I cleared my throat. “They wouldn’t let me go after you.”
“Why?”
“Oh, you know, a weak excuse. Something about my emotions for you overshadowing my duty and all that.”
She grinned. “Because you love me.”
“Yes, because I love you.” It felt so good to say it out loud again. I held her in my arms and inhaled her scent. “Please don’t scare me like that ever again.”
“I live to keep you on your toes.”
“Thanks,” I muttered, unable to keep my hands from traveling down her arms just to make sure she was really whole and not still bleeding or in pieces. It had taken a few minutes for Raphael’s healing to kick in.
A knock sounded at the door. I relinquished my hold on Athena and looked across the room.
Seth stood there, a sheepish grin on his face. He looked like crap. But, I would too if I had bled myself dry. He was still unable to do much except walk around. I knew he was bored out of his mind because he reminded me of it every time I visited him and didn’t play cards.
“Seth.” Athena grinned so brightly I nearly fell off my chair. “I missed you.”
I fought the urge to punch Seth in the face.
“I missed you too,” he said, a look of confusion spreading across his face as his eyes flickered to me and then back to Athena. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay.”
Athena sighed. “I’m great. Thanks to you.”
Seth blushed. “Not a problem.”
The room fell silent as they both looked at me.
I felt like I wasn’t wanted. I cleared my throat. “I, uh, I need to go check on something.” I stepped out of the room and went in search of Michael.
Once I reached his door, I knocked, then let myself in. He was, of course, waiting for me. It was as if he knew my every move.
“I take it you know,” Michael said once I took a seat.
“Know?” I repeated.
For once Michael looked uncertain; his eyes shifted from me to the door and back again. “About Seth and Athena?”
“Do we need to use their names in the same sentence right now?” I asked sarcastically.
Michael didn’t look amused, in fact he looked worried.
I put my hands in the air. “I was joking. What’s wrong?”
Michael scratched his head. “When Seth gave his blood to Athena, it was more powerful than, as a Seeker, what she is used to.”
“Makes sense.” I nodded. “He used to be an archangel, so I can understand that on a molecular level it would be different. Will it hurt her?”
Michael shook his head. “No, just the opposite. She will be even better at her job. If that’s possible.”
We laughed together, and then the room fell silent again.
“It created a bond,” he said quietly.
“A bond?” I repeated. “Like a brother-sister bond?” Please say yes, please say yes.
“No,” Michael said. “A little stronger than that. You see, as partners, you and Athena complement each other. She needs you to be stronger. She relies on you to be the best she can be.”
I licked my lips. “Does she need me anymore?”
“Of course!” Michael laughed. “Now more than ever!”
“Why more than ever?”
And why was Michael shifting so much in his seat, like I was going to explode at any minute?
“Because Seth needs Athena the way Athena needs you.”
“Come again?”
“Because she has nearly all of his original blood. She brings him comfort, healing, companionship. She is his other half.”
“But she’s my other half,” I argued.
“I know.” Michael sighed. “In a way, the three of you need each other.”
“No.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“But what about…” My mind immediately went to my ideas for Athena. I wanted us to be together, forever, and my little fantasy didn’t include Seth tagging along like some third wheel.
“If Seth doesn’t have Athena, he will eventually succumb to the Darkness, Adonis. I’m sorry to say, but where you two go, he follows.”
I looked around the room for something to throw. But the only thing I could think of was the chair I was sitting in, and I didn’t think Michael would approve of my childishness or immature response.
“I know you need some time to process this, and I am sorry that you have this burden.”
“I just want her heart,” I said softly, walking to the door.
“Son, sometimes there are things worth fighting for.”
I nodded and made my way back to Athena’s room.
Seth was already gone; she was lying in her bed staring out the window at the dark ocean. A whale swam by. She smiled and sighed.
“Daydreaming?” I asked taking a seat next to her.
“I guess.” She shrugged then looked at me, her eyes violet. “Seth told me about… the blood thing.”
“Did he now?” I tried to keep the bitterness from my voice but was doing a terrible job.
Athena reached for my hand. “It changes nothing, Adonis. You know how I feel about you.”
“Do I?” I shook my head, disgusted with myself for being so insecure.
“I love you.” She leaned forward and kissed me, her lips so soft against mine that for a second I felt like I was on some sort of drug, unable to decipher between reality and fantasy.
I ended the kiss with a groan of frustration.
“We have a long road ahead of us.” She bit her lip. “More battles to fight now that Aphrodite and Narcissus have gone to the Phantoms.”
Seth came into the room looking less than pleased that I was kissing Athena.
“Hey, blood partner.” He winked.
Not one to normally resort to violence, I shocked myself when I reached for the dagger on the dresser.
Seth lifted his hands in the air and smirked.
We’d all be lucky if he made it to the end of the week without landing on the opposite end of one of my swords.
“I just wanted to see if you guys were up for a little mission,” Seth said. “Apparently, the Twelve are having a little issue, and Alexander needs our help.”
“A vampire?” Athena’s eyes narrowed.
“Not technically,” I answered. “They’re like me. Different, but not really an abomination. If they feed on too much blood or drain themselves in sacrifice then they turn into Nephilim, consumed by thoughts of Darkness. So as long as Alexander keeps order, there is nothing to fear.”
Athena chewed on her lower lip. “And what if chaos breaks out amongst the different families? What happens then?”
Seth raised his hand. “I can answer that. War. Lots and lots of war. Michael wants to prevent that from happening. They’ve been one of El’s best kept secrets. We mean to keep it that way. Besides…” Seth shrugged. “They aren’t fighters, they’re intellectuals. Want to know how to cure cancer? Just ask Alexander. They know all. It’s kind of sickening.”
Athena moved from the bed and grabbed her dagger. “Well? What are you guys waiting for?”
“That’s my girl.” I kissed the top of her head and noticed Seth flinch as if in pain.
“I’ll just give you guys a moment.” Seth excused himself and left me alone with Athena.
She was artful perfection.
“I’ll stand by you for an eternity.” I took her mouth and sucked on the honey of her tongue before cupping her face with my hands.
“Promise?” she whispered against my lips.
“Promise.” I pulled her in for one last kiss, allowing that kiss to cloud the fear of what tomorrow held.
For right now, I had the love of my life, my partner, my soul mate. That was enough. For now.
Be looking for the sequel to Divine Uprising,
the story of Alexander King,
coming soon!
About the Author
Rachel Van Dyken is the New
York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandyken.com
Also by Rachel Van Dyken:
The Ugly Duckling Debutante
The Seduction of Sebastian St. James
The Redemption of Lord Rawlings
Every Girl Does it
The Parting Gift
Waltzing With the Wallflower
Savage Winter
Upon A Midnight Dream
Whispered Music
Beguiling Bridget
Taming Wilde
Compromising Kessen
The Devil Duke Takes a Bride
The Bet
Elite
Tear: A Seaside Novel
Pull: A Seaside Novel
Shatter: A Seaside Novel
Also by Rachel Van Dyken:
Prologue
“Kyle, run! You have to run!” Kaden screamed in my face, trying to raise his voice above the windstorm ripping through the trees. The Empirical Enforcement Squad was fast approaching. I couldn’t hear them, but the black uniforms were spotted through the thick forest like a warning beacon.
“Kyle! Didn’t you hear me?” Kaden took me by the shoulders and gave me a large shove towards the north forest. “If they catch you, you’re as good as dead.” A tear ran down his cheek and rolled across his quivering lip.
With a cry, I flung my arms around his shoulders and let out a sob before turning on my heel and running.
I had to go. I had to escape the Enforcers. Most of the little girls they caught died in their hands, ravaged and then killed. The ones who lived ended up taking their own lives. It was not an option for me, nor for my best friend, who was doing his utmost to push me into the shadow of the trees.
I knew what he was doing.
Sacrificing his life, so I could have mine.
For the fate of little boys was worse than girls.
Slavery.
And I knew Kaden would rather die than be a slave. Naturally, they would oblige him. And it would be my fault. All because I was out picking berries and daydreaming in the forest past curfew. But all of that didn’t matter, not now, when I was literally watching my life play out in front of my very eyes.
I let out a pitiful scream as I reached the edge of the woods. There was a clearing directly in front of me, and the forest continued to the right. I quickly calculated my chances in the forest and then in the clearing.
The clearing had a large lake I could run around and possibly hide in, that was if they didn’t stop and search for me. Once in the clearing it would be possible to outrun the Enforcers and their ships, for they moved slower over water. None of us really knew why. It was just a fact.
My lungs burned in protest as my tired legs urged me forward. My feet caught a branch, surging me forward towards the sharply-wooded forest floor.
I screamed from the impact and warm blood trickled down both of my legs. I paused to take a look at the large wounds on my shins and frantically brushed away the dirt near the cuts.
I had no time left. I could hear the shouting. With a whimper, I scrambled underneath a rock ledge and peered over. The ledge shielded me from being seen but smelled musty and old. Thoughts of snakes and rats flooded my brain, but I had to stay safe. My gaze locked on movement from where I had just run.
Kaden was leaning against one of the trees. I could make out his devastating features. With brown hair and warm eyes, he was so handsome it was hard not to tremble in his presence. His strong arms braced across his chest, and a mocking smile firmly in place.
I watched in horror as two of the Enforcers approached the trees next to Kaden. His expression was strong, unwavering. I would always remember him that way—courageous.
He looked like a warrior. A feeling of self sufficiency washed over me. It was the first time in my short life that I felt grown up, even if it hadn’t been of my own choosing. At only thirteen and fifteen, we had been forced to grow up before our time. To provide for our mothers who, when they gave birth, often faced the perils of death from lack of medical supplies. And to give food to our brothers and sisters, all in hope that one day we would be free from the tyrannical government of the West Republic.
Kaden didn’t even scream as the Enforcer slapped him across the face. Nor did he flinch when the man spit on him, the saliva mingling with the blood tricking down his chiseled jaw.
At fifteen, Kaden was the eldest of my friends. I had always been half in love with him. But what girl wouldn’t be? He had helped feed my family for the past five years when my father was unable to work. He was so protective, so gallant. If only it wouldn’t have cost him his life.
I crouched closer to the ground. Pine needles brushed against my legs, burning my flesh. I had always been allergic, and now it seemed to flare to life at the worst of times.
I reached down and rubbed the exposed part of my legs to relieve some of the pain, cursing my stupidity at wearing such tattered pants out in the woods.
Kaden swore as the Enforcer grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. The black of his uniform burned my eyes in all of its symbolism, like death had descended upon us. The Enforcer’s gloved hands clenched around Kadens’ face as he asked about me. My gaze darted to the horrific scene, watching my world crumble. Each piece hit the floor until finally there was nothing left.
Kaden lunged for the man but was subdued by another hit to the head.
I froze.
Kaden looked the man in the eye and smiled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Perhaps you’re mistaken?”
The Enforcer swore and punched Kaden in the stomach. I had to fight the bile building in my throat. Extreme nausea overcame me. How could a person be so cruel? I was one girl. What worth was I to the Republic? One girl couldn’t cause so much harm as they thought. After all, girls were worth nothing to the government, merely slaves or a means to providing more heirs to the empire. I knew it was just the fact that they lost me, and they would suffer the consequences. Nothing more, nothing less.
It had to be.
“I’ll ask you one more time—where is the girl?” The Enforcer seemed to enjoy inflicting pain on Kaden. His smile wide as he continued to deliver blows to Kaden’s body.
Kaden grinned. “I’ll tell you one more time. I have no idea what girl you’re talking about.”
“So you’ll die,” the man said plainly.
“So I will,” Kaden answered.
A scream erupted from my throat before I could stop it. Without warning, Enforcers came crushing around me, dragging me to my feet, and pulling me towards the ship. “No! No! Kaden!” I yelled and begged, but Kaden was nowhere to be found. I gave myself up in vain with the small hope that at least my sacrifice would save his life.
Finally as Enforcers began to circle me, knives raised, I caught a glimpse of his white shirt amongst all the darkness of the Empire’s death squad.
I pushed at the Enforcer. If only I could keep my gaze on Kaden, then he would be safe. The forest buzzed to life with the Enforcer ship whipping the trees. My eyes stung from swirling debris, trying to stay open. Kaden disappeared behind the black uniforms, then appeared again as the Enforcer lifted me into the ship.
Two men approached Kaden. The first struck him across the face causing him to stumble to the ground. The second man pulled out a red dagger.
The last thing I saw was Kaden being stabbed in the back. A dark Enforcer knife lodged in his flesh. I couldn’t tell where the knife began and Kaden ended.
My world went black.
Chapter One
Six years later
I yawned as the scent of water lilies and lilacs wafted into my room. It was more of a prison, but I never said the word
aloud lest I upset my adopted family and cause my own death.
I was already in trouble for trying to leave the castle grounds without Lex’s commanding presence. He was my own private security detail and an all around easy guy to get along with—at least when he was in a good mood, which, lucky for me, was often. I read to him, and he took me wherever I wanted to go.
Those in the service of the West Republic were never allowed an education. It was the one way the Republic was able to keep order within the realm. If servants were not educated, then they lacked the knowledge to rise up against authority.
I, of course, was an exception, considering I was captured at such a young age. The Emperor never told me why he spared my life, or why I was to be untouched by any of the Enforcers. Only that I had a specific destiny, one that even he could not reveal to me until the time came.
He’s old. That’s why I often credited his odd ramblings to his senile mind. After all, what could one girl possibly do that would affect the world in any way?
Besides, that life was gone. It was taken from me the day they killed my best friend. Tears burned my eyes at the sudden memory. Six years was a long time to mourn the loss of a friend, but at night the tears still rolled down my cheeks, the smell of pine needles wafted into my consciousness, and the absolute terror that gripped my chest the moment Kaden was ripped from this world all came back.
I would never see his playful smile again. It had always seemed to make my days better when I could start off the morning with Kaden greeting me or teasing me. His smile had been devastating, innocent but at the same time secretive and sensual. Yet nothing compared to the way his hand felt in mine. I shuddered, never again would the warmth of his tight embrace surround me.
He had given me my first kiss that year.
We were hunting for squirrels. He’d stopped to pick up a smooth stone—I always collected smooth stones for my slingshot. He’d handed it to me and then kept hanging on to my hand.
He had said, “I know right now it doesn’t make sense to you. But I pledge my life to yours.” His green eyes had twinkled, and I loved the way that he made me feel, as if I was the most beautiful girl in the world.
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