Page 38 of A Seduction Of Death (Umbra Hunters #4)

THIRTY-EIGHT

Creed

T raveling through the rift on the North Ridge this time was a completely different experience than the first time. Instead of Meyer getting shoved off the cliff and spiraling through the Veil between realms, she’s held close to Nox’s chest, his arms so tight I watch her tap his arm to relax them a little. My youngest brother's eyes dart around, looking for any threats as we follow Father into the Demonic realm, his anxiety is evident on his face, setting my teeth on edge.

I was already nervous about moving through the rift after our return trip. The attack that split us up was still fresh in my mind as I kept my arm hooked around Arch, my eyes locked on my mate.

“Deep breath,” I remind Arch the moment the lung-crushing pressure releases, the swirling colors exploding into a breathtaking picture. I close my eyes, knowing we are about to plummet to the ground, and tighten my hold on my injured brother.

“Fuck, I hate this part,” Arch groans, and I laugh a little, remembering how he would always cling on to one of us during this part. Archer has a thing with heights and hates traveling through the Veil. He damn near pissed himself the first time I visited the Earth Realm as a teen. Being so much older than me, I looked up to my brothers, idolizing them somewhat. Seeing Arch afraid of the rift made him more relatable in my eyes, helping me feel a little better about my fears.

He groans and I gasp, grimacing against the sudden feeling of falling. No matter how much I do this, I’m pretty sure I’ll never get used to that feeling. I throw a small amount of magic into the air, slowing our descent, and breathe a sigh of relief when our feet gently touch the ground.

“See, that wasn't so bad,” I tease, watching as Arch cracks an eye open, his hands wrapped so tightly around my arm I think he’s cutting off the blood circulation.

“Liar,” he grumbles, letting his hand fall from my arm as he looks around and smiles. It’s nearly dark out, the sun setting over the peaceful landscape of the Demonic realm, and I can't help but take a deep breath as my world welcomes us home. My magic feels strong and more stable, and physically, I feel damn near immortal. I always forget how taxing it is on our bodies to be in the human world. Their gravity pull is stronger, and their air is thin of oxygen, making it hard to move and breathe comfortably.

“You feeling better?” I ask, needing to hear his answer before feeling comfortable enough to let him walk on his own. Arch managed the small hike up to the North Ridge with Father's help, but his legs were shaking by the time we reached the cliffside.

“Fuck,” he sighs, head falling forward as he nods, taking several deep breaths. “Yeah, I think so.” Rolling his shoulders back, Arch stands up straight, looks around us, and smiles a little when Nox lands near us, Meyer clutched in his arms. Her eyes are wide with delight as she looks around, obviously enjoying this trip home.

“It's weird seeing you guys mated,” Arch admits, hand moving to rub the back of his neck as his eyes swing to Valen, who lands about a hundred yards downhill with Father and his guard beside him. Seconds later, two screaming teens fall from the sky, their yells making me wince and look around, hoping they don’t draw the notice of any Beastia and Therion. Valen looks up, watching Theo and Jordan cartwheel in the sky above us, and sighs. Putting his hands on his hips, he shakes his head, probably thinking the same thing I was about the loud sounds drawing unwanted attention.

“Uh… are they going to be okay? They don’t have magic, right?” Arch asks, peering up at the young Rangers with an amused smile. Just as he says the word, Valen says something to Father, who chuckles and watches as Valen extends his hands moments before Theo and Jordan crash to the ground, freezing them in midair and, cutting their screams off with relieved sighs.

“You’re a real prick. You know that, right?” Theo hisses at Valen, who grins and drops his hands, causing the boys to fall to the hard ground with groans of pain.

“Whoa!” Jordan whispers, looking up at the pastel skies above, wonder alight in his eyes.

“Jordan, focus. We’re mad at him,” Theo snaps, pointing at Valen who looks more amused than ever as he watches the boys scramble to their feet, brushing the dirt from their clothes as they turn matching angry looks his way. I look at Meyer, finding her covering her mouth with both hands so the boys don’t see her laughing at them and chuckle. This should be an interesting trip with all three of them here.

“What were you saying?’ I ask, forgetting what we were talking about as I return my attention to Arch.

“You guys being mated. It’s weird to see but in a good way. Who knew Nox could be domesticated so easily,” Arch chuckles as a loud thump startles us. Arch nearly falls back as he turns, his hand falling on the hilt of his sword just as a big hand covers his, and Raz arches a brow at his twin.

“You need to work on your response time,” he clips out, and I roll my eyes at Raz as he keeps his twin at arm's length in an attempt to protect his emotional state. Not that I need to worry about Arch getting offended at our brother's tough love after his kidnapping and near death. Out of all of us, Arch knows Razar the best. He knows precisely what Raz is doing and, judging by the grin on his face, apparently finds his behavior amusing.

“Yeah, brother. I guess I do. Maybe you can give me a few pointers when all this settles down? Creed said you’ve perfected the art of sneaking up on people.” Raz huffs and narrows his eyes at Arch before looking over our heads to where Meyer is. He sidesteps us, striding toward her with purpose without answering Arch.

“Something either went very right or very wrong for Yannos to be so obsessed with that girl,” he whispers, and I nod while trying to explain the relationship I’ve watched develop between Meyer and Razar. On the one hand, I think it's the best thing to ever happen to my brother; on the other hand, I absolutely hate that it's not just Raz who is obsessed with our girl but his Beastia as well.

“Razar,” I remind him of his name change. “And it's a mix of both,” I finally say.

“How does she navigate the Beast? She does know about that side of him, right?” Arch asks, brow furrowing as he watches Meyer turn and smile at Raz as he approaches. He glares back at her and bends down, long fingers moving to check her knife holster and we watch him sneak another three black blades into it before standing back up. “D-did he just give her some of his blades?”

“Yeah. He’s been doing that since she first showed up. And yes, she knows. That's half the problem. It's not just Razar who chose Meyer as his mate. This isn't a ‘my brothers mated this girl, so I have to as well’ situation. Raz’s Beastia is feral for her, and she acts like that monster is a damn lapdog, not a serial killing Beastia. Kind of weird considering her history with the Beastia,” I grumble, crossing my arms as I watch Valen stride up the hill and wrap an arm around Meyer's waist, tugging her away from Raz and pressing a kiss to her neck, making her laugh and look up at him with so much love my chest clenches.

This… this right here is all I want. My brothers and my mate coexisting happily and in love. Everything would be perfect if it weren’t for the threat of Jes and Inanis hanging over our heads like a thundercloud.

“History with the Beastia? Because she’s a Hunter?” Archer asks, and I shake my head.

“No. Meyer didn't know what she was. She was raised human and thought she was going crazy because she could see monsters no one else could. Her father was a dick and locked her mom up in a mental hospital, so she was scared to talk about them, thinking she would be locked up next. Honestly, that’s probably the only reason she lived as long as she did without the Hunters helping her.”

“It wasn't until a pack of Beastia in Idaho attacked me and she found me bleeding outside her cabin that we discovered who she was. Or the Hunter side of her, at least. It took an embarrassingly long time for us to piece together that she was also a Demon. Nox suspected when he was able to heal her,” I run my hand through my hair and grimace over how poorly we handled everything. “It was a mess. I’m actually surprised she’s willing to talk to us, let alone loves us.”

“Damn, that's rough for a kid to go through all that.”

“Yeah.” I think about the scars that run down her back and try to figure out what I can say to Arch without giving out too much info. I don't even know the full story about the scars. Just that she was attacked at some point while trying to survive in a world full of Monsters set on hurting her. “Valen mentioned she had a run-in with a Beastia as a kid. So it's rather surprising that she’s so buddy-buddy with Raz’s Beast.”

“When did you guys find her?”

“A few months ago. She’s twenty-six and managed to stay away from the Beastia and Therion alone. She said her Grampa helped, teaching her about the onyx stones and rosemary she planted around her house,” I tell him, eyes still locked on my amazing mate.

“She probably only survived because of her DNA. She is Inanis’ bloodline, meaning the Beastia would be drawn to her but would only attack if they felt threatened. With her Dream Walker roots and how the Therion used to co-exist with their race, it makes sense that she was able to stay alive.”

Huh, I never thought about that before.

Therion were the only monsters in our world before the Beastia were created. They’re the equivalent of a really aggressive wolf or bear in the human world, dangerous but kept to themselves mostly. Their breeding grounds had been just outside the Dream Walker Kingdom, and though Valen’s father had some troubles with them, the Therion tended to keep to themselves and respect the Dream Walkers more so than any other race of Demons. It wasn't until Lucius and Inanis decided to play God and warp the Therion into the monsters we know today as Beastia that we had an actual problem.

“We need to move out!” Father shouts up at us as his guard moves around, a few disappearing into the trees, checking to ensure the coast is clear for their King before we travel back to the Castle. Father's face is tense, and I can see the worry lines creasing on the outer corners of his eyes.

“What's wrong?” Nox asks, probably sensing Father's worry.

“The convoy I sent for isn't here, and there is no sign of them. We need to get to the Castle now. Something’s happened, I’m sure of it. I’ve sent two men to gather the Nuckelavee we kept hidden for our return,” he grinds out as he brings his fingers to his lips and releases a sharp whistle.

I grin, feeling like a child again as excitement courses through me. Father only whistles for one thing and one thing alone: his bonded Balaxerus. The air stills as all eyes in the area turn toward the forest, where the trees suddenly shift. Father's guards scatter, knowing they only have seconds to get out of the monster's way, the snapping of trees the only warning they receive as it approaches.

“What's going on?” I hear Lemon Drop ask Nox as Jordan and Theo step to her side, eyes on the moving trees, hands on their Kalis blades.

“We need to get home and fast. Father needs a ride,” Nox says with concern lining his brow. A moment later, we watch as a massive animal ducks its enormous head out of the trees and steps into view. Its body is the shape of a lion, with massive feathered wings sprouting from its shoulder blades. The Balaxerus’ sharp beak parts as it snorts and paws at the ground, gold eyes scanning the area until they find his bonded Demon. Father extends his hand, beckoning his friend forward, and I watch as its thick black velvet-looking coat gleams in the setting sun.

“What the actual hell is that thing?” Theo asks in horror.

“Hades,” Nox says with a wicked grin, his teeth sharper than usual as we watch Father step forward and greet his old friend.

“Like the lord of the underworld?” Theo asks in confusion.

“No, as in the Alpha of the Balaxerus. Orcus is the technical King of Hell, or the underworld as you call it.” There is a soft snap of twigs and a sway of branches in the forest where Hades just emerged, and I watch in delight as a smaller, slightly lighter version of the Alpha appears. Its black fur trails up to gold on the young Balaxerus’ head rather than silver, its claws marginally smaller but no less deadly as they dig into the dark earth below. The animal's wings ruffle out at its side and catch the light, looking even shinier than Hades if possible.

“Oh! This is why you’ve been sticking to the forest in the Human realm, ” Father whispers, leaning around Hades with a bright grin before looking at Nox excitedly. Nox instantly pales and shakes his head, making Valen cough a laugh into his hand. “Do not insult them,” Father snarls, his excitement morphing into frustration at Nox’s skittish behavior.

“I’m not trying to insult anything. But the last time I approached her, she nearly disemboweled me!” Nox grits out, and Meyer looks at the young Balaxerus with a slight wrinkle on her forehead.

“That was two decades ago, and you tried to bond with her when she was still a cub. What did you think would happen?” Father asks, rolling his eyes as he turns. Hades drops to his belly, letting Father climb his massive body and sit astride the beast, huffing when one of Father's guards gets too close. “Stay back, Andres,” Father warns as Hades climbs to his massive paws and circles, staring at Nox and his young with a snarl on his lips. The Balaxerus takes a few steps towards Nox, then pauses, almost looking hurt when Nox takes a step back.

“I was thinking that if we bonded early and while we were still young, it would help our relationship,” Nox snaps, glaring at the female Balaxerus as Meyer takes a hesitant step toward her. “Don't you fucking dare,” Nox snarls, wrapping his arm around Meyer and tugging her back when she holds her hand out to pet the animal. “You already give me enough stress while cuddling up with Raz’s Beastia. We are not adding Hecate to that list.”

“Is that her name?” Meyer asks in excitement, and I groan. Damn, I love this woman, but she has no sense of survival instincts whatsoever!

“Yes, and I refuse to let you near her,” Nox growls, and Theo and Jordan nod.

“Angry Girl, you know how I hate to agree with the angry Viking, but I think he’s right with this one,” Theo says, making Nox turn his glare from Lemon Drop to Theo.

“What did you just call me?”

“But look! She just wants some attention,” Meyer says, pointing to Hecate as she takes another step toward Nox, not seeming upset in the least about Meyer’s presence, but when she looks at the two Rangers, her feathers ruffle, and she snaps her beak in their direction.

“Ah!” Jordan shouts, grabbing Theo by the arm and jumping back.

“Boys, it’s best you come stand over here,” Valen instructs, pointing at his side.

“Damn, she grew up. She was the size of a small Hellhound the last time I saw her sneaking around the castle grounds,” Archer murmurs as Meyer wiggles out of Nox’s hold.

About two hundred yards to the south, I watch Father's two men re-appear, six Nuckelavee behind them, snorting and pawing at the ground, their wild manes long and swinging behind them.

“And there’s our rides,” I tell Arch, clapping his shoulder as I step forward. “We’re going to have to pair up. You want to ride with me or Valen?” I ask, knowing Raz will shift into his Beastia and guard us as we make the trip back to the castle. Being this close to sunset means our chance of running into Therion or Beastia nearly triples.

“Valen. He doesn't take up as much room in the saddle,” Arch teases.

“Dammit, Meyer,” Nox snarls, and I turn, watching in stunned disbelief as Meyer steps up to Hecate and starts cooing at her like the Balaxerus is a damn puppy or something.

“Mi Sol!”

“Lemon Drop!” I shout over Valen as I step toward her, but I freeze when Razar steps between Nox and Meyer and shakes his head. Nox has a blade in his hand and presses it to Razar’s neck in the next instant, and I groan knowing Nox is about to have a broken wrist. I’m surprised when Raz doesn't attack though, just nods toward Meyer, making Nox look at her for a moment, then frown.

We watch as Hecate dips her large head, letting Meyer scratch behind her ear as she grins at the animal. “You’re such a sweetheart,” Meyer whispers, earning a happy trill from Hecate in response. I close my eyes in relief while Archer laughs at my side.

“You know. I used to think Mara was stressful, with her need to go on walks in the forest without letting me know when she would be back. But I’m starting to see things differently now. I’m going to thank the Gods tonight that my mate only likes to wander and isn’t as adventurous as that girl.”

“Huh,” Orcus says as he scratches his head, watching Meyer and Hecate before bending to look at Hades. “Would you allow Viv to ride you?” he asks, and the Balaxerus snorts and shakes his head. Orcus frowns, looks back at Hecate, and nods. “Yeah, okay,” he grumbles like he actually understood whatever that snort meant.

Nox slowly approaches Meyer, eyeing Hecate like he’s still unsure about all this as he hesitantly holds his hand out in front of him. Hecate turns, moving away from Meyer's loving touch to look at Nox, and blinks her gold eyes at him before pressing her beak into Nox’s palm. I watch with a smile as Nox practically melts into a damn puddle when his Balaxerus purrs, the sound loud enough that I can easily hear it as I cross to the Nuckelavee nearby.

“Told you,” Meyer snickers.

“Mount up! We don't stop until we get to the Eastern Forest edge. There, we’ll regroup and ensure nothing has happened,” Father announces, turning Hades north and prodding him forward as I press my hand to one of the Nuckelavee, allowing it to take in my scent, then mount the saddle and move toward the Rangers.

“You’re with me,” I tell Jordan, extending a hand to him, grunting in approval when he instantly takes it and lets me haul him into the saddle behind me. I watch as Theo complains, eyeing the Nuckelavee with dread, and tap Jordan's leg to get his attention. “You need to hold on tight. This will be a fast and hard ride,” I warn him, then turn and ride after Father, pressing my heels into the Nuckelavee's side to make it go as fast as possible.