Chapter Twenty-Seven

August

“Why do you think Harvest stopped attacking?” Sebastian asked as we raided our third hideout.

I glanced purposefully over at Nova as she spoke with Isabella. “No dragon stands a chance against Nova. She can kill anything from the inside. Maybe she’s scared Harvest enough to make him hesitate. Don’t forget he has to face Payne, who’s indestructible.”

“But that just means Harvest is waiting,” Sebastian said. “When he does attack...”

I felt queasy. “Harvest will attack when he knows he can counter Nova’s magic.” I rubbed my forehead as Nova nodded at something Isabella said. “I’m scared I won’t be able to protect her when it matters most again.”

Sebastian slapped my back. “Welcome to the world of having a mate. Although, I guess you’ve known yours longer than I’ve known mine.”

My body wilted, and fear threatened to turn me into a trembling fool. “I can’t lose Nova again.”

“It’s going to be all right. Like Barron said before, this will be a story we’ll tell our grandkids one day.”

“Yes, but what will we lose to be victorious?”

“Not each other,” Sebastian blurted out. “We’re so close to ending this with Harvest. Somehow, we’re destroying him. He’s ruined so much.”

“We can’t fade away before we do.” My jaw hardened. “We can’t. That fucker must pay for everything he put Nova through.”

“And Isabella,” Sebastian added.

“ All of us .”

He nodded. “Then it’s hanging out of the beach with our feet in the sand. Well, whatever might be left of the oceans in the human world after everything’s over.”

“I’m going to make a small world of my own, like Dad,” I admitted. “Nova’s been through a lot, and I think she’d like solitude over anything else. In the end, it will be up to her what I create.”

“I never thought of that, but it’s a good idea. Maybe we can make one bigger than the woods, so everyone can be together.” Suddenly, Sebastian stopped, and his shoulders drooped. “What about Dad?”

“What about him?” I asked, even though I knew he meant Dad’s fate.

“The Grim fucking Reaper is fading away. He’s disappearing as fast as the human world.”

“He’s going to be okay,” I lied.

“People don’t know everything he’s done for them,” Sebatian stated.

I lowered my head and sighed. “They’re figuring it out since we’re no longer doing our jobs.”

“We can bust him out of Heaven when we’ve kicked Harvest’s ass.”

“We fade away, Sebastian. We don’t go to Heaven.”

“Yeah, but they’ll know how to bring Dad back.”

“You’re talking as if he’s already gone.” My chest tightened as reality set in.

Sebastian stared at our mates with a blank expression on his face. “I’m just saying.” He sniffed. “What about Barron?”

I tensed. “What about him?”

“Gwendolyn.”

My stomach felt like it sank into my boots. “Don’t.”

“We’ve got to talk about it because I’m worried.”

My jaw dropped at Sebastian’s declaration.

He asked again, “What will we do about Barron?”

When Gwendolyn got sucked into the gate and almost went to Heaven, was what Sebastian didn’t say.

“If Barron is a danger to himself, we lock him up.”

Sebastian wiped his face. “And Joy’s babies.”

“Would you stop!” I yelled. “Are you purposely trying to make us cry?”

“I’m just going over every reason we can’t fade away. Man, we have so much shit to do.”

“What’s wrong?” Isabella asked , approaching with Nova.

“Why are both your faces red?” Nova scrutinized me than Sebastian, crossing her arms.

Sebastian shrugged. “We were close to tears because you two wouldn’t let us kill anything.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “Lie again, and I’ll let you sleep instead of touching you.”

Sebastian gripped his chest and staggered dramatically, making her laugh. “You’re a cruel woman.”

Nova chuckled softly, causing my stomach to heat.

I didn’t need a reminder of what was at stake. I stared at my reason every second I could.

____

We wiped out four more of Harvest’s hideouts before returning to Grim’s castle. Payne and Joy spent most of their time in the ballroom watching the eggs shrouded in flames. Mom and Dad kept Kitty company in the kitchen while she ate everything. Dad still wore gloves. He hid what was happening from my sisters, but the truth was clear in the dark circles beneath his eyes. I sensed Prudence, Maureen, and Barron in the castle, so they must have been in their rooms with their mates.

None of us had taken a break since Harvest started the apocalypse. Besides destroying Harvest’s hideouts, everyone was resting. I didn’t think too much about why that was. We needed a second to breathe before Harvest’s next attack. When he stopped sending the dragons, it gave everyone a chance to breathe.

In my room, I materialized a small table and food for Nova. There was a ridiculous assortment of fruits and dip, along with a fresh pot of soup. I was fortunate to materialize those items. When I tried getting chicken legs, nothing appeared. The human world was in deep shit. How long would it last?

We probably should do something for the mortals. We’d save a few if we helped, but on the other side of their world, hundreds more were seeing demons for the first time. The unnatural weather patterns had ripped holes between the worlds, making portal chips useless. Reapers were no longer effective. Where would we decide to go to save the humans? How could we decide who lived and who died? Dad said we couldn’t help them anymore when we couldn’t help ourselves. He was right, but it wasn’t a simple decision when we’d been human protectors our whole lives.

“You’re not eating.” Nova pulled me from my thoughts.

“I was waiting until you finished.” Before taking the first bite, I waited until she had enough to eat. Nova had gone long enough without food.

“There’s no way I can eat this myself.” Nova shoved a bowl toward me. “Besides, I never see you eat, and it worries me.”

Taking the bowl and a spoon, I ate some of the soup. “I didn’t mean to worry you. Just want you to eat to your heart’s content. I can’t give you peace yet, but at least I can fill you up with delicious food.”

Nova lowered her spoon, shoulders straightening. “Every second with you is like a dream, August. I must constantly convince myself this is real. That you’re not some sort of trick created by Harvest.”

Reaching across the table, I caressed her hand. “I’m here with you. This is me.”

“I know.” Nova smiled. “Our timing’s not great. Harvest started the apocalypse. While your family tried to stop him, I’ve been a pawn on the other side. This is terrible for you and your family, I get that. But this moment, these tiny seconds here with you, they’re the best I’ve had. I need you to know this is peaceful for me. I’m okay with sitting here together in between the killings and waiting for the next attack. While I have so much hatred for Harvest and Derrick, just being near you again has silenced a century of hatred.”

She wiped her eyes, but the tears fell down her cheeks.

I swallowed. “Thank you for trusting me enough to stay here with me.”

She gestured toward my food. “Now eat, please, then I want you to rest.”

“Thank you for being here,” I said again.

Her dark eyes roamed over my face, searching for something.

“ Existing is probably the better word,” I added. “Thank you for surviving hell, so my selfish ass can be here with you right now.”

The corner of Nova’s mouth curved as she leaned back into her chair, shoulders loosening. “I spent a lot of time in my head while locked away. I used to imagine all the ways I could ruin you if I ever got the chance. But what I never admitted was the times I imagined you saving me instead. Sometimes, I’d see you at my cell door, there to free me, and it would be the best thing. Then I’d jerk awake, and the illusion would melt away. Even then, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t let you go, but I supposed it was my heart’s way of telling me the truth. You weren’t my enemy.”

Tears glistened, but her face continued to soften. “You are the only person who ever cared about me and the others.”

I stood abruptly. “I’m going to shower.”

She frowned. “Right now?”

“Yes, right now. Or else I’ll shove this table to the side and kiss you like I want.”

I didn’t wait for her response as I strode to the bathroom and shut the door. My blood was pumping. I wanted to kiss and hold her as much as I wanted to cry. I went to the mirror and stared at my reflection. Letting my head fall backward, I sighed and studied the stone ceiling. For the first time in my life, I talked to God like some humans did . “ Please. Give us the strength to save everything you’ve created. I can’t lose her.”

Lowering my head, I rubbed my face before removing my clothes.

I didn’t expect an answer. Reapers had always lived as we wanted while doing our duties. Even my pleading had everything to do with my mate and nothing to do with the worlds. Yes, I wanted to protect people, but I wanted to save Nova more.

How could I be the happiest and most terrified of my life at the same time?

I let the shower heat a minute before I got in. The water felt good on my tired muscles. I could sleep for two days and would likely still be exhausted. Determination kept my body going. Besides, I slept too deeply when I rested. What if Derrick kidnapped Nova while we slept?

The warlock was cowardly, so I saw that as a possibility. Great. As if I needed another reason to run on fumes.

The shower door swooshed open. Turning my head, I saw Nova stepping inside the tub with me. Within seconds, water drenched her clothes. I closed the door back. “What are you doing?” I asked as fire rushed through my veins.

She glanced up as the water soaked her lovely curls. “I think I’d rather be in here instead of waiting for you.”

Did she want me to lose my fucking mind and devour her?

My cock stiffened at her brazenness, but I still tried to be a gentleman. “You’re drenched.” I ran my hand over her shoulder. “You can wait outside the shower for me.” Nova lowered her head, like she was inspecting me, and I knew she’d see my cock. I wouldn’t hide what she did to me. I wanted her to see my desire for her, but I didn’t want to scare her.

She swallowed, and her arousal coated the air. “Are you trying to dismiss me?”

In a husky voice, I said, “You can’t shower with your clothes on.”

“Now that we’ve learned the truth, it’s rather annoying how much I want to be near you.”

“Mm, is that so?” I tugged at her shirt, and she lifted her arms, allowing me to pull it over her head.

“I have no control over how I feel when you’re near,” she said.

“I know the feeling.” I grabbed the strap of her bra. “Take it off.”

“You make me want things I thought I’d never want.” She reached behind her and huffed. “I don’t know how to take this thing off! I’ve always wrapped my breasts in cloth for support.”

She gasped when her clothes disappeared. I greedily took in her body as she grumbled again. “You could have done that to begin with.”

I remained quiet as I stared at her small breasts and the patch of hair between her legs. There was a slight swell to her stomach that wasn’t there a few days ago. In time, my mate would recover from starvation. I should feel bad for lusting after her so much, but Nova was no frail creature. She could withstand my lust and much more if she wanted.

And maybe, just maybe, she wanted to that night.

“You’re tempting me with your beauty, my little star.” She reached out for my chest, and I snatched her wrist. “Remember what I said. If you touch me, I touch back.”

My blood felt like fire in my veins as I let go of her arm.

Nova slid her palm down my chest like I hoped she would, and it decided my next move.

Caressing her hips, I pushed her against the wall, caging her in as I bent down and stole her lips. She kissed back, flicking her tongue against mine as her mouth parted for me. Ecstasy burned through me. I wanted to drown in her. I pressed my erection against her stomach, wanting her to feel my desire. “Feel that? That’s for you. You’ve done to me what no one else could. My greed, my lust, is all for you.”

My words fueled her passion. Her arousal filled the shower, and I felt drugged by it.

I moved my mouth along her chin and onto her neck, sucking on the skin until goose bumps covered her dark complexion. With her fingers in my hair, she pulled me closer and pushed me forward. Although my longing to penetrate her was overwhelming, I disregarded it and gently touched her left breast. I held onto her breasts, savoring their lightness and perky shape. I playfully teased her, lightly touching with my fingers, observing her response. I couldn’t help but groan when she arched her back and let out a moan.

She likes it.

Tremors overtook my body. Nova got me really excited. This was why I felt no longing or attraction toward anyone. Sex was meant to happen between Nova and me. Only her. Although I lacked experience, I was knowledgeable and determined to go the distance for Nova’s climax. I gently played with her left nipple, exploring her preferences while I sucked on the other one. The pinching pleased her, but her arousal engulfed me as she moaned when I kissed her.

I was incredibly eager to caress her pussy, but I devoted myself to touching her delightful breasts. Her body twitched, and she emitted moans. It was a special moment, knowing she was connecting with me on a deep level. I didn’t mean to frighten her, but her persistent whining showed that she needed relief.

Pulling away from her nipple, I glanced up. “Are you okay?”

She shuddered. “I’m out of my mind.”

I blew across her breast. “You’re going to experience that orgasm now.”

She stiffened, clutching my head to her breasts. “Wait.”

“No. You need to let it happen. It’s not bad. I think you’re going to fucking want me to do it again and again.”

“I’m scared.”

“Of me?”

“No, of myself. I feel like I can’t control myself. What if I hurt you?”

I chuckled lightly. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.” When her eyes widened, I assured her. “You’re going to lose yourself completely, but not in a way you think. Please, let me show you.”

“Okay.”

I went down on my knees, ready to worship every inch of her. She tensed once more as I got up close and personal with her pussy, ingraining every detail of her to memory. Passion surged through me. I yearned to dive into her with a longing that had built up over a century. Fucking cool it , I reprimanded myself. Nevertheless, I craved her pussy to experience such pleasure that it would cry out for her mate’s cock.

“Did you just say you yearned to dive into—I’m not saying the rest?” she whispered, and I froze, looking up.

“ Can you hear me ?” I asked telepathically.

She nodded.

“So, you heard the other part, too?” I said, my face heating.

She nodded again as her arousal thickened around us. “It’s because we’re mates. Hearing each other’s thoughts has happened to my siblings and their mates, too. I’ll eventually hear your thoughts as well.”

Nova ran her fingers through my hair. “If you ever hear one of my dark thoughts, know I’m doing my best.”

“I’m not afraid of your mind. Whatever you carry, I want to carry it with you.”

She smiled.

“On that note, I’m sorry for the absolute fucking filth you’re going to hear in my head as I worship your body.” I gave her hips a squeeze and she let out a sigh.

I stared at the patch of hair between her legs and groaned. I needed a taste.

“A taste of what?” Nova screeched.

“ Spread your legs. Better yet, I’ll hold one up for you .”

“August, you don’t mean…”

“Yes, I’m going to eat your pussy until you’re coming on my tongue, which might take a while since I’ve never done it before.”

“This is…” she whimpered as I parted her legs, then placed my middle finger between her folds, stroking gently. “Oh, Hades.”

“I think I’d like for you to say my name, beautiful.” Saliva pulled in my mouth as I rubbed along her clit. As I slid lower, I could feel how drenched she was. I couldn’t believe I was touching my mate. My cock felt like it was about to burst. In awe, I said, “Nova.”

“Burst?” she mumbled.

“Yes. A beautiful torture that I’d die happily from if it means touching you,” I said. “Don’t worry about me. This is for you. You need to know there’s nothing to fear about what you’re feeling.”

“I don’t want you to be in pain.” She messed with my hair again.

I believed my mate would be a hair puller in time, and the idea sent a shot of lust through me.

“Believe me, I’m not in pain. I’m right where I want to be,” I murmured before I leaned forward and kissed her stomach. “I’m going to taste you now, mate.”

I lifted one of her legs, and she trembled. Her scent deepened as I leaned closer. I parted her folds and took a moment to devour her with my gaze. A heady dose of ecstasy shot through me when I noticed her swollen clit. She desperately needed relief. Gently, I flicked my tongue across her flesh once. She bucked and her pussy bumped my face. Oh, fuck. She tasted as good as she smelled. I took her movement as permission to do it again. With a groan, I buried my tongue inside her opening, wanting to taste her fully.

“August, oh!” she shouted.

Her trembling intensified as I flicked my tongue against her clit once again. Through repetition, I uncovered what pushed her over the edge, especially when her clit throbbed against my lips. When I tested her again with my finger, I continued to flick and suck her clit. My mate’s close . Wanting desperately for her to come, I gently caressed her entrance before inserting my finger inside. She was tense, and I became concerned when I felt resistance with my finger. I paused, anticipating while pleasuring her clit. As she pushed against my arm, my finger went deeper, and I almost reached climax.

“ Are you okay ?” I asked.

“August,” she whimpered as her body jerked. “It’s coming again.”

“ It’s okay,” I assured her with my mind again since I wouldn’t dream of stopping with her close. “ I want you to come all over my face .”

“Yes,” she said.

But I didn’t think she knew what she agreed to.

She learned when her head banged against the wall, and she shattered into a beautiful mess of relief. Nova ground herself against my face as her pussy pulsed around my digit. Her orgasm was the best moment of my life.

When her leg kicked out and she shrieked, I lost my hold on her. I had just enough time to pull my finger out before she fell on her ass. It happened so fast that I didn’t have time to catch her. One of her legs rested on my thigh while the other was on the floor of the shower beside me. She was spread fucking eagle for me. A few seconds went by with us staring at each other before Nova sighed and leaned her head back. Then we burst out laughing. I thought I loved seeing her orgasm, but seeing her smile and laugh was everything I’d always wanted to give her.

My laughter died out as I gazed at her. I leaned over her, causing her giggles to cut off. Right before I kissed her, we shared a look that could only be described as longing. I poured my heart and soul into that moment with her, hoping she understood what she meant to me.

A groan escaped my lips when her small hand wrapped around my cock. I wasn’t expecting her to touch me there, at least not so soon, but her brazenness shouldn’t have surprised me. My mate had always been a little spitfire. Of course, she’d set me aflame the moment she touched me.

I broke off the kiss as she rocked my world. My stomach flexed as my cock twitched. Nova gave my erection a squeeze, and my eyes rolled back. Cum erupted in her hand as I experienced absolute bliss.

“Fuck.” I moaned as I watched Nova. She stared heatedly as she moved her hand up and down my shaft.

There was no embarrassment at how quickly I exploded. All I had was jubilation for sharing myself with Nova. If she kept drooling at me like I was a chicken leg, though, my erection wouldn’t go down.

Nova released my cock and stuck her sticky fingers in her mouth. My mouth parted and my balls drew up again as ecstasy swirled through me from head to toe. “ You’re going to kill me ,” I thought as I pulled her digits from her mouth and kissed her passionately.

“I… think…” She tried to talk between kisses. “I want to lick you the same way you did me.”

I shuddered in delight . “You want me between your thighs again ?”

“Yes.” The word came out breathy. “But are you sure we will fit together?”

My skin heated as I processed what she meant. “ I meant with my mouth. We don’t have to rush into anything else.” But I wanted inside Nova bad and wouldn’t pretend otherwise. She called the shots, but I definitely wanted to feel her wrapped around my cock.

“Yes.” Nova panted as she pulled me closer. “You don’t understand. I feel empty when my body does this around you. I want you inside me.”

Nova desiring me was a big deal. She loathed the idea of sex, and yet she trusted me. I wouldn’t take that for granted. “Thank you for being my mate,” I whispered in her ear, causing her to shudder.

Nova draped her arms around my neck. I scooped her up, and she wrapped her legs around my waist. I turned off the water, carried her out of the bathroom, and used my powers to dry us.

“I like your thoughts,” she murmured between kisses.

“Get used to them,” I said right before I laid Nova on the bed, never once letting go of her as I pressed my weight into her. “You’re going to hear them forever.”

“Forever sounds nice if it’s with you.” She let out a sigh as I dragged my tongue down her neck.

I paused and lifted my head to meet her gaze. “We truly don’t have to rush. I don’t want you to fear me once we—”

“The things I saw in Derrick’s camp are not what we share. One is horrific, and the other is two people who want to connect.”

“I want to do more than connect with you. Once I’m in you, I want to stay there.”

She laughed softly. “That doesn’t sound possible.”

“I’m going to fucking make your pussy my home,” I declared, which had her shaking her head, still smiling up at me.

Nova cupped my cheek, then slid her fingers down my jawline. “Everything you say gives me tingles, August. How is that when everything you say is ridiculous?”

“Because you lo—” My powers disappeared. Every time they vanished, there was a great sense of loss. My mechanical arm slapped against my side as it dangled uselessly.

I knew Nova felt it too, because she frowned. “How long do you think they’ll be gone this time?”

Before I could reply, the room darkened.

“Disgusting.”

I threw a blanket over Nova at the sound of Derrick’s voice. Panic engulfed my lungs as I glanced around the room, searching. I had to protect Nova.

To my right, he winked into existence. He pulled back a red hood, revealing himself.

Nova threw her hand out, and Derrick laughed when nothing happened. “Check your wrist,” he told her.

My stomach sank when I saw the golden band on her left arm. How? When?

“Come here, Nova,” he ordered.

I jumped out of bed. My imbued sword was beside the nightstand. I was almost to it when he pierced my shoulder with a flying dagger. Pain cut through me, but I barely noticed it. The warlock waved his arm and sent me flying into the wall on the other side of the room. I couldn’t breathe, as pain radiated over my back.

“August!” Nova screamed.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect you to be such a lover boy,” Derrick spat as he glared at me. “You honestly think those sickly words you tell Nova are going to make her happy?”

“Would you shut the hell up?” I muttered as I yanked the dagger out and tried to stand, taking in a much-needed lungful of air.

“Watching you touch Nova the last few days has been the hardest part about waiting to grab her. The first time your powers went out, you guys stayed grouped together, so I couldn’t make my move.” Derrick’s lips curled. “And Nova? You seriously believe August’s a virgin? The man has a harem. I’m disappointed you were about to give yourself to him. You’re lucky your powers went out before it happened, or I would have punished you for it.”

Derrick had cloaked himself and spied on us that whole time. The rage vibrating through me made my temples throb.

And the way he talked to Nova was unacceptable. I would tear him limb from fucking limb. Standing, I stepped forward, waiting to see if he’d attack me again. If I could get to the mirror to my right, I might use it as a shield to charge at him. Not every magic user could pierce through objects with their power, but Derrick was a proxy. He was stronger than average, but he was also a fucking coward.

“Come here,” he barked at Nova again.

Nova resisted, clutching the blankets over her body as she sat on the bed. She couldn’t seem to harm him because of the shackle, but at least she could refuse his orders.

Derrick’s nostrils flared. “You were always too strong for your own good. I’ll have to add more bands when we get to my place.”

“You’re not taking her anywhere,” I muttered.

With a scream, Nova charged at Derrick, then froze in place. I ran for the mirror and lifted it in front of me right as he shot some sort of fireball at me. The flames bounced off the mirror and hit the curtains.

Derrick threw a black powder at Nova’s face. She crumbled to the ground as I rushed toward Derrick, ramming into him with the mirror as he sent a spell at me. The force of his magic made my ears ring as he threw me onto the bed. Suddenly, the room burst into flames, but the fire wasn’t ordinary flames. They were black and engulfed everything in my room within seconds. My lungs burned as I coughed and stood, nicking my arm from the broken mirror. The wood crumbled to bits, and shards of glass fell around me. The warlock destroyed my makeshift cover, but it had worked. I wouldn’t have gotten as close as I did to him otherwise . Derrick had Nova slung over his shoulder. My ears were still ringing as I bull-rushed him, so I didn’t know what he said to me as he grinned and ported with my mate.

All I felt was an infinite rage as I stumbled into the fire and roared.