Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly (13 page)

“Good, now we can get started,” Aidyn said and looked at Marcus. “Your mate was correct. Someone was watching you last night.”

He leaned forward in the chair, tension flowed through his veins. “You mean other than the minions?”

“Yes. Neither Lucan nor I could sense who, but…” Aidyn rubbed the back of his neck. “Odage was there, I just know it, but I couldn’t find him. The bastard was hiding somehow.”

“We followed the minions, they had two women with them. No doubt they were taking them back to Odage,” Lucan said.

“The women are safe?” Marcus asked.

Lucan nodded. “Tucked into their beds when I left them.”

Aidyn stood, pushing back his chair. “Your orders haven’t changed. Return to the human realm and find that fucking dragon. I know I don’t need to tell you that this could get ugly. I’m meeting with the demons from our faction tomorrow to see whether or not they will assist us.”

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. He looked 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 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 shape of a woman stood in the night.

Oroumea wore a long, fitted black gown. Hair as dark as a raven’s wing 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 the dragon. 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 his finger 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. Bloodletting screams echoed in his ears.

* * * *

Marcus left Aidyn’s and walked back to his cottage, tucked in the forest. Once inside, he sat on the couch, head in his hands.

Last night had been incredible. His body had 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. Her vacant eyes stared at him. The sensation of the blade as it slid through her neck and severed her head still stung his hands. A tear rolled down his cheek.
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 entered her body. He had sensed she 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 in his eyes. 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 sat with her sister at a cozy table outside the restaurant, sipping margaritas and watching tourists walk by. She warned 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.”

She stood and extended her hand. “I’m thrilled to meet you, Gwen.” Pointing to the other side of the table, she introduced her guest. “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 girls nodded yes, 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, mister.”

They decided to order several appetizers rather than dinner. Over the course of three hours, they consumed Buffalo wings, stuffed mushrooms, pizza bites and several beverages.

She liked how Marcus doted on his sister, his love evident. Jill had been right. Her original judgment had been based on his looks, and so far she’d been dead wrong.

Three hours later, Jill gave a stretch and stood up. “It’s been fun and all, but I need 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.”

* * * *

Earlier, that evening, Gwen had given Marcus a look from across the table then entered his mind.

Marcus. Jill is the woman I saw in my vision. We cannot let her leave alone.

Are you sure it’s her?

Positive, there will be trouble later.

Gwen beat the words into his head again.
Do not let her go.

“Jill, why don’t we walk you? It’s getting dark, and the streets can be dangerous,” he 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.”

His shoulders heaved in relief. If Gwen had a vision about Jill then it was to be taken seriously. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her sister.

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. The girls continued to chatter, but Marcus kept his senses on high alert and searched for any danger that might lurk in the shadows.

* * * *

Relief bathed her when Marcus 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, rolled in her stomach like a bad burrito. 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 six and a half foot 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.”

She grabbed her sister and pulled her 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.”

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.”

“Do not 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 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 her neck.

“Jill!” Cassie shouted, running toward her 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 his 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 into Jill’s neck.

Sobs racked her body. “Oh God, 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.”