Page 11 of A Seduction Of Death (Umbra Hunters #4)

ELEVEN

Valen

I watch my brothers pace back and forth outside the door Father led Mi Sol into. Nox is closest to the door, and Creed is only a step away. They keep shooting distressed looks at the door. Their hands are balled into fists, Nox’s bleeding since his claws have appeared and are piercing his palms.

“They’re really wound up, huh?” Victor asks, and I nod, shoving my hands into my coat pockets to hide the gray color, slowly inching up from fingertip to wrist. I can feel my Shade form swirling inside me with murderous rage at being separated from my mate.

Not my mate, I remind myself as I stare at the magically locked door. Not our mate yet, at least. Something I was planning on rectifying tonight until I was rudely interrupted. I had been trying to wait and give Meyer time to grieve the loss of her friend, but I was swiftly running out of time and patience. Not only have I been longing to make that woman mine since the moment I heard her sweet voice in my prison of a dreamscape, I desperately wished to bind my soul to her.

Meyer would be mine, yes. She would belong to me in every way a woman belonged to her mate, but more importantly, I would be hers and only hers. I now live and breathe for Mi Sol’s every wish and demand. I long to fulfill every need and want she may have in her lifetime. My mind, body, and soul are hers to command, and I selfishly can't wait another moment to belong to her entirely.

“We should just go in,” Jordan mutters, leaning against the wall beside me, glaring at Nox and Creed as they pace. “This is ridiculous. Why does he get to tell you what to do?”

“Uh, because he’s the fucking Demon King, you idiot,” Theo scoffs, glaring at the door separating us from Mi Sol, not looking any happier about the situation than the rest of us.

“So? She’s their mate. Doesn't that mean anything?”

“We swore a blood oath to Orcus. We literally can't go in there, even if we want to disobey Father’s orders,” I grind out, my jaw clenched, my words coming out more strained than I want. The entry doors slam open, and I watch my brother stride into the castle with the intimidating Russian Senior at his side. They both have cold glares plastered on their faces, and I’m starting to see what the boys mentioned earlier about how they are similar. I narrow my eyes on the Regalis Senior woman, studying her appearance and wondering how pure her bloodline is.

She has to have a strong Demonic line in her family in order to possess the amount of magic I sense in her. She’s not as strong as Elaine Drakos had been, nor as powerful as Theo, who is almost identical in strength to his mother's magic, if not even more powerful. But that woman holds a heavy reserve of magic and will be a valuable ally as long as the North American Seniorem can keep a peace treaty with them when this is all over. My attention flicks back to Theo, and I watch as he stands up straight, eyeing the Russian Senior, his eyes bloodshot but face set in stone, not giving away a hint of the frustration he had shown only seconds ago.

Hmm, the poor kid has gone through Hell and back these last few days, but by his appearance, I can tell he’s hurt but not broken. If he can channel his pain and anger into a progressive outlet instead of letting it consume him, he may become one of the strongest Hunters I’ve met.

Razar walks past Father's guards, earning a respectful bow from each soldier where they line the entry as he storms past them, his hood down, wild black hair streaming around his angry face. Seconds after Razar and Senior Regalis’ appearance, synchronized steps fill the air, accompanied by the blistering cold of the winter night. I watch with appreciation as the Russian Hunters follow their Senior into the castle, their formation almost as intimidating as Father's Royal guard.

I still as narrowed black-green eyes bounce around the room and sigh as I stand to my full height, watching cold rage filter across Razar’s expression when he realizes who is missing from the room. His footsteps never falter, his pace quickening just the slightest amount as I approach him, holding my hands up in an attempt to calm the Beast I know is raging within. Before I can utter a word, he stands before me, cloak billowing around his ankles, neck cracking to the side as he purses his lips, the green in his eyes melting into furious pools of obsidian.

“Pup?” He grits out the singular word like it pains him to talk, his throat bobbing as he smothers a growl that vibrates from his chest. I don't answer, biting my tongue as I size up his trembling shoulders and slowly nod toward the shut door where Nox and Creed now stand, watching us. “And why is she in there alone?” he suddenly snaps, voice raised in a rare show of emotion as he shoves past me, moving toward Creed and Nox.

“Father commanded us to stay out here! She was worried about this, and I thought… shit, I lied to her. But I honestly thought Father would keep his chill!” Creed snarls, hands threading in his hair. I can see him losing his control, and I grimace. Crap, out of us all, Creed is the one who handles his emotions the best, and if he’s fracturing, then we’re all fucked.

“We would be in with her otherwise. You know as well as I do that his magic binds us,” Nox adds darkly. Raz ignores them, not even gracing them with a glance or snarl of rage as he stalks toward the door that keeps him from his prey.

“Razar,” I warn, following him as he pushes past Creed and Nox, nearly taking the first off his feet. If he goes in there all hot-headed, it will only piss Father off and make the situation worse. As much as it pains me to be away from Mi Sol, not to have her in my sight at all times, I know without a shadow of a doubt that Father won’t harm her. I wouldn't be out here otherwise, Oath or not, I have enough magic in my possession to break through and take her away from him. But I would rather that knowledge not get out unless absolutely necessary.

Nox purses his lips, and I eye him with keen interest. I’m pretty sure Nox could also possess enough magic to break that oath if the situation called for it, and the fact that he hasn’t only reassures me that he’s also confident in Meyer’s safety with our Father.

“Father commanded you, but he hasn’t said shit to me,” Razar growls, bringing his foot up and kicking the door in. Black magic swirls around him, the same dark, royal color as Nox’s, reminding us all he is a direct blood descendant of our King. The feeling is thick and overpowering, making me flinch at its sudden appearance while splinters of wood erupt. The room watches in stunned silence as the door explodes into tiny pieces, raining down on Razar as he steps into the room Father and Meyer are in.

I hold a hand up, not bothering to turn toward my father's soldiers, knowing they are already moving to stop Raz. I hear their hesitant steps falter, their breath quickening in their pathetic chests as I release the control of my magic, letting it slowly bleed into the room, reminding them who they are dealing with. I shake my head, my eyes locked on the scene before me as I speak loud and clear. “Move another step forward, and it will be your last.” My threat hangs in the air with an oppressive warning that makes Theo and Jordan stare at me in horror, their mouths gaping in surprise.

“Razar?” Mi Sol’s soft gasp from within the room breaks the strained tension, and Nox steps to my side, glaring at the soldiers.

“It’s our job to protect our King, Prince Darakh. You can't keep threatening our lives like this. Your father will only tolerate it so many times,” one of the soldiers growls in frustration as he dips his head, sending his men back to their positions. I let my hand fall back to my side and move forward, happy to let Nox deal with Father's captain.

“What happened?” Mi Sol says, the sound growing louder as I shove past Theo and Jordan, who also make a beeline for the now-open door.

I almost groan at the relief her soft voice brings my soul, instantly soothing my frayed nerves as I look through the open door and stare at Razar in bemused shock. Father quickly stands from his chair, glaring at us with thick arms crossed over his barrel chest, as our brother storms into the room and plucks Meyer off the chair she was perched in.

“What is it? What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” she asks in quick succession, arms curling around Razar’s neck, legs winding around his waist as he wraps her in his arms and turns, glaring at Father in a rare show of defiance.

“What the actual fuck? Is he… holding her?” Creed whispers in confusion as my eyes widen at the scene playing out in front of us. Razar’s hands move quickly over Mi Sol's body, checking for injury, before one hand tangles itself into Meyer’s long blonde strands, encouraging her even closer. However, I don't think it's possible because of how tight she already clings to him.

“Do you have a death wish, boy?” Father snarls, his eyes moving over the two of them before looking toward Creed and me with an almost puzzled and shocked expression. It seems Razar’s behavior has managed to shock him as well. I shrug, and Creed releases a strained laugh as he smiles at Father and points to them, his silent question hanging between us. “By the Gods. Yes, you can come in,” Father finally mutters, rolling his eyes in frustration as he places his hands on his hips and looks back at Razar.

“Was this necessary?” Nox asks, shouldering past me as he follows Creed, letting me trail in last. “No, you two out,” Nox adds, pointing at Jordan and Theo, who are practically breathing down my neck.

“What?! You can get fu—” Jordan’s angry tirade is cut off when a big hand suddenly lands on his shoulder, yanking him back and out of the room before Victor pokes his head in and glares at Theo, motioning for him to follow before disappearing.

“You're a damn fool, boy,” I hear the older man lay into Jordan, chastising him like a toddler as Theo grimaces, looking at Victor and Jordan before he turns to look at Mi Sol, who peers over Razar’s shoulder and gives him a small smile and thumbs up. Theo's shoulders drop in relief, and he turns, leaving the room willingly now that he knows she’s alright.

“Did you have to break the damn door?” Father snaps at Razar before looking at me and gesturing toward the damage Razar caused. I frown, looking at the splintered wood, and shake my head. Yeah, I may be good, but I’m not that good. It would take me hours to piece that door back together. Instead, I murmur a few words, creating a shield around the doorway, ensuring no one can enter the room, and no sound from our conversation can be heard.

“Don’t yell at him,” Mi Sol snaps back, pressing her hands against Raz’s chest so she can look at Father.

“Little Demon!” Nox growls in warning.

“Lemon Drop, don't!” Creed tries to interrupt, knowing as well as the rest of us that no one, not Father’s sons nor his high-ranking Demon Lords, correct him without painful consequences. Orcus’ word is law, and we are all subject to it. Mi Sol ignores us, keeping her eyes on the Demon King in front of her, not a lick of fear in those pretty green eyes.

“He was only worried and wouldn't have done it if you hadn’t locked the others out.” My breath freezes in my lungs as fear holds me hostage. A growl rumbles from Father's chest, and his eyes flash with magic.

What the hell is she doing?

Nox shifts slightly to his right, and I know he’s about to intervene when Father's shoulders slump forward, his lips twisting to the side as he eyes the small woman in Razar’s arms.

“Hmm. Perhaps,” Father concedes, and I blink once, then twice as I watch his anger dissipate before my eyes. What the hell is happening right now? Creed's mouth drops open in surprise while Nox narrows his eyes in suspicion, and even Razar looks down at the girl he’s holding in his arms, a confused scowl plain on his face. “But he should control his temper better, and these…” Father looks around the room, making eye contact with each of us. “Buffoons should know I only wanted to talk to my daughter,” Father stalls his lecture, emphasizing the word before he continues. “To ask her what happened without any outside influence. Given the delicate nature of the subject, I needed to hear the words without bias.”

“I wouldn't have been biased!” Nox argues, crossing his arms over his chest and looking affronted at the suggestion. Father snorts and pins his youngest son with a look that would wilt most people's souls.

“You’ve been butting heads with Jesthren since you were old enough to walk. Your trust in him was broken years ago, so your opinion will be biased from past experience. And you two,” Father points to Creed and me. “Have too close of a relationship with him to give a clear answer without causing pain, which I was trying to avoid.” Father looks at Razar and scowls. “You would have given me the truth, even if it hurt you, and I knew it would have come at a cost, and your mother would skin me alive. You only just started to talk to us after what happened with Arch, and I wasn't about to get locked out of my damn room again.”

“Viviane locked you out of your room?” Mi Sol asks, laughing at the thought.

“Yes, and I refuse to sleep on the damn couch because you four can't let me talk to my new daughter alone. So if you’re going to be present for this conversation, you will not tell your mother, or I will find a way to make my last punishment look like a fucking vacation. Am I understood?”

I shiver, remembering our last punishment, where we were told to get some damn artifact from the depths of the Leviathan pits. Father claimed it was needed to help secure the kingdom, only to find out it was a damn vase from the palace and was fucking worthless. He simply wanted to teach us a lesson about working together instead of fighting against each other.

“You got it,” Creed is quick to agree. Nox nods as he grabs a chair and sits down, watching Mi Sol with an envious look, and I dip my own head in agreement, acknowledging his warning when he glances my way.

“Very well,” Father sighs, sitting down and gesturing at the rest of us to follow suit.

“Um, so when did you start cuddling, Raz? It's super cute. Didn't know you had it in you,” Creed teases, walking past Razar with a smirk playing on his lips as our brother suddenly tenses up and immediately yanks his hands from Meyer. She gasps, not expecting him to suddenly release her, and falls to the ground with a thump.

“What the hell?” Nox shouts, jumping to his feet and rushing to help her up, but Razar is faster. He bends down and yanks her to her feet by the back of her shirt with an annoyed scowl.

“You dropped me!” she accuses, shoving at his chest as she glares daggers up at him. I move toward them, ready to snatch her into my arms before Nox can, but Father pins me with a look, telling me to wait and watch this play out.

“Land on your feet next time. Our tiny monster can do it. Why can't you?” he grumbles in disgust, and Meyer’s face flushes in outrage.

“I wasn’t prepared to be dropped, you giant prick!” Razar growls and bends down, bringing their faces closer together.

“You’re not a child. You don't need to be held.”

“I didn't ask you to pick me up!

“I don't like being touched!”

“You initiated the touch! You, Razar. Not me,” she hisses back, hands reaching out and shoving him in the chest, and I chuckle as Razar rolls his lips together, pupils blown at her clear challenge. “It’s not my fault you can't handle me. If you want to draw that line between us, that's fine. I haven't crossed it once and will respect that boundary.” Razar’s nostrils flare at her words, obviously not liking them. “But I will not let you accuse me of something you did!”

“You–” he starts to defend himself, but Mi Sol’s not having it, she snarls, stepping into his personal space and making me grin at the shock on my brother's face.

“It,” she growls the word, poking him in the chest again.

“Was.” Poke.

“All.” Poke and another shove making his nails lengthen, head tilting to the side like a predator, as he studies her with an awareness that scares the shit out of me.

Fuck, he’s either about to kill her or…

“You!” She shoves him, and he snarls, grabbing her by the wrist and yanking her into his chest, eyes wild with need as Nox curses and lunges forward.

“Razar. That's enough,” Nox roars, yanking him back from Meyer by the back of his cloak, allowing me the opportunity to sweep in and gather my girl into my arms. “Calm the fuck down, or I’ll send you to the North Ridge to handle your shit.” Razar nods, his jaw tight, eyes locked on Meyer as I step back a few steps and sit in the chair furthest from him. Yeah, my brother’s definitely at his breaking point where our girl’s concerned, and I’m not sure if that's a good thing or not.

“You need to stop provoking him, Love,” I whisper in her ear, sighing in complete bliss as she curls into my hold and scowls at Raz.

“Nah, he likes it. It's how we deal with our shit,” she whispers back, holding Razar’s glare with one of her own before flipping him the bird. He snarls and lurches forward, making Nox curse as he grabs him by the throat and shoves him back into a chair.

Father’s sudden and loud boisterous laugh startles us all as he leans back in his chair, pure amusement on his face. He claps his hands together as he stares at Meyer and shakes his head. “My girl, I believe I’m growing quite fond of you.” Creed scoots his chair closer to mine and grabs Meyer’s hand, placing a soft kiss on her knuckle.

“Are you alright?” she asks, and he nods, holding onto her tightly as Nox drags his chair closer to a still-fuming Razar, placing himself between him and us.

“Let's get this conversation going. Meyer hasn't had dinner, and it’s getting late.”