“Where did they take the girl we rescued?”
Marcus halted. “She should be with the Chosen on the lower level.”
That was somewhat of a relief. At least she was with other humans. “Who will be guarding the compound when we all leave?”
“Aidyn has arranged for several Draki to stay behind.”
Baal rubbed his chin. “Good choice. I need to speak with the girl, I’ll catch up to you later.” He flashed to the lower level of the compound. People were parked at various tables in the large room and tapped furiously on the keys of their laptops. Some stared at the wall of monitors and whispered into headsets. Baal knew these were the worker bees and would keep their fingers on the pulse of what was going on. They had families though who must be stationed in another area and most likely that’s where he’d find Ranata.
He scanned the room and spotted Daniel seated alone at a table. Baal sidled up beside him. “Where are the other humans?”
Daniel looked up from his computer. “They are spread out all over this wing. Who you looking for?”
“The one who doesn’t belong here.”
“Ah. The dark-haired girl who looks like she’s about to freak out any minute?”
“Precisely.”
“I believe they put her down the hall in a private room.”
“Great, I’ll find her.” Baal spun on his heel and headed out of the room and into the corridor. He took in a deep breath. Being a demon came in handy, he could smell fear better than any other immortal and there was a strong scent coming from several doors down.
He snarled and moved toward the smell until he found himself standing outside a heavy door. She was on the other side, there was no doubt about it. None of the other humans in the compound would be this afraid. They were used to dealing with the supernatural. He had to remind himself he was on the good side of the fight and rein in his instinct to prey on people’s fears. He was a demon after all.
He rapped on the door. “Ranata?” Silence greeted him. It appeared she wasn’t going to answer, not that he could blame her. With a sigh he jiggled the handle. Locked.
Damn it. He was going to have to use his magic to open the door and probably terrify her further. “I’m coming in so you best make sure you’re decent.” With a quick burst of power, the lock released and he pushed open the door.
Ranata greeted him with a scowl from the chair across the room. “Have you come to release me?” Her tone was anything but pleased.
“What? No thanks for saving you?”
Fear radiated off her and turned her aura an orange-yellow encased in black yet she lifted her chin, pulled her shoulders back and tried to put on a brave front. “Thanks. Now can I leave?”
She was a strange girl, which fascinated him even more. “It’s not safe out there, which brings me to the question of how you ended up with those people?”
“Are you my father now?”
He usually had an even temper. Was even what they called easy going, but this chick was pushing his buttons, which pissed him off even more. “No, I’m not. I am however the one who saved your ass. Do you not realize what they were about to do to you?”
She shivered. Pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around herself. “I do and I’m sorry.” Tears welled up in her blue eyes. “I thought I could find my sister, but instead I only got myself into trouble.” A single drop slid down her cheek. “I’m afraid for her. What if those people sacrificed her? I need to find out and I can’t do it in here.”
Well now, didn’t he feel like a shithead? “I’m sorry about your sister. Come with me, I need to show you something.”
She stood and walked toward him. He held out his hand and she hesitated for a moment then accepted it and he led her out the door. Steered her along the same corridor he’d just come down and back to the hub of activity. He pointed to the bank of monitors on the wall. “Have you seen the world news?”
She approached with caution and slipped into a vacant chair. Her eyes glued to the TV’s as the media continued to show the masses trying to exit the city in any fashion they could. Traffic had stopped and people abandoned their cars and took to running on foot. Humans were being trampled by their own or attacked by demons. Some were dragged off screaming while others were being tortured in front of the cameras.
Baal fought to control his anger lest he frighten her more. His heart went out to all the innocents and he itched to jump into the thick of things and start slicing through evil. “It’s not safe out there.”
She looked up at him with terror-filled eyes and he wanted to scoop her up. Tell her everything would be fine, but he didn’t have a crystal ball and he wasn’t even sure the gods knew what the outcome would be. Her lip trembled. “My sister, she can’t be dead. I’d know.” She glanced around the room as if finally noticing her surroundings. “Where am I and who are all these people?”
He sighed. “It’s a rather long story and one that will have to wait for another day. Just know that you are in one of the safest places right now. As for your sister...” He couldn’t believe what he was about to say. “I’ll try and find her for you.”
Lowan’s minions along with Chaval had stormed the White House where the so-called leaders of the United States resided. The president had managed to escape, but the others had their heads removed and placed on display on the front lawn. He opened the gates and allowed the camera crews in to film what was left of the house’s residents. His demons had free reign in the major cities of the world and had been encouraged to put on a show. He wanted the world in a panic. Wanted them to see what destiny lay before them should they choose to disobey him. Soon he would step forward and offer to save them all.
He laughed as he watched the television news. Humans scurried to flee the cities like frightened rats in a maze. A few had locked themselves in their churches and other places of worship in the hope that their god would save them. Little did they realize their gods had forsaken them. Their hands tied by their own foolish laws, laws that he himself would never obey. He dared, no hoped that one of them would be so brazen as to show themselves.
“My lord, are you pleased with the outcome of things?” Raven had come up behind him and began to massage his shoulders. He reached up and cupped her hand.
“I couldn’t have asked for more. Have you decided which of the bedrooms we will occupy?” He’d been so pleased with his new mistress he had given her the task of setting up house for them. It was a small thing and it made her happy.
“Yes. I hope you like it.” She maneuvered around in front of him and slid into his lap.
“Does it please you?”
She gave him a wide smile. “Very much.”
“Good. In a few days, things will calm and you can go out and shop for new clothes. You just let me know where you’d like to go and I’ll have Chaval find you an escort.”
Her eyes lit up. “Oh, thank you.”
Lowan found he enjoyed Raven’s company. She made no demands of him and obeyed his every whim so he wanted to spoil her. He’d spent many years without a female while trapped in his hellish prison. When it had become too much, he’d taken demon lovers but quickly grew tired and disposed of them. Human females were rare in his realm and the ones that did show up had their own grand visions of ruling.
He turned back to the broadcast. “Tell me, Raven. Does all of this frighten you?”
“No, my lord. Should I be frightened?”
“Not as long as you obey me and take care I never grow tired of you.” He focused his gaze back to her. “Disappoint me and I will snap you like a twig and not think twice about it. I don’t love, Raven. I find the emotion a waste of time.” He’d given his love to one woman. His mother and she had been a failure. Never again would he be so stupid.
Katie left the comfort of the bed and already ached to crawl back in and snuggle into Seth’s warmth. “We should dress and I’ll take us to where the Throne room is.”
His eyes swirled with des
ire as he watched her cross the room. “I like you naked. We could always perform the ceremony in the nude.”
“Um, no. Don’t get me wrong, I could look at you naked all day long, but what if we end up with company?” She was pretty sure if any of the other females were to see his glorious body, her Phoenix would come unglued and that wouldn’t be a pretty sight.
He snarled. “Point taken. Any male who lays eyes on you unclothed will have to die by my hand.” He rose. “Be right back.” He flashed out of the room, Katie assumed to find his clothes.
She tapped her finger on her chin. “What to wear?” Flashed to the walk-in closet and flipped through the gowns that lined one side. She chose a strapless black chiffon with a sheer gold lace overlay on the bodice that allowed the color underneath to show through. A thin gold belt settled at the waist. She eyed the gold and black heels. “Perfect.”
Katie slipped into the dress then pulled on the shoes and buckled the gold strap across her ankle. She turned her attention to the jewelry hutch in the corner of the room. The thing was the size of a wardrobe.
“I have to see what’s in there.” She glided over and pulled open the door. The glare from diamonds, rubies, emeralds and nearly every stone known to man hurt her eyes. But it was a pair of gold bands that caught her attention. She lifted the cuffs from their velvet-covered perch and placed one on each wrist then nodded in satisfaction.
Since she didn’t have time to fuss, she used a little magic to sweep her hair up into a mass of curls that cascaded from the crown of her head downward. She moved in front of the mirror to examine her work.
“Stunning.” The deep voice behind her purred.
She whirled to face Seth. “Do you like it?”
“You are a vision of perfection.”
“Thanks.” She scrunched her nose. “Why the hell are you wearing that?” He had put back on his jeans and tee. That simply wouldn’t do, not when she’d dressed up.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be wearing our traditional garb. Just take me to the site and I’ll change.”
“Thank gods. Okay, let’s go.” She touched his arm then hesitated. “Are you sure?”
He cupped her cheek. “I love you and I’ll be damned if I’ll let you go again. My stubbornness has already cost us time together. Let’s go before someone calls me back.”
She nodded then flashed them to the location where Zarek had placed the Throne room. Inside she was slightly taken by surprise by the vastness. Red carpet blanketed the floor and marble columns lined both sides of the room. A large golden throne adorned the end of the room with twin onyx statues of a Horus guard on either side.
“It looks just as I remember. Wait here and I’ll change.” Seth stepped into a side room before Katie could even answer.
She ran her hand along the smooth surface of the marble pillar next to her and stared out the window. The sun shone in a clear blue sky with only a smattering of white clouds. She wondered if the weather in the Temple of the Gods was always so perfect. She heard the door open and spun to see what Seth was wearing.
Her mouth watered as her gaze roamed from his deep blue eyes then down along his half naked flesh. She worried if they’d make it through the ceremony. “Wow. I was not expecting that. You look like an Egyptian god.” He wore a black linen shendyt that featured a gold medallion of the sun fastened to the front. His bronze muscular chest was bare except for the emerald green feathers dipped in gold that formed a collar around his neck and the gold band on each bicep. Perfect blue eyes lined with Kohl stared at her.
“Careful, I see a spot of drool on the corner of your mouth.” He chuckled.
“That’s because you look good enough to lick.”
He laughed again and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
She touched his bicep just below the gold band. “Yes, and I must say, seeing you laugh does my heart good.”
“It’s all because of you that I am finally able to enjoy my life.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
He doubted she had any real idea how much she had changed his life. He still didn’t feel he deserved her, but as he escorted her down the red carpet toward the throne, he was happy as hell she belonged to him.
As they passed the third window, bursts of light dotted the room and took shape. Argathos and Qadira, along with several of the other gods and goddesses appeared before them. Aidyn flashed in and stood beside the throne.
Katie looked at Aidyn. “I thought you were fighting?”
“I summoned him.” Zarek spoke and all dropped to one knee. He motioned for them to stand. “We cannot have a mating without the guardians’ leader.”
Aidyn smiled. “I would not wish to miss this. The others send their love, but had to stay behind.” He moved to Seth and pulled him close. “I have waited a long time for this day my friend, but you have waited a lifetime.” He released Seth then stepped in front of Katie and kissed her cheek. “You are the perfect match and I know you will keep him on his toes.”
The guardian king waved the couple to step over the eye of Ra embedded into the marble floor in the center of the room. Seth took Katie’s hand and guided her into position next to him and both faced the dais.
Aidyn moved back to his throne. “Kneel before your gods and king,” he commanded.
Seth and Katie knelt and bowed their heads, hands still joined. Aidyn took his seat and Zarek stepped in front of them.
“Seth, my son. The day I picked up the darkness and cupped it in my hand began your creation. Vivian was the light that balanced you. Each of my guardians carries a piece of you and her. She loved you and would be very proud of the warrior you have become. You have suffered alone for far too long so I am happy to bestow upon you a mate, but not simply any mate. One who is a goddess in her own right, one befitting an ancient such as yourself. Do you accept her as your own and promise to protect her?”
“Yes, my lord.” He raised his head to look over at Katie. “Until my last breath.”
“Then proceed.” Zarek flashed back to his position next to Aidyn and Ranis appeared.
“I am Ranis, god of darkness. I bring you the king’s dagger.”
Seth accepted the blade that was only used for the mating ceremony and clutched its gold handle. He turned Katie’s hand, palm upward. “You can still back out.”
She smiled and shook her head. “Not a chance in hell. You’re stuck with me.”
He made a quick slice across her palm then repeated the process on his own. He placed his hand over hers. “With every drop of blood, I bind myself to thee for all eternity. I place your life and happiness above my own. I freely give my heart, my soul and my undying love. I willingly sacrifice my own life to protect you and our children. Should your soul leave this world, I will follow you into the next life.”
Something inside him stirred and he realized it was part of her soul. He felt her as if they were one and it took his breath away. He had known what the ritual entailed, but never imagined it would be like this. He handed the dagger back to Ranis and cupped Katie’s cheek with his free hand.
“I know we have had a rocky start, but I give you all that I am. You complete me, Kaitlyn Ruiz.” He liked how her name rolled off his tongue.
Zarek moved in front of them and placed his hand on Katie’s head. “Kaitlyn, daughter of the Phoenix.”
She hissed as the mark was placed on her right shoulder blade. A replica of Seth’s tattoo to show they were mated. Her Sphinx however, was being watched over by a flying Phoenix rather than the eye of Ra.
“You are a goddess, therefore you must take care when interfering in the matters of the guardians. There are repercussions not even I can foresee. The safety of your mate should always come first, but be wise and know that you cannot slay another god to save him. Our laws bind you and breaking them could mean your death. You will pledge your loyalty and protection to their king, just as you do to myself. Do you agree to this?” Zarek asked.
She chewed her bottom lip and Seth knew it w
as going to be difficult to give up something she’d grown to love. She would no longer be allowed to fight the demons.
I will find those that killed your father and seek retribution for you.
Her eyes met his and they were filled with gratitude. “I will pledge my loyalty to their king and to you.”
“Then go to him and give him your vow.” Zarek stepped back.
Katie rose and walked to the throne where she bent to one knee at Aidyn’s feet. Bit her wrist and offered him her blood. He took her hand and drank from her for several seconds before he released her then stood, pulling her to her feet. “Welcome to the family. I’m sorry that this ceremony had to be overshadowed by the current events. The others really wanted to be here.”
“We both understand,” Seth replied.
“Good, and I’m afraid I have to cut my visit short. Lucan has the water and I must appear on public broadcast tomorrow.” Aidyn smacked Seth on the shoulder. “You stay here with your mate for as long as you need. At this point one more body isn’t going to make much difference.”
“Thank you. So, the people will know the truth about us?” Seth asked.
Aidyn nodded. “Let’s hope they don’t damn us along with them.” He flashed away, and the gods followed behind him. Katie and Seth were left alone in the vast, open room.
“I heard. So tomorrow the world will know that guardian angels are real.” Katie smiled.
He couldn’t help snarling. “Tomorrow they will know that vampires who feed from them exist. I’ve lived long enough to know this will not end well.”
Katie knew he was right. Humanity had proved time and time again that many of them couldn’t adjust to change. “You should go.”
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