Everyone nodded and left the room with the exception of Marcus. “Do you think the demons will side with us?”
Aidyn poured himself a whiskey. “Oh they will side with us. The question is, will they help us.” He tossed back his drink then slammed the glass on the table. “I don’t like this whole situation. I smell trouble, but I can’t place it. Keep alert and remember not everything is as it appears. Above all, protect your mate. If you can get her into hiding, all the better.”
Marcus scrubbed his face. “How the hell am I supposed to do that?”
“I wish I had an answer for you.”
“Fuck!” He poured himself a whiskey and swallowed it in one swig.
Pale azure lights shimmered in the darkness of the New Orleans cemetery as three figures appeared. Fog rolled low across the ground, giving a foreboding feel. Odage glanced around to get his bearings before they proceeded farther.
“Roman, this way.” Motioning, he moved past a statue of the Virgin Mary. An unadorned concrete crypt covered in vines lay ahead. Roman grabbed the girl he had procured earlier and dragged her.
Odage stopped in front of the crypt and began to chant. Lleisgar vur confn forth Oroumea. Si sweekmon wer irthir di dout memories, rise and come forth Oroumea. I seek the knowledge of your memories. He waited, wondering if he was in the right place, when a black mist rolled from under the crypt door and began a swirling dance around his feet. Gradually, it wrapped around his legs like a black serpent only to stop when it reached his chest. The mist squeezed, his lungs constricted then a velveteen voice caressed him.
“Who dares to wake me?”
“I do, Oroumea. I seek your services.” He’d certainly not expected to be nearly choked to death.
“Do you have payment?” the mist whispered.
“Yes. Roman, bring forth the girl.”
The mist released him and swirled to the girl. It encompassed her entire body for several seconds before it moved away and began its slow seductive dance toward the sky. In its place, the silhouette of a woman stood in the night. Oroumea wore a long, fitted black gown and her raven hair made a contrasting display against her pale skin. Her eyes glowed an eerie green, indicating her hunger. She glided across the ground and stopped in front of Odage. Long fingers reached out and ran a red fingernail along his cheek, cutting until blood appeared. She brought the blood-covered nail to her lips and tasted. He fought to keep his anger in check. This woman might be the only link to his destiny.
“I accept your payment, dragon. What is it you seek?”
“I want the location to the other half of the amulet of Tobor,” he replied.
She closed her eyes for several moments, silence filled the night. “I do not have the knowledge you seek, but I will find it. The price will be high.”
“I am willing to pay any price.”
“Any price, dragon?”
“Yes, I must have the amulet.”
The ghoul cast a wicked grin. “Make me your queen. You cannot hope to succeed at your little plan alone.”
He quirked a brow. “How do you know of my plan?”
Malice played across her face. “No one enters my home and seeks services without my reading their minds first.”
He pondered for a moment. The woman was definitely evil enough to be his queen, but it was a high price to pay. He could continue his search alone but didn’t have that kind of time. She would prove useful. It might even be fun having someone to share his thoughts with.
“Agreed.” He turned to the redhead and tilted her chin upward. “You will stay here with the lovely Oroumea. I’m afraid my new bride is hungry and needs to feast on your brain.” He walked away. Bloodcurdling screams echoed in his ears.
Marcus left Aidyn’s and walked back to his own cottage, tucked deep in the forest. Once inside, he sat on the couch, head in his hands. Last night had been incredible. His body responded in ways he never imagined. With no choices left, Cassie would be told what he was. She needed protection from any danger that Odage, or the rest of the dragons posed. His mind wandered to Eliza. The woman who had once been destined to be his mate. Her vacant eyes still filled his vision. The sensation of his blade as it slid through her neck and severed her head still stung his hands. I’m so sorry, my love. I failed you.
Determined this would be the last time he’d think of her, he accepted the time had come to put Eliza to rest. Never had he intended to mate with Cassie, but the choice was no longer his. The mating process started when he’d entered her body. He had sensed she’d felt it as well, her emotions flared while struggling with the changes within. Only one thing left to do. Prove he was worthy of her love.
Shoulders back, he stood straight, resolve set in. He swore on his life he wouldn’t fail her. Tonight, he’d tell her the truth and pray to his gods she understood.
His mind reached out for his sister.
Gwen?
Yes, brother?
I'm meeting Cassie and her sister later tonight. I told her I’d bring you along. Care to join us? He smiled, knowing full well she was currently jumping up and down with excitement.
You really need to ask? Of course, I want to go. Oh Marcus, I'm dying to meet her.
I will pick you up at five.
Thank you, I’ll be ready.
Cassie and Jill sipped margaritas as they sat outside the restaurant, watching tourists walk by. She told Jill about Marcus, and as suspected, her sister had been thrilled she was finally dating.
“So, when is your handsome prince going to arrive?” Jill asked.
“Here he comes.” Cassie spotted him up the sidewalk with a beautiful woman by his side. Had she not known it was his sister, jealousy would have reared its ugly head. Slightly shorter than Marcus, with chestnut hair to her mid-back, she was stunning. Her golden skin was set off by the coral tank top and jeans she wore. When they approached, Marcus leaned down and kissed Cassie on the lips, sending a slow burn to her core.
“Cassie, I’d like to introduce you to my sister, Gwen.”
Cassie stood and extended her hand. “I’m thrilled to meet you, Gwen.” Pointing to the other side of the table, she introduced Jill. “This is my sister, Jill.”
The waitress approached. “Can I get you guys something to drink?” Cassie observed how the girl gave Marcus a dreamy-eyed look. Jealousy boiled in her blood. What the hell is wrong with me? As if sensing her dilemma, he reached over and took her hand, placing his lips on her knuckles.
“I would love one of those margaritas,” Gwen replied.
“I’ll have a whiskey on the rocks,” Marcus added. “You ladies ready for another?”
Both Cassie and Jill nodded, and the waitress walked off to get their drinks.
Gwen leaned forward in her seat. “So, Cassie, Marcus tells me you’re a nurse?”
“Yes. I work at the local children’s hospital.”
“It must be very fulfilling, helping children.”
“I love my job, though it can be heartbreaking at times. Losing a patient’s never easy.”
Gwen’s features softened. “No, I don’t imagine it is. Especially those that are so young and innocent.” Turning to Jill. “And what do you do?”
Jill laughed. “Runs in the family. I’m also a nurse. I care for hospice patients.”
“You do a great service, helping those so ill,” Gwen replied. “You both do a great service helping others.”
The waitress stepped up with a tray of drinks and set napkins and glasses in front of them. “That’ll be twenty bucks.”
Marcus handed her thirty and told her to keep the change. The waitress’s eyes grew wide. “Thanks.”
Over the course of the next few hours, they decided to order several appetizers rather than dinner. Cassie liked how Marcus doted on his sister, his love very much evident. Jill had been right. Cassie’s original judgment had been based on his looks, and so far she had been dead wrong. Three hours later, Jill gave a stretch and stood up. “It’s been fun and all, but I nee
d to head for home. You guys continue without me.”
Marcus looked at Jill. “You have a ride home?”
“No, I can walk. I don’t live that far.”
“Jill, why don’t we walk you? It’s getting dark, and the streets can be dangerous,” Marcus said.
“Really, I’ll be fine.”
This time, Cassie spoke up. “Jill, I’d feel better if you let us walk with you. Besides, I could stand to stretch my legs.”
Jill sighed. “Fine, if you insist. I’m not going to stand here and argue with you.”
Everyone got up and headed for the sidewalk, mingling with the crowd as Jill led them down the street. Cassie was relieved Marcus had offered to walk Jill home. Her sister liked to take the shortcut across the abandoned area of town, and that scared the hell out of her. All kinds of riffraff hung out during the daylight. She could only imagine what happened when the sun set.
As they made their way across town, Jill steered them toward the shortcut. “Jill, are you sure it’s safe to go this way?” Cassie asked.
Jill scoffed. “I do it all the time. Yeah, there are a few homeless, but they won’t bother anyone. Besides, it’s not even dark yet.”
Cassie’s tension grew and rolled in her stomach. She didn’t like this, not one bit, and gave Marcus a pleading glance. As they approached the halfway mark, two enormous men jumped from the shadows.
Cassie screamed.
The men’s muscular bodies towered over Marcus’s large frame. Their faces twisted into a sneer.
“Looky what we’ve found, a nice evening snack,” one of them growled, licking his lips.
Marcus shoved her and Jill behind him. “No matter what happens, Cassie, stay between Gwen and I.”
Cassie grabbed her sister and pulled Jill close. Not understanding what was happening, there was no time to ask questions. In the blink of an eye, the two men produced swords. Holy shit! A second later, both Marcus and Gwen held similar swords. Where did they get those?
“We’ve come for your mate, vampire,” one of the men snarled.
“Like hell,” Marcus growled. His neck corded and nostrils flared. She feared he’d kill the devil himself should he step into the fray.
The two men circled. Cassie and Jill stood in the middle while Marcus and Gwen faced the threat head-on. The first man rushed Gwen. Their swords clashed, and sparks flew. Cassie looked behind her to see Marcus in a similar battle. Her focus wavered, her attention divided between the two, trying to take in what was happening. Her mind unable to comprehend the situation.
She heard Gwen yell, “Damn you. That was my favorite shirt, now I’m pissed.”
A red stain grew on the front of Gwen’s chest. “Oh God, Gwen’s hurt.”
“Don’t worry, Cassie. I’ll be fine,” Gwen yelled back.
Everything moved in slow motion. Gwen pulled her sword up then swung down, the sickening sound of a blade slicing through flesh and bone echoed in the air. A head hit the ground with a loud thump. Cassie’s stomach lurched and would have lost its contents except Jill cried out, bringing her back to reality. She whipped around in the direction of her sister and screamed. A third man appeared and had his mouth latched onto Jill’s throat. His eyes glowed green. Blood and saliva ran down Jill’s neck.
“Jill!” Cassie shouted, running toward her sister only to have Gwen grab her. She fought, but the other woman was too strong. “You must trust Marcus,” Gwen whispered in her ear.
Marcus appeared behind the man, his blade sliced through the top of the man’s head, nearly splitting it in two. He screeched and dropped Jill, turning to face Marcus. Cassie didn’t wait, she pulled free of Gwen’s grip and sprang forward, dropped to the ground where her sister lay. She ripped off her shirt and pressed it against her sister’s neck. Whatever that thing was, it tore a hole the size of her fist in Jill’s neck.
Sobs racked her body. “Jill, please don’t die. I can’t lose you. We need an ambulance! Hold on, you have to stay with me.” Jill’s blue eyes paled then glazed over; she was dying. “No, this isn’t happening.”
“Sweetheart, I can help her, but you need to step back.”
Cassie looked at him, tears streamed down her cheeks. “She’ll never make it to the hospital. I’m gonna lose her.”
“No, sweetheart, but you need to move back. Hurry.”
Gwen’s arms wrapped around Cassie and pulled. “Now is the time to believe in miracles, little sister.”
Her gaze was riveted on Marcus and Jill. He placed his palms over the gushing wound and his lungs expanded then exhaled as he closed his eyes. White light encased his hands and radiated around the wound. It continued down Jill’s body until she was totally bathed in it. A prickling sensation rolled out and touched Cassie’s skin. The light changed. Diminutive pinpoints of blue danced all around her sister, sparkling like a million tiny stars, and then they vanished.
She was hallucinating. It was the only explanation. The wound on Jill’s neck completely healed. Moving closer, she took her sister's wrist and felt for a pulse. Thump thump. A perfect heartbeat. Breaths were slow and rhythmic like that of sleep. Marcus caressed the tears from Cassie’s cheek.
Her gaze met his. “I don’t know how you did it, but thank you.”
Voices shouted from behind, she turned to witness two large men approaching. “More are coming.” Frantic hands tugged on his shirt.
“It’s okay, they’re on our side.”
“Is anyone hurt?” one male asked.
“No, my lord, Marcus was able to heal this one. She is sleeping now,” Gwen replied.
One man knelt down, soft brown eyes looked into her soul. “Are you all right, Cassandra?”
Her tongue twisted into a knot, making it difficult to speak. “I… I’m fine, I think.”
He offered a warm smile then stood. “Marcus, take the women back to Vandeldor. I’m sure Cassandra has many questions for you.”
Marcus scooped up Jill and stood. “Yes, my lord.”
So many questions flowed through her mind. What happened? Who are these people? Why do they call this one ‘my lord’? But most important, what the hell is Marcus? Clearly not human.
“Cassie, take Gwen’s hand. Everything will be fine. I’ll explain once we get you to safety,” Marcus said.
She shoved a shaky hand out and took Gwen’s. With no idea where she was going, she knew Marcus and Gwen had saved her from whatever those monsters were, and Jill was still alive. She would trust him to explain everything as promised, later.
Chapter Twelve
I might have lost her. His muscles went rigid at the thought when he flashed them back to his home. Marcus had planned to tell her everything. There was no skirting around the issue any longer. However, he never intended her introduction to his world to be like this, but had envisioned showing her the beauty of his home and his pride in his warriors. Her only exposure—the icy, blackness of evil. As he carried Jill to his guest bedroom, he couldn’t help but be delighted by his mate. She wasn’t hysterical as many females might be, but she was afraid. Her emotions stirred in him like his own. His connection to her grew stronger with each passing moment.
“Is she really going to be all right?”
He reached around and pulled her close. “Yes, she will sleep for a while. A lot of blood was lost, but she’ll be fine. Come, let her rest, we need to talk.”
Her eyes moved up and met his. The sparkle gone, replaced with pain. “Yes, I guess we do.”
He led her to the living room and sat her on the couch. Gwen came in with a hot cup of chamomile tea. “Drink this. You’ll feel better.” She placed the cup on the table in front of Cassie.
Cassie rubbed her head. “Thank you, I’m feeling a little lightheaded.”
“That happens when humans flash.” She knelt on the floor. “Everything will be fine. Marcus will explain, but should you need me, you only have to ask.”
“Here, put this on.” He handed her one of his T-shirts.
Her ey
es filled with gratitude as she placed the shirt over her head and slid it past her breasts. “Thank you.”
He waited until Gwen closed the door behind her then reached out to take Cassie’s hand. She pulled away, and his heart dropped. “Let me start from the beginning.”
At first, she refused to look at him. “What are you, Marcus?” Finally, she raised her gaze to meet his. “You’re not human, that much I know. And what were those things... Those monsters who attacked us? They weren’t human either.”
He finally sat next to her but far enough away to give her some space. “It’s a long story.”
“Somehow, I don’t think I’m going anywhere.”
“My people were created by a god named Zarek. He is the king of all gods, the one who gave me the ability to heal others.” He paused, waiting to see her reaction. Her emotions remained masked on the outside, but inside, he sensed her turmoil.
“That’s how you saved my sister, you healed her somehow?”
“Yes. We were created as the guardians of the human race. As you saw tonight, there are evil beings who would harm you. It’s our job to protect. The ones who attacked us are called minions. They were created from humans by another immortal.”
Her eyes lit up. “Is that what I saw the other night? Was that man creating a minion?”
“Yes. That was Odage. We’re not sure what he’s up to.” He hesitated for a moment. “Something is very wrong with him, and his people are on the verge of war with us.”
“His people? You mean he is not the same as you?”
“No. His people are weredragons.”
A nervous laugh. “What the hell is a weredragon?”
“A man or woman who can shift into a dragon.”
She pushed herself back farther into the couch and brought her knees to her chest. “You mean like a werewolf?”
“Exactly, and yes, they exist as well.”
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