Rhyn's Redemption (22 page)

“Depends on how you behave,” she said, smiling up at him through happy tears.

Rhyn grimaced. “I’m not promising any miracles.  We got a lot to do to prepare the world for Hazel.”

“I have faith in us.”

“Right now, I owe my mate a rowdy night on the beach under the moonlight,” he said.  He swung her up into his arms and strode towards the water.

Katie laughed, happiness and hope bubbling within her.  She took in Rhyn’s strong profile.  If anyone could save the world, it was him.

In Hell, Darkyn stood before the hourglass perched on a window sill in his study. The black sand had run out.  He’d missed his window.  Rather, he missed
this
window.  He looked over at the demon standing before him.  At least one of his super-demons had survived.  This one still wore half a face, that of Death’s favorite assassin, Gabriel.

“Chances are, the demons will be defeated this round,” Darkyn said. “And Death … you’re certain she walked away?”

“Yes, my lord.  She quit and appointed Gabriel in her stead.”

“Interesting.  A Death with a history as a mortal.  Not any mortal, but one you say she was in love with.  I’d heard rumor but never thought a deity capable of such a thing.”

“Rhyn’s mortal was convinced of this.  She said Gabriel had been the lover of Death for thousands of years.”

“And now she’s gone,” Darkyn said.

“As far as we know.  I didn’t see her enter the portal, but one of our spies was in her fortress when she entered the chamber you indicated.”

“Where would a deity in love with a mortal go?”

“To the mortal world,” the super-demon guessed. “She’s no threat to you, master.”

“True,” Darkyn said. “But the new Death is her lover.  That makes her someone of interest to me.”

“The immunity blood worked.  We can have the Immortal scientist make us more.  We could slide right into the – “

“Ully is dead-dead, as you will be by the time the day is over,” Darkyn said. “I cannot have anyone else find out about the power of the immunity blood.”

The demon before him looked down but didn’t object, understanding his place.  Unlike Immortals, demons obeyed their leaders.  But maybe, next time, lack of discipline in his enemies would work for Darkyn.  He’d failed to takeover Death’s domain or to kill her.  It would take Gabriel a very long time to learn how to rule over the dead, and Rhyn was a loose cannon as a leader for the Immortals. In the meantime, all of Rhyn’s Immortals and Death’s assassins would be a disorganized mess.

All Darkyn had to do was wait and watch for his opportunity.  While he did so, he had a new plan: To pursue a certain deity who’d left her position to her lover.  In all his dealings with Immortals and mortals, Darkyn long ago learned the weakness Immortals and mortals had for a beautiful woman.  Gabriel would be no different.

“Leave me. Report to the executioner.”

The super-demon bowed his head and left.  Darkyn watched him go then looked again at the hourglass.  He hadn’t expected Death to quit, but she was about to give him a new window of opportunity, one that might be more powerful.  He might soon take over the underworld and its army of souls.

Chapter Fourteen

Two weeks later

“Watsup, Gabe?” Rhyn’s familiar voice interrupted Gabe’s concentration.

“You’re forbidden from entering, Rhyn.”

“Sure, Gabe.”

Gabriel looked up from his stance peering into the murky Lake of Souls. The half-demon appeared unconcerned about sliding through the barrier Gabe had been working hard to patch up.  Rhyn looked happy and healthy, the opposite of how Gabe felt.

“You clean up good,” he said. “You know I can claim your – “

“But you won’t.  I came to see how my only friend is doing,” Rhyn said. “You need help killing demons?”

“I recalled all the assassins and put a hold on all soul collections for a week or so,” Gabe answered. “The queue to get in here is longer than you’d guess.”

“We’re almost done exterminating the castle.  I can send some help your way.”

“I imagine you have your hands full dealing with the Immortals.”

“Nothing I can’t handle.  I have Kiki, Tamer, and Erik on lockdown.  A week without food, and they’re happy to help.  Kiki is running most things, until I figure them out.”

“Sounds like it’s going well,” Gabe said, truly pleased to see his friend, despite the poor timing. “How’s Katie?”

A small smile crossed Rhyn’s face, answering Gabe’s question without words.

“Then everything is going well.  Good for you, Rhyn.” He couldn’t help but feel envious of his friend, who wasn’t trapped in a world where he didn’t belong, fighting demons.

“Katie sent these back with me,” Rhyn said and held out a familiar necklace. “We’re still working with Hannah.  She’s in denial about everything.  I almost pity the girl.”

Gabe took the necklace, looking at the two emeralds on the black leather-like cord.  He’d missed his necklace after eons wearing it.  He’d missed his mother and baby brother.  He squeezed them in his hand in the only hug he could give his dead family.

“We’re twins, now, though I think you liked your family,” Rhyn said and pulled free an emerald on a chain around his neck.

“You’re all the family I got now.  I got a long way to go to figure out how to be a proper Death,” Gabe said, looking again at the lake.

“You hear from her?”

“No. I don’t expect to.  I should’ve sent someone after her, but … “ Gabe met Rhyn’s gaze and managed a smile.  The half-demon’s sharp silver gaze missed nothing, even how unhappy Gabe really was.

“You never stopped loving her,” Rhyn said.

“I tried.”

“Yeah, you’re fucked.  Gods know I tried not to fall for Katie.”

“Appreciate the pep talk,” Gabe said drily. “I did tell you I can legally claim your soul if you come here, didn’t I?”

“Why don’t you come up for air sometime?” Rhyn asked, ignoring him. “Katie and Toby will be glad to see you, and you can scare the shit out of Tamer.  It’ll be fun.”

“I’d like that.  I have to fix this first,” Gabe said and motioned to the Lake.

“What’s wrong?”

Gabe stepped closer to the Lake.  Even through the black water, he could see the green souls at the bottom. They glimmered faintly, like lights shrouded by fog.

“They’re moving,” he said. “They shouldn’t be.  I heard a story once about the Army of Souls.  I’m wondering if they are what Darkyn was after, not killing Death.”

“Never heard of the Army of Souls.”

“It led to the last apocalyptic age that predated my predecessor here.  It was not a good time, Rhyn.  I’m hoping I can calm the waters down.”

“If anyone can, you can, Gabe.” Rhyn studied him a moment longer.

“I’m fine, Rhyn,” Gabe said. “Really.”

 “Come by when you need someone to kick your ass.”

“I will.  Rhyn, thank you.”

The half-demon shook his head, turned and strode away, disappearing into a portal.  Gabriel watched him, envious and proud of his friend.  He’d always had faith in Rhyn.  Gabe’s faith had cost him everything, but it was worth it.  If only he could find peace as well.

He moved away from the Lake.  He had a long journey ahead of him, one he didn’t relish taking.  But, if he was to be the honorable Death that mortals and Immortals alike deserved, he had to do it. 

Gabe’s thoughts went to his predecessor once again.  He couldn’t help wondering what happened to her.  He’d expected her abandonment of the underworld would grant him some sort of peace or reprieve.  However, after thousands of years with the vexing deity, he found himself lonely instead.

He replaced the necklace around his neck and strode back to the fortress, his new home for eternity.

Summer 2012 Amazon Review Challenge

Want to win a $25 Amazon gift card?

Want more Rhyn?

Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by simply reviewing KATIE’S HELLION (Book I, Rhyn Trilogy) on Amazon or Amazon UK from July 1, 2012 – September 30, 2012! 
(Please note: this offer is valid for reviews left on KATIE’S HELLION only!)

Winners will be posted to my website on a biweekly basis, with the first announcement going up on July 15. My website:
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For every 100 reviews Katie’s Hellion receives on Amazon and Amazon UK, I’ll also release a new novelette in the series.

If Katie’s Hellion reaches 1,000 reviews on Amazon, I’ll write another book about Katie and Rhyn!

Katie’s Hellion on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Katies-Hellion-Book-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005347RCW/

Katie’s Hellion on Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katies-Hellion-Book-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005347RCW/

The Rhyn Trilogy

Katie’s Hellion (Book I, May 2011)

Katie’s Hope (Book II, September 2011)

Rhyn’s Redemption (Book III, March 2012)

Rhyn Trilogy: Origins (short story, October 2011)