Marcus, his voice sounded like music in her head. Yes, I’m ready.
Do you like your dress?
It’s beautiful, thank you.
I’m glad you like it. Come now, it’s time for our ceremony to begin.
She opened the door and stepped onto the red carpet. Carefully, she walked down the corridor, past the marble columns until the room widened. She stopped for a moment when she spotted everyone. At the top of the dais sat Aidyn on his ornate throne. On his right side stood Zarek then Argathos. On his left were two breathtaking women whom she had never seen before but guessed them to be goddesses. Lined up next to them on both sides of the room were the warriors, including Gwen and a few other females. In the middle stood Marcus. He was dressed like the other men, wearing some kind of Egyptian skirt and gold bands on his biceps.
After she finally regained her composure, she began the final steps toward him. She spotted Jill off to the side, blotting her eyes with a tissue. As she walked past each warrior, they moved in behind, until she and Marcus stood inside the circle. She looked up at him, his hair pulled back from his face and his eyes lined with kohl. His sun-kissed body was perfection, and she felt a pool of moisture between her legs. I’d do you right here, if it weren’t for an audience.
The feeling is mutual, my love. “You are stunning.”
Aidyn rose from his throne and stepped forward. “Join hands and kneel before your king and gods.” They did as commanded, the marble floor surprisingly warm where they knelt. Cassie felt a hum in the floor. Gwen had warned her that the eye of Ra, which was embedded into the marble beneath them, would vibrate with power. The eyes in the statue of Ra that stood behind Aidyn began to glow red.
Aidyn moved back to his throne, and Zarek moved forward. “Marcus, we have bestowed upon you the most precious gift a guardian can receive. A mate. Do you accept her and promise to care for her?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Then proceed.” Zarek stepped back into his place in line.
Cassie watched as Aidyn handed a dagger to the woman directly to his left. She approached, her long sapphire gown complementing her raven hair, holding the dagger across both palms.
“I am Ediva, the goddess of lightning. I bring you the king’s dagger.” The dagger glowed for a moment before Marcus reached for it.
He looked at Cassie. “Hold out your right hand, palm up.”
She did, and he made a clean slice across her palm. He repeated the same step on his right palm then placed his over top of hers, his gaze locked onto her. “I bind myself to thee for all eternity. I place your life and happiness above my own. I freely give to you my heart, my soul, and my undying love. I willingly sacrifice my own life to protect you and our children. Should your soul leave this world, I will follow you into the next life.”
Warmth flowed through her body, her soul stirred then she felt a sudden connection to Marcus. She knew his every thought and feelings. The feeling of love that flowed through her sent a tear sliding down her cheek. It was his love for her, love that words alone could never express but this…this was more than she could have imagined.
“I give you all that I am, sia itov, my love.”
Can you feel my emotions too?
He smiled. I can.
Then you know how much I love you as well.
Yes.
Ediva picked up the dagger and returned it to Aidyn. Zarek moved in front of Cassie. It was time to receive her gift from him. He placed his hand on the top of her head then white light radiated from his fingers and pain burned across the back of her right shoulder.
Her mark.
She and Marcus now had matching tattoos, the sign of a healer. The only difference was hers had one black wing and one red wing. The red signified her status as a guardian mate. She didn’t mind, though, as she looked down at the beautiful diamond on her left hand. He had promised that he would also wear her ring, which she would present him with later.
“Cassandra, you will rise.” Zarek took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Do you vow to follow your king and protect all humanity from evil?”
“Yes.” She looked up at the towering god.
“Will you help your king keep the peace among all immortals?”
“I will.”
“Do you understand that any waiver in your loyalty to him is punishable by death?”
“I do.”
He smiled at her then winked. “Then go to your king.”
She moved forward until she reached Aidyn. Kneeling down at his feet, she bit into her wrist and held it up to him.
“Welcome, little one, I am pleased to have you with us.” He bent down and took her wrist, drinking the blood that she offered in sacrifice. When he had finished, he rose, pulling her to her feet. “I present to you Cassandra Dagotto, healer and mate to our own guardian, Marcus. May you protect her life as she will protect yours.”
Cheers and clapping echoed around the room. Marcus approached, and Aidyn placed Cassie’s hand in her mate’s.
“Kiss your bride, so we can go drink some champagne,” Aidyn said.
“Wife, you’re stuck with me for eternity.”
She placed a palm on his face. “Husband, I’d have it no other way.”
Their lips touched and their souls entwined. Together, they would forge the way to a new world.
* * * *
A scream filled the air. Warriors scrambled, and weapons materialized from nowhere. Marcus shoved her behind him and yelled to stay put.
Eliza stood with a knife to Jill’s throat, a vortex opened behind her, and several demons emerged. All encircled her sister.
She touched Marcus’s arm for support. “We have to save her.”
His jaw clenched. “I will kill that bitch once and for all.”
“How dare you bring your vile pets into my home,” Aidyn said, anger boiled off him.
Eliza hissed. “Your home? This is my home, I should be queen!”
Aidyn stepped closer and looked at his sister for several seconds, his emotions in turmoil. Cassie knew what they had meant by being connected. Her heart broke for the warrior. His last living relative stood before him, but she was no longer the sister he knew.
She chewed her lip. Would he sacrifice her sister for his own?
“Let the woman go, Eliza. This is between you and me.” Aidyn extended his hand.
Eliza laughed. “Sorry, brother, you would kill me in a heartbeat.”
“Sister, I love you, and it saddens me to have to take your life. But I will. You have broken every law a guardian fights to uphold.” His fists clenched and unclenched. “You have left me no choice.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’m willing to bargain. Cassie comes with me in exchange for her sister’s life.”
“No fucking way.” Marcus took a step forward.
“What’s the matter, afraid of losing your new bride?” Eliza tightened her grip on Jill, and the blade at her neck drew blood.
“No.” Cassie pushed Marcus out of the way and ran forward.
Cassie, what are you doing? We will find a way to free Jill.
No, I’m tired of hiding.
“Eliza, I counteroffer. Let my sister go, and I will fight you…to the death.”
Marcus moved in behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His lips touched her ear. “No.” His whisper full of desperation.
Eliza smiled. “I will accept only if every warrior here stays out of the fight and vows arytissi tiichi.”
Warriors mumbled throughout the hall. Cassie looked around. Every man clenched his jaw. She looked back at Eliza. “What is that?”
“It means warrior's honor. We must promise to not interfere, to do so brings severe punishment by the gods,” Marcus said.
She turned to look at her mate. “What kind of punishment?”
His gray eyes turned stormy. “Death.”
She brought her hand to her mouth then quickly regained her composure. She glanced around the room. “My sister’s
life is on the line, you must all take the vow.” Please.
One by one, each warrior repeated the words. Aidyn stood next to her. “I vow arytissi tiichi.”
It was now up to Marcus. She looked at him, his eyes were moist. “I can’t. You ask too much of me. The world would never survive your death.”
She touched his cheek. “You must take the vow.”
“I love you.”
“Take the vow, for me.”
He kissed her hand. “I vow arytissi tiichi.” He leaned down, and his lips touched hers. “I can’t promise I won’t interfere.” He pulled her into him, and their tongues glided together. She relished every second, since this might be the last time they were together.
“Oh, come on already.”
Cassie pushed away. “That’s it. This bitch is going down.” She looked at Aidyn. “Can you contain him?” She nodded her head at Marcus.
“What? No,” Marcus yelled.
“You’ll never keep your vow, and I can’t have you dying on me.”
Lucan slid in and a black mist circled Marcus around the waist. Dozens of tiny hands reached out and latched onto his skin. He fought but was bound tight. His gaze moved to Lucan.
“Motherfucker, I’ll deal with you later.”
Lucan smiled. “I’ll be waiting.” He winked at Cassie. “Remember what I taught you.”
Cassie strode toward Eliza. “They have all taken the vow, now let my sister go.”
“Cassie, don’t so this,” Jill cried.
She smiled at her sister. “It’s already done. Now release her.”
Eliza shoved her away, and Gwen grabbed Jill’s hand, pulling her into the warriors' fold.
It was just the two of them in the center of the room. “Choose your weapon, bitch.” Cassie held up her hand and produced a sword.
Eliza laughed and produced a sword to match Cassie’s. “Now to repay you for stealing my mate.” She swung, and Cassie matched, metal clanged and sparks flew.
“Your mate? You lost him years ago. He loves me now, and I will bear his children.” She lunged and swung, Eliza sidestepped.
Eliza lunged and managed to nick Cassie’s arm before she moved out of the way. She heard Marcus gasp.
“Damn it, woman, be careful,” Marcus yelled.
She ignored him and did her best to remember everything Lucan had taught her before she became a guardian. Now she had strength and power on her side. Gods, I hope it’s enough.
She felt the babe stir inside her. Resolve rushed through her veins. She had to win this fight. She swung, missed.
She flashed behind Eliza, but the older woman was wise to her tricks. Eliza kicked out a leg and sent Cassie to the ground. She jumped to her feet, flashed a dagger into her left hand and threw. It struck Eliza in the thigh.
Eliza screeched. “Bitch!”
Cassie panted, her body tired, not yet used to the changes that had taken place. The wound on her arm healed but had taken a toll as well. She prayed for a miracle, knowing she’d never survive otherwise.
Their swords met, Eliza pushed and Cassie stumbled backward. Before she could regain herself, Eliza’s head flew through the air.
Cassie blinked. “What the hell?”
The headless body hit the floor to reveal a handsome demon. “Hey doll. Gotta tell ya, I’ve been wanting to oust that bitch for some time.”
“Baal.” Cassie ran and threw her arms around him, planting a kiss on his cheek. She stepped back. “I don’t understand.”
Marcus slid in behind her, strong arms wrapped her in a cocoon. “Baal, however you came to be here, I am most grateful.”
He snorted. “My friends and I were asked to join the party.”
Cassie looked around. The demons who had accompanied Eliza were now turning to ash as Aidyn cleaned up the mess. In their place stood ten large men. Their golden eyes and extreme good looks indicated they were Kothar demons.
“I’m still confused. Who asked you to come?” Cassie asked.
“I did.” Aidyn stepped in beside them. “I may have taken a vow, but it didn’t stop me from calling on a friend.”
Baal sheathed his sword. “You vampires and your stupid fucking rules. Whoever heard of such bullshit?”
Marcus scowled. “I’m happy you did it, but is that still not interfering?”
Aidyn grinned. “It’s a gray area.”
Gabriel strode across the room. “I’m afraid I have some news.”
“Please tell me it’s good news for a change. I could really use some,” Cassie said.
He folded his dark wings close to his body. “I’m afraid not.” He looked around the room. “When Eliza stabbed Cassie, she left with the bloody blade. This means Lowan has her blood, now all he needs is the amulet to open…”
“Hell’s Gate.” The king’s voice rang out.
Everyone turned to look at Aidyn. They all knew what he was thinking. The war had only begun.
Epilogue
Odage stood under the full moon, the desert wind blew through his hair. He finally found the other half of the amulet of Tobor.
“I am extremely pleased, Odage. You have done well and will be rewarded. However, you know that this journey has only begun,” the sinister voice echoed.
“Yes, my lord. I’m aware of what is to come next.” Odage sneered. He knew that Lowan needed the amulet. Now that he had Cassie’s blood, the two would open Hell’s Gate and set his lord and master free to rain terror on the earth’s occupants.
“Good. Then you will start preparations. I am most anxious to leave this realm.”
“Of course, my lord.” Odage put the amulet in his pocket and headed toward Caleb’s tent. He wondered how the slave Lileta fared with his second-in-command. He’d been surprised when Caleb had asked for the slave himself. Odage had planned to kill her for her betrayal but decided Caleb deserved a gift so had agreed.
He didn’t announce his presence. He simply opened the door and entered. Caleb was sitting at the table eating his dinner while Lileta sat handcuffed to the bed. Caleb rose. “My liege, how may I assist you?”
“Sit, finish your meal.”
Caleb took his seat. “May I offer you something? Wine?”
“Yes, a glass of wine is in order.” He waited while Caleb got up, procured another glass from the shelf and filled it halfway with the red liquid. He raised it. “A toast.” Caleb raised his glass. “To finding the amulet.” He pulled the red stone from his pocket and placed it on the table.
“My liege, this is wonderful news. I know how long you have been searching for it.” He leaned in closer. “What happens next? Do you sell it to the highest bidder?”
Odage smirked. “Perhaps.” He would keep his master's plans close to his chest, not even Caleb would be trusted. “But first, we must rid ourselves of the vampires. Prepare to burn down Vandeldor if you must.”
Caleb tipped his head. “Would it not be wise to find their queen’s murderer? I’d be honored to clear your name.”
Odage narrowed his eyes. “Fuck them. They dare accuse me, Queen Daria’s closest ally, of killing her? You know as well as I that they will never stop hunting me. Even if they were successful in catching me, they wouldn’t stop there. They will massacre our race.”
“Perhaps, but we are stronger than them.”
“Yes, but I fear they have the gods on their side.”
Caleb thought for a moment then nodded. “As you wish then. I will devise a plan to take them out.”
“Good, I knew I could count on you.” He raised his glass again. “To the death of our enemies.”
About the Author
As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.
Being a true romantic, Va
lerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.
Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.
Valerie loves to talk to her readers and can be found at http://www.valerietwombly.com/.
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