“I’ve walked this planet for three of your generations, long enough I no longer count the years. To join my maker is to find peace and rest.” She lowered her hand and faced Ramsay. “Though, there are those of you who still have journeys ahead.”
A heavy silence sparked through the room.
Ramsay’s posture might have been relaxed, but Reese knew his strategos. Inside he was poised and alert. It was how Ramsay operated, how he soaked in every detail of his environment without the slightest tell as to the sharp analysis spinning in his head.
“Remember, Ramsay,” Clio said. “Not all battles are fought with weapons. The heart is a valiant weapon for those brave enough to wield it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eryx said.
Clio kept her gaze on Ramsay. “When the time is right, he’ll understand.”
With a last glance at Galena and Reese, Clio’s form began to fade. “Enjoy your life rewards, Reese. Smile, embrace your mate, and listen for the voice of inspiration.”
Her words hung in the air as she disappeared, and Galena’s hands tightened on his arm.
Ramsay, Eryx, and Lexi all stared at the empty space where Clio had been. Even Ludan seemed pushed from his usual bored demeanor, his brow furrowed.
“I think now might be a good time for the two of you to leave.” Eryx’s chagrined voice echoed in Reese’s mind, an indicator he’d shared the directive with more than Reese.
The blush spreading across Galena’s cheeks confirmed it.
“If you’re lucky,” Eryx said, “you’ll get a few days of undisturbed quiet before I call you in for duty.”
A low, ironic chuckle sounded from those gathered at the side of the hall.
Reese and those around him turned as one.
Ian Smith, the man he’d had a part in saving, shook his head, shaking with silent laughter. “Newlywed or not, I wouldn’t get your hopes up. The way things are happening around here, something’s bound to interrupt it.”
Lexi sucked in a surprised gasp.
Galena’s nails clawed Reese’s forearm.
“Did he just—”
“He heard you?”
“Shit.”
Lexi, Ramsay and Ludan all spoke at once, the last, most in-your-face bit unsurprisingly from Ludan.
Eryx rubbed the back of his neck. “Go, Reese. Now. Before I change my mind and put you on duty today.”
Reese faltered only for a second, the prospect of his future so profoundly perfect he couldn’t help but pause long enough to savor it. He gripped Galena’s hand, his anchor and his mate. The healer for his soul.
“Come on.” He tugged her close, not giving their audience a chance for good-byes. “I know a secluded place with a great waterfall.”
Galena’s laughter settled deep as they cleared the formal room and headed for the foyer. For the first time in his life, he felt whole and free of shadows, healed by the love of his mate.
Glossary
Aron - Mainstay livestock in Eden used for food and clothing. The hide is tanned to provide a soft, supple leather and is the predominant source of protective outerwear in the colder regions. The animal’s fur is a cross between that found on a buffalo and a beaver in the human realm. The thickness and warmth of a buffalo, but shiny and soft as a beaver.
Asshur - A region in Eden. Sun isn't unheard of, but tends to be more cloudy and rainy than the other regions. The population has dropped off in the last few centuries with inhabitants moving to more hospitable areas.
Awakening - A Myren ceremony where people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one are brought into their powers. The father (or paternal representative) is typically the trigger for the process, where the mother (or maternal influence) acts as an anchor for the awakened individual.
Baineann - The female within a bonded union.
Briash - The Myren equivalent of oatmeal, although its color is a deep brown and the flavor has a hint of chocolate and cinnamon.
Brasia - A region in Eden. The terrain is covered in mountains, with heavy snow and difficult conditions prevalent in the higher elevations.
Briyo - Brother-in-law.
Cootya - A type of cafe that sells common Myren beverages and snacks. Myren fruits and vegetables are the most common menu items, but some pastries can be found. Most feature an open-air area where customers can relax, while kitchen and serving areas remain indoor.
Cush - The capital region of Eden. Densely populated with elaborate buildings.
Diabhal - Devil.
Drast - Field issue protective garment worn by warriors to protect the most vital organs in battle. Made of fine, metal threads, the garments fit their bodies closely. Day-to-day drasts are sleeveless, but the most formal version covers 3/4 of their arms. The necks are boat-shaped to allow for greater comfort when fighting with the metal threads blocking most fire and electrical attacks.
Drishen - A fruit found in Eden. Looks like a grape, tastes like lemonade.
Eden - Another dimension, unknown to humans, within the fabric that surrounds Earth.
Ellan - Elected officials that govern the Myren race alongside the malran or malress. Like most governing bodies, there are a mix of honest servants who seek prosperity and growth for the Myrens and corrupt, “lifers” who stand on antiquated ideas and ceremonies.
Evad - The realm in which humans reside.
Fireann - The male within a bonded union.
Havilah - A more affluent and less populated region in Eden. Rain occurs, but mostly in the evenings with pleasant days full of sun and comfortable temperatures.
Histus - The Myren equivalent of hell.
Kilo - A fish the swims in many lakes in Eden, but is most prevalent in Brasia. A popular mainstay of protein in the Myren race, most often prepared by smoking in apple wood and basting with an apple and cinnamon glaze.
Larken - A long-winged bird known for its singsong chirp. Colored primarily in cobalt blue, but the tips of their wings are lavender.
Lastas - A favorite Myren breakfast pastry.
Lomos Rebellion - A faction of Myrens that have long pursued the enslavement of humans and sought to overthrow the tenets of the Great One.
Lyrita Tree - An exotic tree exclusive to the Havilah region. Trunks are dark brown. Leaves are long and slender, sage green in color. The blooms are exceptionally large and run from pearl to pale pink in color. Average height for a mature lyrita is thirty to forty feet.
Malran - The male leader of the Myren people and the equivalent of a king in the human realm. Leadership has descended down through the Shantos family line since the birth of the Myren race, with the mantle of malran (or malress) falling to the first-born.
Malress - The female leader of the Myren people and the equivalent of a queen in the human realm.
Myrens - A gifted race in existence for over six thousand years that lives in another dimension called Eden. They are deeply in tune with the Earth and the elements that surround her. Their powerful minds and connection to the elements allow them to communicate silently with those they are linked to, levitate, and command certain elements. Their women typically have more healing or nurturing gifts, where men trend more toward protective and aggressive abilities.
Natxu - A regular and expected practice of physical discipline for all Myren warriors. The moves and postures are grueling yet meditative in nature, resulting in peak physical performance and enhancing their tie to the elements.
Nirana - The Myren equivalent of heaven.
Oanan - Daughter-in-law.
Quaran - The Myren equivalent of a General within the warrior ranks.
Runa - Region in Eden, predominantly used for farming. The black soil is rich and sparkles with minerals. It’s surrounded by “the blue ridge”, a crescent-shaped formation of mountains that appear blue from ground level.
Shalla - Sister-in-law.
Somo - Sworn personal guard to the malran or malress.
&nb
sp; Strasse - A highly intoxicating Myren beverage made from berries found only in Eden.
Strategos - Leader of the Myren warriors.
Torna - An annoying Myren rodent. Larger than an armadillo, but similar in color with the skin surface of an eel. While not typically aggressive, their teeth function similar to a shark and aren’t afraid to come out fighting.
Underlands - Not considered a region by most, but more of an uninhabited wasteland. The lack of rain makes agriculture nearly impossible.
Vicus - A vegetable known for its extremely tart flavor, popular among the older generation.
Zurun - A thick flaky pastry with a thin layer of icing in the middle, twisted in the shape of a bow.
Meet the Author
Rhenna Morgan is a happily-ever-after addict—hot men, smart women, and scorching chemistry required. A triple-A personality with a thing for lists and an almost frightening iPhone cover collection, Rhenna’s a mom to two beautiful little girls, and married to an extremely patient husband who’s mastered the art of hiding the exasperated eye roll. When she’s not neck deep in the realm of Eden, or living large in one of her contemporary stories, she’s probably driving with the top down and the music up loud, plotting her next hero and heroine’s adventure. Check out her website at www.rhennamorgan.com for all her social media links, and signup for her newsletter for snippets, upcoming releases, and general author news.
Be sure not to miss Rhenna Morgan’s first Eden book
UNEXPECTED EDEN
Paradise, love and power…and a prophecy with a price.
When Eryx’s nemesis tags Lexi as his next target, Eryx insists on taking her home where he can keep her safe. Lexi had no idea “home” would mean the one-and-only land of creation…or that she’d trigger a prophecy that could doom her newfound race.
A Lyrical Originals Novel
Learn More about Rhenna at
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31625
Chapter 1
Slow breaths in, slow breaths out. All Lexi had to do was focus on the thump of Rihanna’s latest hit, keep the drinks flowing, and stick to her half of the bar. The mother lode of testosterone on Jerry’s side couldn’t sit there all night. Could he?
“Don’t suppose you’ve noticed, but there’s a scrumptious not-from-around-here type giving you the eyeball.” Mindy grinned and handed over the latest round of drink orders.
White t-shirt, killer muscles, and dark chocolate hair halfway down his back? Yeah, she’d noticed. Repeatedly. And every time she went for a visual refill, his silver gaze shocked nerve endings she’d long thought dead.
“Drop it, Mindy. Guys like that are an occupational hazard and you know it.”
“Honey, that man is way past hazard. More like Chernobyl.” She leaned into the trendy concrete countertop. The modern pendant lights spotlighted her platinum hair and ample cleavage. One thing about Mindy—she knew how to work her assets. “I’ll bet the fallout’s worth it.”
“It’s packed tonight. You gonna get those drinks out and stash a few tips, or waste ’em on eye candy?”
Mindy’s dreamy smile melted and she pulled the loaded cocktail tray close. “All work and no play, huh?” She shook her head and turned for the crowd. “Have fun with that.”
Well, hell. Another social interaction down the toilet. At twenty-five-years-old, you’d think she could handle a little female bonding in the form of man-ogling. Especially when four of those years had been spent tending bar. But damn it, some things weren’t meant for discussion. Her overactive man-jitters being one of them.
Crouching to snag a fresh bottle of vodka beneath the counter, she peeked behind her.
Lips guaranteed to make a girl forget her name curled into a sly smile.
Busted.
She spun away too fast and scraped her forehead against the rough edge of the bar. “Son of a fucking, no good piece of shit.” Head down, she counted to three and fought the need to check for witnesses, thankful the music was loud enough to cover her curse. The graceless gawker routine wasn’t normally her deal, but for the last thirty minutes she’d come up woefully short in the finesse department—and it was all the dark-haired man’s fault.
New bottle ready for action, she faced two middle-aged men dressed like frat boys and settled into her pour-and-bill groove. The routine was a comfort, a stabilizing rhythm to counterbalance the ever-present gaze heavy on her back.
“Hey, Lex.” Jerry smacked her shoulder and motioned behind him, never breaking stride as he headed for the register. “Tall, dark and handsome wants to see you.”
She wouldn’t look. Not again. The giggling trio of barely legal blondes fighting their way into ordering range wasn’t nearly as nice on the eyes, but at least they kept her anchored. “Since when did you take up matchmaking?”
“Since the guy offered me a Benjamin to make sure it was you who took care of him.”
What? She spun.
The stranger met her surprised stare head on, his smirk a potent mix of humble and confident. “Sold me down the river, did you?”
“Damn right.” Jerry winked, shoved a stack of wrinkled bills into the register, and swaggered toward the waiting blondes without so much as a wish for good luck.
Lexi huffed and took an order from the none-too-shabby twenty-something guy right in front of her on principle. Mystery man could cool his jets for a minute or two. Besides, if his banter matched his looks, she’d need every second she could get to batten down the hatches.
She filled orders with slow deliberation and an extra bit of bravado, grabbing snippets of recon where she could.
A vicious looking man sat next to her dark-haired hunk. Lazy raven waves fell to a hard jawline, a tightly trimmed goatee making his harsh face a downright menace. Entirely the wrong selection for wingman material.
Out of customers and bar space, she faced both men and wiped down of the counter. “What can I get you?” The catchall phrase came out shakier than she wanted, and tried to cover it with an intensive, yet completely unnecessary study of the bottles stocked below the counter.
“You disliked my tactic.” God help her, the man had a voice to match his face. An easy glide that left a slow burn in its wake. Kind of like fifty-year-old Scotch. “I admit it’s not my style, but I was desperate.”
Not exactly the approach she’d expected from a hottie, but it did help ease her tension. “There’s not a thing desperate about you and we both know it.”
He answered with a megawatt smile that damn near knocked her off her feet. Utterly relaxed, he rested muscled forearms on the bar and raised an eyebrow. “Have dinner with me.”
She shouldn’t be able to hear him in such a crush, let alone register a physical impact, but damned if she wasn’t processing both loud and clear. “I don’t even know you.”
He offered his hand. Long, strong fingers stretched out, showing calluses along his palm. “Eryx Shantos.”
Wingman stared straight ahead, his aqua eyes cold enough to freeze a soul.
“Lexi Merrill.” As their palms met, a rush fired up her arm and down her spine, and she shook as though she’d cozied up to a blow dryer in a bathtub. She ripped her hand away and rubbed the tingling center up and down her jean-clad hip.
Eryx didn’t so much as blink, his sword-colored gaze glinting with dare and determination.
Maybe fatigue was taking a toll on her imagination. Or the flu. Or a desperate need to get laid. Gripping the bar for support, she took an order from a cute little brunette trying to avoid a middle-aged, bald guy’s come-on.
Except for a slow pull off his beer, Wingman stayed stock-still. His angry expression screamed, “Stay the fuck back.”
“Now you know me,” Eryx said. “Have dinner with me.”
“I have to work.”
“Then lunch.”
“I work then too.” A lame excuse, but true. Two jobs and part-time college didn’t leave a lot of room for being
social. Not that socializing ever managed to work in her favor.
“Breakfast, then.”
A half-hearted laugh slipped out before she could stop it. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”
“You have nooo idea.” Wingman tipped his longneck for another drink, fingers loose around the dark glass despite his tight voice.
Eryx shot him a nasty glare.
“Your friend doesn’t talk much.” Lexi grabbed a few empties and dunked them in a tub of soapy water.
“His name’s Ludan. And he may not be able to talk at all by the time the night’s over. Depends on if he manages to keep his tongue intact.”
“Yo! Need a few Bud Lights.” Two college-age men in need of a manners class shoved their way to Ludan’s free side.
Ludan straightened and pushed the men back a handful of steps with nothing more than a glare.
No way was she dealing with the fallout from a brawl, even if the young punks could use the lesson. “Stand down and kill the scary badass routine.”
Ludan faced her, his eyes a shade closer to white than blue. It took a tense breath or two, but the muscles beneath his black t-shirt relaxed and he smirked. He eased down on his barstool and snagged his beer. “Your woman’s got bite, Eryx.”
She snatched a pair of Buds from the cooler and popped the tops off. “I’m not his woman.”
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