19. Severed BondsThe WarriorsSamaelMara

19

SEVERED BONDS

THE WARRIORS

" T hat woman has put us in a horrible position," Cassius paces the floor in the library.

"We've definitely got a choice to make, and after that choice, a plan," Asher adds in.

"My choice is made, but I really think we need to talk with Mara and get to the bottom of her murdering streak," Creed states. "There has to be a better way for her to feed and keep herself under the radar."

"How do you expect us to talk to her?" Creed finally stops his senseless movement and leans against the desk. "According to Asher, she wants nothing to do with us."

"She's scared. Mara knows her plan isn't one that will last." Creed sits forward, elbows resting on his upper thighs. "We have to help her, or she'll never be free."

"How do you foresee us getting around the whole Samael thing? We all answer to him," Asher stands against the wall, arms crossed.

"This is why it's important for us to go talk with her. If we all put our heads together I'm sure we can come up with something," Creed states before he stands and walks out the door.

SAMAEL

These idiots are so close. I can feel her. I know she is there. Cassius has been warned about her seductiveness, and since they are all skilled fighters, I have faith they can bring back my small killer. Once she is back, I'll have to restrain her and keep her shackled at all times. In order to prevent her from escaping while using her gifts, I'll also need to keep her starved. Initially, it may prove difficult, but there's a possibility the demons in the pit have discovered a means to strengthen her enclosure, and my strongest fighters can aid me in imbuing the bars with a draining system to weaken her demonic powers. A trial run is necessary to see how it works. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to containing one of his kind.

Eisheth got extremely lucky the day she deserted us. When she ran from me, she awoke something deep within and that's when I understood the meaning of anguish. She left behind a deep emptiness that soon filled with pain, a suffering that she forced upon me by her desertion and I have been suffering.

When we bonded in Heaven, fell to Earth and united in Hell, I didn't realize how bound my existence would be to hers. She was my sole form of entertainment. Her heart may have been breaking, but her loyalty never wavered. Her misery made me stronger. And all this time she has been gone I've felt weaker. My darkness, not so endless. Even though I can not leave my kingdom yet, her soul calls to mine and I have no choice but to answer.

MARA

Red fills my vision, and the whole world is set alight when violet eyes look my way. Too much pale skin shows as she walks into the bar. With each step, the fabric of her dress slides away from the creamy skin of her upper thigh and the muscles in her long legs flex as she balances her weight on the black death traps that adorn her feet. I know what she is as soon as she passes by my table. Her beauty and the way she holds herself, gives her away. But it is easy to sense my own kind when they are close. It's never a good idea to be in the same space as each other. Our hunger makes us not only greedy, but ferocious.

The succubus takes a seat at the bar, and I know it's my time to leave. She looks behind her and catches my eye. I nod to let her know I will not be a hindrance. She winks to say thanks. Paying my tab, I leave and head back home to make a plan. But when I get there it's not my minions who greet me, it's three dark warriors. Each one has a different form of a frown on their faces.

"I thought I told you guys to stay away?" I walk past them and up the back porch.

"Mara, we can't." Creed follows and pauses on the second step. "It's imperative that we talk to you about the situation we find ourselves in."

"You guys won't leave me alone until I agree to this conversation, will you?" I sigh and unlock the door. Signaling for the three to step inside. They file past me before I close and lock the door behind me.

We walk in and immediately head to the dimly lit living room. The guys find their way to the stained and faded floral couch and sit, while I choose the overstuffed chair across from them. I aim for a relaxed vibe as I sit curled up as if we were here solely together to have a friendly movie night.

"So, what is it you think we need to discuss?" I inquire. Leaning my chin on my hand, I try to appear like I'm bored.

"Everything," Cassius replies. "From your escape all those years ago. Our feelings towards you and what Samael plans to do. The fact that Asher caught you in the middle of eating Theo's heart. I'm sure there's more to unravel, but those are key topics."

"Well, I already thanked you for giving me the chance to get away from Samael. I'd be happy to hear about your feelings towards me. I already know Samael has a plan to never release me. For all I know, he plans to end me," I state, and then pause before continuing, "And the story behind Theo is a little long."

"True, you did thank us, but I guess my question is how long were you exposed to his cruelty before you were able to get away?" Creed asked, true concern in his eyes.

"His affections for me did not last long at all once he created his dominion in Hell." Her focus shifts from us to her hands, which she was twisting.

"We knew he was a tough commander, but we did not realize just how cruel he was towards others," Asher tries to comfort her with his soft spoken words.

"You don't know the half of it." I stand and walk towards the unused fireplace. I make it a point to face away from the men and they watch in silence as my body trembles with anger and old heartache.

Moments pass with no one speaking. My mind and body are calm, but I can't turn around and face them just yet. There's something about them that makes me feel vulnerable. I want to share things that I've always kept locked away in my head. Making the decision to turn and confront them with all that I am. I feel a warm chest covering my back and strong arms come around me in an embrace. I know it's Creed. His unique scent that brings me comfort curls around me and my tension softens as his warmth engulfs me.

"We want to help you, Mara." His breath grazes my ear, but his words touch my heart.

"I want to believe you, more than anything. But it's hard," I whisper. I feel his arms tighten just a little at my words.

Asher steps up on my left and places a hand on my shoulder. "That's why we are here, to figure out how we can help you escape whatever he has planned for you."

"It's going to be difficult, but I believe, together, we can find a way for all of us to be free." Cassius steps closer but doesn't try to touch me.

"Why would you guys help me? I'm nothing to you," I say a little angrily. "Saving me could cost you guys everything. Your positions with Samael, your place in his army, and most definitely your lives. You will cease to exist because of me."

"I don't know about Cass and Ash, but I feel a connection. Something that's drawing me to you." Creed's hold remains strong, as if he's trying to communicate just how much he wishes to protect me from anything that would harm me.

I look to Ash. His facial expression is soft, but he seems to be contemplating something. When I look to Cassius, his face hasn't changed. Perfect, no lines to show his true age, but still there is something different. Something has begun to change in all four of us. A coal not yet smothered out. Embers churning and a small fire sparking into existence.

I once had peace, love, and happiness. Then I made a choice, and everything was lost. I craved a love and connection that was never meant to be. I found a friend in my pain. A mother to guide me, but then I lost her as well. Left with nothing, I still had the will to fight back, and that's why I chose the guild. The chance to at least belong to something, a purpose. But now, in Creed's embrace and surrounded by Cass and Ash, I feel I've found a tighter bond. I'm not sure what that could look like yet, but I feel it spreading and I want so badly to walk this world with someone other than my ghosts.

"I feel it too. It's as if you three have the possibility to fill the void in me, but it's still scary to put myself in the hands of others." My eyes fill with tears, and I take a few deep breaths to push them back. "Trust is not a commodity I can afford to give away just so it can be turned into a weapon to cut me down later."

"We understand," Ash speaks up. "But we want to see where this connection goes. We're willing to give you as much time as you need to become comfortable with the idea of friendship. If that is as far as you would like to go with us, we will accept that. I think I speak for all of us by saying this."

"I'm game," Cass said with a wink.

"And you know I'm in," Creed replies before he whispers in my ear. "But I want you to know that I'd like to expand that relationship at some point."

Creed releases me and I turn to face the three protectors from my past. Three men that are considering giving up everything they have in order to continue to offer security and create a refuge for me, but they don't understand that I am willing to do that for them as well.

"Okay, let's strategies on how we can make this happen, not just for me, but you all as well.

I ease myself back into the chair while they take a seat on the couch directly in front of me. We glance at each other and smile.