Revolution (The Revelation Series Book 4) (5 page)

I snort.

Abby gives me a disapproving look. “It becomes more uncomfortable as time passes.”

“You’ve seen us. We can’t even be in the same room together.” I groan. “He’s never going to forgive me. I’m going to be stuck as an animal…in heat no less. Awesome.”

“Don’t insult,” she scolds. “You’re not an animal and neither are we. If you’re not going to finish the bond, I suggest some good old fashion sex.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

I narrow my eyes at her. “What has gotten into you?”

Abby offers a non-committal shrug. “Callan served espresso at breakfast and now I’m all wound up,” she answers in a jittery manner. “My caffeine tolerance level is kind of pathetic.”

I play with the little threads on the wet hand towel. “What’s pathetic is being stuck in reverse with Asher. It feels like we’re back at square one and I can’t fix it.”

Abby tosses her long red locks over her slender shoulders and drapes her arm around me.

“You’re not stuck in reverse. Asher loves you.” I slide her a look of disbelief. “There’s nothing you could do that he wouldn’t forgive, Eve. We both know that. He just needs some time. After it happened, I promise he wasn’t this angry. The longer you stayed away, the more pissed off he got.”

“I can’t take the deceit back. And now he’s in a constant state of pissed off,” I murmur.

“He’s not mad at you for stabbing him, Eves. Ash’s hurt you left him after you promised you wouldn’t. With Gage no less. He’s upset that you didn’t trust he would take care of you. We’re gargoyles. We protect. It’s in our blood. It’s why we’re created and when you take that away from us, we’re left with nothing.” Her voice sounds gloomy.

“That wasn’t my intention, Abby. I was just trying to protect him. The divination of redemption offered us a way to prevent the council and dark army from ever turning Asher into stone. Knowing he’d be safe…that you all would be while I took care of my mother was my only focus. I wasn’t thinking about consequences.”

She bumps my shoulder playfully. “You’re eighteen, Eve. Stupid decisions are expected.”

“Hey.” I shoot her a fake angry look.

“We all get it. Each clan member within this family understands the reason behind your actions, including Asher. Some are just slower to overlook it.”

I swallow. “How badly does Keegan want to kill me?”

Her face drops and she starts biting her bottom lip. “I’m pretty sure the only reason you’re alive is because you’re Asher’s mate. Whatever progress you’ve made with Keegan, I’d consider it gone.”

“Noted.” I nod.

“On a positive note, no matter how much she pounces on you, McKenna is really proud of you and respects what you did,” she says cheerily.

I pull my brows together. “Really?”

“No. She’s going to rip your heart out at some point. My guess is in your sleep, and possibly with a spoon, although she was eyeing your fork at breakfast.” My mouth drops as I watch her. Abby just smiles brightly. “We should discuss a protection spell with Nassa.”

“Might be smart,” I state calmly.

“Want some advice?” she asks with caution lining her tone.

“Always.”

“The best way to fix things with Asher is to not let him affect you.”

“Easier said than done, Abby.”

“I know.” She exhales. “He loves to get under your skin. Don’t let him. He’s poking at you to get a rise out of you because, like a child, even negative attention from you is better than nothing. Let him work through his feelings. When he’s ready, he’ll come out of this on the other side. In the meantime, be the strong, independent woman you are.”

I meet her gaze. “You’re a really good friend. I’m so sorry I put you through that.”

“Tell you what. I will forgive you on one condition.” She watches my reaction.

I study her wearily. “Which would be?”

“I get to choose your dress for the mating ceremony.” She claps with glee.

“If, and that’s a big if, there is a ceremony, you can pick the dress,” I grunt.

Abby pulls me into a tight embrace and squeals in delight. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“Yeah, well, don’t get your hopes up, Abs.”

“I’m just shocked that you caved so easily.” She winks.

“It’s only because I know he’ll never forgive me. Easy promise,” I say in triumph.

“When Callan and I are done with you both, we’ll see how easy of a promise it is.”

Crap
.

5
All Things Change

ALL THINGS CHANGE. IT’S INEVIDIBLE. At least that’s what Elizabeth used to tell me. In the blink of an eye, something unpleasant can evolve into something awe-inspiring. Just give it time, she’d say. The flashback of her declaration whispers across my subconsciousness.

I lean over the old railing of the Springbanks Arch, attempting to gain a better view of the cascading water pooling within the rock walls surrounding it. The liquid’s continuous movement a reminder that life, like the water, is a constant motion of evolution.

Inhaling the smell of fresh grass, I bask in the warm air. This quiet wooded area of Central Park is becoming a favorite hiding spot for me. Motionless, I witness the earth’s breeze tickle the flourishing trees and low-lying plant life. The days are starting to get longer as summer nears and the fiery hues painting the sky enchant the late spring evenings.

“Are you supposed to be out here alone, love?” Gage’s deep voice invades my tranquility.

“Careful, Gage. You’re starting to sound like an actual protector,” I accuse.

“Christ. I am.” He sidles up next to me and lights a cigarette. “Fucking St. Michaels.”

“You really need to stop smoking. Gargoyle or not, it’s a gross habit.”

He shrugs and inhales. “It relaxes me.”

“So will yoga,” I retort.

Gage shifts so his side is leaning on the iron rail. We just study one another.

“Is that a hint that you would like to do downward facing dog pose with me, love?” he asks, releasing a long puff of smoke with a wicked smirk.

My cheeks heat at his insinuation, forcing me to clear my throat.

“I’m saying I’m tired of inhaling your second hand smoke. It might not affect you, but I’m human. In case you’ve forgotten,” I say in a bored tone.

Gage watches me with an unnerving expression. It’s intense and I have to look away.

“Make no mistake, love, I haven’t forgotten who and what you are.”

We stand in comfortable quiet for a time, admiring our surroundings. This is my favorite thing about Gage. He just lets me be. There are no pretenses or expectations with him.

“Is this where you’ve been running off to since the dark prince returned?” he asks.

I twist to face him. “Maybe.”

“Of all the places in this park, this is where you’ve chosen?” He puts out his cigarette.

I hold his gaze. “Yes. Why?”

The good-looking, bad-boy gargoyle studies me for a moment before his eyes shift behind me. Without warning, he grabs my arms and teleports us into the shaded, red brick underpass.

I’m just about to ask what the hell is going on when his hand covers my mouth, silencing me. At the assault, I narrow my eyes at him. Gage motions with his chin to the trees behind the archway before angling his head in that direction and mouthing gorgons to me.

“What’s a gorgon?” I whisper under the weight of his hand.

Gage rolls his eyes as two beautiful women wearing red silk cloaks make their way toward the charming stone bridge. They don’t look dangerous at all. In fact, aside from the cloak, they look downright human. I sigh into his nicotine infused fingers at his overreaction.

Frustrated at my lack of understanding, he bends closer so his mouth is against my ear.

“The she-monsters are using glamour.” He speaks so low I almost miss the statement.

“Are gorgons trolls?” I question matching his quiet tone.

Gage shakes his head slowly back and forth and removes his hand from my mouth.

“Trolls?” he repeats, clearly amused. “That’s what glamour makes you think of? Trolls?”

I throw a pointed look his way. “It’s a fair question. We’re under a bridge, in a wooded part of the park,” I whisper shout. “Isn’t that where trolls tend to live?”

“This isn’t a fairytale, love,” he chides.
Oh right. Duh, I mean come on, Eve. Trolls?

“Are they nymphs then?” I dig further.

Gage gives me a don’t-be-stupid-Eve look before his grey wings snap from his back. “Trolls only live in the Eternal Forest and supernatural realms. Don’t get me started on nymphs. Do you have your daggers?” he asks, changing the topic.

I nod. “Of course. Wait.” I grab his arm. “Are you going to tell me what they are?”

“It’s best if you don’t know, given your aversion,” he says obscurely.

The protector silently motions that he’s going to the top of the archway. I hadn’t even taken a full breath before he vanishes, leaving me standing under the bridge. I use my enhanced hearing to listen for any sign of struggle. There’s none. It’s too quiet.

“What are you doing all alone, pretty girl?” An alluring female voice startles me.

At the intrusion, I spin around and withdraw my daggers. As trained, I morph into a warrior pose and stand tall, trying to appear unaffected by the cloaked figure watching me.

“Who are you?” I ask.

She tsks at my rude tone and lowers her hood.
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
I try not to flinch. Or pee my pants at what I’m seeing. Given my irrational fear of snakes, both might be difficult.

“I do believe, I am your worst nightmare, daughter of Heaven,” she says as the snakes on her head hiss at me. At the sound, my knees demand to buckle. I look away and focus on a spot behind her head, hoping that will keep me grounded and prevent me from throwing up.

I swallow. “What is it with you, demons and snakes?”

“They are revered in the underworld,” she purrs and then pets her hair.
Shit.
“A symbol of power and chaos. My sisters and I wear them proudly instead of fearing them. As. You. Should,” she snips.

Fire instantly appears, blocking both openings and caging us in.
Crap.
My eyes scan for an alternate escape route. There’s none. Looks like snake demon and I are game on.

“See.” She motions to the flames. “Power and chaos.”

“If this is your way of introducing yourself, it needs work,” I cleverly remark.

She releases a humorless, lifeless laugh. “Didn’t your protectors warn you of gorgons?”

“Sorry, you weren’t on the syllabus this semester,” I throw back.

“Then let us get acquainted, daughter of Heaven. I am Euryale. My sister, Stheno, is currently turning your gargoyle to stone, ironic really.” Euryale takes a step toward me.

I’d like to retreat but there’s no place to go unless I want to burn in the flames.

“I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but I’m not really a fan of snakes,” I retort.

The gorgon’s elegant hand lifts a piece of my hair and she inhales my scent. “You’ll make such a lovely addition to my collection of stone statues.” She lets out a sound of pleasure.

I yank my hair out of her grip. “I’m not a gargoyle and therefore can’t be turned to stone.”

“Your aroma says differently, pretty girl,” she purrs.

“You’re mistaken. I’m human.” I stand taller.

She shrugs as if she’s bored. “Gorgons have the ability to turn any being into stone…with only one seductive look.”
Fucking fan-tab-ulous. Note to self: do not look her in the eyes.

Using my newly acquired supernatural speed, I slice my daggers upward on either side of her, cutting off several of the snake’s heads in the process. Hissing in angered pain, they fall to the ground, leaving black char spots before vanishing into blue flames.
Fuck, that’s gross.

The female demon’s ravenous shriek pierces my eardrums. I stand firm, ready for a fight.

“My babies,” she whines before turning a cold glare my way. “You will pay severely for that,” she seethes as her rage triggers the flames to shoot up at least ten feet in the air.

“I’m sure,” I mumble, preparing to advance on her again.

“Need some help?” a croaky voice says from behind Euryale.

“Nassssssaaaa,” Euryale draws out in pain while what’s left of her reptile hair slithers.

“I didn’t know you could teleport,” I joke.

“I can’t,” Nassa replies.

“How the hell did you get in here then?” I question.

“Magic,” she says in a serious tone.

“Fine. Don’t tell me.” I pout and turn my attention back to the demon.

“Seriously, Eve. I used magic. Sorceress of the Black Circle…magic is kind of what I do,” she reminds with a dramatic wave of her hands.
I really need to hang out with more humans.

My eyes meet hers. “Well, can you cast a spell for water and dull the flames?”

“Nope. I’m not a nature sorceress,” she answers.

“Meaning?” I keep my eyes on her.

Nassa shrugs. “Meaning, no wind, water, or air tricks. I can make flowers bloom though, but I think that’s more of a prosperity ability, versus a nature enchantment.”

The sound of snakes hissing heatedly pulls our focus back to Euryale.

“Are you two finished socializing?” the gorgon bites out.

“Got a spell for gorgons?” I ask as Nassa rounds the demon to stand next to me.

“I’m not sure. Should we go the Medusa route?” Nassa poses.

“Leave my sister out of this, witch,” the demon snips.

“Medusa?” I repeat. Now it all makes sense. “The snake hair. The beauty. Got it.”

“Gorgons typically come in threes. Euryale, Stheno, and Medusa were sisters. Unlike her kin, Medusa wasn’t immortal. Perseus, a demigod, beheaded her,” Nassa explains in an uninterested manner. “It’s the only way to destroy one of your kind, isn’t that right, gorgon?”

“I could enthrall you in a heartbeat, little witch. I’d watch my tongue,” Euryale warns.

Nassa rolls her eyes at the threat. “I’m terrified.”

From my peripheral vision, I notice the violet disappear from Euryale’s irises as they darken and become black. The gorgon’s tan snakes replenish themselves on her head while she begins to chant in Latin.
Well, crap. This can’t be good.

As if compelled, I watch Nassa’s face slacken as she turns her head and raises her lifeless emerald eyes to the gorgon’s coal ones.
Oh shit.
Knowing what’s coming next, I don’t stop to think. Instead, I allow the terror-fueled adrenaline to run through me. I rush and step in front of Nassa, accidently forcing her to the ground, but preventing her from turning into stone.

Without thought, I lift my gaze and meet the gorgon’s, waiting to suffer at the hands of her hex. Oddly, nothing happens as we stare at one another. After a moment, my hands tingle, causing me to release my daggers. The clank they make when they hit the concrete barely registers as the weird light from earlier begins to float out of them and into Euryale.

Stunned and confused, she lets out a loud scream. The light is burning her from the inside. Her glamour shimmies, revealing an ugly female demon with razor sharp teeth and tan, snake-like, scaly skin.
Gross. Good God, Eve. Don’t freak. Breathe in. Breathe out.

“What are you?” she slurs before vanishing along with the wall of fire.

Just as fast as it happened, the tingling sensation disappears and my hands return to normal. I stare at them in disbelief, flipping them over and searching for any sign of damage.

“Holy shit, Eve!” Nassa exhales from behind me, yanking me out of my fixation.

I turn around and scan her. “Are you alright? Sorry I knocked you over.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for doing that. I can’t believe my protection spell didn’t work,” she says in a strangled voice. “And what the fuck, you shoot light beams now?” she interrogates.

I scan my body and focus on my trembling hands. “Apparently.”

We stand there for a moment just waiting. I’m not sure for what, maybe my head to explode or something. Nassa collects herself first and grabs my wrist, pulling me to leave.

“Come on, we need to find the others,” she informs.

“Buttercup?” Gage’s curious voice lingers in the archway. “What are you doing here?”

I’m still staring at my hands in fascination when Nassa finally answers him.

“We thought it would be best to follow Eve,” she responds with a guilty tone.

“We?” Gage inquires while brushing ash off his clothing. Guess he took care of the sister.

Instantly, my body warms and the bonding hum rattles my soul. Asher steps up next to Gage, his face unreadable. His eyes are wild, like he’s ready to kill something, or someone.

Gage raises his brows. “Stalking her is not protection, old friend.”

Asher’s lips purse and he looks away. “I sent Nassa in, Gage. I remained out here.”

Gage nods with a curious look on his face and steps aside, letting Asher approach me.

“You alright, siren?” Asher asks with genuine concern.

“I’m fine.” My hands are still shaky and he notices.

I’m really not fine. Between the snakes, almost becoming a stone statue, and shooting lightning bolts, I’m on the verge of a meltdown, but I don’t want him to know that. Instead, I lift my chin and push my shoulders back, attempting to appear strong and unaffected.