they should be. We are the result of Lucifer combining fallen angel and demon DNA. These men are lethal,” Drakkar replied.

  “No women?” Abby was beginning to notice a pattern. There were too many men in the immortal world.

  “No. We were all made male and none have...” he looked away, into the distance. “None have a female.”

  She frowned at the sadness in Drakkar’s voice. “Why do none of you have a mate?”

  He focused back on her. “Becau
se the only ones who might have us are demons, and even they fear us.”

  How heartbreaking. Drakkar was a handsome man, even if he was a bit scary. He stood several inches above Cade, and though he wore the black metal armor, his muscles underneath were apparent. His eyes, a brilliant blue, sparked with humor, and Abby felt safe around him. His words had been truthful and he seemed sincere.

  An idea came to her. Once things settled and life with Cade left her with a little free time, she was going to look further into these Sitori. Get to know them better because matchmaking might just become her thing. That is, if she had free time. She had been invited to become one of the Tribunal, but now that she had mated a fallen, that invitation might be rescinded.

  Cade opened a portal and took Abby’s hand. “We portal to the gate then to the palace in Lulerain. Be prepared for anything. Stick close to Drakkar should you and I get separated.”

  She nodded and together they stepped in, Drakkar and his troops behind them. Cade had to admit a huge burden had been lifted, knowing he had the support of these demons. Abby, should he have to leave her to go fight, would be protected. When they stepped out of the portal onto the outskirts of Iman, he summoned his sword, before moving to open the gate that would take them back to Hell’s pit.

  Minutes later, they walked out of the gate and into a literal Hell.

  Fires burned outside the palace, but Cade noticed the flames stayed several feet from the structure. He looked at Abby, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her. Abby’s fire filling him and settling the darkness in his soul.

  “Ma moitié, remember everything I’ve taught you. Use your knowledge if you have to. Otherwise, stick close to Drakkar and myself.” He gave a nod at the now attentive hellhound pup at his mate’s feet. “Riot might be a babe, but there are demons who fear a hellhound no matter how young they are.”

  She nodded. “I have no intention of leaving you now that I’ve got you.”

  “Good girl.” Cade turned to Drakkar. “Let’s go teach these demons who’s in charge here.”

  “Yes, Sire.” Drakkar slapped his helmet on and commanded the troops to move forward.

  Cade summoned his wings. “I’m going to take a fly around and see what’s going on.” He took to the air and scanned the area. Behind the palace, there was a long stretch of empty, barren land that was currently filled with hundreds of demons. Many occupied with fighting each other. That was the thing about Lulerain; everyone wanted to be in charge. The Pits of Hell held the worst of the worst. An eternal prison for the damned.

  A Vexhul flew beside Cade.

  Sire, what is your wish?

  Is the palace itself clear? He’d not spoken to anyone but Drakkar so wasn’t sure yet the scope of this war they waged.

  Yes. We have made sure none have gotten inside.

  Good. Push these bastards back. Where are the others?

  Death...

  Cade chuckled. Death was a nickname the demons had given Ashley.

  Has gone deeper into the territory to try and stop any more from coming forth. The Reaper was last seen terrorizing a band of demons just south of the palace.

  This time Cade laughed out loud. “I couldn’t ask for better help than those two. You have your orders.”

  Yes, Sire. The Vexhul banked right, his massive wings creating their own air current as he headed toward the hundreds of demons in the field. The beast was joined by two more of his species, and Cade knew they would hold back any attack from the north. Dipping lower and riding the heated air, he headed back to Abby and Drakkar, who were making their way toward the palace. That was when he spotted them.

  Gomlahr.

  Cade had no idea how many, since these demons blended into their environment. Invisible to the eye, but he had caught the movement of shadow.

  Drakkar, Gomlahr. I can’t tell how many yet, but don’t enter the palace.

  Drakkar spun to face an enemy he couldn’t see and pulled Abby to his back. Three more Sitori separated from the rest and took up arms. They moved until they had Abby tucked into their inner circle. Cade was desperate to land but realized he had a better advantage from the air.

  Cade? What’s going on?

  Abby, stay with the men. I can’t come for you yet. We fight an enemy we cannot see.

  I see them.

  What? How? No one could see the Gomlahr. It was all Cade could do to catch the changes in shadows, and by the time he’d seen it, they were already on the move. He would always be one step behind them.

  We are surrounded by black ghosts. They have terrifying mouths.

  He was stunned. How many?

  Abby spun in a circle inside the protection of her demon escorts. Umm, I counted fifty but there may be more.

  “Shit,” he muttered before pulling Drakkar into the connection he held with Abby. Here is what we are going to do. I’ll fire from above. Drakkar, I assume your armor will provide protection?

  We have never battled these demons, but it is safe to assume they cannot penetrate. Nothing has gotten past our defenses yet.

  Good. Keep a tight circle around my mate. Abby, you will have to guide us. I’m going to link the others to us as well so we can all hear your directions. They’d figure out later how the hell she was able to see them when no one else could.

  Okay. Right now, we are totally surrounded.

  Cade conjured two blue orbs and directed them a few feet in front of Drakkar before he commanded them to explode. A shrill cry pierced the night air.

  Did I get any? He despised the fact he couldn’t see them.

  It did nothing but piss them off, Abby responded.

  The demons protecting her swung their blades at the air.

  Abby, are the Sitori hitting any?

  No. They stay just out of reach. I don’t know how to make them go away.

  I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The creatures that swarmed around Abby and the Sitori were the most frightful things she’d ever seen. Riot growled at her feet, and she was surprised such an evil sound came from the small pup. Did he see the threat as well? Abby knew Cade was powerful, yet she worried for her mate. The thought of Cade being her mate brought a smile to her face and a new wave of determination. She would be damned if she would let a few demons get in the way of her happiness.

  She watched as Cade dropped closer yet just out of reach. Apparently, the demons couldn’t fly. At least that was a bonus.

  Pain rushed down Abby’s spine, across her hips, and to her gut. She tried not to double over, but it was impossible. Her skin crawled with the sensation of a thousand spiders.

  “Abby!” Cade shouted. There was no doubt he felt her pain. She tried to form words, but they were stuck in her throat. Drakkar looked over his shoulder.

  “Mistress?”

  Abby dropped to her knees. I feel like I want to come out of my skin. Cade started to head to her. No! Stay away or they will attack you. As soon as he started for her, the Gomlahr scurried to intercept him. It was evident they wanted Cade. Were they trying to use her and the Sitori to get to him? The idea of it pissed her off.

  Riot licked her face and whimpered. She wanted to comfort the pup, but it seemed he was the one trying to provide comfort.

  Sweat beaded on her temples as her gut did somersaults and threatened to hurl its contents. She swallowed and started shaking as dark thoughts began forming in her mind.

  Violence.

  Abby wanted to rip the head off the nearest demon. Lay waste to those around her that threatened harm. She fought an inner battle that threatened to send her sanity into a black abyss. She tried to push Riot away, fearful she’d hurt him.

  Abby, what is happening to you?

  I-I don’t know.

  Suddenly the Gomlahr were fleeing, their screeches an ear-piercing echo on the wind.

  They are fleeing, but it might be a trick. Be careful. Abby managed through her pain.

  Cade was quick to land and the Si
tori separated, allowing room for him to enter their circle. He dropped to his knees and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

  “You are burning up with fever.”

  Two forms appeared out of the darkness behind Cade. One Abby recognized as Seph, Eva’s mate. The other she thought she may have seen at the meeting Logan had held at the palace. Both men came forward.

  “Cade, allow Charon and I to help,” Seph spoke as he and the other reaper knelt beside them.

  “Do you know what’s happening to her?” The pain in Cade’s voice broke Abby in two.

  “Yes. Charon and I felt it.” Seph smiled. “Don’t fear. Your mate is making her transformation and requires our assistance.”

  “I don’t get it. What is she becoming?”

  “Yeah, what the hell because I have this urge to spill blood, and I hate blood,” Abby said through her cottonmouth.

  Seph and Charon both held out a hand.

  “Abby, link hands with us,” Seph said, focusing on Cade. “A new reaper is about to be born.”

  “How do you know this?” Cade questioned, his tone demanding answers.

  Charon, who had remained quiet, spoke up. “We always feel the pending creation of one of our own. It is wise for us to aid by linking with the emerging reaper. It helps balance them during their transition.”

  “Normally this would occur in an older child. My own son will one day transform, and we will provide the same for him.” Seph stared straight at Abby as he took her hand. “You are rather special I might add. A female reaper. Welcome to the club.”

  “I’m not sure I like this club.” She held hands with both Seph and Charon while Cade cradled her in his lap. The connection eased her discomfort considerably, and the dark thoughts that littered her mind faded away. Taking a few deep breaths, she started to feel normal again except for the itching on her back. She opened her eyes to look at Cade.

  Was that pride she saw residing in his brown depths?

  “My mate. I always knew you were a bad-ass underneath all that prim and proper exterior of yours.” He grinned and caused her to laugh.

  “I’m afraid,” she whispered. What the hell did it mean to become a reaper? Ironic is what it was. She was raised in the lap of luxury. Taught that her station was above most others and had she been human, would have been expected to marry a wealthy, powerful man. She wanted to laugh. Her mother would be mortified.