Taken By Desire: Demonic Desires Book 1 Page 17

  “An even a better reason for you to one day become its queen. Your wit and beauty will charm them all.”

  “You’re back.” Aimee set the book aside and jumped up and straight into Greydon’s arms.

  He laughed. “I cannot stay away from you for long. Do you find our temporary home acceptable?”

  “It’s beautiful and even better now that you’re here.” She pulled him in for a kiss.

  “I had no luck today.” Sadness darkened his eyes and it tore at her. She wanted nothing more than for him to find a clue.

  She stroked his cheek. “You’ll find them, and then you’ll bring your home back to life.”

  He kissed her fingers. “Any luck figuring out how to use the scepter to kill Zolar?”

  When Aimee had discovered that the queen would use the scepter to kill Zolar, she had no idea that job would fall to her. “Not yet, but if it’s in the book I’ll figure it out. Have you heard from Fang?”

  “I did, and he thinks he may have located Bethany. He didn’t tell me any more than that.”

  “She has to be okay. I can’t even begin to think about life without her.”

  Greydon pulled her closer and rubbed her back. “My gut tells me everything will be fine. Fang will find her and soon you and Bethany will be getting into all kinds of trouble.”

  “I can’t wait.” She buried her head into his chest and allowed the safety and comfort he offered to encompass her. Life had taken a strange turn, and the road ahead was bound to be rocky, but with her strong demon by her side she could take on anything.

  Fang stretched out his wings as he looked down on the destruction he’d left in his wake. Blood flowed like a river over the rocks, and body parts were strewn across the landscape. A Concosa’s head lay at his feet. Its eyes still stared at him in disbelief.

  “Stupid fucker.” What made them think they could take his woman and not feel his wrath? He’d tracked Bethany night and day since her disappearance from Oshivana. For the last week, he’d thought he’d been so close to finding her. Zolar had left enough clues to send him on a chase straight into a dead-end. When he’d come across a small army of the god’s warriors, he’d slain them all.

  “Damn. Did you do all this?”

  Fang looked over at his king who had appeared beside him. “Of course. Wouldn’t you have done the same if they had taken Aimee?”

  Greydon’s eyes darkened. “I will never hesitate to kill any who intend her harm. I guess I’ve never seen such destruction from a Daldara. Remind me to never piss you off.”

  “When we choose our mate, nothing stands in our way. I guess it would be safe to say I have chosen,” Fang stated.

  “I guess it would be. Bethany is a lovely girl, and you know I will do anything to help you find her.”

  Fang kicked the Concosa’s head out of his sight. “I appreciate that, but you have a duty. You and Zander need to find your brother and the others. Speaking of—does Zander have any leads from that shithead Garret?”

  Greydon curled his lip. “None so far, but we both believe he will slip up soon. The humans involved can’t lay low forever. Zolar may have the scepter, but he still can’t get into the city without the right DNA code. I don’t think he’s there yet.”

  “We cannot become complacent. Something tells me he will find a way.” Fang scratched the stubble on his chin. He hadn’t showered in a week, not that he really cared. “Our queen will discover the secret of the scepter. Aimee is a bright woman.” He glanced over at his leader. “You made a wise choice. The people will love her.”

  “How the hell am I supposed to allow my wife to battle with a god? The very thought sets my teeth on edge,” Greydon growled.

  “What sets your teeth on edge?”

  They both turned to stare at Aimee.

  “What’s wrong?” Greydon questioned. He looked over the woman that he loved more than the air he breathed. He had taken every precaution to make sure she was safe, but he still couldn’t stop the fear that spread through him.

  She wrinkled her nose. “What happened here?”

  Greydon was at her side in a flash, with his arm around her waist, and ushered her away from the carnage. “That would be Fang in a bad mood. Now, why have you come to me?”

  She flashed him a nervous glance. “Well, I have good news and bad. So the good news is, I misread the book. The scepter is not what I’m supposed to use to kill Zolar.”

  “That is good news. Then he doesn’t have the only means available to us to end his life?” Fang had sidled up next to them.

  “No. The bad news, however, is that we need to go back to Atlantis. I need Uuna’s ring.” Aimee smoothed the wrinkles from her tee. “Any luck finding Bethany, Fang?”

  “Wait, no changing the subject. What ring? Are you telling me that a ring is supposed to stop Zolar?” Greydon could feel his blood pressure rise at the thought of her going back to Oshivana. The damn city was submerged and had nearly taken her life once. He was starting to feel it was cursed.

  “The ring is supposed to be on her.”

  He looked over at Fang. “I never saw any ring, did you?”

  “No, but I would be happy to go look. I know you don’t wish the queen to enter the city again,” Fang replied.

  Aimee took a step back and glared at both of them. “First, stop calling me your queen. I’m not. Second, I need to procure the ring myself. It’s not the ring alone that will kill Zolar. Seems it’s one of many artifacts that Uuna has spread around that need to be collected. The ring is mentioned in the book. It is meant only for the king’s wife. I’m not sure why.”

  “I don’t like this one bit,” Greydon growled.

  “Look, I didn’t make the rules, but we need the ring.” She turned to her guardian. “Fang, I need you to keep looking for Bethany. Greydon and I can go to the city and grab the ring.”

  Fang tipped his head and vanished before Greydon could stop him. “Damn it, Aimee. Are you sure this is the right thing to do?”

  She stepped into him. Her soft curves teased him as she palmed his cheek. “I’m positive it’s on her. I don’t think it will take us long to find it.”

  He couldn’t tell her no. She was desperate to help and had it not been for her, they wouldn’t even be this far. He didn’t have the time to search the documents. He put his arms around her. “Then we shall go. Hang on.”

  He opened a portal and sent them directly to where Uuna slept. Everything looked different in the dim light that filtered into the tower. The bank of windows he liked to stand at and look out were now covered with steel shutters.

  The city groaned, and he prayed whatever magic had sent her to sleep held and kept them both safe.

  “I don’t see a ring.” He swore Aimee rolled her eyes at him as she dropped to her knees at Uuna’s feet and dipped her head to look under the bowl.

  “Bingo. It was hidden by the bowl.” She looked back at him and chewed her lip. “I’m afraid to touch her. It just seems wrong.”

  “If you say the ring was meant for you, then I don’t see as you have a choice.”

  She nodded and reached for the bowl. Greydon stood behind her with his hand on her shoulder for support. She removed the dish with relative ease and there on Uuna’s ring finger was a silver band.

  “That almost looks to be her wedding ring,” he commented.

  She reached out her fingers and with a hesitant touch placed them in the goddess’ palm. “She’s warm. I don’t know why I expected her to be cold.”

  “I don’t want to rush you, but please hurry,” he urged.

  She grasped the ring, slid it off Uuna’s finger then replaced the bowl. She shoved the ring in her jean pocket. “Okay, let’s go before we do more damage by being here.”

  Greydon did not need to be told twice. He grabbed his mate and left his home and goddess behind, taking them back to the underground hideaway.

  “Why did you bring us here?”

  “I want to make sure that ring is safe.” He e
yed her pocket and nodded.

  “Good thinking.” She reached in and pulled the band out then placed it on her middle finger. They both held their breath.

  “Do you feel anything?”

  She blinked. “Don’t think…oh wait.”

  Greydon stepped closer ready to do––he had no idea. “Baby?” He’d never felt more helpless when suddenly a portal opened beside them. He grabbed Aimee and shoved her behind him.

  She peered around his shoulder. “Did I do that?”

  “It wasn’t me. What were you thinking of when you slipped the ring on?”

  “I don’t know really. Crap, I can’t remember!” She dug her nails into his ribs.

  “You stay here. I’ll see where it leads.” He tried to pry her loose from his side.

  “No way. You’re not leaving me here.” She let go of him and marched right into the portal.

  “Son of a bitch, woman!” He jumped in behind her.

  Chapter 23

  Aimee could hear Greydon swearing behind her. It wasn’t her intention to make him mad, but she was not about to stand around and debate whether she would be left behind.

  “Damn it woman, I swear to…” Greydon stopped beside her, and they both stared at the woman who stood in front of them.

  “It can’t be, can it?” she whispered.

  The woman smiled. “You’ve found the ring.”

  Aimee glanced down at her hand and the silver that encircled her finger. Greydon dropped to his knees.

  “Uuna. How is it that you’re here?” he asked.

  Aimee suddenly realized she was still standing. With a gasp, she too dropped down beside her mate. “I’m so sorry. I forgot my manners.” God, I hope she doesn’t decide to fry me. She glanced up to admire the beautiful woman. Uuna looked exactly like she did back in Atlantis, but how could she be in two places at once?

  “My soul is stuck here, while my body is in Oshivana.” She touched Aimee on the head. “Or as you know it Aimee, Atlantis. It was the only way to keep my husband from his evil intentions.” She whirled around, her skirts rustling as she walked away. “Zolar thought me stupid, but I was in love not ignorant.”

  Aimee glanced around. They were in a brightly lit room that had no windows. It was as if the sun somehow still entered without them. Uuna wore the exact same clothing she had in Atlantis. The throne she occupied was a spitting image. She had a million questions and desperate to ask them.

  The goddess smiled at Aimee. “I have the answers you seek.” She then looked to Greydon. “The Oracles were right about you. You will bring our world back to life—but not yet. The two of you have a lot of work to do.”

  “We are at your service, my lady. Just tell us what we need to do,” Greydon said.

  “In a moment.” Uuna tipped her head. “First, a little history lesson is in order. When I sent the men of the royal army out to procreate with the humans, it was for this day. I needed the queen to carry my people’s DNA.”

  Aimee wanted to ask why, but was certain the answer would be forthcoming.

  “The queen needs to be able to handle the magic that will be given to her in order to kill Zolar. Seven artifacts were assembled, and my magic implanted in each. The first is the ring you wear that will open a portal to me or Oshivana.”

  Aimee rubbed the back of the silver band with her thumb.

  “I then scattered these artifacts around the world. I wish I could tell you where they went or even what they are, but I’m afraid I can no longer remember.” She smoothed her dress. A look of sadness came over her that made Aimee want to leap up, run to the woman and pull her into an embrace.

  “Once that was accomplished, I hid the city. The place you know as the Bermuda Triangle is where your home lies. I’m not proud of the lives that have been lost in protecting her, but I would do it again.” Fire lit in her eyes, and she once again looked like a woman not to be trifled with. “After that, I was sent here. It is where I have spent my time. Except when men come to the Pits, I never have any contact with others.”

  A tear escaped and rolled down Aimee’s cheek while resolve coursed through her. She wanted desperately to free this woman from her prison.

  “Once you have all of the artifacts and my power, you will kill Zolar. Only when he is dead, queen Aimee, will you return here with each artifact and restore my power to me.”

  “I’m confused, my lady. The Oracles said I was to free you. Yet it’s my wife who does this?”

  The goddess leaned forward. “But you are responsible for freeing me. You chose Aimee as your wife, which set events in motion.” She leaned back and waved her hand through the air. “The elders were fools to install laws prohibiting demon and human relationships. Had I been able to reach them, I would have struck them down for leaving me here to rot.”

  “I’ll free you, but how do I find these artifacts?”

  “Ah, I left clues for you in the city.”

  “But Atlantis is under water, and I refuse to risk my wife for anyone.” Greydon arched a brow. “Including you, my lady.”

  “Greydon!” Aimee’s heart raced for fear the goddess would strike him down.

  Uuna held up her hand. “Do not fear my dear, Aimee. Your husband’s loyalty to you, over his own goddess, proves how much he loves you. It does my heart good to see, but you do not have to fear Oshivana. Once she opened, it wasn’t the lack of magic that sent her to the ocean’s depths. It was just another precaution to protect her. It will take Zolar a little more time to find her again, but heed my words. He will.”

  She closed her eyes. “I grow tired now. Do not come back to me until you have gathered all the pieces.” She flicked her wrist and darkness closed in around them.

  Greydon and Aimee had been zapped back to the house where he currently tried to wear a path in the wood floor. “I don’t like the thought of you warring with Zolar.” He glanced over at his mate who stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him.

  “I get the fact that you’re worried, but you knew when I deciphered the book that the queen would kill the god.”

  He stopped in front of her and pulled her into an embrace. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

  She looked up at him. “Nothing said that you couldn’t be by my side when it happened.”

  He grunted. She tried to comfort him, but he would have none of it. “I fully intend to be, as will my entire army. You are forbidden to engage him until such time that I have my people back.” He could feel her take a deep breath and knew he was pushing the limits. He stroked her hair. “It’s only because I love you and can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you.”

  She tipped her head back and looked up at him. “I know, and I love you too.”

  He claimed her mouth and she parted her lips, allowing him access. Her scent intoxicated him and his erection became painful against his jeans. When he broke off, they were both out of breath.

  “I also need you to promise you will not go to Atlantis without an escort. Either Fang, Zander or myself must be with you.”

  “You called it Atlantis. I don’t think you’ve ever done that,” Aimee said.

  “I figured it’s the name you know, and I’m trying to acclimate to your world. I think we’ll be here for awhile.”

  A sad look crossed her face. “We need to get her out of there.”

  “We will but we have to be smart about it. There is a lot at stake. One step at a time, okay?”

  “Of course you’re right, and we will find Orien and the others too.”

  He couldn’t help but smile. In a matter of seconds, his life had gone from carefree to shattered when he’d lost everyone dear to him. Now he was on the mend and for the first time in a long while, he felt he would succeed—thanks to the woman in his arms. He scooped her off her feet and headed down the hall. He planned to spend the next several hours showing her just how much she meant to him.

  About the Author

  Award winning and best selling author Valerie Twombly
grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

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  Other titles by this author:

  Eternal Flame (Guardians #1)

  Fatal Desire (Guardians #2)

  Primal Hunger (Guardians #3)

  Divine Passion (Guardians #3.5)

  Amazon Heat (Demon Heat #1)

  Emerald Fire (Demon Heat#2)

  Taken By Desire (Demonic Desires #1)

  Spanish Nights, A Jinn’s Seduction

  Fall Into Darkness (Eternally Mated #1)