Her long black hair was pulled into an untidy twist, exposing the slender curve of her neck. She wore a dark blue tie-dyed spandex tank top and navy yoga pants. Not even the slightest hint of blush graced her cheeks, and although it was obvious she paid little attention to her appearance, her beauty was still breathtaking. Her gym ID was clipped to the outside of her purse, and the damp tendrils at the base of her neck hinted she’d just come from a workout.
As Haden walked past her, the sun reflected off the heart-shaped stone hanging from her neck. He halted mid-step, momentarily frozen as he realized what he was seeing. This was it! What he’d been searching for all these years! The key to his revenge!
The female bristled, glancing up, and cast him an impatient glower. “Can I help you?” she asked briskly. There was a weathered hardness about her he hadn’t detected the first time he’s seen her, and Haden found himself wondering who had hurt this female so badly. He tamped down the brief and unexpected impulse to find the bastard and dish out an equal amount of pain.
Cocking his head, he studied her a moment longer. What happened to you? The thought didn’t pass his lips as he met and held her bold, back-the-hell-off glare. Haden didn’t cow to anyone and he sure as hell wasn’t going to start with this female. “No,” Haden replied smoothly. “For a moment, I thought you looked like someone I knew.”
“Well, you don’t know me,” she replied tartly, turning her attention back to her book. The blatant dismissal struck a nerve. He wasn’t used to being rejected by the opposite sex—another unwelcomed experience, courtesy of this female.
He gave a negligent shrug, and held up his hands defensively. The last thing he needed was to frighten the woman and draw the attention of her guardian. Haden wasn’t an idiot, he knew how that shit worked. He also knew why she wore that stone. It was a warning to otherworlders to stay the hell away from her.
So, he’d lie low a while and fly under the radar. He’d have to bide his time if he hoped to have any chance of getting his hands on that rock. If he’d learned anything over the centuries, it was patience.
“I apologize for disturbing you,” he told her, ripe with insincerity. At her refusal to acknowledge him, he bit back the growl unfurling in his throat, turned, and walked away. This is far from over, sweetheart…
***
This was it. Haden couldn’t put it off any longer. After all these years, he had no choice but to return to the Dark Court. Pushing through the chamber doors, the darkness surrounding him equaled his heart. As Haden prepared to face his “father,” he felt no trepidation. In order to fear, one must first have something to lose. He approached the throne, saying nothing as he stopped, carefully schooling his features to hide his contempt.
“So…the Prodigal Son returns,” Gahn greeted. “You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t kill the fatted calf.”
The sickening sweet cadence in Gahn’s voice didn’t fool him for a second—the bastard was furious. If the demon was smart, he’d kill Haden right now, because if he survived this day, it would mark the beginning of the end of Gahn’s.
“I’m here to help you find the girl.” Waiting… Of course, the bait was too tempting to resist.
“Now, what girl is that of which you speak?”
“The girl you’ve been trying to kill for the last twenty-one years, and have failed at—miserably—I might add. Do you really want to play this game with me?”
“Yes, well…our hunter has been a little MIA for the last century—”
“I can’t imagine why.”
Shooting Haden a loathing glare, Gahn ignored the bantering comment. “We’ve had to improvise. Tell me, what hole have you crawled out of? You must know we’ve been searching for you. No one abandons the prestigious court of the Morning Star and lives to tell about it.”
“So I’ve seen,” Haden growled. “And that’s why I’m here—to offer you a truce, if you will… Olivia Norton’s life, for my freedom.”
Silence filled the chamber. This was it. Everything boiled down to this very moment—the moment that would either seal the Dark Court’s fate, or Haden’s.
“What makes you believe that you can accomplish what Max failed to do?” Gahn asked, curious enough to play along, but Haden knew him well enough to understand the inner workings of his sick and twisted mind. There really was no choice to make—they would agree to his terms, and when he’d accomplished his task, they’d simply kill him as reward. Haden wanted his freedom and Gahn would give it to him—freedom to spend eternity bound in the Abyss.
Haden kept his tone blithe, acting as if he didn’t care either way. Time to bait the hook… “I’ve been watching her, watching her warrior. Max made mistakes, but then, what did you think would happen?—sending a fallen angel into their world and expecting him to keep his dick in his pants. I want nothing their world has to offer…not anymore.”
That statement was absolutely true. What he wanted was not of their world, it was just where the stone happened to be, and Olivia was unfortunate enough to be in possession of it.
Haden knew he couldn’t go after her—after it—without their blessing. Otherwise, word would get back to the Dark Court of his interest in the female, and they’d get suspicious. He had to make this their idea. This needed to be about their goals.
“Agreed,” Gahn finally answered. “Your freedom, in exchange for Olivia’s life.”
“Fair enough.” Haden turned and walked away before Gahn could spot the triumphant gleam in his eyes.
“And Haden…” Gahn called after him before he could reach the door. “Don’t fail us again.”
“Oh, I won’t,” he promised, a malicious grin spreading across his face. “I promise you that.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Dried leaves crunched beneath the heavy footfall of Liam’s determined steps. He could tell by the subtle stiffness in the Nephilim’s shoulders the moment Haden realized he was no longer alone. Yet, the haughty bastard refused to turn around and face him. The non-verbal “fuck you” lit the fuse on Liam’s already short temper. If Haden knew what was good for him, he’d be running for the hills right now. Instead, his shoulders rose and fell as he drew a deep breath. The bastard was scenting him. =
Liam rounded the park bench to face his quarry and found him sitting stretched out in a lackadaisical arrogance. Haden glanced up at him and cocked his brow questioningly. It took all Liam’s limited self-control not to sink his fist into that smug son of a bitch’s face.
“Who pissed in your lemonade this morning?” Haden drawled. “I thought you’d be celebrating.”
“And what celebration would that be?” Liam growled. “That you used me to do your dirty work? Or the four busted ribs you gave me last night?”
Haden chuckled. “Please… You gave far worse than you got, and do not insult my intelligence by pretending that it slowed you down any. I know better. As for Rowen, let’s just say that was a win-win opportunity. He was a menace. The world is better off without him.”
“That could be said for all of you. What makes Rowen any different?” he snapped.
Haden placed his hand over his heart and sighed dramatically. “Ouch, now that was just mean and completely uncalled for. I, for one, am not trying to kill Olivia—yet.”
“It sure as hell didn’t look that way with your hand latched onto her throat!”
“Oh, that… That was what you’d call a little persistent persuasion. That’s a damn stubborn female you’ve got on your hands.”
Liam’s energy soared, his fingers itching to wrap around the Neph’s throat. “Your ‘persuasion’ left black and blue marks all over her neck! Perhaps you need me to ‘persuade’ you to stay the hell away from her!” he snarled.
“No doubt you’d like to, but unfortunately for you, I pose no immediate physical threat to the female’s life. And you, my little Energizer Bunny, are bound by Eternal Law.” Haden leaned forward and gave him a wicked grin, wagging his tawny brows. “So I guess it looks like I’l
l live to fight another day.”
“You sound awfully confident about that,” Liam replied coolly. “What would possibly make you believe that a supposedly extinct race of heathens could fall under the protection of any law?”
“A wing and a prayer.” Haden smiled. “Oh, did I forget to mention, I met a guardian today? Theo. Perhaps you know him? Good news, he said it’s not too late for me…for redemption. Would you be the one to rob me of my repentance?”
“Bastard.”
His arrogant grin fell. “I told you before, that’s not my fault.”
“You and I both know you have no intention of seeking forgiveness for your crimes against humanity!”
“And what about the crimes committed against me?” Haden challenged, slamming his fist against the arm of the bench, splintering the wood. “I see no one lining up to seek my forgiveness!”
Liam watched him closely, taking in every word, trying to crack the mystery of this enigma as they headed into completely uncharted territory here.
“I will demand my own repentance for what’s been done to me! I will make my own enemies a footstool beneath my feet. I will exact payment from those who have destroyed my life!”
The words raged with so much venom, Liam could feel the hatred in the air sting his skin like a thousand needles piercing his flesh. His mind raced through the words of Eternal Law written in his heart, searching for a clause that would allow him to slay the Nephilim right here, right now. His hand ached for the comforting weight of his sword and the power that would course through him as he held it against this enemy’s throat.
“Would you, a servant of Almighty God, condemn me to Hell twice? Forgive me for my sins, Liam, for I know not what I do,” Haden taunted dramatically, placing his hand over his heart.
A roar of rage tore from Liam’s throat as he lashed out with lightning speed, crashing into Haden like a linebacker. The park bench toppled, Haden flew back, and they rolled, grappling for the advantage before coming to a stop at the base of a tree. Liam passed his guard, and before Haden could make a defensive move, he slammed his fist into Haden’s face with rapid fire accuracy. Once…twice…then he grabbed him by the throat and squeezed, just as that bastard had done to Olivia last night.
“You stupid fool,” Liam snarled. “Don’t you realize I could tear your heart out right now for mocking the words of my God?” He squeezed tighter, pinning Haden to the ground by his throat. “No High Court would convict me of such an act! Damn the Eternal Law you hide behind!”
***
As the warrior’s grip tightened, cutting off his air, Haden felt a moment of trepidation. He hadn’t anticipated the ferocity and strength in Liam’s attack. Last night’s brawl paled in comparison to the force being unleashed upon him right now. This angel was faster and more powerful than he’d ever realized. And apparently Haden had struck a nerve—one that ran deeper than Olivia. If he didn’t survive this, his chance at revenge would be lost forever, and Gahn would win. The thought filled him with a sudden burst of panic.
Liam’s eye’s glowed so bright with white-hot rage, Haden could hardly look at them. He knew to struggle would only further incite the warrior’s instinct to kill, a preternatural response he had no doubt Liam possessed. He could feel the power coursing through him so strong it cast an iridescent halo around the angel’s entire body. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced in battling the fallen, and it rocked him to his core.
If he had any question where Liam’s allegiance lay, there was no doubt about it now. If he believed this was about Olivia, then Haden was sorely mistaken. Olivia was just a thread woven into this cosmic battle to win the hearts of man. Liam was, without a doubt, one hundred percent Ronnin warrior—all powerful, absolutely deadly, and completely devoted to his creator.
Haden knew if he couldn’t get the warrior to release him soon, his fate would be the same as Rowen’s. He could already feel the darkness closing in around him, the anxious stirring of shadows drawing near to claim his soul.
“I may…” He tried again, struggling to speak past his crushed windpipe. “I may have overstepped my bounds.” Had the fire in Liam’s eyes lessoned a fraction? God, he hoped so, because another minute of this energy blast and he was going to be dead.
“You think?” Liam snapped. “Apologize for your insolence or I swear to God, I’ll rip your throat out right here and now!”
It grieved Haden all the way to his black soul to submit to Liam. But better this than lose his shot at Gahn—his only purpose in living. “I am truly sorry that I have offended you,” Haden rasped, swallowing his pride. It tasted like bitter acid sliding down his throat, or perhaps that was blood from his crushed trachea.
“I don’t want your damn apology! Apologize to Him, the One whose sacrifice you mock! The sacrifice that extends beyond your limited comprehension and is the only reason you’re alive right now!”
“I ask your forgiveness…Lord,” Haden grated the words out. Had he said it two seconds earlier, he wouldn’t have meant it. But now, moments from losing consciousness, his chance at vengeance slipping from his grasp as death ushered ever near, Haden realized he truly was repentant. His vision slowly faded to black as the shadows began coiling around his ankles, paralyzing him as it sluiced up his legs—everywhere it touched, the mist froze him immobile.
Panic raged inside him. He reached up, gripping Liam’s wrists, trying to break his death grip, knowing the moment the shadows touched his heart it would be all over. The force would reach inside his chest and tear out his soul, killing his immortal body and trapping him in the Abyss.
As the bone-aching cold rounded his hip, the grip on his throat abruptly released and Haden drew in a desperate gasp of air. Liam’s weight left his half-paralyzed body, and by the time his vision cleared, the angel was standing several feet away watching him with a cold, emotionless stare.
Haden rolled to his side, coughing uncontrollably as he gasped, gulping in giant breaths of air that burned all the way into his lungs. His head throbbed, dizziness washed over him, and his heart pounded as adrenaline flooded his veins. Seconds later, a rush of liquid heat entered the top of his head and flushed through his body, exiting through his feet.
The cold was gone. He could move again. Yet, something was…wrong. What happened? What in the hell had this warrior done to him? Struggling to his feet, he glowered up at Liam. “What’s happening to me?” he rasped the accusation. “What did you do?”
Liam shrugged, looking a little disappointed, but mostly like he couldn’t give a shit. “You act like you expect me to know. Whatever you’re feeling, rest assured, I didn’t do it to you. I wouldn’t expend my energy on you—but then again, I’m not God. Maybe, unlike me, He doesn’t believe you’re a total waste. ” With that parting response, Liam turned to walk away, leaving Haden alone to contemplate what the hell just happened to him.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
All day long, Mitch remained uncharacteristically quiet, his brows pulled tight in a thoughtful scowl. It wasn’t unlike him to be broody, especially lately, and with good reason, she supposed. That’s why Ashley cut him so much slack. That, and well, she felt sorry for him. The closer they got to Vegas, the harder it was to shake the nagging feeling that this wasn’t going to end well.
She’d been thoughtful to give him his space today—well, as much space as you could give someone sitting less than two feet away. He probably just needed some time to think, to prepare for seeing Olivia again. But honestly, after three hours of silence, something was gonna have to give—soon.
And it wasn’t just Mitch who was on edge, either. Seems everyone was a bit punchy today, especially Balen. The last thing she expected to see when she woke up this morning was her guardian slamming his fist into Rhen’s face—again. Holy Hanna, that angel was a grump. Clearly, between Cale, Rhen, and Mitch, those three brought out the worst in him. He wasn’t happy about any of this, and he made no effort to hide it.
Ashley had always known th
ere was another side of Balen—a very dangerous side, and damn, if it didn’t make her want him all the more. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t disappointed he’d refused to spend the night with her. He was always so careful to place boundaries between them. But honestly, she was tempted to scale the walls of his resistance and batter his defenses. She wanted another kiss… Just a kiss…What harm could there be in that?
“Can I tell you a secret, Ash?”
It startled her when Mitch spoke, so consumed she’d been in her own thoughts. “Sure. As long as you don’t mind Balen knowing.”
Mitch scowled and looked around the car. He leaned a bit closer until their shoulders touched and whispered as if it would make any difference at all. “You think he’s in here right now?”
She smiled and leaned a little closer. Playing along, she whispered back in a spooky voice, “I don’t know. He might be.”
Apparently, Mitch didn’t find it as funny as she did, because he bumped her with his elbow and sat back in his seat. “Cute, Ash, really…”
She laughed. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t making fun of you, honest. I’m just going a bit stir crazy from so many hours in this car, that’s all. I’ll be serious now, I promise. Tell me what’s on your mind.”
He let out a troubled sigh. “I, uh… I guess I’m a little nervous to see Olivia.”
“You are?” You should be.
“Yeah, it’ll be the first time I’ve seen her since our wedding day. And then there’s Liam... Honestly, if he’s anything like Balen, I doubt we’re gonna hit it off. I’m pissed that he took her from me, and I guess I’m just worried about where her head is in all this.”
Shades of Darkness (Redemption Series) Page 25
