Eternal Flame

by Valerie Twombly

  * * * *

  She finally tied up all the loose ends. She'd called her boss and quit her job. Of course, he had been upset at losing her but didn’t push the issue. She’d also spoken with the neighbors, spinning her tale of moving away but renting the house out to some nice gentlemen.

  Her tired body flopped on the couch, exhausted by the day’s events. Gwen was expected to pop in any minute, but she needed a few minutes to relax. Her eyes closed, and thoughts of Marcus drifted through her mind. I wish you could hear me. You’re going to be a daddy. She desperately wanted him to answer her, tell her everything would be fine. Maybe he was happy with Eliza, and Aidyn was wrong about everything. Even though Aidyn insisted Eliza was dead, Cassie still held doubts. Tears threatened to spill, but she pushed them back. She would make a life for her and her child with or without him.

  “Cassie?”

  She sat up. “In here.”

  Gwen swept in from the kitchen. “How are you feeling?”

  “Do you mean mentally or physically?”

  “Both.”

  “Mentally, I’m a wreck. The world as I know it has gone to hell, literally. Physically, I feel fine. No morning sickness yet.”

  “I wish there was something I could do for you.” She smiled. “I have to admit I’m thrilled about being an aunt.” Her hand touched Cassie’s. “You know I will help you any way I can.”

  “Yes, I know. The most important thing now is to find Marcus.”

  A disturbance rippled through the air followed by a bright light that formed in the center of the room. The light shifted, taking the form of a man.

  Gwen walked toward him. “Argathos.”

  His steely voice echoed in the room. “Gwen, I am sorry that I could not come sooner.”

  Cassie rubbed her arms. The power that ran off this man measured tenfold to Aidyn’s. So this was a god? She expected an old man with milky hair and a beard, but he wore faded jeans and a gray T-shirt. Thick, mahogany hair fell past his collar, accenting his high cheekbones. Dark-brown eyes lent to the exotic look. Like the other immortals she had met, he towered over her. His lean muscle mass flexed with each movement. She shook her head, apparently the gods didn’t believe in being unattractive.

  Argathos moved away from Gwen and approached Cassie. “Cassandra, I am pleased to meet you.”

  She was unsure of what she should do—bow or kneel? “Uh, you will have to pardon me. I have no idea what protocol is when meeting a god.”

  He flashed her a smile then searched her eyes. “There is no need for such nonsense with me. I don’t require your obedience.” He turned his attention to Gwen. “Leave us. I wish to speak to Cassie alone.”

  Gwen did as asked and flashed from the room, leaving Cassie alone with Argathos.

  He reached out and took both her hands in his then closed his eyes. “Don’t fear me, I only wish to see your future.”

  “What do you see?”

  “I am not allowed to give too many details. Your daughter is extremely important to the guardians. She will grow up to be a strong woman. However, what you have to teach her is the most important. Your life is in danger if you do not convert and become one of the guardians.”

  Her eyes widened. “I’m going to die?”

  He released her hands, his gaze never departing hers. “The pregnancy will weaken you. Aidyn can help ease the burden on your body, but you need your mate.” He raised a brow. “Your daughter is a full guardian even though you are human. That is what you wanted to know?”

  “Thank you. Can you tell me where he is?”

  “I cannot.”

  Her brows knitted. “Can’t or won’t?”

  He smiled. “You catch on quickly. You also worry about things that have no merit.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You question his commitment to you. If you want to save him, you must search your heart.”

  Damn it with the riddles. She looked down at the floor and thought about his comment. Why am I really here? She recalled Marcus telling her they were chosen to be together. She realized this was bigger than any of them, bigger than the god who stood before her.

  She loved Marcus. There was no sense denying it. He’d been right, their souls somehow connected. She loved a man she hardly knew, and her life was about to get even more complicated, but she would fight. Fight for his life and that of her unborn daughter.

  She looked back up at the god with resolve in her eyes. “I love him.”

  He smiled once again. “Be warned, the road you are about to travel will not be easy.”

  She snorted. “It’s been full of potholes already. I’m becoming accustomed to the bumpy ride.”

  He touched the top of her head and warmth spread through her body, bringing with it a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in months, make that years.

  “Always remember your destiny and fight for it. When challenged, stay your course and you will prevail. I leave you with a gift.” He faded away.

  “Wait! What? I so don’t need this right now.”

  Gwen flashed back into the room. “You okay?”

  “No, your god left me with a gift.” She ran her fingers through her tangled hair. Shit, when was the last time she’d combed it?

  “What kind of gift?” Gwen asked.

  She threw up her hands in frustration. “Hell if I know, he didn’t say. You have any ideas?”

  Gwen sighed. “The gods sometimes have a flair for drama. Maybe Aidyn will be able to tell, we should— we need to leave. Now.”

  Gwen grabbed Cassie’s arm and flashed. Her body sucked into a black hole, and she had no idea where they were going and why.

  She stood in the center of a beautiful expansive room overlooking a lake and assumed it must be the home where she would be staying. When she turned to take in her surroundings, she found Gwen next to her.

  “Sorry for the abruptness of our departure. Lucan sensed demons in your neighborhood, and we were not about to take any chances,” Gwen said.

  She collapsed in the nearest chair. “Yes…of course.” When next she looked up, she was greeted by a smiling face that belonged to Daniel, she guessed.

  “Welcome, Ms. Jensen,” Daniel said.

  She moved from her seat and walked to Daniel, extending her hand. “Please, call me Cassie, and you’re Daniel?”

  He took her hand and gave it an eager shake. “Yes, ma’am, I mean Cassie.” He peered around the room. “You didn’t bring any luggage?”

  Gwen stepped forward and gave Daniel a hug. “We had to leave rather abruptly. Lucan should be along any time with her things.” She placed an arm around both Daniel and Cassie’s shoulders. “How about we give our guest a tour.”

  The three of them moved about the two-story home. It was beautiful, and Cassie had no doubt her every comfort would be looked after, still her heart was empty. When they stopped in front of one of the five bedrooms, Gwen pulled her aside.

  “This is the room Marcus uses when he stays here. Would you like to have this one?” Gwen hurried on. “Of course if it makes you uncomfortable, we can choose a different one.”

  She stepped inside, his scent still hung in the air. “No, I want to stay here.” She spun around to look at Gwen. “I’d like some time alone, please.”

  “Of course.” Gwen exited the room, pulling the door shut behind her.

  Cassie spotted something lying on the chair across the room. She moved closer and found it to be Marcus’s jacket. She picked up the leather and pressed it against her cheek. Guilt slapped her in the face. Guilt at the argument they'd had and how she’d treated him. She should have been more understanding, but damn it, she thought he had meant to take her freedom. Now she realized he only wanted to protect her. She had since learned these men were overprotective but meant well. After learning their history and all they had lost, she understood.

  She hugged the jacket. Marcus, I’m so sorry.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Marcus had fallen asleep, his
body healed from Beth’s blood. In the distance, a female cried. He strained to hear and realized the sound came from inside his head.

  Cassie?

  M-Marcus, is it really you?

  Sweet deity, woman, are you alright? He thought for a moment he’d lost his faculties. How did he communicate with her but not his brethren?

  I’m fine. I’m in your room in New York. Aidyn sent me here with Gwen. My home is no longer safe. I’m not even sure how, but I think Argathos has something to do with us being able to communicate. Marcus…are…are you with Eliza?

  Funny she would ask that when she was the one who had the orgasm. He shouldn’t jump to conclusions, after all, she nearly died, and he had no idea what happened back home. It must be serious if Aidyn has moved her, he thought. She was safe, and that’s what mattered at the moment. Cassie, yes, Eliza is here, but it’s not what you think. She is in league with Odage, and they are holding me prisoner. Somehow, he needed to speak with Lucan, he had a plan, and if it worked, he would be out of this hell hole and holding her in no time.

  Marcus, are you injured? Where are you? I will come for you, and I will kill that bitch if she has hurt you!

  He smiled. I worry about you. What has happened that you have been moved from your home?

  Nothing, I’m fine.

  She lies. Why does she lie to me? He needed to compose his emotions. Listen, sweetheart, I have a plan. Can you get to Lucan?

  Sure, I guess so.

  Good, speak to him and tell no one else. Here is what I want you to do.

  * * * *

  She put on her game face, dropped the jacket and left the room. Marcus had explained that if Lucan was able to connect with her then he might be able to find Marcus through the connection she now had to him. It was a long shot but one she was willing to take.

  Like a mouse, she scurried down the stairs and found Daniel in the kitchen.

  “Hey, Lucan just showed up with your things. I was about to bring them up to you,” Daniel said.

  Sweet, Lucan was already here. Maybe she could do this without anyone knowing. “Great. Is he still here?”

  “He went outside to check the grounds.”

  Even better. She would sneak out and find him. “Thanks, will you take my stuff up? I’m going to get some fresh air.”

  Daniel shrugged. “Sure thing.”

  She slipped out the kitchen door. The setting sun blanketed the horizon with hues of reds and oranges. She did a quick visual of the lay of the land. Not having been outside the house yet, she was unsure of where to go. She pushed her shoulders back and took a determined stride around the house. Nothing. Where the hell was he? Oh god, what if I’ve missed him? Her eye caught sight of a boathouse down by the lake.

  She did a quick look around then headed through the grass toward the water. Half way she stopped, and her hair stood on end. Someone watched her. She spun around but saw no one behind her.

  “Lucan?” Maybe the vampire was still on his rounds. The only sound to greet her were the croaking frogs.

  She licked her lips, her throat suddenly parched. Determination made her turn around and continue to the boathouse.

  “Going somewhere, pet?”

  Cold arms encircled her, holding her firm. Before she could scream, blackness surrounded her.

  * * * *

  Cassie awoke, lying on a strange bed. She sat up and found herself surrounded by four walls of bars, a prison cell. A stench filled the air. The only sound was the drip of water in the distance.

  She placed both feet on the floor and moved toward the door. Her hand grasped the bars and pulled—locked. Outside the cell were four stone walls, reminding her of the caves she had visited as a child. Bumps danced across her skin from the cool, damp air.

  Marcus? No answer. Tears threatened. No, I have to remain strong, no matter what. She rubbed her stomach. Well, pumpkin, it’s just you and me again. How do I keep ending up in these terrible situations? Like it or not, she was here, wherever the hell that was.

  “H-hello?”

  Her throat tightened when heavy footsteps moved closer. Taking several steps backward, her legs hit the bed. Her stomach churned and threatened to heave lunch from earlier. All control abandoned when her body started to quiver. She swallowed. I have to face my fears. Maybe it’s not as bad as I think. Right, and you’re not the mate of a vampire either. Ha!

  A dark shadow moved into view. “So you have awakened. Welcome.” The gruff voice caused her lips to tremble.

  “Who are you?” She moved closer to the bars, wanting to get a better look at her capture. “Why am I here?”

  The shadowy figure lunged for the bars, causing her to shriek and jump backward. Before her, stood the same man she’d seen vanish that night in her neighborhood. Marcus called him Odage.

  His menacing laugh grated on her nerves. “I should have taken you last time we met. Had I known who you were…well, let’s just say our meeting would have ended with your lovely mouth wrapped around my cock.”

  Bile filled her mouth, and she swallowed. “You didn’t answer me, why am I here?”

  “You are to become part of the slave market. A pretty young human like you will fetch thousands. Demons will come for miles to fuck you.” He licked his lips. “The thought of teaching you how to please a man excites me.”

  He placed both hands on the bars, his blues eyes penetrating deep into her soul. “Interesting, you are with child. This could prove extremely useful indeed.”

  Panic gripped her and threatened her sanity. Adrenalin spiked, causing her heart to race. No one touched her child. She would find a way to escape. “You harm me or my child, and you will die.”

  He laughed. “And who is going to kill me? You?”

  Her brows furrowed as she stared at him. “The guardians.”

  Odage laughed again. “They have to find you first. Perhaps you’d like to see how your mate fares? Then you can tell me all about how the guardians will be coming to your rescue.”

  Another set of footsteps moved closer. Softer and quicker than the last. A woman only slightly taller than her five-foot-six frame stepped closer. Golden hair spilled down her back, and brown eyes glared at her. She didn’t need any introductions to know who this was.

  Eliza.

  The woman ran a red fingernail along the bars. “So you’re the bitch who thinks to steal my mate?” Her fangs extended when she hissed at Cassie. “A mere human who is much too weak for a man like Marcus.” She walked to the other side of the cage. “He fucked me, you know. Was unable to resist me when we were together.”

  Cassie’s eyes burned, could it be true? No, this woman was a vindictive bitch.

  Eliza laughed. “It’s the child he wants, you fool! You’re only a vessel to carry it. Perhaps he and I will raise her together.”

  “You cannot have my daughter!” She placed a protective hand over her stomach. “Besides, you’re the one who tortured Marcus. You don’t do that to someone you love. He would never have had sex with you.”

  “Stupid girl. I never said I loved him, only that he’s mine.” She ran her hands down her waist, stopping at her hips. “Look at me, I’m an immortal. I’m perfect. Are you so sure he didn’t take me hard and fast? After all, the male can’t resist his mate. They’re like animals, and oh does Marcus fuck like one, especially when he’s taking your blood.”

  Oh god. He had been so passionate when he had taken her blood. Maybe he did have sex with Eliza. After all, she had been his mate before her, not to mention she was beautiful. Her skin flawless and her curves perfection. The type women loved to hate but wanted to be like. Why the hell would he want me? I’m so stupid to think a man would finally love me.

  “Of course, he doesn’t love you. He used you for a good time. That’s all.” Eliza opened the cage door and stepped in. “And I forgave him for that.”

  Cassie had nowhere to go, already pushed against the bedframe. I can run past her out the open door. But Odage stood outside, she’d never
make it. Fuck it, try anyway.

  “You can’t escape me,” Eliza said.

  Cassie clutched her head, intense pain made her skull feel as if it would explode. She cried out in pain before falling back on the bed.

  * * * *

  Her head pounded. What the hell did that bitch do to me?

  “Get up, we’re leaving.” Eliza grabbed Cassie by the arm and dragged her off the bed.

  Her head in a fog, she didn’t have the strength to fight. Hell, she could hardly stand. It was like she had gone on a drinking binge the night before and now paid the price. Her stomach rolled, threatening to empty any contents that remained.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  Eliza cast a wicked smile. “To hell.”

  “I thought I was already there.”

  Eliza laughed. “Not yet, my dear human.” She slapped a pair of shackles and chains around Cassie’s wrists. “Just in case you get any crazy ideas about trying to escape.”

  Eliza grabbed the chain and jerked, leading Cassie from the cage. They moved past Odage who licked his lips when she passed him. Her stomach revolted, but she managed to keep from vomiting.

  She had to follow behind Eliza as they slipped through a narrow corridor. Light came from the room they exited, the only thing in front of them was blackness. The stone of the cavern walls scraped her body. A stinging sensation told her that her skin was covered in tiny cuts.

  Marcus? Silence greeted her.

  “He will not answer you, he doesn’t want you,” Eliza said.

  Well, since you’re invading my mind, here’s one for you. Fuck you, bitch! Sweat trickled down her forehead and into her eyes. She reached up and wiped her face with the hem of her shirt. Eliza hadn’t been kidding when she said they were going to hell. The air grew hotter by the minute.