It’s then I realize he’s not the only London clan protector here. My head twists to see the rest of the family seated at the table, including Asher.
“By the grace.” McKenna drops her napkin angrily onto her lap, locking her hateful glare onto me. “Her damn eye color matches the clans. Again! Does she have raven wings now too?”
“Good to see you too, cupcake. And no, I don’t have wings,” I retort dramatically.
Asher ignores her outburst and focuses on his stack of food, munching loudly on his crisp bacon. He’s deliberately disregarding my presence and it’s making me uncomfortable.
“What are you still doing here?” I question Asher in a soft voice.
“Why does she look confused?” Abby asks in a gentle tone. “You said you explained to her last night why we’re here,” she says to Asher before offering me loving smile.
“My mate is here. So here I am,” Asher responds without a glance my way.
I fold my arms over my body protectively. His coldness towards me hurts. It’s deserved, but painful nonetheless. Callan piles French toast onto my plate and takes a seat next to me. I glance up and meet Abby’s unreadable stare.
“Your eyes are beautiful, Eve.” She takes my hand across the table and squeezes. “And for the record, I’m totally mad at you.”
I nod. “I understand. What I did was…unforgivable,” I murmur and my stomach drops.
“I’m not upset with you for Asher.” She waves it off as if I took his cookie. “We all get it. He’s a brooding ass. Believe me, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve wanted to stab him myself. Kudos to you for actually doing it,” she says in a cheerful tone. “I thought Keegan was the only one with enough balls in the family to actually do something like that.” Wait, what?
I look to Keegan and Asher for clarification, but they’re in deep conversation with Marcus, Nassa and Gage, pretending not to listen to what she’s saying.
“I’m upset with you because you’re supposed have a mating ceremony. It’s intended to be special. Where I, you know, would be your maid-of-honor, for lack of a better term. This family wanted to stand by your side when you officially became one of us.” Abby sighs in displeasure.
“Speak for yourself.” Kenna’s cool grumble floats over to me.
“Babe, is this about Eves, or you?” Callan jests.
Abby scrunches her face. “Me. It sucks,” she whines adorably. “Not to mention, she needs to infuse the mark with Asher’s blood to complete the bond. The human is clueless.”
I release a hollow laugh. “That’s probably not going to happen, Abby.”
A loud clank emits from the opposite end of the table. “Stop fucking making decisions on my behalf. Christ, siren,” Asher barks. “Have you learned nothing from your recent actions?”
“Asher,” Keegan warns.
I sit back in my chair then push my plate forward. The rest of the group has gone silent.
“I can’t fix what I’ve done to you, Asher. I’ve said sorry. You won’t accept my apology, nor will you forgive me. Your words. Why on earth would you want to stay mated to me?”
His cold eyes snap to mine. “No. I said I’m not ready to forgive you, yet. What you can’t fucking fix is the fact that I love you, siren. I’ve made it clear to you over and over that I would give it all up for you.” He laughs without humor and sits back casually. “You know what, I don’t think you fucking believe me. I think you believe that I’d never chose you.” He arches a brow in challenge. It’s true. How could he pick me over loyalties and family?
I have no response. Instead, I open and close my mouth, trying to formulate a response.
“I am here, siren. For. My. Mate. So that she can watch me, chose her. In turn, I’m going to watch her, earn me back,” he says in a low, threatening voice.
My heart stops at the intensity behind his words. Panic sets in. I need him to leave.
I slide my focus to Marcus. “You can’t let him stay here. Tell him he isn’t welcome.”
Marcus shifts uncomfortably. “Baby girl,” he says gently. “He’s the future gargoyle king and your mate. I have no right to tell him anything.”
None of this is turning out the way it was supposed to. Asher is supposed to be far away from me, along with the clan. Protected. I’m supposed to be with Deacon now and my mother is supposed to be safe. At these thoughts, my frustration heightens. I slump in defeat.
“Why are you doing this, Asher? To get back at me?” I ask in a quiet manner.
“Get back at you?” he repeats too calmly. “Is that the kind of man you think I am?”
Callan exhales a sharp breath next to me. “Shit. I hate when Mom and Dad fight.”
Abby smirks at her mate. “Right? It’s like a train wreck, but yet, you can’t look away.”
I grit my teeth in aggravation because no one is acting the way they’re meant to be. This is all too normal. I pick up the fork and twirl it in my hands, angrily attempting to release some of the frustration that everyone’s presence and my guilt are causing.
“By the grace. This is going to end badly,” Keegan mumbles at my nervous twitching.
“Planning to stab him again? With a fork this time?” Kenna pins me with a hard look.
I drop the utensil quickly at her comment. “Why are the rest of you here again?”
“We’re a gargoyle clan, cutie,” Callan answers, chomping on his food. “Technically, by supernatural definition, we’re required to stick together. You’re a clan member now, like it or not. So, if you chose to stay here, we do too.” He grins widely. “Pass the syrup, would you?”
I snatch the condiment in annoyance at Callan’s casualness and whip it at him.
“I don’t like it.” The words come out harsher than I mean them to and instantly, I feel bad.
“You may not like it, siren, but you’re not the one who gets to decide. Nor do you get to be mad, I do. I believe you have demon training to attend to. Consider yourself dismissed,” Asher growls.
“Seriously? Can’t we get through one meal in this family without all the drama,” Abby complains under her breath. “It’s like Thanksgiving at every mealtime.”
“Asher St. Michael, you did not just dismiss me like a servant, did you?” I ask and stand.
“Shit.” Callan sighs. “The syrup isn’t even warm anymore and it’s sat so long, my powdered sugar has dissolved. Baby, they’re all ruining my breakfast,” he moans to Abby.
In response, she offers a sympathetic look, taking his hand and stroking it in comfort.
Asher stands and takes on his warrior pose. “I did. You. Are. Dismissed.”
That’s it. The last of my resolve at his presence has snapped. “Fuck you, Asher.”
Asher’s face morphs into a cocky expression. “Anytime, sweetheart.”
Holy shit. He did not just use the nickname I hate. I’m just about to leap over the table and strangle the daylights out of his beautiful body when Callan stands abruptly and grabs at me.
“Enough, cutie. This isn’t helping,” he whispers in my ear. “Your point has been made.”
Asher and I just stand there seething at one another. Through my rapid breathing, I hear Abby’s sweet voice. “Eve, join me in the ladies room, won’t you?” she says before delicately placing her napkin on the table and yanking my arm in an unlady-like fashion, dragging me out of the dining area. Damn, she’s strong.
Once in Marcus’s opulent bathroom, Abby shuts the door and runs a hand towel under cold water. When it’s sufficiently wet, she points for me to sit on the fancy bench Marcus uses more as décor than for its functionality and begins to dab my face with it.
“What the hell is wrong with me? Why do I want to rip him apart and push him against the wall at the same time?” I pant. “And why the fuck is my skin burning up? Am I sick?”
Abby just watches me in silence while continuing her attempt to cool me down.
“Why are you staring at me like my head is about to spontane
ously combust?” I ask.
“You’re not going to like what I have to say,” she offers with a sympathetic look.
“Just tell me, please,” I implore softly.
“It’s possible that you might be in heat,” Abby says with a guarded expression.
“Heat?” I repeat on a semi-screech. “Holy shit.” I drop my head into my hands.
Abby gently removes my hands from my face and pins me with a pointed look. “If you didn’t stab and run, I could have better prepared you for this, Eve. I thought we were friends. Good friends. I thought you trusted me.”
My features turn guilty. “We are and I do trust you, Abs, with my life. I love you.”
Sitting next to me, she places her hand over mine. “You’re a newly bonded female with an alpha gargoyle mate. Even if you have yet to infuse your mate mark with his blood, you’re wired to him now, Eves. Fully.” She sighs and brushes my cheek with the back of her hand. “It’s probably why you have a constant blush and your skin feels like it’s on fire. You’re programmed to each other’s feelings. They bounce off one another, and elevate what the other is currently experiencing. It’s part of the bond, sweetie,” she explains.
“I’m human. Is this normal?” I hold her sad gaze.
“Yes and no. It’s normal, once mated, to be constantly aroused, share gifts, and be connected on a higher emotional level. The intensity of your connection though, is not typical for a human. But then again, you’re not just any ordinary human, are you?” She smiles brightly.
“So you’re saying that for Asher and I, our feelings are feeding off one another, heightening our current emotional states?” I clarify.
“Yes. This is why, in the Eternal Forest, when you tried to mind dig into his thoughts, he got so pissed. Sharing emotions and supernatural connections are abilities that need to be mastered over time, slowly, because it’s overwhelming and connects you to your soul’s mate in a way that nothing else can. Do you understand?”
“How do I make it stop? Or control it?” I wait for her to answer.
The striking gargoyle tilts her head in judgment. “Infuse the mark with his blood and complete the bond. If not, with time, the bond will fade and so will the side effects.”
I snort.
Abby gives me a disapproving look. “It becomes more uncomfortable as time passes.”
“You’ve seen us. We can’t even be in the same room together.” I groan. “He’s never going to forgive me. I’m going to be stuck as an animal…in heat no less. Awesome.”
“Don’t insult,” she scolds. “You’re not an animal and neither are we. If you’re not going to finish the bond, I suggest some good old fashion sex.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
I narrow my eyes at her. “What has gotten into you?”
Abby offers a non-committal shrug. “Callan served espresso at breakfast and now I’m all wound up,” she answers in a jittery manner. “My caffeine tolerance level is kind of pathetic.”
I play with the little threads on the wet hand towel. “What’s pathetic is being stuck in reverse with Asher. It feels like we’re back at square one and I can’t fix it.”
Abby tosses her long red locks over her slender shoulders and drapes her arm around me.
“You’re not stuck in reverse. Asher loves you.” I slide her a look of disbelief. “There’s nothing you could do that he wouldn’t forgive, Eve. We both know that. He just needs some time. After it happened, I promise he wasn’t this angry. The longer you stayed away, the more pissed off he got.”
“I can’t take the deceit back. And now he’s in a constant state of pissed off,” I murmur.
“He’s not mad at you for stabbing him, Eves. Ash’s hurt you left him after you promised you wouldn’t. With Gage no less. He’s upset that you didn’t trust he would take care of you. We’re gargoyles. We protect. It’s in our blood. It’s why we’re created and when you take that away from us, we’re left with nothing.” Her voice sounds gloomy.
“That wasn’t my intention, Abby. I was just trying to protect him. The divination of redemption offered us a way to prevent the council and dark army from ever turning Asher into stone. Knowing he’d be safe…that you all would be while I took care of my mother was my only focus. I wasn’t thinking about consequences.”
She bumps my shoulder playfully. “You’re eighteen, Eve. Stupid decisions are expected.”
“Hey.” I shoot her a fake angry look.
“We all get it. Each clan member within this family understands the reason behind your actions, including Asher. Some are just slower to overlook it.”
I swallow. “How badly does Keegan want to kill me?”
Her face drops and she starts biting her bottom lip. “I’m pretty sure the only reason you’re alive is because you’re Asher’s mate. Whatever progress you’ve made with Keegan, I’d consider it gone.”
“Noted.” I nod.
“On a positive note, no matter how much she pounces on you, McKenna is really proud of you and respects what you did,” she says cheerily.
I pull my brows together. “Really?”
“No. She’s going to rip your heart out at some point. My guess is in your sleep, and possibly with a spoon, although she was eyeing your fork at breakfast.” My mouth drops as I watch her. Abby just smiles brightly. “We should discuss a protection spell with Nassa.”
“Might be smart,” I state calmly.
“Want some advice?” she asks with caution lining her tone.
“Always.”
“The best way to fix things with Asher is to not let him affect you.”
“Easier said than done, Abby.”
“I know.” She exhales. “He loves to get under your skin. Don’t let him. He’s poking at you to get a rise out of you because, like a child, even negative attention from you is better than nothing. Let him work through his feelings. When he’s ready, he’ll come out of this on the other side. In the meantime, be the strong, independent woman you are.”
I meet her gaze. “You’re a really good friend. I’m so sorry I put you through that.”
“Tell you what. I will forgive you on one condition.” She watches my reaction.
I study her wearily. “Which would be?”
“I get to choose your dress for the mating ceremony.” She claps with glee.
“If, and that’s a big if, there is a ceremony, you can pick the dress,” I grunt.
Abby pulls me into a tight embrace and squeals in delight. “Thank you,” she whispers.
“Yeah, well, don’t get your hopes up, Abs.”
“I’m just shocked that you caved so easily.” She winks.
“It’s only because I know he’ll never forgive me. Easy promise,” I say in triumph.
“When Callan and I are done with you both, we’ll see how easy of a promise it is.”
Crap.
5 All Things Change
ALL THINGS CHANGE. IT’S INEVIDIBLE. At least that’s what Elizabeth used to tell me. In the blink of an eye, something unpleasant can evolve into something awe-inspiring. Just give it time, she’d say. The flashback of her declaration whispers across my subconsciousness.
I lean over the old railing of the Springbanks Arch, attempting to gain a better view of the cascading water pooling within the rock walls surrounding it. The liquid’s continuous movement a reminder that life, like the water, is a constant motion of evolution.
Inhaling the smell of fresh grass, I bask in the warm air. This quiet wooded area of Central Park is becoming a favorite hiding spot for me. Motionless, I witness the earth’s breeze tickle the flourishing trees and low-lying plant life. The days are starting to get longer as summer nears and the fiery hues painting the sky enchant the late spring evenings.
“Are you supposed to be out here alone, love?” Gage’s deep voice invades my tranquility.
“Careful, Gage. You’re starting to sound like an actual protector,” I accuse.
“Christ. I am.” He sidles up next to me and ligh
ts a cigarette. “Fucking St. Michaels.”
“You really need to stop smoking. Gargoyle or not, it’s a gross habit.”
He shrugs and inhales. “It relaxes me.”
“So will yoga,” I retort.
Gage shifts so his side is leaning on the iron rail. We just study one another.
“Is that a hint that you would like to do downward facing dog pose with me, love?” he asks, releasing a long puff of smoke with a wicked smirk.
My cheeks heat at his insinuation, forcing me to clear my throat.
“I’m saying I’m tired of inhaling your second hand smoke. It might not affect you, but I’m human. In case you’ve forgotten,” I say in a bored tone.
Gage watches me with an unnerving expression. It’s intense and I have to look away.
“Make no mistake, love, I haven’t forgotten who and what you are.”
We stand in comfortable quiet for a time, admiring our surroundings. This is my favorite thing about Gage. He just lets me be. There are no pretenses or expectations with him.
“Is this where you’ve been running off to since the dark prince returned?” he asks.
I twist to face him. “Maybe.”
“Of all the places in this park, this is where you’ve chosen?” He puts out his cigarette.
I hold his gaze. “Yes. Why?”
The good-looking, bad-boy gargoyle studies me for a moment before his eyes shift behind me. Without warning, he grabs my arms and teleports us into the shaded, red brick underpass.
I’m just about to ask what the hell is going on when his hand covers my mouth, silencing me. At the assault, I narrow my eyes at him. Gage motions with his chin to the trees behind the archway before angling his head in that direction and mouthing gorgons to me.
“What’s a gorgon?” I whisper under the weight of his hand.
Gage rolls his eyes as two beautiful women wearing red silk cloaks make their way toward the charming stone bridge. They don’t look dangerous at all. In fact, aside from the cloak, they look downright human. I sigh into his nicotine infused fingers at his overreaction.
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