Revolution (The Revelation Series Book 4) (15 page)

Callan raises his brows to Abby. “What do you say, truce, babe?”

“This isn’t over, Callan Thomas,” she answers. “But for the sake of dinner, fine.”

“I look forward to round two.” He wiggles his brows at her, causing her to giggle.

Asher clears his throat. “Now that the ice debate is tabled, I have something to say.”

All eyes fall to him and I shift uncomfortably knowing what’s coming. Asher takes my hand in his and gives me his signature cocky smirk before facing his family.

“I’ve forgiven Eve’s actions. I expect the clan to do the same. There will be no further discussions with regard to her actions surrounding Elizabeth.” His voice is stern.

“Wow, cutie. That was way faster than we expected. It took Ash an entire year to forgive Keegan and that was a deserved stab,” Callan jests.

“I look forward to hearing that story.” I smile up at Asher.

“Well then, welcome to the family, Eve.” Keegan raises his glass to me and is met by the sound of spoons clanking and gargoyles choking.
Not awkward or uncomfortable at all.

My eyes slide shut before reopening to see everyone looking between Keegan and I with their mouths hanging open. Fiona flutters into the awkwardness with a tray of chili toppings.

“Ye kids forgot da toppins,” she says, placing the serving dish in the middle of the table and taking in everyone’s silent expressions. “By da grace, what ‘tis wrong wit ye?”

“Did you just fucking welcome her into this clan?” McKenna roars.

Keegan swallows realizing his misstep. He looks around at all the gaping protectors, who look like they’ve seen a ghost, before clearing his throat and meeting my wide eyes. “I did.”

“Holy shit,” Callan says and sits back in his chair. “I am so winning this chili cook-off.”

“What?” Abby asks in a whisper.

“My chili performs miracles, Abs,” he explains.

“Don’t ye be a wanker, lad,” Fiona scolds.

“Tas ámotas?” McKenna glares angrily at Keegan.

Keegan clears his throat before speaking in an authoritative tone. “Asher has clearly marked Eve. Twice,” he says staring at my new hickey.

Even though I begged Asher to do it, a pink hue still forms on my cheeks as all eyes focus on the bruised mark. Instinctively, I lift my hand to slide it over the side of my neck and cover it. The action is stopped when Asher connects our hands together.

“Meaning?” Asher counters.

Keegan blows out a long breath and places his napkin on the table. “Meaning, I’m tired of being on the outs with you, brother. If Eve is your chosen mate, then this clan stands behind your decision. All of us.” Keegan slides his gaze to a fuming McKenna.

“Not all of us,” she says through gritted teeth.

“I love you, Kenna. I do. I admire the ágra-lem in you and your fierce protectiveness over me. But Eve has more than proven her loyalty to this family, and Asher, tas ámotas. It’s time, sweetheart,” Keegan says with a gentle voice that I’ve never heard from him before.

McKenna holds Keegan’s piercing gaze. For the briefest moment her expression softens before hardening again. “No,” she says in a deep growl, pushing out of her chair and storming out.

“Every damn meal, baby,” Abby exhales sadly, squeezing Callan’s hand.

Keegan stands and walks around the table. At the same time, Asher stands and pulls Keegan into a tight embrace.

“Do you mean what you said?” Asher asks.

“Every word,” Keegan answers without wavering.

Asher inhales sharply before increasing his grip on his brother. At the sight, my heart soars and then sinks. I know this won’t last. Maybe that’s why Keegan is holding on so tightly. Once Asher finds out who the traitor is and that both his brother, and mate, knew all along all our family ties will be severed.

After a few moments, Keegan turns to me, dipping his chin respectfully. “Zhen pri.”

“Family first,” I repeat the promise between us as he retreats to find Kenna.

Fiona offers us a warm glance before pushing back some stray hairs into her bun. “Da lass will come around,” she says and exits the dining room.

Asher retakes his seat.

Callan swallows. “Mm, this magical chili is so good. It’s like licking unicorns.”

I watch him in confusion. “What the hell does that even mean?”

“Which part? That my chili is magical, or that I like licking unicorns?” he banters.

“Is licking unicorns a common occurrence for you?” I quip.

Callan rolls his eyes at me like I’m ridiculous. “Unicorns don’t exist, cutie.”

Abby squeals in delight, startling all of us. “A dress, which you promised I can choose! Shoes. Eves, this means we finally get to plan your mating ceremony.” She claps giddily.

My eyes slide to Asher for help. “See.”

The asshat just smirks and winks at me.

“You heard Keegan, family first, siren.”

15
Tr
uth In Lies

TOO HOT AND TOO WOUND UP TO SLEEP, I roll onto my side to curl up to Asher. My brows knit together when I feel his side of the bed is empty. My hand glides over the cool sheets before I slip out of bed and make my way downstairs in search of my protector.

At this time of night, the house is eerily silent. My bare feet hit the cool wood floors as I hurry down the stairs. Asher’s hushed voice drifts from the hallway outside the study. I pad toward the sound, stopping in my tracks when I also hear Keegan’s low voice.

From the hallway’s shadows, I watch both gargoyles as they sip on amber liquid and speak in quiet, secretive tones. Each of their faces holds serious expressions.

“I think we’ve already pushed our luck with the council. I assure you, they won’t concede to this ceremony,” Keegan states. “I can also guarantee they’ll demand another hearing.”

“Let them.” Asher responds, not seeming to care.

“Lord Falk will attempt to dethrone you, Asher. Under his leadership, the council will most likely find you guilty and sentence you. We should prepare for both.” Keegan warns.

Asher puts his glass on the table and leans his elbows on his knees. “There are a thousand reasons why I should let her go, Keegan. I won’t. Loving her is just part of who I have become.” Asher says with a firm glare before sinking back into the chair.

“How do you want to handle the council?” Keegan asks with a thoughtful tone.

“Let the council sentence stone petrifaction. The divination and bond will protect me. As far as their feeble attempts to overthrow me as the next ruler,” Asher’s tone lowers, “you and I both know the plan and what has to happen when the time comes.”
Plan? What the hell?

“I meant what I said at dinner. Eve has earned her place in this clan, and though I still have my doubts about how she will be on the throne, and how our race will accept a human mate, you will not be met by further resistance from me,” Keegan says. “I’m on your side.”

“And your mate?” Asher asks on a whisper.

“My beautiful and stubborn warrior won’t stand in your and Eve’s way,” Keegan assures.

“Thank you, brother,” Asher responds.

There is a silent beat before Keegan speaks again. “On a different subject, Nassa has sent word. The Royal Court has requested an audience. They’d like to hear the clan’s account regarding the deaths of the priestesses.”

“Tell them we will be there,” Asher orders.

“Ash, I have to say this. Their throats were slit, like hers. It seems too coincidental to ignore.”

“I agree. I also found it odd how quiet the dark army and Deacon have become. Not a word or an attempt from them when it comes to Eve,” Asher states.

“Perhaps they’re licking their wounds after Michael retrieved Elizabeth,” Keegan suggests.

“My gut is telling me this is the calm before the storm,” Asher says worriedly.

Turning away from the door, I decide to trust in Asher instead of bursting into the room demanding answers.
Trust goes both way, Eve.
Instead of continuing to eavesdrop, like I want to, I leave the protectors to whatever strategy session they’re having and head to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water before returning upstairs.

A lime-green glow radiating from the gardens piques my interest and I stop gulping the cool liquid. Lowering the water bottle, I squint and move closer to the French doors, trying to get a better grasp on what I’m witnessing.

Mesmerized, I watch the two glowing orbs dance amongst the plant life before they disappear into the blackness of the night.
What the hell?
My eyes search the dark. I press my fingers against the glass and move even closer to see where the little balls of light went.

Seconds later, two lime-green irises are staring back at me from the other side of the door. I jump in surprise, letting out a squeal and spilling what was left of my water all over the front of my white tank top. Just as quickly, the light disappears.

“Damn it,” I spit out and brush the excess liquid off the fabric with a shaky hand.

“Nice to see my continued presence in your life still makes you wet, love,” Gage flirts.

Twisting I cross my arms protectively. My white tank top is now see-through, thanks to the liquid. Gage turns on the kitchen lights and stares at me, clearly amused at my predicament.

“Not likely, Gage,” I growl.

The sexy gargoyle arches a seductive brow. “So then you’re down here, in the middle of the night, practicing for a…wet t-shirt contest?”

“I hate you,” I say without thought.

“Hate me or just semi-dislike me?” He counters.

“Hate you,” I respond.

“What are you doing down here…alone, love?” Gage ignores my outburst.

“After our last conversation, I don’t see how it’s any of your business.”

He tsks. “I’m still your protector, love. That makes everything you do my business.”

Asher releases a warning growl before prowling into the kitchen. Stepping in front of me, he cuts off Gage’s lingering gaze. “For the last time, she’s not your love,” he barks.

“Stand down, dark prince. Humans who provide truth in lies aren’t my thing,” Gage says.

My stomach drops at the accusation. Asher ignores Gage’s comment and turns to face me. His eyes scan my body, taking in my wet tank and matching boy shorts. To be fair, I figured everyone was sleeping when I went in search of Asher.

“All okay, siren?” His voice is strained.

“Yeah.” I drop my arms and motion to the patio. “I woke up thirsty. When I came in here to grab some water, I saw something outside.” I explain nervously.

Gage’s threat to tell Asher and his lingering comment are making me uneasy.

Asher’s eyes slide to the darkness of the patio before he looks over his shoulder at Gage in some sort of unspoken understanding between them. Gage nods and vanishes, reappearing outside, wings out, scanning the area.

“He doesn’t have to protect me, Asher. I’m fine. I was just surprised. That’s all,” I say, pulling at the hem of my tank top, moving it back and forth to dry it out. “Don’t overreact.”

“I’m your protector, siren. Overreacting is in my job title, yeah?” He crooks his finger at me so I’ll move closer. I do, causing him to flash his sexy smile at me.

“I thought your title was dark prince?” I choke out as his index finger lightly traces the outline of the water stain on my shirt.

His expression darkens at the sight of the wet fabric clinging to my body. Giving him a full view of my chest. “I’m much more than that, siren. Tell me what else I am,” he instructs.

“A really good friend?” I whisper the tease trying to get control of my hormones.

Asher moves into my space, pressing me against the cool glass of the doors. His thumbs rub firm circles over both of my breasts. My breath hitches in my throat at his touch.

“Friends don’t do what I want to do to you, siren,” he murmurs in a seductive voice.

A light cry of pleasure gets caught in my throat and comes out like an odd gurgle.
Sexy
.

“Do you want to see how dark this prince can be?” He asks in a husky voice.

“Yes,” I pant.

“Tell me you want me,” he demands quietly.

“I want you,” I moan.

“Tell me why, siren,” he whispers, pushing his lower body further into me.

“Because I love you,” I whimper.

“Tell me I’m the only protector who makes you wet,” he orders and covers my chest with both palms. My skin ignites from the kneading motions his hands are making.

“You’re the only protector who makes me wet,” I croak and his lips lightly touch mine.

“And why is that, siren?” the cocky gargoyle asks against my mouth.

Suddenly, it dawns on me what he’s doing.
Damn him.

Seeing realization cross my face, his lips lift in victory as he waits patiently for my answer. He’s cornered my traitorous body with seduction in our ongoing game.

I narrow my eyes, angry that he played me.
Crap.

“Someday, I am going to win at this,” I declare.

“I’m waiting, siren,” he taunts, brushing his lips across mine in a tease.

“Because you’re full of gargoyle awesomeness,” I reply, my voice is weak.

“And there it is,” he says in a booming, proud voice while backing off. “Once again, the daughter of Heaven admits that her sexy mate, the prince of the gargoyles, is awesome!”

“You suck, protector.” I pout at his victory.

“Keep pouting and I’ll
suck
on that bottom lip,” he begins but stops when Gage reappears.

Asher turns to face him so he’s covering me from Gage’s view.

“I didn’t see anything out there,” Gage explains. “Are sure your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, love? We’ve all been a little off after seeing the blood bath in the temple.”

“She knows what she saw,” Asher states in a sharp tone.

“I’m not saying she doesn’t, old friend.” Gage attempts to calm Asher down.

“Could it have been an upper demon, like Thoren?” I offer. Only Asher and I can detect their presence because of his dark energy. “Maybe you just didn’t sense it?”

“No, I would have felt an upper demon, siren.” Asher sighs. “And I didn’t.”

I attempt to step around him. At the motion, Asher twists, watching me. His right hand drops behind his neck. In one quick, smooth move, he yanks his
Property of London
t-shirt off and places it over my body. I sink into the warmth and scent of him.

“Now you can move,” he says quietly and I slowly stride around him.

I turn back to give him a sly smirk just as something large comes crashing through the glass doors.

Instantly, Asher lunges for me and we both hit the floor. His body covers mine protectively as glass shatters, falling all around us. After a moment, we both turn our heads to witness Gage pinning a large, brown panther to the ground with a knife to its throat.

At the sight, Asher scrambles off of me. “GALLAGHER, NO!” he shouts.

Gage snaps his head toward us and pinches his brows. “What?”

“That’s Fiona’s daughter. She’s shifted,” Asher explains approaching the werecat.

Fiona rushes into the kitchen wearing a nightgown, going straight to her daughter’s side.

I scramble off the floor and try to get control over my adrenaline filled body.

“Galena, can ye hear me, dear?” the clowder’s alpha asks softly.

“She came right through the glass doors, Fi,” Asher explains at the cat’s side.

“Aye. I felt da pain. Dere’s demon scent all ovah the lass.” Fiona scowls.

Keegan walks in, taking in the sight in front of him. “What’s going on?” He asks, stalking over to where the animal has shifted back into a beautiful, and naked, petite female.

Fiona pulls the knitted shawl from her shoulders and covers her daughter’s shaking, cut and bruising body. The caretaker whispers and strokes Galena’s short brown hair.

“What was she doing outside?” I ask.

“The clowder offered protection. She was on night guard,” Asher answers. “It must have been her cat eyes you saw glowing in the darkness.”

“She alive, Fiona?” Keegan asks.

“Aye, Keegan,” Fiona answers, calmly. “Asher, take me lass ta me quarters. I’ll put her in a healing sleep,” she says in quiet but even voice.

“Yes, ma’am,” Asher answers, picking up the petite women’s limp body, cradling her against his naked chest.

A sudden, irrational wave of jealousy and possessiveness rolls through me. I force myself to push away the desire to yank the woman out of my mate’s arms and claw her eyes out.
Not the time Eve. Get your shit together.
My skin begins to lightly glow and my hands shake.

Asher’s eyes widen at the sight of my skin before he leans in, brushing his lips across my cheeks. “It’s just the bond. Breathe. I’ll be right back, siren,” he says before following Fiona.

Keegan looks around, kicking the shards of glass and studying the inky estate grounds.

In order to focus my energy, I pluck shards of glass out of my hair.

“Are you hurt, love?” Gage inquires.

“Why do you care, Gage?” Keegan’s cool statement has Gage looking confused.

Gage glances at me then at Keegan’s broad back before realization settles over him. “Don’t tell me you actually ran to big brother Keegan and told him what you know, love.”

Keegan twists around, standing taller.
Fuck, he’s intimidating.
“Don’t say a word, Eve.”

“I can fight my own battles, Keegan. While I appreciate your help, I can handle Gage at the moment,” I say in a calm, quiet voice before narrowing my eyes at Gage. “You don’t get to use me to threaten Asher or this clan. Yes, I told Keegan. You left me no choice,” I snip.

Gage shifts his head in Keegan’s direction. “Well big brother, now that you know, what are you planning to do about it?”