Broken Souls (Primani Book 4)

by Laurie Olerich

  It had been less than 24 hours since the showdown with that demon who she refused to name. The name gave him an identity. It gave him power. The name made him real. As of 20 hours ago, he no longer existed in her mind. She evicted the fucker with extreme prejudice. She absolutely refused to think any more about him. It was time to move on with her life. She was still not sure what that meant. Up until now, her only driving ambition was surviving one more day. Now what?

  Dec tried not to punch his old friend in the mouth. It was hard. The mad joy he felt at seeing him alive and kicking at Woodstock vanished the second he opened his trap to grill him about Rori. He ground his molars together and tightened the grip on his temper. For the past 30 minutes, the convo had gone something like this:

  “I can’t believe you screwed my daughter!”

  “I can’t believe you screwed her mother!”

  “I should kick your ass!”

  “Bring it!”

  After going around this circle about 18 times, Sean busted out laughing, the unexpected sound breaking through the stubborn wall of testosterone.

  “Why don’t you two put your dicks away before someone loses an eye? Keil, buddy, it’s good to have you back. You look great for a dead guy. But dude, you have no real leg to stand on here. You had no idea you had a daughter. Don’t go getting all fatherly now. She’s 25 years old. It’s a little late, don’t you think? Besides, it’s not like Dec took her virginity. She knew what she was doing.”

  Dec took offense to that less than flattering description. “Hey! Don’t make her sound like a slut! I’m only the second person she’s been with.”

  Sean waved away his protests, mouth running on autopilot. “Whatever. The point is Rori doesn’t need a father to defend her. She’s survived a boatload of bullshit for all these years. She’s strong enough to make up her own mind. You might want to figure out how you’re going to explain how you met her mother. She’s going to want all the details.”

  Keil grimaced, and replied, “Yeah, I know. That’s a story for another day though. I don’t think she’s ready for this right now. It’s not pretty.”

  Dec uncurled his fists. “Good point. Thanks, Sean.”

  Sean gave him the hairy eyeball and replied, “And you need to figure out what you want to do now. The big mystery’s been solved. Rori’s safe and mostly sound. What are you going to do?”

  Rori watched them from the French doors. Sean caught her eye and waved. The gesture was so out of character, she paused before responding. He was up to something out there. He gave her a wink. Definitely up to something.

  “You must be Rori. You have your father’s eyes.”

  Startled, she swung around, jamming her hand against her heart to keep it from leaping out of her chest. The man appeared right behind her, so close she felt the heat wafting away from his skin. Whoa… she took an automatic step back, running smack into the door. No place to go.

  She craned her neck to look into his face. He could be Raphael’s twin. They shared the same aristocratic features. Square jaw, straight nose, well-defined cheekbones… but where Raphael kept his brown hair neatly trimmed, this man’s hair was pulled into a long ponytail. He would be handsome if he lost the fierce scowl. There was no warmth in his eyes or the shape of his mouth. Her survival instincts twittered a warning just before he reached out to take her hand.

  The shock of his touch tingled all the way to her bones. She opened her mouth to protest, but lost the ability to think. With a knowing smile, he shook her hand and said, “My blood runs through your veins, little human. What will you do with that power?” Pulling her a few inches closer, he continued in a deep, compelling voice, “Will you help the lost spirits find their rest? Or will you hide from them? Are you brave enough to use the gifts I’ve given you?”

  “I don’t understand.” Gifts? What was he talking about? She’d never seen him before.

  Reeling her in close enough to brush against the buttons on his jacket, he tipped her face up and captured her eyes in his. Her heart skittered so hard she couldn’t breathe. Tiny spots of light blocked her vision. Surely he could feel it? See it? If he did, he didn’t care.

  “I’m your father’s maker. You’re my descendant. Because of this, I’ve given you the ability to help your Primani right many wrongs. Let him guide you; let him teach you. The two of you are bound for more than sensual pleasure.”

  Her heart was going to explode. Her breath came in shallow gasps as he sucked all of the oxygen from the room. The spots in her vision grew darker, turning to solid walls of black. His hands gripped her elbows now, holding her up, palms searing her skin. He tilted his head as he searched her eyes, looking deeply, prying through her walls, digging into her secrets. He pursed his lips to speak, hesitating a beat before smoothing them into a genuine smile that transformed his face into something glorious.

  “Azrael tried to burn you alive. You owe your life to Declan. Don’t waste it.”

  She stared, mesmerized. The black walls narrowed to a tunnel. Who was this man?

  In response to her thoughts, he unfolded beautiful amber wings, chuckling as her eyes rolled back in her head.

  “I see you’ve met Uriel.” Keil’s husky voice spoke somewhere just above her nose. “Can you stand?”

  Shoving herself to her elbows, she blinked a couple of times to stop the spinning walls. “What happened?”

  “You fainted, darlin’. Come on, I’ll help you up.”

  “Dec! Oh, thank God!” She let him haul her to her feet before throwing her arms around his waist. Squeezing him hard enough to crack a rib, she laughed shakily into his chest. “He scared the hell out of me! Is he gone?”

  He didn’t answer with words, but the vibrations of silent laughter did the trick. Shit. He’s right here, isn’t he? She peeled her face away and swallowed hard. Yep. Still here. And standing just behind them with her father and Sean. Okay, this ‘father’ stuff wasn’t working for her. He was too young, too… too male. He might technically be her father, but she couldn’t call him that.

  “Let’s get something straight, Keil. I’m not calling you dad. It’s way too weird for me. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you exist, I’m part Primani, and no longer have a death sentence around my neck.”

  “Whatever you want. Call me Keil.”

  Uriel came forward. Everyone rushed to move out of the way. Dec stood tall and proud next to her. His hand rested on her lower back. He dipped his head respectfully.

  “I must return to Hell. Before I leave, is there anything you’d like to ask of me, Rori? Anything at all?”

  The gleam in his eyes suggested he already knew the answer. He just wanted to hear her ask the question. Her mind was blank. What could she possibly want from him? Snap! The light bulb went on.

  “There is one thing. Is there any way you can get my mother’s soul freed so she can go to Heaven? It breaks my heart to know she’s suffering because of me.”

  Uriel actually smiled gently before nodding. “I’ll see what I can do.” He turned to Dec and frowned. “You’ve led a charmed life, Declan. Now I understand why that is. You’ve protected my offspring and for that I thank you. You and she are bound together by the timeless power of your saols and the human love that beats within your hearts. It’s your remaining humanity that gives you the strength to do what you must do. Know that I am giving you my blessing. Do not disappoint me, or I will smite you.”

  He turned on his heel to leave, then stopped and glanced over his shoulder. “Rori, come here.”

  He placed both hands on the side of her head and closed his eyes. A tiny burst of golden light outlined his fingers before slipping into her veins. In the space of a heartbeat, it was done.

  “There. Now you’re evenly matched.”

  Rori stared in confusion at this angel who guarded the gates of Hell. What just happened? Dec fell to his knees, tears coursing over his cheeks, undone. “Thank you, Uriel. Thank you.”

  New Year’s Eve
. The witching hour was only minutes away. Times Square was packed with thousands of people screaming in frenzy to welcome another year. For most of these people, another year was guaranteed. No one gave it a second thought; of course the next year was coming. They didn’t know any differently. But for others… well, this new year was an unexpected blessing.

  Dec held his breath as Rori’s fingers glided across his groin. Teasing him with her nails, she purred low in her throat when she got the reaction she wanted. With eyes closed and head flung back, he sank into the pleasure of her touch. For a full 30 seconds. Even though she touched him in all the right ways, he couldn’t stop the thoughts that ran around his head like a merry-go-round. He couldn’t relax.

  “What is it?” She nuzzled his jaw, dropping kisses along the side. The feel of her against his chest, skin on skin, heartbeats thumping together, was almost too much. He couldn’t do this anymore. He felt like a fake. He didn’t want to be with her like this.

  Rolling them over so she lay beneath him, he supported himself on his arms. Her look of surprise brought a smile to his face, but he quickly banished it. Now was not the time for smiling. This was serious. She pouted at his frown and slid her tongue around his lower lip. His carefully planned speech vaporized when she slid her hand between them and stroked him against her palm. Her sexy little mouth curled into a grin of victory.

  Moving so fast she gasped out loud, he snagged her wrist and pinned both hands next to her head. Dipping down, he kissed her with all of the gentleness he could find within him. He wrapped his lips over hers, slowly tasting them, caressing her with his mouth, his tongue. When she was panting beneath him, he pulled back and said, “Marry me. Say yes and let me love you for eternity.”

  “Kiss me again, and I’m yours.”

  ####

  Acknowledgements!

  I am beyond excited to release Broken Souls! It’s the fourth book in the Primani series. It begins a few years after Mica’s journey came to an end in Stone Angels. It’s a special book for me because it stars my beloved Declan. He’s the lovable Primani who’s captured the hearts of so many readers. Not only is he beautiful to look at, he’s quirky, playful, and full of compassion for the humans he’s been created to protect. After being given a second chance at immortal life, he’s doing his best to make a difference. As the human who’s channeling his spirit into a manuscript, I had the pleasure of watching him evolve from a fun-loving younger brother to a sexy, overprotective lover who’s got to slay the demon to get the girl.

  The tone of Broken Souls is darker and edgier than the earlier books in the series. The demons are nastier than ever! Dec’s sunny brightness had to be balanced by a chilling darkness. Finding this balance was a fun challenge for me, though I’m 100 percent positive I drove everyone around me completely mental. I truly appreciate no one killing me off in my sleep! Thank you to my family and friends for putting up with me. There are some extraordinary people who deserve a special shout out for making this sexy, dark love story possible! A million thanks to:

  Jo Spring for her excellent editing work and advice. I can’t thank her enough for her words of wisdom and support. She kept me on track and in good spirits! Thanks, Jo!

  Ann, David, Deborah, and Tracy, my beta readers, for their honest feedback and suggestions. Ann and Deb, I’m humbled by your genuine love for Declan and the rest of the Primani. I’m blessed to have you rooting for me!

  My wonderful friend Angela Bauer for the stunning cover! Her designs are breathtaking every single time. This cover is nothing short of amazing. I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

  HeatherLynn Portraits for the beautiful model photo. Heather works magic with her camera! I can’t wait to finish more books so we can work together again!

  Eric Penalver for being such a dead ringer for Declan! His career as a cover model is just beginning, but I see a bright, busy future in store for him! You’re awesome, Eric!

  Brenna Zinn and Elaine Barris for your mentorship, friendship, and laughter. You two have encouraged me more than you’ll ever know. I can’t wait to see where the future takes us!

  About the Author:

  Hi! I’m Laurie Olerich and writing is my passion. I love to create guilty pleasures full of exciting locations, rollercoaster action, strong, quirky heroines, and steaming hot heroes who’ll raise the temperature in any room you’re in! Paranormal romance? Check! Urban fantasy? Check! Romantic suspense? Check! My Primani series combines the best of the three. When I’m not plotting, writing, or fantasizing about my next hero, I’m planning parties, traveling, and spending lazy nights with my son, my Dal pals, and my friends. I’ve spent many years living in New York and Germany, but have made my home in San Antonio, Texas since retiring from the United States Air Force. Thank you so much for taking a chance on a new author and picking up my story! I hope you’ll fall in love with the Primani world as much as I have. If you’d like to get to know me better and keep up with my works in progress, look me up on the Internet. I’d love to hear from you!

  Website: www.laurieolerich.com

  Facebook: LaurieOlerichAuthor

  Twitter: @LaurieOlerich

  Email: laurieolerich@gmail.com

  Craving more Primani? Here’s a little taste of what’s coming next!

  “Aisling! Damn it, woman. Stop!” Alexandyr Talanov threw himself forward into a low roll that let him slide just under the knife thrown at his gut. Diving behind a wooden fence post, he allowed himself a grim smile. Finally she was getting it! Rubbing absently at a steady stream of blood soaking his shirt, he congratulated himself on his teaching skills. His newest pupil was coming along well, though a little stubborn about things, if he was being honest.

  “Alexi! Come out, you big coward. I’m not going to wound you.” Aisling’s voice came from the other side of the fence. She was laughing at him.

  Unfolding himself to his full intimidating height, he held his own knife in a defensive position and scowled down at her. “Too late. You’ve ruined my favorite shirt.”

  Aisling Andersson smothered a grin at her trainer’s peevishness. Alexi was always scowling. It wasn’t a good day unless he was angry about something. She’d known him for only a year, but it felt like lifetimes. “Oh, I think it’ll wash. And you will heal.” Jamming her throwing blade into its sheath, she turned away, dismissing him altogether.

  Alexandyr stood with his mouth hanging open before slamming it closed. How did she do that again? She walked away from him this morning...in the middle of his lecture. She had no respect!

  In two strides, he was at her side, pulling her around to face him. The shock on her face made him want to laugh, but when the shock turned to fear, he scowled instead. Paling at his nearness, she took a step back, tugging at his hand unconsciously.

  Striving for patience, he ground out, “Why do you cringe? I’ve never hurt you.” He studied her glittering blue eyes for a sign of her thoughts, her emotions, anything that would help him understand her. She made him crazy with her contradictions. He never knew which side of her he’d get to see. He’d thought they’d had a normal training session today. Her attitude was positive, and she’d shown no signs of depression. But now...

  Aisling tugged her hand again, wanting nothing more than distance between them. God, didn’t he know how hard it was for her? He was overwhelming her, making it hard to think, let alone come up with a rational lie for her fear. He’d never accept the truth. She’d never tell it to him. Instead of letting her go, he drew her nearer. The heat from his powerful body warmed her, and she shivered. Not with cold, not with desire, but with fear. She could never be with him. If anyone saw them, it would be the death of them both.

  ####

  Table of Contents

  Broken Souls (Primani Book Four) By Laurie Olerich

  Copyright 2014

  Prologue:

  Chapter 1: Running From Angels

  Chapter 2: Daydreams and Night Things

  Chapter 3: The Devil You Don’t


  Chapter 4: The Forecast Calls for Raine

  Chapter 5: Dazed and Confused

  Chapter 6: Crazy Talk

  Chapter 7: Fugue You!

  Chapter 8: A Matter of Trust

  Chapter 9: Love the One You’re with

  Chapter 10: Breaking the Girl

  Chapter 11: Bad Timing

  Chapter 12: Innocence Lost

  Chapter 13: The Long and Winding Road

  Chapter 14: Snow Angels at Play

  Chapter 15: Those Three Little Words

  Chapter 16: And the Plot Thickens

  Chapter 17: Forgive Me Father for You Have Sinned

  Chapter 18: Scars on the Soul

  Chapter 19: Through the Looking Glass Darkly

  Chapter 20: A Serpent Coiled and Waiting

  Chapter 21: A Family for Christmas

  Chapter 22: The Devil’s in the Details

  Chapter 23: Resolutions

  Acknowledgements!

  About the Author:

  Craving more Primani? Here’s a little taste of what’s coming next!