Burning Dawn

  His skin crawled, and his mind screamed--Elin, have to protect Elin. He attempted to drape his body across hers, but couldn't move an inch. His muscles were like iron, his skin like stone.

  Just when he thought he could take no more, that he would surely go insane, the darkness lifted. He blinked to focus. The first thing he noticed: the demons were dead. All of them. Motionless, mutilated bodies covered the blood-splattered floor.

  What had just happened?

  He was panting, he realized. And sweating. Blood leaked from his eyes and ears.

  If he was this bad... "Elin!" He snapped his wings behind his back, and there she was, just as he'd left her. She had no new injuries, and she was still conscious.

  His relief was so fervent he could taste it.

  "Oh, baby," she said, sitting up to wipe the blood from his face, showing no reaction to it, the carnage of the past few hours having been so much worse. "Are you okay? I tried to talk to you, tried to move, but couldn't. It was awful."

  He loved when she called him "baby." "I'm..." He couldn't lie. He wasn't well, wasn't even sure how he was still upright.

  "That was her," Bjorn said, racing over. "The queen. My...wife." He cringed as the last word left him. "She tried to take out one of my most trusted allies, to make me helpless against her. You received a mere taste of her darkness."

  What Bjorn experienced was worse?

  "If that was your wife," Elin said, with a shudder, "I don't think marriage counseling is going to help."

  Bjorn cracked the barest hint of a smile.

  Thane's eyesight dimmed, and the room spun.

  Crouched as he was, his weight became too much. He tried to tilt to his side and succeeded, but tilted too much. He fell, a sharp pain shooting through his side when he landed.

  "Thane," Elin said. She sounded concerned, but far away.

  Want her near.

  He reached for her but ended up thumping Bjorn on the chest. "Elin."

  "I'm here, baby. I'm here. Let Bjorn help you, okay?"

  His arm flopped to the floor. Strong hands cupped his shoulder and pushed him to his back. His lips were pried open.

  "Here," a female voice he recognized said. "The other half of the bottle, for a hundred more heads." Cool water dribbled down his throat. The pains sharpened further, agonizing him as the healing properties in the Water mended torn muscle and flesh.

  "--you promise?" Elin was saying, what seemed an eternity later. "If you're wrong and he doesn't recover, I'll find a way to go fire-creeper and burn you alive."

  She worried for him and obviously cared for him, if she was threatening lives. Could she even...love him?

  He'd never wanted the emotion from a lover. The very thought of it had repulsed him. But he wanted hers, he realized. More than he'd ever wanted anything. If she loved him, she would never leave him.

  "Yes. He will live," Xerxes said.

  Xerxes had survived the attack, too. Thank the Most High.

  Thane blinked, trying to focus.

  "See? He's coming around now," Bjorn said.

  "Thane," she croaked. She loomed over him. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

  He met her gaze and noticed the tears wetting her lashes. As he reached up to brush them away, she leaned down to kiss him.

  Though he wanted to stay where he was and savor this moment, he sat up. His boys stood in the hallway, watching him. Jamilla--the voice he'd recognized--was gone. Pulling Elin against him, he said, "We have to move everyone out of the club. It's not safe for them here.... If we have any survivors?" His chest clenched at the thought of losing any of his employees.

  They were his people.

  He guarded what was his.

  "Adrian was just here," Xerxes said, his expression grim. "The other Sent Ones arrived just before Bjorn's shadow woman. They're all fine. Ricker, Kendra's husband, must have hidden in the club when Ardeo came in, because he broke into the dungeon and escaped with her and the king."

  "Oh, Thane," Elin said. "Your revenge..."

  "I don't care about that," he said, and meant it.

  Xerxes held up his hand, a request for quiet. "There's something you both need to know. Chanel... She didn't make it."

  "What!" Elin gasped out, trying to stand. "No. Not Chanel. She's strong. She'll pull through."

  "No. Not this time." Xerxes shook his head. "The creatures devoured... They took... No."

  Thane tightened his hold on Elin. At first, she fought him. Then a sob left her and she sagged against him. Tears stung his eyes as she clung to him, pouring out her misery. The other girls must be overcome with sorrow, as well. The five had been as tight a unit as he, Xerxes and Bjorn.

  "I'm sorry, kulta."

  "I didn't even get to say goodbye."

  "I know," he said softly. "I know."

  One way or another, the prince would pay for this.

  *

  ELIN CRIED SO MUCH and so hard her eyes swelled and her tear ducts clogged. Her nose stuffed up, and her throat burned, the tissues raw. She wanted to comfort her friends, but everyone had been split up. Something about making it more difficult for the prince to get a lock. Whatever. She didn't care.

  Xerxes took Bellorie and McCadden. Bjorn took Octavia. Adrian took Savy.

  Thane flew Elin to a home he kept on a deserted island. A true paradise, with palm trees, lush foliage and a white-sand beach. It was surely the Most High's most beautiful handiwork. Crystal clear water lapped at the shore and frothed. The scent of coconut and orchids drifted on a gentle breeze. Birds soared overhead, the sun glowing bright orange and pink on the horizon.

  She spent the first day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she sobbed. Thane spent the day sending mental orders to Axel and Elandra, helping to map out strategies for the Lords of the Underworld, as well as to other Sent Ones in a bid to find the prince. At least, that was what she thought she heard him say in the few moments she was calm.

  Elin spent the second day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she sniffled. Thane spent it communicating with Zacharel, explaining what was going on, the reports that had come in, and gaining permission for every move he planned to make. Later, he told her that he would never again risk getting into trouble and losing his wings. His homes.

  His woman.

  Elin spent the third day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she watched the world continue on, as if nothing had happened. As if it hadn't lost a precious gift. Thane watched her, silent.

  On the fourth day, Thane sat beside her, waiting for her to speak.

  "There's so much death in the world," she finally said.

  "Yes. You've seen much in your short years. And the longer you live, the more you'll see."

  And one day, if they stayed together, he would see hers. Or, in an ironic twist of fate, would she, the half human, see his? The thought shattered her. "Does it ever get easier?"

  "I wish, but...no. No, it doesn't."

  Brutal honesty. As always. A trait she loved, even when it hurt.

  Still, her chin trembled as she fought the urge to scream. To scream and never stop. To rant and rail. To curse. This wasn't fair. Chanel was--had been--a good person. A great person. Sweet, charming. Fun.

  "Who killed her?" Elin croaked. "The demons or the Phoenix or the shadows?"

  "The demons. Bellorie was with her and saw it happen."

  Poor Bellorie. She would have to live with the horrific images of her friend's murder for the rest of her long life. And maybe she'd have to live with a dash of survivor's guilt, too. Elin knew what that was like.

  I want to hug her. I need to cry with her.

  "I know we haven't talked about the future," she said. "I know I've told you again and again that I'm going back to the human world."

  He tensed.

  "But I'm not. I'm staying with you. Now and always. I want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again." The violence... Well, she could obviously handle it now. She'd fought demons. She'd attacke
d Orson and survived. She'd watched his body be consumed without blinking. "And," she added, "I want you. To be with you. Totally and completely." He'd won her trust, and she refused to dish pretenses. Life could be cut short at any moment. Why live without her heart's desire?

  He breathed a sigh of relief. "I didn't want you to go. I...never worked on your ID," he admitted. "Elin, I'm sorry, but I wanted you with me, and put no effort into the task."

  Tricky Sent One. "I should be mad. Later, when things have calmed down, I'll probably punish you."

  "And I will accept it as my due." He nudged her with his shoulder. "Perhaps I shouldn't admit this, but if it's anything like the last punishment, I'll enjoy it."

  "You might be the first male in this world or any other to say that--and mean it. But I'm glad you do." Chest aching, she leaned against him. "What happens now?"

  He sighed. "Now, we recover." His expression darkened before he said, "Then we go to war."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  THANE KEPT ELIN on the island for a week. His home sat right on the beach, with glass walls peering into the sunrise. There was very little furniture, but what was there was luxurious. His favorite piece was the massive bed with the wispy canopy falling over the sides. When the material was parted, there was a direct ocean view.

  All Sent Ones kept multiple homes all over the world, because they never knew where they would be stationed. He even had an underground residence, a place he used to fly the lovers he knew he would be particularly rough with, so nobody could hear their screams.

  Time to sell it. That part of his life was over.

  He'd kept in contact with his boys and knew everyone was safe. Mourning Chanel's passing, but safe. He'd pampered Elin in every way he knew how to. He'd made love to her. Gently. Hard. Looong. Quick. He'd stayed in her bed all night and tried to remain awake, unwilling to risk a nightmare, but she had caught on and seduced him into a coma of pleasure. Nary a nightmare to be had.

  He'd fed her by hand. He'd tried to tempt her to swim with him, but she'd claimed to have an ironclad deal with the sharks. She stayed out of the water, and they didn't bite her.

  Today, he thought, I make Elin smile.

  He missed her smiles. And he could help her with her guilt.

  As sunlight streamed into the room, he scooped her from the bed. She was warm, soft and naked.

  "Hey," she said groggily, blinking rapidly. She had spent more time sleeping than anything else, and it was time to force her to play.

  He shouldered his way past the glass doors. Sand squished between his toes as he walked. Balmy air caressed his bare skin.

  "Hey, someone is going to see us," she said, fully awake now. "Take me in, before I pop a serious cap in your arse."

  He loved the way her accent thickened with her emotions. "We're the only two people on the island. No one will see us." He continued his march toward the water.

  "I don't care. Whatever you're planning, I'm out." She began to squirm against his grip. "Let me go. Right this second, Thane Downfall!"

  "Oh, I'll let you go. Don't worry." Cool water lapped at his feet.

  "Thane! Remember my deal with the sharks!"

  "They wouldn't dare sue you for breach of contract. Not while I'm around." When the water reached the middle of his thighs, he gave her a quick squeeze and kissed her temple. "I would never do anything to hurt you. You know that, yes?"

  She relaxed against him. "Yes. Of course."

  "Good." He gave her a wicked grin--and tossed her in.

  She screamed and flailed. On impact, water splashed. She sank like a stone. Then, a few seconds later, she came up sputtering. "You wretch!"

  Adorable female. Wet hair clung to her face and neck. Droplets slithered down her cheeks.

  "Payback is going to hurt, Mr. Never Getting Laid Again," she gritted, swimming toward him. "That's your new last name, by the way."

  He dived underwater and to the left before she could get a handle on him. But she followed him, and when he came up for air she was behind him, her hands on his shoulders, shoving him back down.

  As he broke the surface a second time, he latched on to her wrists and yanked her around until her breasts were smashed against his chest. She exhaled sharply. And so did he, the beauty of her striking him as forcefully as a fist. The sun paid her nothing but tribute, turning her skin a lovely gold, showing hints of red in her dark hair.

  A grin lifted the corners of her lips...only to fall a second later.

  "Chanel is in your heart," he said. "Just like Bay. Moving on doesn't mean you love them any less, or that you didn't love them enough, and it isn't something that should plague you with guilt. Be stronger than your emotions, kulta. Don't let them define you."

  She frowned. "Love is an emotion. There's nothing stronger."

  "Love is more than an emotion. It's a choice. Feeling love is one thing. Showing love is quite another."

  "And in this case, the way to show love is...what?"

  "Give. Always give, I'm learning. Time. Patience. Mercy. In this case, give Bay and Chanel what they would have wanted for you. Happiness."

  Her lashes fused together for several seconds, but when she opened them, her expression sparkled in a way he hadn't seen all week. Pretty color stained her cheeks, and he almost shouted with relief.

  "You're right," she said on a wispy catch of breath.

  "I believe we've had this conversation before. I'm always right."

  She rolled her eyes. "Correction. You're always right...when you agree with me."

  His lips twitched at the corners as he pulled her closer. She wrapped her legs around his waist, putting their bodies in the perfect position for penetration. Desire hardened his shaft.

  Leaning down, lips hovering just over his, she whispered, "Are you getting naughty ideas, Mr. Probably Getting Laid Again?"

  "Many."

  "Well, then...too bad." She pushed away from him, severing contact.

  He opened his mouth to protest...until he saw her smile. He'd done it. He'd made her smile, just as he'd hoped. And it was far more beautiful than he remembered, nearly unmanning him.

  "If you want me," she said, her voice low and husky, "you're going to have to pay the ginormous toll."

  "Charging fees now?"

  "Absolutely. You've met me, right? I likes me some money."

  He waved his hand with regal authority. "I'm listening. You may continue."

  She swam a circle around him, as though marking her territory...or she was a predator who'd just spotted the tastiest of prey. "Tell me about the Sent Ones," she said. "I know so little about your kind."

  "Your price is information?" he asked, incredulous.

  "Exactly."

  He feigned disappointment, even as he rejoiced. The more she wanted to know, the more she cared. "You know about angels, I'm sure. Well, Sent Ones and angels are very much alike."

  "And you can both fall?"

  "Yes. Though, when a Sent One falls, he loses his immortality. When an angel falls, he becomes the epitome of evil."

  "Like the demons we fought?"

  "No. Demons were living in your world long before humans. Long before dinosaurs, even. The fallen angels came much later. And I doubt you've ever encountered one before. Many are now chained deep in the earth's core."

  Clearly intrigued, she said, "So the demons... They consider the world their home turf?"

  "Yes. And humans their toys."

  "And you Sent Ones are supposed to...what?"

  "Police them. Hunt them. Kill them."

  "And the angels..."

  "Do the same, but they are servants of the Most High, meant to assist us."

  "That's cool. If cool is the new word for white-hot."

  "Why, Ms. Vale," he said, and tsked. He was the one to circle her this time. "Does power excite you?"

  "Maybe a little," she admitted, pinching two of her fingers together. "What other differences are there?"

  "While angels are created beings, Se
nt Ones are born."

  "So you have parents?"

  "I had parents."

  "You mean..."

  He nodded. "My mother was killed by demons, and afterward, my father wasted away."

  A tinge of sadness returned to her eyes. "I'm sorry. How old were you when this happened?"

  "Six."

  "Just a baby. What happened to you?"

  "I had already been sent to train as a warrior. My life wasn't disrupted at all." Not in the physical sense. He'd hardly known his parents, but still he'd mourned their loss. "My life didn't change until a hundred years ago, when I was locked in a demon prison."

  "Xerxes said you've won all battles but one." She said this hesitantly, as if she expected him to shy away from the topic. "Was he referring to your time in the dungeon?"

  She was his woman. He would share everything with her, even his past. And he would trust her to like him--please, love me--anyway. He fingered the ring of scars at his neck. "No. Even though we were tortured, I consider the experience a win, as we eventually killed our captors. What he refers to is a battle I lost...against myself. Bjorn, Xerxes and I had just escaped imprisonment, and I wanted to feel something physical. I...slit my own throat. Xerxes and Bjorn used the Water of Life to heal me. I was angry, so I slit my throat a second time. They were out of Water, and had to doctor me back to health. Every day of my recovery, I saw anguish in their eyes and it affected me. They'd suffered enough. I asked the Most High to leave the scars around my neck as a reminder that I wasn't alone, that others relied on me, and He granted my request."

  "Oh, Thane."

  He continued. If he stopped, he might never start again. "The dungeon changed us."

  "How did you end up there?"

  "I was captured when I was sent on a mission. They chained me in a cell and later brought in Bjorn and Xerxes. Things were done to them...horrible things they survived only because they are immortal. But me...me the demons left alone, and I never understood why until much later."

  "Why?" she asked softly.

  "They were feeding off my guilt, fury and hopelessness."

  Her eyes widened. "Though you try to hide it, you feel more deeply than the average person. That explains so much."

  He dunked under the water for a moment, cooling his face. "I was forced to watch, desperate to help the males but unable. I wanted so badly to hurt the demons and, barring that, wanted so badly for the demons to hurt me in their stead."