Crais(40)

“Hello, sweetheart.”

Dammit, I was back at the end of the golden cord, facing Bracentine.

“I’ve missed you. Why don’t you visit more?”

I glared at the beautiful yet altered face of my mate.

“I’m tired. Why don’t you get to the point of today’s visit so I can get some rest?”

He smiled coldly, the gold eyes shimmering at me. “Today I’ve decided to give you a gift. Maybe then you will see that there is a benefit to our mutual cooperation.”

Before I could snort out my doubt the Bracentine was gone and my Brace stood before me. I stared in shock, my body starting to shake. His hair was short again with black marks replacing the purple. But the part that had my breath catching in my throat and heart racing was the return of his chocolate eyes.

“Brace,” I stuttered out. My eyes filled with tears. I blinked rapidly to clear them.

“Red.” His voice broke.

The sound of the familiar nickname almost brought me to my knees. I sucked in a lungful of air.

“Brace,” I repeated, not sure what to think.

And then before I could pull myself together he moved and within seconds I was in his arms.

“God, Red, you need to get away now.” He pulled me closer despite his words. “I don’t know how much time he’s going to give us, but don’t trust him. No matter what he says.”

I was cradled in his arms and for the first time in forever I could breathe again; I could smell, taste and touch. My senses were back and they were firing on all cylinders. I leaned closer, wanting to inhale that scent which was solely his.

“You need to listen to me, baby.”

I protested as he dropped me down to the floor, placing both hands on either side of my face.

“He has access to all of my thoughts; he knows the way to assure your cooperation.”

“What does he really want from me?” I whispered.

He shook his head. “I don’t know. I can’t break the barrier into his plans yet, but it all centers around his third brother. He’s determined to release him.”

“Don’t waste this moment, Brace.” I stood on tiptoes, bringing my face closer.

His lips hit mine, both hands tangling in my curls, and I would have to say he did not waste a second. I tried to focus as he pulled away, but my brain was muddled.

“He’s coming now, baby.” The pain in his eyes had my face aching as I forced back more tears.

I was reaching for him, my mouth opening to tell him how I felt, when the energy surrounding us changed. I jumped backwards.

“You can thank me now.”

The Bracentine was back.

I took a moment to calm my heart, and clear my features of any emotion.

“Tell me exactly what you want from me?”

The Bracentine had me and he knew it.





Chapter 9





The Bracentine stood back, observing me, his expression unwavering.

“It’s simple. You help me to free my third brother and I will permanently leave your mate.”

Yeah, okay. It was never simple with these power-hungry gods.

“Why would you leave the only vessel which can physically house you?”

He shrugged. “Once we are all released there’s more than enough power for us to form our own physical manifestations. Brace is simply convenient at the moment to achieve a few things.”

I was guessing one of those things was me being forced to free the third.

“How can I guarantee you’ll keep your word and won’t ever possess Brace again?”

He focused on me. The gold eyes were mesmerizing and nauseating all at once. “I’m an ancient creature, bound by the laws of the universe. If I swear my words, I have no choice but to follow through, and if I don’t the universe will correct my actions.” He grinned. “Trust me; it’s not in my best interests to let that happen.”

“Damn, it would save me a lot of trouble if the universe would just kick your ass for me.”

He didn’t react, just continued to stare.

“Tell me what to do?” I needed Brace back.

I was sure that they would figure out a way to free the third anyways, and we stood a far better chance in this battle with Brace’s power.

“You need to go to the dark mountains on First World. This is where the portal entrance is. I will find you there and together we can do the rest. It will be simple.”

There he went using that word again. I gasped as he released the cord.

I came back to reality, expecting to find myself with a numb butt and a stone digging into my back. Instead there was movement beneath me: someone was carrying me. Instinctively I kicked out, throwing myself free from the strong arms wrapped around me.

“For god’s sake, Abby, calm down.” Lucas’s voice infiltrated my brain.