Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

This time Kian had no control over his fall or that of Gwen and this shit was pissing him off. As he spiraled and Gwen screamed, they plunged into an inky blackness for several seconds before they busted through into a landscape covered by lush green fields. As the ground closed in on them, their descent slowed, and they seemed to ease down to the grass with the utmost care. That was certainly different from the last world change.

“Ugh! What is his fucking problem?” Gwen looked around, her eyes wide. “Wait, I know this place.” She jumped to her feet, a large smile on her sexy mouth, before a sword appeared in her raised hand and her legs were suddenly clad in skin-tight black leather. Her cropped leather top was low cut and gave him a view of the swell of her creamy breasts. As she cut the blade through the air, she made one sexy-ass warrior.

“You have power, and where are we?” He checked his own power and found he was back to his normal self. Relief and apprehension swept over him as he wondered what trick the god of judgment played now. Or had Khedeus had anything to do with their recent jumps? As he contemplated, it seemed each time they were moved between worlds, there was one common factor. The shaking ground.

“We are in Hell and that asshole has no jurisdiction here.” She frowned. “Which makes no sense why he would have sent us here.”

Kian studied the surrounding landscape. While it looked welcoming, he sensed they were being watched. “I’m not sure. Have you noticed that every time there is a shaking of the ground, we get dumped into another world?”

“Hmm. You have a valid point.” Her forehead creased.

“I’m beginning to suspect that perhaps it was never him once we left the Skeletal Moon.” Which meant that if Khedeus was no longer involved, then neither was the option of making Gwen his concubine and that brought him relief. Perhaps now they could explore whatever this was between them without other ties involved.

“You think it has something to do with your waking relative?”

“Perhaps, but I would use caution. Khedeus could still take us again and this time the price might be even higher.”

She stepped closer and held out her hand. “Lucky for you I was never affected by Drayos’s curse.”

He hesitated in accepting her hand, knowing what touching her did to him. “What is Drayos’s curse?”

“It blackens a guardian’s soul.” She nodded to their surroundings. “Hell makes it worse for them, but the few living females never seemed to be affected by it.”

The air crackled with evil, and several creatures that Kian sensed were demons dropped into view. They were surrounded by at least ten of the black-skinned creatures with razor-sharp teeth. Gwen was quick to slip to his backside while he called forth his power.

“I’d think twice if I were you,” Kian said.

One demon took two steps forward, lifted his nose into the air and sniffed. “Demigod, you reek of the female.”

“What of it?” He lifted a brow while glancing behind him to make sure Gwen was still safe.

“We don’t like her kind here,” the demon growled.

“I’m offended, but then again, I should know not to expect anything else from a pussy such as yourself,” Gwen said.

“Are you trying to piss them off?” Kian raised his hand, called up a power sphere, and was ready to blast should any threat come close.

“Ha! The last time Bragroth and I came head-to-head, he ran with his horns tucked between his legs.” She slid in front of Kian. “Watch our backs. Never trust a demon unless it’s a friend. He––” She pointed her sword at Bragroth. “Is not a friend.”

Kian found Gwen sexy in her leather while brandishing a blade, but he wasn’t fond of her putting herself in front of him. They were going to have to discuss the matter later when they were out of danger.

“Demon hunter, you killed my brother and for that I will kill you.”

Ready to launch his power, Gwen must have felt it and placed her hand on his chest. “No. Watch my back and I will give this black-hearted prick his chance at my head.” She faced Bragroth. “Your minions make one false move, and the demigod here will smite them in a hot second.”

There was no stopping his grin at her words. She was correct. He would take down this entire circle of demons. “Don’t worry about his little helpers, I will simply place a barrier between them and us.” With a snap of his fingers, an invisible shield dropped into place, cutting off all the other demons, leaving Gwen, himself, and Bragroth in its protective dome.

The demon snarled and ran at Gwen, his blade pointed straight at her. Kian curled his fingers and dug his nails into his palm when Gwen’s own sword slammed against Bragroth’s. He wanted to encase her in his protective power, but knew if he did so, it would hurt her that he didn’t trust her. Besides, he had seen her take down a valkyrie, and they were vicious females. Instead, he stood by and watched. Ready to intervene if necessary.

Gwen met the demon’s blade, blocking him each time he attempted to make contact. Kian couldn’t stop the pride he felt or the fear. Every time the demon got close to Gwen, Kian had to force himself not to simply flash them away. The thought of her getting injured, or worse, left a powerful ache in his chest. He realized then that he cared for her. More than would seem normal considering they had only met, but it was enough to make him wonder if her words about them being mates held any truth. It bore further investigation.

While Kian had been busy contemplating his feelings, Gwen had knocked Bragroth’s sword from his grip and had him pinned to the ground, the point of her own blade to his neck.

“Tell me one good reason I should let you live?” she asked.

“So I can kill you later,” the demon snarled.

“While that’s a pretty good reason, I don’t feel like dying yet.” She plunged the blade into the demon’s neck and twisted, covering herself with blood. Kian made sure his shield held, keeping the others at bay.

Gwen rose, wiped her sword on her pants, then flashed it away before she turned to face him. “It wasn’t about me. His death was about the humans he tortured, some of which were children. He needed to die.”

“You don’t have to explain your actions to me. You are a guardian of humanity and as such it is your right to exact revenge for those you protect.”

She smiled as the blood splatters vanished from her face and hair. “Thank you. My people have a history full of death and destruction that isn’t very pretty. Let me take us out of here. We can look for your father and the others, then tell them what happened. Khedeus won’t dare touch us once we are under their protection.”

He slipped his hand in hers. “Funny, my people’s history seems to be full of the same death and destruction.” Everything around him shifted, and they slipped into blackness, but unlike before, this was warm and felt like Gwen. In seconds, they were inside four walls.

“My home in Vandeldor. My brother is probably frantic, and I need to let him know I’m safe.” She led him outside and had hardly got several feet away when the male he had seen in the mortal world appeared.

“Gwen! Christ, I was worried I would never see you again. What happened?” He jerked her into a hug that Kian thought might crush her.

“Long story, but a god name Khedeus took me to some prison.” She broke free and turned to Kian. “It’s a long story, but––”

“I already know.” Marcus stepped forward, hand extended. “You must be the son of Argathos. I am Marcus.”

Kian accepted his hand and gave a nod. “I am Kian.”

“Marcus, we need to find Argathos, but I wanted to make sure you knew I was safe… For now.”

Her brother’s face bore the reflection of his mood, which indicated he was ready and willing to rip apart any who dared touch her. Kian respected that. “What do you mean, for now?”

“We’ve had quite the ordeal and there is no telling if Khedeus will take us again.”

“Argathos and the others are gone. Something about going home to find out who might know where you two were.”

“Home? As in Edala?” Kian asked.

“Yeah, I think that’s the name I heard.”

“I need to go warn them.”

“Of what?” Gwen touched his arm, and a flare of heat fluttered inside him.

“I saw a vision where all the gods and goddesses become extinct.”

She turned fully, her mouth wide open. “Wait. What?”

“They are in danger of vanishing. The loss of mortals in our world leaves no one to worship them.”

“Holy shit! What about your family? The gods here?” She stepped closer. “What about you, Kian?”

“I’m a demigod, therefore not worshipped and in no danger. My family, however, I cannot say as the vision didn’t show me details.” His biggest question now was, did he take her with him? Leaving her here wasn’t safe since Khedeus had taken her once before, but taking her to Edala might not be any safer since it sounded like another war was likely to ensue. Turning to her brother, he asked.

“Where will Gwen be safe from Khedeus?”

“I’m going with you,” she insisted, determination written on her beautiful face. “The only place we will both be safe is with your family and together.”

“I would agree with my sister. She is safest with your family.”

“I will take you and they can decide where you might be safest.” He didn’t miss the hurt in her eyes. She felt like he was passing her off to someone else. In a way, he was. “If Khedeus comes after me again, I can’t keep you safe. I think that has already been proven.”

She gave a nod but said nothing and when he held out his hand, he wasn’t sure she would accept. She did, and even offered him a smile as she entwined her fingers with his. He liked her smile. A lot. Something inside him wanted her to be his mate for real and not the female Ra had warned him of. Summoning his power, he took them to Edala.

When they flashed into Kian’s home world, they appeared in a large courtyard. Gwen swallowed as she looked around her. Stone statues depicting the gods and goddesses of this realm were tastefully arranged among the colorful blooms of flowers and bushes. The air, while filled with the heady floral fragrance, was also electric with power. When she turned and spotted a large temple sitting alone on a hill, instinctively she knew that must be the royal home. Before she could ask, a female voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Kian!”

Gwen turned and spotted a beautiful female, her white gown so sheer it was nearly see-through. Her golden hair loose around her shoulders, framing blue eyes that shot a lethal glare at Gwen before the female stepped into Kian. Swinging her arms around his neck, she kissed him on the lips.

“Darling, I was beginning to worry.”

Gwen tried not to show any emotion, but this had to be Diara and damn, she was beautiful. It was almost enough to make Gwen question her own looks in comparison.

“What has been going on here since I left?” He pried the female’s arms from his neck, gaining him a pout from the goddess.

She stepped back and looked at Gwen, her lip curled. “What is this creature you have dragged home?” Had her voice been laced with any more venom, it might have struck Gwen down dead.

“This is Gwen. She is a guardian in her world.”

“A guardian?”

“Yes, a warrior much like the valkyrie.”

The goddess didn’t look impressed. “And why is she here? With you?”

“Because I brought her here. Now, enough of this chatter and tell me…” He looked at the temple on the hill. “Anyone show up that I should know about?”

Diara pushed out her glossed lip further. “Yes, the former occupants are all here.” She placed her hand on Kian’s arm and Gwen had about enough of this made-up Barbie touching her mate.

“Touch him again, and I will rip that arm right out of its pretty little socket.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she leveled a glare that would make even Hades proud.

“Excuse me?” Diara took a step closer. “Did you just threaten me?”

Gwen rolled her eyes. “Yes. Do you need me to spell it out for you?”

“Why you little snit.” The goddess raised her hand to no doubt launch a power blast when Kian stepped between them.

“Enough,” he shouted. “I have more important matters to attend to than the two of you causing a ruckus.”

“You are seriously going to allow her to insult me?” If a goddess could blow smoke from her ears, Gwen was certain this one was about as close as anyone she had ever seen.

Ignoring her question, he posed one of his own. “Has Netasis come home yet?”

Diara glared at him, and Gwen felt the goddess power up.

“Careful, Diara. You strike out at me, and you will regret the day.” The words had barely passed his lips when she raised her hand and prepared to strike.

“I would heed his words, were I you. Strike my son or his mate, and I will burn you where you stand.”

Gwen let out a sigh of relief at the sound of Argathos’s voice. She turned and smiled. “Am I happy to see you.” Glancing at Kian, who was still on edge, she said, “Kian, this is your father, Argathos.”

“Father? These people lie to you, Kian. He is not your father, he is an outcast. A washed up has-been.”

It was Kian’s turn to glare at the goddess. “And I am to believe the goddess of deception? You lie at every given opportunity.” He looked at his father. “We have much to talk about.”

Argathos gave a nod. “Let us go back to the palace. Your uncles wish to lay eyes on both of you.” In a flash of light, they were gone and standing in an open room that led to the outside gardens, where Gwen spotted two dragons she knew very well. Leria and her warrior Jax, and she couldn’t help but grin. She took a moment to step outside while they introduced Kian to his family. She sensed he was both relieved and overwhelmed. It had to be difficult to learn you were ripped from your murdered mother and raised as someone else’s son. She sensed Zarek coming up behind her.

“Tell me what happened.”

“Some god named Khedeus first took Kian, and then me, to a place called the Skeletal Moon. After that, we kept bouncing from world to world until we ended up in Hell, where I finally got my powers back and took us to Vandeldor. Kian brought us here.” She looked back out into the lush gardens. “He told Kian that his crime was being born and mine was a fight with a valkyrie.”

“Bogus bullshit from a prick of a god. He somehow knew that you two were fated. What I have learned since I’ve been back here is that the goddess that birthed Kian is Netasis, goddess of destruction. She and Khedeus were lovers once.”

“Then she is the one who took Kian?”

He shook his head. “We don’t know that for certain. Word is that she would never speak of Kian’s father. She and Khedeus had a falling out right before the war and there is a possibility that she believed Kian was his child.”

Gwen had to keep her jaw from dropping. “Are you saying that Netasis had no involvement in any of this?”

“I’m saying it is possible that she was used, but I do not know this for certain. I have sent word that she is to return, so while I wait, I am questioning everyone.”

She looked away again. “Kian doesn’t believe we are mates. How can I be worthy of a demigod?”

He laid his hand on her shoulder. “Daughter, you are a guardian. You may have been born of guardian parents, but you are still a child of a god and I’m not just any god.” He pointed to something in the distance. “See that temple over there?”

She looked at the ornate golden spire and nodded.

“That is the temple belonging to Ra, my grandfather.”

She tried not to gasp. “I had no idea.”

He offered her a soft smile. “Yes. Not only were you created by the grandson of Ra, but your mate is his great-grandson. The goddess of deception has nothing on you. Kian will come around.” He smiled. “I sense he has already started by the way he keeps glancing other to check on you.”

“I’m sure you’re right. I know he has a lot to deal with right now. Do you think I could visit Ra’s temple?” They had taught guardians as children that Ra was a very special god to them, and now she understood why his likeness had always been in the throne room at Vandeldor.

“Of course. You can flash yourself there and I promise none shall bother you. You are under the king’s protection as well as the rest of us.” He jerked his head toward the sky. “Not to mention a couple of bad-ass dragons.”

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” He turned and walked back inside, and she decided this was the perfect time to visit the temple.

Flashing, she stood outside the temple door. Wiping her palms down her pants, she decided changing her clothes was probably a good idea. Closing her eyes, she managed a simple cream-colored, Grecian-style dress that flowed to her ankles and no shoes. Finally ready, she pushed open the ornate wooden door and stepped inside. An immediate sense of calm came over her as she stared at the glyphs on the walls. Straight ahead, at the end of a red carpet, stood the largest onyx statue of Ra she had ever seen. It was at least double the size of any they had back home. Walking across the carpet, she reached him and dropped to both knees. When she noted the bowl at his feet, a moment of panic passed because she had not brought a gift. However, giving it a quick thought, she decided she already had the most powerful gift to offer right here with her. Her fangs dropped, and she bit her wrist, then allowed her blood to drip into the golden bowl.

“I hope you will accept this as my gift. It’s the only thing I have to offer you today.” A light breeze brushed across her cheek.

“Your gift is accepted.”

She gasped and looked over her shoulder, then her gaze moved upward. Gazing down on her was a tall, muscular man who was dressed exactly like the statue she knelt before, but without the falcon head. He was nearly a spitting image of Zarek, except his eyes were a stunning sea-blue and his ebony hair was much longer than Zarek’s.

With her heart racing, she quickly spun on her knees and folded her body so that her forehead touched the floor.

“My lord.”

“Stand before me child and let me look upon all of you.” His voice was so deep it resonated straight into her soul.

On shaky legs, she finally rose and found her footing, but still kept her head bowed. She understood protocol when before a god, but she also had a unique relationship with the gods she knew and answered to. Ra trumped them all, and she could not stop the nerves that racked her body.

“Look upon me, daughter. Do not be frightened.”

Slowly, she raised her head until she had to strain her neck to meet his gaze. She swallowed, not sure what to say. “You honor me with your presence.” Was it normal for him to actually appear in his temple? Her understanding was he now lived on a totally different plane than they did, but then again, he was the supreme god and guessed he could go wherever the hell he wanted.

“It is I who am honored with the presence of my great-grandson’s mate. Cera chose well.”

She blinked several times because Cera was Zarek’s mother, who was currently sleeping. “Cera? I thought she has been asleep?”

“My daughter sleeps, but she is powerful and woke just enough to bless her grandson with you.”

A thought came to her. “Was it her that took him from his mother’s womb?”

“It was I who planted him in the warmth of Netasis. I knew the goddess of destruction would defend her child with her life.”

“Your grandsons thought it was their mother. They believe she is now trying to wake.”

He shook his head. The strands of beaded braids swayed. “It is my enemy who wakes. One who seeks to destroy the gods so he may rule both mortals and immortals. He is the reason for your journey from world to world. My daughter does try to wake, but the chaos keeps her in slumber.”

She was confused. “Kian was certain he was related to the waking god. Who is this enemy?”

“Apep, creator of chaos. He has tried to disguise himself as my daughter. Likely to fool everyone.”

“But I thought you banished him, or were my childhood teachings wrong?”

His heavy kohl-lined eyes narrowed. “Your teachings were correct. I banished him, but he has found a way to break free of his prison. He wishes to destroy my family and force the others to submit to his rule and I can do nothing to stop him.”

“Why?”

“It is a very long story.”