The Guardians, page 127
“I will kill him.”
“My dragon––”
“Shhh.” He touched his finger to her lips. “I need you to trust me. I swear your dragon will survive.”
“I will trust you.”
“I need to take the Phoenix back. Whatever you do, you need to keep Quinn away from you.”
“You need to hurry. He plans to torture Baal in the morning if we do not tell him what you did to me when we met.”
“What do you mean?” His voice lowered.
She dropped her gaze, unable to look at him. “Whenever he tried to touch me, he was burned.”
Aidyn let out a wicked chuckle. “The Phoenix protected you.” He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Diego is here and he will watch over you, but the wheels are already in motion to trap Quinn and get you and Baal free. The less you know, the safer you will be. Now lie back, I must reclaim the Phoenix.”
He placed his palm on either side of her face. First there was an immense heat and then she was cold and empty. Now she was with no power and had to trust that Diego would protect her should the need arise. The pit that rolled in her stomach threatened to make her ill. She refused to give in to her fears.
“Why did you give me the power in the first place?”
“So I could kill Lowan and not break my brother’s rules.”
“Since when does Zarek’s punishment frighten you?” She touched his arm. Loving the feel of his thick bicep beneath her fingers while she stared at his lips, wishing to kiss him once more.
“Since he threatened to fate you to another, should I not rid the world of Lowan in some other way.”
“Do I mean that much to you? I’ve done nothing to warrant your devotion.”
“From the moment you entered the world, I have been devoted to no other.” He leaned closer, covering her body with his. “My heart beat when you took your first breath. I’ve waited forever for you, Leria. Now, I will kill all those who have hurt you.”
Her heart beat faster, and she couldn’t catch her breath as his mouth claimed hers. Even in a dream state, he undid her. Sent every nerve into a state of being overstimulated. The only thing lacking was the stir of her dragon, and it filled her eyes with unshed tears. When he broke free, she wanted to keep him with her but knew it wasn’t possible.
“I will save you and your dragon, make no mistake about that.” He kissed her forehead. “Have faith. Si itov wux.”
He had spoken in her ancient language. Draconic for I love you. And she had to remind herself they still had a lot of obstacles between them. Ones she wasn’t sure even their bond could fix. But she wanted to try. She would wait and see what happened next. What else did she have to do but wait?
“Aidyn, when this is over, we need to have an honest discussion. I have questions.”
He kissed her again. “We will, I vow it, and I will give you all the answers you seek.”
Leria woke with a start and wondered if she had been dreaming or had Aidyn really dream walked. From what she understood, it was a rare power for most immortals to have, and the only time she could even recall hearing about it happening was when a mate was in trouble. Even those occasions had happened without the mated bonding, which meant that the couple already had an incredible attraction to each other. A love that could never be broken, no matter what the universe threw at them.
Was it possible she had been wrong about him?
As she lay in the cold cell, staring at the ceiling, she placed her hand on her stomach and searched. There was nothing inside her. No heat. No power. Nothing stirred, which meant that it had been real. What she had felt stir inside her after Quinn had taken her power must have been the Phoenix. Aidyn had taken back what belonged to him, and now the only thing she had left was trust.
Trust that the man who claimed utter devotion to her would make things right. He would save her and her dragon and maybe, just maybe, they could begin to heal their broken lives.
Chapter Fourteen
Aidyn stretched his neck and embraced the bird that now clawed inside him. It was anxious about their mate, and now he saw with the bird’s eyes what Quinn had done to his mate. He clenched his jaw.
“We will fix this and everything else be damned.” He summoned his power and headed for the one he knew would fight at his side no matter what. In seconds, he stood surrounded by intense heat that soothed his bird.
“Hades!”
His brother appeared dressed in a black silk robe and a scowl. “Really? Do you know what fucking time it is?”
“I don’t care. I need you to help me save Leria and Baal.”
Hades snapped his fingers and procured a steaming mug. “Not before my coffee. Now tell me what’s going on.”
Rather than tell his brother everything that had happened, he connected with him and gave him the fast forward version mentally. As he relayed the information, Hades’ eyes became darker and darker until a hint of red showed.
“Fucking prick thinks to take one of my best demons and the mate of one of my favorite people? You say Ranata has a plan?”
“Yes. Word has already been sent to Quinn that she is stepping down. He is to come to the palace and accept her crown, where he will be named the rightful king of the fae.”
Hades’ lip curled into a grin. “You take him out and I will save the dragon. This will be like old times, the two of us creating havoc on those who wrong us.”
“You have no idea how much better this makes me feel. I need to know that not only is Leria safe, but her dragon is as well.”
“I understand more than most the need to protect your mate. Fate knows that I fucked up with Mia and almost lost her forever. You can fix this thing between you and Leria, starting now.”
“I hope you are right. The thought of living any longer without her will be my undoing.”
Hades touched his shoulder. “It will be all right, brother. Trust in the fate that chose your mate.”
“Do you really think it was Mother?”
“Who else could it have been if it was none of us? After she killed Father, she vanished, and we assume she went to sleep. Argathos is trying to summon her, but so far he’s got nothing.”
He gave a nod. “I need to meet with Ranata and see if she needs any help.”
“How long?” Hades asked.
“Meet me at the fae palace in two hours.”
“It will be done, but before you go. How are you faring? I mean, the transition from vampire to god has to have taken a toll.”
Aidyn stared into the fire burning in the stone hearth. “At times I’m not sure who or what I am. Then others I know exactly. I was born of two mothers. I am both the vampire and the god, and I will endeavor to serve as both to the best of my ability. Unless Zarek should crown another vampire king.”
Hades frowned. “He would not do that. The guardians have known you and your family as their leaders. They trust you as they should. You are a good king.”
“Thank you, you’ve no idea how much that means to me coming from you. Until later.” Then he summoned a portal and headed back to the fae realm. When he arrived, everyone was busy in preparations and all looked as if they had lost their most treasured heirloom. He found Ranata instructing some of her guard, and he waited until she had finished to approach.
“Why does everyone look so dire?”
She glanced around. “Come with me where we can talk privately.” They walked together through corridors where fae were busy removing all traces of their current queen. She was taking extreme measures with this charade, but it was probably for the best. Once they were sealed behind the locked door of her study, she motioned for him to take a seat.
“I have told no one here of what we are doing except my most trusted guards. I thought it best if they did not know the truth to keep them safe. How did the meeting with Hades go?”
“He will be here at the expected time and will rescue Leria’s dragon.”
The queen let out a ragged breath. “That is good and you are back to full power?”
“Yes. Do not fear. Quinn will die today and you will have your kingdom back and your mate.”
“I cannot thank you enough.”
“We both have a high stake in this. There is no need to thank me, but I must ask a favor.”
She took a seat in a high-back chair across from him. “Yes, what did you, Lucan and Sabin come to see me about?”
“I need Raven’s help to bring Lowan in.” He launched into the plan Sidara had shared, but now there was one major hurdle. Leria no longer had his power, and now that he had taken it back, it would be much harder to give it to her again without her accepting it.
“I see. I can’t speak for Raven, but I think she’d like to help. Her powers are strong now, and she has come to terms with what she did.” She shook her head. “She wasn’t herself when she made that sacrifice to Lowan, but was caught up in the occult's brainwashing.”
“I’m glad to hear she is better.”
“You can see her after we take care of this little problem we have. But what are you going to do now that Leria no longer has your Phoenix?”
“I don’t know. All I can do is ask once this is over and she is safe again.” He looked past Ranata out the window. “If you don’t have need of me, I have something I would like to do before Quinn arrives.”
She leaned in and touched his arm. “Go. We will be fine here.”
He didn’t bother exiting the room, but opened a portal and went to the one place that had always given him peace. Moments later, he’d shed his boots, rolled up his jeans and walked into the surf on the crystal white sands of Vandeldor. Nothing existed but the expanse of ocean to his left and mountains to his right. He looked up to the sky and imagined Leria’s golden dragon soaring high and free. While he trusted Hades with his very soul, there was a part of him that was paralyzed with fear. If she lost her dragon, it would break her. If he lost her, it would break him. There was only one outcome to this war, and that was that Leria and her dragon were safe. He would beg for her forgiveness once this was over and vow to make things right. She had to see that all the things he had done were to protect her. Never to hurt her. He would suffer a million of Zarek’s punishments if that meant Leria was safe and happy.
He dropped, his knees sinking into the cool sand, and stared out to sea. A deep breath and the Phoenix fluttered beneath his skin. The bird was ready for battle as was the god. Flames of brilliant orange danced along his skin as his shift took hold.
“I am coming for you, Leria.”
May the universe protect those around Quinn, because the fae was about to feel the wrath of the Phoenix.
The cell door opened, and Quinn stepped inside. Leria sat up in the bed and noticed Baal stood in the corner scowling. This was it. Something was going to happen, and the air was thick with anticipation.
“You both have a temporary reprieve. Leria, you will accompany me as the queen is abdicating. I will accept the crown in a few short hours and you will be on my arm and declare in front of everyone the Draki’s support of the new fae king.”
She stood. “Very well.” She had to trust Aidyn was behind some kind of scheme. He had asked for her trust and that was all she had to hang on to. Her body felt burdensome as she crossed the floor. Not having any power, no magic left her bones heavy. She followed Quinn like an obedient pet. As she walked, magic tingled across her skin and her clothing changed. A fresh gown clung to her curves and dipped down her cleavage. She didn’t even care anymore and would save her fight for later.
“Hurry along.” Quinn touched her arm and his eyes widened. “No burning me this morning?”
He pushed her against the cold stone wall and staked a claim on her mouth. It took everything in her not to shove him away. To pretend to welcome his advances and even melt against him slightly.
Trust. Trust that Aidyn will make things right, as he promised.
Kissing Quinn was easier than finding her trust for the vampire king. He had let her down before. Shut her out and not given her feelings another thought. But he was all she had at the moment. He had dream walked to her and asked for her trust. She had promised to give it, and Leria was not a woman to go back on her word.
Finally, the fae broke away. His eyes were filled with hunger and all she wanted to do was run.
“It’s a shame we do not have time, but after my coronation in front of my people, I will claim you as mine.” He pulled her with him down the corridor. “It’s fitting that we should bind ourselves together in our new kingdom, don’t you think?”
“I do, and once things are settled, we will go before the Draki and announce our union.” She put on her actress hat once more and prayed to the goddess it worked.
He glared at her as if he was staring into her soul. He likely was and looked for any indications she was trying to deceive him. She never flinched under his scrutiny. She had learned much from her guardians. Caleb had taught her how to remain composed under pressure. Never let your enemy know your intentions. Lileta had taught Leria how to be a fighter. Not in the physical sense, that had come from the Draki warriors. Lileta had been through a lot in her life. Taken as a teen and sold into slavery. She should have been angry, afraid, but she was none of those things. She was one of the strongest women Leria knew, and she had even mated a dragon, which was not supposed to be compatible with her species. She thought of her own father.
“Where is my father? I wish to see him.”
“He is well and has servants to meet his needs.”
“I still wish to see him.” She pushed a demanding tone into her voice.
“You will see him once everyone is settled into our new palace.” When they stopped, she finally noticed Quinn had also changed. He was wearing black slacks and a black silk shirt. If he were not so evil, he would be a fetching display, but she knew his heart was as black as his clothing. She worried for her father, as Quinn was likely treating him no better than Aidyn had been. Something she intended to take up with the vampire king once this was over. He had a lot of explaining to do.
“As you wish, your majesty.” She gave a slight head tilt, knowing his ego was bigger than any palace no matter the realm.
“I like how that rolls off your tongue. You can call me that while I fuck you.” He smiled, and she wanted to vomit, but she smiled back and replied.
“I like your kink.”
“Come, Princess. It’s time for us to become king and queen and show immortal society just how strong we are. No one but a fool will dare cross us.” A portal opened in front of them and he pulled her through.
Chapter Fifteen
Aidyn remained cloaked beneath his god power. The only one who could see him was Hades, who stood beside him carrying his battle smile. His brother always loved a good shake down.
Hades slapped his palms together and rubbed. “How long before I get to watch you rip apart that fae?”
A shift in the air brought their attention to the incoming portal, and when Quinn stepped out holding Leria’s hand, Aidyn let out a growl.
“Careful, brother. Don’t want to show your hand just yet.”
“I will rip that mother-fucker to pieces and scatter him into the universe,” Aidyn snarled. His gaze drilled into the fae. Past the silk covering his chest until he saw with his own eyes Leria’s dragon. The creature stirred on Quinn’s chest and Aidyn’s heart broke for his mate. Her dragon was part of her, and now she was left empty and powerless. He growled again.
“Do you see the dragon?”
“I see it.” Hades’ eyes glowed. “I already have a connection with the creature and am soothing her. Unleash your hell, brother, the dragon will be safe with me.”
“You’ve no idea how much that relieves me. I only wish I could let Leria know without showing our hand.”
“She will see your power soon enough. Here comes the queen.”
Ranata walked down the stone path leading from the palace to where Quinn and Leria stood. While the queen made her way alone, a crowd of fae gathered on the lawn to watch what they thought was their queen giving up. The looks on their faces spoke of the hope they had lost and their disappointment.
Ranata stopped in front of Quinn.
“Are you ready to accept the crown?” she asked, her voice resonated her strength.
“I am glad to see you have made the wise choice.”
Her only response was to reach up and remove the crown from her head. Holding it in front of her, she spoke loud enough for all to hear.
“I Ranata, daughter of Iris and queen of the fae, abdicate my crown to the rightful heir of Thyldan.” She thrust the golden-jeweled piece toward Quinn. “Do you accept?”
“I accept most graciously.” He looked to Leria. “Princess, would you do the honor, please?”
“Princess? She is not your princess.” Aidyn had to take several deep breaths to keep both himself and his Phoenix calm.
Leria placed the piece on Quinn’s head and the crowd gave a half-hearted applause. As Aidyn hoped, the new king’s ego had him stepping away from both Leria and Ranata to address his people. Quinn had only taken three steps when Diego swept in and grabbed Leria. That was Aidyn’s cue, and he took it with the force of a god seeking vengeance.
Lightning shattered the perfect blue sky, followed by thick black clouds that tumbled their way. He stepped from his cloak and showed himself in his full Phoenix glory. He was half man, half bird, mostly fire and all pissed off.
“You dare touch the woman that belongs to me?” His voice shook the ground and his body pulsed with power. He was supercharged.
Quinn merely jacked a brow. “I hold your Leria’s dragon. Will you risk leaving your mate nothing more than a mortal with an eternal life? An eternal hell for her.”
And that was Hades’ cue to flash into the scene with all the brimstone and fire of the king of Hell. “In the name of my dear sister-in-law, the goddess of the dragons, I claim what is hers and not yours.” His eyes were full of fire and his voice gravel as he partially shifted into his demon. “Go ahead, fuck with me.”
