Emanare (Destined, #1)

by Browning, Taryn

  She didn’t know how he’d gotten down to Remington so fast—maybe he ran, she couldn’t see. Cale stayed in a rundown row house that had been split into apartments.

  Moments ago he had told her they were going back down into the tunnel. All logic told her to take the next cab back to Tolbert, but she didn’t want to leave him. Cale had told her he loved her and had waited his whole life to meet her. He was romantic, but there was a forced edge to his words. Lauren didn’t care. She no longer had control over her own actions; it was a chemical attraction.

  The sun had set. Only one streetlight lit the sidewalk. The streets were empty, only row house after row house. It was cold outside. She figured most people were inside. He clutched her arm, guiding her forcefully down the sidewalk. A police siren blared from a nearby intersection, followed by another and another. The noise became louder then faded in the urban symphony. Cale tightened his grip on Lauren’s bicep and pulled her even more briskly. She tried to keep up, but her legs had quickened into a sprint. She wondered what the sudden urgency was about. She was sure the tunnel would still be there when they arrived.

  Cale focused on the asphalt. Within seconds, a sewer drain appeared. Effortlessly, he popped the lid off the drain. “Ladies first,” he said. His sharp tone contradicted his courteous words. Lauren climbed down the ladder and stepped onto the concrete passageway, her feet becoming drenched with water. Cale plunged into the tunnel, bypassing the ladder altogether. Once they were in the tunnel, Cale focused on the hole they’d just moved through. Lauren wasn’t sure if the hole had closed up on its own, but suddenly the concrete tube turned pitch black.

  “Are you ready to see my home?” he whispered darkly.

  A jolt of fear raked through her. “Y—yes.” Lauren’s voice shook. She couldn’t see a thing.

  ***

  “We’re here. Twenty-ninth and Sisson is right above us,” Alea said, pointing up. Everyone stopped to join her next to a ladder, only there was no sewer drain above it, only black. “I’m not sure if they came in through here. There doesn’t seem to be an entrance. It appears to have been closed off.”

  Sam looked down at Chase, still in animal form. Draylan pried Vicky off his back and dropped her on the tunnel floor. She landed on all fours. After wiping her wet hands on Draylan’s shirt, Vicky used her fingers as a brush, combing her hair back in place while scowling at Draylan. He smirked at her.

  Malachi turned up his nose. “Hey, they’ve been here. I can smell them. They haven’t been gone long. They can’t be that far up ahead. Let’s continue,” he suggested. “Uh—oh.” He froze in place.

  “What?” Evrik asked.

  “I think she’s awake,” Malachi whispered. In that moment, Ann lurched her body upward, arching her back against Malachi’s firm hold over his shoulder

  “W—hat is going on? W—where are we? And why are you holding me?” Ann screamed in a terrified Long Island accent. She stopped flailing, focusing on everyone's stares. “And—ugh—what is that terrible taste in my mouth?”

  “Rat,” Vicky responded.

  “What?” Ann snapped sweetly.

  “Don’t worry about it, sweetie. Everything’s okay,” Sam assured her. “Cut it out,” Sam scolded Vicky. Vicky responded with an irritated eye roll.

  “Where are we?” Ann asked. Malachi placed her on the ground. She nodded thanks and quickly glanced over her dirty, wet clothing. “Eww…I stink.”

  “When you can smell your own stench, it’s pretty bad,” Vicky mumbled, picking the dirt out of her finger nails. “My beautiful manicure is ruined.”

  “Vicky. If you’re not going say something significant, don’t say anything at all,” Sam warned.

  “Got it—golden rule.” Vicky made the okay symbol with her fingers.

  Ann jumped back into Malachi’s arms. “What is that?” she shuddered.

  “Oh—yeah—that’s Chase,” Sam said uncertainly. She wasn’t sure how much she should explain to Ann—angels, people-animals, Lightwarriors, and demons. That was a lot of supernatural craziness to process, especially after waking in a tunnel missing a whole day of memories, smelling like a dumpster with the foul taste of rat in your mouth. Evrik was going to have to erase Ann’s memory of the whole incident, and soon.

  “T—that’s not Chase.” Ann’s voice shook. “That’s a big scary cat.” Ann burrowed into Malachi’s chest.

  “Evrik, can you do something?” Sam pleaded. “I don’t think we can explain the whole cat-Chase thing, tunnel-under-Baltimore thing, and well Cale-Lauren-abduction thing to Ann in enough time to still save Lauren.”

  “You’re right, Sam. We’ve got to hurry. I think I know where Cale is taking Lauren,” Alea said grimly.

  Evrik stared deeply into Ann’s trembling blue eyes. Within moments the creases along her forehead started to soften and her frown straightened. “Everything is okay. I am safe,” she said calmly, almost mechanically, releasing her grip on Malachi’s arm. He placed her back on the ground cautiously. Malachi held his arms out on either side of her until Ann’s feet were steady. She looked at him and smiled—the real Ann was back!

  “Yeah—everything’s real hunky-dory. Can we please go get this over with?” With a hair flip, Vicky pushed by everyone and stomped her high-heeled boots in a puddle of water. “I hate this place,” she said under her breath.

  “Let’s follow the Ice Queen,” Draylan groaned.

  Malachi guided Ann forward, and Alea followed behind them.

  Sam touched Evrik’s arm, stopping him from following. “Thank you for calming Ann down.” Sam ran her hand down Evrik’s arm and placed her hand in his.

  “I would do anything for you,” he said.

  “I know.” Sam’s heart skipped multiple beats.

  A deep growl emerged from below her. Chase’s exceptionally blue cat eyes squinted. His muscles tightened and the hair on his back stood on end. After one final growl, he continued loping along after the others.

  “I think I’ve really hurt him.” Sam sighed.

  “I’m sorry you had to go through all of this.” Evrik stroked Sam’s cheek with the back of his fingers.

  “Don’t forget the worst part.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “Finding out that I was being protected by Vicky, and I use the word ‘protected’ loosely.”

  Evrik chuckled half-heartedly. “Unfortunately, I think the worst is ahead.” His gaze jumped to the concrete wall, hiding his expression.

  “What?” Sam redirected him with her hand.

  “Sam, Nieander has a plan. He wants something from you.” Evrik inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Watching you gain your abilities so rapidly, you’re unlike any angeling I’ve heard of. Malachi did a lot of research. You’re not supposed to be able to do everything that you can do until after the change.”

  “Do you think I’ve already changed?” Sam looked back at her tiny rose-colored wings.

  “You’ll know when you’ve changed. Your wings will be much fuller—you’ll have a collective wingspan of more than one foot.” He smiled.

  “Then why can I do so much?” Sam sensed Evrik’s hesitation. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Malachi couldn’t find any other case where a Seraph was born into a human family. You are the first. You’re making history, Sam.” After moments of silence, he bent down and kissed her lightly on her forehead. “We should catch up to the others.”

  CHAPTER 32

  Evrik and Sam approached the commotion in front of them. Sam was relieved to hear Lauren’s voice. It felt like a lifetime since she’d heard or seen her spunky roommate.

  The next voice she heard sent chills up her spine. His suave sharpness coupled with his bad-boy good looks made him a dangerous predator. Sam knew all too well what he was capable of. She’d never forget that night in the woods. Even though her body felt as if it wanted him at the time, her mind was clear now. She hated him.

  Sam pressed through the growling jaguar and the Lightwarrior
s’ protective stances in front of Vicky and Ann, knowing Vicky could hold her own. Vicky only played the damsel in distress for Draylan’s attention.

  Cale gripped Lauren’s arm, but Lauren didn’t make any attempt to leave his side. Sam knew he had taken control of her.

  “Let. Her. Go!” Sam demanded, holding her hand out to hold Evrik back. Chase stalked forward, to the opposite side of Sam, still in jaguar form. Sam used her other arm to block Chase. Sam knew she could not be protected by anyone now; those days were over. Evrik and Chase would try to protect her before they let anyone harm her, but she had to keep them back.

  “Sam, my love. It is wonderful to see you again,” Cale said, flashing a drop-dead-gorgeous smile. His smugness repulsed Sam. Evrik inched forward, but Sam continued to hold him back with her arm. “Wow, you brought an army.” He smirked. “Too bad none of them can protect you.”

  “I don’t need their protection. I’ve defeated you before,” Sam replied.

  “It’s that feistiness that I love about you. You were the only human I enjoyed. Usually I’m bored, but with you, mmmm—” He drew out his words and licked his lips offensively. God, he was so vulgar. How could she not have seen that all along? She pushed the thought out of her head and moved it quickly back to the present—and the task at hand.

  “You sick bastard. I will kill you.” Evrik’s eyes flashed violent storms. She could see strikes of lightning flash from deep within Evrik’s blackening irises.

  “Evrik, please stop. This is how he wants you to react.” Sam grabbed Evrik’s hand and squeezed lightly. He returned her squeeze in understanding. Sam knew she could count on Evrik to remain in control. She was not as convinced Chase would comply. Luckily, in animal form he couldn’t speak.

  “What do you want?” Sam glared at Cale.

  “It’s not what I want. It’s what he wants.” Cale smiled menacingly and stepped aside, dragging Lauren with him against the curved concrete wall.

  A vortex of swirling gray smoke filled the tunnel, opening in the middle as quickly as a camera shutter.

  “What is that?” Sam asked.

  “It’s a portal to the Infernus,” Alea whispered from behind her. “Exactly what I feared.”

  Cale appraised Alea. “Now, you…” He pointed. “You’d be a fun challenge.” His eyes undressed her. Malachi stiffened and his eyes narrowed.

  “It’s okay, love. I’ve got this,” Alea said. She took a step forward, her eyes locked on Cale. “You couldn’t handle me, demon.”

  “That’s a challenge I’m up for, my dark-haired princess. I’ll be back for you as soon as my master gets what he wants—” Cale’s words broke off. The most unbelievable being any of them had ever seen stepped through the swirling portal.

  His charcoal wings spanned the width of the tunnel. Just as Sam had seen in his picture, he was shirtless and god-like, a vision of beauty. His eyes weren’t golden brown, like in the picture; instead, they emitted an eerie black glow. His ornery pout slanted into a sideways smirk over his chiseled jaw line, making his high cheekbones even more prominent. Although he was indescribably magnificent, he was also visibly evil.

  “Nieander,” Sam whispered.

  “My Angelus Consort,” he addressed her. He paid no attention to the army surrounding her. “You’re glowing as if you’ve already taken form, but I see your wings haven’t fully developed. They’re close. Perfect.” His unearthly voice seemed to reverberate and echo throughout the entire tunnel.

  Sam searched for the strength she had found the evening in the woods with Cale. But she couldn’t take her focus off of Nieander long enough to channel her light from within. His captivating eyes called to her, making her feel as if she were the only person in the tunnel, or for that matter, the universe. He was ten times more alluring than Cale, the epitome of seduction, and he knew it, damn him.

  “I have something for you.” Nieander reached into the portal and retrieved the head of the creature Sam would remember for the rest of her life. The creature who had haunted her dreams even when she didn’t have any memories of the supernatural world. His eyes were still open, but the vibrant red that had once shot through her were now dull and lifeless.

  Alea dropped to her knees. Her jeans soaked up the filthy sewer water like a sponge. She had waited for this day for three years, but now the feeling was bittersweet. The greatest evil she had ever faced held the head of the monster who had taken away her husband. It was such a sad irony that he had been killed by a monster more evil than himself. Although thankful for Malachi, Rhynin’s death had changed her life forever, and now, the Kavari clan leader was dead—Valisk was dead.

  “I expected a thank-you, but instead you stare at me with such hate,” Nieander said, approaching Sam with his hand extended. Dropping Valisk’s head to the ground with a splash, he cradled her face in his hands; his wingspan so massive Cale and Lauren disappeared behind the curtain of dark feathers. “He tried to kill you. Now he has paid for that mistake.”

  “Sam, I can’t move,” Evrik whispered.

  “I’m okay.” Nieander bent down to kiss her. Sam closed her eyes. His lips were soft. She felt his tongue wrap around hers and she stiffened. She couldn’t move even if she wanted to, wrapped in a vine of pure evil.

  “Sam!” Evrik call out. Chase’s growl ricocheted off the tunnel walls.

  She opened her eyes, staring straight into the eyes of the fallen angel. His eyes sucked her in. Flashes of angry demons glared back at her from within them; she realized she stared directly into the Infernus, the portal to the demon world.

  Suddenly the light flickered out. A black tarp draped over the tunnel. The aroma of mildew disappeared, replaced with the burnt stench of charred wood.

  There was a struggle within her. Her blood was alive and on fire, battling. She wasn’t awake or dreaming, just lost. An ominous presence loomed, hanging in the air like dense smoke. She fought to breathe.

  The air cleared, and the darkness lightened to beige. She was somewhere different, in a bedroom with oatmeal-colored walls, white furniture, and bold floral drapes. She cringed against the shriek of a raven’s caw. A set of twins had just been born. One ripped from trembling arms, the mother’s face hidden behind a dark curtain of feathers. Charcoal wings cradled the tiny bundle.

  Gasping, Sam clutched at her throat. She couldn’t get any air into her lungs.

  Sam heard Evrik behind her. “Sam, what’s happening? Are you okay? Damn it, I can’t move.” His voice slid into a deep whisper. “I will kill you, you bastard.”

  She couldn’t answer him. She was stuck in another dimension. Suddenly the scent of honeysuckles flooded her senses and she wiggled her toes in thick, plush grass. The sounds of birds singing and a waterfall crashing fell on her ears. She felt the presence of a greater power, a divine power, embrace her.

  Then it happened. A light from deep in her bones emanated from her, stronger than the faint night light that had led them down the tunnel. Nieander closed his eyes tightly. Sam smelled the acrid odor of charred, burnt flesh. His serpent’s tongue disentangled from hers and retracted. He stumbled back. His mouth contorted to an indignant scowl. He wore a look of pain that only lasted seconds. An arrogant smile formed across his face. He enveloped Cale in one wing and Lauren in another, spiraling into a haze of heavy fog. Nieander’s voice echoed through the tunnel. “You will come back to me, my Angelus Consort.” A triumphant undertone punctuated his words. “I have Lauren.”

  Suddenly Sam’s light flickered out. “What’s happening? I can’t see anything.” Her heartbeat drummed loudly between her ears. Evrik pulled her into him. She gripped Evrik’s shirt tightly, so exhausted that her body started to tingle. Her Pumas tightened around her feet. Numbness swam through her bloodstream and she fought to breathe.

  Evrik’s tugged her backward, but she couldn’t move. “Sam—are you okay? We have to move,” Evrik urged. Sam could hear Evrik’s insistent voice, but he sounded so far away. She couldn’t answer him. She’d used
all of her energy to evade Nieander.

  “Everything’s okay,” Evrik said, still guiding Sam backward. “We’re going to get out of here. Alea brought an elixir with her. He can’t touch any of us. She’s created a force field around us.”

  Sam wasn’t sure about that. Nieander wasn’t going to let her go that easily.

  “You did well,” Evrik assured her. “Your light was too much for him. I think you may have even burned him.”

  “But Lauren,” Sam whispered.

  “We’ll get her back, but right now we need to keep moving. Can you walk, or do you need me to carry you?”

  “I can walk.” Sam held onto his chest. She could still feel Nieander within her. She tasted his bitter, acidic saliva in her mouth and spat.

  Nieander’s alluring voice called to her. Sam suddenly felt an overwhelming need to go to him. “Sam, I know your true destiny. You belong with the fallen. Join us.” His influence strengthened. She began to break away from Evrik, her mind determined to go to the voice beckoning her.

  “He’s calling me. I belong with them,” she said.

  “Sam, don’t listen. Stay next to me. We’re very close to an exit,” Evrik insisted.

  “No, let go of me. I have to go. You don’t understand,” Sam shouted, trying desperately to break away from Evrik’s firm grip, but her efforts were useless. He forced her forward. Evrik was still stronger.

  Malachi and Evrik lifted Sam out of the tunnel and thrust her through the sewer drain opening to Chase, now back in human form and again missing his shirt, exposing his perfectly sculpted pecs. His blond hair had fallen into his eyes. Evrik and Malachi climbed out behind her.

  “Here, Evrik—take her. I’ve got to change back to run with you,” Chase said.

  Evrik cradled Sam and started his sprint back to campus. Nieander’s voice echoed loudly within her head. “Leave Evrik. Serve your purpose with me. I’ve got Lauren. You have to return to me or I will kill her.”