Page 23 of Vampire's Promise
“We’ve had quite the ordeal and there is no telling if Khedeus will take us again.”
“Argathos and the others are gone. Something about going home to find out who might know where you two were.”
“Home? As in Edala?” Kian asked.
“Yeah, I think that’s the name I heard.”
“I need to go warn them.”
“Of what?” Gwen touched his arm, and a flare of heat fluttered inside him.
“I saw a vision where all the gods and goddesses become extinct.”
She turned fully, her mouth wide open. “Wait. What?”
“They are in danger of vanishing. The loss of mortals in our world leaves no one to worship them.”
“Holy shit! What about your family? The gods here?” She stepped closer. “What about you, Kian?”
“I’m a demigod, therefore not worshipped and in no danger. My family, however, I cannot say as the vision didn’t show me details.” His biggest question now was, did he take her with him? Leaving her here wasn’t safe since Khedeus had taken her once before, but taking her to Edala might not be any safer since it sounded like another war was likely to ensue. Turning to her brother, he asked.
“Where will Gwen be safe from Khedeus?”
“I’m going with you,” she insisted, determination written on her beautiful face. “The only place we will both be safe is with your family and together.”
“I would agree with my sister. She is safest with your family.”
“I will take you and they can decide where you might be safest.” He didn’t miss the hurt in her eyes. She felt like he was passing her off to someone else. In a way, he was. “If Khedeus comes after me again, I can’t keep you safe. I think that has already been proven.”
She gave a nod but said nothing and when he held out his hand, he wasn’t sure she would accept. She did, and even offered him a smile as she entwined her fingers with his. He liked her smile. A lot. Something inside him wanted her to be his mate for real and not the female Ra had warned him of. Summoning his power, he took them to Edala.
When they flashedinto Kian’s home world, they appeared in a large courtyard. Gwen swallowed as she looked around her. Stone statues depicting the gods and goddesses of this realm were tastefully arranged among the colorful blooms of flowers and bushes. The air, while filled with the heady floral fragrance, was also electric with power. When she turned and spotted a large temple sitting alone on a hill, instinctively she knew that must be the royal home. Before she could ask, a female voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Kian!”
Gwen turned and spotted a beautiful female, her white gown so sheer it was nearly see-through. Her golden hair loose around her shoulders, framing blue eyes that shot a lethal glare at Gwen before the female stepped into Kian. Swinging her arms around his neck, she kissed him on the lips.
“Darling, I was beginning to worry.”
Gwen tried not to show any emotion, but this had to be Diara and damn, she was beautiful. It was almost enough to make Gwen question her own looks in comparison.
“What has been going on here since I left?” He pried the female’s arms from his neck, gaining him a pout from the goddess.
She stepped back and looked at Gwen, her lip curled. “What is this creature you have dragged home?” Had her voice been laced with any more venom, it might have struck Gwen down dead.
“This is Gwen. She is a guardian in her world.”
“A guardian?”
“Yes, a warrior much like the valkyrie.”
The goddess didn’t look impressed. “And why is she here? With you?”
“Because I brought her here. Now, enough of this chatter and tell me…” He looked at the temple on the hill. “Anyone show up that I should know about?”
Diara pushed out her glossed lip further. “Yes, the former occupants are all here.” She placed her hand on Kian’s arm and Gwen had about enough of this made-up Barbie touching her mate.
“Touch him again, and I will rip that arm right out of its pretty little socket.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she leveled a glare that would make even Hades proud.
