Hugo’s eyes flickered with silver fire. He snarled viciously at the warriors. His future mate was half-dressed behind him, and the taste and smell of her still filled his senses. She was his and these males were not getting anywhere near her. She was his to protect, his to love…
Hugo knew he was being irrational. The sensible, calculating warrior part of his brain understood he needed to register the faces of these males, that he should discover their reason for wrenching him away from her. But the feral fae side of him did not care what they wanted.
The next few seconds passed in a blur. As his muscles contracted and he lifted his blade, the warriors each dropped to one knee, lowering their heads in a bow of subservience. But it was not enough to calm Hugo’s wild wrath at them being near his half-naked mate.
“Commander, please forgive my intrusion,” Elexon said, his voice steady and his eyes remaining downcast. “I mean no harm to you or Lady Gillon.”
Hugo felt a warm hand on his arm, urging him to lower his sword. The burning inside his soul quieted at her touch.
“Hugo, Elexon is not a threat. You know he would not disturb us unless it was important,” urged Diamond, her voice and magic washing over him in a soothing wave.
“What is it?” Hugo managed to growl down at the warrior. In a calculated move, Hugo lowered his blade.
“Sir, we have news of the giants. They are closer than we anticipated,” Elexon answered, his voice unwavering and deferent. Slowly the warrior lifted his eyes from the ground. He did not look Hugo in the eye, nor did he look at Diamond. His golden eyes stayed fixed on a point over Hugo’s shoulder.
Hugo appreciated the warrior’s understanding; either action would have only fuelled Hugo’s ire.
“Elexon? Your commander will meet you downstairs in a moment,” said Diamond, her fingers curling around Hugo’s forearm. There was a quiet authority in her voice that surprised and pleased Hugo.
“Yes, my lady,” Elexon affirmed. Standing tall, the big warrior spun on his heel. “Havron,” he ordered calmly. Without lifting his eyes from the floor, the other warrior stood, turned and headed downstairs behind Elexon.
As soon as the door closed, Hugo looked down at her, his whole body tense. Diamond deliberately stepped in front of him, those violet eyes huge as they travelled over the breadth of his chest then up to his face. Their magic had never stopped interacting the whole time those fae were on their knees. It was driving Hugo crazy. Dropping his swords with a clatter, he backed her up against the door. Her hands landed either side of his bare waist. All he wanted to do was kiss her and make her his, to pledge his soul to hers—but she had so many other things to overcome right now, and he had warriors to lead.
He cupped her face in his big hands, resting his forehead against hers. “Diamond, I want nothing more than to mark you as mine, to throw you on that bed and make love to you right now. I want to cover you in my scent so no other male tries to take you from me. But I can’t, not until we have left this war behind,” he told her. “We need to concentrate on winning, on surviving the giants and Ragor because I cannot stand the thought of being in this world without you. My soul will not survive losing you.” Lowering his head, he kissed her, gently at first, until she responded and their magic ignited his blood. Her sweet flowery scent invaded his mind, fogging his thoughts.
Gods, I have a job to do, men to lead… Chest heaving Hugo pulled away. “I have—to go,” he panted.
With great effort, he calmed more than just the rapid beat of his heart and pulled his magic gently from hers.
Diamond let it go.
“I know,” she whispered, but those amazing eyes followed his movements as he dressed, making it almost impossible to concentrate. Metal buckles clicked as he fastened his swords around his chest and thrust his daggers into their sheaths.
“I’ll find out what Elexon has to say and be back soon. Try and get some sleep,” he said softly, caressing her face with the lightest magical touch before he strode from the room, not trusting himself to touch her again.
CHAPTER 42
Diamond rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She must have been utterly exhausted because as soon as her head hit the pillow, she had fallen asleep. During the night Hugo had returned. Being pulled into the warmth of his arms had been bliss, but he had bid her return to her slumbers, stroking her hair with gentle fingers and wrapping his magic around her until she had done just that.
A happy smile stretched her lips, her stomach churning madly with butterflies at the thought of seeing her future mate this morning. Last night had turned her world on its axis. She rejoiced in the knowledge that Hugo wanted her, not only in his bed but as his mate. Dressing in her armour and donning her weapons, she made her way downstairs.
The guardroom was a hive of activity, full of soldiers and warriors. Some glanced up as she gracefully descended the stairs.
It did not escape her notice that some of the fae inhaled and tracked her progress down the stairs. It might have been flattering, if not for her circumstances; here in this warriors’ camp, she needed to show she was not weak. A scowl instantly marred her features, and she laid a hand firmly on her throwing knives, sending them a clear message. She would stand no insolence or unwanted attention from any of them. Her eyes flashed, and she snarled a warning at the two fae from last night. They, along with the rest of the room, swiftly turned their attention back to their food.
Hugo was in the far corner surrounded by the fae warriors she had seen yesterday.
Her heart banged against her ribs, and she could not stop the heat that rose to her cheeks. He had tracked her progress down the stairs and was staring at her with a satisfied smile curling his lips. Her magic came alive as he sent his sweeping forward to touch her. Confidently, she held his gaze and pushed back, smothering his body in a wave of invisible energy.
The warrior at Hugo’s side coughed loudly, as if he sensed their magical play.Right, focus.
Hugo smiled at her and, surprisingly, none of the warriors standing in their group showed any revulsion as his scar twisted.
“Diamond, you know Commander Elexon Riddeon. This is Havron, his second in command.” Hugo told her, his voice matter-of-fact.
Diamond met Elexon’s steady gaze. This close she could see flecks of russet in his irises. Riddeon. So that’s where she recognised him from. He was related to the great and immortal Master Commander.
“Good morning, Elexon,” she greeted the handsome fae warrior, then courteously greeted Havron and the others too.
“The giants are far closer than we anticipated. Our plans have been brought forward,” Hugo said, completely immersed in his persona as commander of these men.
“When do we leave?” she asked, keeping her voice strong and steady.
His eyes studied her as he answered. “As soon as you are ready. Elexon, you have your orders. We will meet you outside in a few minutes,” Hugo informed the warrior.
Elexon bowed to them both, fist to chest. The squadron of fae warriors parted respectfully to let him pass, then followed. Only Havron remained; he stood upright and vigilant near the door, watching them and the room.
Hugo frowned, clearly wondering why Havron was guarding them, then his attention rested on Diamond. She leaned against the edge of the table, using it to keep her upright as her legs wobbled—from nerves or his attention, she wasn’t sure.
“I thought we had a few days to practise with my magic before we had to destroy the giants,” she said, her voice wavering slightly despite her best efforts to appear in control.
“Diamond, we have no more time. I would not put you in harm’s way if I did not think you could do this. Besides,” a small smile curled his lips, turning her bones to water, “last night you managed to make your magic do whatever you wanted.”
Her face heated and he grinned. “Fine. We leave now,” she gulped, wishing her voice hadn’t squeaked quite so much.
“Oh no, my heart, you are not going anywhere until
you eat. It may be a long time until we get the opportunity again, and I don’t want you passing out because you are weak from a lack of food. Remember, magic uses energy, no matter what you use it for,” he drawled.
At that moment Arthur bustled over, pushing his way through the crowded tables. “Morning, my lady. I trust you slept well?” he enquired politely.
Diamond forced herself not to blush. “Very well. Thank you, Arthur,” she replied, her stomach tightening painfully as she took the plate of scrambled eggs, bread and ham he offered out to her. Thanking the steward, she took a seat at the nearest table that was surrounded by other soldiers, a couple of whom gave her friendly smiles. Forcing herself to chew and swallow the plate of food, she did her best not to look at Hugo, who stood hovering at her back. Picking up her cup, she gulped icy water to wash the food down.
“Satisfied?” she smiled over her shoulder when her plate was empty.
“Not at all,” he smirked down at her.
Diamond blushed scarlet. Hastily, she pushed her chair back and they left the noisy guardroom behind.
Outside, the tumultuous wind bit into her cheeks. Damp clung to her hair and clothes, raising a violent shiver from her. Ignoring it, she looked around with interest. Flags rippled upon the turreted walls of the tower, and in the grey dawn Diamond made out the watch soldiers staring down into the forest beyond the wall. Every bit of flat ground buzzed with soldiers, stable hands, delivery carts and people performing the essential tasks that kept Jack’s army functioning. Makeshift shelters and cooking stations dotted the grounds. Their fires burned brightly, sending plumes of smoke and the aroma of food and burning wood into the air.
Hugo marched to the base of the wall where Elexon and the other fae warriors waited in neat formation. Their wings were armoured and extended, ready to fly. Save for one sword each, they were not heavily armed. Keeping their weight down would ensure better manoeuvrability in the air. In addition to a sword, each warrior carried a sack of explosives.
Elexon glanced at her, nodded in greeting then directed his next question at Hugo. “Sir? We are ready. Shall we go?”
“Yes, make for the village as planned. We will follow.”
When the squad had risen, Hugo turned to Diamond. She had been dreading this moment. Nerves churned in her belly. Will I be able to pull this off? Control my magic enough to fight? Today she would become the immortal Queen’s weapon. Hugo was right, though; the people in this valley needed a chance. She wanted to be the person to give it to them.
“Diamond? We need to go,” Hugo repeated, holding his arm out as he studied her face. Support shone from his eyes, although he did not voice it. She was glad. It was up to her to find her confidence and bravery, not him to give it.
Warrior, weapon or both? There’s only one way to find out, she thought. Raising her chin, the woodcutter’s daughter stepped into the circle of the warrior’s arms.
CHAPTER 43
By the time Elexon indicated they neared the village, Diamond’s fingers and toes were numb with cold. Below Diamond’s feet, the forest was wreathed in shadows. It was hard not to grimace. No matter how much she trusted Hugo, she still hated heights.
Elexon headed toward a small clearing. With practised efficiency the squadron of warriors landed one at a time. Hugo’s wings thudded, slowing their descent, then his feet hit the ground in a smooth motion. He gave her one last squeeze before releasing her.
In the distance the sound of breaking waves rumbled. The tang of sea salt laced the air.
“Elexon. Let’s go,” Hugo said brusquely when they were all safely down. “Diamond, stay with the others. Do not follow us. Stay low and keep hidden until we return.”
Diamond tried not to roll her eyes. He was back in the Queen’s guard persona she knew so well. Knowing that did not stop her watching resentfully as he stalked away without waiting for a reply. Understanding he needed to become a detached warrior did not mean she had to like it. Before the scowl even left her face, the forest rang out with Hugo’s roared warning. In one swift movement both he and Elexon had drawn their blades. Diamond’s magic flared in response to a blast from Hugo’s, causing her to cry out.
Dust Devils emerged from the trees, their rotting limbs giving them an unsteady gait. Not so the Wolfmen.
The fae warriors burst into movement, charging towards their enemy with blades glinting. Battle cries filled the air, amplified by the clash of metal on metal.
Diamond watched in horrified fascination as Hugo despatched two Dust Devils in the blink of an eye. An attack by two large Wolfmen followed. They came at him swiftly, their yellow eyes glowing with bloodlust and malice. Long, sharp teeth gnashed, and their razor-like claws swung at his chest. Surefooted and quick, Hugo drove them back, shadows curling around him and striking where he willed it. Diamond quickly realised the nightmarish beasts were working together. The large muscles of their back legs tensed before they pounced on him once again, one going for his throat, the other aiming a sweeping blow at his legs.
Fear punched through her gut. Without thinking, she drew both her swords and started running towards him. Before she could get anywhere close, two of the massive half-man, half-beast creatures ran at her. Seeing them from the corner of her eye, Diamond spun, greeting them with a snarl. Her senses shifted as she changed her vision. A whole new world appeared. Her eyes picked up the energy around her, but instead of the beautiful iridescent hues of the valley forest, this area was vapid and devoid of joy.
Dark yellow energy billowed and swirled about the Wolfmen like a noxious cloud of poison. She could easily see what their next move would be when that noxious cloud pulsed with intent. She gave a cold smile. The nearest one, a huge male beast, roared and showered saliva into the air.
“Come on, you ugly bastard,” she whispered, pushing away her anxiety.
With startling speed and agility, the creature jumped high into the air. Diamond’s heightened senses perceived his intentions in slow and predictable movements. Charging underneath him, she bent her spine backwards and slid along the ground on her knees. Her Silverbore blade glided smoothly along his belly, lancing him wide open. Slimy, purple entrails slithered to the ground before his carcass thudded down. Flinging her body upright, she spun swiftly behind her next attacker. Her blade sank into the Wolfman’s hairy back before Diamond smoothly shifted her bodyweight onto her other foot, swiping her second sword across its neck. Blood gushed from the gaping wound. Diamond jumped away from the spray but did not save herself entirely. The smell of its body and blood was both familiar and disgusting.
Hugo dispatched another beast, slashing the tendon of its lower leg then cutting its throat with cold efficiency. A glance over at her and his eyes narrowed. Even with the clearing between them, Diamond didn’t miss the flicker of worry that transmitted from his eyes and down through their magic.
That moment of distraction cost him.
A Battle Imp attacked from behind. Built of hard muscle, it towered above Hugo. There was no time to scream a warning. All Diamond could do was watch as the beast opened its maw to sink long blue fangs into Hugo’s shoulder.
“Hugo!” Diamond screamed, instinctively throwing a bolt of magic at the creature.
Bellowing with fury, Hugo did not see her release that burst of power, and he spun directly into its path. Magic hit him squarely in the chest.
“No!” she yelled.
In that second, claws ripped through the air. Working on instinct and muscle memory alone, Diamond leaned back then spun on her heel. One set of claws narrowly missed her throat. Then white-hot pain lanced through her upper left arm. She screamed. Another other beast had caught her.
Control, Hugo had said. Control your emotions and you control your magic. So be it.
Diamond willed herself to push her fear and pain away. She locked it down so tight it almost suffocated her. Her heartrate slowed, and her eyes and senses focused. Less than five seconds later the beasts lay dead. There was no time for gloating, she
needed to get closer to Hugo.
More Dust Devils attacked. Appearing from the gloom of the forest in droves, their movements were unpredictable and jerky. With no soul and no energy to warn her of their movements, her concentration and weaponry skills were sorely tested. Dust Devils did not move quickly in their rotting forms, but there were so many. Metal jarred against metal. Diamond glanced around, feeling her magic simmering under her skin. There were too many fae, too close to use her magic.
Diamond did her best to ignore her horror of the scene. These rotting creatures had once been men or fae with families and lives of their own. But her abhorrence faded as she cleaved head after head. The rotting bodies exploded into black dust, leaving it clinging to her blood-soaked clothes. These things were no longer people.
Snarls and roars of dying creatures resounded through the trees as the experienced fae warriors killed their adversaries.
Diamond grunted as she gutted another Wolfman. Her arms were tiring. More Dust Devils appeared from the trees to her left, their swords drawn. Relief made her legs wobble as Hugo bellowed a warning. Thank the goddess, he lives and breathes enough to yell at me! Her violet eyes aglow, she searched the small clearing for him. Quickly sheathing her blade, she lifted her right hand. With no fae in her way, Diamond sent a blast of magic from her palm, disintegrating the rotting, empty husks into dust.
Breathing hard, she stalked past gory corpses. Hugo had broken the Battle Imp’s thick neck, and it lay dead at his feet.
The other warriors were breathing heavily, their swords dripping with blood and caked in dust, but all of them, including Elexon, eyed her with a mix of awe and wariness.
“Well, you don’t think he brought me simply for my looks, do you?” Diamond inquired, hating that her voice sounded shaky. She stalked right up to Hugo, her eyes raking over his face and down his body, not stopping until she had covered every inch of him. Ignoring his warning glare, she looked around the back of his shoulder just to be sure. Though the Battle Imp’s teeth had ripped into his thick leather armour, there was no blood. Satisfied, Diamond stepped away, looking anywhere but at Hugo’s face as he returned the favour. His attention heated her insides, but it was the knowledge he was unharmed that had her legs shaking madly.
A Bond of Blood and Fire (The Goddess and the Guardians Book 2) Page 26