Eternal Flame Read online

  The once vibrant woman, who held the guardians together through a war with Drayos, now looked weak and fragile. Visions of his own father shifted through his memories.

  Moisture caught in the corner of his eye as he bent to kiss her hand. “I swear it on my life.”

  Daria turned back to Aidyn. “I love you, son. May the gods have mercy on you.” She grew silent and her eyes slid shut.

  The queen was dead.

  Aidyn kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Mother.” Marcus reached out and gripped Aidyn’s shoulders as the prince wept over his mother’s body.

  “I’m so sorry. I have you, my friend.”

  “Why would Odage do this?”

  He sensed anger building up in the prince. It wouldn’t be long before his fury unleashed itself. “I wish I had the answers, but I will find out. I promise you.” He didn’t understand either. Odage was an ally. This was out of character for the shape shifter or any of the Draki.

  Lightning ripped through the sky and came shattering to the ground. One of the most powerful guardians had just had his heart ripped out, and Marcus was standing in the middle of it.

  “Aidyn, pull yourself together, or you will destroy us both.” He hoped he didn’t anger him further. The prince’s control over the elements would create a danger to everyone in their realm. Hell, if he let Aidyn’s temper continue to grow, it might reach the human realm as well.

  Lightning struck the ground so close electricity sizzled across his skin. Smoke swirled from the crater left behind him. Shit! He pursed his lips and squeezed the prince tighter against his chest.

  “Aidyn, I know how much you’re hurting, but you must regain control.”

  “Marcus, help me. Talk me down from my rage.”

  “You can’t bring her back, but you can avenge her death.”

  “Yes, I will kill Odage. How do we torture a Draki?” Another flash of lightning snapped past his head.

  “I don’t know, perhaps we slit his belly open? In the meantime, think of how guilty you’ll feel should your anger accidentally hurt the ones we protect.” Marcus closed his eyes and let his energy merge with Aidyn’s. While he couldn’t heal a broken heart, he was able to help the king focus and surrounded him with a calming aura.

  Some of the tension left Aidyn’s body. “You’re right. I will fight the urge I have to kill everything in sight. You’re a good and loyal friend.” He stood, lifting the queen’s body in his arms. “We need to take my mother home. I could use your help with the preparations.”

  “I would be honored to assist you.”

  * * * *

  Marcus had helped Aidyn prepare the queen’s soul for departure. He stood next to his friend on the beach and watched her body burn. This was Daria’s favorite place. The beauty of it never ceased to astound him. Waves swirled in various shades of turquoise, and the beach resembled freshly fallen snow, dusted with diamonds. As beautiful as it looked, it also haunted him. Three hundred years ago, they stood in this same spot and cremated their loved ones remains. His mate, his mother and father. Not to mention, his king, as well as thirty warriors and their mates.

  “What are you thinking, my friend?” Aidyn asked.

  “I can’t help but recall the last time we did this.”

  “Yes, we have both suffered many losses in our lives. Today, we suffer another.” He turned to face Marcus. “Make sure you tell your sister how much she means to you.”

  He dropped his gaze to the sand. “I probably don’t do so enough.”

  “She is all you have left of your family. Cherish her, being alone has no merit.”

  He touched Aidyn’s shoulder. “You are never alone, Aidyn. Remember that.”

  Aidyn nodded his head. “Tomorrow, the gods will come.”

  The next day, Aidyn would be crowned king. No doubt Zarek would show up for the coronation, as was his duty. Marcus looked over at his friend. “Are you ready for this?”

  He stared into the distance.” I am left with no choice. My mother was a remarkable woman. I can only hope to lead our people as well as she did.”

  “You certainly have your work cut out for you, but I don’t doubt you’ll do well.”

  * * * *

  Marcus stood straight, hands clasped behind his back and looked around him. The throne room was located in the west wing of Aidyn’s home in Vandeldor. The windows on both sides covered in heavy black damask in a show of mourning.

  The single gold throne glistened in the sunlight that managed to sneak in. Twin onyx statues of a Horus guard stood watch on either side. The statues' headdresses were trimmed in silver and gold, as were the collars around their necks. Each bicep was wrapped in a wide gold band and a long black beak bore one silver stripe, while two gold stripes flared out from the outer edge of each eye.

  Marcus took his position at the front of the room. His men fell in, forming a line on both sides of the room. Attire for this function was the traditional black linen shendyt, an ancient Egyptian kilt that wrapped around the waist. A medallion of the sun, crafted from gold, fastened in front. Feathers of emerald green, trimmed in gold, formed a collar around his neck, and each bicep bore a gold band. He longed for jeans and a T-shirt. Right now, he could only think of his privates and how the boys were not happy at being exposed to a draft.

  The doors swung open, and the prince walked through. He too wore the same manner of dress as them except his eyes were lined in kohl and the bands on his biceps were studded in emeralds. He made his way down the long red carpet until he stopped in front of the throne. He stood for a moment…waiting. Power crackled in the air. Marcus watched as one by one several of the gods and goddesses appeared in order of importance.

  Dusaro, the god of recollection was first since he ranked at the bottom of those in attendance. Then Quadira, the goddess of fire, Ranis, god of darkness, Ediva, goddess of lightning and Argothos, god of vision.

  The last to appear was Zarek, the supreme god. Everyone, including the other gods and goddesses, dropped to one knee. Marcus liked to think that he had forgiven his god, but upon seeing him, realized he still wanted his blood.

  Zarek’s voice echoed across the room. “It is my duty to provide the guardians with a new leader. Aidyn Santiago is the last remaining member of his family.” Zarek placed both hands on Aidyn’s head, surrounding him in a bright, white light. Marcus knew the god transferred power to Aidyn from both of his parents. At their coronation, it was customary for the king or queen to receive their parents’ power. He could only guess how lethal Aidyn would become after this.

  “The deed is done. You will follow your new king in the quest to safeguard the human realm from evil. You will help him keep the peace among the other immortals. Should you waver in your loyalty to him…” Zarek looked around the room. “Then you will accept the punishment of death.” His baritone voice lowered another octave with this final pronouncement.

  Zarek looked down at Aidyn. “Rise, my son.” Aidyn did as commanded then held out his wrist to the god. It was Marcus’s cue to step in beside the king. Zarek extended his fangs and sank them into Aidyn’s wrist. He would drain the king to the brink of death. It would be Aidyn’s sacrifice to the gods. As the king’s second-in-command, Marcus would be first to give of his blood to Aidyn. The rest of the guardians lined up behind him by rank. Each would give his blood until the king regained his strength. Every warrior would then be tied to their leader.

  Chapter Two

  The coronation over, Marcus milled around the room. There were several guardians there he hadn’t seen in person in many years. Communications lately were done via video conference so he could remain on top of the world’s events.

  He stopped to chat with his third commanding officer, Lucan. “What are you hearing among the others?”

  “There is concern about the increase in missing female demons. It seems the slave traders have been busy.”

  He scratched his chin. “Yes. While Baal and I were on a stakeout in Egypt, we saw a hum
an female being escorted by a demon. I wonder if this was an unusual circumstance or if they are kidnapping humans now.”

  Lucan’s eyes shimmered. “I’ll ask around. We cannot allow our wards to be treated this way.”

  “No, we can’t. Let me know what you find.”

  As soon as Lucan slipped away, Zarek slid in next to him.

  “Do not blame yourself for the queen’s death.”

  “What good is it to be a healer if I’m unable to help those I love?” He gazed across the room at Aidyn; he’d let his friend down once again.

  Zarek directed his gaze toward Aidyn. “He does not blame you. He places the blame with us.”

  “As well he should,” he replied through clenched teeth. “Haven’t you done enough damage? You could have aided us. Instead, you left us to perish.” He realized his anger hadn’t abated even after three hundred years. He doubted three hundred more would be enough.

  Zarek placed his hand on Marcus’s arm. Sharp prickles penetrated deep into his bones, and the scent of spiced honey filled his senses. The sensation confused him, but he was pulled from his thoughts when the god spoke. “Someday, you will understand.” Then he vanished.

  “What the hell?”

  Aidyn came up behind him. “What’s the matter?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing.”

  “You know you can’t hold a grudge against him forever.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest, defiance gleamed in his eyes. “Like hell I can’t.”

  Aidyn sighed. “I know you blame the gods for taking everyone we love. I do, as well. However, this will destroy you if you let it.” He slapped him on the back. “Now, let’s get out of these fucking skirts before my balls disappear forever.”

  “Best idea you’ve had all day, and while you’re at it, wash off that damn makeup before someone mistakes you for a female.”

  Aidyn cast him a dirty glance then flashed away. Marcus closed his eyes and pictured his home deep in the forest, on the other side of Vandeldor. His body sucked into a vortex as he flashed to his bedroom.

  He grabbed the jeans off the bed and a clean T-shirt from the drawer. As much as he despised his getup, he took exceptional care folding and returning the clothing to the cedar chest at the foot of the bed. Hopefully, he wouldn’t need the traditional attire again for many years.

  He made his way to the kitchen and popped open the fridge. An array of containers stared back at him. He didn’t think he should open any of them lest he released some kind of toxic waste.

  “Guess I’d better throw those out.” Tomorrow, he thought. He wasn’t hungry anyway, so he grabbed a beer then sat at the kitchen table.

  Since there was time to kill before heading back to the royal estate, he grabbed his Glock. Caressed it with a chamois like a treasured female before he began to dismantle it. Laying each piece on a thick, soft towel. He raised his head when he sensed his sister approaching, she seemed distraught.

  His sister whipped open the door and ran into the room. “Marcus, I need to speak with you.” Stress filled her voice.

  He grabbed a dagger off the table and jumped to his feet “What’s wrong?” He scanned the still open door for intruders. The murder of the queen made him edgy.

  “Zarek, he touched you, didn’t he?”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose. “What the hell, Gwen? You come in here like Hades himself is chasing you, only to inquire if the god touched me?” He rubbed a hand through his hair and tossed the dagger on the table. “What? Did he give me the plague or something?”

  She grabbed him by the arms, her body trembled. “Zarek has blessed you.”

  “You’re not making sense. What do you mean blessed me?”

  She released him and wrung her hands together, took a step back and sucked in a breath.

  “What is it? What are you afraid to tell me?” He leaned toward her, worry furrowed across his forehead. What has the bastard done to me now?

  “I had a vision. She came to me.”

  His brows shot to his hairline. “Who came to you?”

  She chewed her bottom lip. “Your mate, I have seen her.”

  He knocked over a chair when he stormed across the room, his muscles flexed. No. No. No! “You’re mistaken. I have no mate, remember? I killed her!”

  His heart burned at the thought of Eliza. Her laughter rang in his mind as he recalled their walks on the beach. She always loved the waves lapping over her toes. Blood bathed his vision as he walked through the castle. Eliza’s eyes looking at him when he sliced off her head. His mother’s headless body… Why was she doing this to him? He didn’t want to remember.

  “Marcus?”

  “Huh?” She jostled him, and he shook free of the visions.

  “I never meant to hurt you.” Her palm caressed his cheek. “She came to me in a vision right after the ceremony. Zarek has blessed you with another mate.”

  His jaw ratcheted several inches. The gods were giving him another chance. “Who is she? We have so few females left now. I can’t believe I haven’t sensed her presence.” Could she have been living in the human realm all this time? Possibly. There could have been children born that he was unaware of. It certainly would explain why he hadn’t known about her.

  She lowered her gaze. “She is human.”

  “What? What kind of fucked up shit is this? Do the gods despise me so much they would torture me with a human mate?”

  “I don’t understand, I thought you’d be happy with the news. What’s wrong with a human mate?”

  “Well, let’s start with the fact I have to watch my wife grow old and die. Not to mention how the hell I explain what I am. ‘Oh by the way, dear, I’m a vampire. I help a bunch of gods protect humanity from things that go bump in the night.’ Did I mention the growing old and dying part?”

  “Yes, yes, you did.” She kissed his cheek. “I have faith it will work. Perhaps you can turn her into one of us.” Her eyes glowed with excitement. “I will help you find a way to turn her, there must be a way.”

  “Gwen, I’m not sure how to do it, or if it can even be done. Not to mention we have never had human mates before.” He snapped his fingers. “Maybe she’s the daughter of a Chosen one.” The Chosen ones were humans who had helped the guardians for centuries. The duty passed down from generation to generation. In exchange for their loyalty, the guardians made sure they were well taken cared for.

  “Maybe you're right, which would certainly solve one problem.”

  He hugged his sister. He loved her more than his own life, and she meant well. “Go on back to the meeting, I’ll follow shortly.”

  Gwen nodded and flashed from the room. After she left, he balled his fist and slammed it into the wall. He wanted to kill someone. His mate was dead, damn it!

  * * * *

  Marcus flashed back to Aidyn’s home, his mood sour, but he did his best to push it deep into the recesses of his mind. No reason to darken everyone else’s mood with my own.

  Several warriors were already seated at the large oak table while others flashed or walked in. He strolled over and took a seat next to Garin. “What’s up my friend?”

  “I think your sister is about to dish out a can of whoop ass.” Garin inclined his head to the other side of the room.

  He focused his gaze to the powerful warrior who towered over his sister. The man wore a thick braid of golden hair that hung down his back. He recognized Quinlan, an ancient who had lived the last eight hundred years in Ireland.

  “Tis no place fer a woman,” Quinlan said.

  A grin formed on his lips. “Shall we wager who wins this fight?”

  Garin snorted. “I’m afraid that we’d both be betting for the same side. Undoubtedly, your sister will emerge the victor. I’m afraid the poor bastard doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “Looks like the shows about to start.” He pointed to his sister who had produced two daggers. The room grew quiet as many of the men stepped aside to view the growing feud.


  Gwen took a fighter's stance, her legs slightly bent and arms in front of her. “You still want to make comments about a female warrior? I am a guardian, it matters not what my sex is.”

  The male warrior chortled. “It matters a great deal ta me what your sex is. I prefer me women naked and squirming beneath me. Come now, lass, let me show you what you’ve been missing.” He waived his hands up and down over his groin.

  She moved so fast she was barely visible. She tossed a dagger with exceeding accuracy, landing it in the vampire’s abdomen. She then flashed behind him, grabbed his braid and pulled his head back, shoving the other deep into his kidney. Giving him a shove, he landed on the floor with a grunt.

  “I want my daggers back when you’re done with them,” she spat.

  Garin leaned into him. “You teach her that move?”

  He grinned, pride showed on his face. “Yes, and she was an exceptional student.”

  All eyes moved to the clapping that came from the doorway. Everyone dropped to one knee, their heads bowed in honor of their new king.

  “Gwen, are these men bothering you?”

  She threw him a smile. “Nothing I can’t take care of, my lord.”

  He snorted. “Indeed. I think you have also succeeded in scaring the rest of the men into submission.” He walked to the fallen warrior and gave him a shove with his boot. “Quinlan, I suggest you behave, or I’ll consider putting Gwen in charge of your missions.”

  Quinlan coughed. “Yes, my lord. My apologies.”

  Aidyn glanced around. “Please rise.” He waited for everyone to stand before he continued. “I am a warrior, the same as you. I will not hide behind my crown and ask you to fight my battles.” With hands clasped behind his back, he glided across the room, making eye contact with every warrior as he walked past them. Marcus sensed Aidyn’s heightened power, it rolled off him in waves, crashing across the room. There was no doubt that their king had gained an extra boost.

  “The last words the queen spoke were of a descending darkness. I’ve heard from many of you that you’ve seen an increase in demon activity. Mainly the slave rings." He stopped mid-stride, turned to face the table full of warriors. “I’ve also heard that humans are now being spotted among the slave trades. I don’t need to remind you why we are here. Our promise to protect humanity is our main focus, and you will stay your course in this.” His features turned somber. “I plan to avenge my mother’s death. I will hunt and kill Odage and likely start a war with the Draki. I do not ask for your help, but if any of you wish to volunteer in the search for Odage then please step forward.”