While the mating bond leveled his own power, Aerén’s was too unstable. The white quartzite found in the Exilum mountains helped siphon off powers from Empyreans with excess. It’s why Reynner preferred to live there.
Aerén scowled. “I can manage. We’re close to finding the artifact.”
“I'm not taking Eve out so soon after her ordeal. A day or two will be good enough to start. Go.”
“Go where?” Eve asked, joining them, still a little too pale for his liking. Reynner drew her to his side.
“Your mate just kicked me out.” Aerén shot him an annoyed glare. “I must go to Exilum and Ground before I hurt you, or I can forget being part of your protection team.”
Eve glanced at him.
“He goes,” Reynner said before she opened her mouth, his tone allowing no argument. “And you need to eat and rest.”
Chapter 26
The midday sun warmed Eve’s skin as she made her way to the studio. It did little to ease the ice settling inside of her after her visit to Brenna earlier that day. Her vibrant friend just lay there—so still.
For the first time in ten years, she’d finally touched her friend and felt nothing, just blurriness. Eve found it hard to swallow past the lump lodged in her throat.
Reynner drew her close to his side and stroked her arm in a soothing gesture. He remained silent, his presence offering her the steadiness she needed.
Work would help, since he refused to continue the search for the Stone, insisting she take it easy after her ordeal. She suspected it was more for his peace of mind, but she didn’t say so, glad for the quiet time.
Once she’d disengaged the alarm to her studio, Eve wandered around the empty place. The acrid smell of soldered metal filled her nostrils. It was a soothing comfort to be in her zone of serenity. She’d have to stock up on more of her raw supplies. The shelves were low on metal sheets and copper wire.
Her cell beeped, distracting her. She retrieved it from her pocket and scanned the text from Echo.
Would love for you and Reynner to come to the castle. 3PM?
Let me know.
Eve cast a quick look at Reynner. He’d stopped at her worktable, occupied with studying the series of drawings she’d done of him for her latest project. Without the face sketched in, it would be impossible to tell who the person was.
Smiling, she left him with his puzzle and texted Echo with her acceptance. And got an instant response with directions.
Satisfied everything was arranged for the afternoon, Eve tried to come up with the best way to tell him about her plans for later that day. And hoped he didn’t freak out.
Pulling down metal strips from the shelf, she hauled them over to her workstation and set them on the small bench nearby. She studied the sculpture she’d started. It was a right ol’ mess. Remnants of that awful afternoon when Lucan had told her to let Reynner go crept into her thoughts.
Ugh, she really didn’t want to think of that horrible time.
Deciding to start over again, she pushed the ruined piece aside to dismantle later. Back at the table, she flipped through the drawings Reynner held.
“I need this one. Thanks.” Ignoring his narrow-eyed look, she took the sketch she wanted and turned to leave. His finger hooked in the waist of her jeans and he hauled her back.
“Is this why we’re here?”
She blinked up at him. “What?”
He nodded at the sketches, shifted his hold from her jeans, and grasped her waist. “Are you waiting for him?”
Reynner it seemed was obsessed with her latest project. Just who did he think it was? She arched her brow. “I can work from memory. I'm an artist, remember? Besides, I know him quite well.”
“Eve.” A warning.
Yep, he wasn't pleased. Still…
“I can't forget the shape of him—” The possessive bonding glow flared in his narrowed eyes. Eve’s heart fluttered, but she pushed on. “The feel of his muscles, the width of his torso, the color of his eyes, and especially the curve of his lips…” Unable to contain her smile, she let her gaze drift over him. “You’d make a good model. A difficult one for sure, since you're never still for very long, but an excellent subject with that sexy body.”
Tossing that last bit in, she yanked free and beat a fast track from him, except she didn’t get far when he swept her off her feet. Startled laughter escaped her. He dumped her ass on the table.
“You think to taunt me?” He braced his hands on either side of her hips, caging her, and pushed that gorgeous face in front of hers.
“No. I would never do that.” She stroked his jawline, her expression tender. “I couldn’t tell you how much of an impact you’d made in my life. Or that I was falling in love with you, so, I started this.”
“Eve.” Reverence in that single word. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. “You undo me. Only you.”
One more evil to get rid of, she thought grimly. She would find a way to free him from Inanna.
“Would you do something for me?” she asked, stroking his sensual bottom lip. Then her gaze locked on the puckered skin of her finger against his perfect mouth. Grimacing, she dropped her hand. He simply brought it back and kissed her finger. “Don’t do that, Eve, I'm crazy about you—every bit of you. What is it that you want?”
“Echo invited us to the castle.”
He went dead still. Those night-sky eyes slitted dangerously. “I told you to leave it alone.”
She lifted her chin. “So you did. Reynner, you can't live with the guilt that eats at you forever. Either we go together, or I’ll just drive there on my own since she invited us and I'm not turning her down last minute.”
His expression hardened as her meaning became clear. “You think to blackmail me?”
“Blackmail? Me?” She blinked innocently then added, “No, I would never do that to you. I love you, you stubborn man. It’s why I do this.” She kissed him, hopped off the table, and headed back to her work. “We leave at two.”
***
The long drive to the island just off Manhasset Bay was undertaken in thick silence. If she wanted to touch him, she’d probably have to wade through it first, Eve thought in wry amusement.
The dark shades Reynner wore shielded his eyes. He appeared unapproachable, his hair tied in a smooth, stubby ponytail revealing the stark line of his gorgeous face. But she saw more. She saw past the facade of his beauty. Saw the unyielding set to his jaw, the clenched hands and white knuckles. And the fact that he had yet to crack a smile or look at her.
As they crossed the bridge over the Sounds to the island, she looked through her window at the deep blue sea beneath them. Her hands felt too stiff. She curled and uncurled her fingers, trying to ease the tautness in her hands.
“Does it hurt?”
She turned. He’d lost that closed-off expression. A relieved smile curved her mouth. “It’s all right. I'm used to it.”
Warm hand covered hers on her lap and squeezed. She laced her fingers with his.
Moments later, they left the bridge behind. The first sight of the enormous island with its lush vegetation and sheer cliffs on the north side captivated her. Reynner slowed down, and as they approached the huge wrought-iron gates, they swung open.
A winding driveway snaked between the tall trees. Rays of sunlight poured through the canopy of leaves. After several more minutes, suddenly, brilliant light exploded around them as they left the trees behind. Eve shaded her eyes with her hand.
A rolling vista of manicured gardens surrounded them, and the castle came into view. Golden sunlight caressed its somber gray walls, heavy with creeping ivy, and highlighted the turrets.
Eve sighed in appreciation. “Isn’t that the most beautiful building?”
“I thought you liked my aerie.” Droll words.
“I fell off your aerie,” she snorted.
“Never again. I had railings installed.”
“Don’t forget to put in stairs, I want to be able
to visit the falls.”
“In a mountain? Why not an elevator?”
“Super idea. Now why didn’t I think of that?” She hid her smile, aware of the responding one tugging his mouth as he let go of her hand and brought the Porsche to a halt.
The enormous front door opened. Echo and Aethan walked out.
She turned to Reynner, but his expression remained unreadable, his attention on the couple. “Are you still upset with me for insisting you come here?” she asked quietly.
“No. You are right, this has to be faced.”
Reassured, Eve focused on the man with Echo. She still couldn’t get over Aethan being Aerén’s brother. They had similar features, the same lean face and stunning looks. And that hair. Except Aerén’s reminded her of a faded summer sky, blue with hints of white, and this man had more black in his, like a summer’s night.
“Don’t stare at him, me'morae. Or I’ll be jealous.”
She laughed. “Their resemblance is uncanny, except for the hair. Are you going to tell him about Aerén?”
“I don’t know, Eve.” After a moment, he pulled off his shades and tossed them on the dash then got out and came around to open her door, pinning her with a reprimanding stare that she’d already done so. Eve patted his arm as she stepped out. “I'm sure I'm safe here.”
Reynner shut the door as Echo hurried over to them, a smile lighting her angular features. Her bi-colored amber and gray eyes glowed brightly, a striking contrast to her tanned skin.
“Reynner, it’s wonderful to finally meet one of Aethan’s friends,” she said.
Reynner gave Echo a half bow in greeting.
Her gaze shifted to Eve. “I’m really glad you came.”
So used to being with Reynner and her friends who didn't touch her bare hands, Eve reacted a second too late when Echo grasped hers. A gasp tore out of her. Pain punched her in the chest. Images crashed into her mind—a little girl, a dark basement. Terror. Slaps, kicks. Mind-numbing agony.
Eve broke free, swayed as blackness edged her vision. Reynner grabbed her.
“It’s okay—I have you, Eve, me’seya. Breathe. Slow, deep.”
She struggled to hold on and tried not to let the shadows take her under… From a distance, she heard Echo’s frantic apology. “What is it? Did I do something?”
“No. Just don’t touch her, at least not her hands,” Reynner said, holding her against him and stroking her back.
Breathe Eve, breathe, sweetheart. I'm here, hang onto me, he whispered in her mind.
His warmth seeped through her, easing away the darkness and pain. In the deepest heart of her, his presence glowed like sunlight, and she knew then, it was through their joined souls that he had calmed and aided her.
Reynner had anchored her. He’ll never let the darkness win.
“Eve cannot touch another without the person’s memories and thoughts hurting her,” she heard him explain.
“Oh, Eve, I’m so sorry.” Regret and dismay colored Echo’s voice.
As the darkness receded, Eve let go of Reynner and offered him a reassuring smile at his look of concern. “I'm fine—I'm fine, really. Thank you.”
She turned to Echo and Aethan, heat flaring across her cheeks. “I’m sorry about that. It’s not your fault. I should have put on gloves. It’s just that being with Reynner, I forget to wear them.”
“No, don’t apologize,” Echo said, still looking a little concerned. “Let’s go inside.”
Eve followed her up the stairs to the portico. But the memories she’d picked up from Echo left a raw pit in her stomach.
“Echo,” Eve began hesitantly as the younger woman pushed open the front door. “I'm sorry for what happened.”
“You saw it…all?”
“No, flashes only—a basement, a little girl…”
Echo paused in the foyer. She didn't say anything for a second as if caught in another moment. Another place. Then she nodded. “My foster parents when I was young. Not a good time—thank God that’s all in the past.” A smile lit her face, her mismatched eyes glowed. “Come. Hedori’s made the most delicious carrot cake for tea.”
***
The moment Eve disappeared into the castle, Reynner met his friend’s even stare. There was no recrimination there, just acceptance.
The anguish he’d seen in Aethan’s gaze when his sister lay dying on the ground had vanished. He looked content. Being mated would do that to a male. Reynner ought to know. Eve had brought light back into his life.
“Let’s walk a while.”
Reynner nodded and followed Aethan around the castle and through the trellised walkway covered with brightly colored flowers. A light breeze blew across the island, bringing with it the salty tang of sea. Squirrels darted across the grounds, scattering the fallen leaves.
“This place is peaceful.” Now wasn’t that a real ice breaker? Truth was, Reynner had no idea what to say. Where to start.
Aethan nodded. “Yeah. It’s served us well for centuries.” Then he asked, “You’ve seen Vallex?”
At the name of their friend, who’d been in the arena on that tragic day, Reynner frowned. He hadn’t paid much attention then, too filled with guilt. “Once. Briefly. Then I left. I haven’t seen him since.”
Truth was, Reynner found it strange that Vallex hadn’t shown up in the search for the missing artifact.
Aethan nodded, stopping near a stream with silver flashes of tiny fishes darting about.
Reynner glanced at his friend. “You seem happy.”
“I am. It took me a while to get here.” A smile touched Aethan’s mouth as if he remembered something pleasurable. Then he nailed Reynner with a determined look. “I have never blamed you for Ariana’s death. It was an accident. If any, I blamed myself for a long, long time. Echo was the one who made me see how shit can happen.”
Reynner nodded. He understood now. Eve made him see. Hell, she’d practically whacked him upside the head, hauled him out of his self-loathing, and put his ass right back on track. “I always thought if I hadn’t taunted you into a fight, Ariana would still be alive.”
“There is something you should know about that day, what happened. Ariana…she was meant to die.”
“What?” Reynner snapped. Had Aethan lost his bloody mind? “What the hell are you talking about?”
“I can understand your anger. I was in that place too. For three millennia. Until several months ago,” Aethan said quietly. “A helluva thing to learn that death was my sister’s destiny. It’s all about prophecies. Hell, I never would have believed it if I hadn’t lived through it.”
“Prophecies?”
“Yeah. I was tied into one, as was my mate. I had to leave Empyrea,” Aethan said. “Though it didn’t seem like it at the time when all I felt was rage. And just when I thought fate had kicked me in the teeth once too often, I ended up finding salvation. My mate.”
“What about Ariana,” Reynner pushed, needing closure.
“She took my mother’s place in the Celestial Realm.”
And all this time—all this time they’d both lived with the guilt and self-recrimination.
“So, Ariana’s one of those angels?”
“Ironic, isn’t it?” Aethan said with a wry smile. “We were created like them, and yet we are so unworthy.”
“Don’t let Michael hear you. He’d never let us live that down.”
Aethan laughed. They ambled back toward the castle. Reynner glanced around, absorbing the tranquility of the park-like gardens. As they cleared the trellis walkway and headed for the front, he asked, “Will you ever go back to Empyrea?”
“No. My obligations are to this world, and Echo likes her realm. Besides, I'm a Guardian. My allegiance is to Gaia.”
They stopped near the stairs leading up to the huge front door. The sun gleamed off the paintwork on his Porsche. Reynner noticed the slight dent where the demonii had crashed onto the hood. He should get that seen to.
“What have you been up to—well, si
nce I last saw you in Empyrea?” Aethan asked him.
Uneasy, Reynner hooked his thumbs in his pockets. Tell Aethan he’d left their realm to search for him? Or about all the shit that had happened to him since? Yeah, he’d rather be thrown back in Hell.
“Things changed after you left…” Reynner told Aethan about the Stone of Light’s disappearance, about finding Eve and her abilities to help find the artifact. “Once the Stone is found, should be in a matter of days now, Lucan will take the artifact back. After that, we’ll make our home here and at Exilum. Like your mate, Eve prefers this place.”
A pleased smile touched Aethan’s mouth. “That is good to hear.”
Reynner didn’t care for this part, to wipe away his friend’s happiness. Nor could he keep something this important to himself. With no other way to do this, he just said it, “There’s something else you should know. It’s about your parents…they’re missing.”
Shock killed all expression on Aethan’s face. Then his head lowered, he stared at the ground.
Hell, wasn't he the bringer of cheerful tidings? “One more thing, Aerén now lives with me.”
Aethan’s gaze snapped back to him. “He’s here? On this realm?”
For a second, there was such yearning in his friend’s expression, Reynner almost called Aerén to get his ass here, only to recall he’d ordered him to Ground.
“Yeah. He took on the rebels to find your parents. Daén wants him safe. In Empyrea, he wouldn’t be. Nor could I keep him caged in Exilum. Far better he’s part of the detail in Eve's protection, it gives him something to do.”
Aethan nodded, but didn’t say anything. Reynner waited for his decision. Which came after a long time.
“Don’t—” he broke off, then took a deep breath “—don’t let Aerén know I'm here. He must go back to Empyrea.” Another pause. “If it’s not too much trouble, keep me posted on my parents?”
Reynner nodded.
“I'm glad you told me and that you're back,” Aethan said. And that easy smile he’d sported in another life reappeared, brought back sharp memories of an old friendship torn apart but never forgotten. Reynner simply reached out and hugged Aethan as three thousand years of separation and guilt dropped away.
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