by T. M. Cromer
“As long as it suits your needs, you do. Otherwise, everyone is expendable.”
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Knox shuffle Spring to the back of the room and position her behind him. He caught the Goddess’s attention in the process. Sadness and longing flashed before she hid it behind a wall of disdain.
Damian understood in an instant that all her machinations were a result of her hurt at Knox’s defection all those centuries before. A woman scorned. It didn’t matter she was a breathtakingly beautiful goddess who could have almost anyone she desired. She was female first, and her ego hadn’t been able to deal with not being worshipped forever by the one man she’d truly loved.
Damian approached her, putting himself between her and those she would intentionally hurt. “Isn’t it time to let go of your grudge, Exalted One?” he asked softly, infusing understanding and compassion in his tone. He pitched his voice too low for anyone else to hear. “You could have any one of a million men as your consort. Why continue to obsess over Knox? If you truly love him, you should want him to be happy.”
There was a vulnerability in the dark-brown eyes she turned on him, and the resemblance to his mother jerked him to a halt. He’d known he was a descendant of Isis but failed to remember a quarter of his DNA came from the goddess in front of him. The first Aether was created from the four siblings: Isis, Serqet, Set, and Nephthys. He’d gained his powers from each of them, and it made him the ultimate being. Perfect in every way. In all the years since, each descendant of the first Aether had the same traits. The only difference being gender and the strength of their magic. Damian was, of course, the strongest of his line. Perhaps due to the Thorne blood mixed with the Dethridges’.
“You don’t understand!” Serqet’s eyes took on the wild look of a trapped animal. “You never could!”
“I believe I can and do, Exalted One,” he said kindly. “My wife left me, taking my child. She tore my heart in two.” Sure, it wasn’t a brilliant idea to lay bare his soul to someone like Serqet, but he needed to force a connection. “I know the desire to strike out and cause pain.”
She seemed to come back to herself, and the panicked look left her. “But she didn’t leave you for another, did she? She simply feared your power. Feared for your child. She didn’t leave you because she no longer loved you.”
“True,” he allowed. “But is it very different? I could’ve forced her return. Kept her prisoner and caused her untold emotional pain until she hated me. But why?” Damian stepped to within a foot of Serqet and stared down into her confused eyes. “What good would it have done but cause us both more angst? Revenge isn’t all it’s cut out to be, Dearest One. And I think you know this.”
Her mouth firmed, but she said nothing.
“Tell me true, Serqet. How many years have you denied yourself the chance to be happy? Don’t you want someone to care about again? Someone who cares about you?”
She looked beyond him, and whatever she saw there made her close her eyes. “Too many.” When she lifted her lids and met Damian’s direct gaze, she seemed drained of her lifelong fury. “Would you consider being my consort, Beloved One?”
“I’d be honored, but it would mean leaving my daughter, and that I cannot do. Even for you, Exalted One.” He cupped her cheek. “I mean no insult, but Sabrina is my life.”
“I, too, had children.” Her love for her offspring was obvious by the soft light in her eyes and the gentling of her tone. “They were cursed by my hatred.”
“Perhaps we can work to undo the curse. Together.”
Lifting her hand to place on top of his, Serqet smiled. Her first genuine smile without hatred or wicked intent. “I’m proud to call you one of mine, Damian Dethridge.”
“And I’m proud your blood courses through these old veins, my queen.”
“You’re a charmer, child. Very similar to how I once was.”
He grinned. “I’ve no doubt. Your beauty hasn’t diminished, has it? I imagine you’d still bring legions to their knees with a simple flirty glance.”
“Perhaps.” Her smile turned coquettish as she became thoughtful. “Your wisdom has helped me. I’ll grant you one boon.”
“Must I name it now, or may I keep it in my back pocket for a future date?”
She laughed, a wholesome, amused sound. “I’ll allow you to use it at your leisure, child. Now, I must speak with my sister.” She became serious. “Give me a quarter of an hour and send out Knox Carlyle. I should like to speak to him.”
“I’ll see it’s done, Exalted One. And I apologize for my show of disrespect. Put it down to my concern for Evie.”
“Thank you, Beloved.”
“It’s you who is owed the thanks,” Damian said. “It isn’t easy to set aside your feelings for the greater good.” He bowed and backed away to allow her access to the French doors.
As Serqet sashayed away, Damian prayed he’d done the right thing and that she truly meant what she’d said. He detected a residual resentment, but those emotions were normal. After all, he still had pent-up frustration and anger toward his wife for leaving him. It didn’t mean he loved her less or that he hadn’t forgiven her. It only meant he was still working through his hurt. One didn’t get over it in an instant.
From his vantage point, he saw the two goddesses converse. An understanding smile graced Isis’s face, and she stepped forward to hug her sister. They turned their faces upward as if they sensed his regard. Isis gave a short nod. Maybe this was their turning point. Two sisters who had once been close, again finding common ground and renewing their love for one another. With a small wave, he turned away to speak with Knox.
Chapter 13
The tradition continues… No chances will be taken or fates taunted here!
Chapter 14
“Evie is indeed in the rose garden. Laid out on an altar,” Alastair said grimly. “I can’t wake her.”
“I imagine only Serqet or Nate will be able to do so,” Preston said grimly. He watched as the two goddesses strolled the grounds with Knox beside them, the moon lighting their path. Periodically, the young man would nod, but otherwise, he didn’t react. “What do you suppose they are talking about?”
“I’m not sure.” Damian checked his watch. “But it’s getting late, and I should check on my family.”
“We’ll meet again first thing in the morning.” Preston shook his hand. “I don’t know if what you did will help Spring and Knox in the long run, but I’m grateful you tried.”
“No one likes to feel as if they’ve been betrayed. When he fell for Spring, that’s exactly what Knox did to Serqet. Her bitterness shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Gods and goddesses feel a slight the most. Enough to wage wars.” Damian looked toward his estate although it couldn’t be seen from where they stood. “I can’t say I wouldn’t have felt the same.”
“But would you have taken it to the extreme of wiping out anyone with your sibling’s blood?” Alastair countered. “I’ll never trust Serqet. She’s the master of games.”
“It would be difficult for anyone to hide their emotions and thoughts from me, Al.” Damian shook his head when Alastair would’ve spoken. “I’m not saying she couldn’t do it, but usually I can sense something lurking in the background.”
“And this time?” Alastair asked.
Preston had to acknowledge his brother’s concern was valid. He’d never trust Serqet either. The risk was too great.
Damian grimaced. “Resentment is still present. But I asked myself how I would react if I felt betrayed. We can’t expect everything to be hunky-dory immediately, gentlemen. However, genuine regret was in her emotional makeup, as well. We’ll have to move forward with caution, but also with the hope she’s changed.”
“She could’ve killed Evie,” Selene said softly. “She had the opportunity. She also didn’t strike out at anyone while she was within our inner circle.”
Spring snorted, and the cynicism was odd coming from her. “She wouldn’t have wanted to giv
e herself away. She was on a fact-finding mission.”
Preston wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave a light squeeze. “We won’t let our guards down, baby girl. If she intends you harm, she’ll go through the rest of us first.”
“I know you mean well, Dad, but don’t get on her bad side. Let Knox carry the weight of her grudge. He’s an old pro at her games.” The compelling candid eyes she turned on him proved she was wise beyond her years. He was happy to see her intelligence coupled with innate kindness, and that her strong will hadn’t been trampled by the torturous events of her past.
“We’ll all stick together. It’s the Thorne way,” he said firmly. He’d be damned if anyone hurt this beautiful young woman again.
She sighed her resignation and gave a small shake of her head as if to say he was impossible.
“I’ve not always been there for you, Spring, but please, let me have this,” he said gruffly.
“You’ve been the best of fathers,” she declared loyally as she embraced him fully. “Never doubt it, Dad.”
Preston found himself getting choked up, and he held her tighter to express all the emotion bottled up in his throat. She didn’t complain about the fierceness of his hug, and he was glad. He needed this moment.
Opening his eyes, he saw Selene watching them. The longing on her face tugged at his heartstrings. She’d missed out on parental love. Oh, maybe not when she was young, when her mother was alive, but after. And her father had definitely been a coldhearted bastard. Preston had never met the senior Salinger, but he’d heard the stories circling about the witch community when talk of his son, Victor, arose. The general consensus was that the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree.
“She’s lovely, Dad.” Spring’s sweet voice caught his attention. “She looks like she could use a hug, too.”
Mischief lurked in her smile, and Preston bussed a kiss on her smooth forehead. “I’ll get right on that.”
Spring walked away, but not without holding up her hand for a high five from Alastair.
His brother caught Preston’s I’m-on-to-you-two glare and grinned.
Making his way to where Selene sat, Preston smiled down on her upturned face. “Spring believes you need a hug, too.”
“Does she?” Selene’s tone was cool, but her eyes twinkled in direct contrast.
He offered a hand to help her stand. “I’ve been ordered to show you love.”
“I don’t want it if it isn’t freely given, Preston.”
“Who said it wasn’t freely given? I’m all for hugging you any chance I can get.” With that said, he opened his arms. A ghost of a smile touched her lips as Selene stepped into his embrace. But she wasn’t fooling anyone with her reserved routine. Especially not him. “Much better,” he murmured.
“Mmhmm.” She tightened her arms. “You give the best hugs. I can see why Spring insisted on sharing.”
“She’s a giver. Like her father.”
Selene laughed and snuggled deeper. After a moment, she pulled away and touched his cheek. “Thank you. It was the extra boost I needed today.”
“Let’s go get some rest. Tomorrow promises to be challenging.”
“I assume there are enough beds to accommodate us all?”
Preston hadn’t expected her to drop her guard and have sex with him so soon, but he had hoped she might decide to stay the night with him and allow him to hold her as they drifted to sleep. It had been too many years since he held a woman he cared about in that way. His disappointment was keen, but he refused to let it show. “I’m sure there are. My children will head to their homes for the evening. It isn’t safe for all of us to be in one location without our amped-up wards.”
Selene cast him a sharp look. “I hadn’t thought about it, but I suppose it isn’t the smartest thing. Can I help you put wards in place tonight?”
“I’m sure the Drakes’ standard charm will work. I’ll be the only Thorne, with the exception of Mack, in residence. The likelihood of anyone knowing I’m back on the earthly plane is nil.”
* * *
Sebastian, ever the dutiful host since they’d arrived unannounced, chose that moment to approach and offer to take them to their assigned rooms for the evening. As Selene waited, Preston excused himself long enough to speak to his brother on the pretext of ensuring Evie’s welfare.
Selene made small talk with Sebastian as her mind turned over the question of whether she should ask Preston to stay the night with her. When he returned to her side, he seemed distracted and remained quiet on their trek through the house.
“What do you intend to do about Evie?” Selene asked.
Startled from his thoughts, Preston looked down at her as if he’d forgotten she existed. “Alastair has created a temperature-controlled dome around her body to protect her from the elements. He’ll have guards watch her throughout the night.”
Sebastian stopped in front of a door on the third floor. “Aunt Gwennie and I will reinforce the spell protecting the entire estate before we turn in. Evie will be well cared for.”
“Thank you, Baz,” Preston said, his voice gruff with emotion.
Selene could only imagine how difficult it must be for someone like him to be unable to revive Evie with a simple spell or snap of his fingers. It also had to weigh on him to know he’d missed Serqet in their ranks. She’d gotten the better of them all, and none would’ve been the wiser without Damian.
“We love her, too.” One side of Sebastian’s mouth quirked up. “She posed as my Aunt Teddie for as long as I was alive.”
“I know she’ll be in good hands,” Preston assured him with a pat on Sebastian’s back. “Now, which bedroom is mine?”
Sebastian pointed. “The one next door, just there. And Selene, this suite is yours. Should you need anything you’re unable to conjure, please don’t hesitate to call downstairs.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She smiled her thanks.
“I’ll bid you both good evening.” With the barest indication of a bow, Sebastian’s long strides were eating up the distance to the stairs.
Selene turned her face up to Preston and smiled. “I see no point in sleeping in separate beds, agápi mou. Would you care to join me?” Where she’d gotten her courage to ask, she’d never know. But she wanted him with her tonight, if only to hold her and share his warmth. She desperately wanted to feel the solid strength of a man’s arms around her again. And she wanted that man to be the one standing before her.
“Not thirty minutes ago, I was dreaming of the moment when you’d offer. However, I’m afraid I’ll be poor company.” The heavy regret in his tone felt like rejection all the same.
“It’s not a problem.” She spun to flee. “Sleep well.”
His large hands gripped her shoulders and prevented her from sailing through the door to her room. “Don’t even think about rushing off without a parting kiss, my love.”
Relieved he wasn’t rejecting her in general but was preoccupied with the thoughts in his mind, she didn’t let him see the smile forming on her face. Instead, she leaned back against his hard chest. “Based on our previous kisses, I’m not sure you’ll be able to settle for one, Preston.”
His laughter rumbled, and she felt it chase along her spine. “Most likely, I won’t, but let’s give it the old college try.”
He turned her to face him, and his heat enveloped her without him ever fully embracing her. All around her, the air sizzled, and the glimmer of a flame lit his cognac eyes and gave them a red glow. This fire elemental could burn her without trying. She lifted the few inches to close the distance between their mouths. He didn’t take it beyond a mere tasting, but Selene was consumed with desire all the same.
When he drew back, he traced the line of her lower lip with the pad of his thumb. A sadness hung over him, and he possessed a general sense of tiredness—as if he’d journeyed a long way and hadn’t quite found what he was looking for. “Good night, darling.”
“Stay with me,” she blurted,
horrified by her need to keep him close. “I don’t care if you’re moody or preoccupied. I simply want you to sleep beside me. Nothing more.”
He watched her, and she was sure his eyes missed nothing.
Achy and desperate for him, Selene wasn’t entirely ashamed of her feelings.
“I’d like nothing better.”
Clasping his hand, she led him to her room and shut the door. She feared the awkwardness of climbing into bed with him, a virtual stranger, but his confidence overrode her nervousness. Why she was acting like a stammering virgin, she had no idea. She’d seduced many men in her lifetime when the urge took her, but perhaps her anxiety stemmed from loving this particular one. Preston mattered.
“Normally, I sleep naked,” he said with a mischievous side glance. “But I can conjure pajamas if it bothers you.”
“Your boxers should serve well enough.” Some of the old Selene returned enough for her to say, “I enjoy the sight of a muscular chest.”
Preston barked out a laugh. “Good to know. Come to bed, my love. I want to hold you, and you can help me chase away my demons.”
“I can definitely do that,” she said softly as she settled on the mattress, beside him. “I’ll be whatever you need tonight, Preston.”
“I only require you to be yourself, Selene. The fierce, beautiful woman I’ve come to admire.”
Her heart melted, and she willingly went into his arms. She lightly stroked the planes of his chest until his breathing deepened and evened out. Closing her eyes, she joined him in his slumber.
Chapter 15
The dawning light filtered through the slit in the heavy curtains surrounding the bed. Selene immediately became aware of the fact she was alone. Disappointment hit her hard. Although she hadn’t thought about Preston’s early morning exit before going to sleep, she was irritated he hadn’t waited around long enough for her to wake.
