Surrender To Darkness (Eternally Mated Novel)

by Valerie Twombly

  “There is nothing to fear, Abagail,” Charon soothed. “Now that we are here, we will assist you in your first shift, and your mate will absorb your pain.”

  With Cade’s help, she could do anything.

  Cade hated that his mate was frightened. Wanted to destroy that which caused her discomfort, but in this case, it was her own transformation.

  “I’m grateful you two are here to help her. Tell me what I need to do, and it will be done.” He glanced at the Sitori surrounding them, still guarding. “Can we move her inside for privacy?” He kissed Abby on the forehead. “I’m worried the Gomlahr will return. I don’t know what caused them to retreat.”

  “Like all demons, they fear the reaper, and they likely sensed Abby’s transformation as well as our arrival,” Seph said. “Abby, were you able to see them?”

  “Yes, I was.”

  “It’s best we stay outside, but we need to get Abby to her feet,” Seph said as he rose, his hand still clasping Abby’s.

  Cade lifted his mate to her feet and helped steady her. “What now?”

  Seph and Charon stood in front of Abby, while Cade remained behind her. Seph focused on Abby.

  “Just relax. Cade will take your discomfort as the first shift can be rather painful. Charon and I will contain your dark power so it doesn’t get out of control. Take deep breaths and allow what will happen to simply happen.”

  “Is it going to be like this all the time?” she whispered.

  “No. Only the first. After this, it will all become instinct. You are basically a babe being born and once complete will gain an eternity of knowledge.” Seph grinned. “Demons will give you wide berth.”

  Cade kept his mind connected to Abby. Flooded her with a soothing calm. Abby, I have faith in you and I’m so proud. My mate, a reaper.

  You’re not disappointed?

  Never. You will be the best at anything you do. He kissed her neck. I think it’s kinda hot that my mate will have that much power.

  I can do this as long as you’re here. She straightened. Will this protect me against Cassiel?

  Cade fought to keep his muscles relaxed and his mind clear. He’d not only kill that bastard archangel, he would torture the fucker for eternity right here in Lulerain. That angel is not worth your thoughts. I love you, ma moitié. You are mine now, and it is my duty to avenge you. Trust me to slay your demons. Now, complete your transformation.

  Abby closed her eyes. Cade’s words of love still swimming in her head. When had that happened? Her life had taken a path down a road she never expected. Mated to a fallen angel, and now she was about to become a reaper. One of those who could cross all realms. Was it because she had mated Cade? Would her change have been different with Cassiel? She held back a shiver as she thought of the angel who had meant to harm her and those she loved. She would let her mate slay this demon for her, as she never wished to look upon that angel’s face again.

  Taking a deep breath, she allowed her body to take control. The itching on her back subsided, replaced with pressure, and seconds later wings emerged. She opened her eyes and looked them over. They were beautiful. Black feathers glistened in the light of the fires burning around them, and she could scarcely believe they belonged to her. They were so light, weighing nothing and felt as if they had been a part of her forever.

  Closing her eyes again, she took another deep breath. Her skin tingled and her limbs felt thick. As a wave of darkness passed through her, Seph entered her thoughts.

  Embrace the darkness. Own it, for it belongs to you and you alone command it. Your powers here in Hell are twofold. Let it seep from your very soul.

  She followed Seph’s directions. Turned the darkness into a ball and held it in her center. Felt the hum of its power.

  “Open your eyes,” Cade spoke as he stepped away from her, leaving her to stand on her own. Even Seph and Charon had broken free.

  She did and realized she was wearing a leather bodice that revealed her cleavage and the now fully formed marking on her breast. A black skirt clung tightly to her hips and thighs before it flared out at her ankles. When she looked at her arms, the skin was transparent, allowing her skeleton to show through with an eerie glow.

  “Amazing,” Charon said. “I’ve never seen a female shift. You are much different than the rest of us. You still hold a human image, but there is no mistaking what you are capable of.”

  Cade stepped closer and pressed himself against her back, his mouth to her ear. “I have a raging hard-on. Damn, you’re sexy.”

  She wasn’t sure if she should laugh or be horrified. There was one thing though, Abby had never felt more confident. She could take on the world and nothing would stop her. She would definitely be powerful enough to help Cade clean up this place. She turned in Cade’s arms and kissed him. Heat seared her.

  “You know, this means you can walk between all realms.” There was no missing the disappointment in his voice, and she knew he worried. He was fallen and could no longer go to the clouds.

  “Do you regret falling?” She caressed his cheek.

  “I did what needed to be done and would do so again,” he said with conviction.

  “Then it doesn’t matter. Where you are is where I’ll be. By your side. Always.” She smiled. “Who knew my destiny would bring me to Hell and cause me to fall in love with a dark angel.”

  “Ahem. Can we break up the lovey-dovey shit?”

  Everyone turned to face Logan, his back lit by the burning fires, stance wide and a sword propped on his shoulder. Abby liked this prince of Hell. He had saved her and Cade, and she sensed while he would be a force to be reckoned with, he would be a fair leader. His gaze stopped on Abby.

  “Welcome, reaper.” His grin grew wicked. “Now I will have two of you at Auntie’s bargaining table. Your presence here in Lulerain will no doubt benefit your mate greatly.” He swung his sword and shoved the point into the ground, where Abby swore she heard a moan. Damn, was the ground where she stood alive as well?

  “What’s going on,” Cade asked, turning Abby and tucking her to his side.

  “All is contained. The fissures that bitch you woke up opened to the human realm are closed. All but maybe a few demons tortured and sent back home. Raze is scouring for any who are trying to evade my rule.”

  “The portals to the clouds?” Seph posed that question.

  “Open. Your Peru is peaceful as a sleeping babe.” His face twisted into angry lines. “The only standing issue is I can’t find that vampire. What started this mess, I can speculate.”

  Cade shifted next to Abby. “Well, what is your speculation?”

  “The Inca king’s medicine man conjured an ancient demon. One whose species has since died out but lived at the time to grant immortality to the princess.” He gave the sword a twist, and this time Abby was positive the dirt beneath them moaned.

  “This princess is now a vampire and apparently a powerful one to evade me.” Another twist of the blade. “Mark my words, I will find her and she will submit to my rule, or I will stake her.”

  Abby shivered, knowing Logan’s words rang true. Even though the princess had bitten Cade, Abby had sympathy for her. She had been made immortal at the command of a father who had meant well, but may have condemned his daughter all over again.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Cade looked to his mate, who had faded back to her natural state. “We shall fly together and check out our territory.” He then turned to Drakkar. “Post guards around the perimeter of the palace, then send the rest out to scout for any damage or small skirmishes that need tending to.”

  “As you wish, Sire.” The demon strode away to carry out his orders.

  “I am off in search of that fanged bitch. If you catch wind of her, contact me immediately.” Logan didn’t wait for Cade to reply. He expected his orders to be obeyed. Only Cade and Abby were left standing in the glow of the burning fires. Even Riot had been seen at the heels of Drakkar.

  Cade pulled Abby into his arms. �
��You are even more beautiful. Are you ready to see all that belongs to you?”

  “As long as we’re together.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Breaking free, she winked. “After this, I want to check out your room.”

  “Wicked female. Let’s fly before I decide to toss you to the ground and have you right here.” Abby wrinkled her nose and he laughed.

  “Does this flying stuff come natural?” She gave her new wings a flap.

  “Like you were born to it.” He pulled her to him, and they lifted off together, separating as they became airborne so their wings didn’t become tangled.

  You will one day teach me all about making love in the sky?

  The skies of the human realm are perfect for that. When things settle, we will find us a home. Anyplace in the world you wish to go. It can be our getaway from Lulerain, Cade responded.

  I’d like that.

  Cade showed Abby only the outer territories of Lulerain. There were many more layers to the Pits of Hell. Areas he never wanted his mate to see, even though she was now a reaper. Abby would experience them one day, as her duties required it of her. For now though, he still wanted to keep her safe. He also needed to deal with Cassiel. That was next on his list, once he had his territory back under control and felt comfortable leaving Abby here alone.

  An hour later, they were both inside the palace. After Riot curled up with a bone Cade had found for the pup, he led his mate to the shower. In the bathroom, he wasted no time in stripping off her clothes, and then his own before pulling her under the spray of several water heads.

  “Oh, this feels so good.” Abby moaned.

  “I’m slightly jealous of that water. You should only moan like that for me.”

  She flashed a wicked grin as she wet her hair. Water trailed along the curve of her breasts and brought his attention to her marking. Now a full set of wings indicating she was mated. “I’m not going to stop you, should you... You know. Wish to make me moan in pleasure.”

  He stepped into her space. Cupped her face and brought their mouths together. Her lips parted for him and he took advantage. Slipped his tongue over hers. Speared her mouth with the promise of what was still yet to come.

  She moaned. Pressed her aroused body against his, and her scent filled the shower stall.

  While kissing her harder, he backed her against the tile and moved his hands to cup her breasts. Kneaded the flesh before he ran his thumbs over her nipples, teasing them to hard peaks. He broke the kiss and dropped his head to taste one of her pink buds.

  She clutched his head to her chest.

  He moved one hand to grab her wrists and pin her arms over her head.

  “Bastard,” she whispered.

  Moving to her other breast, he slid his free hand between her thighs. Brushed his fingers along her folds. Teased her until her chest rose and fell in heavy breaths. He claimed her mouth again.

  Cade’s kiss was dark, demanding and sinful. He required her ultimate surrender, and she would give it to him. His power whispered over her skin, licking at her until she felt electrified. His fingers slipped into her sex, and her core heated further. Nearly out of her mind with desire, she only wanted release. She needed to fall from the edge he held her at, yet he kept her orgasm just out of reach.

  He nibbled her bottom lip as his fingers slid in and out of her. She struggled to move, but his grip was firm. Three times he brought her to the precipice, only to leave her hanging by a thread.

  “God, I hate you right now.” Her voice ragged.

  “You love me,” he whispered between nips to the flesh on her neck.

  “No... Yes.” She did love him, even though he thought to torture her.

  He slipped his fingers free, released her arms, and used both hands to lift her off the floor. “Wrap your legs around my waist.”

  She didn’t hesitate, desperate for any kind of relief. The tip of his cock touched her entrance, and she tried to wiggle until he was deep inside her, but again he dominated her. Bound her wrists above her head as he stared all the way to her soul.

  “You are mine and I am yours. We are now one.” He thrust, entering her until he had nothing left to give. She held all of him, and her release hit with so much power, her vision slanted. Before she could come all the way back to him, he moved his hips. Ground into her until she was screaming his name, clenching so tight it verged on painful, until he moved. Slow thrusts that barely penetrated her, working her body as if he owned it. He did. He owned every inch of her, including her very soul, and she was on her way up the cliff again. Soaring as he teased her to the edge once more and kept her there.

  “Please,” she panted.

  Cade thrust harder. Faster until he was pounding into her. Her back slipped up and down the smooth wet surface of the shower tile. The room slanted, colors broke in her vision, and then her body shuddered in bliss. One after another, her orgasm came at her with a force she had never experienced before. It carried her in a repeating pattern until tears escaped the corners of her eyes. With one quick thrust, Cade buried his head, kissing her neck, and together they soared. His release had his muscles going taut, and they both hung there for several seconds before coming back to reality. He leaned back, a grin on his face.

  “I told you I would burn my name into your soul.”

  Not sure she could speak, she opened her mouth. “I may have forgotten my name, but I will always remember yours.”

  He threw his head back and laughed before he lowered her back to her feet. She thumped him on the back.

  “You’re a beast.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “You’ll never be bored with me.” Then he soaped himself up. Thankfully, she was sexually spent, or she might have had to help him with that soap.

  Cade was up early, hoping Abby would stay in bed and get some sleep, but she had gotten up with him and followed him to the kitchen.

  “Ashley is on her way,” Abby said between sips of coffee. “Now that I’ve changed, the Tribunal of now four wants to meet.”

  He lifted his brow at her. “I don’t like you going where I can’t get to you.” He couldn’t enter the clouds any longer. Even though Abby was now a reaper, a strong angel in her own right, he could not protect her there.

  “The others know what happened with Cassiel. Kelana has threatened to geld him while Eva and Ashley hold him down. I can’t hide forever, but I do need to make sure my family is safe.”

  “I will see to them and Cassiel.” He kissed her cheek. “Enjoy your time in the clouds. You have earned your rightful place there.”

  He went to step away, but Abby grabbed his arm. “I want to be here. With you.”

  He gave a nod. “You will be one hell of a lady of Lulerain.”

  “Oh, I love that title,” Ashley called out.

  Abby set down her mug and walked to Ashley, where the two embraced. Cade was glad to see the women bonding. While Cade wanted to be everything to Abby, he knew that was impossible. She would need female companionship.

  “I’m heading out.”

  “What are your plans today?’ Abby asked, kissing him again.

  “I have an angel to hunt, and then begin whipping this place into shape.”

  “Be careful of Cassiel. I couldn’t bear to lose you now that I’ve just come to my senses.”

  He played with a stray curl. “I’ve no intention of letting him get the better of me.”

  “Maybe I should come with you. My new power––”

  “No. I am your mate, and it is my right to confront him. Go with Ashley.” He knocked on Ashley’s mind. Keep her safe until this is finished.

  I will. You just remember, Cassiel is an ancient. I know how you men are, but consider taking one of the others with you. Better yet, let the Tribunal call him in.

  Not a fucking chance. I don’t follow their rules. Not any more.

  I understand.

  “I’ll see you later.” He left using the front door and opened the gate to begin his tr
ek to the human realm.

  Twenty minutes later, Cade stood in the parking lot of the Snakehole and summoned the only angel he still had contact with.

  Seph?

  The reaper appeared in front of him. “You’re going hunting, I take it?”

  “Have you seen the bastard?” It was all Cade could do to keep himself in check.

  Seph studied him. “I’d say be careful, but you are growing in power. Being lord of Lulerain suits you.” He cocked a brow. “As does being mated to a reaper.”

  “Tell me where the fuck to find Cassiel,” he snarled.

  “Last I saw him, he was commanding a final sweep of Peru for any demons. You should find him there.”

  Cade gave a nod and slammed opened a portal. When he stepped into Machu Picchu, he was amazed at the calm of the region. Had he not bore witness, he would never believe the events that had taken place.

  “Hey.” It was the reporter whose life he had saved. “I’m so glad to see you.”

  “You should evacuate.”

  “Why? I thought the danger was gone?” She gave him a perplexed look.

  He fisted his hands. “Two angels are about to fight. Bad things happen when we tangle with each other.”

  She took a step back. “Why would you fight?”

  He focused on her. Maybe the humans should know what angels were really like. How those they might trust could harm them. “He terrorized a female. My female.”

  Just then, Cassiel did him the favor of landing in front of him. “Fallen. We don’t need your taint here. Where is Abagail?”

  “My mate is none of your concern.”

  Cassiel’s face reddened. “Your mate? She belongs to me.” The air crackled with power.

  “Sorry to disappoint, but she chose me and I intend to avenge her. You are a slimy piece of shit who threatened one of our females.” Cade let his own power charge the air. He looked back at the human. “I would highly recommend getting to a safe distance.”