Marked by Hades (27 page)

Darkness tugged further. Harder. She was drowning.

So much exposed skin, yet Pario was covered in leather.

Protected from the only thing that could end him. Grunts and clashing metal bombarded her ears.
Justin
. His grunts stood out to her the most. She felt his pain. It melded with hers. Every strike. Every cut. Every bite.
Justin.

“Cooperate, and I will allow them to live,” Pario whispered.

Lucifer was here, but did Pario know it? It didn’t seem that he did, but how could he not feel his demon father? Then again, she remembered Pario saying Lucifer’s connection with his demons was somewhat muted on earth.

“Call them off. Now.” Yvonne rested her hands out to the side and tried to turn to see her Mate. She’d buy them some time.

Pario peeled his hand off her throat, and his weight lifted, but he kept a hand on her shoulder. “Get up. We’ve got work to do.”

Pushing through the agony raking through muscles and bones, she stood. His breath brushed along her bare shoulder. She spun around to grab his face, but a cold, immovable hand cuffed her wrist.

“Not yet, child.” Lucifer growled.

Pario flickered into sight, his eyes bugging as Lucifer had his other hand collared around Pario’s neck.

“M-m-master,” he stuttered. “I—”

“Silence.” Lucifer’s voice boomed so loud it nearly shattered Yvonne’s eardrums. He tightened his hold on her wrist. Interesting, he was wearing leather gloves now. So that was where he’d disappeared to. Had to ditch the sword he’d gotten and cover up.

The demons battling Theo, Sadie, and Justin stopped, eyes fixed on their master. Then they fell to their knees.

Theo and Sadie plunged their blades into the two in front of them and said the vanquish.

“Baby demons are such idiots. Though I very much enjoy their worship, they forget—” He shook his head. “Pario.” He clicked his tongue. “Pario.”

“Master. I can explain. I was—”

“Don’t. I see and hear the lies coming to your mind already.” He yanked Pario close until their noses nearly met. Lucifer held him over a foot off the ground as easily as if Pario weighed no more than a sack of flour.

Yvonne worked to see Justin. He stood there, bloody, hands on his knees, breathing heavy. But he was alive. The three Shomrei moved toward her in unison now that the demons were down.

“I suggest thinking before you go any farther.” Lucifer’s grip on her tightened.

Pario groaned.

“Such potential with you, Pario. Great planning. Great use of resources.” Lucifer glanced at the bracelet Pario wore.

He looked to Yvonne and back to the bracelet, as if considering letting her down to get it. The sense of desire swam through his eyes. Wait a minute, he needed that bracelet? And he’d taken the Sword of Terentia, too.

So, if he didn’t have a mate to make him weak, why did he need the Artifacts? Maybe—they hurt him directly. What better place to have the weapons that could end him than close to him, within his control. Or maybe the fire of Hades could destroy them.

Lucifer turned his focus to Pario. “You could have been right with me when I made my return…” He shook his head. “But you chose the wrong path.”

“No. I—”

“You lost all the Artifacts you had to the Shomrei!” Lucifer yelled. “Plotted to overtake me.” He laughed. “As if you, an insignificant child of mine, could ever do so.”

Pario looked at Yvonne. His dark eyes filled with fear. Hatred. And then he moved, lifting his wrist in her direction.

What?

“Where I have failed, others will not,” he said.

Before Yvonne could think of it, she reached out and snatched the bracelet off Pario’s wrist. Once she held the treasure, she grated her nails along his flesh.

In the next breath, Pario was dust.

“No!” Lucifer yelled.

Yvonne threw the bracelet in Justin’s direction and clawed to reach Lucifer’s face. Obviously, she could hurt him since he’d returned with gloves on and leather-coated arms and legs.

He backhanded her, and her shoulder collided with a tree, and then he was on her, gloved hand over her throat.

“I was going to keep you, use you to my advantage, but I see now, you will never cooperate.”

Cooperate? He was right on that, she never would, but why would he need her? Lucifer was the most powerful demon in existence.

The ground shook, and Lucifer shifted his weight. His eyes squeezed shut, and his nostrils flared. “No! You can’t interfere.”

“I can. And I will.” A new voice entered the playing field. Strong, solid.

Yvonne gasped for breath and looked to her side.

A man with a glowing aura and long brown hair stood off to the side.

Lucifer’s grip around her neck tightened, the pressure increasing, yet it wasn’t intolerable. It was more like he
couldn’t
crush it, despite his strength.

Lucifer grunted and tossed her to the side. With a growl, he turned, facing the newcomer.

“Gabriel,” Theo said.

“Where are your brothers in arms, little archangel?” Lucifer chuckled, eyes darting side to side. Yvonne saw the fear. The rage.

Gabriel just smiled. A glowing white sword appeared in his hand, and he held it at the ready. “Go back underground, Luci.”

Lucifer growled again, and his own sword appeared. The black aura around him pulsed, covering the length of the sword as well.

Gabriel chuckled and pulled out another sword from behind him. The one that Lucifer had made disappear before.

Lucifer roared.

“You know you are not meant to have this.” Gabriel tossed it to Theo. “We’ll let our chosen watch over that.”

Justin stepped forward, but Theo held him back. Gabriel and Lucifer, swords pointed, circled each other. Energy pulsed from them, ramming into Yvonne’s senses. She backed away, searching for Justin’s eyes.

A sliver of black appeared beside Theo, and he, Justin, and Sadie stepped into it.

A few seconds later a breeze tickling the skin at Yvonne’s back sent her whirling. Justin was the first through the splice, his arms open and reaching for her.

She happily fell into his warm embrace. Theo peeled off a layer of clothing and handed it to Justin. “Use this to cover her up.” Theo stepped in front of the three, watching Lucifer and Gabriel face off.

“What’s happening?” Yvonne asked as Justin helped thread the T-shirt over her shoulders. “That’s Gabriel, the archangel?”

“Yes,” he said. “Are you okay? Did—did Pario—”

“No. I’m fine.” She hugged him. “Pario’s dust.”

Justin held up the bracelet. “Nicely done,
szép
.”

“Slowly back away,” Theo said.

Justin nodded. “We don’t need to be anywhere nearby if those two start battling things out.”

“Where’d all the demons go?”

“We dusted quite a few, but with Lucifer near, and now Gabriel, they’re hiding.” Theo’s voice was even, as if talking to a wild animal.

At this point, Yvonne didn’t care. She was alive, Justin was alive, and Pario was dead. Not to mention, they had the Sword of Terentia and the Bracelet of Aoratos. That was four of the seven Artifacts.

“Where will we go since the compound was compromised?” she asked into Justin’s chest. She couldn’t stop shivering, both from cold and the fatigue. So much had happened.

The ground shook. Rumbles shifted the trees around them. Branches cracked. A roar, sounding like Lucifer’s, trembled through the air, and a rush of wind engulfed them.

“Theo. It might be time to—”

A percussion of air filled with sparks stormed through the trees toward them.

Theo opened another splice. Justin held on to Yvonne and leaped into it. The cold darkness beat at her tired body, but in the next breath, she and Justin lay on their side on a cold concrete floor.

“Here?” Justin asked. “Really, Theo?”

“Hey. I had to think fast. Our compound is compromised. We needed a surefire place.” Theo pulled Sadie to her feet. “Deal with it.”

Damn. They were at Halena’s. But if Halena stabbed Yvonne again, she’d dust her. It didn’t matter if she was a Gatekeeper, she was sick of getting stabbed, beaten, cut…

She checked her surroundings. More concrete. The far wall was filled with computer screens, pictures scrolling on a few, text and video on the others. But no Halena.

“She’s not here.” Theo’s eyebrow quirked. “And she’s not answering me.”

“Come on,
szép
. Let’s get you warmed up.” Justin kept his arm around her and guided her to the steps.

“Stay alert. If they breached our compound, they may be able to breach all of them.” Theo and Sadie followed behind. “Though I think they’ll lie low a bit considering Lucifer and Gabriel are duking it out.”

“Let’s hope.” Yvonne whispered. She needed a freaking break.

And a bath.

Chapter Forty-Six

“You did it,
szép
.” Justin whispered into his Mate’s ear. “You killed him.”

She hummed her response, evidently too tired to verbally answer. He clung to her cold body as he leaned over the tub, testing the water temperature.

“Almost ready. Sit up.” She’d expended so much energy fighting to stay alive and then killing Pario. Pride pulsed through his chest, along with the need to be with his Mate. To energize her. Take care of her.

She offered him a lazy smile as she leaned back. “So…cold.”

“Lift your arms. Come on. I’ll get you warm.” She did, and he peeled Theo’s shirt off her body. She’d so bravely shucked her clothes to expose more of her lethal skin.

Lucifer wouldn’t touch her, though. She was a weapon that could harm him, and that meant he couldn’t allow her to live. Or be out from under his control.

Maybe that was why Gabriel showed up. Maybe it was time for Lucifer’s reign to end. Justin could handle heaven on earth as long as he was with Yvonne, but what about all the humans who would be impacted by that?

He made haste removing the last of her clothing, then scooped her up and settled her into the warmth. Her eyes shot wide and a shiver rattled through her body, but she quickly settled and clutched his shoulder. “You, too.”

He had every intention of joining her. Just needed her to warm up a little first. “Be right in.”

She nodded and sank into the water. He admired her beautiful body as he went to work on his clothes. Her head rested on the edge of the tub, and her eyes were closed. Long, matted black hair lay across her chest. He grabbed the shampoo, conditioner, and soap from the shower, then eased into the bath behind her.

Gently massaging her scalp, he lathered up her hair, then tilted her head to rinse it free.

“Mmm. Feels nice.” She smiled, the color flooding back to her cheeks.

He soaped up his hands and massaged her neck, washing the grime away and kissing a trail along the clean flesh.

Once his Mate was clean, he rested back, hugging her close, and her breathing fell into a steady rhythm.

Justin opened his senses and found everything quiet so he settled in, tucking his Mate closer to him. Such a strong female and valuable, too, for Gabriel to intercede on the little Shomrei’s behalf.

Thoughts strolled through his mind until the water began to chill. He scooped his Mate into his arms, and once she was out of the tub and on her feet, he wrapped a big towel around her.

“That was perfect,” she said, her eyes closed as he rubbed her dry. “I’m just lazy now.”

“I love doing this.” He kissed her cheek. “Let me tuck you into bed.”

She buried her face in his neck and leaned into him. Gathering her into his arms, he strode to the bed. He crawled in beside her and tucked them into a cocoon of blankets. Heat radiated from her, and she burrowed closer to him.

“Make love to me,” she whispered.

“You should rest.” Though he said that, his body sure responded to her command.

“I want to feel you inside me.” She pulled him in for a scorching kiss. Her hand traced over his shoulder, down the side of him, and landed on his butt. She edged him closer as she worked magic with her tongue.

There was no denying his Mate.

He lifted her leg and hitched it on his hip. She sucked his neck, humming her approval. He angled her just right, and then they were one.

Connected. In every way possible.

She moaned into his ear and drew in his lobe. “I love you.”

Still worried about her PTSD, he slowed down. His desire for her was pushing him onward, but was she ready? So much had—

“More,” she whispered, tightening around him as she pulled him impossibly closer.

Never breaking their connection, he rolled her beneath him.

She let out a long, contented sigh that matched his. Then she brought her other leg up and around him.

That shift shattered his restraint, and he dove fully into his Mate.

For several hours.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Justin.
Theo’s voice in Justin’s head yanked him out of a deep sleep. He glanced down at Yvonne sleeping in his arms.

What’s wrong, brother?

Come to the living room…we have a visitor.

Justin’s heart rate picked up.

No. It’s safe. Bring Yvonne.

He gently woke up his Mate and reveled in her sea-green eyes. She offered a lazy yawn, then smiled. “Ready for more?”

He planted a thorough kiss on her sweet lips, then pulled away. “We’re being summoned to the living room.”

Her dark eyebrow rose.

“Come on.”

Within ten minutes, Yvonne and Justin walked into the living room, hand in hand.

Gabriel’s massive form filled the expansive room. Yvonne froze and her grip tightened.

“It’s okay.” Gabriel smiled. “You are safe in this place.”

Justin edged toward Theo, who was perched with Sadie on the couch. “What’s going on?”

“Lucifer is back where he belongs.” Gabriel crossed his arms over his massive chest, his biceps rippling. “You have done well.” He pinned his focus on Yvonne. “Very well.”

“I can hurt Lucifer, can’t I?”

Gabriel bowed his head slightly.

“And the Artifacts. They aren’t for his mate because he doesn’t have one. They can hurt him.”

“You have deciphered much, young one.” He smiled, and Justin’s heart swelled.

“How do you know all this?” Justin asked.

“Lucifer wouldn’t let me touch him, and he laughed at Pario’s plan to overthrow him by harming his mate. Said he’d never have a mate to make him weak.” She sat on his lap and leaned on the arm of the couch adjacent to Theo and Sadie.

“But why the ruse?” Theo asked. “All the demons think they can do it.”

“It keeps them motivated. With no hope, there is no action,” Gabriel said. “His demons wouldn’t gather souls to get stronger, therefore making Lucifer stronger, if they didn’t have a reason to. Blind worship will only get you so far. Lucifer is the king of lies, so be wary of his claims. He can get into people’s minds and create, destroy, and motivate to get what he needs.”

“And he needs the Artifacts, because they can harm him whether he has a mate or not,” Theo said.

“Yes. He created seven items that kill heavenly beings.” He pointed to a bag beside him. “I retrieved the ones you had at your compound, Theophilus. That place is no longer safe.”

“Shouldn’t you take them…to heaven or something?” Yvonne asked.

“Doesn’t work that way. We can only interfere so much. Like when Lucifer made those Angel Killers. We were able to even out the field by blessing and creating some that would banish demons to eternal fire.”

“Creating?” Justin asked. “So these Artifacts aren’t the ones that Lucifer made and you blessed?”

“Yes. They are. There are seven Artifacts: The Sword of Terentia, Ring of Episteme, Thata, Bracelet of Aoratos, Necklace of Desmios, and the Gem of Desmios.”

“That’s only six,” Sadie said. “And we only have four.”

“Actually, you have five.” Gabriel eyed Justin. “You hold in your arms the fifth. We created her to even things out.”

Justin’s grip on Yvonne tightened.

“As a human, you were an empath who was meant to project the evil you encounter back seventy-seven times, and vaporize a demon with a mere touch.”

“I could do that as a human?”

“You hadn’t come into your full powers before your soul was stolen, tricked into bondage.” Gabriel smiled. “It’s that empathy, that compassion and love for humans, that led to your choice to sacrifice yourself for your family.”

Yvonne gasped. “I ruined things.”

“No. You can never ruin the grand plan.” Gabriel nodded. “All things turned out as they should. You are a formidable weapon, immortal and mated to a strong family of Shomrei.” His gaze turned serious. “Though one of your own teeters a fine line.”

“Halena,” Theo said.

Gabriel dipped his head.

Speaking of her, Justin had just noticed she wasn’t here.

“Is she okay?” Theo asked.

“Physically, yes. She must walk down a road to bring her to her destiny. You would do well by her to stay here. This is a sanctuary, unbreachable.”

“And my home?” Theo asked. “How was that breached?”

“Lucifer cracked through the angelic binding. That has been reversed, and he’s been put back in his hole where he belongs. But that location has been compromised. Those loyal to us will begin rebuilding in the remote mountains of Colorado for you. There have been some spikes of evil in that area that merit your presence.” Gabriel pointed to the bag. “Secure that as you did at your compound.”

“And Zander?” Yvonne asked. “What of him?”

Gabriel flashed a bright smile. “I have no doubt you’ll meet up with him again. We have special plans for that unique character. Gather your resources, rest, fortify for a spell.” He glanced in Sadie’s direction. “Nurture that youngling.” And with that said, he vanished in a flash of bright white light.

“Amazing,” Sadie said, rubbing her belly. “It was like he jumped at Gabriel’s presence.”

“I wonder what he’s got in store for your little one,” Yvonne said. “What’d he mean about Halena and Zander, do you think?”

“If I tried to figure out every cryptic message I got from The Great One or his angels, my mind would be broken.” Theo stood and turned a circle. “We must reach out to the other Gatekeepers, let them know what’s happened.”

“And keep an eye on Halena,” Yvonne said.

Justin tunneled his hand beneath her hair and massaged the nape of her neck. Yvonne knew too much about being alone and emotionally damaged. More than Justin wanted to admit. But she was on the mend, and he’d help her through it. Share the burden.

But if Halena didn’t have a Mate, who would help her bear the pain?

Yvonne patted his chest. “She’ll be fine.”

His little empath. So sensitive, yet so strong. Maybe what she had to endure would help Halena survive whatever her path would lead her to.

“Come on,
szép
.” Justin stood, taking his Mate with him. “The archangel said to rest and fortify.”

Yvonne pressed a kiss to his neck, right where his Ahavah was, and it pulsed to life. “Lead the way, Mate.”