Page 19 of Vampire's Promise
“There is no hiding history from mother. She will know everything once she wakes and will wonder what the hell her children were doing this entire time.”
Hades narrowed his gaze. “Zarek can explain. After all, he is the king of this mess.”
“You’d leave him to stand alone?”
“Hey, I’m not the one fucking this cat, I’m simply holding the tail.” Hades crossed his arms and stared Argathos down. “Besides, he stranded me in that fucking hell-hole.”
A quick change of subject was in order, but before he could speak…
“Mother will be proud of what her sons have created. We saved the mortal race and started over.” Zarek spoke, and bothbrothers turned to face him. His expression was one of a god determined to right several wrongs. “Now, it is time to clean this place up.” He smiled, as did his beautiful queen who stood next to him, her hand resting on her growing belly that carried the newest prince or princess of this world and everything else beyond.
“I believe everyone should know we are here,” Qadira said as she gave a nod toward the opening outside. Two dark shadows filled the sky and the Draki––one of which was Aidyn’s mate Leria––settled at the edge of the palace. There was no way to miss their imposing figures and the power that rolled off Leria told everyone she was not only the mate of a god, she was a queen in her own right.
Hades slapped his hands together and rubbed, evil dripping off him. “Fuck, let’s start this party.”
“I concur. It’s time to find my son and his mate. Someone here knows something, and I will find them,” Argathos said.
CHAPTER TEN
Kian wasn’tcertain which disturbed him more. That a god or goddess who was likely related to him was waking or that the god of judgment was once again fucking with him. Of course, there had also been Gwen drinking from him, which left him with more than an erection. It had shaken him to his core. He shouldn’t have had the reaction he did and now he wondered if her words from earlier had merit. Was it possible she was his mate? What was special about her? Because one thing was certain, his mother would never choose someone like Gwen. No, she would be more his own choice rather than his mother’s. The goddess of destruction was all about one’s station in life and her son was to marry for that reason alone. His mother laughed at the very mention of love.
Love has no place in this world unless it’s for your children. Marriage is only for the benefit of the couple. It should bring you both more power and status, otherwise it is a waste of a good contract.
Yep, to his mother, marriage was nothing more than a piece of paper that listed one’s assets, accomplishments, and titles. Goddess Netasis was a stone-willed woman and one with little emotion except when it came to him. He often wondered whathad happened in her life that had jaded her so badly, for he struggled to believe she had always been so cold. Then again, what did he really know? He was quickly learning, not much at all.
He stared at a clearing that sat far enough back from the ocean to be safe from a rising tide. It was also out of the way from any falling rocks, but behind it was the thick forest they had walked through to get here. It wasn’t a wise choice to build a camp as it exposed their backs to possible danger. No, he would keep looking. Walking toward the cliff of sheer rock, he sensed Gwen behind him.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for a safe camp.”
She laughed. “Are you certain there is such a thing here?”
“No, but I’m hoping there might be a cave that is suitable. We need protection from as many sides as possible.” He stopped at the bluff and stared up. Flaring out his senses, he searched for anything that might resemble shelter. The light faded fast, and he had to hurry because who knew if the god of judgment might decide at any second to block all of his power. Several feet above him, he located what he was looking for. While he didn’t detect any life forms there, he still wanted to check it out before he allowed Gwen inside. He turned to her.
“I sense a cave above us. I’m going to check it out, you stay here.”
She gave a nod, even though he could tell she wanted to go with him. He was quick to use his power and flash into the cave entrance. Stepping inside, he discovered it was perfect. It went back several feet and angled slightly to the left, which was enough to block out any weather coming at them from the front. Yet, it wasn’t so big that he couldn’t keep it heated with a fire, providing there was enough ventilation to keep them from getting smoked out. There was no way anything could attackfrom their back, as the cave had a thick wall of rock behind them. Testing his power, he conjured wood and started a fire, and was pleased to see the smoke rise into an unseen vent above him. Satisfied, he flashed back down to Gwen.
“It looks perfect. I even have a fire going.” He was happy at the look of relief on her face. “I will flash us inside.”
Without a word, she stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He circled his around her waist and flashed them into the cave. For a moment, they stared at each other. Bodies still touching and friction sizzling the air. Her pupils dilated with desire, and he thought for a moment of kissing her again. He could have her. Would make her his concubine tonight in order to keep her safe from Khedeus, but it didn’t sit well with him. He wanted her, but not like this. He was in a quandary on what to do, so he moved his thoughts to more pressing matters. Testing his power to see what else he could conjure, he managed a couple of blankets for bedding, some bottled water, and a plate full of sandwiches. “Better eat, then get some rest. I’ll take first watch at the entrance.”
“Do you think something can get us way up here?” Gwen sat on a blanket and grabbed a sandwich.
“I’m not willing to risk something won’t fly right in here. We have no idea where we are or what lives here.” He took a couple of sandwiches and positioned himself where he could see both Gwen and the cave opening. It was nearly dark outside, and he sensed creatures stirring. He had a bad feeling about this place.
“Can you use something to block the opening?”
He shook his head. “Already tried to put up a shield and even a bolder to seal us in. Neither worked.” He gave a sigh. “Seems Khedeus is enjoying controlling my powers.” A teeth-chattering screech broke off his last words.
Gwen didn’t fear much,but the screech that filled the sky and echoed into the cave would be something to make her skin crawl, and it did. Setting down her sandwich, she moved closer to Kian and peered into the darkness.
“Can you see anything?” she whispered.
“Nothing.” But he procured a sword and gripped it in his right hand. “Stay behind me. Maybe if we are quiet, it won’t bother us.”
She scowled and wished for him to look at her so he might see the look on her face. “I’m a guardian. I don’t hide.” Her words got him to turn his gaze on her.
