Soul Of A Woman (The Dark Souls) (10 page)

Chapter 13

Broni sat quietly at the table, smiling at her sister, Cara. She was sitting next to Jericho, and every so often, her hand would stray to touch him, as if assuring herself he was still there. Her mother was teasing Jericho and even Destiny was laughing, having a good time. Odin
and Valentine were sitting next to one another. Broni had to hide her amusement as the two glared at each other, each jealously wanting her mother. Her father had lost her while Odin was still trying to catch her.

A servant was pouring wine into Odin’s goblet when suddenly the woman sat down in his lap, kissing him passionately. The stunned God didn’t react for several seconds before attempting to extract himself by lifting the woman off, holding her by the waist to keep her from him.

“Stop it, Valentine,” Fate ordered at her grinning father.

“I was just trying to make him feel more at home.” Unabashedly, Valentine picked up his wineglass saluting a furious Odin, while the embarrassed servant fled the room.

Broni couldn’t help smiling at her father’s behavior. She had missed her family terribly. Their antics restored her sense of equilibrium as nothing else could have.

Rhys, on the other hand, sat quietly, watching her with tightened lips. Broni lowered her eyes to the plate of food before her. She didn’t have to be told he blamed her for being made an immortal. He made no effort to hide his anger, and his attitude wasn’t endearing him to her mother, who was sitting tensely at the head of the table.

The others tried to draw Rhys into their conversations, however he remained aloof. Odin ignored the attitude, persisting until Rhys finally responded, drawn into a lengthy conversation with the God. Broni wasn’t surprised at Odin’s presence, her mother had already advised her of the concession made for her benefit. Broni watched as the stiffness left Rhys’s body, finally allowing him to forget his resentment long enough to finish the meal. Fate caught her worried look and smiled gently in reassurance. Broni wanted nothing more than to fling herself into her mother’s arms, crying until all the sorrow was cleansed from her soul.

She gathered herself, rising from the table after dinner. She then followed along behind the other members of her family as they moved into the other room to discuss who could have been responsible for the attack in the Hallway of Death and the destructive events on Earth.

“Morgana was a mere pawn. The council will take that into account when they pass judgment, but her punishment will be harsh,” Fate said, sinking down onto a plush chair. “We were supposed to believe she was the one who attacked you and your sisters. However, when she showed up at Jericho’s house to kill Cara, whoever is behind the attack hoped we would believe that she’d acted alone.”

“You have no idea of who attacked us in the Hallway of Death?” Broni questioned her mother.

Destiny waved her hand. “Take your pick; we have many enemies.”

“Zerina has disappeared,” Fate stated grimly.

“How is that possible?” Cara asked, shocked. “She can’t just disappear.”

“It would take considerable power, even more to create the Drearien, and there are only a few realms that are invisible to my eyes. Even Mother cannot find her.” Fate turned to Odin who also had the power of sight
—the ability to foresee the future.

Odin frowned severely at Fate. “Do you question if it is I who has taken her?”

“No,” Fate said wryly. “I am well aware of your desire to have Zerina home as soon as possible. I was merely questioning if you have seen anything in your visions.”

“No.” Her mother stiffened in her chair when Odin shook his head at her. Broni could tell he was lying, yet remained quiet.

“Does Rocque have enough power to achieve this feat?” Destiny asked suspiciously.

“No. Whoever is doing this has managed to become very powerful, hiding their skills from all of us, but Rocque is able to communicate with any living thing. He may have seen something that will give us a clue
to her location. I will talk to Rocque and Hades,” Fate added, as if it was an afterthought.

“Why Hades?” Broni questioned, studying both her mother and Odin.

Hades was Odin’s brother. Odin wasn’t hiding his interest in Fate, so she couldn’t imagine he was too happy for her to be near Hades, whose sensual appeal was impossible for any woman to fight, the only one immune was his own mother.

“Need my company?” Odin volunteered.

“I don’t believe so.” Odin’s displeasure was obvious at Fate’s refusal.

“He has the power to hide Zerina and Mother would protect her son,” Fate said pensively. ”She’s blind to her children’s faults.”

Broni threw her mother a warning look, she didn’t want Odin made angry. Her mother closed her mouth when she correctly interpreted her warning.

Broni wondered just what was going on between her mother and Odin since she had been gone beyond their agreement. The tension between the two was obvious. The handsome God never took his eyes off her mother, and Broni had caught the hint of jealousy in his voice. Her mother was used to being in charge, even with her father. However, as much as she loved her mother, she didn’t see her coming out the winner in any battle with Odin.

*  *  *

Fate stared at the stars with a frown watching the dark cloud. It was growing larger. What had begun as a tiny speck was now spreading.

“It will begin again,” Odin spoke softly, knowing her fear for Zerina was uppermost in her mind.

“Yes.”

The war that would bring an end to the world was at hand. It had been briefly delayed by Mother, but events foretold since time had begun would see their fruition soon. Several of the immortals would die, among them Odin and Thor. Everything that she had done to prepare her son for was beginning. She prayed to Mother for all her children’s safety.

As if reading her thoughts, Odin tried to give her solace. “You know the future changes constantly.”

“Your own visions foretell of your and Thor’s death.”

“That was before you gave him to me to raise and train. Why have you never told him?” He leaned against the pillar, crossing his arms over his massive chest.

“He needs strength for the battles he will face, and your warriors are epic in their prowess in battle. I did what needed to be done to prevent my visions from coming true. I had to try…” Fate’s voice broke off.

“He is a fine warrior. No one can best him,” Odin bragged, proud of his son.

“That’s what they said about Achilles.” Fate’s eyes went back to the stars. “I pray you are right.”

“I am.” Odin, as always, was confident.

Fate added an extra prayer it wouldn’t be his downfall.

Weary, Fate was tired and wanted her bed. “Go, Odin.”

She could tell her order angered him.

“You have not asked Valentine to leave,” he stated harshly.

“Nor will I allow him in my bed, if that is what concerns you. Valentine does not want me. He merely waits for Zerina’s return and wants to be here to protect us from whomever seeks to destroy my family.”

“I could protect you better. What protection could Valentine give? Make them kiss each other until they drop their weapons?” His snide voice insulting her children’s father made Fate regret lowering her guard, telling herself she only suffered his presence because of Broni.

“Leave, Odin, and take your menagerie with you.” Fate motioned to the two wolves that had laid patiently sprawled on the balcony for their master and the two ravens sitting on the parapet, listening to their conversation.

“I’m
leaving, but Muninn will stay behind. In case you need help, you may send him for my aid.”

“You’re leaving him to spy on me,” Fate stated angrily.

“He stays or I do; it’s your choice.” Fate could see Odin wasn’t going to budge in his demands.

“Very well, leave him.” Fate rudely gave him her back, determined to show the buffoon she wanted him gone. Her shoulders drooped when she heard his voice behind her.

“He deserves to dwell in my hall. Rhys has earned that right.”

“I plan to give Rhys exactly what he deserves,” Fate said, forcing herself to deny herself the pleasure of a last glance at his body.

“I agreed with your request to give Broni a chance with him on fair ground, but I cannot delay his homecoming indefinitely. I expect to be rewarded another night for my compliance.”

Fate swung around furiously. “I agreed, didn’t I? Do you really think two nights in your bed will change how I feel about you?” she asked scornfully.

“You made your mind up about me long ago, I don’t expect you to change it now.” His lips twisted. “Don’t dread it so much, Fate. You enjoyed it last time, didn’t you?” The bastard dared to mock her, making her want to smack his gloating face.

“Leave, Odin. Go home to Athena. I believe she’s waiting for you.”

“Farewell, Fate. May Zerina be returned soon.” As Odin’s seductive voice whispered through the night, Fate shivered at hearing the promise in his voice.

Fate looked at the raven watching her with dark eyes.

“Your Master is an idiot if he thinks I’ll ever allow him to touch me again.”

Angrily, she left the silent bird, going inside and up the steps. She moved through the quiet castle. Everyone had gone to sleep hours earlier.

Fate stopped outside Broni’s room, silently opening and closing the door behind her before going to the chair beside her daughter’s bed where she sat and waited. When nightmares came, Fate soothed her until they passed. When she was assured that Broni had slipped into a deep slumber, she left her side, returning to the chair by her bed. She then watched over her as she had when she was younger, and the memories of her past life had begun to torment her.

Two of her daughters were home, and it was time to find Zerina. Once that was accomplished, she would be able to turn her complete attention to the one who had started this mess. They had made a dire mistake in daring to harm her house, one they would live to regret.

Chapter 14

Broni woke the next morning with hope in her heart for the first time in a long time. She truly believed that once Rhys learned more about her family and his new life, he would understand Thor’s only option had been to save him and make him an immortal.

Her higher spirits gave her an appetite, so she set out for breakfast, finding
Jericho sitting alone in the dining hall.

“Cara is still sleeping?” she teased. Her sister had never been a morning person, unlike Zerina and her.

“You know your sister well.” Jericho grinned at her before a frown took its place. “To give her credit, she hasn’t been sleeping well. She’s worried about Zerina.”

“We are very close,” she stated, taking a seat across from him.

Jericho continued eating his meal while Broni studied him covertly. Cara was the youngest, so Zerina and she had always felt protective of her. Broni remembered Jericho from his time on Earth when she had watched over him. He had fought many battles; some that had turned her stomach. She was happy he was going to marry her sister, though. He had been a force to be reckoned with as a mortal, as a demi-God he would be lethal.

Jericho looked up from his plate, and she flushed, embarrassed she had been caught studying him.

“I love your sister very much.” Broni melted at his words. His harsh face softened when he spoke of her sister, the truth of his confession sounding in his voice.

“I’m glad. I love her, too, and want only her happiness. I should give you a warning, though; she has a temper.” Broni smiled, sure Jericho was more than able to handle her sister.

“I discovered that for myself when she slammed my face into a plate of food.” Broni laughed when he winced in remembrance.

“She threw a perfume bottle at me when we were arguing once. My room stank for a month.” Broni told him of one of her many brushes with her sister’s temper,
and their shared laughter eased the tension between them.

Sometime later, they were chatting comfortably when Rhys and Fate entered the room.

“I see you’re getting to know one another,” Fate said, sitting down at the table and then filling her plate.

Rhys didn’t talk as he filled a plate while Fate joined in the conversation about Cara.

They were finishing breakfast when Broni had a summons. The visions could come to her at any moment requiring her immediate response. “I must go. Excuse me.” Broni rose in preparation of leaving.

“Take Rhys with you.” Startled, Broni hesitated at Fate’s suggestion.
“He needs to learn our different roles, and what we are capable of. Only by observing will he begin to understand.” Fate’s explanation had Broni nodding her agreement.

“I don’t want…” Broni ignored the beginning of his protest, taking Rhys with her by simply moving to his side and touching his arm.

*  *  *

Rhys’s words came to an end when he realized they were no longer in the dining hall but a small grocery store. As he studied the few people milling around, browsing the groceries, Broni was standing next to him, intently watching the doorway.

The door opened and two masked men carrying handguns entered, the taller one heading for the male clerk working the cash register.

“Give me the money!”

The clerk shakily opened the register and then started grabbing money out of the drawer while begging not to be shot.

Rhys stood watching, unable to move. The terror the witnesses were feeling flooded his body at the impending violence he somehow knew was about to erupt. Broni’s hand on his arm was the only thing that steadied him.

The heavier thug kept his gun trained on the customers. Rhys reached to grab the gun from him, but Broni held on tightly to his arm.

“You are unable to touch him. See for yourself.” Broni removed the hand that
had been holding him back, walking toward a woman cowering by the shelves. It passed through her.

“They cannot hear us or see us, and there are limits to what we’re allowed to do.”

Suddenly, a young man who had been shopping when the robbers entered the store, grabbed the stockier gunman trying to disarm him. Women began to scream as the robber with the gun trained on the cashier turned and began firing.

While the panicked customers fled toward the doorway, Rhys’s reflexes took over, and he moved to help one of the men who had fallen with a gunshot wound. When his hands passed through the victim, he knew it was useless.

Broni ignored Rhys, concentrating on the struggle between the two men. The robber who had begun shooting ran out the door, leaving his partner behind.

Broni moved behind the man in blue, watching intently when the gunman gained control of the gun, hitting him over the head. He dropped to his knees as blood began to drip down his forehead. The gunman aimed the gun against his temple and pulled the trigger, yet with a wave of Broni’s hand, the gun jammed. The gunman, frustrated, hit the man on his knees again in the temple before fleeing the store.

As the man lay on the ground stunned but alive, sirens could be heard in the distance. Broni kneeled next to him, placing her hand on his temple. Although she spoke quietly to him, Rhys heard her words of comfort, “It is not time for your soul to depart. Know that you are safe until help arrives.”

Broni stayed by his side until the EMTs carried him to the ambulance then she took Rhys’s hand as the ambulance pulled away.

“He no longer needs us.”

Broni took them back to Rhys’s room, wanting to give him privacy after his first visit back to Earth. When she saw the look in his eyes, she wished she had not been so considerate. She decided a quick retreat would be best until he’d had time to calm down. She had known the visit would be upsetting, but she had not bargained on the fury that had risen in him.

She had never feared for her safety in her own home, however Rhys was terrifying the way he moved toward her with menacing intent, and Broni began praying.

*
  *  *

Fate blocked the stairway.

“Leave them!”

“Move,” Destiny demanded.

Fate placed a detaining hand on Valentine’s chest while using her body to block Destiny.

“Broni has to learn to handle Rhys without our help.”

“She will be able to handle him quite easily when I am through with him,” Valentine threatened grimly.

“The bastard is going to fry,” Destiny promised.

“I am her mother and know better than you exactly what will take place in that bedroom, but interference at this time will only delay the inevitable confrontation that will take place between the two.”

Broni’s aunt and father struggled to regain control, both wanting to give aid to Broni’s request. However, Fate would allow no interference, and anyone who would dare go against her, never fared well. Fate new they had to leave them alone; their future depended on it.

“I really loathe that man, Fate,” Destiny acquiesced in defeat.

“There is someone that Destiny dislikes more than me?”

Rocque’s voice distracted Valentine from pushing past Fate.

Destiny instantly turned her unspent anger on Rocque. “I said MAN, but if we were talking mutts, you would rank right up there.”

Rocque gave her a saturnine smile. “Fate has asked for my help in locating Zerina, and your attitude will not gain my aid.”

“I thought he is supposed to be in dog form?” Destiny questioned Fate.

“Mother gave Rocque permission to speak to me. He helped Cara when she was human, and I was hopeful that he may be helpful in finding Zerina.”

“I will do what I can. Zerina will be my highest priority.”

Destiny’s eyes narrowed. “Lay one hand on my niece, and I will personally neuter you.”

“I grow tired of your insults and threats, Destiny.”

While Fate merely watched Rocque move closer to Destiny, Valentine moved to stand by her, placing himself between the two. Rocque’s lips curled in amusement at the protective move.

”Do not worry, Valentine; Destiny is well aware of my intentions toward her.”

Destiny took a step back, immediately surrounded by Fate and Valentine. “I am thankful that what you want holds no power in this realm. Like my sister, I have no desire to be dominated by an arrogant male whose ego has been inflated by the sluts you have bedded.”

“I am quite sure my ego cannot be matched by Achilles. Is pretty boy keeping you satisfied?”

“At least he walks on two legs,” Destiny goaded.

“Odin may enjoy pursuing your sister through eternity, watching while she marries another, but I will not suffer the same outcome. I intend to have you as my wife, one way or another.” Rocque stated his intentions with a determination that had Fate smothering a smile, knowing how her sister would react.

Fate looked over her shoulder at Destiny’s angry face.

“Make your move.” Destiny stepped between Fate and Valentine, well able to fight this battle on her own.

Rocque’s indolent attitude disappeared in an instant, his royal lineage becoming apparent. “Very well,” Rocque snarled. “Go near Achilles again, and I will tell Mother exactly who your future mate is. You will be wedded and bedded before anyone can interfere.” His threat rang true. “But don’t worry, Destiny, I will let you run a little longer. After all, I am a wolf; I enjoy the chase.”

Fate tried to silently convey a warning to her headstrong sister. Destiny mistakenly believed the future was her playground and she could out maneuver Rocque. However, she failed to take into account that he was an experienced predator, biding his time for the best time to strike. She would try to aid her sister as long as she could, but Fate could not keep the feeling away that maybe, this time, Rocque was one step ahead of them both. Odin and Rocque were friends; if he aided Rocque, then he would have an advantage over them.

The only futures withheld from Fate and her sister were their own. Therefore, for now, it was to their best advantage not to antagonize the two men. Let them waste their time on the chase. When they no longer needed their help, Fate had a plan in place so neither man would achieve their goal of possessing them.

Fate had confidence her plans would work because who knew better than her what the future held?