God awakened, p.13
God Awakened, page 13
The old man’s parting words before he, too, disappeared in a blink. ‘Hopefully, you’ll not be needed.’ What did he mean by that?
So here is where they have been waiting. Waiting on a signal. No longer wanting to get stuck in his head, he asked.
“So what do you think of Cormac?”
Even she was now too restless. The need to do something, anything, was growing by the second. She couldn’t imagine how Caden was feeling. It was his twin sister in danger. They shared and strong connection to one another. If she had to guess, he was feeling some of his twin’s fears as well as his own.
It would explain so much. Lately, he just wasn’t himself. The sporadic nature of his emotions and behaviors. It was likely his sister coming through because of their shared link. Only he had yet to realize it. Once he did, she was sure he could balance it all out.
It differed from the link they shared together. Theirs felt more like a magnetic pull to her. And yet not all. Almost like they were missing something. She couldn’t put her finger on it. If she wasn’t in constant contact with him, she felt edgy, almost frantic. It was how she knew she could calm him when she touched him. Having witnessed it several times already in practice.
He had realized that phenomenon on his own. So she knew he would figure this out as well. It was just a matter of when. The poor man was on the edge of emotion over load, his, hers and his sisters.
She and Garth really shouldn’t have tried to lighten his mood by laughing at him. That hadn’t been fair. It was funny seeing him pace and stomp around. He had looked like a child throwing a tantrum. Just like Garth had accused before.
So instead, she went to him, wrapping her arms around him. Watching him realize her effect on him filled her with warmth. Being able to ease his pain made her proud. Helping her man. She liked that thought. Her man. He was hers, just as much as she was his. She also could have sworn she heard him shout MINE inside her head.
What a strange sensation that was. The echo of his voice. It was creepy. While also welcoming at the same time. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath to clear her thoughts.
Suddenly, Caden stiffened in her arms. His face draining of color. Fear filled her.
“What is it, Caden? What’s wrong?”
Garth quickly rose and was standing beside them. He too asked.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
Stiffly, Caden looked between the two of them and said.
“They have Rowan too.”
Shocked, she couldn’t contain her gasp of fear.
“No,”
Was all she could voice.
They had his nephew. He was only a young man. Still a child, really. Why would they hurt him? To get to his mother? She really hoped not. How was Rowan even here?
Looking at Garth, she mouthed, ‘This is bad.’ He gave her a small nod. The look they shared, however, was one of promise. A promise to be there for Caden, Harlow, and Rowan, then to take revenge on those who have harmed them. Garth placed his hand atop theirs in a reassuring motion.
Time seemed to be suspended for them. Like they were in a dreamlike state. Ranges of emotions flowed around all around them. Containing them in a bubble. Constantly cycling back and forth. It was as if on some level they were one mind, or connected somehow.
It felt odd, but in a comforting way. A closeness of understanding, being, and familiarity. The air was shifting around them, whispering a voice of caution.
Lights and sparks were joining the flow of the wind before settling on their layered hands. Odd, she thought. They had intended to offer support to Caden. His hand was resting atop her shoulder. She had placed hers on his, then Garth on hers in a caring gesture.
She could feel the heat rising among their hands. What was happening? That thought echoed among them. Singing its question repeatedly until it felt like a branding iron was searing their palms. All three of them screamed a silent scream of pain.
With a loud crack, thunder echoed, amounts them forcing them apart. Sending them flying in different directions. When she landed with a thud, the impact forced all the air from her lungs. A furious shout had her breathing quick.
“What have you done?”
Turning toward the voice, she saw a fuming Cormac. He was much taller than she remembered and she had only met the man yesterday. The energy flowing around him fluctuated. Filled with trepidation, she stood. Brushing the dirt off herself. Crying out in pain when her right palm brushed along her leg.
Pulling her hand back. She cradled it with her other to look. Gasping in shock at what she saw. A circle with an interwoven vine of thorns. Still holding her wrist, she looked up when she heard footsteps come toward her.
Cormac stood inches from her. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand. Investigating her palm. When he made eye contact with her, he growled.
“You shouldn’t have.”
Confused, she furrowed her brow.
Exasperated, he huffed and turned, giving her his back.
“What shouldn’t I have done?”
Shaking his head, he made his way over to where each Caden and Garth lay. They were out cold. He took his time inspecting their palms as well.
Wanting answers, she demanded.
“Cormac, what shouldn’t I have done?”
Standing tall, he turned, making eye contact with her. Shaking his head once again. Arg, what a frustrating man.
“Why won’t you tell me?”
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. It looks as though he was counting down the way his lips were moving. Was he calming himself? What had she done that was so bad? She wasn’t aware of doing anything at all.
When he snapped his eyes open, he locked them on her.
“I will only say it once. So it’ll wait till they wake.”
The force of energy that came her way with his statement pushed her back a step. Wow! This man had some serious power.
Unable to stay away any longer. She went to Caden’s side. Kneeling, she brushed back the hair from his face. He looked like he was in pain. Looking behind her, she studied Garth’s face as well. He, too, looked like he was in pain. Looking back at Cormac, she asked,
“Why are they still out cold? Are they in pain?”
When all he did was stare. She knew the answer. ‘He will only say it once.’ Damn it, men could be so frustrating.
Well, if she had to wait, she might as be comfortable while she did. Laying down beside Caden, she wrapped herself around him. Closing her eyes, she sighed in comfort. If he was still sleeping, what could it hurt for her to catch a little shuteye herself?
With Cormac standing nearby, they would be safe.
CHAPTER 21
Well, this was just great. Pacing, he continued to mumble. Fighting the urge to tug at his hair, he instead clinched his hands into fists. His frustrations growing. How the hell had she done it? Let alone figure it out the complicated spell.
It had taken him years to learn such a thing. Could it be she was more powerful than he? Or was there a real credence to instinct?
He couldn’t help but wonder? Looking over to where Honor now slept, beside Caden, her fated Mate. Shaking his head, those two really should have completed the deed by now.
He had hoped that his silence on the matter would have resulted in the two of them acting on their lustful feelings. Doing what came naturally.
Sex was a requirement for the ceremony, of course. As well as bloodletting and speaking the ancient language. Achieving those last two requirements could be as simple as a drop of blood from a love bite and their souls speaking to each other.
It wasn’t necessary to have a priestess conduct a ceremony like Kieran and Harlow had. However, their circumstances were different. Theirs was a destiny for more.
Maybe, if he had intervened, he could have prevented this. Now he had to figure out how to convince these two to perform the act, and fast. Should he go for the direct approach or subtle? Perhaps he should take his cues from them and go from there.
He missed the era when, once you had met your True Mate, there was no waiting. The deed was done and life continued. Now, however, with all the tales of deception on the issue and the two in question before him. They didn’t know what was happening to them. So how could he have expected them to perform the ritual? Perhaps a little story time was in order.
Perhaps he was losing his marbles, as they say. If he expected so much from others. Maybe he had become too complacent in allowing things to simply be. Following the entire Neera fiasco.
Now was the time for action and interaction. He needed to guide all three of them through this magick hail storm. However, his insides told him that teaching would have to wait till after Rowan’s change.
“Arg!”
Reaching up, he weft his fingers through his hair and giving a good tug. Despite his efforts, he could never break the bad habit of tugging at his hair when he was pent up with frustration. He was at war with himself. Partial blame for the situation these three found themselves in rested with him. Had he given them more instruction, this might not have happened?
His mind and gut were fighting over this. Knowledge was power tight? All three of them could benefit from some tutelage. But from what he could see, it would not happen anytime soon. They would, however, have to learn through experience and reaction.
Stomping his foot. He couldn’t stand to look at them any longer. All he saw when doing so was a tangled mess. Further building his internal tsunami. There was also a haze of a black cloud that followed the two of them. Someone he wasn’t sure who had it out for them.
Another magick from the looks of things. With this third person now present in their corner, it would seem that the cloud has lessened. Still, he did not like the lingering black cloudiness.
Deep in thought, he paced again. Pondering the reason for their actions. It had been a very long time since he had been the same age. However, he had grown up in this world. He had all the teaching, and the lessons drilled into him at an early age. Also becoming so reliant on the images he saw. It was time to be creative.
These three were from an apocalyptic time. So used to reacting rather than planning. Could that, by chance, be the reason logic had vanished in this situation? He still doubted this was intentional. They were new to this time, and not aware of all ins and outs. Which was why they all needed some training. Something that he sadly suspected would have to wait till all the chaos was over with.
Although, if he could convince them to complete their bonding in a timely manner. Perhaps he could do a mini thriving session with them. Show them how to trust their internal knowing. Allowing them to gain their confidence and abilities along the way.
The more he thought about it, the more it brought a sense of calm. Well, he did his best to stay calm, given the circumstances. This had not been intentional. It was likely a gut reaction.
Now what should he do? The web of possibilities was endless. He needed to find the avenue with the greatest result. To do so, he would need them to be safe in their slumber. What he had to accomplish would take a bit of time. Not to mention he liked to work in peaceful silence.
That was not something that he could get around here. With his decision made, he nodded his head. Walking toward the sleeping trio, he closed his eyes, thinking of his newest tiny cabin. Summoning the power needed, he held his breath, waving his arm in the air.
Unaware, however, someone saw him from a distance before they disappeared with a small popping sound.
He was in luck. His massive furry companion had grabbed him and they escaped the carnage. It was a good thing too. The prisoners weren’t ready to give up just yet. However, he had a feeling they would be soon. Smiling, he liked that thought.
Soon he would have what he wanted. There was also the chance that this current girl possessed enough power to grant all his desires. He would have to play her a little differently, though. She was a tough nut to crack. Not like the others he so frequently chose.
As a side benefit, he now would have another furry companion. Perhaps this new member could be used to sway the girl. She had seemed to form a strong attachment to him. Rather quickly, too, it seemed.
He smiled, liking the idea a lot. He was a master at getting others to do everything he wanted. Rightly so. He was a magick, after all. It was his birthright to rule over all nonmagicks. After all, they created them for that purpose. To worship and do all the bidding of any magick being.
All his hard work had led him to this point. This was the closest he had ever been. He couldn’t fail now. Pride filled him. This was his time. His chance to show all those who had doubted him. Well, those that were still alive, that is. Most were now long gone. Only a few remained.
Smiling again as he pictured the looks on all their faces when they recognized him for who was. The magick born without gifts and now the most powerful one of all. He couldn’t wait for that day. He would show them all just how powerful he could be. Taking all that was his.
Still, at least this big brute was useful, even if he hated being carried around like a small child. A necessity because of his weak state. It was likely the reason everyone assumed he was dead now. Little did they know. He would show them. Show them all. He was better than them all.
He saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Strange, he thought. The attack had come from the other side of the building. Which is why they had left from this side. All the people had gathered over there.
It was a minor setback losing this grand place. It had its uses, that was for sure. However, it was a pain to run. There were never enough servants around at any given time. So getting things done took forever.
Not to mention the guard dogs and their endless barking and howling were getting on his nerves. It was a good thing to be rid of them. They were a dime a dozen, and he was positive the brute carrying him would be all too pleased to create more such creatures. He had perfected the task.
Squinting, he tried to study the figure. Who was it and why were they on this side? Not to mention waving their arm in the air as if they wanted to gain attention. Suddenly, they all disappeared with a soft popping sound. Clearly another magick. But who? Were they a part of the attacking party? Or were they simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Wanting to find out more. He shouted to his big brute.
“Head over there. I want to inspect.”
He pointed to where the magick being had been. A grunt was his only reply as he turned and headed that way. A grunt followed with each stomp. Looking at his carrier’s face, he could see the sweat beginning to form. His shifter friend was struggling with the shift.
Feeling a small bit of compassion, he said.
“Set me just here and you can shift back to your human-like form while I investigate.”
He pointed to the place where he saw the magick disappear. Sitting on the ground, he looked around to see if he could find any visual clues as to who was there. Closing his eyes, he saw nothing of significance. He took a moment. The remnants of power left behind were familiar.
He had been born a magick with no gifts, but over the years he had learned and picked up a few things. So he wasn’t without some talent. It was just not enough for him. He deserved more.
He knew this he should know this person. They were someone from his past. But who? He couldn’t remember. Frowning, he inhaled deeply. Trying in vain to jog his memory.
It frustrated him. It was just outside of his reach. Even his brain was weak, just like the rest of him. However, he made sure to protect his greatest asset. So this person in question must not have been of any significance. Otherwise, he would remember them.
They possibly have developed into someone of consequence. Potentially a person he needs to watch out for. Possibly even investigate. But later. Right now, he had things to do. Important things.
Turning to look at his shifter companion to see how he fared. He was back in his human form, standing and waiting patiently. With his thick arms crossed, he grunted his question.
“You ready?”
Nodding his head, he cursed his need to be carried around. At least he could reserve his strength this way. Even Briggs, when in his human form, was faster and stronger than any nonmagick. He also didn’t need to tell the brute where to go. Just like any other dog, they will always go back home.
Ozel better have everything asked for prepared. He would be in much need of an energy boost.
CHAPTER 22
God, his bones ached. What the hell had happened? When he attempted to move, pain filled him, causing him to groan. Deciding to stay still, he tried to remember. Were they in some kind of battle? This felt different from the aftermath of a fight. It felt like something had touched him. The effect was a vice-like embrace.
He elected to be cautious when opening his eyes. Remaining very still, he cracked one eyelid open. Thankfully, the light was low. Opening both his eyes, he scanned his surroundings. The light was candlelight, flicking softly around Cormac’s tiny hut.
Exhaling a breath, he hadn’t realized he was holding. He was safe. Though how he had got here was a mystery. He was still having trouble remember recent events.
Carefully turning his head, he saw Honor was curled into his side, sound asleep and snoring softly. Needing to touch her and ignoring his pain, he reached over to move a strand of hair from her face.
A smile spread across her face at his gentle touch. Even in sleep, she reconsigned him. Their connection ran deep. He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. He extracted himself from the cot as cautiously as he could. After rearranging the blanket, he bent and kissed her forehead.
Gingerly, he moved about the cabin. Since there was no evidence of Cormac or Garth, he went outside to search. Once on the other side of the door, he found them both sitting on the steps. Each held a cup of steaming brew in their hands. Sipping while they gazed out and over the surrounding trees.
