Sebastian's Fate, page 1
Sebastian's Fate
Etherya's Earth, Volume 7.5
Rebecca Hefner
Published by Reading Goddess Press, LLC, 2023.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2023 by Rebecca Hefner. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute or transmit in any form or by any means.
Cover Design: Anthony O'Brien, BookCoverDesign.store
Proofreader: Bryony Leah, www.bryonyleah.com
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Sebastian's Fate (Etherya's Earth, #7.5)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Before You Go
Acknowledgments
About the Author
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For Julie Burns and all the readers who asked for Celine and Sebastian’s story after reading Garridan’s Mate. I never expected so many people to want their story, and I’m thrilled to bring it to you. Thanks to all of you who love Etherya’s Earth as much as I do!
Chapter 1
Sebastian, son of Astaroth, sat at his desk in the governor’s mansion at Valeria angrily shuffling papers. Muttering as he found the document he needed, he shoved the rest away so he could concentrate. Narrowing his eyes, he read the decree from Queen Miranda and King Sathan:
To the Esteemed Governors and council members of the immortal realm:
In honor of the destruction of the ether and the imminent immersion with humans, it is imperative we learn the basics of their most popular traditions. As Prince Tordor and Princess Esme continue to slowly integrate the species, we feel it is important to become educated on their common practices.
One of the most important human holidays is Christmas, so this year we have chosen Valeria to hold a Christmas celebration for the realm. Any immortal is welcome to join and learn about the holiday, and Prince Heden’s wife, Sofia, will be in attendance to help.
Although many revere Etherya in our realm and we encourage her worship, we see the benefit of learning about our new neighbors on the Earth. Etherya has given King Sathan her blessing to hold the Christmas festivities, and we hope you find them educational and enjoyable.
As always, we are your humble rulers and encourage anyone to contact us with questions.
Sincerely.
Queen Miranda and King Sathan
Swiping a hand over his face, Sebastian swore and reached for a blank piece of paper. He began to scrawl notes, reminding himself there was still much to do before next week’s Christmas celebration.
The festivity would last several days, culminating in a lavish banquet to be held on the final night. A huge team had already been dispatched to cover Valeria’s main square with Christmas-themed decorations, and he’d noticed the tinsel-wrapped streetlamps and poinsettia plants lining the street on his walk to the governor’s mansion earlier that morning.
Sebastian only lived a few blocks from the mansion—a renovated castle that had resided in the center of the Valerian compound for centuries. Governor Camron lived there with his family, but it also held the council offices. It was close to Sebastian’s home, so he usually walked to work. As the head of the Valerian council, he took his job seriously and was always early. He’d worked hard to become the youngest council leader in Vampyre history and was determined to prove his worth.
Even if he had to plan a four-day celebration for a human holiday he knew nothing about.
Gritting his teeth, he scowled when his friend Mila breezed into the room.
“Well, don’t you look like you’ve been run over by a four-wheeler?” she chided, plopping into one of the leather chairs that faced his desk. Reaching over to the bowl that held fresh apples, she snagged one and bit off a huge chunk.
“Nice to see you too,” he droned, “and please, help yourself.”
“Thanks.” Gesturing to his desk with the hand that held the apple, she squinted. “Still drowning in administrative crap for the Christmas celebration? Why don’t you have Camron help you?”
“Camron is busy with the governor’s duties, and as head of the council, it’s a good way to show the older members I’m deserving of the title they all secretly crave.”
“Still trying to prove you’re the best,” she said, taking another bite, her jaw working as she chewed. “Do you think one day you might actually believe it? You’re the only one who still needs convincing. Everybody else respects you, Sebastian. Maybe it’s time you took a tiny break and had some fun.” She held her thumb and forefinger an inch apart. “Look at Garridan. He’s head over heels for Siora, and I’ve never seen him happier. Maybe getting laid would take that scowl off your face too.”
Shooting her a glare, Sebastian waited several seconds for effect before speaking. “I have no desire to get laid or spend time with any woman at the moment. I’m drowning in work here.” He waved his hand over the multitude of paperwork. “On that note, I need your help.”
“Oh no,” she said, sitting up and tossing her apple in the nearby trash can. “I’m not going as your date to the gala. We’ve used each other as fake dates for long enough, and I’m ready to play the field a little.”
Lifting his brows, he grinned. “No way. Mila, the staunch, independent woman, finally wants to find a mate?”
“Mate might be a stretch,” she said, scrunching her features, “but the kingdom has evolved far enough that I can at least try.” Her lips curved. “Queen Miranda, Governor Evie, and Princess Arderin have ushered in a new era for this realm, and I can finally hold my head high like the lesbian Vampyre I am and date who I want.”
“Wow,” he said, sitting back and rubbing his chin. “I’m proud to hear you say that, Mila. I’ve always respected who you are and hated you had to hide your true nature.”
“You and Garridan have always accepted me even if the other stuffy aristocrats don’t. I’m thankful for you both.”
“But not enough to be my fake date to the Christmas gala.”
Chuckling, she shook her head. “I can’t keep being your fallback, Sebastian. I need to get out there, and you do too. It’s time you found something else to focus on besides work.”
“I like my work,” he said, forming a small pout.
“And you’re an excellent council leader, but you deserve companionship, and yes, I think you deserve some really good sex too.”
Pursing his lips, he considered her words. “It has been a long time, but I don’t even know where to start. You know I detest the aristocratic women Father wants me to date. They’re all so vapid and boring.”
“Well, I hate to break it to you, but you’re an aristocrat too, so maybe you’re boring.”
Glancing at the mound of work on his desk, he breathed a laugh. “I want to argue with you, but you might be right. Regardless, I have no desire to date. If you won’t go as my fake date, the least you can do is help me find someone else. You do run a matchmaking agency after all.”
Mila had opened the matchmaking agency a year ago with tremendous success. Many Vampyres, Slayers, and reformed Deamons had found love through her services. Pride swelled in his chest that his friend had triumphed doing something she enjoyed.
“Yes, but all my clients want to fall in love. I can’t set them up with someone who doesn’t want a relationship.”
“The Christmas gala is a masked formal affair. I won’t even have to see the woman’s face, for the goddess’s sake, and she won’t have to see mine. It can be a hands-off business transaction that will only last a few hours. If you can find an amenable client, tell her I’ll purchase drinks for her all night and leave a gift certificate for five thousand lira in her name at the boutique in the main square.” He pointed out the window to the sprawling street that led to the main square. “That should do it.”
“You want to pay one of my clients to be your date?” Mila asked incredulously. “Come on, Sebastian. You’re a good-looking guy with that mop of thick brown hair and those chocolate-brown eyes. Plus, I bet most women would think your fangs were cute if you ever smiled.”
“I smile,” he said, discounting the statement as he frowned.
“Rarely,” was her sardonic response. “But seriously, if you put in a little effort, I’m sure you can find a date.”
“I don’t want the hassle,” he said, shaking his head. “Please do this for me, Mila.”
Rising, she placed her fist on her hip. “You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”
Chuckling, he stood and walked around the desk to gently grip her upper arms. “Just think about it, okay? Look through your client list and see if there’s someone amenable. I’m sure there’s a woman who needs some new fancy dresses. There always are on this stuffy compound.”
Squinting one eye, she studied him. “Fine. I’ll look through my list, but I don’t think I’m going to find any—”
“Perfect,” he said, turning and urging her toward the door. “I’m sure if you look h
“One day, I’m going to find a mate for you out of sheer spite,” she said, cocking a brow. “The work is always going to be there, Sebastian. You need to live a little—”
“Bye for now!” he interjected, waving and closing the door in her face.
“Hope you get a thousand papercuts!” she teased through the door.
Laughing, he strode back to the desk ready to finish the last of the planning so he could begin the final phase of ensuring everything was perfect. Hoping like hell Mila would take his request seriously, he didn’t give any more thought to finding a date. No—Mila would come through for him, allowing him to mark that chore off his list.
Chapter 2
Celine, daughter of Handor, stood atop the ladder in her sprawling back yard, reaching for the juicy peach that was just out of reach. Her father had instructed their landscapers to plant a row of peach trees several years ago, and she loved the succulent fruit. Although Vampyres only needed Slayer blood for sustenance, they still ate food for pleasure.
Grunting, she reached further, gasping with excitement when she clutched the fruit. Tugging it from the branch, she wobbled on the ladder before slowly climbing down. Thrilled with her successful conquest, she sat on the soft grass and brushed the skin of the fruit with her hands. Satisfied, she took a bite and slowly chewed, savoring the taste.
“Look at you out here picking fruit like a laborer,” Mila called as she approached. “Handor would have a fit.”
“We all know I’m his favorite since I’m the only girl,” was her cheeky reply as she took another bite. Swallowing, she grinned when Mila sat beside her. “Three brothers, but I’m the baby girl. What can I say?”
Chuckling, Mila rested her forearms on her bent knees. “Everyone underestimates you, Celine. It’s a damn tragedy. They all think you’re just some vapid aristocrat with a pretty face, but you’re always plotting under all that beauty.” She circled her hand over her face. “It’s not fair to the rest of us normal-looking immortals.”
Sighing, Celine leaned back, resting on her palm as she gazed over the rolling hills. “What does it matter anyway? No one seems to notice me in this stupid kingdom, and I might as well be an old spinster at this point.”
“I think most men are intimidated by your wealth and looks—”
“I’m not wealthy,” she said, lifting a finger. “My father is.”
“True, but you’re his responsibility until you find a mate and bond. So, technically, you’re wealthy too.”
“I guess.” Sliding her hand over the soft grass, she frowned. “It also doesn’t help that I’m determined to catch the eye of someone who doesn’t even know I exist.”
“Ah, Sebastian,” Mila said, stretching out her legs and crossing one over the other. “He’s determined not to notice any woman, believe me. I just had the most annoying conversation with him.”
Celine’s ears perked at the mention of the man she was slightly obsessed with—and who barely ever acknowledged her. “Do tell,” she said, trying not to sound too interested.
“You know we always take each other as dates to the stupid galas we hate, but I want to attend the Christmas gala solo. There are a few ladies I have my eye on, and I don’t want to squander the opportunity to secure some one-on-one time with them. Being by Sebastian’s side isn’t going to cut it.”
“Oh,” Celine said, trying to tamp down her excitement that he needed a date. Was there some way she could maneuver herself into the position? “That’s lovely, Mila. I want you to find love.”
“I want you to find love too, but you insist on pining for a man who isn’t interested in anything but his council position.”
“I’ve tried to get him to notice me so many times,” Celine said wistfully, glancing down at the functional clothes she’d worn to pick fruit. “I never wear anything like this when I know he’s going to be near. I always put my best foot forward, make sure my gown and makeup are perfect, and he still doesn’t have a clue I’m alive.”
“He’s an idiot, Celine,” Mila said, shrugging. “Most men are.”
“Garridan even tried to help me. He thinks I’d be a good match for his brother. Remember when he took me to the fundraiser? We tried to make Sebastian jealous, but he only stayed for an hour and then went downstairs to his office to work.”
“He’s married to his job and too stubborn to open himself up to meeting a mate. It’s no way to live, but you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to change.”
Celine’s eyebrows drew together. “Why was your conversation with him annoying?”
“Because he wants me to set him up with one of my clients for the Christmas gala.”
“Oh...” Swallowing thickly, Celine tried to tamp down the jealousy that immediately swelled at the thought of him taking someone else. “What did you say?”
“No, of course,” Mila said, bristling. “My clients want a relationship, and he doesn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to them.”
“I wish my father would let me sign up for your matchmaking service. He says it’s beneath my station.”
“My dear,” Mila said, leaning closer, “your father is a stick in the mud.”
Tossing back her head, she laughed. “I guess he is. He’s consumed with tradition and proper etiquette, but he tries. Still, I might wither away if I don’t employ some new tactics to find a mate.” Lifting her gaze to Mila’s, Celine slowly cocked her eyebrow.
“Oh, no,” Mila said, showing her palms. “I’m not falling for that. I can’t set you up with Sebastian. You remember what he said to me, right?”
Her lips formed a pout as she nodded. “He told you he wasn’t interested in me and thinks I would’ve been a better match for Garridan.” Glancing over, she said, “Which isn’t true. Obviously, Siora is Garridan’s perfect mate.”
“Sebastian is a proud man, Celine. Rumors were rampant about your possible betrothal to Garridan, so he’ll never see you as a viable option. He doesn’t want to be seen as the man who ended up with a woman his brother didn’t choose. It’s completely ridiculous, but he’s hardheaded.”
“Men,” Celine huffed, cocking her arm before tossing the peach far into the meadow. “Screw him and his stupid pride. If he’d just be open, I could show him I’m not the bumbling idiot he thinks I am.”
“I want you to be happy, Celine, but he might not be worthy of you. Perhaps there’s someone better-suited for you out there. You’ll never know unless you release this infatuation with a man who doesn’t want you back.” Covering her hand, she squeezed. “I’m not trying to be harsh, but I want the best for you.”
Inhaling the fragrant air, Celine stared toward the horizon, wishing with all her might she could be open to someone else. It would be infinitely easier to focus on someone who actually liked her and didn’t see her as a boring, empty-headed aristocrat.
Unfortunately, she was rather consumed with Sebastian. His broad shoulders, thick hair, and deep brown eyes should’ve appeared quite normal, but to her, they were gorgeous. His features were austere and aristocratic, and she often daydreamed about lying in his arms and trailing her finger down his nose. It may seem silly to others, but she craved that intimacy with a mate...with him.
Many across the kingdom saw Sebastian as rigid and unyielding, consumed with his council position. They’d never seen him as she had, when no one was watching. Celine loved to walk through the manicured neighborhoods of Valeria and often strolled by Sebastian’s home. He still lived in his parents’ house, as most aristocrats did until they bonded and had families, and she would observe him doing chores in the back yard as she strolled by.
Many aristocratic men would hire others to perform the duties, but she’d overheard Sebastian tell Garridan once that doing the menial tasks allowed him to release some steam and maintain his physique. Garridan had mumbled something about him needing to get laid, which had promptly caused her cheeks to flush and she’d rushed away, ashamed she was eavesdropping.
During her walks, Celine had observed him tackling many tasks. There were the times when he would chop wood, his skin glistening in the sun as rivulets of sweat ran down his chest between the spiky dark hairs. How would it feel to lick away the wetness? To drag her tongue over his copper-colored nipple as she gazed into his fathomless eyes?
