I melt into his arms, grateful for the comfort they provide. Screw my independence. If I'm going to die soon, I'll die happy. Why deny these bonds if they already exist? What's the worst that can happen if I give myself completely to these sexy men?
"Can you hear me?" Donavan's voice floats through my mind and I gasp.
Cerek holds me back, searching my face for the cause of the reaction.
"Sorry, I just heard his voice in my head." I point at the gargoyle.
"It's true then. Bonds in your species can speak mentally. I wondered when Josiah left, but that could have been a triplet trait in their species." Berwyn studies the two of us thoughtfully.
"It's a handy tool, though there is a limit to the distance our ability works." Donavan shuffles uncomfortably. "What made you accept the bond, Cora?"
"Life might be incredibly short for me if angels can pop into my apartment and kidnap me." I chew on my bottom lip. "Might as well enjoy it instead of fighting what I already feel."
"That makes my heart sing with joy." Donavan pulls me away from Cerek and swings me around off my feet. A smile spreads across my face as a giggle escapes.
I can feel his joy radiating out of him, and it only makes my heart lighter. This might take some getting used to, but I can't deny that I enjoy it.
"And what of us?" Usiah rubs the back of his neck, as if he's unsure he should ask.
"I was attracted to the three of you as soon as I met you. It's different, but I'm willing to explore it if you can all get along. I need the least amount of distractions, now more than ever." I shuffle awkwardly as Donvan sets me on my feet.
"I can't promise that there will be no fighting, but for you we will try." Berwyn steps forward and reaches a hand out to me.
Donavan gives me a small shove in his direction, and I grab his hand. I feel something click into place... something I can't describe.
"What the fuck?" Donavan's eyes widen.
"Can you all hear this?" His eyes dart around the room.
"Holy fuck, she bonded us to the pebbles," Cerek groans.
"Josiah and Gideon need to get back here." Donavan paces back and forth across the length of the living room. "This shouldn't be possible. I don't know what to do.”
"It might be the leash." Berwyn suggests.
"No, that wouldn't cause that kind of thing to happen. Or we would have been able to communicate with Lilith." Usiah shakes his head.
"Who can hear me?" Berwyn's voice shouts in my head.
"Dude, don't push so hard." Donavan grabs his head.
Looking around, I see that Usiah and Cerek are doing the same.
"I heard you, but it wasn't that bad." I chuckle. "Why don't we watch a movie until the others get back and we can talk this out. Unless there's a way to contact them?"
I need some time to think and a movie is a good distraction for the moment.
"There isn't where they're at now." Donavan shakes his head.
"No, we need to ward this place against angels first. Did you all forget what happened already?" Cerek sneers as if we're stupid.
16
Josiah
My mind is so full of questions I'm trying to hold back. I'm afraid I would appear rude if I allowed my curiosity to run its course. I often stay silent because of this. If I allowed my thoughts to control my mouth, I might never quit speaking.
How old are the Guardians of Knowledge? How did they obtain their positions? Is there a need for them to be replaced? Do they feel the passage of time in their stone state? Who cleans this place? How did they gain their extensive library?
I asked my father many of these questions when I was younger, but he didn't have the answers. We were instructed to only come here if we were searching for specific information. That the guardians didn't take kindly to being awakened for trivial matters.
Judging by the reaction Julian gave us, this was more important than I had realized. Gideon's intuition is usually spot on. I trust it more than he does I think.
We reach the back of the room where a stone door spans the width of the walkway. Julian shifts his hand as he touches it, and it slides open with a grating sound. Grabbing a lantern off the wall by the entrance, he lights it, illuminating the dark, windowless space. We follow him inside to find a dusty room covered in cobwebs. The space is no bigger than our living room and the bookshelves lining the walls make it feel much smaller.
I study the room as he places the lantern on a bare desk. The bookcases are empty except for the back wall. Julian studies the stacks of papers tied together with twine, then grabs one of the shorter stacks.
"This won't do." He shakes his head and places the bundle down again. He rubs his hands together as if building up friction, then brings them together with a deafening clap. The dirt and cobwebs seem to vanish before our eyes, leaving the room as pristine as the rest of the repository.
"You have to teach me that trick." Gideon stares at the gargoyle in awe.
"If there's time, perhaps. For now, you have a job to complete." He places the bundles of paper on the desk.
We move around the table and sink into the hard stone chairs that were hidden under the granite desktop. Julian removes the twine and without a word exits the small room, the stone door sliding shut behind him.
I pull the first paper off of the stack while Gideon grabs the next.
The second coming isn't the return of the Father's son, rather it's a hybrid who will either create lasting peace or the end of times. Her choices will dictate the outcome. With her birth, the chaos ensues. Slowly the world notices, but nonbelievers will outnumber those with the desire to be saved.
Humanity is lost to a sea of carnal desires and sin, though they aren't aware. The fire's remains grow increasingly strong as one becomes four and four becomes seven. Without unity, they will all perish. With unity, they will destroy the one who started it all. Humanity’s fate will be decided by a choice of six against one.
The brothers reunite in a battle of the ages. Neither will win if the other fails.
"Is yours talking about the apocalypse?" Gideon glances over at me.
"Without actually saying it, yes." I grab the next prophecy. "Shit, look at this!"
I hold the brittle page up for him to read. It's the prophecy the witch recited for Ash, word for word. We make quick work of the stack, most repeating what previous pages have said. I grab the last piece of paper.
The prophets lie for their own gain. What is told before will come again. Believe few, but trust fewer. When the moon hides the sun, they both come. One of fire and one of ice, the brothers battle for their own selfish desires. The world will suffer and burn if backs are turned. Only if the seals are replaced will peace be restored. The choices of the few will dictate the outcome for all.
"So, Ash being born set in place a series of events that are bringing on the apocalypse. We can't stop that. From what I've read, we have to choose whether to support her or destroy her. It's not clear which is the ending that will save the world." Gideon runs his hands through his hair.
"We can't turn our backs on her. She's our mate." I shake my head.
"What if it saves humanity?" Gideon's eyes bore into my own.
"I don't know that I could do it." I drop my eyes to the table in front of me.
"We need to keep this to ourselves. It's not clear that is the right path." Gideon growls and pushes away from the table.
"One passage I read said when one becomes four, and four becomes seven, the cloven hoofed one is destroyed. Could that mean if she chooses all of us, that we will defeat Lucifer?" I suggest.
"That's a human depiction. He's a fallen angel. He looks like the fuckers that show up here." Gideon arches an eyebrow.
"Most prophecies are written by humans and witches." I point out.
"True. We should let Ash know she is the second coming at the very least and let events unfold. We should know when we have to make a choice." Gideon slaps his hand against the door, but nothing happens. "How d
o we get out?"
I stand up and neatly stack the papers back together. The twine wraps itself around the bundle before my eyes. My jaw falls open. What magic do these gargoyles have that is hidden from the rest of us? What secrets do these walls hold that I could sink into? Would they allow me access if I asked?
Grabbing the lantern, I join Gideon at the door, shifting my hand before placing it against the door. Again, nothing happens. Hmmm... I wonder.
"Julian, we've finished." I push my mental voice into the library.
A few moments later the door slides open, the blonde gargoyle smiling from the other side.
"You're the first one to try that trick in over a century." He takes the lantern from my hand and puts out the flame. "You have a very inquisitive mind."
"Can you read our thoughts?" Gideon furrows his brow.
"Not yours, but I can his." Julian points to my chest. "Only potential guardian's have that ability."
"Wait, what?" I take a deep breath. "I could become a Guardian of Knowledge?"
"You have the mind for it, but not the desire." Julian shakes his head. "It's a lonely life and I fear you have other obligations."
"Oh." My mouth opens and closes.
I find my mind devoid of questions for the first time that I can remember. It's as if something I didn't know I wanted was dangled in front of my face then pulled just out of my grasp. Gideon slaps a hand on my back, jump starting my brain.
"It would be amazing to have access to all of this knowledge just to learn." I blurt out.
"Come find me again after the storm has passed, and I will introduce you to everyone and we will see what captivates you if you are still interested." Julian grins.
"This might be rude to ask, but are you aware when you are in the stone slumber?" I take a chance and ask what I've been wondering.
"Yes, we are aware of the passage of time, but we are able to communicate collectively." He winks as he climbs on the pedestal. "And since I know you are both dying to ask, I was born in 849 A.D."
"Wow." Gideon whistles.
"Now, you have the knowledge you came here for, use it wisely." Julian nods his head once. "You may need to come here again before this is over, but we will not speak again at that time."
With those words, he seamlessly shifts back to stone, his eyes hardening instantly.
"Time to go, brother." I tug on Gideon's arm to get him moving.
Although I'm tempted to check the other doors, I keep my sights on the entrance as we pad softly down the stone hallway. We shift our hands again, touching the doors to unlock them. As they slide open, I feel a pang of loss at the thought of leaving. It was so close to being in my grasp. Hopefully, the coming storm ends soon so I can return.
As soon as we exit the building, we unfurl our wings and take flight, rushing home. I don't agree with Gideon's assessment of hiding part of what we learned, but I will defer to his judgment for now.
17
Ash
"How do you propose we do that?" Berwyn taps his chin. "Goats don't belong in sixth-floor apartments."
"There is a balcony. It will be fine." Usiah shrugs. "Besides, it doesn't have to live here for very long."
"And how are we going to get a goat?" I ask, looking around at the men.
Cerek shuffles uncomfortably while Usiah finds the ceiling suddenly very interesting.
"I can get a goat." Donavan chimes in. "I know a guy who raises them just outside of town."
"Why?" Berwyn arches an eyebrow.
"Goat's milk is awesome to cook with, duh." Donavan rolls his eyes as if the answer is obvious. "What else do you need?"
"Sugar, do you have a pen and paper?" Cerek gazes at me.
"Uh..." I look around, not remembering buying anything. "Sorry, just moved in."
"I'll be right back." Donavan winks before rushing out the door.
"The pebbles might be more useful than I originally thought." Cerek grunts.
"Do you have to call them that?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Yes." He grins.
I shake my head, but I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. These men will have to learn to get along or I'm going to knock their heads together and enjoy every minute of it. Usiah stands up then plops down on the couch next to me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders.
"You know, I'm the only one who hasn't gotten to touch you yet. I'm feeling a bit put out." He pouts, pushing out his bottom lip.
"If you stick that out any further, I might be tempted to bite it." I smirk.
"Promise?" He leans forward, his voice growing husky.
I lean in the rest of the way, bringing my lips to his before grabbing his lower lip and biting down, trying to find that magic pressure that skates the line between pleasure and pain. He groans, spurring me on. I release his lip as he grabs the back of my head, his tongue darting in my mouth. My core clenches as the kiss deepens. Only coming up for air when someone clears their throat behind me.
"Not that that wasn't hot to watch, but Cerek wants to ward this place." Donavan's eyes burn with lust.
"Give it here." Cerek holds out his hand, stealing Donavan's gaze away.
Donavan hands him the notepad and pen he's holding, and Cerek strides to the dining table and begins jotting down his list.
"Did you know we can focus our mental voice so only one person can hear?" Donavan's voice slides smoothly into my mind as his eyes return to me. "I can describe all the dirty things I want to do to you after finding you on the couch with Usiah and no one else will know."
I clench my legs together in an attempt to keep my composure.
"I want to rip off your pants and bend you over this couch and take you in front of the mutts. Slowly glide my cock in your tight, wet..." he continues as my clit starts throbbing.
"Oy, we can hear you." Cerek growls.
"Later then." Donavan smirks as he plops down beside me. "Put something on the television while we wait for Cerek to finish his list."
"You projected that last part to everyone intentionally, didn’t you?" I raise an eyebrow.
He taps his nose, his brown eyes swirling with mischief. I shake my head as I press the power button on the remote and the TV blares to life.
He grabs the remote from my hand and winks. "I have a show you need to see."
He brings up an app on the smart TV menu called Netflix and signs in before selecting a show called The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Berwyn taps my shoulder, and I push Donavan so I can scoot over and suddenly find myself sandwiched between the two men. We laugh at their depiction of witches worshiping Satan, and Cerek taps his foot impatiently. Donavan hits pause and takes the list.
"Most of this I can get easily. But it might take time for the kadupul and Middlemist." His eyes survey the list. "I'll grab the goat first. Keep an eye on our girl."
He kisses my cheek before standing up and sauntering out onto the balcony. His wings unfurl and then he jumps, taking flight. Cerek flops into the empty spot next to me.
"So, let's see what else these humans find amusing." His cocky smirk has me rolling my eyes.
We make it through the first episode when a strumming in my chest intensifies.
"Is it true? You accepted our bond while we were away? What happened?" Gideon's voice pops into my head.
"The pebbles are returning. Did you learn anything useful?" Cerek projects his mind.
"Was that Cerek?" Josiah chimes in.
"Yeah, it happened while you were gone." Donavan chuckles. "I'm on my way back."
"Looks like we have a lot to talk about." Gideon groans.
A few minutes later, Donavan lands on the balcony with a black goat in tow. The farm animal bleats out his displeasure as he's lowered to the ground.
"I'm surprised you actually got a goat." Usiah grins. "Gargoyles are weird. They talk about you as stuffy, stick up the ass types in Hell."
"Some are." Donavan shrugs. "I doubt my brother's would have brought you a goat. But
we need to protect Ash. She's too important to allow those angel fuckers to hurt her."
The door swings open, and Josiah and Gideon enter. Gideon sneers when he sees the goat.
"What is that doing here? There's a strict no pet policy in this building." Josiah tilts his head.
"He's not a pet. We need an angel ward." Berwyn meets Josiah's eyes, and I'm pretty sure they have a mental conversation. Those two are more alike than not.
"Why do you suddenly need an angel ward?" Gideon's eyes survey the room.
His anxiety flows into my body, and my chest tightens as if it's my own. This will take a lot of getting used to.
"You should sit down." I chew on my bottom lip before continuing. "I think this will be a difficult thing to hear."
The men take their seats while I pick at the skin on the side of my thumb.
"Right after you left, an angel appeared in the apartment and grabbed me. He took me to Death Valley and taunted me before returning me here. He didn't want to hurt me but called me the second coming." I explain. "If they can just show up and grab me before we can react, I'm not going to survive for very long. It made me realize fighting these feelings I have for all of you is stupid. I would rather enjoy the time I have left."
"I agree with the ward, but why the goat?" Josiah glances to the balcony.
"It's needed for the ritual." Cerek rolls his eyes. "I wrongly assumed you were the smart one."
"That doesn't explain why the mutts are part of our mental bond." Gideon's knee bounces up and down.
"When I accepted them, it clicked into place. I was hoping you guys could explain it." The confused expression they both wear lets me know I am very wrong.
"It's not something we've heard of." Josiah shakes his head. "Now for our news."
"I summoned the archangel Michael, who I assume is the one who took you. He called you the second coming to me as well. Josiah and I traveled to the repository to see what we could find." Gideon clears his throat uncomfortably. "Essentially, they've been writing prophecies about Ash... about us... for a very long time."
Ash and Stone (Hidden Truth Book 1) Page 9