Hellbound Warrior: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book Five) (25 page)

Illianna slipped her fingers into Rhys’ hand, enjoying the contact as they tiptoed around the hellhounds. She hadn’t encountered these beasts before now. She had spent the entirety of her hundred-year imprisonment in Lemuel’s tender loving care and he didn’t surround himself with this type of lesser demon. He preferred demons that were sentient and could indulge their lusts in his domain.

She might not be completely free, but she wasn’t in slave chains any longer forced to orchestrate despicable acts for the entertainment of the wicked. They still had a ways to go and there was no guarantee of success, but she walked a little taller and more confident knowing she could make her own choices now.

She stumbled when one of the hounds bit a chunk of flesh from a small shrub. Of course, it wasn’t a bush at all, but a person relegated to this circle to suffer for taking their life. That fact was punctuated when the beast shook its head side to side and blood flew from its jowls. She’d become accustomed to the black blood of the demons and was momentarily shocked when the blood that sprayed her shirt was red, a poignant reminder that it was a human at one time.

It took all of her strength to fight the urge to stop and save this poor soul. She was still reeling over the fact that her powers had returned and she had given individuals a second chance, rescuing them from an eternity of this wretchedness. She couldn’t imagine a worse fate than to have various body parts eaten to provide demons their sustenance over and over again.

The question of how she had been able to save those souls niggled at her. For that matter, she didn’t fully understand why she was able to use her powers in the Underworld at all. God knew she had tried unsuccessfully many times during her enslavement.

The answer was, undoubtedly, in her escape from Lemuel. Whether it was being free of the slave collar or Rhys’ presence, she had no idea. She was leaning toward her connection with Rhys. From the moment she had seen him, she had felt an instant attraction, but it was more than that. There was an undeniable connection. He unlocked something inside her that gave her a new strength.

The landscape of the damned cleared and she picked up her pace, leaving the macabre scene behind them. She took a deep breath of fresher air, keeping her gaze trained ahead of them.

“What is that?” she asked, pointing to the firestorm in the distance. “Why can’t Lucifer stop his torture?” she lamented to no one in particular.

Beside her, Rhys chuckled, saying, “If Lucy ain’t happy, no one’s happy. At least they aren’t being eaten. Believe it or not, that turned even my stomach.” She couldn’t help but laugh at that. It seemed impossible that a demon who fought as ferociously as he did, killing the enemy without compunction would have a weakness of any kind. Yet, despite his teasing tone, she knew he was far more sensitive than most.

“I’m not so sure this hail storm of fire is going to be any better than what we just behind,” Dante said wryly. “Do we have a mask of any kind in these packs? Am I the only one who is surprised Lucifer isn’t throwing a party for the blasphemers? You’d think these would be his favored souls with how much he hates all Gods and Goddesses.”

“Fuck a mask,” Kellen cursed. “What kind of spells did the witches send with us? I’m guessing they threw everything plus the kitchen sink at you guys.”

“I bet you’re right. I’m sure there is something, it’s just too bad I used that barrier spell against my father,” Rhys said, opening the zipper to his pack. They were standing in a semi-circle, taking in the fire that was raining down on a field of blasphemers. The sight tugged at Illianna’s heart like each before. She hated the thought of having to go through without offering anyone help, especially now that she could make a difference. Knowing her efforts could result in her and the others being discovered kept the urges at bay. It was imperative she return to Heaven where she belonged, helping others.

“We need a condom spell, the ultimate protection” Kellen joked as the three of them picked up various bottles, reading the labels.

Illianna shook her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. The cambions constantly made sexual references, but these three weren’t obscene or vulgar like the others she had encountered. They were funny, making the best of their horrible situation as they continued fighting against the odds to complete their mission for their Goddess. Their dedication was admirable.

“What about this?” Dante asked, holding up a bottle of bright green liquid. “It says it repels what attacks. Think that would work?”

“I’m not so sure those fiery flakes qualify as something that attacks,” Illianna pointed out.

“Why not? I’m pretty sure I will feel attacked when those flames ignite my clothes and burn my ass,” Kellen replied, grabbing the bottle from Dante. “I’m willing to try it.”

“It’s worth a shot,” Rhys interjected. “Besides, I don’t have anything in my pack that would remotely work. There are four of us so take a small sip.”

Illianna felt her mouth drop open. “You’re not going to just drink that are you? It could be poisonous.”

Rhys rubbed her shoulder and smiled down at her. “The witches are good friends and close allies who would never harm us. And, more importantly, they need us to succeed. Their lives depend on it, too,” Rhys told her, his faith in these witches clear.

How did a group of cambions, with demon blood, make such loyal friends who provided them with open access to their witchcraft? It was one more example of the good in Rhys and his colleagues, another reminder for Illianna that these demons were nothing like the malicious beings that had imprisoned her.

She watched as Kellen tipped the vial back and took a swallow before handing it to Dante.

“Okay, now walk out into the rain,” Dante instructed, waving his arm in the direction they needed to travel.

“You say that like I’m walking into a spring shower. That shit is deadly. Look what it’s doing to those souls,” Kellen grumbled as he walked into the fray. The small, orange flakes fell around him in a torrent, but immediately separated and veered around his body.

“I could kiss those witches right now,” Dante exclaimed. “Thank the Goddess they’re the high priestesses. Cele would never have helped us and we’d be fucked right now.” Dante took his own sip of the liquid before handing it over to Rhys.

Without hesitation, Rhys took a sip and handed it to her. “Don’t worry, it’s safe. And, mmmm, tastes like apples,” he grinned, licking his lips. She couldn’t stop from leaning in and kissing those full lips. He was so sexy and her body ignited instantly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Tongues tangled and his hands quickly roamed her backside, grabbing her ass and squeezing. God, he made her feel alive.

Pulling away, she smiled, “You’re right, granny smith, I believe.” Accepting the vial, she swallowed the rest of the contents. By the time she handed the bottle back to Rhys, Dante and Kellen had made their way over the desert, past the throng of blasphemers that were being burned and reached the other side of the inner ring.

“Damn, Angel, you set me on fire. These flakes got nothing on your sweet ass. Let’s do this,” he said with a wink and grabbed her hand. Kicking into step beside Rhys, as soon as they were underneath the firestorm, she instantly began coughing from the smoke and smell of burnt flesh. Covering her nose and mouth as best she could, she tried to ignore the putrid odor. “So tell me about these friends of yours back home.”

A few more feet in, victims writhing in agony surrounded her and Rhys. Flames so hot their flesh seared to the bone. Illianna watched as a flake landed on the back of a nearby soul that was hunched over and crying. There was a pop and sizzle, like bacon grease crackling in a pan, frying the soul’s skin. There was nothing but a continuation of suffering and it broke her heart.

Picking up the pace, she had to focus on something else and chose Rhys’ profile as he contemplated her question. He really was a gorgeous specimen with his straight nose and full lips. He was rugged and strong and sex appeal oozed from every pore on his golden skin. Yes, he was a perfect distraction.

“I know you’ve heard us talk about Zander. He’s the Vampire King and leader of the Dark Warriors. He recruited me a little over a hundred years ago when he found me in a bar. At that time, my life consisted of partying and enjoying females, and little else. He told me I needed a calling, something to dedicate my life to,” Rhys began, his tone revealing his affection for the King.

“When he told me he wanted me to kill demons and their minions I agreed without further consideration. It was an easy decision given my relationship with my father. Over time, I understood what he truly meant when he told me I needed a calling. We’re not just a group of warriors that fights and protects the innocent. We’re a family,” he shared.

“Who’s part of this family?” she asked, wanting to hear more about this group of supernaturals who had garnered the love and respect of this cambion.

“Well, there’s Zander and his mate, Elsie, who is pregnant. Zander has two brothers and a sister. Kyran is mated to Mack and Bhric and Breslin are twins. I call them Fire and Ice because of their abilities. I love to irritate all of them and listen to their Scottish accents get thicker,” he chuckled, picking up his pace to a jog. Luckily, she was tall and had long legs and could easily keep up with him.

“Then there is my partner, Gerrick, who just found his Fated Mate. Jace is mated to Elsie’s sister, Cailyn. And then there is Orlando and Santiago, rounding us out to make up the core group at Zeum.

“What’s Zeum?” she huffed, slightly winded.

“It’s the house where we all live. That’s what Breslin named the compound, after her favorite carousel in San Francisco.”

“You all live in the same house? How does that work? I love my brothers but I would be smothered if they lived with me,” she admitted, wondering what it would be like to live harmoniously with so many others.

“According to Mack, it’s a fuckin’ hotel, not a house, but yeah, we live together. Supernaturals aren’t made to live apart like other species. Besides, we need to be close together to fight effectively. It makes planning and strategizing easier.”

“And their mates live there, too?” What would it be like to live at his side with his friends? She couldn’t fathom such a life, but had to admit it didn’t sound all that repellant to her.

Rhys led her out of the storm and stopped beside Dante and Kellen. “We wouldn’t have it any other way. Elsie and the other mates have made the place a home. I can’t even describe the changes in the males who have mated. I realize now that no one can really understand until they experience it for themselves,” he replied, gazing straight through to her soul.

She understood the implications of what he was saying. He’d told her many times that she was his Fated Mate. It was hard to deny the deep-seated belief she saw in his kaleidoscopic eyes.

“Rhys…” she murmured, her voice trailing away when the atmosphere suddenly grew warm, like a summer afternoon.

The three of them formed a triangle with their backs to her, caging her in. She peered through their bodies, trying to see what was going on. The sky brightened as the sun appeared for several blinding seconds, forcing her to shield her eyes with her arm.

When the light dimmed, she rapidly blinked her eyes, clearing the black dots certain she was having a hallucination. No, it couldn’t be! She screamed, pushing her way between Rhys and Dante to the male standing twenty feet away.

“Rath!” she cried out. “I never thought I’d see you again.” The large angel held his arms open and she immediately ran into his embrace, ignoring the protests behind her.

Rath held her with one arm and called a sword of Light to his free hand. “Not one step closer. You will not keep her any longer,” Rath vowed, lifting the weapon that could destroy Rhys’ soul.

Unaware of the danger Rath posed, Rhys continued without stopping. “Unhand my mate, right now!” Rhys demanded, his hands going behind his back to the weapons Illianna knew were hidden there.

Rath narrowed his silver eyes, glaring daggers at Rhys. “She is not your mate, cambion. You cannot force an angel to mate with you. It has to be of free will and Illianna would never choose a demon as her mate,” he declared.

This was going to turn ugly fast. Placing a hand on Rath’s chest, Illianna didn’t miss the way Rhys growled and snarled. Not wanting to upset Rhys further, she lowered her hand, but kept her gaze trained on Rath.

“It’s not like that, Rath. These men rescued me from my true captor. They aren’t the ones who kidnapped me and held me here all these years. In fact, they have done nothing but protect me time and time again, even saved my life,” she told her friend.

Rath reared back in shock, his beautiful silver wings fluttering with his irritation. Rath was a couple inches taller than Rhys, but not as broad through the shoulders. His silver hair was cropped close to his head and she used to think him one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. Now, standing next to Rhys, he paled in comparison. Rhys with his raw, masculine beauty was so much more.

“Impossible,” Rath denied. “They only freed you to keep you for themselves.”

“Look at me, Rath. They have no chains or collars on me and aren’t keeping me here. I would be helpless without them. I don’t even have my wings,” she pointed out.

Rath turned her around gently and ran his hand over her back. His touch didn’t garner the same reaction that Rhys’ mere presence did. She felt Rhys bristle as he walked up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Sandwiched between a demon at her front and the angel at her back, she couldn’t help but see how this reflected the choice she would have to make.

Return to heaven or make a life with Rhys on earth.

“We have failed you, Illianna. Your brothers will have the blood of every demon who has caused you harm,” Rath intoned, ignoring the way Rhys snarled at him.

She had to fight the tears that clogged her eyes at the mention of her brothers. She missed them so much and wanted to see them again. “How did you find me?” she asked, unable to keep her voice from warbling with emotion.