She smiled. “My lord, I have your bath ready for you.” She approached. “May I undress you and help you bathe?”
He ran his tongue over his fangs. “You may, but you will disrobe first so I can have the pleasure of looking upon your naked body.”
“As you wish.” She untied the belt and let the robe slip off her shoulders and pool on the floor.
Lowan pulled in a deep breath as she reached for his chest shield, unbuckled the leather bands and pulled it free. Next, she removed his shirt followed by his leather pants and when he was left standing naked, his erection jutting out it was her turn to inhale sharply. She took his hand and led him across the stone floor, down the stairs and into the bath.
“You do realize that tonight you will lose your virginity to me?” He sat on one of the built-in seats, the hot water a relief on his aching muscles. Even though he was a demigod, he had mostly fought by hand using his sword and dagger. Needed the feel of bone and flesh tearing under his physical power in order to sate his desire to destroy the guardians.
“Yes, my lord.” She ran a bar of soap across his chest, followed by a cloth. Her touch gentle and he wondered if she realized when he took her he would be anything but.
Chapter Twenty
Katie was burning alive. This had to be what Gwen meant by the vision she had of her on fire, because that was how she felt. The guardian swathed a cool, moist cloth across her forehead, but it heated up as quickly as it was placed there.
“Maybe I should send for some ice,” Gwen said.
“I can't believe the bastard is going to leave me to die after I saved his sorry ass.” Katie was grateful Gwen had excellent hearing since her voice came out as barely a whisper.
“I'm sure he'll be back any minute.” Katie didn’t think Gwen believed it any more than she did. He would have come back by now.
Aidyn entered the room. “Any changes?”
Gwen shook her head.
He sighed. “Then you have to take my blood and see if we can slow this.”
“Fine,” Katie croaked out.
Gwen got up from the edge of the bed and Aidyn took her place. He bit his wrist and placed it over her mouth. She drank, but he didn't taste like Seth. It wasn't bad, but not the same. As the blood coated her throat her skin cooled, but it still wasn't normal.
“I read the book. We need to get you to the temple.”
“You know where it is?”
Aidyn gave a nod. She couldn't help notice how handsome he was. Chocolate eyes with collar-length, brown, wavy hair and like all the other men he was stacked with muscle. She didn't think there was an ugly duckling among them. Funny how he didn't stir the fire between her legs like Seth had. None of them did.
“I've seen the Phoenix god’s temple. It sits off by itself. Do you feel well enough to go?”
She pushed herself to sitting. What choice did she have? She needed to go. Maybe they’d find some other answers that weren't in the book. “I'm ready whenever you are.”
Aidyn helped her stand. Placed a strong arm around her waist and flashed them from the room. Moments later they stood inside a large, open portico that reminded her of the many photos she’d seen of Greek architecture. The floors and columns made of white marble with veins of red, orange and black running through. A bronze statue of the Phoenix, its beak stretched to the sky, wings spread wide perched majestically in the center of a fountain. Water bubbled around its taloned feet.
Katie walked to it and stared up at the beast, mesmerized by its beauty.
“This would be your father’s home,” Aidyn spoke softly.
She turned to look at him. “Have you ever been in here?”
“No. It always felt like sacred ground so I never dared approach.” He grinned. “Though I’ve always been drawn to it and curious about its contents.”
“Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to poke around,” she replied and walked toward a wide opening that led inside. Once past the archway, she took two steps down into a sunken room covered in plush cream-colored carpet and throw pillows of various sizes. Their vibrant hues jumped out against the pale flooring. A mural covered one wall and depicted the Phoenix in its bird form transforming into a man then to fire only to start over again.
She shivered and rubbed her arms. “This place feels so desolate. I keep expecting someone to greet us yet no one does.”
“I know the feeling. Let’s keep looking.”
Katie followed Aidyn across the room and down a wide corridor until they came upon what must have been the god’s throne.
“It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed then rushed forward until she stood in front of it and reached out to touch it but hesitated.
“I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt if you sat in it.” Aidyn nudged her.
She shook her head. “Oh, that seems wrong.” Though her heart ached to do so. Instead she fingered the large, gold-leaf Phoenix symbol that adorned the high back of the seat. Her father had sat here and it was the one thing she was positive he had touched. She fought the tears that filled her eyes. “I wish I could have known him.”
A strong hand touched her shoulder. “Katie. Something tells me your father would be proud to have you sit here. After all, you are the first of his children to actually grace his palace.”
She swallowed and turned. Placed her sweaty palms on the chair’s arms and lowered herself until her behind hit the red velvet cushion. She closed her eyes. Love, like she’d never experienced wrapped around her and bathed her in its essence. She gasped as visions of a majestic bird with feathers of orange, red and blue soaring through the air filled her head. Fire blazed from the tips of its wings and tail, yet left the bird unscathed. Was it a vision of the father she never knew?
She opened her eyes and let the tears spill. “I cannot fail. Somehow, I have to find a way to make this work.” Seth would come. He had to.
“I wish I could help you,” Aidyn replied.
Katie stood. “You have already done so much for me. I could never ask you to tie yourself to me for all eternity.” She stepped down and a wave of dizziness passed over her causing her to stumble. Aidyn caught her in his arms.
“You are becoming ill again.”
She straightened herself. “I’ll be fine. We should locate the altar.”
He nodded. “Take my arm then.”
She wrapped her hand around his bicep and they walked from the room. Headed down another corridor in search of the sacrificial altar. The place where the book had indicated she would have to make her transformation.
“Most altars are outside.” Aidyn led her through another open archway and into a courtyard. Statues of Ra in black and gold marble lined the walk on either side. “I’d say we are in the correct area.”
Katie looked up at the towering sculptures. “I feel like they are watching us.” A shiver started at the nape of her neck and skittered down her spine.
Aidyn gave out a halfhearted laugh. “I have no doubt we are being watched.” He pointed. “Over there. That’s the altar.”
Her gaze followed his direction and landed on a black marble slab that rose at least three feet into the air and was maybe ten feet long. It was adorned with a gold Phoenix emblem on the front and sat in the middle of a ring of red slate tiles. She quickly realized the thundering in her chest was her heart. For some reason she half expected if she were to look at the top of the altar, she would find bloodstains. Isn’t that what the movies always showed?
The ground shook beneath their feet, followed by a loud rumble that lasted for several seconds and the sky grew black. Katie clutched Aidyn’s arm to keep herself steady and stomp down her panic.
“What the hell’s happening?” No sooner had she posed the question than everything quieted. The sky returned to a brilliant blue.
“Dear gods, it’s started. That was Hell’s gate opening.” Aidyn met her with panic in his eyes. “Lowan has entered the human realm.”
Seth picked himself up off the floor. The shakin
g had been so bad it had knocked him from his bed. He rubbed his eyes and cursed Baal for the pills Baal had given him last night. The bastard had forgotten to mention that along with the ability to get drunk came a hangover. He rubbed his temples and sent a thousand curses to the demon. “May every woman you attempt to bed, tell you to go fuck yourself.” Clawing at the bed he pulled himself back up and plopped on the lumpy mattress. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Son of a bitch. Even my hair hurts.” He questioned the sanity of every living human who put themselves through the drinking ritual on a weekly basis. “And they call me loco.” He dropped his head into his hands, but then jerked up. Realization had taken a moment to sink in through the fog that surrounded his mind.
“Dear gods, Hell’s gate.” He opened his mind to his brethren and it was a jumbled mess of voices. It seemed everyone was trying to communicate at the same time and for a brief moment he found it comforting after having withdrawals from the ones he’d lived with for so long. To some silence was golden, but to him it would take another lifetime to get used to.
He shook his head and slammed the barrier back down so he could search for his link to Katie. Last night he might have wished himself gone from the world, but today he was still here and humanity needed him. Katie needed him. He was a warrior and duty called. In seconds he found the link to her and flashed from the boarding room. Spotted her in the arms of his king and he couldn’t stop the snarl that formed on his lips as he strode toward them. Once he reached them, they pulled apart and he had to remind himself it was only a harmless gesture and he owed Aidyn everything.
Seth dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “My lord. Please accept my humble apology for my actions against you earlier.” Deep down he knew Aidyn didn’t give a shit, but respect meant everything to Seth and he refused to give up their customs. “I willingly accept your punishment.”
“Look at me,” Aidyn commanded.
Seth raised his head.
“You have been punished enough in your lifetime. I only want to know one thing.”
“Yes, my lord?”
“Are you well?”
Seth nodded. It was just like Aidyn to worry for him and everything else be damned. “Other than what the mortals call a hangover, I’m happy to report the voices are gone.”
A smile spread wide. “Stand up.”
Seth pushed off on his right foot and rose. Aidyn pulled him into an embrace. “If you ever scare me like that again I will kick your ass from one end of this realm into the next.” He released him. “So, you took the purple pill? I thought you knew Baal was trouble.”
“I will keep the ass kicking in mind and I can only hope the demon feels a thousand times worse than me.” He cleared his throat. “May I be alone with Katie?”
Aidyn winked. “It’s about fucking time.” He turned to Katie. “Don’t take any of his shit and good luck. We will all be holding our breath.” He flashed away and left Seth to deal with the wrath of a woman scorned.
She crossed her arms over her chest and glared. Yeah, he’d rather fight twenty demons than take on her fury.
“I’m sorry.”
Her lips thinned before she pulled the bottom one through her teeth and hissed. “I should kick your ass.”
“I have a better idea.”
“And that would be?” Her glare never wavered.
“Give me a chance to make it right.”
Her features softened. “Why did you leave anyway? I figured you left me for dead.”
He closed in on her yet kept his hands at his side. He didn’t want to push it. “I have lived a very long time with the voices. When they were suddenly gone, it was like I lost a part of myself. I still don’t know who the hell I am anymore. I needed some time alone.”
She drummed her fingers on her arm and exhaled. Loudly. “I guess it would be weird for you. Still, we worried. You could have at least let everyone know you were all right.” For the first time she looked away and appeared uncomfortable. “So now what?”
He lifted the corner of his mouth. “I could toss you up on the altar and make you sacrifice your body to me.”
She licked her lips. “And what makes you think I would want that?”
“Before, I could smell your arousal. Since having your blood, I can also feel it.” He stepped closer. “And let’s not forget, I own your body and you crave mine.”
She moved back. “Be serious. Aidyn said Hell’s gate opened. We need to do something.”
It was his turn to sigh. “I need to start your transformation.”
“Drink my blood until my heart stops.” She laid her hand on the altar. “Here, so I can become whatever the hell I’m supposed to be and hopefully wake my father.”
“Yes, but did you forget that sex is part of the mating? No matter what has happened, you are still mine and in order for me to begin your change I must pleasure you.” This time he swept in and pinned her to the altar. His erection ground into her.
“B-but it will not bind us totally, correct?”
She didn’t want to be tied to him. Could he blame her? Not really. His sanity was still debatable and who knew what he was capable of at any second of the day. Still, he couldn’t help the small pang in his chest. He wanted to make her his. Instinct drove him to claim her completely and perhaps a piece of his heart did as well.
“No, without the ceremony we will not be completely bound together. Your soul will still be intact, sweet Kaitlyn.” He couldn’t help the sharp tone in his voice.
She pressed her palms against his chest and before he knew what hit him she gathered the fabric of his tee in her fists and pulled him closer. Her mouth found his and her tongue delved. Her desperation was evident in both her kiss and her musky scent. While he loved that she was sure enough to take control, he would not allow it. She’d know pleasure like none she’d ever experienced before and she would know it from him.
With a snarl he broke free of the kiss, grabbed the neckline of her shirt and ripped it from her body. “Too many clothes.” Next came the bra, which ended up in tatters on the ground. Her breasts finally bare to him, he gripped her wrists and held them to her side as he dipped his head and ran his tongue across her nipple.
She moaned.
He swirled his tongue around the protrusion until it hardened into a tight peak then sucked it into his mouth.
She arched her back and pressed into him.
He let his fangs descend and lightly scraped them over her nipple.
She whimpered.
He pulled free and looked into her blue eyes. Her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. “At this moment I own you. I will bend your body to my will and your orgasm will be mine to command.” He dipped his head and suckled her other nipple before he broke free.
Her eyes darkened with desire. It was evident she wanted him to take charge. Katie was the type of woman who ran everything and for once Seth would give her the gift of totally letting go and handing over control.
He scraped his fangs up her neck until he reached her ear. He nipped the lobe. “Take off your pants,” he whispered. He let go of her wrists and took one step back to give her room to obey him.
She didn’t hesitate to reach for the button on her jeans and pull it free, lower the zipper and push the fabric past her hips along with her panties. In seconds she stood before him, naked and looking like the goddess she was. He was quick to forget all his other troubles.
Chapter Twenty-One
Seth’s eyes raked over her and took in every inch of her nakedness. Katie should have been uncomfortable standing in a foreign place with a man she’d only known a short time. Yet every part of her yearned for him and it was all she could do to remain still. Besides, it wasn’t like they hadn’t had sex already. Mind-blowing sex to be exact.
She glanced at his erection. “Are you going to keep those clothes on?”
He grinned, showing a peek of fang and the thought of those points in her neck again heated her sex.
“If y
ou want them off you need to come here and strip me.”
She wasted no time and practically lunged at him. Grabbed the hem of his tee, pulled it free from his jeans and had it over his head in seconds.
“I would have ruined it like you did mine, but I’m afraid I would have embarrassed myself with my lack of strength.”
He chuckled.
She traced lines down his chest until her fingers reached the top of his jeans. With a flick of her wrist she unbuckled the belt, worked the denim’s rivet through the hole and pulled down the zipper. His erection strained to free itself so she quickly shoved his jeans to his ankles. She eyed the black biker boots.
“Um, I could use a little help.”
Seth toed off each boot and kicked them aside and she was free to finish undressing him. Unlike before, when they’d been in a dimly lit tomb, she could see him more clearly. His body was perfection and rivaled that of any mythical god. Her gaze caught the tattoo on his left bicep. She ran her fingertips over the black ink. A winged Sphinx with an eye above it.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It was given to me on the day of my creation.”
“Does it have a meaning then?” She became mesmerized by it.
“Yes. The Sphinx means guardian of the king and the eye of Ra is for his daughter, Vivian.”
She tilted her head to study it further. “I met her.”
He gripped her upper arms. “What do you mean? I killed her.”
“She was the one who came to me when I was trapped. Gave me the ability to read the book and the power I had. She told me what happened. Well, not in words, but gave me the knowledge.”
His grip loosened and he dropped his gaze to the ground as if ashamed of his actions that day. “She lives?”
“Not in the same sense as you or I, but she was real. Perhaps she moved on.” She cupped his face and forced him to look at her. “You didn’t kill her; not like you think. She wanted me to save you.”
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