Revelation (24 page)

“
We would also need to make it seem that we’re torn between saving one human, Eve, or sacrificing her for the greater good of mankind,” Callan suggests. “By now, Gage and Deacon know how important Eve is to this clan.”

“Agreed.
Eve will also have to act upset that we’d suddenly be turning her over. So it would have to be done against her will,” Keegan adds.

“Where would we meet?”
Tadhg asks.

Keegan turns. “Here, nightfall
. We’ll tell him that the enchantment will be lifted and if he comes peacefully, we’ll allow him on the grounds. We let Deacon get close enough to Eve that he thinks he has her and then we move in and bury him alive in stone,” Keegan states.

Asher shakes his head back and forth. “I don’t like it. You’re giving a lot of credit to a half-breed. Demons are not known for their stupidity, Keegan,” he retorts. “Not to mention that Eve is no where ready to go up against him.”

“Hold up.” They all turn to me. “I may not be fully ready but the past few weeks of training have taught me a lot.” I turn to Asher. “It’s a good plan. I could easily distract him. I can do this.”

Asher shakes his head adamantly in disagreement.

“I’m ready. If this solves the problem of Deacon for good, why not?” I ask in a quiet tone.

“I am not willing to place you in harm
’s way, Eve,” Asher says, his voice low and final.

“Ash, we’ll all be there. Deacon
won’t harm Eve. We’ll all make sure of it,” Callan offers.

All eyes are on Asher as he stands defiantly, arms crossed over his chest. His cold eyes lock onto mine as
he sighs his agreement. “I don’t like it.”

I grab his arm
in a firm hold. “I can’t escape him. Deacon and his clan are going to keep gunning for me. We need to stop him. This will work. I’m ready.” My eyes plead with his.

Asher’s
irises scan my face, searching for an ounce of uncertainty. When he sees none, he swallows and turns to Keegan. “Reach out to Gage.” With that, he storms out of the room.

22
Sacrifices

I find Asher in the library
, standing in front of the fireplace with both hands on the mantel, head down, breathing deeply. The glow from the fire illuminates his striking features and the way he leans shows off his toned back and arm muscles.

I breathe him in for a moment before I approach him. Once he senses m
y presence, his eyes shift to me, but he remains rooted in the same position.

I offer a small smile. “Keegan’s strategy is good.
We can stop Deacon. I’ve got this.”

Asher
huffs. “Eve, you’re naïve to think that.” He turns his focus back to the fire.

I approach
him slowly and wrap my arms around his waist, resting my cheek over the dragon tattoo on his back. Praying he doesn’t push me away.

Asher closes his eyes and inhales. “You think it’s easy for me to let you go into this tomorrow? I see right through you
, siren. I know you’re scared and trying to act brave.”

“You were the one who said I was strong and could rise to meet m
y destiny,” I remind him, enjoying that he isn’t pushing me away after Michael’s warning and his cold reaction.

“
I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to protect you properly while feeling the way I do about you. It’s hindering my ability to keep you safe,” he says, pained. “And Michael—”

I let go of him, move around to the front and step in between his arms so I can look him in the eye
s. “You will look after me. You can protect me because it’s engrained in your soul. I know you will catch me if I fall,” I promise him. “We’ll work on Michael. I’m not afraid.”

He lets go of the mantel and cups my face. Indigo eyes search mine. “I don’t want to let you down.”

“You won’t,” I assure.

He shakes his head. “
Then why does it feel like the world is about to come down on us?”

I grab his cheeks,
his stubble comforting my hands. “This is who we are. You promised to always bring me home. You will.”

Asher nods. “You’re right. This is who we are. It would be easier not to let you go. This
plan, using you to lure Deacon, isn’t good. Someone is going to get hurt. A few weeks of training isn’t enough. You’re not ready. You’re not allowing me to protect you.”

I look fiercely at him. “You can’t shelter me
. I need to be part of this. Besides, I’ve got you and a clan of the most badass gargoyles a girl could ask for. Not to mention a few werewolves. We’re good. I promise.” I smile, hoping it will put him at ease.

“I will protect you, always,” he vows.

Asher leans forward
and his lips take mine with so much passion and force, pouring all his fears and promises into this kiss.

The expression of his feelings is
so beautiful that a small tear falls from my eyes and runs down my cheek. He leans back, scanning my eyes and wiping the tear with the back of his fingers. The gesture’s so tender I feel the need to crawl inside him and never leave.

“I’ve got this,” I whisper to him.

***

Aria bounces down the stairs and into the kitchen
. Her happy humming pulls me out of my staring contest with the snow-covered trees in the backyard. I turn to her as she pours herself a cup of coffee. I think this is the first time I’ve noticed she puts more sugar in the cup than coffee.
Gross
.

“Aria
, have some coffee with your sugar,” I joke.

She rolls her eyes. “Whatever, blood of Eden,”
Aria shoots out at me as she hip checks me lightly.

I scrunch my face. “Hey, that’s just mean. You’ve been hanging out with McKenna too long,” I faux whine.

She sips her coffee. “You look worried.”

I sigh and hop on the counter to sit while she leans against it.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about how today goes down,” I admit.

Aria
is quiet, looking at me thoughtfully. “Eve, I promise you, it’s all going to go down the way it’s meant to go down.”

My eyes lock onto her chocolate ones. “
It’s the how that has me concerned,” I confess.

Her face softens. “Are you worried about Asher?”

“Asher, Abby, Callan, Leo, Tadhg, even Keegan and McKenna. They’re my family now. How do I not worry about them?”

“They’re prepared
. It’s in their blood. Everything is going to be just fine.” She taps my knee with affection.

I
give her a tight smile. “Can I tell you something?”

“Always
.” Aria’s eyes twinkle.

“I’m scared.
Of living, of dying. What if I’m not meant to be this savior? What if all this is a fluke and they have the wrong person?” I stare at her, terrified that she’ll see right through me.

“Eve,” she says
in a soft voice. “They have the right person. You’re very special. I know it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but I believe in you.  If anyone can do this, it’s you.”

“Thanks
. You’re a good friend, Aria.” I hop off the counter and pull her into a tight hug.

“Let
’s lighten things up. I’m so in love with Leo!” She giggles like a schoolgirl.

“What?
Seriously?” My eyes widen in shock that she used the L-word.

“I really like him
, Eve. He’s kind, loyal, passionate, and intelligent,” she gushes.

“And a werewolf,” I remind her. “Are you going to like have his werewolf cubs or something
?” I laugh.

“Does that mean I
really am into bestiality?” She freaks out, her face dropping and paling.

I scrunch my nose. “No, I don’t think that’s how it works.”

We burst into a giggling fit as Abby and McKenna walk in with Keegan, Callan, Asher, Tadhg and Leo trailing behind them.

“What’s so funny?” Leo asks as he wraps his arms around Aria.

“Nothing,” we say at the same time, causing another giggle fest.

“By the grace
. Listen, if the Olsen twins are done, we should train before we head out,” McKenna snipes.

I narrow my eyes at her.

Asher comes over and grabs my piece of bacon out of my hand and eats it. “Help yourself,” I shoot at him sarcastically.

“I did
.” He chomps and smiles his sexy grin at me.

Callan turns his angered face toward me as it drops in shock. “Did you touch my pans
to make bacon?”

I swallow.
Crap
. “Um, yes.”

“Eve
s, the only thing worse than touching a man’s weapon without permission is touching his cooking utensils,” he whisper shouts in horror.

“Sorry,” I get out before I start laughing.

“We are talking actual pots and pans here, right?” Keegan confirms.

Callan looks at us
, confused. “What else would I be talking about?” His hands are on his hips.

We all laugh because he’s so cute even though he doesn’t get it.

“Fine, but I’m making French toast this morning. See if any of you get some,” he pouts.

“Oh
, honey, they’re just kidding. You have the best and biggest utensils I have ever seen,” Abby purrs.

This causes us all to laugh again.

“Out of my kitchen—all of you!” Callan shouts and we all head to the training room.

***

In the training room, the guys are wearing black cargos, black boots, and t-shirts. The girls are in black leggings, knee high leather boots, and black tank tops. All their dragon tattoos are prominently on display under their fighting garb. Leather wristlets and beaded bracelets are the only other items on their bodies.  

Leo walks in last wearing jeans, boots
, and a grey Henley. “You know it’s snowing, right? You’re all going to freeze,” he says.

“We don’t feel the cold like other supernatural beings or humans,” Keegan offers.

“Werewolves are warm blooded and run higher internal temperatures and it’s still goddamn cold,” Leo quips.

Callan
and Tadhg laugh as we begin to prepare the weapons.

Keegan looks to Abby. “Did you remove the enchantment so Deacon and his clan
can access the property?”

She nods her head. “
Yep, all removed. So be prepared, every demon within a hundred miles of Eve will be heading our way soon.”

Aria walks in. “Are you sure there is nothing I can do?”
she whines. “I feel useless just sitting here while you guys get to have all the fun and fight to save the world.”

I roll my eyes at her dramatics. Leo walks over to her and kisses her on the forehead.

“Listen, human, you need to stay here until this is done. It’s safer for you in here,” he explains tenderly.

“Fine, but I expect each and every one of you to protect Eve. Bring her back in one piece or I will kill you myself
. Understood?” She glances at everyone, eyes narrowed, hands on hips. She means business.

They all smile and agree.

“By the way, you all do look like very badass gargoyles.” Aria smirks and turns to me.

I return the words she said to me this morning. “It’s all going to go down the way it’s meant to go down.”

She nods her head, lifts her chin, and hugs me. “I love you, girl.” Aria pulls away and looks me in the eyes. “I believe in you,” she says while moving my ponytail off my shoulder.

“I’ll see you on the other side of this,” I say
with confidence.

“Yes
, you will, my friend.” Her hand smacks my ass and she goes back to Leo’s side.

Asher comes over to me as I secure my daggers in their sheath. He watches me
in quiet contemplation.

“What?” I ask
, raising my gaze to meet his.

“You ready?”
he asks with a pensive voice.

I stand straight, cross my arms, lift my chin and nod. “I’m ready.”

Asher grabs me in a strong embrace, his arms holding me tight in a protective and possessive hold.

“I will protect you
. Always.” Whispering in my ear, he vows with certainty.

“EVE COLLINS! Come out, come out
, little girl,” shouts Deacon from outside.

With a kiss
to my forehead, Asher releases me.  

Everyone stills and quiets, lost in
their own thoughts before Keegan nods once to the group.

“Let’s roll,” Callan says
and we walk out to meet fate.

The snow has fallen, leaving a pristine white blanket on the ground. The trees are bare and the sky is grey as the heavy clouds encompass us like a shield. Large, wet snowflakes float from the sky in a poignant way.

We
walk outside and the snow crunches under the weight of our boots. Deacon is standing with Gage, Jade and Kaiden. Asher is to my right and Keegan to my left. Both have a grip on me, pretending to force me to Deacon as I fight their pull. The rest of the clan has scattered out of sight in the woods that surround the grounds.

“Eve.
Asher. Keegan,” Deacon says, sounding bored with a cigar hanging out of his mouth.

“Deacon.
I would say nice to see you again, but honestly, it’s not.” Though I’m quivering inside, my voice is strong and tough.

“Shut up
, little girl,” he spits. “Hand her over, dark prince, and let’s be done.” Deacon focuses on Asher.

I look to Asher, and he loo
ks to me before I reface Deacon, pretending to fight Keegan’s hold.

“Let’s make this simple without dramatic play or bitterness, shall we?” Deacon holds out his hand for me to take.

Asher flinches. “Wait,” he says in a firm tone. “We need to be assured before we just hand her over to you, Deacon. This may be the council’s decision but we are still protecting her.” The lie rolls off his tongue without hesitation.

Deacon’s angry eyes flash to Asher as his hand d
rops. Gage crosses his arms as his eyes narrow.

“Assured how
, Asher?” Gage asks, annoyed.

“
Eve’s human. She isn’t to be harmed at the hand of a gargoyle. If she is, you will be breaking The Royal Gargoyle Council of Protector oath, which even you must obey.” Asher’s voice is threatening.

“You have our word
that no gargoyle will harm her,” Gage assures with sincerity.

I shift my gaze to Asher. He’
s silent, his expression not betraying him. I pick up on the tick in his jaw though. He hates this plan, but it needs to be seen to fruition.

Keegan thrusts me out of Asher’s grip toward Deacon.