Page 25 of Vampire's Promise
Flashing, she stood outside the temple door. Wiping her palms down her pants, she decided changing her clothes was probably a good idea. Closing her eyes, she managed a simple cream-colored, Grecian-style dress that flowed to her ankles and no shoes. Finally ready, she pushed open the ornate wooden door and stepped inside. An immediate sense of calm came over her as she stared at the glyphs on the walls. Straight ahead, at the end of a red carpet, stood the largest onyx statue of Ra she had ever seen. It was at least double the size of any they had back home. Walking across the carpet, she reached him and dropped to both knees. When she noted the bowl at his feet, a moment of panic passed because she had not brought a gift. However, giving it a quick thought, she decided she already had the most powerful gift to offer right here with her. Her fangs dropped, and she bit her wrist, then allowed her blood to drip into the golden bowl.
“I hope you will accept this as my gift. It’s the only thing I have to offer you today.” A light breeze brushed across her cheek.
“Your gift is accepted.”
She gasped and looked over her shoulder, then her gaze moved upward. Gazing down on her was a tall, muscular man who was dressed exactly like the statue she knelt before, but without the falcon head. He was nearly a spitting image of Zarek, except his eyes were a stunning sea-blue and his ebony hair was much longer than Zarek’s.
With her heart racing, she quickly spun on her knees and folded her body so that her forehead touched the floor.
“My lord.”
“Stand before me child and let me look upon all of you.” His voice was so deep it resonated straight into her soul.
On shaky legs, she finally rose and found her footing, but still kept her head bowed. She understood protocol when beforea god, but she also had a unique relationship with the gods she knew and answered to. Ra trumped them all, and she could not stop the nerves that racked her body.
“Look upon me, daughter. Do not be frightened.”
Slowly, she raised her head until she had to strain her neck to meet his gaze. She swallowed, not sure what to say. “You honor me with your presence.” Was it normal for him to actually appear in his temple? Her understanding was he now lived on a totally different plane than they did, but then again, he was the supreme god and guessed he could go wherever the hell he wanted.
“It is I who am honored with the presence of my great-grandson’s mate. Cera chose well.”
She blinked several times because Cera was Zarek’s mother, who was currently sleeping. “Cera? I thought she has been asleep?”
“My daughter sleeps, but she is powerful and woke just enough to bless her grandson with you.”
A thought came to her. “Was it her that took him from his mother’s womb?”
“It was I who planted him in the warmth of Netasis. I knew the goddess of destruction would defend her child with her life.”
“Your grandsons thought it was their mother. They believe she is now trying to wake.”
He shook his head. The strands of beaded braids swayed. “It is my enemy who wakes. One who seeks to destroy the gods so he may rule both mortals and immortals. He is the reason for your journey from world to world. My daughter does try to wake, but the chaos keeps her in slumber.”
She was confused. “Kian was certain he was related to the waking god. Who is this enemy?”
“Apep, creator of chaos. He has tried to disguise himself as my daughter. Likely to fool everyone.”
“But I thought you banished him, or were my childhood teachings wrong?”
His heavy kohl-lined eyes narrowed. “Your teachings were correct. I banished him, but he has found a way to break free of his prison. He wishes to destroy my family and force the others to submit to his rule and I can do nothing to stop him.”
“Why?”
“It is a very long story.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Kian was overwhelmedand at a loss for words. Before him stood four fierce gods, all of whom were his family, and one was his father. There was no way to deny it, as the man was almost his twin.
“I can scarcely believe my eyes,” Argathos said as he pulled Kian into an embrace. “You have your mother’s eyes.” There was no missing that the words caught in his throat. He pulled back and stared. “We have a lot of catching up to do, but right now the rest of your family would like to meet you.”
Introductions were made to Hades and his mate, Mia. Aidyn and Leria and finally to their king. Zarek stepped forward and took him by the shoulders.
“Welcome to the family, Prince Kian. I am pleased that you are here.” A round bellied, redhead, stepped in next to him with a bright smile on her mouth. Zarek also smiled, and his body relaxed. “This is my mate, Qadira, the goddess of fire.”
She lifted her hand from her very pregnant belly and touched his cheek. “Kian, I am so pleased you are here. I have some things tucked away that belonged to your mother that I know she would want you to have. She was one of the kindest souls I have ever met.”
The mention of his mortal mother sent a pang of grief through him. “Thank you.” He bowed his head, then met her gaze again. “You are the creator of dragons. Stories of you have been whispered among the children.”
