Bjorn grabbed her hips and spun her into his arms. He pulled her close and brushed his lips over hers. The familiar greeting spurred more memories. Happy ones. They blended with the reminders of betrayal and left her as confused as the day he died.
How could she have been so wrong about him? What had she done to send him into another woman’s arms? She’d given him everything.
She’d loved him.
No! It’s an illusion. He’s dead and gone, no more than dust now.
The reminder helped. She pushed against his chest. He didn’t budge. She couldn’t break his hold unless she embraced her alternate form. For the moment, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She needed to understand why he’d cheated on her. The knowledge was essential to healing the wound he’d left on her heart.
She leaned back to meet his gaze. “You’re dead.”
“In the human world, I am. Arawn killed me because he knew you loved me. He refused to allow the third in his army to be weakened by that useless emotion.” Bjorn caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “He told me right before he forced me to plunge that dagger into my heart.”
“No.” She shook her head. “He’d already removed your Huntsman’s mark. You’d faded to the mortal world. He couldn’t control you there.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“Yes.”
He raised a brow. “You know of all his abilities, then? Are you saying he’s revealed everything to you, even the reason you were condemned to suffer for his sins?”
What was he talking about? Dar had tricked them. That was the reason they’d been imprisoned. Wasn’t it?
Arawn had claimed the time the Huntsmen had spent in the fairy prison was because of his failure. She hadn’t let her father explain what he’d meant. Was there more to the story than merely his guilt over not being all-powerful enough to anticipate everyone’s actions or protect his children?
Doubt gripped her. It must’ve shown on her face. Bjorn chuckled.
“Oh, my sweet, naïve Tegan, your father implanted a compulsion in my mind to kill myself. His words taunted me. Whether it was him speaking or the memory of him, I can’t say, but it was too powerful to withstand. I would never have left you otherwise.”
Arawn had exposed Bjorn’s sins and shown him what awaited him once he died. Had he taken it further? Compelled Bjorn to end his life? No. No, Arawn valued human life…but, then again, Bjorn wasn’t innocent. Confusion rushed up. She couldn’t make sense of anything.
“I don’t believe he would do that. What would be the point? He’d already taken your immortality away.”
“But you could’ve still mated me. He refused to allow that to happen. He’d never let you or any of his children go. He sacrificed everything for his army, broke his vow of fidelity to Minerva and gave up his ability to have more children.” He shook his head and snorted. “No. Love would turn you into a weakened shell unable to exact retribution. He refused to allow that. It was too risky. I had to die.”
She shook her head. How would he know of Arawn’s sacrifices? Because he’s taking the knowledge from me. He’s a figment on my imagination.
No matter what Bjorn had been, Arawn wouldn’t kill the man she loved or compel him to do so…but he had. He’d ripped Ian’s Huntsman’s mark away and killed him. Only our mating saved him. And I’d refused to mate Bjorn.
What Bjorn said was possible. She could see the motivation behind it. Arawn had rushed to get his hands on angel’s tears in order to sever Calan and Harley’s bond. Yes, they’d survived and ultimately given the world and the Huntsmen hope, but had it been because of Arawn’s gift, or Harley and Calan’s love?
Arawn wanted to help her too.
“You cheated on me. Had women and children scattered across the countryside.”
He sighed and cupped her face between his hands. “Never, my love. I remained faithful to you.”
“But—”
“Did you ever look for these women and babes I supposedly left behind?”
“No, that doesn’t—”
“Then that’s your answer. Arawn lied to you.”
She hated when he cut her off. He always had, and he’d shrugged off her complaints, blaming it on his upbringing. Times were different then. She was only a woman, Hunter or not.
“Most noblemen have many lovers.” She stated the fact that had stopped her from mating him in the first place, her fear that he’d do exactly what her father had claimed. Funny, it was the same one she struggled with in her relationship with Ian. She hadn’t learned a damn thing.
“And I did until I met you, my sweet Hunter. You were always woman enough for me.” Bjorn grinned. “We can have the life denied to us.” He slid his hands to her bottom and tugged her against him. “You just have to love me and give me life.”
“No, I’m mated. I’ve moved on.”
“Then let me be your fantasy. He doesn’t need to know. You can come to me when you feel neglected and then return to him. You can access this realm at will.”
His words stopped her from embracing her darker side and ripping his throat out. “You know where there’s another portal?”
“Yes. I’ve lived here for many, many years. I know all the secrets of this place.”
“Have you seen—”
“Quiet, woman. I’m going to fuck you now and remind you why you loved me first.” He took her mouth on a rough kiss and tugged down the cup of her bra. With nimble fingers, he rolled and tugged on her nipple. She bit at his lips and reached for her Hunter form. It slipped through her fingers. The power of the Hunt had no hold in the fairy realm.
“No! Ian, please. Help me.”
But he couldn’t. She’d left him behind.
Chapter Thirty
Urgency settled over Ian. He jumped from his SUV and ran into the woods where he’d found Craig’s fairy ring. It would’ve been quicker to travel by horseback, but he wasn’t able to connect with Doubt, and Rhys’s ghostly steed wouldn’t let him ride. Neither outcome had surprised him.
The Hunters’ horses were bound to their riders and didn’t welcome the touch of others. Ian had lost his animal and prayed it was alive and safe. Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to check.
Time was running out. For everyone. He felt it in his bones. The worst part of the situation was the loss of Tegan’s mind. Their connection had cut before he’d even left the Underworld. She’d only been gone for an hour, but it felt like a century. The hole in his chest where the shadow of her soul had lived ached.
The hounds who’d adopted him waited for him in the woods, along with Rhys. The sight of them chased away some of Ian’s anxiety. He wasn’t completely alone. He was only missing the best part of himself.
Rhys stepped forward. “The ring is still here. I have the hounds watching it.”
Ian nodded and turned down the path. His quickened steps morphed into a jog before he ran flat-out. Rhys kept pace on his right, the dogs on his left. Each passing second tightened Ian’s chest. Tegan needed him. He had to get to her before it was too late.
He leapt over fallen trees, hopped across a small stream and skidded down a slope. The fairy ring came into view. Rowan sat on the ground, gaze on the center of the grassy circle within the portal. He hadn’t expected to see her, but didn’t mind having the extra set of eyes watching his back. Craig would return to burn his ring or confront them. The redcap wouldn’t simply walk away from the loss he’d suffered at Ian’s hands.
Out of all the redcaps he’d profiled, Craig was the most predictable in that he liked to watch people scramble in an attempt to take him out. He wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to see the Huntsmen flounder.
Ian only hoped he could get everyone out before Craig attacked them. All it took was one flaming arrow to ignite a single mushroom and they all went up. Ian knew. He’d done so enough times
himself. It’d been the safest way to eliminate the rings. Too often, he’d needed Trevor to break him out of the trance the magic surrounding the fairy portal had caused. It chilled him to think of all the times he’d almost willingly stepped into one.
Today, he would. Hell, he was ready to leap into it.
Rowan pushed to her feet and snarled, pulling him out of his thoughts. “What were you thinking, bringing a human out here?”
Ian shook his head. He didn’t have time to argue with the pissed-off demigod. He stepped around her.
She got in his face and pushed him back. “Answer me, demon.”
Up close, he saw the panic in her eyes. He bit back his curse, knowing she was worried about Tegan and lashing out at him for it any way she could.
“I was thinking we’d investigate as we’ve done for years.” Ian motioned toward the ring. “We’d burned hundreds of those fucking portals before we even knew about the Huntsmen.”
Her eyes widened. “That was foolish. What if you’d become entranced?”
They both had, luckily never at the same time. “We usually went hunting for them together. We had each other’s back.”
She took another step forward. “And who had Trevor’s back last night?”
“I didn’t expect to stumble upon Craig, but I’m damn glad we did.”
“And why is that?” Color leached from her skin, and the first hint of her alternate form peeked out. Her jaw lengthened, and the teeth she bared sharpened. “You lost Trevor to that horrid place.”
“But we saved Allie from being turned into a sluagh.”
A growl rumbled in her chest. Claws burst from her hands. “I don’t give a shit about Allie. She’s lost. There’s no way she’s still salvageable. Her mind is likely broken.”
It wasn’t, not completely. Ian had seen the awareness in Allie’s eyes. She’d always been stronger than everyone gave her credit for. She was just sheltered. No longer, though. He didn’t want to think about what she’d been through.
“It’s not your place to judge my actions.” It surprised him Rowan was so concerned about Trevor, but Ian would use it to his advantage. “All you’re doing is wasting precious time.” He leaned forward. “Trevor’s time.”
She nodded quickly. “Fine, but I’m going in too. You’ll need help.”
“No. We don’t know if this is going to work. It’s bad enough Tegan is in there. The world needs you in this realm to hunt Dar and his creatures.” Ian made his way to the ring without waiting for her response.
“Be careful, human,” Rowan called out.
He heard her words but couldn’t respond. An image of Tegan in another man’s arms appeared in the middle of the circle.
Ian fisted his hands and clenched his jaw. Nobody touched his mate. The nameless man would regret it.
His mind told him it was an illusion, just his fears manifesting themselves, except not once had he ever feared Tegan cheating on him. That was her fear. Which meant…it was real, or as real as anything in the fairy realm could be.
He cursed and leapt into the ring. Laughter surrounded him, and the world gave way as the faerie realm eagerly accepted another human.
Nothingness buoyed him for an endless moment. His chest squeezed tight, the same sensation he’d experienced at Arawn’s hands before he died. Oblivion didn’t claim him, though. He landed hard on a cobblestone walkway. His breath rushed out. Pain whipped from where the balls of his feet hit the stones and up his spine. He stumbled and dropped to one knee.
He shook off the pain and glanced around. Moss- and vine-covered rock walls surrounded him. He spun on his heel and spied a single wooden door.
“Ian! Help me.”
“Tegan.” He ran for the door and kicked it open.
His mate was held against the far wall, wrists caught above her head, by a man wearing some kind of ancient-looking tunic. Ian didn’t need anyone to tell him who the guy was. He knew.
“Bjorn,” he said.
The other man tore his mouth from Tegan’s and glanced over his shoulder. Blood trickled from his torn lip.
“Demon.”
Ian took a step forward. “Get your hands off my mate.”
“She should’ve been mine.” Bjorn’s heavily accented drawl grated on Ian’s nerves, but at least he could understand him. Why? How? He didn’t know nor did he care.
“Ian.” Tegan craned her head to look around Bjorn’s body. Guilt tightened her features. It was the same expression she’d worn when he accused her of being the one to rat him out to Arawn. He didn’t understand it. She couldn’t control her fears, and she’d never gotten over what Bjorn did to her. It didn’t surprise Ian that the magic would create her ex-lover to torment her.
“Don’t care. She didn’t choose you, and you’re dead. It’s too late now.” Ian approached slowly, unsure of what the illusionary Bjorn could do. “Let. Her. Go.”
“It’s not too late. Here, I’m real. She only has to love me to ensure I can hold on to my life.” Bjorn ran his hand down her side to settle on her hip. “I have years of experience in her bed. I can make her desire me again.”
The reminder of their shared past was too much. Illusion or not, Bjorn would suffer.
Ian charged him. Bjorn pushed Tegan aside and met Ian, fists raised. A hit knocked Ian’s jaw to the side. Another caught his stomach. He hunched over, arms wrapped around his gut. A third punch landed on his neck. Ian dropped to his knees, momentarily blinded.
Bjorn fought like a man possessed or one who’d lived in a much different time, one of kill or be killed. Only stubbornness forced Ian to move. He wrapped his hands around Bjorn’s legs and took him down. They landed, Bjorn under him.
Ian landed a punch to Bjorn’s nose. Cartilage shifted, and blood gushed. Ian hit him again and again, bones crunching under the pummeling. Bjorn bucked and shoved Ian off, then hopped to his feet, face a bloody mess, with the smile that labeled him as pure evil.
Ian swept out a leg and tripped him. Bjorn’s head hit the edge of the wooden stool. He groaned and landed on his back. A flash of silver caught Ian’s eye. He snatched the jagged blade from the table and gripped the leather-wrapped handle. He raised it above Bjorn’s chest, ready to strike the killing blow.
“Cynthia’s here. She’s waiting for you.” Bjorn’s image disappeared with the taunting words.
Ian dropped his arms, the blade clattering to the floor. Shock and unease hit him with the confirmation that his fears would return to haunt him in the form of a petite blonde with pigtails. His chest heaved, but he shoved the worry away and pushed to his feet. He’d deal with Cynthia when and if the time came.
Tegan threw herself into his arms and held him tight. “Please tell me you’re real.”
“I’m real. Reach inside yourself. Do you feel me? Because I feel you.” He slid his hands to the back of her neck. “You fill the hole in my heart you caused when you left me in Hell.”
“I didn’t want you to have to come here. I thought to save you.”
“It doesn’t matter why. I’m here with you.” He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “I felt your fear. I came. Nothing would stop me.”
“I can’t call on my Hunter form, and I couldn’t reach out to you.” She tipped her head back. “I was trapped here as a woman with a man I…” She pressed her lips together.
He sighed. “With a man you never let go.”
The guilt she’d worn a few minutes ago crept over her face. “I loved him, and I never understood why he cheated on me. I gave him everything…except immortality. I just couldn’t do it. Part of me feels guilty for that.”
The words stabbed his heart. He had no right to be angry, because a part of him still loved Cynthia, just not in the same way he cared for Tegan. “In your heart, you knew he wasn’t the right man for you. I am. That’s why you mated me, not Bjorn.”
“Liar.”
She peered at him. A question hung in her narrowed gaze.
“Maybe the prospect of solving the gods’ riddle pushed you to make the commitment sooner than you normally would’ve, but we’ve loved each other for years.” He went to her and tipped up her chin. “We didn’t need words or sex to form our bond. It was there in every caress, every weighted look, every sigh you fed me. You sought to give me as much pleasure as you could, just as I did for you.”
She blinked against the sheen of wetness in her eyes. “You kept me sane, even while threatening to break my mind. The last couple of years were the hardest. So many of my siblings succumbed to madness. Each time I lost one, I lost a piece of myself. I wanted to give up too. I didn’t, because if I had, I would’ve lost you.”
He pressed his lips to hers and simply let their breaths mix. He wanted to kiss her, lay her on the bed next to them and love her. They didn’t have time for it, barely had time to talk, but he had to make her understand.
“I loved you then and still do.” He laid his palm over her heart and looked into her eyes, a show of his affection and one he’d given her every time they’d connected, once he’d realized what she meant to him.
The tears she’d been fighting spilled over. He kissed them away. “Remember that, and we’ll survive today, tomorrow, eternity. Together, angel. We meet the future together. I won’t spend it without you.”
She kissed him hard, pushing her tongue past his lips and dueling with his. Fingers in his hair, she held him tight and made love to his mouth. He soaked in every detail but turned away before they reached that point where only a shared orgasm would satisfy them.
“Are we clear? We love each other. The past is over, and the future is all that matters.”
She nodded and buried her face in his shirt. He held her close for a long moment. He wanted to keep her in his arms forever. It couldn’t happen, not yet.
Hunter Forsaken: Wild Hunt, Book 2 Page 22