Redemption (26 page)

“What’s wrong with you?” she asks in an
accusatory tone.

“Nothing.” I attempt to brush off the
murderous feelings.

“Yeah, okay. That didn’t sound like nothing.
It sounded like if you don’t leave my man alone, I am going to claw
your fucking eyes out,” she whispers.

I ignore the comment. Even though she is
right.

“Please, everyone, take a seat,” Keegan
instructs.

“I’d like to do a quick roll call,” Asher
requests before taking a seat at the head of the table. I’m on his
right and Keegan is to his left.

I watch Morgana pout as she has to walk all
the way to the end of the table to the last empty seat next to
Marcus. I smile at the small victory.

Asher motions to me with a warm smile. “You
all know Eve Collins, daughter of Heaven.” I wave shyly before his
eyes flick to Nassa.

“Llughnassad, Sorceress of Prosperity, on
behalf of the Sorceresses of the Black Circle.”

“Thomas, second in command of the Irish clan
of gargoyles.”

“Sean, second in command of the Scottish
clan of gargoyles.”

“Marcus, leader of the Manhattan clan of
gargoyles.”

“Morgana, second in command of the Manhattan
clan.”

“Stephan, second to Lord Valentin. Leader of
the Vampire World.”

“Leo, beta of the Quinnipiac pack,
representing the Werewolf Sovereignty.”

“Ainsley, Duchess of Sprites from the
Kingdom of the Fae.”

“Gage, leader of the Paris clan of
gargoyles.”

At Gage’s statement, my eyes flick to him in
shock that he addressed himself as the leader. I thought he said he
didn’t want anything to do with that title. He doesn’t meet my eyes
because Gage’s focus is currently on Nassa.
Interesting
.

“Before we begin, the London clan would like
to extend our gratitude that you have joined us today. We
understand you’re preparing for the upcoming war.” Asher’s eyes
flick to me before readdressing the group. “As you are aware, my
family has been charged with protecting the daughter of Heaven.”
His voice trails off for a moment. “Much to the dismay of the Dark
Army, she is still under our protection. For this reason, they’ve
begun increasing their presence within our realms. Attacking
innocents in the hope of breaking our charge. Now, they’ve declared
war on Heaven. I don’t need to remind you all of the last time
Heaven and Hell battled it out. The human and supernatural
causalities were astronomical.”

Everyone around the table nods their head in
agreement. My eyes float back to Asher. Watching him take command
of this group is breathtaking. I’ve never focused on the royalty
aspect of Asher, only the protector one. Watching him in his role
within the supernatural world is awe-inspiring. He was meant to be
king.

“I understand that recently a higher-level
demon paid you all a visit?” Stephan asks.

“Thoren is no longer an issue,” Gage
answers. “Two members of the Declan clan have also been
exterminated. Deacon’s mother, Dimia is one. Her demise is what
escalated the Dark Army’s timeline, as well as that of his brother,
Kaiden.”

“Your highness, are you completely certain
the Declan clan of gargoyles is working with Lucifer?” Morgana
asks. “A protector placing a human such as Eve in danger would be
an act of sabotage to our oaths and loyalties. Are you saying
Deacon and his clan are no longer following the laws set forth by
the council, Spiritual Assembly or Secular Sector?”

I internally sigh. Morgana knows Deacon’s
intentions. She was at the last strategy meeting. My nostrils flare
at the memory of her standing in the kitchen wearing Asher’s
shirt.

“There is no doubt that the Declan clan is
working with Lucifer. Let me be clear, anyone caught sympathizing
with, or assisting the Declan clan, Lucifer, or the Dark Army will
be considered a conspirator. There will be no mercy for them. I
personally will tear the defector apart with my bare hands. Are we
fucking clear?” Asher’s voice is menacing.

The room goes silent. Keegan clears his
throat and turns the group’s attention to him. “All members of the
Declan clan are to be considered Dark Army loyalists. Anyone who
associates with them will be treated as having committed
treason.”

“With stone petrifaction as the punishment,”
Asher’s cool voice adds.

Marcus pins his stare on Asher. “Is that a
council directive or royal decree?”

Asher sits back. “Does it matter?”

“What are you in need of Asher?” Leo asks,
avoiding eye contact with me.

“Intel on both on the Dark Army and the
Declan clan of gargoyles. It would seem alliances have been made
with supernaturals from our realms. We need to find out who these
defectors are. In addition, it is essential to continue to amass
and train the army. At some point, Lucifer will come for Eve with
reinforcements. We’ll protect her, however the destruction they
intend to bring to mankind and the realms is unknown, as is the
extent of their militia,” Asher answers.

“Will the Angelic Council be ally or foe?”
Stephan asks as Marcus’s eyes shift to him.

“Ally,” Keegan answers with authority.

“We also need an offensive strategy, not
just a defensive one. If we’re able to attack first, the chances of
human and supernatural causalities may be less,” Callan offers.

“Ideally, what we need is to prepare within
our realms and keep our eyes and ears open. I task each of you
today to go back to your dominions and secure them. Be cognitive of
the dangers that are lurking. Demons are sly and manipulative. With
each kingdom having light and dark for balance, you’ll need to
secure the dark gateways. Report back if you discover
conspirators,” Asher adds. “The gargoyles will continue to protect
mankind, as if nothing is happening. We don’t want to alert and
panic the humans,” Keegan says militantly.

“What of Eve’s guardian?” Ainsley’s soft
voice travels over me.

“The Angelic Army is performing an
extraction mission for Elizabeth. In the meantime, the London clan
will continue to protect Eve,” Asher continues.

At Callan’s next words, my heart sinks.
“Leo, Nassa and Morgana will remain here in London. They’ll be
staying in the guest quarters on the second floor with Gage. Nassa
will work with Abby in an attempt to expose the magic the Dark Army
is using to block the Priestesses from identifying them. Leo and
Tadhg will devise a military plan with Keegan. Morgana and Kenna
will work on securing the European clans’ alliances.”

“It’s with our deepest gratitude we thank
the court appointed representatives for attending today. We’ll be
in touch,” Keegan says.

“Wait.” The intensity covering Asher’s face
is striking. Our gazes lock and I swallow hard. He lifts a hand
toward me and my eyes widen.
What the hell is he doing?
My
eyes shift to Gage who has gone ashen before returning to Asher.
His hand is waiting for me to place mine into it.

The tension in the room is at an all-time
high, with everyone looking around in confused silence. Asher nods
once for encouragement as I gingerly place my hand into his. All at
once, everyone begins to murmur. Asher doesn’t notice. His eyes
soften and a lopsided grin appears as he inclines his head to the
group.

“Aside from Eve being under my protection,
she is also mine,” he declares to the shocked faces in the room.
Abby is beaming proudly while McKenna and Morgana look like they
want to decapitate me.

“Well, that explains the growl,” Nassa
mutters next to me.

“Forgive me, I was under the impression that
such relations are against the protector oaths the council has
set?” Ainsley breathes out.

“My oaths to my race and to the council have
no bearing on my intent to make Eve my mate. The council and I will
soon be coming to an understanding as it relates to my relationship
with her,” Asher answers. “Before we began this summit, you each
were sworn to a confidentiality oath. I expect that vow will be
upheld until I release you of it.”

Keegan’s face is pinched in concern. “The
St. Michaels have accepted Eve into our clan. She is family. Part
of the royal family as the king’s future mate and will be treated
as such.”

Taken aback at Keegan’s statement, I just
sit there quietly.

“Well then, Asher, congratulations are in
order to both you and the daughter of Heaven on behalf of Lucian,
King of the Werewolves.” Leo smirks.

“Thank you,” Asher says as he kisses my
hand. “This meeting is adjourned.”

Everyone stands and offers their best wishes
as they leave. I just stand by Asher’s side, holding his hand in a
death grip. Morgana storms out of the room with McKenna in tow.
When everyone exits, it’s just Keegan, Callan, Gage, Asher and I
left.

“Are you insane?” Keegan spits out at
Asher.

“Depends on the day, brother,” Asher
teases.

“Joke all you want, Ash, but you do realize
what you’ve just done?” Keegan seethes.

Asher watches me with a torn look before
pulling me to his chest in a tight embrace. The desperate need to
get out of this room is clawing at me, but I push it down and soak
up his closeness and warmth.

“We need to figure out who the traitor is
Keegan. Why not just feed them the information they need. If the
council becomes aware that I’ve declared Eve as my intended mate,
we have it narrowed to the beings that were here for the
announcement,” Asher states while squeezing my hand. “Besides, I
love the speech you gave.”

Keegan’s face goes red. Literally. Bright.
Red. “I did that to show solidarity, not because I agree with you.
What if the council decides now they have proof of your
disloyalty?”

I pull away to look at Asher, realizing he
still hasn’t told anyone about the divination. If my soul and his
unite, he can’t ever be turned into stone.

Asher’s eyes narrow dangerously. “I suggest
you put that little speech you gave into practice, Keegan.”

“Let’s go cool off, shall we,” Callan offers
as he guides Keegan out of the room.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, dark
prince. You’ve just placed yourself, your clan, and Eve in even
graver danger,” Gage says with a low tone before offering me a sad
smile. “I’ll see you later, love.”

After a moment, it’s just Asher and I. His
blazing eyes lock onto mine. “Want to talk about it?” I ask in a
shallow voice with my arms crossed, backing away from him.

“No.”

I frown. “You haven’t told the family about
the divination or our souls?”

“No.”

“Why?” I ask in a quiet tone.

“That’s between you and me. Not the clan, or
court, or councils.”

“Your family might want to know that you
can’t physically turn into stone if we’re one.”

“They’ll use it to solidify my position as
king. It’s between you and I, something we will decide together
when the time is right. As a form of commitment, not safety,” he
fumes.
I lean on the conference table as Asher strides to me.

“Don’t you think you should have asked me
before you outted us?”

“Why, siren? Are you embarrassed to be my
intended mate?” he quips.

“Asher, this is serious,” I respond, closing
my eyes.

I feel his lips brush mine softly. This kiss
is soft and tender. It terrifies and thrills me. His thumbs stroke
my cheek. “There is nothing to discuss. You’re mine. The end.”

I grab his cheeks and force him to look at
me. “That’s just it, Ash. I’m not yours. Not fully anyway.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m yours in heart and mind only. We
haven’t completed the mate mark unification. I want to keep you
safe. We should complete it. This way, I’m assured nothing can
touch you,” I plead.

Asher steps back. His face is marred in
sadness and hurt. “This is what I mean. I didn’t want anyone to
know about our soul connection because I didn’t want them to
fucking say, mate with her so you won’t ever die.”

“You didn’t even ask me what I thought about
that plan.” I raise my voice.

“No. I didn’t.” He exhales and rubs his
hands over his face then through his hair, lacing them behind his
head. “When I see you, siren, I see my entire fucking future.
There’s no existence without you. Don’t you see that? Everything
that I’m doing now, it’s all for you. When I’m not with you, I can
taste you on my lips. Smell your scent, and see the smile you
reserve just for me. The thought of never having that again…it’s
fucking terrifying. I won’t survive it.” His voice is rough and
lifeless.

He turns to walk out and everything hits me
all at once. My eyes sting with a sudden rush of tears. No one will
escape this war the same way they went into it, especially he and
I.

“If something happens to you because of what
you just did…if you cease to exist, it will destroy me,” I say in a
hushed tone.

He spins around and takes a step. His
fierce, stormy eyes are so protective and focused.

“War is destruction.”

“It doesn’t have to be ugly, Asher.” At my
retort his face goes hard.

“Promise me you understand how bad it’s
going to get, siren.” His voice is raw.

I watch him, knowing he needs me to answer.
“I promise,” I whisper shakily.

He takes another step in my direction.

“Promise me you understand there will be
death, yeah?” he asks.

“I promise.” My words are barely
audible.

Asher closes the last bit of distance
between us and cups my face.

“Promise me you will listen to me. Even if
it means the end of my existence.”

I close my eyes, relishing his touch. “I
can’t.”

“That’s the fucking problem, siren.” His
voice cracks.

“What is?” I whisper.

“I. Protect. You. Not the other way
around.”

“Love is a two way street, Ash.”

“I will protect you, always.”