“Do I?” I shook my head, disgusted with myself for being so insecure.
“I love you.” She leaned forward and kissed me, her lips so soft against mine that for a second I felt like I was on some sort of drug, unable to decipher between reality and fantasy.
I ended the kiss with a groan of frustration.
“We have a long road ahead of us.” She bit her lip. “More battles to fight now that Aphrodite and Narcissus have gone to the Phantoms.”
Seth came into the room looking less than pleased that I was kissing Athena.
“Hey, blood partner.” He winked.
Not one to normally resort to violence, I shocked myself when I reached for the dagger on the dresser.
Seth lifted his hands in the air and smirked.
We’d all be lucky if he made it to the end of the week without landing on the opposite end of one of my swords.
“I just wanted to see if you guys were up for a little mission,” Seth said. “Apparently, the Twelve are having a little issue, and Alexander needs our help.”
“A vampire?” Athena’s eyes narrowed.
“Not technically,” I answered. “They’re like me. Different, but not really an abomination. If they feed on too much blood or drain themselves in sacrifice then they turn into Nephilim, consumed by thoughts of Darkness. So as long as Alexander keeps order, there is nothing to fear.”
Athena chewed on her lower lip. “And what if chaos breaks out amongst the different families? What happens then?”
Seth raised his hand. “I can answer that. War. Lots and lots of war. Michael wants to prevent that from happening. They’ve been one of El’s best kept secrets. We mean to keep it that way. Besides…” Seth shrugged. “They aren’t fighters, they’re intellectuals. Want to know how to cure cancer? Just ask Alexander. They know all. It’s kind of sickening.”
Athena moved from the bed and grabbed her dagger. “Well? What are you guys waiting for?”
“That’s my girl.” I kissed the top of her head and noticed Seth flinch as if in pain.
“I’ll just give you guys a moment.” Seth excused himself and left me alone with Athena.
She was artful perfection.
“I’ll stand by you for an eternity.” I took her mouth and sucked on the honey of her tongue before cupping her face with my hands.
“Promise?” she whispered against my lips.
“Promise.” I pulled her in for one last kiss, allowing that kiss to cloud the fear of what tomorrow held.
For right now, I had the love of my life, my partner, my soul mate. That was enough. For now.
Be looking for the sequel to Divine Uprising, the story of Alexander King,
coming soon!
About the Author
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandyken.com
Also by Rachel Van Dyken:
The Ugly Duckling Debutante The Seduction of Sebastian St. James The Redemption of Lord Rawlings Every Girl Does it
The Parting Gift
Waltzing With the Wallflower Savage Winter
Upon A Midnight Dream
Whispered Music
Beguiling Bridget
Taming Wilde
Compromising Kessen
The Devil Duke Takes a Bride The Bet
Elite
Tear: A Seaside Novel
Pull: A Seaside Novel
Shatter: A Seaside Novel
Also by Rachel Van Dyken:
Prologue
“Kyle, run! You have to run!” Kaden screamed in my face, trying to raise his voice above the windstorm ripping through the trees. The Empirical Enforcement Squad was fast approaching. I couldn’t hear them, but the black uniforms were spotted through the thick forest like a warning beacon.
“Kyle! Didn’t you hear me?” Kaden took me by the shoulders and gave me a large shove towards the north forest. “If they catch you, you’re as good as dead.” A tear ran down his cheek and rolled across his quivering lip.
With a cry, I flung my arms around his shoulders and let out a sob before turning on my heel and running.
I had to go. I had to escape the Enforcers. Most of the little girls they caught died in their hands, ravaged and then killed. The ones who lived ended up taking their own lives. It was not an option for me, nor for my best friend, who was doing his utmost to push me into the shadow of the trees.
I knew what he was doing.
Sacrificing his life, so I could have mine.
For the fate of little boys was worse than girls.
Slavery.