Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath, #1) (41 page)

“A fantasy.”
His jaw tightened, eyes glaring. “You’re a real piece of work. What
was this about? Giving some poor fuck one last romp before taking
his life?” The bitter tone of his voice matched his expression.
“And now you’re not even going to do that.” His smile turned
mocking. “Crafty, Ayden. I should have seen through this. You’re
incapable of loving anything. You were built to hate.”

She clamped
her lips to hold back that ever-growing urge to cry and raised her
chin. “It’s true.” Her hand swiped where her dagger used to rest at
her hip.
Gone
. “I’ll negotiate the cure and then I’m off on
my own again. This is where the ties get broken. You’re a great guy
for a great woman. But I’m not that woman.” Coldness penetrated her
words as if her mind had distanced itself from her heart, yet,
damn, she wanted be that woman with him. Kane made her feel
something she never had before. The glaring fact that she couldn’t
overlook though: his world was one she’d never belong in, opposites
in every sense—like the sun trying to find its place in a nighttime
sky. “You’d be a liability for a girl like me.”

He turned away
from her, his eyes holding a brimful of hurt when they found hers
again. “Then, I see no reason to prolong the inevitable.” The
resolution in his tone drifted like a balloon string, slipping from
her grasp.

She nodded and
pushed past him.

Gavin and
Logan stood at the door.

She froze,
glancing back at Kane, before swinging back around to face the two
of them, her quickened pulse hammering in her veins. “What are you
doing?”

“Ayden, I told
you, I have no intentions of sacrificing your life for his.” Gavin
took quick strides to meet her in the center of the room. “We’ve
decided to do business with Kane instead.” He nodded toward Kane,
lifted Ayden up into his arms and carried her out of the room.

Kicking and
pounding her fists against Gavin’s back, Ayden screamed. “Kane!
Kane! Oh, God, don’t do this! Please!” Her arms reached out to Kane
over Gavin’s shoulder.

***

Draven stared
up at the bedroom window of the mansion before him, his
newly-learned information solid in his mind. Ryke had seemed more
willing to give information than the last time he’d seen him. One
vial of antibody and the shady nephilim turned spill-happy of his
secrets.

The only
promise Draven had to make in return: kill Calix and Logan.

Ryke had even
given him the weapon to do so.

First, though,
he’d have to get past the troll named Bennett who guarded the gate.
According to Ryke, Bennett commanded the ghouls, and once permitted
on the property, the ghouls would let Draven be.

That would
leave the hellhounds.

Ryke had a
temporary spell for them, as well. It’d only work once, but if he
could face off with the wolves, chances were he could take on the
hellhounds, if it came to that.

Another spell
concealed the dagger tucked inside his coat pocket, the one he’d
use to surprise the bastards with. Not even a thorough pat-down
would reveal where he’d hidden it.

And I’m
relying on a fallen angel for this.

Draven only
hoped he’d been telling the truth, because if not, he was about to
enter hell without a prayer.

Pulling a
small white paper from his pocket, he read the chant over and over
to himself. Memorizing it. Words that would send Bennett into a
trance and place the troll’s body momentarily at Draven’s
command.

With palms
sweating, Draven took deep breaths.

Those demon
bastards had hurt Calla. No matter what he’d endure facing off with
them, it’d be worth the revenge in the end. To make things right
with her. God, for his own sanity, he had to try to make it right
for her again.
Poor ruined Calla.

He’d do it for
that reason. No matter what happened.

The sun peeked
through the clouds for a moment, as though lighting the way—Ryke
had insisted he go during the day when Calix and Logan would more
likely be present—yet that didn’t stop Draven’s heart from
racing.

This is
it.

He rang the
gate.

~

Kane watched
Gavin carry Ayden away, as she screamed all the way down the
hallway. It tore at his heart, hearing her cries for him.

Man, seeing
her forced him to swallow a gulp to keep from tearing up—the last
thing he’d want Logan to witness.

Kane finally
turned to face the demon who’d be taking his life.

“So, uh,”—Kane
stood with his hands splayed out—“how should we do this? You want
me to come at you, or something? Will that make it more
enticing
?”

Logan stood
silent, his pissed-off eyes staring back at Kane. “My brother is
going have my fucking nuts for this.” Logan rubbed his hand down
his face. “But Ayden’s like a sister to me.”

“What are you
saying? You’re backing out?”

“I don’t back
away from shit, wolf.” Logan’s jaw flexed as he stared Kane down.
“But I’m not killing you just yet. I signed a contract to avenge
her murder. And, from what I understand, you and Ayden share some
sort of lycan memory bonding bullshit. So, you’re going to help me
do this for her. Consider it community service for being an
asshole.”

Kane nodded.
“It’s for Ayden, I’m in. How can I help?”

“You’re going
to remember what happened the night you were attacked. And you’re
not going to leave out a single detail. Got it?” Logan shoved at
Kane’s chest, knocking him backward a step. “Now, let’s get the
hell out of here before my brother comes back.” He turned toward
the exit but swung back around. “Oh, yeah, one thing …” Logan
drilled his fist into Kane’s gut.

The sound that
ripped through Kane’s chest was something of a yelp and a growl as
he stumbled and doubled over. “What the hell was … that for?”

“Had to make
it sound like I was beating the shit out of you, of course.”

***

“You didn’t
even let me say goodbye to him!” Tears spilled from Ayden’s eyes as
she screamed at Gavin. “Bastard!”

“It sounded
like you were doing a fine job of saying goodbye.” Gavin set her in
his office chair.

She crushed
her fist against his jaw, cringing the second it hit. She cupped
her hand. “Goddammit!” She may as well have clocked a block of
concrete. “Son of a bitch! You lied to me!”

“I never lied
to you, Ayden.”

“You promised
you’d help me. That you’d give him the cure.” She placed her head
in her good palm, doing her best to hold back the sobs itching to
escape. “Now he’s going to fucking die!”

“But you don’t
love him, remember?”

She lifted her
head. “I had to tell him that! He would have convinced me not to
go, and to stay with him. And … never mind.”

“Well,” Gavin
said on a sigh, “lucky for you my brother is a shithead.”

“What?” She
perked up. “What does that mean?”

Gavin
shrugged. “It means that he decided not to kill him, yet.”

“Logan hasn’t
killed him?” Relief spread through her body like a cool liquor
coating the tension. “A vision?”

“Yes, I could
have done without this one.” Gavin pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Now I’m going to have to kick Logan’s ass for defying me.
Again.”

“What’s he
doing?” She sat at the edge of her seat.

“He decided to
take the halfling with him to avenge you.”

“Me?” Her head
drew back. “Does Kane remember?”

“I have no
idea.” He huffed. “But since these plans went to hell, what do you
say we both go see about paying Wade a little visit?”

“I think
that’s a fantastic idea.” The voice that spoke wasn’t Ayden’s or
Kane’s. “But she’ll be going with me instead of you.”

Gavin turned
at the same time as Ayden toward an unfamiliar young male in the
doorway. Brown eyes, sunken and dark, gave him a crazed look,
coupled to his bloodied and tattered clothes.

“How did you
get into my home, boy?” Gavin asked.

“Don’t call me
boy, you sick piece of shit. Do you know what this is asshole?” The
intruder held up a spear, the tip a liquid auburn, giving the
appearance of glossy flames, and a seal on his leather jacket
caught Ayden’s attention.

Alexi?

Gavin’s eyes
narrowed on him. “Clever one, aren’t you?” He crossed his arms.
“That would be Demortis.”

“What is this,
Gavin?” Ayden attention flicked between Gavin and the intruder.

“It’s a metal
of the gods.” Gavin’s voice remained casual. “Very rare. And only
found in the shadiest parts of the demon realm. You must have made
quite a trade to come by that, boy.”

“Quit calling
me boy!” The intruder spoke through gritted teeth, stark white
against his grimy face. “I struck a deal that couldn’t be
resisted.”

“It’s the only
metal that pierces our flesh.” Arms still crossed, Gavin twisted
toward Ayden. “I’m afraid the little shit has the upper hand.” He
turned back to face the young man. “And to whom do I owe the honor
of my demise?”

“Where are
Calix and Logan?”

“You’ve just
missed Logan.” Gavin gestured toward the front door. “He would have
been thrilled to meet you. And Calix is probably sulking around
here somewhere.” His hand waved dismissively. “But maybe I can
offer you a better deal. See, I’m just
dying
to know how the
fuck you broke into my home.”

“I’m not
making deals with demons. I intend to kill you. All of you sick
demon bastards. And her, if I have to.” The intruder jabbed the
spear at Ayden. “But, for now, she’s going to buy me my
freedom.”

Gavin frowned
and tipped his head. “And what have I done to deserve such
animosity from you?”

The boy’s lip
curled. “You murdered my girl. The only woman in the world I’ve
ever loved.”

Gavin raised
an eyebrow and scratched his head. “I’ve murdered many people. Not
many women, though. Perhaps you can refresh my memory.”

“Calla. Not
that you even asked her name first.”

Ayden furrowed
her brow. “Draven?”

His gaze shot
to her but he didn’t speak.

“Calla is
alive,” Ayden said.

Draven’s eyes
went from glowering to wide. “Alive? She’s … not dead?”

Gavin cleared
his throat. “Not if Calla is the petit blonde upstairs.”

The shock on
Draven’s face progressed to a ghostly white. “But … what did
you
do to her?” His eyes went dark before a flicker of gold
glimmered at the rims.

“Gavin didn’t
do anything. What did you do to her?” Ayden challenged back.

“The nephilim
said you’d … violate her then kill her so she wouldn’t know where
to return, couldn’t find you again.”

“You’ve been
chatting it up with
which
nephilim exactly?” Gavin
asked.

“I’ll tell you
nothing.” Draven growled. “Where is Calla?”

“I’ll tell
you
nothing until I get some answers.” Gavin’s voice
remained smooth and calm. “Calla is safe. Untouched.”

Draven glanced
over at Ayden, and she nodded.

“Now, about
that deal,” Gavin said linking his fingers behind him as he stepped
closer to Draven. “You tell me what
demon
spilled the
secrets of my lair, and I’ll see if your Calla wishes to return to
you.”

Draven lifted
the spear and took a step back. “And why should I trust a
demon?”

“Because you
have no choice. You may hold a stick that could do some irreparable
damage, but let’s not forget you foolishly infiltrated a demon’s
lair.” Placing his hand on his chest, Gavin leaned forward. “I’m
but one of many, and I don’t intend to make it easy for you.” He
straightened and tipped his head. “But I think you anticipated
that. Unless you’re incredibly stupid. Either way, your timing is
impeccable. I’m interested. Now talk.”

“His name is
Ryke. All he wants in return is Calix and Logan. Give me Calla and
those two. You can keep her.” Draven pointed to Ayden.

“Have you met
my brothers before?” There was an edge of humor in Gavin’s voice.
“If you think you can get either of them to listen to you, be my
guest.”

“Draven,”
Ayden said, stepping forward, “let’s not forget who sent Calla into
that party to begin with. Wade controls his army by controlling
their minds and directing their anger.”

“He’s right
about all of them. Those sick murdering lycans and … them.” Draven
poked the spear toward Gavin.

“I can assure
you that you have nothing to be angry at the Wrath Demons for.”
Ayden moved beside Gavin. “Calla has been fed, watched over and
given the freedom to return to the Alexi. She chose to stay.”

“And what
about her brother, Jacob?” Draven’s eyes shifted as he spoke. “She
could leave him?”

“Could you?” A
dim glow of red flickered in Gavin’s eyes. “I sense an urgency for
revenge. What happened to Jacob?”

“You shut up!
You shut the fuck up!” Draven jabbed his way again with the
spear.

Ayden grabbed
it before it could reach Gavin. “He may be affected by the metals
on this, but I’m not.”

Draven tugged
it from her grip. “Bring Calla to me.”

“The deal only
stands if she’s wishes to return to you,” Gavin said. “If not, you
will leave my home and never return again, lest you find out what
happens to trespassers down in my catacombs.”

Bennett came
storming into Gavin’s office, his glare riveted on Draven. For a
troll who was pleasant most of the time, Bennett looked pissed.

“Calm down,
Ben.” Gavin held out his hand, halting Bennett in his tracks. “Our
guest here meant no harm. Please fetch Miss Calla for me.”

With his
mutilated lip curled, the troll gave a sharp nod. “Yes, Master.” He
hobbled away, his attention on Draven until he’d left the room.