Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly (4 page)

“Yes. To a fun-filled night,” he replied, touching his glass to hers. He downed his whiskey in one swig and slammed the glass on the bar. Alcohol didn’t affect him as it did humans, but it sure as hell tasted good. The woman beside him was already tipsy. A few more and he would have no problems slipping her out of the bar.

She raised her brow. “Thirsty?”

“It has been a long, difficult day.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she cooed, rubbing his arm. “Maybe we should have another drink.” She downed her glass of wine. “Oh, I know, how about a shot?” She tapped her finger on her chin. “Hmm. I think sex on the beach will do nicely.”

It was now Odage’s turn to raise a brow. “Sex on the beach? How about sex in a cave instead?” The thought of sand between his toes revolted him.

She twisted a stand of her hair through her fingers. “Well, I’ve never heard of that, what’s in it?”

He laughed. “I was referring to the real thing, not a cocktail.”

“Ooh, sounds kinky. I think I’d like to give it a try, but can we have the cocktail first?” She stuck out her pink lip and gave a little pout.

He flagged over the bartender and placed his order for four shots. One for him and three for her. He figured that should be about enough to push her over the edge. When the drinks arrived, he lifted his glass. “Bottoms up.”

After she finished all three shots, she licked her lips. “Brad, you are one handsome man. I have never seen eyes as blue as yours.” She gave a hiccup and a giggle.

“Why, Veronica, if I didn’t know better, I would say you were trying to pick me up.” Her scent confirmed her arousal.

She let out another drunken giggle. “Well, I am silly. Unless, of course, you’re not interested.”

“Oh, I am most interested.” He caressed her cheek. “Shall we leave then?”

She stood and took his hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

Odage steered her through the crowded bar toward the door. When they stepped out into the warm night air, he placed his arm around her shoulder and walked down Bourbon Street. It was Saturday night, and the crowds were thick. Leaning down, he began nuzzling her neck as he maneuvered her into a back alley.
Oh, yes, she is getting hotter.
He was confident her panties were now soaked.

He would take her back to Romania, to his sanctum in the Carpathian Mountains. He had spent years building his elaborate home in the caverns. The caves were so far removed from civilization it would never be found. By the time anyone figured out what he had been up to, it would be too late.

He closed his eyes and flashed.

Veronica swayed. “Wow, I must have drunk more than I thought. I’m feeling a bit dizzy.”

He gave a shrug of his shoulders. “It happens to humans when they travel this way.”

“What? What are you talking about?” She gasped, and her jaw dropped. “Where the hell are we?” She spun around to stare behind her. “Wait, I thought we were just walking down the street.” She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t feel so well.”

“You are a prisoner in my sanctum.”

She took a step backward. “I don’t understand. What do you mean prisoner?”

He caressed her cheek. “You will produce my first son,
sia itov
, my love
.”

She slapped his hand away. “Children? No fucking way. Look, I think we should forget this whole thing. I just want to go home.”

It appeared the alcohol was losing its effect. He grabbed her by the neck, his fingers wrapped tight. “You have a choice. Either you will stay here and procreate with me, or I will kill you and eat your entrails.”

She licked her lips, tears stained her cheeks. She tried to kick at him, but he pinned her against the wall. “Choose!” He growled.

She sobbed uncontrollably. “I…I want to live. Please don’t hurt me.”

He grabbed her hair and pulled, nearly jerking her off her feet. “Oh but I will enjoy hurting you. It’s what I live for.”

He stormed down the corridor; she kicked and screamed, and his cock grew hard. As they passed a side table, she grabbed an expensive vase and hit him over the head. He stopped momentarily to backhand her across the face, knocking her to the stone floor. “Fucking bitch! Try that again, and I will forget that I intended to let you live.” He pushed home his point by partially shifting into his dragon. “You know, dragons love raw meat.”

She screamed then fainted. He bent down and picked her limp body off the floor. Tossing her over his shoulder, he continued to his destination.

Once inside his bedchamber, he threw her to the bed. He proceeded to tie her wrists to the bedpost, ripped her tank top to shreds then moved down to her jeans. Once she was totally nude, he spread her legs and tied them to the corners of the bed. He stepped back and surveyed his work. Her lily-white skin made a delightful contrast against the black silk sheets. He eyed her pink slit and licked his lips.

“Wake up, my little pet.” He placed his palm on her chest, forcing his energy into her. Her eyes flew open. Terror danced in her pupils, his cock throbbed. He thrived on terror, was addicted to it like a drug addict. He remembered the terror in Queen Daria’s eyes while he drained her. His body shivered as a surge of power coursed through him.

“Did you know, Veronica, that I killed the strongest vampire in the world?” He removed his jeans, letting his enormous erection spring free. “I took her power and made it my own.” He kneeled on the bed between her legs.

“P-please don’t hurt me,” she begged.

“Yes, my pet.” He wrapped his hand around his large erection and stroked. “Beg me. You have no idea what that does to me. You should be honored, for I have chosen you to live in my world.” Claws sprung from his fingertips as his cock inched closer to her. Not even the gods could thwart his plans now.

* * * *

When he’d finished with Veronica, he dragged her to one of the cells he had constructed on the lower level. The room held all the comforts a woman needed. Two sets of bunk beds and a bathroom. Once his minions were in place, they could care for her and any other females who were brought in.

Once she was placed in her cage, he slammed the door then headed to the wine cellar. His hands rubbed together while searching for the bottle of Merlot. He pulled the cork and poured two glasses, the heady scent tickled his nose. Fangs extended, and he bit into his wrist. He watched as the crimson liquid splattered into the wine and made ripples in the dark liquid. Taking a sip, the taste of oak coated his tongue. Dragon blood was toxic, but in small doses, it kept the victim in a drugged stupor. After three drops, the wound healed.

When he arrived back at the cell, he shoved the glass through the bars. “Drink.”

“No.” Defiance filled her voice.

He snarled and opened the cell door, letting it slam shut behind him. His large frame towered as he backed her into a corner. After what he had done, she still meant to defy him?

“You will do as I ask or suffer the consequences. Your stay here can be comfortable, or I can make every moment you’re awake a hellish nightmare.” He lowered his head until they were nose to nose. “Which. Will. It. Be?”

She closed her eyes and tried to flatten herself against the wall. “P-please let me go. I swear I’ll never repeat what happened here.”

A clawed hand snaked up to her throat and pressed her against the cold stone. “It seems you wish to do things the hard way?” He asked, grinding his erection into her pelvis.

She shivered and cast her eyes down in submission. “No, I’ll drink it.”

“Good girl,” he cooed, releasing her. He handed off the glass and watched while she sniffed then took a small sip. A look of surprise danced across her face. “Wine?”

“Yes, now drink it all, and I will leave you.”

It appeared she needed no more encouragement. Bringing the glass to her lips, she downed its contents in one gulp and handed it back to him.

He snatched the glass from her shaky hand and left the room. It was time for him to attend the demon auction.

* * * *

Marcus sensed distress when he noticed Aidyn and Lucan in a conversation on the other side of the room. The king looked tense. He waived Marcus over.

“I have a special assignment for you.”

“Whatever, you name it.”

“Lucan has reports of Odage in New Orleans.”

He raised a brow. “Interesting.”

“Indeed. A human woman departed with him and has not been seen since. Her family has reported her missing.”

Even more disturbing. Unfortunately, his gut told him there was more to this than they could begin to imagine. “Do you suppose this has any link to the human slaves we’ve heard about?”

Aidyn balled his fists. “I wish I had the answers. I have an unpleasant feeling I can’t shake. I feel like the devil himself is shadowing behind me, waiting to strike.”

“I know what you mean. I’ll tell Garin and Seth to get ready. We can leave in the morning.”

“I want you to go see Daniel first. He has all the information you need.”

“You’re not coming with us?” He fondled the dagger attached to his thigh. His fingers itched to throw it at something. Still edgy from his earlier visit with Gwen.

“No. I’m going to meet with Caleb. I want to see if he can offer any information.”

He wondered how Caleb would react. He liked the Draki, had fought alongside him in the Demonic war. “Be careful, he is loyal to Odage. Make sure you have someone with you.”

Aidyn gave a wicked grin. “I will have Lucan with me.”

He was pleased with the king’s choice. Lucan, a commanding officer and warrior of the darkness, had the ability to bend shadows to his will. Scared the hell out of the rest of the warriors.

“I’m relieved to hear he will remain here with you.”

“Marcus, you’re like an old woman. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. What really troubles you anyway?” He motioned for Marcus to sit.

How to answer that, lots of shit troubled him. Hell, he could write a book on the subject, but now, there was one thing on his mind. “May I speak freely?”

“You and I go back many centuries, and you have always been there for me when I needed you.” Aidyn leaned forward and propped his elbows on his thighs. “I am and will forever remain your friend before I am your king. Never feel you have to ask permission to say what needs to be said.” He clasped Marcus’s shoulder. “I trust you with my life.” He reclined back in his chair and waited.

“I understand the burden you carry is difficult. Please know that I’m here for you.” Marcus glanced around the room.” We are all here for you. There’s not a warrior in this room who wouldn’t gladly step in front of a blade and take a deathblow for you.”

The king’s brows rose to his hairline. “I know what’s in their hearts, but why do you feel the need to tell me?”

“Because I know you.” He leaned back in the chair, arms crossed over his broad chest. “You would shove us out of the way to save our asses and take the damn blade yourself.” He gave the king a hard stare. “You can no longer do that, you are the last one left to lead us.”

Aidyn set his shoulders. It would now be a test of wills. “Perhaps I will get lucky and find a mate as you have. A woman to soothe my soul and warm my bed.”

He pursed his lips. “Seems you’ve talked to my sister.”

“Nope,” Aidyn shook his head. “You forgot I know all.” An evil grin curled across his lips.

“You’re jacked up on power.”

“I feel as if I have been plugged into an electrical socket, I will admit. This new power has me a bit…tense. I hope I don’t fry someone by mistake.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “You’ve been around longer than me. Has this ever happened before? A human mate, I mean?”

He tried to think back as far as he could remember. “Nope. If it has, it was way before my time. As far as I know, there has never been a lack of females, not like we have now.”

Aidyn scowled. “Indeed.” He stood and slapped Marcus on the back. “Well, my friend, I have work to do. Make sure you stay in touch. And remember, a mate is a blessing, not a burden.”

He wasn’t inclined to agree with his king. Perhaps for Aidyn, a mate would be a blessing but not for him. He was too fucked up in the head, and his heart had long ago grown cold. There was neither room nor time for anyone else. Besides, why hadn’t the gods blessed Aidyn? After all, he needed an heir. Marcus’s dream of children died with Eliza.

Chapter Four

Marcus flashed back home to collect a few things before heading to the human realm. He pulled down a duffel bag from the closet shelf and tossed in some jeans and T-shirts. Next was the Glock, a few daggers, and some throwing stars, which were carefully placed on top of the clothes.

“Now where did I put my amulet?” Every warrior carried the amulet of Khonsu, the Egyptian god of the moon. It allowed them to open a gateway from Vandeldor to the human realm but only when daylight burned here at home, which meant darkness on the other side. A sort of safety precaution the gods had built in to keep the guardians from accidentally showing up in broad daylight and creating a scene.

He snapped his fingers. “Dresser.” That’s where he placed it when changing for the coronation. He opened the drawer and pulled out the silver chain. Attached to it was a round, yellow sapphire, which represented a full moon. The disk was seated in a silver crescent. He inspected it before putting it over his head.

“Khonsu, please guide me to the other side.” The air in front of him stirred with the glow of thousands of diminutive white lights forming a circle. His thoughts focused, he envisioned the lake home then stepped through the gateway. Within seconds, he entered the living room of the Chosen one.

“Daniel,” he bellowed, walking to the massive stone fireplace, and tossed the duffel bag near the hearth. Daniel was one of the select humans that knew about the guardians. They were called the Chosen. Picked by the gods centuries ago, their ancestors passed the trade down through the years. They were the link the warriors needed to the other side, often keeping intel on suspicious activity going on in their world. In exchange for their discreet loyalty, the guardians built them beautiful homes, bought them businesses, put their children through college as well as giving them a substantial paycheck.