The Redemption Series

by Melynda Price

  Lightning fractured the sky and Olivia jumped. Knowing it was coming didn’t help prepare her for the heart-stopping boom that rattled the picture frames on the wall. Rain beat against her window in a torrent that made sleep impossible. She hated storms—always had. Even as a little child, she remembered trembling with dreaded anticipation and baited breath as lightning would streak across the sky, ushering in those thundering, ground-shaking blasts of God’s wrath—that’s what she’d believed storms were when she was young, the fury of the Almighty pouring down onto the Earth. Although she was a grown woman and knew better now, she’d never been able to shake her fear of storms. As if sensing her fear, Kyro snuggled closer and laid his heavy head across her stomach.

  This is just great…she stewed, staring up at the ceiling with no hint of rest in sight—a shit end to a particularly shit-filled day. She hadn’t been able to shake the bone-deep fear of seeing Max again. Throw in one hellacious storm and her newly acquired PTSD, and Olivia was about fit to be tied. She missed Liam—desperately. He should have been back by now, and that he wasn’t, certainly did nothing to calm her frazzled nerves.

  Abandoning all hope of sleep, she threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. She lifted her robe from the bedpost and pulled it on, fastening the tie as she stepped in front of the window. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the house across the street, and she frowned at the light glowing in Haden’s bedroom. Had she known a storm was brewing, she might not have insisted so readily that he stayed at his own place. Sure, she had Kyro, and Haden was only across the street, but her unease was compounded by each explosion of light and crashing boom.

  If Liam were here right now, she’d be tucked safely in his arms as he soothed away her fears, promising everything was going to be all right. Unfortunately, he wasn’t here, and everything was far from that.

  She stood there a moment longer and contemplated calling Haden. Would he be with Addy again? Was he with her right now? Probably. The thought made her gut twist—with disgust. It certainly wasn’t jealousy that had her stomach wrenched in knots. By the look of them this morning, they’d certainly hit it off—immensely.

  She’d be lying if she said the idea of interrupting his little sex-fest wasn’t a tempting one. He was her guardian, after all, and she shouldn’t have to share him with that little boner-garage. Would he leave Addy for her if she called him? Did she really want to know that answer?

  Shoving aside the thought, Olivia turned from the window and looked at her cell sitting on the nightstand. What in the hell was wrong with her, she mused, pacing the room. This is ridiculous. She didn’t want Haden, but the realization came as a particularly unpleasant sting when she had to admit that she didn’t want anyone else to have him, either.

  As she passed the window, her gaze strayed to the light across the street and then to her phone. What the hell was her problem? What did she care if he fucked a new woman every night? He wasn’t hers, and she most certainly wasn’t his. They were friends—nothing more—although he’d most likely disagree they were even that. It wouldn’t be wise to reach out to him, no matter how terrified she was right now. The boundary lines of their friendship were skewed enough as it was, she didn’t need him to get the wrong idea.

  Exhaling a frustrated sigh, she turned again from the rain-battered glass and headed downstairs to make a soothing chamomile tea. Perhaps it would settle her nerves and help her relax enough to get some rest. “Come on, Kyro,” she patted her thigh as she left the room and the dog obediently followed.

  Olivia was walking past the living room when the light suddenly clicked on. She jumped, letting out a startled yelp. Her heart leapt into her throat before dropping back into her chest to flop around like a bird caught in the throes of death.

  “Dammit, Haden, you scared the crap out of me! What are you still doing here? I thought you left hours ago.”

  He was lounging on her couch, sprawled out like he owned the place; his legs crossed at the ankles and propped up on the coffee table. “No, you told me to go. I decided to stay.”

  “What about Addy?” The question tumbled from her lips before she could stop it.

  The corner of his lip twitched in the faintest hint of a smile. “What about her?”

  “Nothing. I just thought that after last night…”

  “What? That I’d be balls-deep in another woman while you sat here alone and terrified?” His scowl darkened his tone sharpening. She’d clearly offended him. “Well, you thought wrong. What are you doing up, Olivia? It’s late. Shouldn’t you be asleep or something by now?”

  Her gaze dropped to her feet. It was easier to look at the ground than hold his piercing, affronted glare. “I couldn’t sleep—.”

  “Why not?”

  Olivia shrugged. She didn’t want to tell him she was scared Max would find her. She sure as hell didn’t want to tell him she was frightened of thunderstorms—she wasn’t two, for crissake. “It was a stressful day.”

  As Haden stared at her, she began to fidget beneath the careful scrutiny of his gaze. When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she glanced at him and was surprised to see the hard lines on his face softened. “Come here, Olivia.”

  When he reached out to her, her feet began to move on their own volition. When they stopped, she found herself standing in front of him. “What?”

  He said nothing as he took hold of her wrist and tugged her down beside him. She sat stiffly, hip to hip. He reached over to the end table and handed her a steaming cup of tea. She hesitated a moment before taking the mug, then muttered, “Thanks.”

  Haden leaned back and draped his arm around her shoulders, tucking her into his side. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Olivia. I know you’re scared. I can feel your emotions, remember? It’s going to be all right, you know. I won’t let him hurt you.”

  How had he known that was exactly what she needed to hear right now? When she lifted the mug to her lips, she could taste the faintest hint of Haden’s black licorice flavor on the rim of the cup. He felt good beside her—too good. This was too comfortable—too intimate—and the taste of him blended with this tea was far too delicious. She should go back to bed now.

  But just as she tensed to rise, the lightning flashed outside, lighting up the house with a blinding flicker. An explosive boom immediately followed and she startled, nearly spilling the tea.

  “That was a close one,” Haden commented as she silently cursed that storm raging outside. His low husky voice held no hint of fear. “I didn’t realize you were so frightened of storms.”

  She didn’t bother denying it. What would be the point? He could feel she was scared out of her wits. “I have been ever since I was a child. I guess it was something I never outgrew.”

  His hand dropped to her shoulder and he hugged her more tightly to his side. She could feel his muscle-lined ribs against her arm as his scent enveloped her. The heat of his body began seeping into her fear-chilled bones, chasing away the ghosts of her past.

  “What happened when you were a child to make you so afraid?”

  She turned her head to look at him and found him watching her with curiosity. “What makes you think there’s a story?”

  “All irrational fear has a story behind it.”

  “Why do you say it’s irrational?” she protested indignantly. “Many people fear storms.”

  “You don’t just fear them, Olivia, they bloody well terrify you. What happened?”

  She didn’t particularly want to talk about it, and for a moment she considered going back to bed. But then, as if on cue, the thunder crashed again and the rain beating against the windows picked up, surrounding them in a cacophony of unrelenting white noise. Despite her efforts to appear relaxed, she shivered and took another sip of Haden’s tea, hoping to chase away the eerie chill. “Can we just talk about something else?”

  “Like what?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, something that doesn’t have to do with ex-boyfriends returning from the dea
d to haunt me, or killer hurricanes.” Olivia shifted so she could see him a little better. “Tell me about Anya.”

  His jaw clenched and a muscle ticked below it, the only hint of reaction in his handsome face. “Oh, I see how it is. Your ghosts are off limits, but you want to discuss mine. Is that it?”

  “It would be a good distraction.”

  His brow arched and a devilish grin played at his mouth. “If it’s a distraction you’re looking for, sweetheart, I can think of a lot better ways to take your mind off your troubles.”

  She knew what he was doing and it wasn’t going to work this time. She wouldn’t take the bait of offense and let him sidetrack her. Ignoring his inappropriate offer that held more appeal than she’d ever admit, she settled back into the couch with her tea in hand. “Please, Haden. I want to know more about her. Tell me the good things you remember. What was she like? Was she beautiful?—I bet she was gorgeous.”

  After a moment, he exhaled a defeated sigh. “She was…breathtaking.” His deep, husky voice took on a wistful edge of yearning. “Her hair was the same color as yours, dark as midnight. It was the first thing I noticed when I saw her. She was drawing water from a well in her village. The Dark Court had discovered there was a Sighted woman in the region of Mali, and I was sent there to find her.”

  By “find” Olivia knew he meant kill.

  “It didn’t take me very long to realize the woman I was searching for was the one knelt at the well. Still, something inside me hoped I was wrong.”

  When he didn’t continue, she realized getting him to go on was going to be like pulling teeth. “Did you try to kill her when you saw her?”

  An eclectic smile touched his lips that jolted Olivia’s heart. She could see how much he still loved her and Olivia’s heart ached for his loss. “No, I carried a jug of water home for her.”

  “You what?” she laughed, trying to imagine a chivalrous Haden while remembering the first time she’d met him—cocky, arrogant, and devilishly handsome, yes, but chivalrous, definitely not.

  “They were heavy,” he said in defense. “She was small—like you. Anya was the first woman I’d ever met that did not fear me.” His unhumorous laugh was ripe with self-contempt. “She claimed I was an angel sent to save her. Ironic, I know, considering I was the very devil sent to take her life. I tried to tell her the truth, but she refused to listen. It was a belief she desperately clung to right up until I killed her.”

  Olivia leaned forward and set the mug on the coffee table. She turned to face Haden, took his hand in both of hers, and squeezed comfortingly. “You didn’t kill her,” she implored, wishing he would finally find it in his heart to forgive himself, and knowing he’d never know peace until he did.

  When his eyes snapped to her, they were sharp and merciless. Her breath stalled in her lungs, reminding her every bit of the ruthless killer she’d met in Vegas. “You don’t know anything, Olivia. You weren’t there. Anya is dead because of me. The day her womb quickened with my seed was the day I sealed her fate, just as Liam has sealed yours.”

  Olivia wrestled with the temptation to take offense at his declaration, but considering what he’d just revealed, it was easier to understand why Haden hated Liam so much. He blamed himself for Anya’s death and in turn, blamed Liam for what he believed would become a similar fate for her if Gahn weren't stopped.

  Enough said. “I think I’ll go to bed now,” she whispered awkwardly.

  When she started to stand, the storm’s ferocity began to whip up. Haden must have felt the tremor of dread shivering through her because his hand caught her shoulder and pulled her back down beside him. He reached behind the couch and grabbed a blanket, covering her with the soft chenille spread.

  Tucking her into his side, he told her, “You and I both know you won’t be able to sleep alone with that storm raging outside. Go to sleep, Olivia. You’ll be safe here with me.”

  That probably depended on one’s definition of safe. Sitting here nestled against Haden’s hard, definably muscled body, “safe” wasn’t the word that came to mind. She glanced up at him questioningly, a little worried about the altruism of his offer, but she saw no deception in his sea-green eyes—for once no flirtatious teasing or underhanded trick to take advantage of her.

  He looked…exhausted, actually—as exhausted as she felt. And that was when she remembered that Haden wasn’t like Liam. He needed sleep, sleep he probably hadn’t gotten last night with Addy, and sleep he was depriving himself of right now as he sat here and watched over her.

  Perhaps she would regret it, but right now the haven of Haden’s embrace was too tempting to resist. Stifling a yawn with the back of her hand, she settled deeper into the nook of his arm and rested her head against his chest. As the steady beat of his heart began to lull her to sleep, she chanced one last glance at him. His eyes were already closed, his head tipped back, resting against the cushion of the couch. The severe lines of his handsome face were relaxed, softening the intimidating edge he wore like a mask. It was one of the only times she remembered ever thinking he looked at peace.

  Taking a deep breath, Haden exhaled and shifted slightly to the right as if to get more comfortable. His other arm came around her side, cradling her more tightly against him. He didn’t bother cracking a lid to look at her as he murmured, “Goodnight, Olivia.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Haden woke to the sharp pinch of steel pressing against his throat and the growled command, “Get your fucking hands off of her.”

  The second it took him to reorient himself was nearly a second too long as the razor-sharp tip of Liam’s dagger cut into his flesh. How had that bastard snuck up on him? And where the hell was Kyro? Fucking traitor…

  Swiftly, his senses came rushing back online—sitting on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table…Olivia, in his arms, dead to the world, her exhaled breaths heating the flesh of his pec through his thin cotton t-shirt… She was out cold, feeling like a limp, fragile noodle in his arms.

  Holy hell…had he actually fallen asleep? Insomnia had been plaguing him for weeks. Haden couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually slept, and in such a damn uncomfortable position at that. His ass was numb and his low back ached. But fuck if he could make himself want to move—even with Liam’s blade pressing into his throat.

  “I’m not going to tell you again.” The lethal malice in Liam’s voice promised he spoke true. “Take. Your. Hands. Off. Olivia.”

  Haden glared up at the amethyst-eyed angel and snarled under his breath so as to not wake her, “Take. Your. Fucking. Blade. Off. My. Neck.” At this point, if he even attempted to move one direction or the other, he’d be slitting his own throat.

  With a muttered curse, the razored steel lifted from his neck, but not before swiping across his trachea with just enough force to leave one hell of a mark. Carefully, so as not to wake her, Haden began untangling his arms from the female and slipped out from beneath her.

  “Why isn’t she in bed?” Liam must not have wanted to wake her, either because he whisper-shouted his questions.

  “It’s storming outside.”

  “I don’t need you to tell me the bloody weather forecast. Why are you here? Isn’t that the point of this mutt?” Liam pointed an accusing finger at the hell-hound across the room. Kyro dipped his head and whined. As if an afterthought, Liam gestured the dog over and rubbed his boxy head, making amends.

  Now that a knife wasn’t against Haden’s throat, he took a moment to assess the angel as he got up from the couch and realized he was standing in a puddle of water. Rain dripped from the ends of Liam’s hair, his t-shirt clung to his torso. How long had he been outside?

  “I’m here because I didn’t want to leave her alone. And she was scared. Why are you getting so bent? Don’t you trust her?”

  Haden shot a glance at the female now curled up on the couch. It was hard to believe that just a few moments ago it had been his hard body she rested against. Damn Liam and his shitty-ass t
iming. Of course, he would have to come back now.

  “I trust her just fine. It’s you I don’t trust,” Liam growled. Then his scowl darkened and he tensed, radiating malevolent energy that nearly crackled in the air. “Why was she scared? What the hell happened?”

  “Maximus Octaine happened.” Now that he was standing, Haden stretched his sore muscles and his back popped.

  Liam’s murderous glare grew darker. “That’s impossible. I killed that bastard myself. I watched as the Shadows of Darkness dragged his damned soul into the Abyss.”

  Olivia began to stir and Haden grabbed his cell off the table and gestured for Liam to follow him to the kitchen. The angel looked hesitant to leave her, but finally acquiesced, following him down the hall. Haden opened the picture he’d sent from Ashley’s phone, and after zooming in to the bridal shop window, handed it to Liam saying, “Well then, you tell me, who in the hell is that?”

  “Son of a bitch…” he growled under his breath.

  “Right? I think it goes without saying, Olivia was a bit freaked out and didn’t want to be alone—understandably so. Now that you’re back, I think I’ll be making a visit to Hades.”

  “Don’t bother. The Rogues have already been sent. If Hades is going to talk, you can be sure they’ll break him. Olivia needs you here. The wedding is in two weeks, and after that, I’m taking her away from here—for good. She’ll no longer be your concern, and you’ll be free to do whatever the hell it is that you do. I don’t care, as long as you’re far away from the both of us.”

  Haden wasn’t sure how he felt about that. On one hand this was exactly what he’d wanted, to be free of Olivia and the tie that bound them—to end this look-but-don’t-touch torture. Then again, it was one thing to leave on his own terms, and quite another to be dismissed—tossed aside like yesterday’s trash. Haden couldn’t help but wonder if Olivia wouldn’t have something to say about that.