Venn slowly pulled the car into the park’s lot. “I can tell you who you are: you’re my mate.”
Her back stiffened. “Mate?” She looked confused and unconvinced as she stared down at her hands. “I have to say, given my parent’s relationship, I never really believed in love.”
“No matter what you call it, we are destined to be together.”
Emma appeared to ponder it. “It’s nice to know that no matter what happens, I always have you.” She stared across the car at him, her eyes searching his.
Her proclamation struck him in the chest. It didn’t seem like the right place or time to be having this conversation. He reached over and cupped her cheek with his hand. “Yes, you always have me.”
He leaned in and tenderly kissed her. His wolf and his hawk stretched out with a sigh, in languid contentment within him.
He followed Emma’s lead as she walked over to the tree, and he could tell she was struggling to sort through things, perhaps striving for a communion of some kind. Or perhaps simply an understanding.
For Venn, life had been as it was for so long he’d forgotten how confusing it had been in the beginning. Now, he didn’t want to confront the triangle between them too closely.
Emma walked straight to the tree and placed her palm on its coarse bark. She closed her eyes and breathed as if meditating, as if drawing strength. When she looked at him again, she stretched her other palm out for him to take.
And as his fingers locked on hers, a mix of soothing calm and dizzying heat washed over him, reassuring him in a way he didn’t expect. It was as if he could feel light and darkness and the mix of the two into smoky grays. And it was amid the grays that they stood in thrall, as along with Custos they formed a fragile triangle.
Directly, Venn’s heart pulsed an ancient rhythm of oneness and he desired to share every aspect of his life with Emma. He hugged her to him so their bodies touched all the way down the front from chest to hips. She met his gaze. He nuzzled his nose to hers, brushed his lips lightly over her mouth. “Would you like to see inside the oak?”
“Really?” She grinned widely. “Can I?”
“I’m not sure, but let’s find out.” He led her by the hand away from the tree.
“Where are we going?”
“There’s an underground entrance via the garage across the street. That way I have access to the Divine Tree without having to go back to my house or through the above ground portal—which I don’t think you’d be able to use.”
“Oh,” she said quietly. “This is convenient.”
He unlocked the garage and they went inside. A dark brown door at the back led into what looked like a storage room. And within there, he pushed on a panel, opening a concealed door.
“From here it’s much like it is from my house. Only shorter and steeper because we don’t have as far to go.”
He put a flashlight to use and slipped his arm around her waist in order to guide her. Five minutes later, they stopped at the underground entry.
She tilted her head back looking up at the etchings of wolf and hawk adorning the entrance. “This is amazingly beautiful,” she exclaimed.
Venn demonstrated the anointing ritual. Then he held Emma’s wrist up, lifting it beneath the root. “The mate of a Guardian. Benison.”
“What does that mean,” she whispered as a drop sap dripped onto her wrist.
“Blessings.”
“Ooo, that burns a little. Like menthol.”
Concern caused his brow to bunch. Average men were not meant to enter the tree. He was betting on her connection to allow her admittance and hoping he wasn’t overstepping his bounds. As far as he knew, no one had ever crossed the threshold of a Divine Tree except for the Guardians and Seth. He held his breath and heard his own heartbeat inside his head.
A few seconds later the door swung wide. Venn released a sigh of relief. He moved inside, bringing Emma along with him.
* * *
Emma had never seen anything like this in her whole life. Sure, she’d visited the Sistine Chapel and the art wonders of Europe but nothing, nothing compared to the natural beauty inside of this Divine Tree. “Oh, Custos, you’re beautiful,” she said awed.
The walls were fashioned of golden hues of wood with its grain and growth rings showing through in a continuous movement of lines, an artistic piece in of itself. Emma ran her hand along the wall, admiring the smooth texture worn by age. Venn led her up a winding knot of stairs and into a living area. The inside looked more spacious than she would have thought. The place was like an upscale efficiency apartment. A large burnt-red sofa and recliner chair took up most of the space, with a few end tables strategically placed. A medium-size alcove that reminded her of a massive limb housed a kitchenette. “This is magnificent,” she said, taking it all in.
Seeing it like this made everything so real.
The magnitude of this place hit her like a fist to the chest. The idea that Divine Tree had existed for centuries and Venn along with it was nearly impossible to grasp.
“I recently refurnished it. There are so many modular options available today that make it easier to get furniture in here.”
She let her gaze sweep the room again, noting that as fantastic as the Divine Tree was, Venn commanded her attention like nothing else. Her awareness of him made her heart flutter and her loins clench with desire. His tall figure and strong, muscular shoulders made him seem even more powerful in the confined area. She swallowed as she sensed him watching her. His gaze collided with hers, lingered.
A long silence hung between them as he undressed her with his eyes, his gaze skimming hotly over her body. Every touch-mark left a sizzling impression, on her ankles, her knees, her thighs, the V between her legs, her hip bones and navel, over her breasts, on the pulse-point of the neck, and finally to her face. The slightest breath escaped her mouth and she felt the dampness between her thighs increase, evidence of her enthusiastic response to him.
He lifted his hand, cupped her face and ran his thumb over her lips. “You realize that you’re in here because of your connection with the tree? And your connection to me.”
The pad of his thumb danced over her lower lip, sending little sparks through her. “I know. And this feels so…right.”
On a groan, he claimed her lips in a slow, sultry kiss. She slipped her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers in his thick, dark hair. His free hand wrapped around her and grasped her bottom, urging her against his steely ridge, where he ground against her sensitive mound.
The kiss held the magic of the universe, tumult and fiery, sweet and slow. And he kept kissing her as he removed her clothes, until the very last second when the contact broke in order to slip off her pants and undergarments. She undressed him, savoring the feel of his smooth skin beneath her palms. When they were both naked, he captured her mouth again, as if he couldn’t get enough of her.
His hands cupped her breast and plucked her nipple delicately. With light stokes he moved his fingers over her midriff, then ever so slowly over her tummy, until he reached the curls covering her sex. She gasped into his mouth as he dipped his fingers lower and stroked her clit. And she curled her hips into his touch, as her excitement ran higher.
He moved her over to the couch barely missing a beat, where he sat and tugged her in front of him. “You’re so gorgeous,” he murmured, then lifted one of her bare legs to gain better access, positioning foot on the sofa. He nuzzled his face into her curls, using his tongue where his fingers had been, lapping and twirling it over that most sensitive spot. She moaned deep in her throat.
The questions that plagued her about the kind of relationship he’d had with Ameila completely melted away. It didn’t matter. She was the one he was making love to now. She thrust her hips as the delicious sensations built and she clutched his shoulders and dug her fingers into his muscles as a climax washed over her. Her legs quivered and she threw her head back head, “Ooh yes,” she groaned, rocking on his talented mouth.
His face looked strained and beads of sweat dotted his brow, the essence of a male in the throes of passion. “Urrr, so good,” he moaned. Then he took hold of her hips and guided her up and down, setting the rhythm that brought her so close to soul-shattering pleasure. She slid perfectly against the long angled thickness of his shaft, taking him deep, her muscles pulsating on him, demanding even more. The pounding tempo increased, until they both cried out in unison with their release. In the end, his strong hands held her in place—she was so boneless she thought she’d topple to the floor. Instead, she collapsed onto his chest, in utter fulfillment, and…happiness.
“That was incredible,” she stated through raspy breaths.
He looked at her, and she smiled. Her heart had never felt anything close to this resplendent euphoria in her entire life. She felt sunny, her mind clear as a blue sky, and her body floated on a bubbling stream of delight. She rolled sideways and arched backward, absorbing the impressions the Divine Tree poured over her. And they were all of Venn, about the powerful, loyal protector he was.
As they dressed, she wondered if he would ever bring her here again. She hoped so.
Their lovemaking had been a much needed break from reality. In more ways than one.
Upon leaving the lawyers, the weight of it all had seemed overwhelming. Not even the prospect of a relationship with Venn had lifted her spirits. And so, instinctively, she knew she needed to come here to the oak.
And she was so glad they had. Dressed, Venn pulled her into an embrace much like that of when they’d begun. Only this time he held up his hand, matching it to her smaller one, and interlacing their fingers. He kissed each knuckle, then opened her hand palm up and flicked his tongue over her heart-line. Have you ever noticed how the lines form an imprint of a tree?
Relaxed, she shook her head.
“We should go,” he said gently.
“I’m not ready.”
“Seth is expecting us,” he pressed.
Unwilling to conclude their interlude and put an end to the most incredible experience she’d ever had, Emma stalled, taking her time fixing her clothes. She decided not to argue, though, there was still plenty to do with regards to her grandmother’s memorial. “Okay,” she agreed. “How about we eat back at your place when I collect Izzy?”
Even though she wasn’t quite ready to leave the Divine Tree, she inserted a spring into her step, certain she was on the right course. Her dad would change his mind. Grams would find peace. Venn had reinforced his mate status and she was learning more and more about the reincarnation deal, which was kind of awesome when she thought about it. How many people got the chance to see who they were in a previous life?
The one thing she didn’t quite get was why Jacob Price’s image had come to her so many times in the impressions the tree poured into her. Very strange. But she sensed the association had to do with her grandmother’s supporting Emma to complete the project that brought her back to Georgia in the first place. Yes, that would bring closure to this whole dreadful mess. She didn’t want to think beyond that. She couldn’t.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Loch and Glen, Venn’s wolf dogs, were as restless as he felt. They dashed in circles, whipping their tails against his legs. They darted back and forth between Emma and Seth. Emma thought it was because she was holding Izzy, but Venn knew the truth. It was due to her interaction with Custos. The Divine Tree’s influence left an imprint that nearly glowed.
Henry handed Emma a packed soft-sided cooler. “For dinner I prepared curry chicken. There should be plenty for several people should your father like to eat.”
“Thank you,” she said graciously. “You really didn’t have to go to the trouble.”
“It’s the least I could do.” The servant returned to clearing the table as he had been when Emma came downstairs with the dog.
“Where’s mine?” Seth murmured.
“Not to worry, you won’t go hungry,” Henry admonished.
Seth grumbled under his breath.
At least that was one thing that remained normal. Well, as normal as an archangel could be, he supposed.
Emma and Venn walked out of the house, and fifteen minutes late, they arrived at the Grants’ home. He hadn’t been out and about town as much as he had the past several days in probably over a year combined.
Emma set Izzy down in the kitchen, and the pup seemed thrilled to be home. He ran around with her nose to the ground, looking for something. “I think he’s searching for Grams.”
“You could be right.” As the dog flitted by him, sniffing around the tables, Venn glanced out the window. “Your father’s car is here. Do you think he’s upstairs?”
Emma meandered into the living room. “I suppose so.”
Venn was about to turn from the window when he caught sight of the ugliest great horned owl he’d come to know.
Io.
Fuck.
He glanced over his shoulder in the direction Emma had gone. The muscles along his shoulders and spine clenched. Should he go support her in her petition to her father, or go take care of his enemy outside? He sighed and reached out with this senses to confirm where Mr. Grant was—upstairs sleeping, ostensibly taking a nap.
With that insight, he headed for the woods. Catching Io’s scent, Venn broke into a run, hitting the tree line at a full-out run. Anger bubbled up inside him with every step. He hadn’t paid Io his due for taking the life of his love’s dear grandmother, let alone everything else the bastard was trying to do to Emma and Custos. He owed Claire Grant that much.
Yet even as he closed in on his enemy, he realized a greater battle than breaking every bone in Io’s body. This fight would require calm, intelligent thinking. If he beat the shit out of the demon, then how would he discover Io’s specific plan to use Emma?
No, Venn must learn the full measure of what was going on in Io’s filthy, sick mind.
When Venn stood beneath the tree where Io perched, he stopped.
She’s changing Guardian, came his enemy’s voice in his mind. What of that?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
If I see it, so must you. The Divine Tree has intervened in some manner.
“No,” he lied, clenching his jaw against his anger.
Do not deny it. I saw the glow radiating from her with my own eyes. Io chuckled mean and deep, his feathers standing on end.
“Stay away from her,” Venn roared, having a difficult time staying with his plan. “She is of little consequence to you. Go back to your underground fire pit.”
Again, Io laughed. Haven’t you noticed her transition? She fires up metal now without thought.
“So, she’s talented.”
It’s more than that. Much more.
“You’re imagining things. Wishful thinking on your part.”
Io stretched his great wingspan and then flew a circle over Venn’s head. He landed in-your-face close to Venn, changing into human form as he confronted him. “The metal she touches changes, Guardian. It possesses unique properties. Properties that—” Io stiffened and retreated several steps.
“That what?” Venn advanced.
But a shroud had already dropped around Io as he must have realized he’d been about to spill key information. “Never mind,” he sputtered, “It has no beginning and no end, and once gone you never get it back. Sadly, you won’t figure it out until it is too late.”
“That remains to be seen,” Venn said with more confidence than he felt. “I think you’re too full of yourself.”
Io
snarled and Venn’s beasts could no longer contain themselves. And the Guardian longed to oblige them.
“Stay away from Emma,” Venn growled. “She’s suffering enough over her grandmother, thanks to you.”
“The pleasure was mine.”
“I will kill you if you touch her.”
“If you kill me, then Seth will have to take my place. Did you know that?”
Venn forced his face to remain a blank slate, but he hadn’t known that at all. He was aware they were brothers and had assumed that was the reason Seth had always forbidden Io’s death. Not because he’d have to take the demon’s place.
Io smirked one too many times, and Venn launched forward. Even if he couldn’t kill the beast, he could at least cause some damage and pain.
In a whirl of feathers, first one man transformed and then the other, the owl taking to higher ground, trying to get away from Venn’s sharp beak and razor claws.
Shrieks and cries rendered the silence as they attacked each other like sword fighters, lunging and paring and thrusting at each other until they were both marred with bloody gashes. Venn kept advancing and striking, without letting up. Finally, Io executed a sharp dive toward the earth and changed into his barghest form at the last minute, taking off at a run when he hit the ground. He kept running and growling that vicious growl, the sound of Venn’s nightmares.
From his bird’s-eye view, he watched Io flee for a good long time before the demon was no longer visible. Then he flew back into the cover of the forest and changed, feeling the sting of every cut and bruise and contusion as his skin righted itself. As he assessed the damage, he realized there was no way he could return to the Grant’s house until he was healed.
Indeed, a flaw in his plan, he realized as Emma’s voice came to him on the breeze.
* * *
Emma was sitting in her grandmother’s favorite mauve-colored rocker, tipping back and forth and listening to it squeak when her father came downstairs.
“I’m surprised to see you,” he said.
“I’m surprised to be here.” It was the sort of tit-for-tat exchange she was in the mood to give. Her discombobulated feelings and irritation from earlier this morning had changed to focused determination. Venn and the oak had renewed her strength and resolve, and given her such a sense of peace. She didn’t understand the reason for the change, but she felt its result.
Awakening Fire: The Divine Tree Guardians (The Divine Tree Guardians Series Book 1) Page 20