Redemption (24 page)

“The Dark Army has been increasing their
presence within the supernatural realms for centuries in
preparation for this very moment,” Lucian explains. “Once they
discovered your existence, Eve, they began to strategize and
amplify their alliances amongst certain sectors of our kind. As you
can imagine, there is only so much this court can do as leaders of
our kingdoms to ensure your safety and prevent this situation from
further escalation. It is this court’s belief that Thoren was sent
as a final attempt at your retrieval. Since he was unsuccessful,
the Dark Army has been ordered to apprehend Elizabeth.”

“Archangel Michael and the Angelic Council
are spearheading the efforts to secure Elizabeth’s safe return,”
Asher states in an even tone. “The mission is a sensitive one due
to the alleged traitor within the Heaven realm.”

“We are aware of the conspirator within the
Heaven dominion, as well as in the protector sector,” Valentin
replies. “The Seven High Priestesses have been unsuccessful at
utilizing their foreseer gifts to establish who these traitors are.
Therefore, we must assume they know black magic.”

“Even the Sorceresses of the Black Circle
are unable to identify the magic source. Whoever they are, they are
very powerful,” Lunette adds.

“Or they are receiving assistance from a
darker force,” Lucian offers.

“Lucifer’s powers are exceptional. I am
positive the dark spirit is the reason for the blockage,” Arabella
thinks out loud.

“Rest easy, daughter of Heaven, the court
will assist your gargoyle protectors in any way we can to discover
who these traitorous souls are,” Lady Finella addresses me.

“We are grateful for your assistance,” Asher
says.

“Keegan has called a summit in London. Each
of us on the court will be sending one dignitary, which we entrust.
They will aid with protection, strategy and next steps in dealing
with the Dark Army,” Lucian states.

“Excellent,” Asher responds.

“I will be sending Leo. Beta of the
Quinnipiac pack of werewolves,” Lucian explains.

At Leo’s name, my heart squeezes. The last
time I saw Aria’s boyfriend, he was cradling her lifeless body.
Asher’s eyes slide to mine in understanding before returning his
attention to the court.

“The Duchess of Sprites, Ainsley, will speak
for The Kingdom of the Fae,” Lady Finella announces.

“The Seven High Priestess do not get
involved in matters of war, therefore, we will be absent from the
summit. I do hope you understand, daughter of Heaven,” Arabella
says.

“I do,” I answer.

“And I will be sending Stephan, my second.
He is young and stupid. Perfect for your needs in order to deal
with demons and the Dark Army.” Valentin smirks.

For a brief moment, there is silence in the
hall. All eyes suddenly turn to Lunette who is staring into the
room with a faraway gleam in her eye.

“Lunette?” Lady Finella prompts.

“Yes?” The sorceress returns her focus to
the group.

“If you would be so kind as to announce whom
the Black Circle will be sending to the summit,” the fae queen
urges.

“Oh, dear, I haven’t even decided yet. Would
it be all right if I got back to you on that one? So sorry, dears.”
She looks at Asher specifically.

“Of course, Lunette,” he replies kindly.

To be honest, I’m surprised she was even
lucid for most of the discussions here today.

“I will inform Keegan of the attendance
list. Your highnesses’, we thank the court for their assistance in
this matter,” Asher replies.

“There is no need to thank us, protector. I
do believe it is in all our best interest to assist the daughter of
Heaven at this point. If the Dark Army prevails, I fear it will be
detrimental to all of us,” Valentin points out.

17
One Perfect Night

I gaze out the window,
taking in London and watching the people on the street and in the
park. I’ve been staring at the park since we returned from meeting
with the court. A wave of jealousy rolls through me. The random
people are going about their lives without a care in the world. I’m
actually taken aback by their carefree manner. I miss being
normal.

I forgot that there are actually those in
the world whose only concern is whether their shoes match their
outfit, or if they want to spend money on the pedalos in the park.
A pang of sadness runs through me. I miss my life. Just…being
eighteen.

Strong arms wrap around me from behind. I
lift my fingers and trace Asher’s reflection in the window. A faint
smile touches my mouth at the sight of him.

“What are you thinking about, siren?” Asher
asks, his lips brushing the side of my neck, causing a wave of
goosebumps to suddenly appear on my skin. “You look lost and
sad.”

I sigh and tilt my head to expose more of my
throat and lean back into him.

“Do you ever feel like the darkness will
just eventually take over?” I ask.

Asher lifts his head. His gaze collides with
mine on the windowpane. “Every single fucking day. I’d never felt
the warmth of hope, or light, until the first time I touched
you.”

I roll my eyes as a burst of laughter falls
out of me.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me,” he jests.

“Sorry, it’s just that…your answer was
extremely…cheesy.” I twist in his arms.

“Cheesy but true, siren.” Those beautiful
full lips curve up on one side.

“I could use some hope right about now.” I
frown.

“Yeah? Then it’s a good thing that I’m your
boyfriend,” Asher says.

My eyebrows shoot up. “Oh?”

“What do you say to a date night? Just you
and me?”

“Really?”

“Really,” Asher says with a grin.

“You do realize, this will be our first
actual date,” I point out.

Asher places his hand over his heart
dramatically. “I had no idea the daughter of Heaven wished to be
woo’d. I guess I just assumed bonding myself to you forever, with
blood, and sharing my stone state bed would have been enough to
solidify my love for you. It would seem that I was wrong though. My
lady wants to be wined and dined. I suppose it’s a good thing I
have special plans for this evening, or else I’d be fucked,” he
teases.

“Special plans?” I ask.

“Plans,” he confirms and leans in to kiss
me.

“Where is she?” Abby’s squeal pulls me out
of my Asher stupor.

She breezes over to us with a bright smile
and excitement lining her eyes.
This isn’t good.

“Are you ready?” Abby asks impatiently. “You
said you’d have her ready, Asher!”

My eyes shift from her to Asher and then
back again. “Ready for what?” I draw out.

“Spa day!” Abby answers as if I should
already know this. “We’re all set up for a day at The Spa at
Mandarin Oriental. Our first appointment is in about an hour,
so…”

“I thought maybe you could use a little
pampering. With all the training, parental issues, and supernatural
crazy, I figure it might be nice for you to have a girl’s day
before our big date,” Asher says in a shy voice. “If you don’t want
to go, siren, you don’t have to.”

I try to hold back the tears. “That was
really thoughtful, Ash. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I have to help Keegan
prepare for the summit. So you go enjoy your day with the girls and
I’ll see you this evening, yeah?” He drops his tone to a seductive
one.

“This first appointment wouldn’t be a
Brazilian, would it?” I ask coyly.

Asher’s brows rise in humor. “Are you
flirting with me, siren?”

“As delicious as Callan’s turkey club was
going down, I don’t want a repeat of it by heaving from your
cuteness. So let’s go, Eve. Kenna will meet us there.” Abby grabs
my arm and yanks me out of Asher’s hold.
I sulk internally at
the idea of a spa day with McKenna.

He winks at me as Abby practically drags me
out of the flat.

***

I can’t stop fidgeting. Even after hours of
relaxation today at the spa, all I want to do is jump out of this
chair. Abby is driving me crazy. She insisted on helping me get
ready for my date with Asher tonight. Big mistake. Huge.

At the moment, she’s in the process of
curling the bottom of my hair in soft waves. Oh and for the record,
my third spa appointment, a Brazilian. I’m still walking favoring
my left side.
Damn, Asher St. Michael.

“Do you know where he’s taking me on our
date?” I ask for the hundredth time.

“By the grace, blood of Eden, if you don’t
stop asking, I swear I will cut your fucking tongue out,” McKenna
snips.
Excellent.

“McKenna, I’m shocked that you don’t have
more girlfriends,” I retort.

She huffs and snatches the gloss off the
counter, applying it to her taut lips. “Why can’t we just tell
her?”

“Kenna! Asher wants their first date to be a
surprise. It’s romantic,” Abby admonishes.

“We’re preparing for war. Now he wants to
date and romance her?” Kenna tosses the gloss on the counter when
she’s done.

I watch it drop and roll, pushing away the
urge to body slam her.

Abby offers me a small smile. “I think Ash
just wants you to have a nice evening before the summit tomorrow.
He wants to do something special for you. Let him, okay?”

McKenna spins around and narrows her eyes at
me. “He’s getting soft. Wonder why.”

“Kenna, if you’re not going to play nice, go
home,” Abby scolds.

“Fine. Watching you do Eve’s hair is about
as exciting as watching grass grow. Have a nice evening tonight,
blood of Eden. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do and try not to get
yourself, or Asher, killed,” she throws out.

“Ignore her. You’re going to have an amazing
time tonight.” Abby squeezes my shoulder.

“It’s so great that she’s so supportive.
Truly,” I feign sincerity.

Abby giggles and finishes spraying my hair.
“Well, what do you think?”

I turn and look in the mirror. I love what I
see. My make-up is light and warm and my light brown hair falls
softly around my shoulders and back. “Thank you, Abby,” I
whisper.

“That’s what family is for.” She smiles,
watching me.

“Family?”

Abby leans forward and collects my hands in
hers. “If you haven’t noticed, we think of you as one of our own.
You’re part of this clan, Eve. You don’t need Asher’s mate mark for
that distinction. You’re the missing piece. We’ve waited a long
time for you, and now that you’re here, we aren’t going to let you
go. Not ever.”

“I think Keegan and McKenna would differ
with you on that,” I say.

“McKenna and Keegan are hard on you because
they consider you family. They tend to allow their fears to drive
their behaviors. They both struggle with wanting to protect you and
getting close to you.”

“Why? It seems more like they despise my
very existence.”

“You’re misinterpreting. They keep you at
arm’s length because they don’t want to get attached, in case you
leave. Their love for you runs just as deep as Callan’s and mine.
Callan and I, we’re just more affectionate about it. I guess we’re
softies.” She winks.

I smile and put on the dress we bought
today. Abby helps it fall just right. Her eyes catch mine in the
mirror. “We’ll help you get you past all this and when we do, Eves,
you’ll see it’s just the beginning, not the end.”

A knock on the bathroom door pulls us both
out of the moment.

“Everyone decent?” Callan asks through a
small sliver.

“Yeah, baby, come in,” Abby answers.

Callan strolls in and gives me a once over
before releasing a low whistle.

“Damn, cutie, you look amazing,” he says as
I do a little turn.

“Why thank you,” I answer.

“Ah. No. Go change. Asher is going to have a
heart attack with the back of that dress.”

“NO! Eve is not changing. You look stunning.
Don’t listen to him,” Abby freaks.

My eyes flick to the full-length mirror.
Black leggings that look like tights are paired with black heeled
ankle boots. Both look amazing with the
Free The People Grecian
Dress
that Abby picked out for me to wear. It’s off white and
looks almost crocheted. The short sleeves drape down in a lace
pattern and the entire dress stops on the top of my thigh, hence
the need for the leggings. The back is completely open and drops to
the top of my lower back.

“Is Asher waiting on me?” I ask Callan.

“Waiting? More like brooding and pacing
nervously. You might want to go out there, cutie, and end the
torture. Before he destroys the flat again,” he says with a glint
in his eyes.

I turn to Abby. “Thanks for all your hard
work. I feel so pretty.”

Her entire face lights up. “You look
beautiful.”

Callan turns his attention to Abby and
beams. “My girl has talent.”

Watching the two of them, I can’t help the
warm feelings that wrap around my heart.
God, I love these
people. My family.

“Wish me luck,” I say as I leave the
bathroom and head to Asher.

I find him silently standing on the terrace.
His hands are in the front pockets of his black dress pants and his
broad back is turned to me.
God, he’s beautiful.
The
butterflies take flight as the protector energy hums through my
veins. With each step closer to him, my throat becomes even
drier.

Asher’s sleeves are rolled up to his elbows
in a sexy manner on the white button-down dress shirt he’s dressed
in. The way he’s wearing his shirt shows off his leather and stone
bracelets and the Celtic cross tattoo. A small shiver runs down my
spine as my eyes graze over him.

Sensing my presence, he turns and faces me,
halting my steps toward him. The full visual impact of Asher St.
Michael is beyond words. He closes his eyes briefly before opening
them and stalking toward me with possessive and fluent steps. It’s
so quiet in the room I swear you can hear my heart pounding.