Rising Sun (The Awakened Trilogy Book 3)

by Amanda Carol

  Tears are flowing freely now, and I use the sleeve of Hunter’s shirt to wipe them away, wishing that it was his hand wiping them away, like he did for me a few months ago.

  I finally reach our spot, remembering the first night here, where he was playing in the snow, the way we made love, and I remember all the other moments and conversations we had. Even the quiet ones where he would just hold me tight and we’d just sit and listen to the stream under us. I felt warm and safe then, but tonight, I feel cold and empty. I take slow steps onto the bridge, and then I collapse.

  I scream. I cry. I let myself go.

  I let it all out.

  I try to calm myself when I hear footsteps approaching and feel strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close and leaning us back against the railing. I don’t even have to look up to know that it’s Bennett. He’s always there for me when Hunter can’t be. I rest my head on his shoulder as he hugs me tighter, embracing all the emotions that are pouring out of me.

  More footsteps approach, and I glance up to see Declan and Ciera walking toward us hand-in-hand. Declan takes the spot on the other side of me, taking my hand and lacing his fingers with mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. I notice Ciera wiping a tear from her eye as she sits down across from Declan on the bridge.

  A few moments later, Abby is positioning herself so her head rests on my lap, and she grabs my free hand, giving me the love that only a best friend can. As much as she’s been through these last few weeks, she’s still the most selfless person I know. Ciera leans into Zayne as he sits down next to her, wrapping an arm over her shoulders. Having them here, just sitting with me, is making me feel less numb…less cold.

  Movement out of the corner of my eye catches my attention and I glance up, seeing Zach, Haylee, Dani, and Kyler being escorted over by Knox, Grace, Kat, and the rest of the Alphas except for Haku. He must have stayed behind to be with Hunter’s mom, which is good, because she needs someone there to be strong for her. I feel awful; she’s already lost her husband and she could very well lose Hunter too.

  I really want to be strong for her, but I was no good when I held in my emotions when it came to my attack and learning what Luna had done, even though there was more to her story. So, taking the time away to process this is what I need to be strong and fearless. To give me the courage to save the man I love.

  I lay my head back down on Bennett’s shoulder as each person positions themselves either on the bridge or near it, and we sit in silence, because there isn’t anything to say. The only noise is me crying and the sound of the water flowing below. Bennett kisses the top of my head before resting his on mine. The loneliness I felt not even an hour ago is evaporated when I look around at all the people here for me, and it finally hits me.

  I am not alone.

  I never have been.

  I lift my head up, looking at each and every one of my friends, drawing a different kind of strength from each. Love, hope, faith, peace, courage, and determination.

  Suddenly, a figure shimmers into view, holding a purple flower I’ve never seen before. I quickly jump up to my feet, as the other wolves take a protective stance in front of our human friends, as well as the witches. Declan pulls Ciera behind him, and a low growl emits from Bennett’s chest as he takes a protective step in front me. I take a tentative step around him, drawing on the fire element because the last time a new god showed up, Hunter was stabbed, and I’m not about to let that happen twice.

  She holds her hands up.

  “I’m Aphrodite,” she says in a melodic voice. “Ares and Artemis sent me.”

  The wolves hold their stance, but eventually back down, although I know that they are ready to jump in at any moment in case she’s lying.

  I extinguish the flames in my hand as I study her for a moment. Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty, and the longer I look at her, the more I believe that she’s telling us the truth, because she is absolutely stunning. She’s wearing a white dress, with a slit all the way up to her hip. Her long, golden hair falls in tight curls all the way down to her torso. She’s got an intricate-looking crown on her head, made entirely of baby’s breath and small yellow and blue flowers.

  Aphrodite gracefully walks toward me, and Bennett steps off to the side as she hands the strange flower to me.

  “You have the mind of a wolf, and I know that you can’t use the link to communicate with your love right now. When Ares came and told me what happened, I spoke with Artemis, and she said that Dream Shade will work for you, even if he’s been wounded with the Soul Blade. His body is alive, and that means his mind is too. Burn the flower while you’re near him, and it will allow you to enter his mind.”

  I take the Dream Shade from her, feeling relief wash over me.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. “Will this really work?”

  Aphrodite nods and smiles. “Love will conquer all.”

  And with that, she shimmers out of sight.

  Bennett smirks at me.

  “Well, what are you waiting for, Blondie?” he asks, holding his arm out to me.

  I give him a small smile as I loop my arm in his, then reach for my brother’s hand as we all slowly make our way out of the woods. When we emerge from the trees, the pathway leading to our cabin is lit up with the twinkling lights, and as we get closer, I see Ares standing in the shadows with Aphrodite. He nods as he takes her hand, then they shimmer out of sight. Bennett releases me and gives me a hug, as does everyone else. Sometimes a simple gesture, like a hug, says more than words ever could. After Dani and Haylee give their love to me, Bennett and Knox take them back to their cabins.

  “Take all the time you need, little sister,” Declan says, pulling me into a hug. “I’ll be here when you wake up. We’re in this together.”

  “I love you,” I whisper in his ear.

  “I love you too.” He kisses my cheek and leaves me standing on the porch.

  I draw in a deep, calming breath and enter the dimly lit cabin. There’s a bowl sitting on the bedside table that wasn’t there before, and I don’t care enough to wonder who put it there.

  I ignite the flower and set it down in the bowl. When the flower burns, it emits a smoke in the air that smells wonderful; like a combination of lavender and ocean, with a hint of cedarwood and vanilla. I go over to my side of the bed and lie down beside Hunter. I kiss his cheek as I curl up next to him and close my eyes, listening to his heartbeat. It’s strong and steady, just like him.

  And suddenly, I’m not in the bed anymore.

  I’m standing on the edge of a cliff wearing a green spaghetti strap silk dress, the material feels cool and feathery against my skin. I glance up at the moon, noticing all the tiny dark spots as it illuminates the water down below. It’s remarkable that I can make out every shade of blue and purple swirling around in the water. I close my eyes, inhaling the fresh, salty scent of sea water. With each tentative step forward, I feel each individual droplet of water hitting my skin. My hands glide up my arms, and the smoothness of my skin feels like satin under my fingertips. My hair is whipping around in the warm breeze, and I run my fingers through it; the strands feel soft and supple.

  “It’s amazing isn’t it?” I hear his voice.

  I spin around, and my breath hitches in my throat. Hunter is here, alive, and standing in front of a cabin that almost resembles our home. His tanned skin is a stark contrast to his white unbuttoned shirt, and his khaki pants hang low on his hips, accentuating the deep “V”. My eyes roam up the hard ridges of his abs and focus in on his handsome face. High cheekbones, sharp jawline, beautiful blue eyes are looking back at me.

  “Hey, baby,” he says, flashing his dimples at me. His voice is smooth and husky.

  My brain clicks off; I run straight for him and leap into his arms, crashing my lips against his. I cup his cheek, my fingers brushing against the prickly hairs that are starting to grow in.

  “Aria, I—”

  “Shh,” I whisper, placing my thumb on his lips. “Just kiss me.�
�

  He closes the distance between us, taking my breath away with each swipe of his tongue against mine. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me up the steps of the cabin. I hear the tiny squeaks of the door as it opens and then feel the vibrations as it slams shut behind us. Before I know it, he’s setting me down in a room.

  My eyes examine everything that’s in front of me, noticing the huge open window that overlooks the ocean. A fireplace burns brightly by the bed, the flames dancing in a perfect harmony of reds, oranges, and yellows. I glance over at the bed, noting the dark colored sheets, a mixture of blacks and grays with hints of white woven in the threads.

  “Close your eyes,” he whispers. “Listen.”

  I obey, listening closely to the crackling wood from the fire and the ocean waves crashing against the cliff outside. But a particular sound catches my attention, and I am suddenly very aware of Hunter. I listen to his heart beating faster as his breathing accelerates. I feel the heat radiating out from the flames, hitting my flushed skin like the tide. But the heat that I feel coming from Hunter is sweltering.

  “All of your senses are magnified when you’re using Dream Shade,” he murmurs.

  His rough fingers graze lightly down my arm, creating tiny little jolts of electricity coursing through my veins, and it doesn’t stop until his hand rests on my lower stomach.

  My breath hitches when his other hand gently brushes the back of my neck as he slides my hair off my shoulder. His hot breath sends shivers down my spine just before he presses a kiss on the sensitive spot behind my ear. As soon as his soft lips touch my skin, my heart skips a beat, and it’s like I can feel the touch pierce through me. He glides his hand down my shoulder, bringing the strap of my dress down with it. He guides the other strap off my shoulder, and the dress pools down at the bottom of my feet. I hear him exhale as I lean my head back up against his chest, letting him set my soul on fire with every brush of his skin against mine.

  I turn around and look up at him. His eyes aren’t glowing, but I can see all the shades of blue that make up my favorite pair of eyes. I reach up and my hands slip into his unbuttoned shirt and push it over his broad shoulders. It falls to the floor, and I take him in, tracing my fingers over his muscular body, making sure to memorize each dip and curve of his abs and chest. I thought I had him sketched in my brain perfectly, but there’s so much more that I missed. My eyes zero in on the tiny scar on his sternum, right where the Soul Blade sits. I lean forward and kiss it, like he always does with me whenever I have a bruise or a scar that hasn’t healed yet.

  He lets out a breath as he closes his eyes and tosses his head back when I continue my journey of kisses down his body.

  I drop to my knees in front of him, but he growls and lifts his head back up. Our gazes lock when he reaches down, picks me back up, and gently lays me down on the bed. The sheets feel soft against my skin, but when Hunter trails a path of kisses down my body, the sensations are almost overwhelming. It’s like he’s touching every nerve in my body with his lips and hands.

  When he nips my hip with his teeth, I gasp with pleasure, arching my hips off the bed.

  He chuckles. “Intense, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” I breathe. “Don’t stop.”

  “I wasn’t going to.”

  Hunter grazes his lips against my skin as he makes his way down my entire body and stops when he gets to the most sensitive part of me. It’s like fire meets ice when he runs his tongue over the bundle of nerves. My heart beats faster, and I let out a noise that echoes through the room when he inserts a finger. I can’t even describe the feeling, but it feels like pure ecstasy. It doesn’t take long for him to bring me to an earth-shattering climax.

  I can’t take it any longer. I’m overwhelmed with so many different sensations and all I want to do is get closer. I sit up and bring Hunter up to me, kissing him and tasting myself on his lips.

  He takes off his pants and lies me back down, spreading my legs with his knee and lining himself up. I can feel my heartbeat syncing up with his as his body becomes flushed against mine. He closes his eyes when I run my hands up his arms and touch his face. His skin feels slick with sweat from the heat of the fire. The need to feel him everywhere consumes me, so I reach down between us and guide him into me. He fills me slowly and completely, moving in and out of me at a leisurely pace as we embrace every single sensation.

  I feel Hunter’s body vibrating on top of me, and I arch my body into him more, loving how his velvety skin rubs against mine. Hunter rolls over, bringing me with him, and his hands dig into my hips as I move. One hand comes down and his thumb swirls around my clit, and his other hand slides up my body, cupping my breast, and his fingers pinch my nipple. The sensation sends shockwaves of pleasure pulsing through my body. I cry out as I come, harder than I’ve ever come before.

  Hunter flips me back over, buries his face in my neck, and gently nips at the sensitive spot behind my ear. I dig my fingernails into his back, feeling his muscles tense and roll as he moves over me. He pushes himself harder and deeper into me, then he growls, biting hard into my skin, as we come undone together.

  With my head resting on Hunter’s chest, I listen to the sound of his steady heartbeat. Closing my eyes, I relish in the feel of his skin on mine. I savor this moment for as long as possible. Ares wasn’t sure how long Hunter has until the Soul Blade finally kills him, so I’m trying to make these precious moments count.

  “I heard you, you know,” Hunter whispers. “I couldn’t respond, but I heard you.”

  “Do you know what happened to you?” I ask.

  “Something about my soul being in the Underworld?” he replies, running his fingers lightly along my arm. Tiny little jolts under my skin follow his movements. “I heard Bennett. He wasn’t sure if I could hear him either, but he told me that Apollo said I was stabbed with something called a Soul Blade and that in order to bring my soul back, someone has to travel to the Underworld to get it and bring it back. But it can’t be just anyone. It has to be a demigod or someone with a warrior’s soul.”

  Tears start to pool in my eyes, and I sit up, using the sheet to cover myself, and face Hunter. “What if I can’t bring you back?”

  Hunter studies my face for a moment before he answers. “When I first met you, I knew that something had happened to you, but I didn’t know what. When you told me it was because you lost your parents, by a vampire of all things, I saw something else hidden behind those beautiful, but sad, green eyes of yours.” He pauses, then reaches out to cup my cheek. “I saw determination. When I watched you spar with Sloane, I saw resilience. And when you opened yourself up to me, I saw bravery.” He swipes a fallen tear away with his thumb. “When I look at you right now, I see love in your eyes. And all of that makes for a great warrior.”

  Hunter sits up and kisses me, then rests his forehead against mine. “You are strong. You are brave. But most importantly, you’re my girl. My beautiful, courageous, and clever girl. Not only do I know that you will bring me home, but when it’s time, I know that we will lead our pack to a victory.”

  My gaze connects with Hunter’s, and it’s like his words flip a switch somewhere in my brain. Every single doubt that I had is washed away by the ocean tide.

  Straddling him, I grab his face. “I will bring you home.”

  He smiles, revealing those dimples I love so much. “That’s my girl.”

  Then we make love once more.

  I’m jolted awake, and I open my eyes to see the real world. Hunter is still lying there, motionless but breathing. I needed that time with him, but I also lost all that time here. I have to start moving quickly, because I don’t know how much time we have left.

  I open the link to Bennett. Hey, are any of the gods still here?

  Yeah. Apollo and Ares. They were waiting for you, Bennett responds.

  Okay, good. Can you do me a favor and get everyone over here to our cabin? I ask.

  You betcha. There’s a pause. Is he…is he okay
?

  I inhale sharply and glance down at Hunter once more. Yes, he’s okay, but we should hurry.

  I shut off the link and quietly get up from the bed and shower. Once I’m finished, I get dressed in my own version of a shifter uniform. Hunter and I went out and got me my size in women’s tactical pants and black shirts. The uniforms that are here are made specially for a shifter so they can shift with them, and since I’m not a shifter, I didn’t want to take their stash. But instead of choosing my own black shirt, I grab one of Hunter’s long-sleeved ones and tie the extra material, tucking the knot up under the hem. It makes me feel closer to him, like he’s right there with me.

  I look at myself in the mirror. A few months ago, I was broken, staring at the ghost of the girl I used to be. But now all I see is a strong woman. The direct descendent of Artemis.

  I can do this. I will do this. If I can defeat Ares, the God of War, then I can take on an original bitch and her pet god.

  I’m Aria, the demigoddess of the hunt, and if you mess with the people I love, there will be hell to pay. If Isabella wants a war, we’ll give her one.

  I turn off the bathroom light and walk over to the bed. With one last look at Hunter, I kiss his forehead, then zip the bag containing everything I’ll need for this trip up and bring it downstairs. There’s one god that I know will help me on my mission, so when I get to the bottom of the steps, I glance around the room until my eyes connect with Ares.

  “I’m ready.”

  “What do we know?” I ask—or more like command—the room.

  Caleb, Oliver, Knox, Gunner, Bennett, Clyde and Khari are all here. Haku must be with Hunter’s mom, and Declan is probably with Ciera or our mother, possibly even both. I know that if our mom was awake, Declan would have told me, and I wouldn’t be standing here.