A Surrender Of Hope, page 33
“Jesus,” Pup groans, hands falling to her hips as she watches the two of us with an annoyed sigh. Jesthren stands and nods in our direction as he steps to Father’s side.
“Ten on Raz,” he bets, always looking to place money on a fight. Father frowns, eyes moving to where I lie under Creed, and shakes his head.
“Nope.”
“Get the hell off each other! There’s been enough fighting today,” Meyer hisses, crouching beside us and shoving at Creed’s shoulder.
“Ten on her,” Father adds, making Jesthren roar with laughter. Nox tightens his arms on Mom, not letting her go as Creed pouts.
“This is just brother bonding time, Lemon Drop,” he complains but moves, standing and offering me his hand that I take and let him tug me to my feet. Heat flushes my cheeks as I grab my hood and bring it over my head, allowing the shadows to calm me as Meyer watches me. Her attention makes me want to murder something, all while soothing something in me, I didn't know could be soothed. My Beast is practically purring as she walks over, brushes some dirt off my cloak, then reaches down and grabs something off the floor. My eyes widen when I see her Kalis has fallen out of its sheath when I tackled Creed and tense as she holds it in front of her, eyes narrowing on the expertly crafted blade before slowly handing it back to me.
I frown in confusion, eyes bouncing from the blade I took as my own, to her and back before I reach out and grab it. It’s still warm where her fingers were wrapped around the handle, and I suppress the need to hold onto it for as long as possible before sheathing it at my side.
“I will be getting that back,” she promises with a tiny growl that sounds far too adorable coming from her lips. “But I’ll earn it,” she adds, standing in front of me with not a speck of fear. Her challenge is clear as I nod, a flicker of excitement and heat coursing through me at her words. Then she’s gone, moving over to Nox and letting him tug her into his arms, kissing the top of her head as she snuggles into his embrace.
The door to the side of the dais leading directly to the Royal quarters opens, revealing Valen as he strides into the room. His eyes immediately move to where Meyer stands in Nox’s embrace, and I watch his shoulders relax simply from being in the same room as she is. I scowl back at Meyer, hating how I feel the same way, wondering how the hell something so small and annoying holds so much power over us all.
“And?” Father asks, walking back up the stairs and lounging in his seat with a heavy sigh. His Demonic form melts away, leaving him in the fighting leathers he wore into battle.
“The spells were still intact. Nothing was broken until the Wraiths came through, meaning they were brought into the Caverns and waited for us to leave before they broke into the castle.” Valen announces, making me stiffen and look at Father, knowing this isn’t good.
“Who else has access to the Caverns?” Mom asks, walking up the stairs and sitting on Fath’s lap as she frowns at Valen.
“Only us and about six of the higher-ranking Lords,” Father whispers.
“Bryton?” she asks, and Father shakes his head.
“No, I never trusted him enough to allow him access. It’s someone from our inner circle,” he growls, bringing his fist down on his armrest with a loud curse. “You need to leave,” he finally says, looking at Nox, and he nods in agreement. “We need that tomb back before whoever this is, gets their hands on it.”
“Do you have the other half?” Valen asks, and Father nods, looking to Jesthren, who sits down on the steps by Father’s feet, tugging off all the weapons he has strapped to his chest.
“I hid it under the Caverns, which is why the breach is so disturbing. If whoever did this found it there, it would have been lost to us.”
“And what do we do when we have both halves?” Creed asks, sitting next to Jes and helping him tug off the holster that’s stuck on his shoulder, so encrusted in dried blood that Creed has to yank hard to remove it.
“We destroy it,” Father whispers, making me frown.
“There’s no way to do that,” I remind him, and he nods.
“There is. And we will, but I need both halves here. Inanis’ soul and body were split in two to avoid him coming back. I wasn't strong enough to destroy him back then, and Verack had been mortally wounded. There is a chance now that Nox is old enough to help me.”
“We’ll leave at nightfall. I don’t want anyone to see us go just in case whoever is doing this follows,” Nox mutters, and I nod in agreement.
“Tell the courts Creed and Nox have taken their leave of absence and that Valen and I stand guard so they don't know we’ve left the realm,” I add, making Valen frown and look to Creed.
“Why Creed?” he asks, his magic whipping out from him and wrapping around Meyer, his eyes widening in realization before anyone can answer.
“Oh really!” Mom gushes, standing up and hugging Creed. Creed winks at Meyer, who blushes a little in Nox’s arms. Valen looks to Nox with a raised brow.
“You good?” he asks, and Nox sighs, looking from Creed back to Valen with a half shrug.
“I felt it the moment it happened,” he admits and Meyer looks up at him with wide eyes. “Surprisingly, it's you and Raz I’m having the issue with now. Creed's presence is like an extension of her. He’s not adding to the stress.”
“Once Creed bonded her, he is no longer a threat and a full Legion mate. You will find the same thing happens with your brothers,” Mom whispers, squeezing Creed so hard in her excitement that it looks like his eyes might pop from his skull. Nox’s shoulders sag almost in relief, and I frown, wondering how much he’s been hiding from me. I’ve seen the stress and frustration on his face whenever Valen and Creed have touched my Pup, but his control has been remarkable. I thought for sure we would have a few injuries by this point.
“This is a good idea. Jesthren, maybe you can take over some of Nox’s roles again, just to help the Lords not be so suspicious,” Father suggests, but he shakes his head.
“No, I want to go with them,” he says, shocking me. Jesthren hates leaving the Demonic realm, and he loathes humans. Father frowns at Jesthren’s words and leans back in his chair, brow arching as he studies his oldest son.
“Why? You are needed here, with me,” he adds.
“I want to see this through. I actually enjoyed myself there, and I feel like my presence can be helpful. Creed and Nox are newly mated. And I’ll be surprised if Valen’s not by the end of the week; they will be distracted by no fault of their own and will need someone to watch their backs. If this plan is to succeed and we are to destroy Inanis, I feel like we need to give it everything we have, and that includes me,” he says simply.
Nox frowns, looking at Jesthren, his magic winding around our brother, and I know he’s seeking out a lie. After a moment, Nox slowly nods, looking slightly confused but agreeable to Jesthren's suggestions.
“As long as you understand you are not in charge, I think you might be right,” he admits and winces. “My control is shit, and if Meyer is in danger, I know it will become worse.” Nox looks to Meyer, raising a brow as if to ask what she thinks.
“Ditto,” Creed adds, moving closer and lacing his fingers through Meyer’s. He brings her hand to his lips and kisses her tiny fingers as she smiles at Jesthren.
“I think it’s a good idea. If he hadn't helped me with Inanis, I don't think I would be here,” she whispers, making Father shoot Mom a look I don't understand.
“Very well,” he mutters and stands looking at me. “Get everything ready. I want this done before the castle returns to normal capacity. It will be easier to sneak you lot out while everyone is still seeking shelter from the battle.” I nod and turn to leave, not missing the way my Pup watches my every move or how having her full attention wakes something inside me that I don’t think she’s ready for. Not that it matters; the Pup is mine, and there is nothing she can say or do to stop that now.
THIRTY-THREE
Meyer
We move to follow Razar from the Throne Room, but Nox pauses as Orcus places his hand on his son's shoulder. “Why did you spare Bryton?” he asks, voice low so Vivian doesn't hear him. Nox sighs and pinches his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He has shifted back to his normal form, losing the wings and tail, and still has an arm wrapped protectively around my shoulders.
“I didn’t want to,” Nox admits, and Orcus nods.
“I know. So why did you?” Nox looks over his Dad’s shoulder to where his Mom stands talking with Jesthren, then shrugs.
“It would have hurt Mom, plus Bryton is not wrong. Almost half the Lords support him and his radical views. If I had killed him without an active duel in which everyone attended, it would have caused a bigger headache for us all. Besides, I don't have time to deal with him right now, and I really don't want Mom to hate me. So maybe if I have some time to figure shit out, I can think of something that satisfies my need for revenge and doesn't upset Mom.”
Orcus smirks and clasps Nox on the shoulder again in a weird hug.
“First off, your mother will never hate you, and second, you made the right choice. I’m proud of you,” he adds, making Nox blink at him in surprise.
“Come on, Razar is going to leave without us if we don't hurry,” Creed interrupts, tugging me from Nox. His hand links with mine as he pulls me toward the door where Valen and Razar wait. I can hear Nox follow behind as Razar grunts in approval and leads us out of the room, only to pull up short just outside the door where a young woman stands, holding a baby to her chest.
“I—I heard you were home,” she whispers, her voice hoarse with emotion, as she takes the smallest step toward us.
“Mara!” Valen gasps, practically running to her and pulling the beautiful, tired-looking redhead into a fierce hug. I watch in confusion as Nox frowns, stepping around me and walking over to her, rubbing the girl's back as he leans down and looks at the tiny baby—a sad smile tugging at his lips as he stares down at the pink-wrapped infant sleeping in her mother's arms.
“Shit,” Creed rasps, letting go of my hand and walking over, pulling both her and Valen into his arms, careful not to squeeze too tight since the baby is still nestled there.
“I’m glad you are alright,” I hear the girl whisper as she looks up at Valen, who nods but stays silent otherwise. The moment seems tense, like a heavy cloud hanging over them all, and I shift awkwardly on my feet. It feels like I’m intruding on a special moment, yet I don't want to leave the guys’ side, either. I look over at Razar, the only one of the guys who hasn’t rushed to this girl's side, and try to figure out what's going on. He looks frozen where he stands watching his brothers and the girl, his hand slightly outstretched but unmoving.
Who is this girl, and whose baby is that? I thought it would be impossible to see another woman in their arms. Hell, just the thought of it makes a wave of anger like no other burn in my belly, but for some reason, all I feel when I see her and the guys is a deep sadness.
After a moment, she steps back, her eyes moving to Razar and a choked sob breaks from her lips as he slowly holds his arms up. I watch in complete shock as the girl runs, flinging herself into his arms, careful of the baby as she starts to sob into his chest.
“Tell me it’s a lie,” she begs, and I watch as Razar’s throat bobs with emotion, and he shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, Mara. I’m so sorry,” he rasps, arms tightening around her as her crying escalates.
“He wouldn't do this. He would never…” She breaks off with a gasping cry, and I can’t stop my tears as I watch the girl completely break in Razar’s arms.
“Who is that?” I ask as Creed slowly walks back to me, his arms banding across my waist and tucking me to his chest.
“Arch’s mate, Mara. They’ve been together since they were teenagers,” he whispers, making my heart plummet as I realize the situation. “He died before their baby was born, or I guess he left before the birth,” he corrects.
“I know. I’m going to figure this out,” Razar promises, his hands fluttering awkwardly around Mara like he wants to comfort her but doesn't know how. I lean into Creed, Nox and Valen moving to my side, the first standing behind us and the latter holding my hand and kissing my hair. After a few moments, Mara’s crying turns to sniffles as she pulls back a little, the baby shifting in her arms, and for the first time since I’ve seen her, she smiles, rocking the babe in her arms, then looks up at Razar who stares at the infant with wide eyes. He slowly reaches down, letting a long finger dust over the tiny nose on the perfect chubby face, and Mara’s smile turns to a grin.
“Do you want to hold her?” she asks, and Razar immediately shakes his head but keeps stroking the baby's cheek.
“I don't want to hurt her,” he admits, then steps back, frowning at his hands. Nox scoffs and strides forward.
“You wouldn't hurt her,” he scolds, eyeing Raz as he holds his enormous hands out to Mara. “May I?” he asks, a twinkle in his eye as Mara places the baby in Nox’s arms. “She's… so tiny,” he admits, cradling the little girl close and studying her like she’s the most fascinating creature he’s ever seen. “Are you sure she’s healthy? Maybe we should go to the med wing,” he rasps, looking at Mara with concerned eyes. She laughs softly and shakes her head.
“No, she’s perfect. I went into labor early, so she was small, but the doctor is happy with her growth so far. Your father stepped in and supplied her with a magical boost when she was born, saving her life,” Mara admits.
Creed tugs me to follow, eyes locked on the baby and a smile on his face. “What's her name?” he asks as Valen releases my shoulders and moves to Nox’s side, chuckling when the baby opens her bright green eyes and blinks at them.
“Morya,” she whispers, leaning to her left to peer around Creed, her eyes falling on me with a puzzled frown. “Um?” she starts to say as Nox and Valen start arguing. Valen wants a turn to hold Morya, but Nox is unwilling to release her just yet.
“Ah, yes! Mara, this is Lemon Drop. She’s my mate!” Creed chirps happily, grinning down at me as Mara’s eyes lighten a little.
“Our Mate,” Nox grumbles, glaring at Creed.
“Really? Creed, that’s so exciting! Hello,” she greets, nodding at me, and I give her a warm smile in return. Mara stands several inches taller than me. Her frame is willowy, yet she still somehow appears strong despite the dark circles under her green eyes.
“Hi,” I offer, looking from her to her baby. “Your baby is beautiful,” I add, laughing a little when I see Nox scowling at Valen, who now holds Morya in his arms. He rocks her back and forth, bouncing on his heels, and I think my ovaries burst just watching him.
“Thank you. I think so,” she agrees, then her smile fades as she looks over our shoulders at the Throne Room. “Shit, what about Helena? She’s not here, is she?” Mara steps closer to her baby like she’s worried about whoever this Helena is as Creed stiffens at my side.
“Who is Helena?” I groan, looking at Creed and hoping it won't be another Victoria. Creed winces and shrugs.
“So we all had betrothed,” he starts, and I curse, kicking the ground at the very idea of them. “But don’t worry! Mom’s already broken the contracts. They were created the moment we came into the family. There is no relationship between anyone. Our contracts weren't as locked in as Nox’s was since we aren’t the Crown Prince. It’s fine, I promise,” he stresses, eyes full of sincerity before he looks at Mara. “And no. She’s not here. You don't need to worry.” Mara relaxes at his words and looks back to Razar, who watches us all from the shadowed corner he’s backed himself into.
“How long are you here for? Mother said you would be leaving soon, and I was worried I wouldn't see you,” she admits, looking back to Nox and Valen and grinning when she sees them gushing over her baby. “It’s why I came down here.”
“We leave tonight,” Creed admits, looking to Nox and Valen and rolling his eyes as he lets me go and walks over. “Knock it off, you two. It’s my turn!”
“We leave now. If we want to get out of the castle and hopefully through the kingdom without being seen,” Razar corrects, stepping closer and making Mara’s shoulders slump, but she nods. “I’ll send word the moment I have information on Arch,” he rasps, and Mara’s eyes fill with tears again. I panic and look to Creed, finding him holding Morya. Shit.
“Valen,” I whisper, then nod at Mara, making my dream man's smile fall as he instantly walks back over and hugs Mara.
“Hey, don't cry, Sis,” he soothes, looking at Razar with sympathy in his eyes.
“Oh! Mara, love,” Vivian whispers, appearing at the door and rushing to her daughter-in-law's side. “You are still supposed to be on bed rest, dear. I was just coming up to bring you dinner and help you with Morya.”
“I wanted to see the guys before they left,” she admits, and Viv nods.
“I know. And they will be back soon,” Viv whispers, looking at Razar with a firm expression and smiling when he nods in agreement.
“We need to go,” Nox mutters frustration as guards walk past, the sounds in the castle growing as people come out of their rooms now that the drums have stopped.
“Jes went to the stables and is getting all your Nuckelavee saddled. He wants to know if you want your own, dear,” Viv says, and I instantly shake my head. Like hell will I be getting on one of those monster horses by myself!
“Meyer will ride with me,” Nox murmurs, then nods at Razar, who looks at Mara once more. A conflicted look of pain twists his features before he turns and disappears into the shadows.
“Keep him safe, please. I know he was attached to Arch as much as Arch was to him. He’s not okay,” Mara whispers, looking up at Nox, who nods in agreement.
