"Nia we love you and we aren't going anywhere.” Rhea said patting Adam on the leg surprising herself at her boldness but wanting to ease the discomfort that was oozing off of him since Nia said lives were on the line. "We'll do whatever it takes.” Adam said as he swallowed the lump in his throat, he nodded so she knew he agreed.
"We have a meeting tonight so you guys will be on your own. Stay in the room and stay alert.” Nia said going up to them both and giving them each a hug. "I love y'all. I’m sorry I don’t have a better explanation than that." Nia said. This was a huge weight off her shoulders.
"We have to go.” Aaron told Nia looking at his watch.
"Okay, I'll answer any questions later, I promise guys. We're going to get to Aunt Amarie as quickly as possible.” she informed them as she headed for the door.
Rhea went to Nia and stood directly in front of her, "Are you okay?” she asked her a look of concern marring her features.
Nia gave a small laugh, "Sure, but I'll be even better after I talk to Aunt Amarie. Just be careful and call me immediately if there's any trouble at all. Love you.” Nia said wrapping Rhea in a tight hug.
"Love you too Nia.” she responded and reluctantly released her. She had never seen Nia look so out of sorts. It was worrying to say the least.
After closing the door behind Aaron and Nia Rhea turned to Adam, "Well we have a lot to talk about.” she told him as he blew out a long breath,
"I'm listening.” he said warily
###
Aaron grabbed Nia's hand, they had fifteen minutes left. "Let's go for a short walk okay?” he suggested to Nia as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Okay, I'm in no hurry to see Lilith anyway,” hand in hand they headed towards the side door of the hotel Nia thought she could use the time to clear her head.
"You don't trust her either do you?” Aaron asked surprising Nia by extending his own privacy bubble.
"OMG! You did it!” she said stopping to applaud his new found talent.
"Jeez, it's not that big a deal.” he said with a chuckle, happy to see her smiling again.
"Sure it is!” she exclaimed wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing it gently.
"Okay, it's pretty cool, but I asked you a question.” he said, reminding her as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along.
Nia sighed, "I have no idea why, but no, I don't trust Lilith at all. She's too... I don't know. Fake?” she said pursing her lips in thought.
Aaron nodded, "Yeah I get a bad vibe from her too, she seems wicked somehow so I'm leery myself. We'll just have to keep our eyes open and our minds blocked when she's around." he said and Nia agreed quickly.
"My thoughts exactly!” she said with a smile. Aaron leaned in and planted a quick kiss on the tip of her nose and they turned and started back the way they’d come.
Whether they trusted her or not they couldn't keep Lilith waiting forever.
Chapter 16
Darragh went to his room, grabbed a few things and laid on his bed. In his hand was a silky, crimson red scarf. He put himself into sleep quickly, he had less than an hour to complete his task and at that moment he was glad she'd left the personal item behind, it would be easier to connect to her that way. It wasn't going to be easy, he hadn't even been forgiven yet, but he had to try. He knew she would be angry and he was prepared to deal with that, but he also knew she'd forgive him eventually.
He felt the buzz of the dreamscape before he opened his eyes he hadn't been here in a while, not since Lilith had summoned him. He and Savannah had a very long history and he'd do absolutely anything for her, except say no to Lilith at his own peril, it just wasn't an option at the time.
Rumors were circulating of corruption and rogue hunters working for Lilith. They even said some Guardians were being unrightfully banished and he wasn't going to chance it.
Quickly walking towards the trees he was feeling excited already feeling that she was close by. Taking ten cautious steps in there was a whoosh, then a thwack, and his head snapped forward. Things got blurry and faded to black.
Savannah stood over him and smiled when she recognized the face, raising her hands she summoned the wind to come and aid her. The air swirled around her and she whispered what she wanted. It lifted him just to a hover above the ground, she took him to a couch she manifested in the shade.
She stood over him and looked at him, her favorite thing had been watching him sleep, and he was so peaceful like that. Darragh was the most sincere and diligent man she'd ever known, she enjoyed every second of their time together. She really had missed him, they hadn't been together as more than friends since she'd been promised to another man. That was when their world had been forever changed
.
Fate had a different plan, apparently, the man she was to spend her forever with died. The pain of a loss of a bond mate is indescribable. She didn't love him, not like she had loved Darragh, but she cared and felt his adoration through their bond. Darragh had been there for her and never once pressured her to fall back into what they had been. They were in love long before she was promised and it ripped their world apart. She was angry at fate for choosing someone else for her. Now she wondered if perhaps it just wasn't their time yet.
She couldn't imagine forever with anyone but him, but she wouldn't tell him as much, not right now. First he had some suffering to do for leaving her to do a job for Lilith. She really needed him during the past year and he'd been gone doing, she didn't even know what.
Yes, she was angry and yes she was going to make him work for her affection this time. In the past year she had no one and her loss of a promised had made her hard. It has been said that it scars one's soul. The pain when it had happened was nothing less than excruciating. He was thousands of miles away when it happened but she knew instantly. Darragh went to her side as soon as he'd heard and didn't leave her until she was able to shake the shock of it all and function again. Much to his 'love' interest at the time, Isabel's dismay. Just the thought of Isabel made her skin crawl, she didn't really know her but she sure did hate her.
Their history went further than their romance. They'd known each other all their lives been through so much together. She knew him better than she knew herself and vice versa. It had to be serious whatever brought him here on Lilith’s time.
Savannah watched the rise and fall of his breaths as the memories flooded her mind, times that she watched him sleep while he held her close. He used to tell her he'd never let anyone hurt her and to this day he's held that promise true.
Flicking her wrists she stretched her palms over Darragh’s face. Water came down off the leaves of the trees and up the blades of grass, it gathered there just above her palm. She blew a cold wind into it to chill it and dumped it onto his face with a satisfied smirk.
Darragh choked and coughed sitting up quickly, being jerked back into consciousness. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Lilith’s little errand boy.” she said oozing sarcasm and crossing her arms in front of herself.
"It's nice to see you too Savannah.” Darragh said wiping his face off and shaking out his black hair. He stared at her with her auburn locks falling in her face. It was way longer than he remembered and her grey eyes looked almost soft and welcoming. She gathered herself quickly and they changed to distant and furious in a flash.
He was happy to see her regardless of her anger. He still loved her but she was cold as ice since she'd lost her promised. She was a fierce warrior and stayed on the edge of the realms offering her unique collection of talents and skills to the highest bidder. Her loyalty was with herself and of course Darragh, though that was a rough subject still.
Savannah absolutely loathed Lilith, though she would work for her if the money was right. Lilith didn't particularly like Savannah either, but with her skills, she wasn't about to let her defect to Eliara's side. She allowed Savannah the freedom to do as she pleased, so long as it didn't put anyone in her realm in jeopardy.
"I don't have too long,
I'm here on business.” he said sadly.
"Ha! You mean Lilith’s business?” she scoffed.
"No, my own.” he said slowly looking to meet her shocked eyes.
"And what business is that?” she asked eyes narrowed placing a hand on her hip.
"We found her Savannah, the girl, the prophecy is true. All the way down to her not knowing who she truly is. I need your help to get her to her destination. So that she can have everything revealed to her.", he said, pausing so it could sink in.
Savannah sat slowly and looked up at him and it was obvious her gears were turning, "Are you certain?” she asked slowly.
"I've never been surer, well maybe in one other instance, but yes I am." he said cheeks reddening at the admission of his certainty of her being the one for him.
He knew that she knew what he was talking about and quickly added, "We're passing too close to the realms soon.” he explained rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I can't risk someone getting through the glamour before she learns to properly defend herself.” he added and Savannah just stared at him contemplating but not ready to answer so he continued.
"She knows she has control of the elements but she doesn't know why or how to use that control. I thought perhaps you could track whoever is trying to get through and help train her.", Darragh said staring into her eyes with all the sincerity, but speedily before she could change the subject to groveling at her feet.
"Wait you have been gone for what, a year now and this is what you come to me with?” she responded seemingly angry.
"Savannah, please. Don't be mad at me, I've been busy. I've been guarding her from afar this whole time, I had no idea who she was or why I was keeping an eye on her until about a week ago. But now. Now I know, it's her, and you can help me prove it." he said inching towards her slowly.
"I'm really sorry. And I really miss you.” he told her.
They had yet to be together in that way again but they had always remained friends. He wanted to be a part of her life no matter the role.
Savannah contemplated his words glancing into his mind seeing truth and something else she wasn't ready to address. She'd had a feeling he had never stopped loving her but she didn't know how to be with someone after what had happened to her.
"If I go with you, I will get full disclosure in the details? And you will answer any questions I have?” she asked skeptically.
"Of course I will. If I know the answer it's yours.” he said humbly and she knew he meant it.
She let out a long breath. "You know I can't say no to you right?” she asked with a wry smile forming, trying to make an effort to lighten the mood.
Not able to take it anymore he moved to embrace her and it was gladly returned.
"I really have missed you.” she whispered as her eyes roamed over him head to toe.
"I've missed you too.” he said leaning back to meet her eyes.
They shared a smile, then he spoke reluctantly trying not to do what his mind was urging him to, "Avery has been my partner. We have been on this assignment for a year. And she'll be there too.” he said wincing.
Savannah took a deep breath. "You leave her to me. Who else is with you?” she asked almost dreading his answer.
"Of course there's Nia, she's the girl. Rian who they are calling Eric, don’t ask, and Aaron he's Nia's promised and her Guardian, he's unaware like Nia. They’re already bonded, Lilith did it herself. Eric swore a protector’s oath to her as well, she has his Soul Stone.” he informed her as quickly as he could, he was running out of time.
"Wait? Wasn't... How did Rian get into the mortal realm?” she asked clearly bewildered.
"Lilith chose him, Savannah. I don't know why she granted it. I don't think she realized how close he and Avery were.” he said slowly.
"Whoa, have they? I mean are they promised?” she asked with a gulp.
"Yes." he breathed with a puzzled look.
"How...” he started to ask.
“Later, please.” she told him pleading with her eyes.
She'd compel him if she had to but he looked deep in her eyes and saw no deception just uncertainty.
He gave a slight nod and a clamped smile. "We have to go, are you ready to transfer realms?” he asked her.
"Sure, I can summon anything I need anywhere, I'm talented that way.” she said laughing.
He held out his arms and she stepped into his embrace and laid her head on his chest taking in the feel of his broad expanse of muscle and the scent of his minty soap. He placed his arms around her and rested his head on hers. The world around them began to shudder and fall away replaced by temporary blackness.
She felt a softness beneath her and recognized she was now horizontal as she blinked a few times and the ceiling went in and out of focus. Slowly she moved to the edge of the bed where Darragh was already standing. He didn't know how long it had been since she'd travelled that way but from the looks of her it had been awhile.
She tried to focus her eyes and got momentarily dizzy so she put her head between her legs. Darragh went and got her a cold water from the mini fridge and handed it to her. He got a grateful smile in return.
"Thanks.", she said sounding a bit weak.
She drank half at once and stood up and wobbled for a second. Darragh moved in to steady her but she shooed his hand away.
"So, tell me more about this job. I don't think I'm ready for the other conversation we need to have.” she said barely meeting Darragh's eyes with a small smile.
"First I need to know if you want Lilith to know you're along on this job. Or if you want to be here without her knowledge, that's fine with me too.” he said knowing she was in control of that part.
"I think I should remain under the radar on this one. If that girl is who you say she is, we could use an element of surprise if things go sideways.” she told him and he nodded.
###
Eric and Avery sat in silence, he hadn't said a word to her since she'd voiced her unwillingness to cross Lilith. She wasn't sure if he was angry, he was blocking her from his mind again.
"You okay?” she asked watching his jaw work.
"Yeah, I'm just curious what are you doing here if you aren't willing to risk anything? You had no way of knowing I was going to be here. So what gives?” he asked her.
“Darragh and I were given this assignment over a year ago and my loyalty is not an issue! I am just not willing to risk jacking everything up and pissing off Lilith. At this point I’m more concerned with what she’d do to you than to me! I am not in the least bit afraid of her. You are the only thing she can take away from me now. Do you understand that?” Avery asked with her eyes on fire. The passion with which she spoke had Eric doing a double take at his fierce love.
"What can we tell her friends that we won't get into deep crap with Lilith for disclosing?” she asked annoyed.
"At this point I'm not risking any lives here, not theirs or ours. But in order for them to understand our vigilance, they need to know the seriousness of the situation.” he said as sternly as he could. "If you want out of this, I will get you out. Just say the word.” he paused and chanced a look at the now seething Avery.
“I never said I wanted out of anything but somebody has to think around here and where she is concerned your brain turns mush! What the heck is up with that anyway?” she asked crossing her arms tightly across her chest.
Ignoring what Avery had just implied Eric moved to stand directly in front of her. He ran his fingers over his prickly scalp and sighed loudly meeting her eyes. "I love you Avery, I really do but I have a job to do. I take this seriously and I'm unselfishly carrying out what I need to do to get the job done. It’s not for Lilith, it's for a future. I know Lilith is brutal, but I also know she wants us to get this girl to her aunt in one piece. I'm willing to do what I have to do to follow through with this. I need to know I can trust the people around me." he told her now staring at the floor.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean? Are y
ou saying you don't trust me?” she asked in disbelief eyes wide. "Are you freaking kidding me?” she added standing to her feet.
He stood and grabbed her by the elbow and tried to turn her. She shrugged him off. "Avery.", he said barely audible.
"No! Look, you're not the only one invested here! Nia could be the key to the change we've all been waiting for! But seriously, what's up with Lilith wanting to help her? Am I the only one who thinks that's a bit shady?” she asked with a raised voice. "Think about that for a minute! I am not going to let her have you again. You aren't the only one who plans on seeing this through. And yes, I don't trust Lilith as far as I can throw her phony behind because she's freaking evil! I know that and you know that! Hell everyone knows it!” she screamed glad she'd put out a bubble when this conversation began.
True Fate Page 25