Forbidden Craving(78)

No. She saw two portals.

The pictures went on to show a human army marching through one of the portals and slaying every creature in its path.

Those humans carried swords and guns, an odd combination of past and present. Perhaps two different armies had marched through the land at two different times, but the images had coalesced into one?

Several of the monstrous races rose up in retaliation and destroyed the human army.

"The violence," Brenna said.

"Yes." What a brutal place Atlantis was-or rather, had been forced to be. Did she really want to stay here, even for a little while? 

Valerian's face swam into her mind, reminding her of exactly how beautiful he'd looked when he'd been poised over her, about to enter her. His honey-dark hair had fallen in disarray over his strong shoulders. His crystalline eyes had gleamed with molten desire.

Yes, she thought, she wanted to stay here. Despite the violence, despite the circumstances, she wanted to stay with Valerian.

The corner of her eye snagged on a particular grouping of rocks on the far wall.

"What's that?" she asked, pointing.

Brenna's brow crinkled.

In unison, they moved forward. The closer they came to the grouping, the chillier the air became.

A tremor racked her spine. Once they reached it, she realized it was a hidden doorway.

She gulped and looked to Brenna. "Should we?"

"No. Definitely not."

"I think I'm too curious for my own good. I'm going to check it out." Heart racing, Shaye pushed and prodded until the block had been moved out of the way, and suddenly she stood on the precipice of a dark abyss.

The shuffle of feet pricked at her ears.

Who did Valerian have locked inside?

The first day she'd entered this cave, she recalled how he'd discussed "prisoners" with one of his men.

Curiosity propelled her deeper inside, and she slowly inched around the corner. Torches came to life, lighting her way. Her eyes widened. Several hulking warriors paced inside a cell. They didn't look to be nymphs, for they lacked that air of raw sexuality. They were dark and strong, obviously young, and all had golden, glowing eyes.

One of them spotted her and growled.

She jerked backward with a gasp.

"You," he said. "Let us out of here. Please."

Soft hands suddenly shackled her wrist. "We don't know what these men have done," Brenna said. She'd followed Shaye inside.

They exited the room without another word.



HAD SHE MADE THE right decision?

Brenna had opted not to escape in order to stay with not one but two different men. Men who were possessive and from what she'd seen, disinclined to share. Ever.

She'd never dated two men at once.

Is that what I'm planning to do? Date Shivawn and Joachim at the same time?

Ethan had cause brain damage. Clearly.

Shaye returned to their little room, and her cheeks were pale.

Brenna had spent more time with Shivawn but had never dared to let him kiss her. She'd barely spoken to Joachim, had run away every time he'd tried to start a conversation, but the desire to spend more time with him was undeniable-but only if Shivawn stayed with her. He would protect her. Just in case.

Just in case what?

If she was worried Joachim had a temper, she shouldn't be with him at all.

"I should pick one," she said.

Shaye patted her hand, offering comfort without judgment, something Brenna liked about her. The former maid of honor was her cousin by marriage, and at the wedding, Brenna wouldn't have guessed they would ever be friends. Shaye had scowled the entire ceremony. Her misery plus Brenna's misery, well, two wrongs would never make a right. But the past was the past-a lifetime ago it now seemed.




 

 

"I know nothing about love," Shaye said. "Are you in love?"

"I don't know."

Her shoulders dropped. "I was hoping you could give me advice."

Brenna snorted. Then, sobering, she said, "I was in an abusive relationship."

"I'm sorry."

"I was too afraid to leave. He's in prison now for attempted murder." And rape, and a handful of other charges. "I don't want to make the same mistake."

"Well. From what I know of Valerian, he would kill his men for harming a woman."

"If he found out. Some bruises can be hidden. But... I don't think either man would hurt me. But then, I didn't think Ethan would hurt me, either."

"You remind me of me! I want to trust Valerian, but fear keeps changing my mind." She chewed on her bottom lip. "Can you imagine yourself with one of the guys forever?"

"I don't know if I can handle forever right now. Just one day at a time."

"That's fair. Oh! Just so you know, I'm writing a book, and I just made a decision to change the direction of my plot. You are my heroine." Shaye rubbed her hands together. "I will require daily reports."