Page 8 of A Seduction Of Death (Umbra Hunters #4)
EIGHT
Meyer
I slowly crack my swollen eyelids open, wincing at the bright rays of sunlight streaming over my face as I blink, trying to remember where I am. My body feels like I’m on fire, and I wiggle, trying to throw off the blanket draped over me, but I stop the moment I look to my left and find Theo and Jordan sound asleep in the bed beside me.
Theo’s swollen, tear-stained face is pressed into Jordan's chest, his arms wrapped tightly around him as he sleeps, a weird hiccuping sound coming from him every few breaths. A lump forms in my throat as all the events over the last two days come creeping back, filtering through my mind like the world's worst movie.
I tear my gaze from Theo and Jordan and look up, finding Valen sitting against the bed's headboard, one hand tangled in my messy hair, the other pressed to the side of my throat. Worry fills me as I see his hair is still a startlingly dark color. It’s not as black as last night, but a dark gray, contrasting drastically against the pale silver tone of his skin, giving him an almost ghostly appearance.
A soft snore has me looking over to where Creed sleeps, sitting in a chair and slumped over the bed, my hand held so tightly in his that I wince. Fuck, I think my fingers are numb. I carefully peel my hand from Creed’s, glancing over his shoulder to where Razar is slumped in the corner of the room, his eyes closed, chest rising and falling in calm, slow breaths. Shadows cling to his broad, still bare, and bloody shoulders, cloaking him in a shroud of darkness that acts almost like a blanket.
The bed shifts, dipping slightly, and I look down toward the movement, where I find Lennox sitting at the foot of the bed. His big hand is wrapped around my ankle, his thumb moving from the inside of my foot up my ankle, then back again in soft, gentle strokes as he stares at the broken door of the room, his ax lying at the ready across his lap.
“Nox,” I whisper, startling him, his bloodshot eyes moving to mine where they rake over my face, then move over the rest of me. I grimace at the sight of him, wondering what the hell happened while we were sleeping.
It’s very obvious by the dark circles under Lennox’s green eyes that he didn't sleep last night. His usually pristine long dark hair is in shambles, braids frayed, and the silver charms are twisted into knots. His knuckles are also bloody and scabbed, looking more purple and blue than his normal olive tone. My stomach twists, my heart dropping as I reach up and untangle my hair and wiggle out of the hands holding me.
“You’re hurt,” I whisper, eyes locked on his injuries as I manage to get to my knees and practically throw myself at him. His arms immediately snap around me, holding me tight but not crushing me as I wiggle onto his lap. “What happened?”
Nox frowns, eyes locked on mine as he shakes his head and sighs, curling around me and burying his nose in my dirty hair. Aww, fuck. Embarrassment washes through me, knowing I probably reek after everything I’ve gone through the last few days. But Nox doesn't seem to mind, holding me tight and refusing to let go when I pull from his arms.
“Hey,” I whisper when his arms tremble around me.
“How?” he rasps out, voice hoarse and dark. “How did he kill her?”
“Lennox,” I start, not sure what to say. I don’t think he’s in the right mental headspace for the awful details of Elaine's murder or his brother's betrayal.
“I need to know. Everything,” he adds as he slowly pulls back enough to stare at me. His attention feels heavy, the weight threatening to tug me back under the surface of my sorrow and pain. Squaring my shoulders, I shove it back, hating the raw agony I see in Lennox’s eyes. “I need to know what happened from when you came back to Earth to when Razar found you. He told me what happened from that point. The castle has been put on lockdown, the fires will remain lit, and I have the Russians helping with the watch as we try to figure out our next move,” he whispers, giving me all his information instantly, making sure I’m up-to-date on all events, which I greatly appreciate. My hands move up, smoothing his hair down as I nod.
“I showed up on the North Ridge alone and confused. The last thing I saw was that… darkness in the veil between our worlds,” I whisper, making sure to keep my voice low so the others can sleep. “Elaine was there and already under attack.” Nox’s brow furrows as I continue. “There were dead Hunters and Wraiths everywhere. Elaine was the only one of her unit left, with a dozen Wraiths still attacking. I wanted to help…” I trail off as I remember the hard look Elaine had given me when she gestured for me to leave her. “She didn't want me to. So I followed them up the mountain. She managed to kill… fuck, I don't even know. She killed so many Wraiths, Nox. I don't even know how she managed to kill them while she was tied up, but she did.”
“Good. I hope it was bloody and fucking painful,” he rasps, jaw tense as he nods in approval. I give him a sad smile as I keep talking.
“I managed to sneak into the room they locked her in. They were so concerned about not letting her kill them that they didn't even see me. We were trying to figure out what to do next. She was pissed that I followed them.”
“She’s not the only one pissed about that,” he growls, interrupting me with a look that has me wincing.
“Uh, right, um…” I eye him, then choose to ignore that comment because I’m not sorry I followed Elaine up there which will only piss him off, so better that I keep telling him what happened. “She was trying to get the magic they tied her up with off of her when we heard him.” I shiver as I recall the sounds of Jesthren’s heavy footsteps and the fear that was etched on Elaine's face. “She had figured out who he was before I realized what was happening, and bound me with her magic to keep me safe. He didn't know I was in the cave with them when he killed her.”
Nox’s breath hitches and a low growl builds up in his chest as he lets me go, placing me on the end of the bed and stands.
“What?” I start to say, not liking how he’s putting distance between us.
“I don’t want to accidentally hurt you,” he says with a jerky shake of his head when I reach for him. “Keep going. How did he kill her?”
“I don't know. I think he strangled her, but I could feel something heavy, like your magic, only darker. I think whatever he did messed with her magic as well.” I frown, hating that I don’t know everything that happened. “I waited for him and Archer to leave with the Wraiths and?—”
“Arch? Archer was there?” Nox growls and I nod.
“Yeah. He sent him to look for me and told him I was still on the mountain and the key to your surrender. They left immediately after, and I tried to help Elaine, but…” Tears well in my swollen eyes, and Nox snarls, the sound loud and echoing around the room when he sees them. It's enough to have Creed jumping to his feet, with a blade in his hand and eyes wild with anger when he doesn't see me in bed where I had been sleeping.
Valen and Razar are only a second behind him, the first jerking up, black eyes locking on me instantly, almost like a magnet. He didn't need to look around the room for me; he knew exactly where I was. Dark shadows pour from Razar as his shoulders shake, his dark green eyes scanning the room for whatever upset Nox.
Nox ignores them all, lunging forward as he tugs me off the end of the bed and back into his arms, holding me almost too tight.
“Give her to me,” Creed demands, sheathing his blade and striding toward us, his angry gaze on my face while talking to Nox. “Now.” I blink at him in surprise as Nox curses and surprisingly lets me go, shifting me from his arms to his brother’s.
“Be careful,” Nox grumbles when Creed picks me up off my feet and turns back to the bed, glaring at Nox and Razar as he goes. Valen shifts closer to a still-sleeping Jordan, and Theo, so Creed can sit next to him, turning me to one side allowing Valen to bring his cold fingers back to my throat. I look at my dream man, and a rush of concern swamps me when I see his empty eyes, filled with nothing but rage and pain.
Shit, this isn't good.
I gently place my hand over Valen’s, lacing our fingers and pressing his fingers firmly to my skin as I look back at Creed, who is still glaring at Nox. Fuck, I’m starting to get a headache from how many emotions are in this room. “Creed?” I whisper, wondering what the hell is going on. I’ve seen Creed upset before. I’ve seen him mad and frustrated, but I have never seen him like this. He’s never made demands of Lennox like this, and I’m shocked to see it from him.
“I know you're mad at us,” Nox rasps, motioning to Razar and himself. “But you two need to rein in your emotions. She’s picking them up from my mate bond, and it's developing into a migraine.” Lennox’s voice is calm, much calmer than it had been only moments ago, and I stare at him in surprise.
“I… shit, well yeah. That makes more sense,” I mutter, marveling at the odd feeling inside me. Why didn't I pick up on that before now? Is this what Nox feels all the time? A thread of sympathy cords through me at the thought. God, I hope not; it's exhausting.
Valen takes a deep breath as Creed curses but nods, and immediately, some of the pain in my head lessons, the tension in the room bleeding away with every breath I take. Taking another deep breath, I smile, realizing it doesn't hurt my sides and chest to do it.
“You healed me.” I look at Nox, who nods. “Thanks.”
“We need to figure out your healing. Your other Demon abilities have shown up, and I really would feel better if you could heal yourself, so I’m not in a constant state of fear for your life,” Creed rasps, his lips pressed to my hair, arms wrapped around my center as he snuggles into me.
“She might not have that ability. She is part Dream Walker and physically favors that side of her lineage. Healing might never come naturally to her,” Valen whispers, his voice clipped and cold. No feelings or warmth at all in his words. I frown, looking up at his silvery skin and narrow my eyes on him. I mean, at least he’s talking this time around, but everything about him feels off. Valen stares down at me, his attention unwavering and almost uncomfortable in its intensity.
Nope. I don't like this.
I want my Dream Man back. The man who soothes and comforts me. The one who’s level-headed, protective, and not so murderous. He could give Razar a run for his money for the angry, serial killer vibes coming off him right now. I quickly turn in Creed's arms, pressing my lips to his when he protests before hugging him tight. I know he needs me; I know the mate bond is probably urging him to keep me close, which means my request will not be easy for him.
“Two minutes. I need to get him to… lighten up,” I whisper into his ear. Creed manages to glare at me when I pull back a few inches and scoff at my lousy joke simultaneously. His eyes move from me to Valen, then back with a pained sigh as he nods.
“Two minutes, Lemon Drop. I know he needs you.” Creed winces and shrugs. “But I selfishly need you as well.” I nod as Valen growls at our side.
“I’m fine,” he clips out, and Creed rolls his eyes, big hands gripping my hips as he picks me up and plops me into Valen’s lap, keeping his hand pressed to my back, refusing to let go completely.
“You’re a damn liar, Valen. Shut up and give our girl some love so I can get more snuggles.”
“Creed,” Nox whispers, giving his brother a pleading look as I wrap my arms around Valen and press my nose into his neck. His soft citrus and winter scent fills my senses, and immediately, I melt into his body, letting him hold me, his cold, soft lips pressing to my forehead. Valen’s magic fills the air around us, cording around me like a blanket as he releases a shaky breath and finally relaxes under me.
“Yeah, whatever. But I’m still fucking mad with you,” Creed snaps. The next moment, the bed dips, and I feel Nox’s hand wrapping around one of my ankles. I peek to the side, finding Raz staring at us, and my heart skips a beat. Giving him a small smile, I nod at the bed next to us, and he scowls, wrinkling his nose as he looks at his brothers. He crosses his arms and shakes his head, making me scowl back at him.
“Really?” I mouth to him, and he arches a brow and shakes his head again. It looks like he’s unwilling to show his soft side with his brothers here to see. I’m not sure if that makes me mad that he’s keeping that part of himself a secret or thrilled that he only shows that side of himself to me. A soft meow draws my attention, and immediately, Razar’s eyes move to the door, where a fluffy orange ball walks in.
“Milo!” I gasp, excited to finally see my cat. Razar’s attention immediately shifts back to me, and I can see a challenging light in those black-green eyes as he takes a slow step toward my cat. “Don't you fucking dare,” I hiss under my breath, pressing my hands to Valen’s chest to shove myself upright. I swear I see red when Raz smirks and leaps toward my cat, scooping him into his arms and grinning like a madman when Milo loses his ever-loving shit on the Demon Prince.
“By the Gods,” Nox complains, watching Milo go into attack mode, hissing and clawing Razar’s arms and hands.
“Raz! Give me my cat!” I shout, frustration building as I bat at Creed and Valen’s hands, needing to be set free so I can save Milo. I instantly wince as Jordan gasps and sits upright, eyes glazed, tired, and raking over the room, arm moving over Theo protectively. “Shit, sorry,” I mutter as Theo groans and rolls to his side, glaring up at me.
“I will not,” Raz responds, holding Milo to his chest and turning slightly so I can’t see him. “I told you this tiny monster is mine. Get your own.”
“You said I could have him back!”
“That was a temporary situation, and it's now expired. I’ll find you something else. Maybe you can train another feline so my tiny monster can have a pet of his own,” Raz muses, hand petting the top of Milo's head and scratching behind his ears like my cat isn't drawing blood and gnawing on him like he’s his last dinner.
“Milo is my pet. He doesn't need one of his own,” I scoff, earning a bone-chilling glare from Razar as he covers Milo's ears. “You know he can’t understand us, right?” I point out in frustration as I reach over and link my fingers with Theo’s now that he’s awake.
“My feline is not a simple pet,” he hisses under his breath, and I roll my eyes. “And far more intelligent than you give him credit for.”
“Jesus Christ. Are you two always going to fight over that stupid cat?” Jordan grumbles, curling back on his side and wrapping himself around Theo, who has remained silent by my side. Razar releases a threatening growl and takes a step toward the bed, angry eyes on Jordan, who flips him the bird and smirks.
Reaching behind Creed, I snag a pillow and launch it at Razar’s face, smirking smugly when it smacks into his annoyingly handsome face with a satisfying “whack.” “Knock it off. We have bigger things to argue about than you constantly stealing my cat.”
“My cat,” Razar grumbles under his breath, but relents, surprising the hell out of me when he walks over and plops Milo onto my lap. I gasp when his fingers find my chin, forcing me to look up into those dark, mesmerizing eyes. “Don't look so fucking pleased with yourself. This is not a victory for you. The feline is still mine,” he growls, then tips his head to the side as if contemplating something. He studies my far too smug expression and exhales an annoyed sigh. “But I can share,” he finally says, and I nod slowly, realizing he is trying to meet me halfway.
“Deal.” I grin up at Razar, wanting to hug him, but restraining myself, knowing that would probably send him into a weird panic with all the extra touching. I need to move slowly so I don’t spook him. Ease him into things so he doesn't glare, yell, or possibly stab me for being too nice.
Razar huffs and releases my chin with a satisfied nod as he turns to leave the room. “Where the hell are you going?” Nox snaps, watching Razar with wide, surprised eyes.
“To shower. Pup can fill you in on the rest of things until I get back,” Razar says without a second look back, leaving the six of us staring after him.
“That was sickeningly gross, Angry Girl,” Theo whispers, looking up at me with his bloodshot eyes. “You just took the scariest motherfucker in this castle and tamed him with an angry ball of orange fluff.”
“Poor guy never stood a chance,” Jordan grumbles, arm tightening around Theo as he shakes his head in fake sympathy. I snort and look down at my two best friends, happy to talk about something that won’t end up with the three of us in tears again. I know we need to deal with the Elaine situation and talk about where we go next, but this tiny little sliver of almost normal conversation is like a balm to my soul.
“Razar is not tame,” I disagree, looking to Creed for backup. When he shrugs his shoulders and nods down at the guys, I gape at him in surprise.
“They’re not wrong, Lemon Drop. Raz has been different since the guys rescued me in your cabin. He’s not tame per-say but…” Creed trails off and shrugs again, looking at Lennox.
“He’s softer?” Nox offers up, and Creed frowns.
“Gods no. That's not the right word. Raz is many things; soft isn’t one of them.”
“He found a reason,” Valen answers, voice so soft I can barely hear him. Glancing up, I smile when I see his black eyes lighten and some sparks of pale green are present there.
“What?” Creed says, wrinkling his nose.
“Razar has a will to live again. He lost it when he believed Arch had died. Mi Sol gave him a reason to overcome that, a reason to fight his inner Demon and take back his life. From what I understand, Razar was practically feral by the point Mi Sol showed up?” Valen asks, and Creed frowns and nods.
“He was. I was having a hard time conversing with him and had to send him to the North Ridge almost daily to curb his bloodlust,” Nox agrees, thumb stroking over my ankle.
“And the last time you had to send him away?” Valen asks, and this time, Creed answers.
“Right after Lemon Drop showed up. It was the night I provoked him, and you sent him off so he wouldn’t kill me.” Creed gives a low whistle as he shakes his head, a smile forming on his beautiful lips. “Holy shit, you did tame him!”
“Raz was going to kill you?” I ask in shock, and Creed shrugs.
“Yeah. But I was being a dick, so it was deserved.”
“Fucking weird, insane Demons,” Theo grumbles, releasing my hand and shoving out of bed, making Jordan and I sit up with concern as we try to follow him. “No.” Theo holds a hand out to us, stilling our movements as he shrugs his Drakos red and black shirt back on. “I need to find Cali and… shit, I’m the worst brother!” Theo groans, running a hand through his hair as he looks at his feet.
“Victor is with her,” I offer, making Theo pause. His red-rimmed eyes look toward us as he nods, a look of gratefulness crossing his face.
“Good. But I need to be there for her. I’ll be back in an hour or so, alright?” Jordan scowls, his mouth opening to argue, and I place my hand over his to stop him.
“Of course. You should be with your sister. We’ll be here when you come back.” Theo shoots me a grateful smile and leans down, pressing a kiss to my temple, which earns three sets of growls. He straightens and glares at the guys behind us.
“Sorry. It’s an instinct thing. Ignore us,” Nox mutters.
“I can come if you need,” Jordan says, voice cracking as he stares at Theo. I can see his unwillingness to let Theo go without him, and I have to look away when Theo shakes his head, and Jordan’s hopeful expression crumbles.
“I need to see her by myself. We need to talk and…” Theo trails off.
“Yeah. You're right. Cali needs you,” Jordan agrees far too quickly as he stands and grabs his shirt. “I-I’ll be here when you need me, though. Okay?” he offers, not looking at Theo as they awkwardly move around each other, and my heart breaks for them. Theo frowns and nods, staring at Jordan momentarily, his hand slightly outstretched before it falls to his side, and he moves toward the door.
“I’ll bring Cali back later. She’ll want to see you.” Jordan nods again, turning towards the bed, pretending to look for something. He wipes under his eyes, removing the tears before Theo can see them.
“Thanks. I’d like that.” Theo strides from the room without another word, and I turn my attention to Jordan. “Don’t,” he says when I move to take his hand. “I’m fine.”
“No, you're not,” I whisper, and he laughs, but it's not a happy one.
“You’re right. I’m not. The woman I considered more of a mother to me than the one who birthed me, died thinking I was mad at her, Meyer. And the man I’m in love with keeps pushing me away because I was an idiot and told him to leave me, to get the hell out of my life because I was mad and didn't know how to handle everything,” he admits, words thick with tears. “I’ve royally fucked things up, and there is fuck all I can do about it now.” My mouth snaps shut, his words silencing me as he walks over and presses his own kiss to my brow. There are no growls this time as the guys watch on with sympathetic looks. “I need to run. I’ll be down in the training arena. Stay with your guys so I don't have to worry about you, please.”
I nod and watch him leave, my shoulders sagging.
“What do I do?” I ask aloud, needing help because I’m completely out of ideas on how to help my friends. Arms come around my stomach, pulling me into a firm chest as another grabs my hand, and a set of lips presses against my hair.
“You be there for them, and we’ll be there for you,” Valen whispers.