God awakened, p.17
God Awakened, page 17
“That’s it, Harlow, almost there.”
Hearing her internal monologue of confusion. He knew she was really getting scared. Wanting to reassure her he wasn’t a manifestation of her mind. He said.
“It’s not.”
He could tell she felt frustrated with herself because her mind was wandering. Commotion within the room grew louder. Hearing a frustrated whiny man shout.
“ENOUGH.”
Hearing Harlow gasp. The whining continued.
“Make your choice. What’s it going to be?”
He could feel the shift in the air. The tides had changed and were not in their favor. He needed to act and act now.
In a rage, he stormed from the room. Smashing into the next. The sight he saw before him had him seeing red. His nephew struggling with a grotesque shifter. In a smooth dance, he wrapped his hand around the shifter’s neck. Focusing all his energy toward his electrical abilities, he sent them into his victim’s body. Channeling his fury into the twisting of his neck to the side.
An awful cracking sound filled the room, followed by the thuds of falling bodies. The whiny man tried in vain to peddle himself backward. Screaming and demanding fair treatment.
Looking at his sister to make sure she was alright. When he saw her, his sister was frozen in place and in shock. He could tell that her mind was working overtime. Trying to process everything.
He was so focused on her he didn’t notice the other man had moved. She wasn’t fast enough to dodge the man when shifted behind her. With careful precision, he placed the knife to her throat.
He feared for his sister and froze in front of her. Clinching his teeth. He said.
“I wouldn’t if I were you.”
He was still speaking when someone burst through the door. Upon seeing her whispered.
“Harlow.”
Raising his arm to block the man. He wanted answers. His sister stopped him with a
“NO.”
Taking a moment to calm himself, he took a deep breath. In doing so, he could easily sense that this man was Harlow’s true Mate. Making eye contact, he willed her to trust him.
“His name is Kieran. He is my husband Caden. Please trust him. He only fears for me and Rowan.”
He felt an overwhelming sense of emotions. Hers and his. He understood all too well the meaning of being a true Mate. He could easily sympathize with the man.
“I know who Kieran is. But let’s take care of this scum, ok?”
With her Mate close by, he could feel the shift in his twin. Understanding had dawned. With the two of them acting as one, they could easily handle this guy.
With a smirk and a tilt of her brow.
“Ok, brother mine.”
He couldn’t help the snort that escaped at her term of endearment. She knew he hated it. It was why he also used it on her.
It was then the whiny man tugged her backward. To steady herself, Harlow had to grab his arm. When he started shouting.
“Who is he? What does he want with you?”
This time, his sister snorted before saying,
“Well, I don’t know what he wants with me. This gentleman is Caden, my twin brother.”
He watched as she attempted to shrug off the knife as the tip penetrated further. Both he and Kieran hissed in response. Then she said.
“Plus, you already met my husband, Kieran.”
The whiny man scrunched his face in anger.
“I’ve had enough.”
Knowing this wasn’t good, he couldn’t keep his growl at bay. Before demanding.
“Release my sister.”
Feeling compelled, he made eye contact with his twin. Pulling a card from her deck, he wanted her to know he knew the same game. He gave her a wink.
He watched her work her magick, using her gifts. The blade slowly slipped from the man’s fingers. In a swift and rehearsed move, she grabbed her captor, bringing him around. Connecting her heel with his jewels. While he whined in pain, she flipped him.
Understanding her intentions, he was too happy to oblige. Raising his fist, he swung, connecting with the man’s face. Rendering him unconscious. Looking at the smiley weasel who dared harm his family. He felt happy knowing justice would be served.
As the thought had crossed his mind, he felt a burning in his palm. Looking down, he saw his promissory tattoo had faded slightly.
It was torture to sit and listen to all the happenings in the next room. How could they treat people like that? They weren’t commodities. Luckily, they all heard each other. Even if there were still far too many questions about who, what, and why?
They knew things had escalated quickly when Caden stormed out. She only hoped he could keep calm enough to defuse the situation. It was possible through their shared connection for her to calm him. So far, she had only mastered the skill through physical touch.
The encounter had happened so fast in reality. Even though living through it had felt like an eternity. She couldn’t help but laugh that when help had arrived, it was, of course, too late. Well, that hadn’t been entirely true. Caden was a help for Rowan and Harlow.
Staring down at her right palm. She still couldn’t believe it had faded. So to had Caden’s and Garth’s tattoo. Her Mate’s actions defending Rowan and Harlow were working toward their shared vow. If she had to guess, they had one person left based on the rate of fading. The idea made her feel giddy, but it also caused her concern. They did not know who the other parties were that were involved.
Now, they were all sitting in some grand room in Aramis’ court. She sat on her Mate Caden’s lap, cuddling. Likewise, Harlow sat on her Mate’s lap. Cormac sat with Rowan and Garth. Followed up by Aramis and Kieran’s most trusted. When Cora had entered the room, they were all shocked. Until they learned in this time, she went by Corrina, however, in their time she was Cora. She then introduced Aidan and Cillian to them.
Adjusting to this new world of theirs was a challenge. It was information overload. However, the more they all knew, the better off they all would be.
After today’s earlier events. They all enjoyed a wonderful celebration meal. Once Cormac and the healers revived everyone from Ozel’s magick. They had learned the whiny little man had attempted to save them all from Brigg’s hatred by casting a sleeping spell on them. A spell so strong that it simulated death.
He stated killing everyone was pointless since they were only sent to collect their newest creation. So he gave the appearance of a killing curse instead. It helped speed things along for them. However, they had yet to gain a name from him other than the Master. Whoever that was? Ozel refused to reveal his Master’s name.
Looking around the room, she couldn’t help but see all the similarities there were to the grand ballroom at the original compound. It was like they were all most out of time. Shining and glimmering with ornate details. All the displays of wealth and power.
The official meeting or gathering of information was about to happen. Now that Rowan could join them. She still felt shocked to see that he had aged. He was so much older than when she had last seen him. Which, for her, wasn’t that long ago. His age was a topic of conversation to be discussed. As to was his last statement of ‘He’s Coming.’
It would appear the twins understood his meaning. They weren’t sharing, however. Even when she had questioned her Mate in private, he refused to share. She couldn’t help herself, she wanted to know. Repeatedly, she had asked him until he finally grew angry. Snapping at her, shouting, Enough.
Allowing her curiosity to get the better of her had ended up upsetting them both. She was feeling horrible when he apologized to her.
Holding her head in his massive hands, he rubbed his thumbs along her cheeks. In a loving whisper,
“I’m sorry, my girl. I should not have snapped at you.”
Bending, he kissed the tip of her nose before continuing.
“I can only guess at the meaning of the statement. It is not mine to share. We must all wait for Rowan to hear the truth.”
Knowing he was right, she nodded her head in agreement. Though she had a pretty good guess herself who he had meant. It was the how was that possible and the why of it that bothered her the most. Most likely the others as well.
What had surprised her was when Caden had asked her if she noticed a difference in Harlow. He had just sat down, pulling her onto his lap, when he whispered his question in her ear. She watched when his twin moved about the room with her Mate and Aramis talking. It looked to be a serious conversation.
There was, however, something very different about the bonded pair, though. She could feel an enormous wave of power emanating from them. More so than everyone in the room combined. They also looked slightly different. While they too displayed the Mating mark, they wore many more markings. Powerful ones. Markings that shone through their clothing for her.
Sucking in a breath, she had an innate urge to bow to the couple. Unsure why, she just knew that they all should. For they represented all power and all living things.
When she had gasped, Harlow had turned to look at her. Upon studying her, realized what she knew. Unable to stop herself, Honor had lowered her lids as a sign of respect. The other woman nodded slightly while doing the same. Before turning back to the conversation.
As Caden whispered into her ear,
“What is it?”
She attempted to do something she never had.
Turning, she placed her hand on his head, supporting the back of his neck. Closing her eyes, she focused on sending him all her thoughts about the couple. When she heard him suck in a breath, she knew what she was attempting was working.
After she finished, she opened her eyes and looked into his surprised ones. Watching as he turned to look at his twin. No doubt sharing their unique internal conversation. One she knew he believed was all his sisters doing. Only she knew that was not true.
Smiling at her man, and feeling the bond he shared with his twin, warmed her heart. There was never any doubt in her mind that when those two worked together, anything was possible. Throw in all the rest of them here in this room and look out.
This was when Aramis had called an order to get this official meeting started. It was also when two others joined the room with them. She guessed the other shifter leaders Cormac had told them about.
CHAPTER 28
Oh, man, did his brain hurt. His sister and her true Mate were the eternal mother and father overall. He couldn’t believe it, while in other ways it made total sense. You just needed to look at her son to see the evidence of how fantastic of a mother she was.
His head was still spinning over Rowan. Who now was a grown man in his own right. He had come through the portal when he was twenty-five. He was only seven years younger than he and his mother were. So strange. The last time he had seen him was when they sent him off to official training school at fifteen.
They had yet to figure out exactly how the portal worked. It did not spit you out in the order you went in. Well, sometimes it did. He and Jasper’s team had all arrived at the same time. Then there was why some survived while others did not.
Rubbing his hand over his face, he turned his to look at his slumbering Mate. As soon as they were escorted to their private rooms. She seized him with desire and ravished him. He smiled, remembering how enthusiastic she had been. Not caring who if anyone heard them. Her passion for him filled him with pride.
Now she was snoring softly beside him. While he pondered over all they had just learned. Some changes were happening with the new position of the Gods. They had yet to discover who was after Harlow and Rowan. Did it possibly have something to do with the prophecy, Neera’s followers, or both?
They still haven’t been able to get any viable information from Ozel. Who they learned was Cillian’s sibling. A good man who felt responsible for his brother’s actions. Even Kieran had said he found Cillian a good friend. He should not bear the responsibility of his brother’s actions.
That’s why they assigned him the task of setting up the guild. A guild for the protection detail of the God and Goddess? Cillian displayed great compassion and possessed many skills that would cattier to his new position.
The fact he was also a Ravens Night member was an added bonus. He could sense other members as they had each walked into the room. There were quite a few of them. So if he was in charge of his sister’s security, that was alright by him.
While Aiden, his brother-in-law’s best friend, and a fellow creator of Ravens Night, was taking the position of clan chief and leader from Kieran. He, too, was an impressive man. One he could see himself getting along with well. Liking him before they had even spoken to each other. This internal knowing was a gift he really liked and was using more often.
Seeing Corrina or Cora, as he knew her, had been quite shocking. To say the least. Learning she was taking responsibility for Ravens Night had not been surprising. She had been doing so in his timeline. He wondered how things differed for Cora in his time to the Corrina in this one.
Was it possible their coming back here changed things for the better? Is this what the prophecy was about? Before he could ponder further, a loud banging on their door pulled him from his thoughts.
Honor shot up with a scream, scanning the room. Sighing, when she realized it was someone at the door, she relaxed, closing her eyes.
She garbled with a yawn. Before saying.
“It’s just Garth.”
Petting her hair, he leaned in, kissing her forehead.
“I know, my girl. Let’s see what is so urgent.”
She smiled at him with love shining in her eyes as she nodded.
Speaking in a voice only loud enough, he knew only he could hear with his superior hearing. He said.
“Come on in, Garth.”
As he entered, they both sucked in a shocking breath at the overwhelming sense of worry that encompassed the man. How the door had blocked that, he wasn’t sure. But was grateful for the tranquil bobble they had shared last night.
Concern filled Honor’s voice when she asked.
“What is it, Garth? What’s wrong?”
The large man’s face only softened slightly at her question. Shaking his head, he only replied.
“I’m not sure exactly. I do know we have to head back to the compound now.”
Confused by the man’s unusual behavior, he knew his concern was genuine. Something was happening. Events that would require their presence. What those events were was unknown.
What a leader he was turning out to be. A crappy one, for sure. How could he have forgotten about his responsibilities? He had zeroed in on Honor, excluding all else. Well, except his sister and his nephew. Leaving a gap that, thankfully, Garth had the sense to fill.
Feeling the guilt, he rubbed a hand over his face. Staring at Garth, he said.
“I’m sorry, man. I didn’t intend for you to carry that burden.”
The massive man softened.
“No worries. You found your true Mate. You can repay me when it’s my turn.”
After sharing a look of understanding, they nodded in agreement.
They made a quick set of plans before Garth left to notify Aramis of their departure. This left them some privacy to get dressed and ready to leave.
He regretted this new devilment meant he would not be seeing more of his twin or his nephew. It also meant they would miss the rest of their meeting. There had been so much to talk about yesterday they had decided to continue on this morning. So Rowan had yet to explain the meaning of ‘He’s coming.’
Even after he had joined them last night. The conversation revolved heavily around talk of the prophecy. That in itself was something to ponder. Processing it was still causing him trouble. Honor’s ability to distract him made him even more grateful.
His Mate’s hand on his shoulder startled him, as he was so caught up in his thoughts. Looking into her eyes, he saw her love and compassion reflected in them.
“It’ll be ok. Why don’t you close your eyes and concentrate? Focus on the message you want to tell Harlow. Then simply send it to her. She will hear you.”
Surprise filled him and had him looking at her in awe. She could read him so well. He seemed to flounder all over the place lately. Before he could even thank her, she said.
“It’s ok. Now focus.”
Nodding his head, he closed his eyes and did as his very intelligent Mate suggested. He couldn’t help the chuckle that passed through his lips at his sister’s reply.
“Ok, brother mine. Just be careful. If you need any help, let me know.”
He could hear the teasing snark of her voice before it shifted to supportive. Realizing then their connection truly went both ways. Finally, he was complete. He had his twin and his Mate.
“Yes, you do, brother mine. Yes, you do.”
He felt her warm embrace surround him. Opening his eyes, he saw Honor smiling at him. She knew and was complete, too.
Time he took charge. Grabbing his Mate’s hand with a gentle squeeze, he wanted to convey to her his thanks, gratefulness, and readiness to move forward.
They were being escorted by one of Aramis’s men. He was taking them to a secure and private place they could instantly travel. How the man seemed to know exactly what they needed baffled her. It had to be Cormac’s influence.
They were all three traveling this way at his advice, as well. When Garth informed them of their need for departure, Cormac insisted Honor was the way. It was the fastest way and the safest for them.
Why else would someone grant them precisely all their requirements? She was to keep her true talents and what she was a secret. But how then would someone not figure it all out when all three would simply disappear?
Now wasn’t the time to ponder on such worries. She had more important things to freak out about. Like moving the three of them from one location to another all on her own.
This time, she was sorely responsible for their transport. It was all on her. The closer they got to her destination, the more her tummy butterflies fluttered.
