“We can bring her to Darkness,” Eclipse offered before realizing the words had been hanging on the tip of his tongue.
Orianna’s head snapped over, her mouth hanging open, shock stretching her delicate skin tight around her eyes.
“She’s your mother, Orianna. I know you’ve taken care of her most of your life. If you want her close, we’ll bring her to Darkness.”
A strangled laugh escaped. “I’m not sure how well that’ll go over. Elizabeth might live in a drug-induced haze, but I’m pretty sure she’ll catch on to the fact there’s a house full of angels.”
Yeah, that was where the problem lay. “She won’t live in the mansion,” he said softly. “But we can get her a place of her own. The heurosp don’t reside in the mansion. We’ll design a house for her. Get her a few heurosp and a nurse or two to take care of her.”
“I can’t tell her about you, can I?”
He cut his eyes to her, saw the worry on her face. “No. We’re restricted from interacting with humans.”
Although, he wasn’t sure the rules for family. Perhaps there was an amendment Eclipse hadn’t read. One that said it was cool for the mom-in-law to know about Heaven’s warriors on Earth.
“What about Oliver and Winnie? You interact with them just fine.”
“We overstepped,” he admitted. “Obsidian brought Oliver because he worried Perfidious was going to use him against Penelope. And Winnie … that was a fluke. No one could’ve known she was Reidar’s amsouelot.” Or not, as seemed to be the case.
“So why isn’t she an angel now? Like Penelope?”
He found it fascinating that she could talk so easily about this.
“What?” she asked. “Penelope likes to share her thoughts.”
Yeah, that was what he was worried about.
“That’s a question for Reidar,” he told her. “As for your mother … just because we can’t bring her into the fold doesn’t mean she can’t be a part of your life. She needs you and you need her. Bringing her back to Darkness just makes sense.”
Eclipse briefly glanced at Orianna when there was no response, and his heart squeezed. Tears were rolling down her cheeks in a flood.
“I’m … sorry.” She sobbed. “I don’t know why I’m blubbering like a baby.”
He knew why. Orianna was used to doing things on her own. Had been all her life. Between looking for her sister and taking care of her crippled mother, she’d been the one giving everything she had. She wasn’t used to having someone want to do things for her.
Turning his attention back to the road, Eclipse reached over, took her hand, and brushed his thumb over her smooth skin. “Orianna, I’d do anything for you. Anything at all. I hope you know that by now.”
Another sob. “I…” Her hand squeezed his. “I love you, Eclipse.”
He had spent his entire existence living in darkness, never experiencing what it felt like to have the sun on his face, but in that moment, the warmth and light was upon him. Those few words turned his world from dark to light.
Orianna chuckled, a hint of hysteria in the sound. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Eclipse pulled her hand over, kissed her knuckles. “I’m not uncomfortable, sezari. Definitely not uncomfortable.” I’m whole for the first time.
Orianna hadn’t meant to break down like a sappy girl, but that was exactly what happened when Eclipse was talking about bringing her mother to Darkness. Honestly, the thought had never crossed her mind, but admittedly, she’d never depended on others to take care of her or her mother. Good thing, too, considering no one had ever been there.
The last people she remembered who gave a shit at all had been her grandparents, but Elizabeth’s mother and father had passed away a couple of years after their daughter’s accident. Orianna’s grandmother had died from complications from pneumonia, and her grandfather … well, Orianna believed her grandfather died of a broken heart, even though she knew that wasn’t possible. Because Erik had already shipped her and Amber off to boarding school, they hadn’t gotten to spend time with either grandparent during their last days, having only been given a pass to go to the funerals. Not surprisingly, Erik hadn’t attended, either, but he’d been the first to ensure Elizabeth got the money she’d been promised in their will.
The bastard.
“We’re going to make it to your mother’s before sunrise,” Eclipse said. “But it’ll be close. We’ll need somewhere safe to go.”
Orianna knew he was referring to him, Miklós, and Magnar. They needed somewhere safe from the sun. “The basement’s not the greatest space, but it’s mostly finished. And there’s no sunlight. No exterior windows or doors.”
“I don’t suppose I’ll be lucky enough you’ll stay with me.”
She felt his eyes on her. “I figure my father’s planning to show up during the day.”
“You need to know I can’t protect you when the sun’s up.”
Orianna heard the pain in those words. He hated admitting a weakness. “I know. I’ll be fine.”
Based on his expression, he didn’t agree with her, but Eclipse didn’t argue.
“Why don’t we see what’s going on when we get there,” she suggested. “If my mother’s all right, I’ll stay with you.”
Another nod was his only response, The Pretty Reckless filling the space, going on about a house on a hill.
It wasn’t until the last fifty miles or so that Orianna felt the tension growing in her body, and it had nothing to do with the situation that lay ahead of them. No, this was a sexual tension that was growing infinitely more intense with every passing mile until she was flushed from the heat consuming her.
Eclipse must’ve noticed because his hand shifted along her thigh. “Only a few more minutes.”
She could tell he was feeling it, too. His breathing had become a bit heavier, the weight of his hand settling on her leg as though it took effort to hold it up. If they kept this up, neither of them would be able to walk by the time they got to her mother’s.
“I’m not sure I can last that long,” she admitted, tugging at her sweater, attempting to keep it from brushing against her hypersensitive skin.
She was barely aware of Eclipse hitting a button, Magnar’s voice sounding through the speakers. Something about them going on ahead, checking the perimeter of the house once they arrived. The words droned on, an irritation that had nothing to do with Magnar and everything to do with this frustration within her, the desperate need to mate.
A whimper escaped, pushing right past her attempt to swallow it. Orianna was seconds from writhing against the seat when Eclipse veered off the main road.
“Where are you going?” she rasped. “We’re almost there.”
The car came to a stop and Orianna forced her eyes open. Eclipse had parked beneath an enormous oak tree. The branches had shed most of their leaves with the coming of winter, but still had enough to shield them from the road in the distance.
Not that anyone would be looking. It was four thirty in the morning and black as pitch out here in the country. Then again, the farmers would be getting up soon, and if they weren’t careful, they’d be getting a peep show.
The driver’s door opened, closed. Passenger door was next, and a breath later, she was in Eclipse’s arms. He hip-checked the door, then strolled to the front of the vehicle. He rested her butt on the hood of the car as his lips fused to hers. In that moment, she didn’t care where they were or who might see them or the fact that her ass was on the hood of a three-million-dollar sports car. The only thing that mattered was Eclipse’s lips on hers, his hands working her leggings down to her ankles. While he released the button on his jeans, Orianna toed off one of her ankle boots and freed her leg.
The air was downright chilly, but not enough to extinguish any of the heat churning in her bloodstream.
“Please, Eclipse.” She peppered kisses along his jaw, loving how he smelled. “I need you inside me.”
“Pu
t your legs around me, sezari.”
Her bare butt squeaked when he pulled her closer to the edge of the hood. Her legs followed his direction, wrapping around his hips, her ankles pressing against his ass. She felt the blunt head of his erection against her sex and then…
“Oh, God, yes.”
Her head fell back as he began driving into her, bottoming out with every brutal thrust. No foreplay, no teasing. Just the exquisite feel of him sliding deep inside her body. The friction eased some of the pain sparked by the devastating need, but it wasn’t enough. Still, Orianna focused on how good he felt inside her, how perfect it was to have his thick arms surrounding her. She crushed her mouth to his and tried to climb him, wanting more, needing everything. Her body rocked with every punishing thrust, the glorious friction dragging long, desperate moans from her.
“I love you,” she whimpered when she pulled back for air. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to tell him, but she did.
He whispered something in return, and while she didn’t speak his language, she heard the sincerity in the rough rasp of his voice, suspected he was returning the sentiment. It warmed her in a different way, had her insides burning brighter until … an explosion of epic proportions had her crying out his name.
Eclipse grunted, driving into her several times before his body stilled, his muscles bunching beneath her hands as he jerked her toward him. He growled low in his throat and she felt his release inside her. It drove out every ounce of the ache she’d been plagued with and filled her with a sweet rush of love.
She was in a daze, barely noticing when Eclipse gently cleaned her before helping her back into her leggings, returning her boot to her foot. Then she was in the car, his hand in hers as he steered them back to the main road as though those perfect few minutes had never happened.
Half an hour later, Eclipse pulled into her mother’s driveway, parking behind the Range Rover. The two ridiculously expensive vehicles stuck out like a sore thumb in the quiet neighborhood.
“I’ll throw a cloak over them,” Eclipse told her, clearly reading her mind. “No one will see them.”
Eclipse snagged both their bags, then followed her down the thin concrete path to the porch. When she peered behind her, the vehicles had vanished in thin air. There one second, gone the next. Another one of his nifty little tricks.
Orianna didn’t see Magnar or Miklós as she made her way to the front steps. Rather than knock, she used the house key to let herself in, Eclipse right behind her. Within seconds, the other two angels were with them, following as Orianna stepped into the dark interior of her childhood home.
Good news, it was clean. Her mother had always been a stickler for cleanliness, and that was one thing she’d clung to since the attack. No matter her limitations, Elizabeth McKay kept the space she occupied spotless. Or rather, those who cared for her did.
“Check the house,” Eclipse instructed Magnar.
She’d already given them a brief overview of the layout at Eclipse’s request. If she had to guess, they’d memorized the three-bedroom, two-bath floor plan, the trek through merely a means of ensuring there were no uninvited guests.
“My mother’s a night owl,” Orianna told them. “She sleeps during the day, so she’s probably in her bedroom watching television.”
“She’s in her room,” Eclipse confirmed. “I can hear her.”
“Do you want me to let her know I have guests? You can stay out of sight and all…”
Eclipse shook his head. “Not unless we have no other option. We don’t want to agitate her. If she’s worried about your father, probably won’t help to have the three of us here. Just lead the way to the basement.”
Orianna led the way to the kitchen, then through the single door in the wall beside the refrigerator. She reached in and flipped the switch on the wall, illuminating the lower level.
“Go check on her,” Eclipse said. “Then come down when you can. I’ll be waiting.”
She nodded, but before she could turn away, Eclipse reached for her hand, pulling her into his arms.
“Do not answer the door for anyone other than your father,” he said softly. “I don’t care if you know them or not. Right now, I’m not sure who we can trust.”
“Okay.”
“I know you want to stay with her, but I’d feel much better if you were with me.”
The admission filled her with warmth. “I probably won’t be able to sleep without you anyway.”
A small smile formed on his beautiful mouth before he kissed her softly and sent her on her way.
Orianna made her way through the dark house, flipping on lights as she went. Magnar was installing a tiny camera in the hallway, high up on the wall and giving an optimal view of anyone coming toward her mother’s bedroom. A bunch of eyes on her gave her the willies, but Orianna figured it was wasted breath to argue with them. Three angels trapped in a basement would want to have a look-see. That she understood.
There’s one in the kitchen, dining, and living room. Another at the front door.
Orianna nodded at Magnar, assuring him she’d gotten the information.
When he disappeared, she took a deep breath. Now to see what she was dealing with.
She found Elizabeth in her bedroom, sitting in her power wheelchair. Her limp brown hair had recently been trimmed, falling just below her ears, and there wasn’t a hint of makeup on her face. She looked old, Orianna thought. Older than she remembered.
But she looked good considering where she spent most of her time. Rarely did Elizabeth allow anyone to help her into her bed or onto the sofa for fear no one would be there to help her out. Even when Orianna had been living here, back before she went on her search for Amber, Elizabeth had refused to get trapped in her bed. The only person she allowed to help her in and out of the chair was the physical therapist who came two days a week.
“Mom?”
Elizabeth’s head turned slowly, a smile forming, her light brown eyes glittering with recognition. “Orianna. You came.”
She stepped into the room, peered around. Bed was made, surfaces dusted, the oriental rug vacuumed. “I promised you I would.”
The soft whirring sound of the chair’s motor sounded as Elizabeth backed away from the television. “Has it been nine hours already?”
“It has.” Or mostly, anyway. Eclipse had shaved off nearly a full hour even with their unplanned stop.
Orianna stepped back so her mother could steer herself to the hallway.
“Have you heard from Erik again?”
“Not since last night. He said he’s coming today.”
“Did he say when?”
“Early.” Elizabeth glanced around, as though she wasn’t sure where she was. “At least I think that’s what he said.” Her eyes shot to Orianna’s face. “Did you find her?”
“Amber?” Orianna shook her head, motioned for her mother to lead the way. “Not yet.”
They ventured down the hall in silence, then into the kitchen. It looked the same as she remembered: same white refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove, familiar rooster border along the top of the laminate countertops, which had the same coffee cup stain that had been there for as long as Orianna could remember. It wasn’t the same house she’d grown up in, but it was the one they’d moved to after Elizabeth’s attack. Her mother had wanted out of Oklahoma City, and this had gotten her closer to her parents at the time.
“Would you like some coffee?” Elizabeth offered.
“I’ll make it, Mom.” Coffee was probably the worst thing for her right now considering her agitation, but the caffeine would do wonders to help her stay awake.
While Orianna went to work with the coffeepot, Elizabeth went for the refrigerator. She returned with a small bottle of creamer, set it on the counter.
“Did you find her?”
Orianna paused, coffee grounds suspended over the filter as she glanced at her mother. The drugs did that, she reminded herself. Made her forget things that happened. Like c
onversations had not two minutes ago.
“Not yet.” She dumped the grounds into the filter, closed the lid, and punched the button to start.
Once the coffeepot began its near-death gurgle, Orianna turned to face her mother. “When’s the last time the nurse was here?”
“Yesterday.” Elizabeth glanced at the table, the counter. “I think.”
Someone had been coming by, Orianna knew that much.
“Your father called yesterday,” Elizabeth said as she turned her chair around, headed to the refrigerator again.
Orianna watched her mother, her heart breaking when she realized Elizabeth was attempting to find the creamer, which she’d already brought over.
“I’ve got it, Mom.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Oh, good. You found the creamer.”
Swallowing hard, Orianna fought back the tears. There was no sense breaking down now. She would reserve that for later, during the hard conversation to come.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Sun’s up,” Miklós intoned, his attention focused on the laptop he had perched on his thighs. “This is our new home for the next…” He peered at his watch.
“Twelve hours,” Magnar stated.
As if Eclipse didn’t already know that. The prickle on his neck had been all the warning he’d needed, a reminder that dust and ash was his forever form if he didn’t find shelter. It wasn’t until he’d stepped into the musty basement that he realized how good they really had it back in Darkness. At the mansion, they were protected from the sun, able to move about at will with all the luxuries at their disposal, never having to worry that giant ball of fire might be their demise.
But the sun wasn’t Orianna’s enemy. At least not as long as she was human. She could wander around freely while he was forced to cower down here, doing his damnedest not to think about a backup plan if, say, the house were to burn to the ground.
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