Silence ticked in a slow beat until finally he said, “You were a test when I brought your parents together to give you life. I had no idea what would happen to an angel who carried both of my children inside him. Could you fight my son’s evil side? Or would it consume you? I dared hope you would become the strongest among my sons. Would be able to walk in all worlds. My hopes came true.”
A man’s form materialized before Tegan but remained nothing more than a bright light.
“You are a key that unlocks so much. Yes, I took your mortal love because it was not time for you to have her. Your daughter, as you well know, has played a vital part and will continue to do so. Rhea is the one meant for you. She is your Ana and so much more. She holds the power of a pure angel, and your son will be key in the future of humankind.”
Tegan rubbed his temples, trying to process this new information. He’d been nothing more than a pawn. An end to a means and now his children were pawns in the game of a god. “What do you require of my children?” It was bad enough he was being used, but his children... That was not acceptable without good damn reason.
“Humanity is being cleansed. You don’t think it odd Lucifer found the key to unleash his will? I created the mortals from seeds. Watched them grow and thrive and murder each other. Their hatred has become a poison. Now, they will face their biggest challenge and only the strong will survive. Once again they will have the chance to build the world as they wish, but they must fight past the darkness. It is time for mortals to realize they are not alone in the world and choose their evolution.”
Fine. Great. What did his children have to do with any of this?
“Your children, like you, carry the DNA of good and evil. They can walk in all worlds. Even I wish to give my mortal children a fighting chance. They will need you in their future.”
Tegan squeezed his eyes shut. “You know that I have always been loyal.”
“You have.”
“Then why could you not trust me with this information?”
“How do I tell my son I’m going to take away the woman he loves? That his daughter will grow up in a harsh world? I do what is necessary.”
“You do realize Lucifer may well die by his own son’s hands?”
“That was a mistake my child made on his own, and he must face the consequences. If it is part of the evolution, then so it shall be.” Silence. “Make your choice, Tegan. Choose what your destiny is, or I will smite you to ash right here.”
He worked his jaw. He was sick of being used, but could he leave Ashley? His son that was yet to be born? And then there was Rhea. He walked away from her as Ana so many years ago. Could he leave her again? With a grumble, he bent the knee and bowed his head. “I will do as you bid, Deus.”
“I am most happy to hear that. Of course, you realize that punishment will still be meted out. I cannot have my angels thinking to defy me.”
“As you wish.”
Within minutes, Tegan’s mountain home had been turned into a bustling refuge. The families of several of those females recently brought into the angelic fold were here, including Ashley’s aunt Viv, Ana’s sister, and Rhea studied the woman from across the room. With her mind a complete mess and her emotions in turmoil, Rhea didn’t know how to act anymore. Guilt racked her. She was the cause of the gate opening and Morbus escaping into the world. She was the cause of Tegan’s torment and the reason he had left to seek answers. Rhea alone was the cause of so much pain and now the destruction of millions of lives. Helpless didn’t even begin to cover how she felt at the moment.
“Rhea, are you doing okay?” Ashley asked, concern wrinkling her forehead.
She tried to fake a smile but knew it was useless. “I’m torn. I belong with your father. He should not face the Almighty alone. I should be here helping.” Her gaze moved back to Viv.
“Do you wish to tell her who you really are?” Ashley’s gaze followed Viv as she moved about the room helping to settle others.
“No. It would only hurt her. I’m still not sure I understand all of this myself.”
Without notice, Ashley pulled her into a hug. “Your place is with my father. Go and get your answers, we will be fine here.”
Rhea squeezed back. “Thank you.” Slipping from the room, she opened a portal home where moments later she was greeted by the ferryman.
“Rhea.” He studied her. “You are changed as I predicted.” He helped her into the boat then set out for the southern shore.
“Did you ferry the archangel?” She rubbed her hands in a nervous gesture.
“I did. He was most angry.”
“Do you know where he is now?” She tried to sense him but was being blocked.
“I imagine with your father. I’ve not heard of his destruction yet, but Rhea? If the Almighty does not at least punish him for his actions it will set a bad precedence.”
She knew this and it was what made her heart stutter with fear. The trip took forever even though it was the same amount of time as always.
Father?
He ignored her because there was no way he didn’t hear her. Anger simmered in her gut and threatened to explode. Rhea had always followed orders. Was the perfect example of obedient, but this was her mate. Her life had been turned upside down, and it was time for her to stand up for what she believed. She vehemently believed in Tegan and the second chance they were being given.
It would not slip through her fingers a second time.
Reaching the shore, she was greeted by her counterpart. “I don’t need an escort.” Then marched past the startled angel. Soon, she was taking the steps to the temple two at a time, her wing tips scraping the stone. The guards opened the doors for her and she rushed inside, running down the hall and into the chamber where she came to an abrupt stop. Tegan knelt on the floor, his head jerked up and looked behind him. When he saw her, he jumped to his feet.
“Rhea, why are you here?”
“I couldn’t let you face this alone. I will not let Father destroy you.” She rushed to him, tipped her face upward to stare into his emerald depths. “I don’t understand everything that has happened between us, but I will not let you go again.” She placed her palms on his chest. “I will once again die without you. I don’t know how I know this, but as long as we remain apart, I will continue to perish. I-I love you.”
He cupped her face and stared into her soul for several seconds. “I will not leave you again.” He knelt at her feet and brought his palms together. Power surged forth in a neon blue light that encompassed his hands. When he finally opened them and lifted his palms toward her, she gasped.
“I bind myself to you. My breath, my heart, and my soul belong to you now. Will you accept me?”
Tears spilled as she reached into his palm and touched her fingers to the stone. The deepest blue she had ever seen yet so clear she could see through it. Her hands shook as she picked it up and gently laid it in her palm. Only powerful ancient archangels could produce angel stone. It was created from their raw power, a part of their very heart, breath and soul and was offered to the female they chose to be theirs for eternity.
She squeezed the stone tight. “I accept and will wear it around my neck, always to remind me of you.”
Tegan rose.
“You will finish your mating and return here for punishment when done. You have twenty-four hours, Tegan.”
“Father, you can’t hurt him. Haven’t you done enough already?” Rhea pleaded.
Tegan gripped her arm. “Do not. I willingly accept what I have coming. Let us leave here and finish what we have started.” With those words, he pulled her into his arms and the room faded away.
Chapter Seventeen
With the knowledge that he now walked in all worlds, Tegan headed to the only place he knew safe at the moment. His secret hideaway in the clouds. Every angel had a special place of their own where no one else could enter without permission. They made a soft landing on the pine needle floor, a thick canopy of trees loomed overhead, sun
light cast shadows in all directions.
“It is how I imagined. The air smells wonderful,” Rhea said.
Tegan took her hand and led her through the forest. They walked in silence, enjoying the sounds of nature. He had mimicked his favorite part of the human realm. Birds sang in the distance while a babbling brook provided chorus. When they finally reached the clearing, he stopped and turned her to him. She had already managed to fashion a silver chain from her own magic and was wearing his stone between her breasts.
He leaned closer and kissed her. Her full lips parted and he took advantage, slipping his tongue in to taste every inch of her mouth. She moaned and leaned into him. Her arousal scented the air. His fingers found the buttons of her blouse and began to work them until her naked flesh was pressed against his chest.
He shoved the fabric off her shoulders and let it fall to the ground.
Next, he worked the button on her jeans, never giving her mouth a reprieve. He intended to claim every inch of her. For once and for all, she would belong to him. Forever.
With her jeans off, followed by her panties, Rhea stood before him wearing only his angel stone. The deep blue a contrast against her creamy skin. Her breasts full and nipples hard, he had to remind himself to take his time. He had twenty-four hours to bask in her beauty before he had to leave her.
“You are a slice of heaven itself.” His gaze fell to her still trim waist, which would soon begin to swell with their son.
“Are you just going to stare at me, or are you going to get rid of those jeans and finish making me yours forever?” Her voice a silky seduction he couldn’t ignore.
He unsnapped his pants and pulled down the zipper. “The world is changing, Rhea. Our children apparently play a role, as do we in its reincarnation. How? I still don’t fully understand.” He held his breath. “You still have a chance to walk away from me.” The words stung like a fresh wound. “Bear our son in your father’s temple as he bids and forget I ever existed.”
“Never.”
One simple word.
He clutched his hands by his side and closed his eyes. “Be sure of this. I am both the light and dark and one day may end up in total blackness.” Warm hands touched his chest followed by a kiss.
“Then we face it together. Whatever is dealt our way, we are finally one.”
He looked down at her. The sincerity in her eyes.
“This is the only destiny we have a say in. I know with every ounce of my being this is right. If we don’t make a vow to each other now, then I will die once more and you will be left waiting for me to come back to you as another. My soul knows you as its other half and will never stop searching for you.”
He knew this too. When he thought about it, he had known the moment he first touched Rhea they were destined, but he had shoved it into the darkest corner of his mind. To hear her speak the words now, to confirm his conviction finally lifted the last weight from his shoulders. Shoving his jeans off, he summoned his wings. Let them cast a shadow over Rhea as he nuzzled her neck and made his way to pull a nipple into his mouth. She arched on a moan while he moved his attention to the other breast. He slid his fingers along her hips, down her thigh until he found her sweet spot. Placing his knee between her legs, he pushed her thighs apart then traced his fingers along her swollen flesh.
Her breaths came faster. “Please.”
Not wanting to wait, he inserted two fingers and worked her to the edge.
Her body was an instrument Tegan played so well. Every nerve tingled with power as she rode closer to the edge. She gripped his shaft in her palm and teased him as he did her. When she thought her body could take no more, he thumbed her clit and pushed her over the edge. The ground moved under her as she crashed headlong into a blissful orgasm.
Tegan kissed her and helped her settle back into reality again. When he broke free, his lips were curved into a wicked grin. One that said she was in trouble.
“Ready to run, my little angel?”
“Run?” She peeked around him and realized his intent. Oh, this was going to be so much fun! Breaking free, she ran toward the cliff at full speed, Tegan behind her laughing. When she reached the edge she jumped, allowing herself to free-fall for several seconds before she snapped out her wings and soared on the currents. The cool breeze caressed her naked skin, and she had never felt more alive. Moments later, Tegan was upon her and the race began.
Rhea dipped and made a sharp right. The scene below was breathtaking. They followed a river embedded in a ravine. Heavily forested mountains rose on either side. She glanced behind her and saw Tegan in a lazy glide. His powerful wings of now gold and black stretched out several feet and hardly seemed ruffled. She was in awe of him. Did he even realize his full potential?
She folded her wings in and dived. Her hair streamed in a mass of tangles behind her and when she was within feet of the roaring water, she snapped her wings back out and skimmed the surface. Droplets coated her skin. When an icy splash hit her backside, she let out a yelp. Tegan was on her tail, scooping water with his large palms and tossing it at her.
“You brute!” she yelled then laughed as she climbed. Higher and higher until her muscles burned. She was young and it took more effort for her to reach a high altitude while her mate did lazy zigzags beside her. Wrapping her legs together, she extended her arms over her head and began a slow spiral downward. A ballet dance in the sky. When she finally stopped, a feather caressed her skin and strong arms wrapped around her from the front. Instinctively, she pulled in her wings and wrapped her thighs around his waist.
“I caught you,” he whispered in her ear.
Her body was so ready for him. Filled with arousal and adrenaline, she was heady.
“What do you plan to do with me now?” she murmured.
He pressed the tip of his cock to her entrance. “Make you mine.”
He’d allowed his mate to spread her wings and soar, her naked body only for him to see. He enjoyed watching her playful antics until his cock throbbed so hard, he feared all the blood from his brain draining to his lower half might cause him distress. Now, he was poised to complete the bond. There would be no bed for the taking of his mate. He was an ancient archangel. An elite hunter, and he would claim his female in the sky as was meant to be.
With her arms around his neck and her thighs around his waist, he slipped inside her warmth. They both groaned as he seated himself fully. Claiming her mouth, he took them higher until the air chilled against their skin, sending prickles along their flesh. He worked in and out of her at a slow pace. Teasing her.
She dug her nails into his flesh.
He reached one hand between them to pinch a nipple.
She cried out between kisses.
He owned her body, played it until she quivered then he took them into a spiral. Dove toward a snowcapped mountain before he slowed, flipped them so she was under him as he skimmed the snow, her back brushing against a fresh blanket of white before he winged higher. His hips thrust with each wing beat.
Rhea nipped his bottom lip. “I’m coming. Damn, don’t stop.” She yelled skyward, her heat clenching around him and part of her soul connected with his. Seconds later, he followed. His release so powerful, it punched his breath out of his lungs and a piece of his soul joined hers. They were now one. Connected for eternity.
He glided them to a still pool warmed by the sun and sat down in water waist deep, holding her until he was sure her feet were stable under her. He cupped her face and touched his forehead to hers.
“I thought you were lost to me forever, but I now believe this is the right time for us to be together. I love you, Rhea.” He had never been more settled and at peace than he was in this moment. Didn’t mean he forgave all the deception. Both he and Rhea had been used and things would never be the same again. A tinge of guilt crept in because he was here finally bonding with the woman he thought he had lost long ago while the world outside fell to pieces. When his mate smiled up at him, her fingers caressing
his balls, he quickly forgot everything but her.
“I love you too, mate, but I’m not done with you. I fully intend to make good use of our time together.” A mischievous glint sparked in her sapphire eyes.
“I can deny you nothing.” Then their lips met in a passionate kiss and they slipped under the water.
Several hours later, they both lay on the grassy shore, the sun setting in his world. Soon it would be time for him to go and face whatever was to be meted out to him.
“What do you suppose will come next?” Rhea asked.
Tegan opened his link to the others and was surprised to find that unlike those who had fallen previously, he could reach out to all angelkind. He really did walk on both sides. He reached for Rhea’s hand and shared his link with her.
Ashley, Rhea is here with me, what is going on?
Dad, Rhea, so far it has been quiet in the world. I suppose it’s too soon to tell. The Maker has given directive that we are to only monitor at this point.
I’m sure that command comes straight down from her father. He has forced evolution to begin again.
Logan, on the other hand, has commanded a roundup of the demons who escaped, including Morbus. I’m not sure what I am supposed to do, so at the moment I’m making sure the families are settled in and keeping open communications with Zander, Raze, and Cade.
Where is Eli?
He was called back to the clouds, as have been all angels. I hate this waiting. I feel like I should be doing something.
Tegan glanced over at Rhea who sat up, worry on her face.
I wish I could offer advice, but I will be with you as soon as I’m able. I still await my punishment.
What about Rhea?
She is well. We are now mated.
Tempted By Darkness (Eternally Mated Book 6) Page 12