Page 7

They decided to eat in one of the private rooms instead of the main dining hall. Although the club was officially closed for now, Killian wanted Seneca to be able to speak freely without worrying that people might overhear their conversation. Of course, he could easily use magic to ensure that didn’t happen, but humans tended to trust enclosed spaces more than invisible magical wards.

The private room was an appealing space designed to host intimate gatherings and small celebrations. There was elegant décor and rich fabrics that complimented the walls that were painted a soft, neutral crème color. Pale gold damask curtains were partially drawn over the rain-splattered wall of windows, but enough was left clear to see the gray sky outside.

In the center of the room was a large circular table covered with layers of ivory and gold tablecloths that matched the upholstered chairs. The room was illuminated by the soft glow coming from the elaborate crystal and gold chandelier hanging overhead. The lights had been dimmed enough to create a warm, inviting atmosphere without being too hard on human eyes.

When they arrived at the private room, Dario and Anika were already waiting for them. The moment Killian informed them that he had met his mate, they had been excited to meet her. He hadn’t told them much about the current situation, only that she was most likely the cause for the magical surge he’d sensed, and that she had news of an upcoming magical attack they needed to prevent.

Arson’s two best friends who helped manage The Manor were also present. Since the dark angel, Celine, and wolf shifter, Gunner, were also Guardians, Killian understood why Arson had wanted them there. It was their duty to protect The Manor and the surrounding community. In order to do that, they needed to know exactly how to prevent the magical attack.

He belatedly realized he should have asked Seneca before letting anyone else join them. She might not be comfortable telling her tale to strangers. Admittedly, he wasn’t in the habit of discussing his decisions with anyone. He usually decided on an action, and people just did whatever he told them to do. As his mate, Seneca deserved far more respect and consideration than that.

She deserved to be treated like the goddess she was…or would become once they were fully mated.

Silently vowing to do better, he’d been ready to apologize to her, but it turned out that it wasn’t necessary. Celine and Gunner greeted Seneca warmly as if they had known each other for years. Killian had tensed up when they had gotten too close to her for his comfort, but he relaxed again once they quickly backed away from her.

He assumed they had sensed his murderous intent.

When Arson shot him an amused grin, he’d wanted to punch the fucker in the face. He knew he was being an overbearing, territorial beast, but he had no problem with that. Not when it concerned his mate. He wasn’t used to people laughing at his expense, though. Lifting a brow, he sent a smirk of his own back toward his friend.

He hadn’t forgotten that little remark about Arson having a female of his own.

Killian would make sure he got that story out of him later.

After briefly introducing Dario and Anika, he was relieved when Seneca seemed to accept them simply because they were his. Dario bowed his head in greeting, while Anika had cozied up to his mate as if they were long-lost sisters. He’d been worried that her abrasive personality might upset Seneca, but she seemed quite at ease with the talkative demon.

The only person who seemed to be having a problem was Killian.

He fully admitted that he didn’t like sharing his mate with any of them, even though he knew it was necessary. He never realized he was capable of feeling something as basic and frivolous as jealousy until meeting her, but now he felt like a raging beast ready to toss a few fireballs at anyone who breathed the same air as her.

As a reaper, Killian had never felt so powerless.

Yet, there he was, grappling with a slew of unfamiliar emotions that defied his usually controlled demeanor. It was a completely foreign sensation to him. Added to that, it made him feel vulnerable and exposed in a way he’d never felt before. As much as he despised feeling out of control, he was forced to admit that he also found it a little exhilarating.

At least he wasn’t bored anymore.

And he had a feeling with Seneca in his life, he never would be again.

She was a bright flame burning through his darkness. From the moment she had stumbled into his arms, her presence had awakened something fierce and primal within him. In an instant, she had become his entire universe. He’d wanted to experience something new and profound, and falling in love certainly fit that criteria.

The depth of his feelings for her was already soul-binding, and that was after only knowing her for a matter of minutes. He couldn’t imagine how insanely obsessed with her he would be once they spent a few centuries together.

He watched the source of his turmoil fondly while she spoke to Anika and Celine. He wanted to remain by her side, but he forced himself to give her some space. He knew she still felt a little nervous around him, and he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable by hovering over her. Leaning against the bar set up on the far side of the room where Arson and Gunner were pouring drinks, he simply let himself enjoy watching her.

As much as he hated anyone else being close to her, he liked seeing her looking so carefree and happy. He sensed that was something she needed after everything she had been through recently.

Dying couldn’t have been easy for her.

Neither, he imagined, was being reborn.

Figuring out exactly what had happened to her would have been a lot easier if they were fully bonded. Once their mating bond was complete, they would not only share hearts and magic. They would also be able to read each other’s minds and memories. Unfortunately, that was a step he didn’t think she was ready for yet. Because she was human, she most likely didn’t feel the mating pull between them as intensely as he did.

He could wait for her to be ready. Time was something they would have an abundance of since they would be spending the rest of eternity together. However, he would still do whatever he could to ease her into fully accepting their bond.

For now, he needed to concentrate on the task at hand.

The faster they stopped the upcoming attack, the sooner he could focus on courting his mate properly.

“So, there is going to be an attack tonight?” Dario asked from where he was watching the rain fall through the opening in the curtains. “How exactly does your mate know about this?”

“Because she was just reborn and has already lived through the attack.”

That caught Dario’s complete attention. Turning away from the window, he met Killian’s gaze directly. “How is that possible?”

He sighed. “I haven’t heard the full story yet. That’s what we are all here to find out. But first, my mate needs to eat. If I hear her stomach growl again, I may have to murder someone.”

Dario snorted in amusement. “I suppose the rumors about the mating pull are true. Even a ruthless bastard like you can be affected by love.”

Killian didn’t bother denying it. “Tell anyone, and I will shave you bald in your sleep.”

“Now, that’s just mean. Besides, I won’t have to tell anyone if you don’t figure out how to control yourself around her. Why don’t you just put a protection sphere around her to stop everyone from getting close?”

That sounded like a damn good idea. Unfortunately, he had a feeling she wouldn’t like it if he did that. “Or people could just learn to stay the fuck away from her.”

“There is that.” Dario paused before asking, “Is that umbrella she’s holding what I think it is?”

“Yes, it is the relic,” he confirmed. “It chose her right after we met.”

“Well, at least it will protect her whenever you aren’t with her.”

“I will always be with her.”

Dario sighed. “Unless you want her to think you are a total psycho, there will be times when you are not together.”

Killian didn’t like hearing that, but he realized his friend did have a point. “This mating stuff is hard.”

“It seems so.”

“Neely is going to send the food up soon,” Arson announced. “We weren’t sure what you were in the mood for, so she decided to cook a little of everything.”

Seneca smiled. “That’s so sweet of her. She didn’t have to do that.”

Anika snorted in derision. “I don’t think you understand who your mate is. Everyone here at The Manor would bend over backwards to please Killian, and you, since you are his mate.”

Seneca shot him a covert glance. “Why?”

He met her gaze and grinned, not bothering to hide the fact he had been listening to their conversation. “Because I am Killian Black.”

Her lips twitched in amusement as she teased, “And that is enough to make people want to please you?”

“Of course, it is.”

She blinked in surprise, then burst out laughing. Delighted with the sound of her mirth, Killian strode toward her. When he came to a stop directly in front of her, he cupped her face with one large hand.

“I love the sound of your laughter.”

She looked startled for a moment, then her cheeks flushed. “I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that. I guess I’m out of practice.”

“I shall endeavor to make you laugh a lot over the next several centuries.”

“Centuries? I forgot about that part of things,” she wheezed out. Sobering, she said, “Actually, I might not have that long considering I have to effectively change my fate in order to remain in this new timeline.”

His brows furrowed. “Is that what the gods you met told you?”

She nodded.

“Haven’t you already done that?”

“I don’t think so. Not yet. I mean, I just woke up in the past a few hours ago. I think there is still a lot I have to do before I can stay in this reality.”

“Then, we won’t stop until we’ve accomplished everything we need to. But first, you need to eat.”

As if responding to his words, the large table in the center of the room was suddenly covered with large platters of food, and the aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and a variety of spices wafted through the air and filled the room with their delicious scents. Killian gently led his mate over to the table and pulled a chair out for her.

When she removed her coat, he took it from her before she could hang it on the back of the chair. Using his magic, he sent the coat across the room to hang it on the decorative rack by the door. He smiled when she shyly thanked him, then he took his seat next to her.

Noticing she still had a death grip on the parasol, he reached out and pried it from her hands. “Don’t worry. You won’t lose it,” he assured her as he propped it against the side of her chair. “Even if you forget it somewhere, it will find its way back to you.”

“Oh, wow. That’s a neat trick.”

“It’s just part of being chosen.” He glanced down at her shirt. The knife stabbing into the heart was an interesting choice. “I like your shirt.”

While true, that was probably not the best compliment he could have come up with.

She chuckled. “Thanks. My mom and dad make horror movies. I get a lot of shirts and other free stuff each time they film a new one. You should see our house around Halloween. It’s totally crazy.”

“Fascinating,” he murmured. “I can’t wait.”

She flushed a little. “As a reaper, you are probably used to that kind of stuff.”

He barely held back a smile. Oh, she had no idea. Not wanting to sound like a psycho, he simply said, “I am looking forward to meeting your parents.”

As everyone hurried to join them at the table, Killian surveyed the platters of food. He didn’t like the idea of her eating something he hadn’t provided for her, not that he would admit that out loud. Neely and the kitchen staff had obviously put a lot of effort into providing the meal for them, so he would try to curb his obsessive tendencies.

“What would you like to eat?”

“I can’t decide. Everything looks so good. I really love seafood, but there are so many options.”

“Try a little of everything.”

Rather than wait for her to pick and choose, he began serving a small portion of food from each platter onto the plate in front of her. He noticed that no one else made a move to serve themselves until he was done selecting food for his mate, and he was grateful for their patience.

She held her hand up and laughed. “Thank you. I think that’s enough. Seriously, there’s no more room left on the plate.”

He didn’t think that was an issue since he could just get her another plate, but he acquiesced with her decision. He dished some food onto his own plate, not really caring what he selected. He just didn’t want to make her feel awkward by eating alone.

A few seconds later, he realized he didn’t have to worry about that when the others descended on the food as if they hadn’t eaten for days. He felt relieved once Seneca started eating, but after a few bites, she stopped again.

“Before I tell you everything, I have to say that I was warned that I wasn’t supposed to let a lot of people know about me being reborn and all. I was also told I couldn’t alter too many things or I might draw attention to my…unique situation.”

“Don’t worry. We will keep the details about your rebirth a secret,” he assured. “As for the rest, let me worry about that.”

She nodded, accepting his word.

While everyone ate, she began telling them her extraordinary story, starting with what had happened during the original night of the storm. He could hear the pain in her voice as she spoke of losing her parents and the car accident she had been in. Then, she told them about what she’d learned in the aftermath, including the destruction of The Manor and the death of her friends.

“There is no way a simple mudslide should be able to break through the protection wards around the property,” Celine stated. “Something more is at play here.”

Arson nodded. “I agree.”

“It doesn’t just hit The Manor. Flash floods and mudslides destroy a lot of the surrounding area as well,” Seneca explained. “I would have died in a car accident that night if it wasn’t for my…unique ability.”

Anika frowned. “What does that mean?”

“The accident I was in triggered my awakening, and my magic protected me.”

“How?” Gunner asked. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t sense a lot of power coming from you. Are you indestructible or something? Because that would be pretty fucking cool.”

“That would be pretty cool, but no. Actually, my unique ability is more like an extra sense rather than an active skill. I guess the best way to describe it is that I was born lucky.”

As she explained how her luck worked, Killian felt a wave of foreboding. Being lucky sounded like an awesome gift, but he had no doubt it could also be a curse. That was confirmed once she started telling them what her life had been like once her aunt and uncle discovered she could pass her luck onto others.

Fury swept through him like a raging wildfire. The way her aunt and uncle had used and abused her made him want to rip them apart with his bare hands. He would lock them away in his dungeon where he could bleed them out slowly, over and over again, making sure they suffered the pain she had gone through each time they had demanded a blood sacrifice from her.

But he wouldn’t stop there.

He would use the various torture methods he’d learned over the long centuries on them, stripping them of everything they had been until they were nothing more than empty meat husks. Then, he would obliterate their souls to ensure they would never be born again within the six realms.

Okay, that was probably overkill, but he didn’t care. He would destroy anyone who tried to hurt her. And he swore that no one would ever steal her luck again.

He’d make damn sure of it.

Her story seemed fantastical, but he believed every word of it. And not just because she was his mate. He could hear the ring of truth in her words. Their connection also explained why he had sensed the magical surge of her rebirth from halfway across the world. That made him curious about whether or not he had also sensed her death.

Killian fought hard to remain calm while he continued to listen to her story, but when she got to the part about being killed by the witch who had kidnapped her, pure madness consumed him. Discovering that Whitley Dalkis sold items made of dark magic on the black market would have been enough for the Guardians to go after her, but knowing she had been the cause of his mate’s death made him lose his fucking mind.

He knew that wasn’t the end of Seneca’s story. There was more she had to tell them, including what had happened when she had met with the gods who had sent her back in time. However, he needed a break before he could listen to more.

No, what he needed to do was to go hunting.

Killian abruptly stood up. “Why don’t we pause here? You’ve been speaking for a while and haven’t had a chance to finish your meal. Dario? How about you make some of that special juice blend to soothe her throat?”

Dario stood up and glared at him. “Fuck that. I am going with you.”

Of course, his friend had already guessed what he was planning to do.

“That’s okay. He doesn’t need to make me anything. I could use a glass of wine or something, instead.” She tried to put on a brave face, but when Seneca smiled, her lower lip trembled. “I did turn twenty-one today…again.”

“Right! Happy Birthday! How about we have some champagne instead?” Arson sounded cheerful, but his gaze was serious as he sent Killian a slight nod.

Good. They would guard his mate until he returned.

“I’ll get it,” Gunner offered as he popped to his feet and hurried toward the bar. “We’ve got some of the good stuff stocked up here.”

“Make sure you eat more,” Killian said gently as he stroked his hand over Seneca’s pale hair. He desperately wanted to touch her, needed that connection after hearing what she had been through over the past year.

But it wasn’t enough.

When she tilted her head back to look up at him, he wanted to groan. As much as he tried, he simply couldn’t resist leaning down. He wanted to brush his lips against hers and taste the sweetness of her kiss. However, he didn’t want their first intimate act to be witnessed by so many people.

That should be a sacred moment only the two of them would share.

He also wasn’t sure he would be able to stop if he did that. Instead, he settled for pressing his lips against her forehead, needing to show her affection without asking for anything in return.

“I will be right back, mate.”

“We. We will be right back,” Anika corrected in a low voice devoid of all emotion.

“What? Where are you—?”

Before Seneca could finish what she was saying, Killian, Anika, and Dario disappeared, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.