Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly (7 page)

“Oh come on. You either need to kill something or fuck someone. If your foul mood slams me any harder, it’ll knock me on my ass.”

He raised a brow. “And here I thought I was doing a marvelous job of covering it up.”

Garin snorted. “Pardon me, boss, but you’re a fucking bomb waiting to explode. Now, tell Uncle Garin what gives, and I’ll take you on in a sparring match when we get home.”

It was the best idea he’d heard all day. At six-foot seven, Garin stood four inches taller and outweighed him by about fifty pounds. Like the rest of the warriors, he was a wall of solid muscle. Gods knew Marcus needed an outlet, someone to take his aggressions out on, and Garin fit the bill. His friend held the gift of fire and had no problem cheating in a fight. Asshole liked to burn his opponent. No problem, maybe the pain would sting him back to his senses.

“You’re on but don’t be surprised when I rip your arms off.”

Garin shrugged. “Go ahead, I’ll grow new ones.”

“Not before I kick your ass.”

“Seriously, what’s up with you?”

He debated whether or not to tell, but decided to go ahead. “I have found my mate.”

Garin’s jaw went slack. “Well that’s good news, why so pissed off?”

“One, she’s human. Two, I have no time or need for a mate,” he forced the words from his lips.

Garin blinked. “Holy fuck, a human? Christ, how many years you gonna have with her, fifty? What are you going to do?”

The thought of losing another mate caused his vision to go red. He grabbed Garin by the throat and lifted him off the ground. “Rip your fucking arms off!” He was about to take the warrior on when fear wrapped around him, he dropped Garin on the ground.

Garin reached out to grab him, “What the hell’s wrong?”

“Fear, I feel fear!” He knew it wasn’t his own. It came from someone else, but who?

“I’m not picking it up. For some reason, it’s locked onto you.”

Marcus dropped his jaw when he realized where it came from. “Cassie’s in trouble.”

Garin raised his brows. “Who?”

“You go back home. I’ll catch up,” he yelled. He needed to get to Cassie fast. Her fear racked his body. He was stunned, her emotions ran through him. How?

They weren’t even bonded yet. Where the hell was she? He closed his eyes and inhaled, his soul swam in spiced honey.
Take me to her.

* * * *

Cassie swallowed a scream at the scene that unfolded in front of her.

When she arrived home from the club, she decided to go for a walk. Ever since laying eyes on Marcus, she couldn’t get him off her mind.
How the hell does a man from my dreams show up in person? This is so stupid. I need to stop thinking about him. I’ll never see him again anyway.
Muscle and sinew flexed in her mind. Her nipples hardened at the thought of him touching her.

“God, I feel like such a slut!” she mumbled to herself.

Her pace quickened. However, the thoughts wouldn’t stop slamming into her brain. As she rounded the corner, she gasped at the sight of two men struggling with each other. One appeared to be—wait biting the other guy’s neck? Something was also wrapped around the man. It looked somewhat like a wing.

Not knowing what to do, her mind in a panic, she hid behind a bush and watched between the leaves as the events unfolded. Fear wrapped its icy fingers around her and squeezed.
Shit.
Her cell phone sat on the nightstand.

Her heart beat against her chest when the man dropped to the ground
. Oh god, he’s dead.

She leaned in closer when she spotted a vile and syringe come out of the man’s pocket. He filled the syringe with some green, glowing liquid then stabbed the unconscious man in the heart.
What’s he doing? There has to be an explanation for all this. Maybe the guy is ill, and the other man is trying to help.
Here she was a nurse, hiding behind a damn bush.

What about the wing you saw and the person biting his neck? Oh shut the hell up, it was probably the shadows playing a trick on my eyes.

It was possible she’d misread the entire situation and freaked out over nothing. She contemplated offering help, but her body was frozen to its spot. After several minutes, she worked up her courage. Standing, she took a step toward them when the man on the ground stood. Hesitant, she strained to hear the conversation that took place between them, they were too far away. She cleared her throat. They turned and looked at her. The fierce-looking one with the black hair stepped forward.

What to do now? “Do you need help? I-I’m a nurse.” Maybe that would save her, yeah right.

“Shall I take care of her, master?” the other man asked.

She took a step back and tripped, falling on her ass. The dark-haired man towered over her, the syringe still in his hand. He leaned over and inhaled.

“Human. We’ll leave her.” Then he turned and grabbed the other man by the arm. Both disappeared into thin air, gone like they never existed.

She began to sob.
Oh god, oh god, oh god. I’m losing my mind, a brain tumor, yes; that’s it. I did not actually see two men just disappear.

“Cassie?”

She screamed and turned to face the voice who called her name. “W-who’s there?”

The hulking shadow stepped closer into the street light. She scooted backward. “Stay away. I-I have a gun.”

“It’s okay, don’t you remember me?” The hulking man knelt in front of her. How could she forget the man who haunted her nights? It was Marcus.

She sobbed so hard her body shook.

“Christ, Cassie, are you hurt?” He reached out and touched her, she melted into him.

“N-No, I’m alright.” Strange sensations ran through her body. She wanted to curl up in his arms.

She’d met him earlier, only learned his first name, but she knew every inch of him.

“Do we need to call the police? Were you mugged? What happened?”

“No, nothing like that.” Last thing she wanted was to involve the police. What the hell did she tell them anyway? At the moment, she was pretty positive she’d lost her sanity. After all, she’d seen a man with a wing disappear into thin air. A man who pleasured her nightly in her dreams came to her rescue. Yep, nuts. “Umm, can I ask a favor?”

“Sure, anything.”

“I only live a block from here.”

He held up his hand. “Say no more, I’d be happy to walk you home.” He stood and helped her to her feet. His arm snaked around her shoulders and pulled her close, bringing comfort and strength. She had no idea what she was going to tell him about what she saw. She’d figure it out later.

Chapter Six

Marcus pulled Cassie to his side while they walked home. It was easier with her close to scan for injuries. His cock liked the idea even better when pleasure sizzled across his skin. What a brutal wake-up call. She was dangerous to his wellbeing.

When they reached the front door, she handed him her key. He slipped it into the lock and gave a push. His senses reached out, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

Once positive of her safety, he held out his hand. “It’s fine.”

She hesitated on the front step, wringing her hands. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, but I’ll check the rest of the house if it will make you feel better.”

She took his hand and stepped inside, pushing the door closed behind her. “I would feel better if you checked the other rooms. That is, if you don’t mind.”

He gave her his best smile. “Not at all, you stay here. I’ll be right back. Then we talk.”

She shook her head, relief washed over her face. He moved to the first room, which by coincidence happened to be her bedroom. His senses told him the house remained empty, but it made her feel better and he got to poke around.

The room was painted a pale mint with deep green carpet. His eyes moved across the queen size sleigh bed, definitely sturdy enough for two. A handmade quilt covered it.
Thank the gods it’s not all pink and frilly.
He decided he better hurry before she became suspicious.

Exiting, he stuck his head in the main bathroom before coming back to the living room. “All good,” he announced as he moved to the kitchen. There he found yellow walls with white washed wainscoting. A small table with two chairs sat by the window where both curtains and tablecloth were covered with matching ivory lace. In the center of the table sat a crystal vase filled with fresh-cut lavender. Images of garden herbs hung on the walls. He smiled, visions of her in this quaint kitchen cooking meals filled his imagination.

Noticing the kettle on the stove, he called out. “Would you like some tea?”

“I’d love some, thanks.”

He grabbed the kettle, filled it with water then placed it on the burner. “Where do I find it?”

“Cabinet over the stove.”

He reached into the cabinet and chose chamomile. Next, he deduced the mugs would be in the cabinet by the sink. Good guess. He fumbled with the tea package, his large fingers having a hard time opening the foil wrapper. Tea wasn’t his forte; he always left that for his sister.

While waiting for the water to boil, he reminded himself this was strictly business. After all, being a guardian meant he had to find out what happened to her, eliminate the threat then leave. Simple.

The whistle of the kettle snapped him back to reality. He filled the cup and headed for the living room. “Here you are.” Setting the cup on the table in front of her.

She tried to smile, her eyes wet with tears. His heart melted. How did she do that, and to a warrior of the gods, no less? He’d seen things no human could ever imagine. Lived eight hundred years, the last three hundred with a heart as cold as ice. He would not allow her to melt him now.

“Thanks for bringing me home.”

“You’re welcome. Want to tell me what happened?”

Pools of emeralds gazed at him. “No. Yes…maybe.” Her eyes diverted to the cup of tea. “It’s late, and I’m sure you have someone at home wondering where you are.”

He frowned; this woman was a mystery. She still felt unworthy of his attention. Why? “There’s no one waiting for me, and I have nowhere I need to be. Please, I’m concerned about you.”

She let the air swoosh from her lungs in defeat. Her body tensed as she related the horror of what she’d seen. He listened, wondered how she managed to witness something so foreign to her and not go into complete hysterics. He gave her credit, not many humans would remain so calm.

She cradled herself. “I suppose you think I’m a crazy woman. Giant wings and people vanishing.”

“I don’t think you’re crazy, Cassie.”

Her thick lashes fluttered. “How can you not?”

Gods, those lips looked ready for kissing. He fought the urge to pull her into his arms and touch her softness once again. He wanted to soothe her, learn every inch of her body. Make her scream his name. “New Orleans is full of the unexplained.” He waved a hand. “You know, demons, ghosts, vampires.”

She laughed. “I believe in spirits. I’m a nurse, so I see death all the time, but I like to think my patients are going to a better place.”

The gods gave him a healer? His people could use another healer. He shook the thought from his mind.
Remember why you’re here.
Damn, he’d have to probe her mind, access her memories. He rose from his chair and moved in next to her. He sensed her heart rate speed up when he touched her hand and gazed into her emerald eyes. His energy coursed into her body.

“Listen to me, I need to access your memories.” Her eyes grew droopy, but she fought his enthrallment. He pushed harder until her eyes snapped closed.

His eyes slid shut as he entered her mind, looking for the image he needed. This cost him a vast amount of power, but it needed to be done. When finished, he would remove the memory of tonight and bring her peace.

Finally, the image he wanted came into view. He played it back in his mind.
Holy Christ, it was Odage, and he’s created a minion.
Marcus pulled back, deciding to leave the memory intact. He was unsure why he didn’t remove it. Perhaps he didn’t have the heart to change her.

Restless, knowing it was Odage she saw, he wondered if she was safe. There would be no taking chances, he’d call Baal and have him watch over her until he could come back. Aidyn needed to be apprised of what was going on. He also wanted to talk to his sister. Maybe she had some more information on this mate business. Not that he needed to know, he was merely curious.

His fingers reached for a lock of her hair, its silky texture caught on his callused finger. His lips pressed against her cheek; humans were so fragile. He still didn’t understand why Zarek chose her. What a fool to think she could ever love him. No, she’d run once she found out what he was, wouldn’t she? Dare he even hope this beautiful woman would stick by him?

He sighed and released her mind, moving back to his chair. She wouldn’t remember his intrusion. Her eyes fluttered, and she stifled a yawn. He looked at the time. It was three a.m.

“I’d better let you get some sleep. It’s late. Will you be okay?”

She flashed a smile. Standing, she walked to him and gave him a hug. “Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you again for everything. You’ve been so kind to put up with me.”

Her scent drove him mad with desire. He fought to maintain control, knowing he’d have to force himself away from her or risk revealing what he was. After what she’d been though, it would push her over the edge.

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed spending time with you. I’m only sorry the circumstances were not better.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “Here’s my cell number. Call me if you need anything; I mean anything at all. If I don’t answer right away, please leave a message.”

She reached out and took the card. “Dagatto Jets?”

“I own a private, charter service.”

“Oh, do you fly them or just own the planes?”

He laughed, “I usually don’t pilot the clients, but I do love to fly when I have time. Maybe you’d like to go up sometime?”

Her face lit up. “I’d like that.”

He reached for the doorknob then turned back to face her. “I’ll be out-of-town for a day or two, but when I return, I’d like to stop in and check on you. Maybe we can go out for dinner?”