Revolution (The Revelation Series Book 4) (14 page)

There is a long, awkward silence that lingers between us as Keegan absorbs everything I’ve said. A frown forms on his mouth as he allows the consequences of the truth to sink in. When it finally does, he rubs his hands over his face in a frustrated manner then stands and walks to the window. My heart rate spikes at the act because it reminds me of Asher’s mannerisms.

The heavy rain pelting against the glass pane is the only sound filling the study. Keegan’s expression turns to one of inner turmoil. He brings his left arm up and leans it above his head on the glass. A few moments later, his forehead falls heavily on his forearm.

“That name is blood, Eve,” he strains. “My family.”

I swallow the guilt I’m harboring and force my watery eyes to stop stinging at the sight of the broken gargoyle. After a long, drawn out silence, I finally muster the courage to speak.

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s why I can’t tell Asher until I know for sure,” I whisper.

“Why you?” he asks, more to himself than me. “What would she gain from telling you?”

I inhale. “I think Morgana knew my knowledge of this would prevent any future I would have with Asher and this clan.”
Fucking Morgana. Even dead, she’s making my life hell.

Keegan’s shoulders fall in defeat. “How very strategic of her,” he replies in a cool tone.

A deadening coldness seeps into me. I can only imagine how difficult this is for Keegan to come to terms with. My mind drifts to Asher. How the hell will I be able to look at his crushed face, the way I’m looking at Keegan’s, knowing I caused the pain?

Several long moments pass before he drags his attention back to me. Taking a step closer, he studies my face. The color in his has drained, leaving him unnaturally pale.

“I’m so sorry, Keegan,” I whisper in a pained tone. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling.”

“In order to protect Asher, and the rest of this family, you need to tell me everything,” he demands without emotion and a blank expression.

My chest squeezes at the lack of feeling in his voice. I nod, and begin to ramble, starting with Gage’s theory about Camilla and ending with my recent astral projection visit to Paris.

When I’m done, Keegan looks like he’s about to be sick before schooling his features.

“Thank you for coming to me with this,” he barely chokes out.

“What are you going to do?” I ask on a quiet murmur.

“Honestly, I don’t know. If this is true, I’m forced to decide whom to protect. As uncomfortable as this is for both of us, I suggest we continue to keep this quiet, for now. Let’s keep the clan focused on war preparations.” He pauses and inhales before continuing. “I’ll look into things on my end through my connections.”

“What about Gage?” I ask worriedly.

Keegan’s eyes harden and his stance is rigid. “He won’t be an issue, you have my word.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll reach out to Michael to see where his investigation is at this point,” Keegan says. “Hopefully, the archangel will disprove the allegation and then this goes no further.”

“And if he doesn’t?” I push with caution.

“If he doesn’t, Eve, the war outside won’t be the only one this family will be battling.”

Taking in a steady breath, I stand to leave. I’m suddenly overcome with the overwhelming need to comfort Keegan. Without thought, I dive at him and pull him into an awkward hug. Keegan’s spine goes straight, but after a few seconds, his arms uncomfortably encircle me.

“Thank you for your help,” I murmur and release him.

His expression goes serious. “You must really love Ash, to come to me like this.”

“A wise gargoyle once told me that sometimes, it takes only one person to believe in us. Support us. Stand by us. No matter what, to set us on our chosen path and fulfill what we were born to do,” I repeat Keegan’s words back to him. “I won’t let him fall. I love him.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Eve, because by the grace, if this is true, he’s going to need you more than ever. We all are.” He exhales roughly. “In the same vein, are you prepared for the fall out when they discover you’ve known about this the entire time?” Keegan questions.

“Are you?”

“Either way, I lose someone that I love very much.”

“You’re the one who told me this wasn’t a fairytale, Keegan. It’s real life. I’m beginning to comprehend that everything worth having comes with a sacrifice, even love,” I say firmly.

Keegan cracks a small smile. “You’re starting to sound just like Asher.”

“Must be the bond,” I quip and move toward the door.

“Eve, before you go, I need to say something. If you ever stab my brother in the heart again, I will rip yours out with my bare hands. Mated or not,” he threatens.

I catch his eyes with my own. “Understood.”

“Eve?”

I face Keegan one more time.

“Coming to me with this information shows great loyalty to this clan. I’m honored to have you be part of, and protect, my family.” He dips his head in respect. “Zhen pri, tu-tim.”

My lips tremble and part but nothing comes out. To have earned Keegan’s reverence and a place in his family has rendered me speechless. After a few moments of rapid blinking to keep my tears at bay, I find my voice.

“Family first,” I repeat his Garish words before retreating.

14
Beauty in
Darkness

I STAND LIKE A STATUE IN THE DARK ROOM. Studying the supernatural being sitting in a corner chair. His silhouette is black, obscured in the shadows. A soft sigh parts from my lips at the sight of him and I feel myself slipping deeper into all that is Asher St. Michael.

The bond tethering us creates awareness in him, of my presence. Asher doesn’t move. Instead, he gives me a dark look, full of shadows and deep daunting thoughts. Each one marks him, taking him to that place that makes him dangerous in a way I’m drawn to.

I make my way to him, taking my time. The intensity billows between us. Wordlessly, I climb onto his lap, positioning my legs around the outside of his thighs as I settle into his body. With care, Asher brushes some of the stray pieces of hair off my face. Holding my cheeks in his palms, his thumbs brush across my cheekbones.

With each touch, I become more and more his.

“I know you’re hiding something from me, siren,” he whispers the statement.

I don’t answer. It’s true. He knows it. I know it. What he doesn’t know are the lengths I’ll go in order to take care of him, protect him.

“I love you,” I say quietly. “You’ve shown me there is beauty in darkness.”

He tilts his head to the side, watching me. For a tense moment, we just stare at each other without speaking. My body begins to hum with excitement and heat. The feverish flames within me begin to climb my skin.

All of the sudden, I’m overcome with this powerful need to have his hands in my hair, his marks on my skin, and the taste of him in my mouth. The need becomes overwhelming.

Asher wraps a hand around my knee, pulling it over his hip, repositioning me closer. My other knee slides to the other side of his hip of its own violation. As I sink back to his body, I realize the only thing preventing him from sliding into me is our clothes. At the thought, my eyes flutter closed, and I arch into his chest.

Warm fingers caress the pulsing mate mark on my lower back while Asher leans into my neck. “Finish the bond with me, siren,” he murmurs the plea. “Truly be mine, forever.”

My hands find their way into his soft hair, pulling him closer to my pulse. Gently, he nips the spot on my neck, causing me to release a deep, throaty moan. At the sound, Asher pushes on my lower back, rocking me on his lap. My lips part at the contact.
Holy hell.

“Mark me,” I beg, willing him to leave a mark of passion on my skin.

“I already have,” he replies into my throat and places both hands on my mark.

“I mean where everyone can see that I’m yours.” My voice is husky.

Asher’s lips move across my collarbone in light kisses then become harder and more insistent as he reaches the side of my neck. Releasing a deep growl, his lips descend, bruising and sucking the flesh aggressively. My mouth falls open in pleasure and I lean into the painful sensation of the blood vessels breaking with each firm o-shaped suck. My body shakes with the need for release as he continues his attack.

Once Asher has sufficiently bruised the skin, he bites down hard for good measure and I let out a cry of pleasure, almost having an orgasm on the spot. His tongue soothes the bruising while he leaves gentle kisses in the aftermath of his mouth’s destruction.

Pulling back, and looking pleased with his work, his darkened gaze meets mine. The pad of his thumb gently brushes over the stinging, raw skin. “Don’t ever fucking forget that you’re mine, siren.” He drops his tone.

“Every risk and sacrifice I make, is because I’m yours,” I answer and caress his jawline.

My pulse flutters under his unwavering gaze and something dark flashes in his eyes. Possessively, he slides his hand to the back of my neck, tugging me closer to his mouth.

With his perfect lips hovering over my parted ones, he teases me by running his tongue over the full curve of his bottom lip. The desire to lunge forward and gnaw on it becomes severe.

“I don’t want to waste any more words on shit we can’t change, siren.” His voice is rough.

I nod silently and sink into the feeling of Asher’s thumb tracing my bottom lip. Leaning in, he takes my mouth with a hard kiss, dominating me like he owns me.

“I love you. I want to be by your side, forever. Complete the bond,” he demands again.

I take the inside of my cheek between my teeth. Asher tugs at my bottom lip, requesting I end the torture. I do. “Explain the completion to me.”

Asher’s expression softens. “Since my protector mark is already laced with your blood, I would simply infuse your matching mark with mine,” he explains quietly.

“What happens once we infuse it?” I fist his shirt, unable to not touch him in some way.

“Our current bond allows us to share certain aspects of a connection. This exchange will open the link completely. I’ll be able to read all your feelings and thoughts, and you mine.”

“Not intrusive at all,” I tease. “What else?”

He offers a small smirk. “We will continue to share gifts. Right now, I’m sharing most of my abilities with you. With the completion, you’ll share yours with me. The bond will permit us to complement and enhance one another’s powers. It’ll will also bring us to another level of intimacy.” He encircles my wrists with his long fingers.

“And when I grow older and you stay young, what then?” I ask.

“Your DNA won’t change, siren. You’ll still be human. That said, your chemistry should evolve and take on my supernatural traits, slowing the aging process. Your life cycle will alter and match your lifespan to mine. Your lifetime will become ten times longer than normal humans, just like a gargoyle’s.” His thumb caresses my fast moving pulse.

“You want us both to be a thousand years old?” I laugh. “So creepy.”

Asher flashes his sexiest smile. “Yeah, siren, it’s pretty fucking crazy.”

“Maybe you’ll be sick of me by year one hundred and fifty-two.” I smirk playfully.

Asher looks at me thoughtfully. “Gargoyles mate for life, siren. I want a forever with you, and only you, however long that may be. One day, one month, or one thousand years.”

I lean forward, brushing his lips lightly before pulling back. “What else does being Asher St. Michael’s official, blood bonded mate entail?”

“Aside from telling me I’m awesome, hourly, and having sex with me at every turn.” He winks. “You’ll have to follow supernatural laws, adhere to the rules set forth by The Royal Gargoyle Council of Protectors. Someday, you will be queen of the gargoyle race, so a little history and schooling of our kind might be a good idea.”

I exhale. “And here I thought I was getting out of studying by taking a semester off.”

A small smile appears on his perfect lips. “There is also a ceremony acknowledging that you accept my family and clan as yours. As my mate, you would have to declare your allegiance to, and promise to abide by, the laws set through The Spiritual Assembly of Protectors. Once done, you would receive a small Celtic tattoo on your wrist, like Abby and Kenna have,” he says, outlining a Celtic cross on my skin.

My pulse continues to increase at his touch, sending goose bumps along my skin.

When he meets my gaze again, his expression falls. “What I can’t give you is a white picket fence. There will be no children, no sense of normalcy. Life with me won’t be a fucking fairytale, siren. It will just be you and me, forever. As long as that is.” He drops a kiss to the center of my palm. “I’m sorry for that.”

I take his face in my palms. “I don’t want a fairytale. All I want is you. Even if our forever is only a moment in time. Whatever you’ll give me, I’ll take it.”

“You won’t miss having a family, children?” he questions sincerely.

I pause. My eyes slide behind Asher before returning to his gaze. “I will have a family. You. And this clan. I’ve never given much thought to having children. Not to mention, I had a very awkward sex conversation with Abby and Callan earlier. I’m pretty sure not only did they scar me for life, but also the talk isn’t over yet.” I wince. “The way those two parent and grope on one another, I bet they have enough baby gargoyles to keep us all busy.”

Asher’s laugh is deep and rich as he pulls my hands from his face and interlaces them with his. “This isn’t a grand romantic gesture, but,” he slides me off his lap, helping me to stand, before taking a knee, “Eve Marie Collins, I will protect and love you, always. Will you stand by my side, forever?”

“I will.”

A beaming smile crosses Asher’s striking face as he stands and takes mine into his hands, placing the most tender, beautiful kiss across my lips. “Forever.”

“Forever.”

A knock on the door drags us both out of the moment. “Family dinner. Five minutes,” Callan shouts. “Clothing is not optional so be dressed.” He chuckles at his own joke like a schoolgirl.

“Christ, this clan is fucking insane.” Asher exhales and takes my hand firmly in his.

“Wait.” I yank on his arm, forcing him to turn and face me.

Creases line his forehead. “What’s wrong?”

“The second you tell the clan that I’ve agreed to finish the mating ritual, Abby is going to be all over me with ideas and shopping trips. I just need a moment to mentally prepare myself. Unless…we don’t mention it?” I ask, hopeful.

Asher’s lips quirk. “Unfortunately, there’s no evading this, siren. My family has to be present at the ceremony and there are no secrets within this clan.” He pins me with an intense look that causes my soul to shudder.
Crap
.

His statement’s a reminder that Keegan and I have a secret that, if true, will destroy all these plans.

I blow out a long breath. “Okay.”

Asher brushes the hair off my shoulder, putting his bite on display.

“Okay,” he repeats firmly before leading us to the dining area to face the clan.

***

My hands automatically slide to my daggers, confirming they’re sheathed to my legs. The shit storm that’s about to occur is going to be ugly, and I need to be ready for an attack. I release Asher’s warm and secure hand and take a seat across from the piercing blue eyes of the supernatural being sitting across from me. In an attempt not to be intimidated by McKenna, I blow out a long breath and pick up my napkin, draping it over my lap.

My hand extends toward my water goblet. Nervously, I pick it up and bring it to my mouth, only to be startled by a hand whooshing by my face, knocking the glass to the floor.

“Do not drink that, cutie,” Callan orders.

“What the fuck, Callan?” Asher barks, wiping the frozen cubes off my lap.

“By the grace, everyone just calm down.” Keegan exhales in a tired tone.

Callan stands taller and places his hand on his hip before facing his mate. “Abs, did you or did you not wash your hands before placing the ice in the glasses?” he accuses.

“Baby, it’s just ice. Settle down,” she retorts. “It’s not like I touched the food.”

Callan’s mouth drops open. “Babe, ice is food.”

The beautiful red-haired gargoyle scrunches her face in an ugly manner. “Ice is not food.”

“The fuck it isn’t,” McKenna bites out and returns a cube from her mouth, into her glass.

“See,” Callan says with a dramatic wave of his hand in Kenna’s direction.

Abby rolls her eyes as Callan plops into his seat, at the head of the table, to her left. “That makes no sense. How is ice of all things food?” She narrows her stunning gaze at him.

Asher re-pours my drink, void of ice, before leaning in to whisper, “You sure you want a thousand years of this shit, siren?”

I flash him a small smile. “You know, I really do,” I reply quietly.

“Then you’re just as fucking crazy as the rest of us.” He winks.

“Do you put it in your mouth?” Callan asks his mate in an admonished tone.

“Yes,” Abby answers with slight sarcasm.

“Do you lick it or bite it with your teeth?” he continues.

“Um, sometimes,” she responds with an odd tone to her voice.

“Do you swallow it?” he asks her pointedly.

Asher spits his mouthful of chili out at Callan’s question. The spray hits Keegan and Kenna from across the table.

“Christ, Asher,” Keegan barks, wiping his hands and glaring at Asher.

“Sorry,” Asher offers sheepishly and cleans the sides of his mouth.

“You’re an asshole,” Kenna spits out.

“Watch it, cupcake,” I warn. “It was an accident.”

“Fuck you, blood of Eden,” she argues back.

“Are we still talking about ice?” Abby asks with a cheerful expression.

“Yes!” Callan states at the same time Asher and Keegan shout, “No!”

“Baby.” Callan drops his tone to seduce her. “If you put it in your mouth, lick it, and swallow it, it’s technically food.”

Finally catching on, she swats at him. “By definition, your favorite body part is food.”

“Guess that explains the whip cream and syrup last night.” He beams.
Gross.

“Christ, the great ice tampering discussion is done,” Asher orders. “You’re making us all sick at the dinner table.”