The Guardians, page 115
The wolf stared at her, never moving except to once again raise its nose. She loosened Lucan’s grip on her and offered her hand to the black beast.
“Hello, handsome,” she whispered.
The wolf curled his lip and a low feral rumble started deep in the wolf’s chest until it turned into a full growl. Sabin jerked back her hand. She knew she carried enough power to protect herself yet didn’t want to harm the wolf.
“He doesn’t approve.” Speaking the words caused her heart to ache. She knew the wolf and his pack were important to Lucan and her meeting their approval would be too.
Lucan was surprised at Kaldaka’s response to Sabin and it caused him to pause. He quickly connected to the wolf, something he tried not to do often as he didn’t want to intrude on the animal’s thoughts.
Friend. Help me understand your reaction to my mate.
The wolf started to back away, fur raised, still snarling.
Evil.
I don’t understand.
Evil. Then the wolf turned and ran. Vanishing into the forest.
Lucan was left rattled and even more confused. When in Kaldaka’s mind, he experienced the wolf’s fear as if it were his own.
“We should go.”
“Are you all right?” She went to touch him, but he jerked away. He walked on a blade’s edge. One wrong step would prove fatal for him. Did he trust his mate? She had already betrayed him, even if she had good reason.
“I’m fine.” Yet, he wasn’t. He was torn up inside with no idea what to do. Part of him wanted Sabin. She belonged to him and they already had a connection. He sensed nothing evil about her. Only love and warmth. However, there was no way to discount the connection he also had with his wolf friend. It was a special bond, and he trusted the animal. Lucan would not question that Kaldaka sensed something, and he needed to find out what.
“We can go back to the New Orleans house until this place is cleaned up. It might also be a good idea to have Sidara check you over and make sure there are no residual spells left on you.”
“Oh. You’re right, that is a good idea. I’m worried now, especially since your wolf seems to hate me.”
As he took her hand to flash them back to New Orleans, he could not stop the chill that ran up his spine. Something was wrong.
As soon as they arrived, he texted Sidara.
I need you to come right away and check Sabin again.
Is she unwell? I heard Lowan was dead.
He is, but strange encounter with my wolf. I’ll explain once you are here. Don’t want to alarm anyone so this is private.
I’m on my way.
“Sidara will be here shortly.” He tossed his phone on the coffee table. “Can I get you anything?”
“Yes. You can tell me why you are acting so odd.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re being untruthful. What’s going on?” She shifted in her seat and he felt like an ass. Still, he had to wonder if perhaps this was the betrayal Gwen had been referring to?
He locked down his emotions. “I’m concerned that you’re okay. A lot has happened in the past several hours.”
She stared at him with intense blue eyes as if trying to look inside him. Peel apart every layer he kept in place and he didn’t like it. Lucan was not a man who enjoyed being exposed. It was foreign to him as he always kept his barriers locked in place or was cloaked by his shadows. Sabin had a way of making him vulnerable.
“Thank you.” Her voice was soft, yet filled with something he could not place. In that moment, he wanted to claim her mouth. Take her to bed and make her his repeatedly. He was being ripped in half. One side wanted its mate, and the other didn’t trust her.
The bell rang and Lucan was pulled from his emotional turmoil. He rushed to the door and flung it open to find Sidara on the other side.
“Vampire. What is so dire that I must come right away?”
He stared into her eyes and shoved into her mind.
After Sabin killed her brother, I took her back to the forest to meet my wolf. The animal backed away from her snarling with the word evil in his head.
Sidara blinked before her brows dipped. “I see,” she whispered.
You will not speak of this, but inform me of everything you find.
She inclined her head and gave a slight nod. “Lead the way.”
Lucan stepped aside and allowed Sidara entrance. The priestess glided across the carpet and through the shotgun home until they reached the living room where Sabin sat.
“You have gained your demigod powers?”
Sabin smiled but Lucan was aware it was forced. “I guess I have, though I don’t feel any different.”
Sidara moved closer. “May I examine you?”
“Please. I’ll feel much better knowing I have no more tracking spells or other nasty things attached to me.”
“Very well then. I shall begin.”
Chapter Twenty
Sabin was relieved to have the priestess check her over and give a clean bill. Lucan was acting strange no matter what he said. She tried to push it off to the events over the last few days. So many things had changed both their lives. They had bonded. Somehow mated without a ritual. She had broken what little trust he had toward her and run off to claim a heritage she had not even known existed. Then the killing of her brother, which she was skeptical about had her nerves pulled so tight she swore they would snap any second. The need to look over her shoulder was overwhelming. There was also Lucan’s wolf. The reaction the beast had to her was not normal.
Sidara pulled a black pouch from the leather bag she carried, laid it on the table and opened it. Inside was a fine gold powder which the priestess pinched between two fingers then blew the powder into the air. For a moment, everything hazed into a golden fog then vanished.
“What is that?” she asked.
“Shush!” Sidara’s reply was rather harsh.
Sabin shrank back, suddenly feeling small and tired. Very, very tired. She tried to relax, but even closing her eyes didn’t seem to help. All she could think about was Lowan and the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach that screamed he wasn’t dead. Everything had gone down way too easy. Sure, she had used the blade of Embara. An immortal-killing steel that would take out even a god if plunged into their heart. Yet, she had not seen the blade. Was it possible Aidyn tricked her? Panic pumped through her veins like a child on too much sugar and she bolted to her feet, her lids snapping open.
“You all right, child?” Sidara asked, one brow arched.
“How do I really know Lowan is dead? I mean, I didn’t see it and neither did Lucan.” Terror laced in every breath she took.
“I assure you, your brother is dead. Ask Hades if you need assurance. He is connected to every evil soul alive,” the priestess offered.
Of course. She had not thought of that. “Excellent suggestion.” She relaxed again and sat back down. “How do I check out?” She eyed Lucan who stood in the corner leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His features gave nothing away. The vampire was a blank slate on the outside and inside. He was a massive wall and nothing would penetrate his barriers unless he allowed it.
“No tracking spells. Only demigod powers that you didn’t have last time I checked you. Along with your royalty marking as a Targral princess.”
“That’s good news.” Lucan pushed off the wall.
“You realize what being a Targral prince means?” Sidara stared at Lucan.
“I am not like them and have no intention of ever being so.” Sabin had spent too many years being a prisoner, and she was not about to make anyone submit. If those demon females didn’t understand it, then she would walk away. There was nothing or no one that could force her to lead them.
“Well, I’m sure your mate is happy to hear that.” Sidara smiled. “Get some rest before you go test driving your powers.” She picked up her bag. “Vampire, walk me to the door.”
“Thank you, Sidara. I think I’ll take a nap.” Sabin rose and headed for the bedroom, hoping as soon as her mate escorted the priestess out, he would come to bed. She had plans for them both.
When Lucan and Sidara reached the door, they both stepped outside, and he reached for her mind.
Well? The truth.
There is something different about her. Evil most definitely.
What is it?
I cannot be sure if it was there before but remained undetectable. She is a ticking time bomb that could go off at any minute. Her powers are strong and she will prove a worse enemy than her brother. You must kill her before she strikes. “Good luck, vampire.” Sidara turned and headed down the sidewalk leaving Lucan numb.
What the hell? Now he was supposed to kill the woman he had rescued? The one fate had determined belonged to him?
Son of a bitch.
How the fuck was he supposed to carry out this mission? In that moment, he realized somewhere along this short, screwed-up journey, he had fallen in love with her. Their bond was unusual, and he now wondered if she had manipulated that. Was she even his true mate? What was her endgame? So many questions and he was without answers. Before he could pull a rational thought, he swirled into a black cloud and headed straight for Hades. Having a bond with Sabin offered the benefit of giving Lucan a built-in god locator. Several minutes later, he appeared in a grand dining room in Hades’ palace. Two figures sat alone at the massive table. A female turned to him and smiled.
“Lucan, what a pleasure. Join us for dinner?” Mia asked as she waved to an empty chair.
“He was not invited, therefore, he needs to leave,” Hades growled.
“Mia, I hope you will pardon me but I need to speak with your mate.”
“You will say what needs saying with my mate present.” Hades’ gaze narrowed into red slits. “And take care how you speak. If it offends my mate in any way, you will pay dearly.”
“Hades, stop acting like such an ass.” Mia pinned the god with her own lethal stare and Hades actually shifted under her gaze. Lucan found it comical to see the Lord of the Underworld wrapped around a tiny female’s little finger.
“I only wish to protect you,” he offered then shifted his glare to Lucan.
Don’t think you are immune to your mate’s whims. You will soon find out how much power they hold over us. He grinned.
“I’m not a China doll. I will not break.” Again, she waved to the chair. “Lucan, sit and speak your mind. You have my word nothing will happen to you.”
He gave a nod. How entertaining to see such a powerful immortal buckle under a female. If this was how things were, then Lucan didn’t stand a chance. He crossed the expanse and pulled out the chair.
“What is Sabin?” Best to get right to the point. “And is Lowan dead?”
Hades picked up his crystal goblet and swirled the blood-red liquid before he took a sip then set the glass back down. “Lowan is no more. Turned to ash by the blade of Embara. As far as Sabin? I have no idea to what you refer. She is a demigod and a Targral princess. What more do you want?” He grinned. “Feeling a bit unwilling at becoming a slave to a female race?”
“Fuck you, asshole.” Lucan looked to Mia. “Pardon my language.”
She chuckled. “I can swear with the best of them.”
“Sabin is an evil time bomb waiting to detonate. What the hell gives? What is her endgame?” Was that look on the god’s face confusion?
“I honestly do not understand what you’re talking about.”
“Sidara, the voodoo priestess, has indicated I need to kill my mate before her evil unleashes. That. Is what the fuck I refer to.”
Mia lost the grip on her goblet and sent it hurtling toward the marble floor. Before it reached its target, Hades sent a flare of magic and stopped its descent. He righted the crystal and placed it back on the table all without twitching a muscle.
Impressive.
“Oh my.” Mia slapped her hand over her mouth.
“And you trust this priestess?” Hades inquired.
“I do and I also trust my wolf who responded negatively to meeting Sabin. The word evil stuck in his mind as he backed away growling.” Lucan tried hard to keep his power on a leash. Here in Hell, every dark soul called for him to come out and play.
“That is most peculiar.” Hades rubbed his jaw. “This is not supposed to happen. Sabin is light like the rest of the guardians.”
“Is it possible something changed when she gained all that power?” Mia asked. “What about the Targral? I know little of their species.”
Hades shook his head. “While the Targral demons like to keep their males as slaves rather than on equal ground, they are a peaceful group. I suppose it’s possible Sabin’s darker side is stronger and only now beginning to surface.” He rose, shoving his chair back with a screech. “I will visit under false pretenses and examine her myself.” He didn’t wait for approval, but vanished.
“I’m sure this is all a bad mistake. Hades will find out what’s going on.” Mia tried to comfort but Lucan was too far gone to care. All he could do was sit and wait for the Lord of the Underworld to come back.
Twenty long minutes later, and Hades popped back in, his jaw hard and mouth set. “There is an evil inside her that was not there before. I cannot determine why, but I commanded it into submission. No telling for how long, though.”
Lucan jumped to his feet, muscles taught and darkness swirling around his ankles. “What the hell does that mean?”
“It means the priestess was correct. Your mate will create more chaos than her brother if allowed. The only way to stop her is to end her, or contain her.”
Mia gasped. “Hades––” She rose and rushed to her mate’s side. “––You must be mistaken. Can nothing else be done?”
“I’m afraid Lucan has a difficult choice to make.”
He refused to believe it, which was ironic since he had threatened to kill Sabin in the very beginning. Treated her no better than any other prisoner. Well, maybe slightly better but still… He screamed at the mountain tops how he would never mate with her and yet he had. Never mind the fact theirs was not a normal mating. No ritual. Sex had bound them the same as he liked to bind his females. Ironic when he thought about it.
He turned to Mia. “Thank you for allowing me to speak with Hades. I will take my leave now.” He didn’t wait for any more words from the couple. He couldn’t handle them because his heart was busy fracturing into a thousand tiny pieces.
Sabin had a fitful sleep and woke feeling like she had never even closed her eyes. Pushing herself up, she realized the hour was early morning. Lucan wasn’t in bed, so she shoved off the sheet and padded across the floor. When she reached the door, her stomach rolled, causing her to double over. The room spun and colored lights danced in her vision.
“Lucan?” she called out, but no one answered.
As fast as the episode came, it passed. She straightened and headed through the shotgun, attributing her physical state to lack of feeding and everything else that had taken place. When she reached the living area, Lucan stepped from the shadows.
“There you are.” She wondered where he had come from. Had he been here all along?
“Did you rest well?”
“Not really. Where have you been?”
“I had things to take care of.” He walked across the room and poured himself a drink. She looked at the clock, the hour was six.
“Why do I feel like people are not being truthful with me?” She curled up on the couch. “I don’t think you’re telling me everything.” Another pain had her gut rolling, and she grimaced.
“What’s wrong?” Lucan set down his glass and rushed to her. “You’re in pain?”
She brushed it off. “I think I’m simply hungry and tired.”
“I’m sorry.” He gathered her into his lap. “I have been remiss in taking care of you.” He stretched his neck. “Feed.”
She licked her lips as she watched his vein pulse with life. As she stared at it, she saw the life-giving blood that flowed through it and her hunger consumed her. It was all she could think about. Moving closer, her fangs descended into place and she latched on. Warm, rich blood filled her mouth, and she drank. Sinking into an oblivious haze of hunger. After several deep pulls, the haze lifted and her focus sharpened. She released her hold, licked a trickle of blood that had escaped and kissed Lucan on the neck.
“I feel better. Thank you.” Seems feeding was exactly what she needed because now she was ready to concur the world.
Chapter Twenty-One
Hades’ words ran on a constant loop until they were the only thing Lucan heard in his mind. Fate played a cruel trick on him by giving him the enemy for his mate. Now that he had Sabin, he wanted to keep her. The warmth of her in his lap was a kind of heat he had never experienced before. For the first time in his entire existence, she had made him feel normal. He didn’t require control when he was with her. For so many years the darkness that was his friend had also threatened to take over and consume him. He hadn’t realized until now just how close he had been to succumbing.
The feel of his mate’s fangs in his neck, her softness pressed against him made his cock thicken. Thinking he might toss her down and take her here on the floor, he gripped her hips and ground his erection into her. Sabin responded by breaking away and licking his wound. She pushed back in his lap and stared at him. Something in her eyes caused him to pause.
“Lucan, it is time for us to rule.”
“Rule?” He didn’t care for the tone of her words, or the way her eyes darkened from deep blue to black. Even her fangs appeared thicker. Longer. “You mean the Targral?”
She tipped her head back, blonde waves cascading down her back and laughed. “I already rule them. I mean the world.” She wiggled on his lap, power charged the room and it didn’t come from him. “Just think, everyone will kneel to us. We will be their king and queen.”
