Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

All this getting tossed about was pissing Gwen off. There had to be a way out of this mess, but they were dealing with a god who appeared to have an ego complex. Khedeus’s reasons for imprisoning them made zero sense.

“I thought Khedeus wanted you to build him a temple so why would he toss us here?”

“Because he’s a bastard and we have both succeeded in pissing him off?” He stared straight at her. “Who knows, but we should probably have clothing more suitable for this environment.”

“Are you able to do that?” The climate in this new world was much cooler than where they had just been, and it was probably best if they covered themselves more. At least then she wouldn’t have to stare at his naked chest. Not that she didn’t like to, but keeping her hands to herself proved a challenge. Kian swept his hand through the air in front of him and suddenly he was wearing black cargo pants, a black tee, and combat boots.

Shit. He looked almost as good dressed like that than he did half naked. She was going to have to face the fact that no matter what he was her mate, and she would always find him sexy. He then snapped his fingers and suddenly she was dressed in identical clothing. She breathed a sigh of relief that he had chosen matching attire rather than another dress. Not that she had minded her previous garb, but it wasn’t functional.

“I’m surprised you chose this for me.”

“What were you expecting?”

“Certainly not this. Not that I mind it, it’s perfect,” she quickly added before he changed his mind. “Now what? We should probably explore. I don’t suppose you can conjure us some weapons? Maybe a bag of blood?”

“You need blood?”

She nodded. “Yes, it’s been well over a week.”

“Why would you wait so long?” His brow jacked up and the look he leveled was one that should have her dropping her gaze to the ground. Instead, she sneered back.

“It’s not like I knew I was going to be kidnapped or anything. Had someone sent me a memo, I would have made certain to come prepared.”

He greeted her little tirade with a glare. “My abilities to procure items seem limited, which is why I believe Khedeus is still behind this.”

Crossing her arms, she blew out a breath. “I’m guessing that means no flashing us out of here.”

He gave her that look again. “Can you flash?”

“Umm, no.”

He stared at her and blinked thick dark lashes––that any sensible woman would kill to have––over his dark eyes. How was that even fair? His lashes, his hair, it was all as good if not better than her own, and she found herself glaring at him. “I figured since you were a god and all…”

“According to you, I am a mere demigod. Come on, let’s go explore. I have a feeling we’re going to need to find a place to bed down for the night.” He pointed. “I say we go that way. I scent water.”

“I do too. Smells like salt water.” She walked, then he suddenly stopped her and stepped in front of her.

“Allow me to go first.”

Shoving her hands on her hips again, she swore her eyes were going to pop out of her head. “Seriously? I am a warrior in case you didn’t already know that.”

“I realize, but I am still more powerful than you.” He held out his hand and produced a very impressive blade. “Can you call your weapon to you?”

Damn it! She hated admitting defeat and wanted to prove to him she could hold her own, but so far, events were not on her side. “No. I seem to have zero power here.”

Thankfully, rather than gloating, his features softened, and he handed her the dagger. “Then please, carry mine.”

She nodded and graciously accepted. “Thank you.” Then she waved him ahead of her. This moment wasn’t the right time to argue with him. She would get her chance to prove herself. After all, it was her mission to bring Kian to his father, and failure wasn’t an option. So, come hell or high water, or what-ever-the-fuck, she was going to succeed.

They trudged through a dense forest that quickly thinned and finally gave way to an expanse of white sand and gentle lapping waves of turquoise. The wind whipped her long hair around, but she gathered it and tied it into a sloppy bun as she searched the area. The beach went for as far as they could see to their left, and to the right it wrapped around a wall of jagged rocks that reached into a blue cloudless sky. If not for the fact they had no idea where they were, this would be an ideal getaway. She tried not to think about how nice it would be to kick back on the beach and get to know her mate more intimately.

“Should we try calling Khedeus?”

“No. If he wishes to speak to us, then he will appear. I think we have both tested his patience enough for now.”

She let out a laugh. “You mean I’ve tested his patience.”

“I was trying to be polite.”

“Nice try.” Gwen plopped down in the sand and stared across the vast blue waters. “I’m thinking nightfall will be a real joy.”

He sat beside her and looked at the sky. “That would be my guess as well. Judging by the sun, I would say we have a few hours of daylight, but who knows in this world. We need shelter and you need to feed.” He scooted closer, his body touching hers, and she thought the contact was going to make her combust. He held out his wrist.

“Take as much as you require. You need to be at full strength in case we have to fight something.”

She hesitated, wondering how drinking her mate’s blood was going to affect her. From everything she had learned, it was only going to make her want him more. She debated refusing but realized it would only leave her vulnerable to whatever came at them in the darkness.

“You hesitate, why?”

She finally met his warm gaze. They were so close now and it would only take her leaning in slightly and she could press her lips against his. How would he react if she kissed him? She guessed he would kiss her back since he had made it clear she was desirable to him, and she was likely to be his tonight. To her, he was more, and she wondered what it might take to earn his trust.

“Am I going to have to invade your privacy to get a reply from you?” He referred to using his demigod powers to read her mind.

She shook her head and answered his question by wrapping her fingers around his wrist. Fangs extended. She raised his arm to her mouth, then kissed the soft flesh. She could have simply struck, but there was a naughty side to her that wanted to witness his reaction. Their gazes locked, and what swirled in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. She pressed her points to his skin, then slowly broke the surface. His lids lowered and lips parted, and when she took her first draw of blood, they both moaned.

He tasted like her future. Tasted of comfort, love and protection mingled with the spiciness of raw desire. The more she drank, the more intense the energy between them grew until she worried she might melt into him and become part of him. She wanted him, but she also wanted his trust. Needed him to believe she was his fated and what they were to each other wasn’t some kind of trick. It was something destined by a much higher power. Getting more than enough of his blood, her body was energized unlike never before and she figured it was both because he was her mate and he was a demigod. Reluctantly, she freed her fangs and licked his wound, even though it healed on its own. As she released her hold on his arm, he leaned in and claimed her mouth.

The world around her tilted.

Desire bloomed even hotter across her body as his kiss started out gentle. Soft swipes of his tongue across her lips, but when she parted them… Gods help her, because he staked his claim. Cupping her face, he kissed her as if she were his last breath. Something inside her snapped into place, and it was as if she had known Kian her entire life.

The ground beneath them shook and small rocks tumbled down the cliff. Kian broke the moment and was on his feet before she could react. Both heated and breathless, she looked around and got to her feet, brushing sand from her backside.

“Khedeus again?”

Kian shook his head. “No. This felt different. Much older.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“That was a god or goddess of ancient age trying to wake from a slumber. By the feel of it, one who is related to me.”

“I had no idea they slept.”

He nodded. “Yes, but I’m not sure if anyone actually knows how many sleep. If they wake before they are ready, it can cause a disturbance in the universe.” He looked around. “We should select a spot for our camp and prepare for tonight.”

She sighed. So much for their romantic moment, but there wasn’t any doubt in her mind that something had passed between them. She only hoped it might have broken through his barrier.

Argathos hadn’t seen the palace of their ancient home since they had fled. He figured by now it would have been vandalized or occupied. It was neither. Of course, he should have figured Zarek would place protection spells on it to keep everyone away. Far, far away it seemed as no one could go any farther than the foot of the small hill where the royal palace stood in the gods’ realm of Edala, which ironic enough meant judgment. As he stared out over the glistening white spires of the other gods’ and goddesses’ temples, he wondered at their reaction when they realized Zarek was back. One thing was certain, whoever was behind hiding his son from him was going to feel the fury of the god of visions.

“Nothing has changed, has it?”

He turned to face Hades. “No. It’s still the pristine dreadful place it was before.” He turned back to staring outside. “Where is Zarek?”

“He’ll be here shortly. He was waiting for his mate.”

Argathos grinned at the thought of the queen, Qadira. Being the goddess of fire, she was the creator of dragons and would likely be escorted by, at the very least, two Draki warriors. If the temples below didn’t know the royal family was back, the fire- breathing beasts in the sky would be a sure sign no one could ignore.

“Do you really think mother is trying to wake?”

Hades shuddered, which said a lot considering he was the lord of dark and nasty things. “I agree with Aidyn. We better fix shit and fast if we all wish to remain unscathed. If mother wakes and finds out about the war, she will lose her shit.”

Their mother, Cera, could take out a god without batting a pretty eyelash. After all, she had slaughtered her own mate when he became mad with insanity. She had used a blade to remove his head, but that had been mostly for show. In reality, she could ash a god with a mere thought. She was the daughter of Ra. The ruler of the living and the dead and when she found out that the gods and goddesses hadn’t been playing nice for centuries… Had started a war so devastating it had led to the death of her son––she wouldn’t care that Aidyn was now alive and healthy–– and to the murder of her daughter-in-law. Not to mention that the entire mortal race that had once worshipped the deities who lived here were now gone… Well, her wrath would be felt for eons.

“There is no hiding history from mother. She will know everything once she wakes and will wonder what the hell her children were doing this entire time.”

Hades narrowed his gaze. “Zarek can explain. After all, he is the king of this mess.”

“You’d leave him to stand alone?”

“Hey, I’m not the one fucking this cat, I’m simply holding the tail.” Hades crossed his arms and stared Argathos down. “Besides, he stranded me in that fucking hell-hole.”

A quick change of subject was in order, but before he could speak…

“Mother will be proud of what her sons have created. We saved the mortal race and started over.” Zarek spoke, and both brothers turned to face him. His expression was one of a god determined to right several wrongs. “Now, it is time to clean this place up.” He smiled, as did his beautiful queen who stood next to him, her hand resting on her growing belly that carried the newest prince or princess of this world and everything else beyond.

“I believe everyone should know we are here,” Qadira said as she gave a nod toward the opening outside. Two dark shadows filled the sky and the Draki––one of which was Aidyn’s mate Leria––settled at the edge of the palace. There was no way to miss their imposing figures and the power that rolled off Leria told everyone she was not only the mate of a god, she was a queen in her own right.

Hades slapped his hands together and rubbed, evil dripping off him. “Fuck, let’s start this party.”

“I concur. It’s time to find my son and his mate. Someone here knows something, and I will find them,” Argathos said.