Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly (16 page)

Odage bared his fangs and snarled. Already shifting partway into his dragon form, something that happened to him when angry. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I-I am sorry, my liege. We are having a problem. One of the females refuses to eat.”

He stood, and two enormous steps brought him to the bottom of his dais. He stood with legs apart, hands on his hips. A look of disgust swathed his face. “Get up, you imbecile.” He paused, waiting for Roman to stumble to his feet. “I will deal with her. Now, I have a very important task for you.”

Roman lifted his eyes to meet with Odage’s dark orbs. “Yes, my liege?”

“You will go to the Vutha Mountains in Vandeldor and seek Caleb. Give him this message.” He held out a small envelope showing a dragon crest on one side. “I will send you through a gateway to the other realm.”

The gateway materialized to his left. Cerise light spun with golden hues, forming a sphere large enough for a man to walk through. Roman looked backward at Odage before entering.

“How will I get back, my liege?”

“Do not fret my
miulkar
, minion. Caleb will send you back. Now go.”

He watched Roman enter the sphere and disappear. The gateway snapped shut with a sizzle, sending electrical pulses throughout the room. Odage absorbed the energy, his body returning to its human form. He inhaled deeply then turned and left the throne room, maneuvering down the narrow passages of the cavern system until he reached the holding cells.

His eyes scanned for the demon who cared for the women. Spotted her coming out of one of the cages, he called out, “Lileta.”

Her hips swayed as she sashayed toward him. Raven hair fell in silky strands down to her plump, round buttocks. She wore black pants that clung to her hips like a second skin, and full breasts strained against a flimsy red and gold lace demi-top. Golden cat-like eyes gazed into his.

“Yes, my liege?”

His blood boiled then shot right to his groin. Lileta was a Kothar demon whose beauty demanded attention. Men wanted to possess her. He, however, couldn’t touch her. Kothar body fluids were poisonous to dragons. Intimacy with her would prove fatal.

He would have to admire her from a distance. The engraved silver bands on her wrists were the only thing keeping her from killing him. Laced with black magic, they drained her powers, making her a mere mortal.

“Where is the one that refuses to eat?”

“This way, my liege.” She stepped toward the cell where Veronica was housed.

No longer alone, there were ten abducted, impregnated women to keep her company. Veronica still had several months before she gave birth to his first child. He couldn’t afford to have her miscarry.

Entering the cell, he touched her stomach, the boy healthy and growing normal. His chest swelled with pride; soon he would have a nest of young.

“Why do you refuse to eat?”

Veronica looked at him with fiery eyes. “A monster grows inside me.”

Since she remained lucid enough to realize what was going on, he would need to give her more of his blood to calm her. “You dare to call my child a monster?” If it hadn’t been for the fact she carried his child, he would have eaten her heart right there.

She lifted her chin. “Yes, and I can’t stand the thought of gazing upon it when it’s born. I thought I might starve it to death.”

Fucking bitch. He had become too complacent with her. Clawed fingers grabbed her face and squeezed, digging nails into flesh.

“Do you know how a dragon is born? No? Let me explain. He will claw his way from your womb, his talon’s shredding your insides. If you’re lucky, you will be dead before he rips open your belly completely and enters the world.” He paused, enjoying the terror reflected in her eyes. “I would have spared you the pain by putting you to sleep but not now. You will feel my son’s escape from your pitiful body. Oh, and I wouldn't suggest you reconsider starving him, or he will begin eating your flesh from the inside.” He tossed her onto the bed and stormed from the cell.

“Lileta, double her dose of blood wine, and if she still refuses to eat, force-feed her.”

“Yes, my liege.”

Chapter Fourteen

Marcus left Cassie’s home with his heart in his hand. Her emotions confused him. She wanted him yet struggled, afraid of the unknown, and still convinced she was unworthy of his affection. No doubt these were remnants of her ex, the bastard. She also feared losing her identity and becoming captive in a world she didn’t understand.

His heart ached, wanted desperately to comfort her, but realized she needed time. Perhaps if he gave this one thing, he could win her back. He would wait, give her time to become accustomed to the idea then come back for her. He would also have to try not to be so overbearing. It would be difficult because he only wanted to protect her, but he would work at it.

His jaw set, and he made a decision. If he couldn’t be with his mate then he would set out to find Odage and stop the dragon’s reign of terror. He flashed back to where they were attacked, hoping to find some kind of evidence left behind. The sun would be setting in a few hours. Maybe he’d get lucky, and the bastard would show up himself.

He arrived at the warehouse, and his senses flared out. Someone watched him.
I’ll ignore them, make them think I’m unaware of their presence.
Whoever it was lurked inside, that much he knew, but their identity remained a mystery, their signature cloaked.

He searched the grounds where the minions attacked. Nothing. Next, he moved toward the abandoned warehouse, a dagger in his palm and a Glock tucked into the waistband of his jeans. His grip tightened on the dagger.
Odage, you motherfucker, show your face.

Marcus, where the hell are you?

Aidyn. He certainly didn’t want to talk to him but realized he couldn’t ignore him either.
I’m searching the area where the fight occurred. Someone is watching me, and I aim to find out who.

I sense by your mood things didn’t go well with Cassie?

No.
Great, the last fucking thing he wanted to discuss.

He entered the abandoned warehouse. Years ago a hub of activity, it was now a skeleton of its former self. There were two stories, the presence hid on the upper floor.

The sun moved across the horizon, and he slipped into the shadows and remained out of sight but cautious since most immortals were adept at hiding.

Marcus, I am sorry about Cassie, give her time. Is someone still watching you?

Yes.

Let me send you some backup.

No! I do this alone.
He reached the other side of the warehouse. Since the stairs were still intact, he didn’t dare flash to the upper level because he had no idea what surprise awaited.

Fine, but keep in touch with me. I want to know the minute you find something. And Marcus?

What?

That’s an order.

He furrowed a brow.
Yes, my lord.

He pulled the Glock from its resting place and sheathed the dagger. The bullet would slow down any immortal long enough for him to take their head. His boot hit the first step, testing to make sure it remained sturdy. He moved in catlike fashion, taking two steps at a time until he reached the top floor. The last of the remaining sunlight filtered through broken windows and cast dancing shadows on the wall. Sensing someone on the other side of the room, he raised the gun.

“Come out where I can see you.”

Slowly, the shadows moved, and a figure emerged from the darkness. “Step closer,” he demanded.

The hooded figure stepped out of the shadows into the last of the flickering sunlight. He blinked, but the vision remained. “Holy Christ,” he whispered.
Aidyn!

* * * *

The figure turned and moved back toward the shadows. He quickly followed, even though his head spun and his mind played tricks on him. There was simply no way.

“Wait.” He heard a whimper then moved to stand in front of the dark stranger, grabbing both shoulders, he pulled the person into the last of the sunlight. “What kind of fucking game is this?”

Tears streaked down a dirty face. Clothing tattered and covered in blood. Golden locks matted to their head. “No game, I swear.” The voice came as a mere whisper.

He looked closer. Frail and thin, chocolate eyes once filled with life were now dull and filled with pain. “It’s impossible.” Now convinced the curse had overtaken him. The darkness on his soul showed his past sins and had sent him to hell.

He looked around half expecting the prince of darkness to make some flashy entrance. “How is it you’re here?”

The figure before him gazed at the floor. “I…I’m not sure.”

“Wrong answer,” he snarled. “There’s no fucking way in hell.” The vision played out in his mind. Blinding pain stabbed at his brain. “What kind of illusion is this, and who’s behind it?”

The woman’s head snapped up to look at him. Her face twisted with pain, but eyes blazed with anger. Her fists clenched. “Of course, you watched me die. It was your blade that killed me!” Her body trembled as she ran toward him, fists pummeled his chest as the rage seeped from her voice. “I loved you, but you took my life from me. Look at me! Three hundred years I have wandered not knowing what to do, barely existing because of you!”

He grabbed her wrists to stop the assault. She no longer looked at him but sobbed. Her body convulsed with every tear that spilled. “If you are indeed who you claim, then why not contact me or your brother? What about your mother?”

Her eyes lifted to meet his, long lashes moist with tears. “How could I when I knew you didn’t love me.”

Gods, her scent. It was true, but how he had no idea. He fell to his knees, unable to stand it any longer. “Eliza, please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you. I thought you were lost to me.”

She knelt in front of him. “Tell me, mate. Do you love her?”

She spoke of Cassie. Gods, how fucked up his life had become. Did he love Cassie? The answer was buried deep. He hardly knew her, yet their connection was strong. He could love her easily if given a chance. “No.”

Eliza peered at him through slits. “I think you’re lying. Perhaps I will take her head just as you did mine.”

Cold metal snapped. His eyes looked down in disbelief at the silver bands shining on each wrist. How the hell had he allowed this to happen? His strength ebbed and weakness surrounded him. Only seconds remained before he'd become as fragile as a mortal.
Aidyn! Watch over Cassie
. The connection broke. “What are you doing?”

Eliza stood and beckoned someone from the corner. Demons appeared and dragged him to his feet. Too weak to fight. “Why, Marcus darling, I am repaying you for all those years of love and kindness you showered on me.” She flashed from the room.

* * * *

A week had gone by since Cassie last saw Marcus. One long, lonely week. On several occasions, she stopped herself from calling out for him, knew he would respond and come back. She tried to go on with life, but that had proved easier said than done. Her mind wandered, which wasn't such a good thing since she worked in a hospital. People counted on her, their lives put at risk by her inability to concentrate so she requested a temporary leave of absence, stating personal problems. Mental problems would have been more accurate.

A knock sounded at the door. It was five in the afternoon, and she wasn’t expecting any visitors. Cautious, she approached and looked out the peep hole.
Damn
. The vampire king lurked outside. Knowing she couldn’t avoid him, she slowly opened the door.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I only wish to speak with you.”

She stepped back and waved him in. “I don’t suppose I have much choice anyway. If I refuse, you’ll just poof your way in.” Her voice was filled with sarcasm.

Aidyn threw his head back and laughed. “Poof? I don’t poof.”

A delicate brow raised, and her hand pushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “Excuse me. I’m afraid I’m not up on the current vampire lingo.”

He chuckled as he sat down on the couch and patted the cushion next to him. “Cassie, come sit next to me so we can talk.”

Deciding it might be better to keep her distance, she chose the chair directly across from him. “I think I’ll sit here.”

He let out a breath as if annoyed. Maybe she shouldn’t push him. After all, a vampire could pretty much do whatever he wanted. Still, she couldn’t help it. She'd woken up in a foul mood earlier in the day, and nothing she did seemed to help. Actually not true, she had been in a foul mood since Marcus had brought her home.

“So, I can assume you’re here to talk about Marcus?”

His features softened. “First, tell me, how is your sister?”

Feelings of guilt washed over her for being such a snit. “Jill is doing very well.” She lowered her gaze to the floor. “Of course, she is mad at me over the deal with Marcus.”

“I can’t say that I blame her. You didn’t truly give him much of a chance.”

She looked up and met his chocolate eyes. Perfection. Chestnut locks framed his youthful face in tousled waves. A tight fitting black T-shirt molded itself to every muscle. When he moved, the shirt actually rippled. Odd, she felt no attraction. Was this how she would feel with all men now? Empty?

“Cassie, I want to be extremely honest with you. I am here to ask for your help.”

She tucked her legs under her and curled up in the chair, certain this would be good. “What kind of help?”

“Marcus is missing. We have lost all contact with him. I am not even able to connect with him telepathically.”

Her heart skipped. “He’s probably spending some time alone and ignoring you.” It made sense too. If he felt anything like she did right now, then that’s exactly what he would do.

Aidyn shook his head. “No, you misunderstand. Let me tell you some things about Marcus.”

She leaned forward, unable to help herself, wanting to know everything about him. “Why was I chosen to be his mate?”