A Surrender Of Hope (Umbra Hunters #3)

11. Meyer

ELEVEN

Meyer

“ I ’m going with you,” Theo yells, trailing after an angry-looking Nox who stomps down the steps of the castle, a large black pack slung over his shoulders.

“No,” the Demon Prince answers, voice firm as his dark green eyes meet mine where I stand waiting next to Valen. The annoyance in Nox’s gaze melts a little, and heat replaces it, making me shiver as I swallow and tear my gaze from the man, trying really hard not to turn into the flaming ball of hormones I was in Creed’s room earlier. I’m not sure what happened back there, but it was extremely intense.

I don't regret it; actually, it's the opposite. However, now I’m not sure how to react to Lennox. Do we return to our snide comments and half-hearted insults, or are we supposed to be nice to each other? I almost grimace at that idea, knowing that would never work. Maybe I’ll just wait and take his lead on things? I’m sure I can manage to be nice if he’s not acting like an asshole.

“There’s no way you’re taking her without me. I don't give a damn who you are!” Theo snaps his hand out, reaching to grab Nox. My eyes widen as Nox spins, catching Theo's hand and crushing it in his iron grip, making my friend wince.

“You don't get to decide what Meyer does or doesn't do, Ranger,” he growls, towering over Theo menacingly as I toss my coat that Valen had just handed me to the ground and bound up the stairs toward them.

“Neither do you,” Theo hisses back, eyes narrowing on Nox in challenge. What the actual fuck is he doing? Nox is going to pound him!

“Mi Sol! Don't, let Nox handle this!”

“Get your hands off him,” I snarl at Nox, taking the last few steps two at a time and almost killing myself when my foot slips, and I nearly eat it down the stairs. Without taking his attention off Theo, Nox catches me by the arm, keeping me on my feet.

“You don’t get to decide what she does. You’re not her Senior anymore,” Theo says as he tries to yank his hand from Nox’s firm grip.

“That's where you’re wrong, Ranger Drakos. Meyer is a Demon whose charge falls under my command. She reports to no one but me in this castle and has more power here than any other Hunter,” Nox snarls back, and I raise a shocked brow, momentarily stunned by his words.

“I do?”

Nox shoots me a look that tells me he wants me to shut up, rekindling my anger, and I reach out, shoving his shoulder. “Let him go. Now,” I demand, then try not to look as surprised as I feel when Nox immediately lets Theo go, growling under his breath as he turns on me, scoops me up into his arms, and hauls me down the stairs with him.

“Stop that. It’s not safe for him to come, Meyer. Why do you think I’m telling him no? You have to stop challenging me in front of the Hunters, and besides,” he scoffs as his hold only tightens on me. “I refuse to let that boy tell me what I can and can’t do with you,” he snaps as Theo shouts and chases after us.

“What you can do is let me down!” I snap, kicking at Nox’s stomach, making him curse under his breath as he almost drops me.

“Could you not fight me… just once?’ he asks in frustration.

“Yeah, if you acted like a normal person instead of a wild animal. Stop dragging me around everywhere!”

“What the hell? It's been like two minutes. By the Gods! Lennox, stop making her mad,” Creed complains as he steps out of the castle and sees us yelling at each other.

“I’m going to get my mother. This isn’t…oooph!” Theo grunts. I look over my shoulder and start to panic when I see that Razar has appeared out of thin air and now has Theo by the collar of his black and red training shirt. He’s glowering down at him, blade already in hand.

“No! Razar, drop him!” I shout, true fear filling me when Razar’s hand twitches closer to Theo. “Now!” I scream, crawling over Nox’s shoulder so I can reach my best friend. Razar tilts his head to the side, eyes flicking to meet mine, black brow arching in challenge when I glare at him and point to the ground, signaling for him to release Theo.

Razar’s eyes narrow, but he slowly sets Theo back on his feet. I almost smile my thanks before the Demon's big hand presses to Theo's chest and shoves him hard, making him shout as he stumbles and rolls down the remaining stairs.

“Dammit,” Nox sighs, tightening his hold on me when I try to lunge for Razar. “Really?” he asks his brother in exasperation.

“You’re an asshole!” I growl at Razar as I shove out of Lennox's arms and rush down to Theo, sighing in relief when I find Valen crouched in front of him.

“I’m fine,” Theo mutters, glaring at Razar, who ignores us all as he stalks by, cloak billowing out around him.

“Could you stay out of his way? The other guys won't hurt you, but…” I trail off, glaring at Razar’s back. I know the man won’t hurt me. That sounds cocky as hell, but it's the truth. The fear I had seen for those brief seconds on the battlefield before everything went dark only confirmed it for me. Razar has had too many opportunities to hurt me, or simply let me die, to hurt me now.

I have this weird, almost dark need to be around him. The cold silence and predatory gleam in his eyes give me the same thrill I get just before a Beastia shows up. I’m unsure what that says about me, and at this point I don't want to know. Why do I crave the attention of the man who reminds me of the monsters I’ve hidden from my whole life? Yeah, that's a question I need to ask a therapist, but I’ll roll with it for now.

“This is a bad idea.” A smooth voice says as a familiar big red-headed man approaches my side, grabbing Theo and tugging him behind his back. He shakes his head at Nox, who simply shrugs and stalks after Razar like nothing has happened. Monroe looks down his nose at me with those bright, almost neon green eyes, studying me long enough that I start feeling awkward and bring my hand up, brushing some hair off my cheeks. Do I have something on my face? Creed brought me some food as I was getting dressed, and I ate it so fast that I got a stomachache.

“Um…” I start to say as Valen hooks an arm around my waist and tugs me closer to him.

“We have no other option, man,” Creed mutters, stepping behind me and resting his chin on top of my head as he smiles at his friend. “You going to miss us or something?”

Monroe snorts and rolls his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest while Theo sidesteps him so he can stand next to me. “Unlikely. Maybe life will be somewhat calm without you four terrorizing the Rangers.”

“Don’t go,” Theo whispers into my ear, and I glare at Creed when he cuffs him upside the head.

“You knock it off. She has to come, and you’re needed here. I thought you and Meyer decided that Ranger Jennings needed you to watch over him?”

“He doesn’t want me here! And I refuse to let you take my friend without some backup,” Theo snaps, rubbing the back of his head before pouting at me.

“I don’t think I have a choice,” I grumble under my breath, the red mark on my wrist itching a little under my gloves as I think about it. Do I want to go to the Demon realm? Not really, but I also don’t like this Inanis guy’s mark on me, and I can understand the urgency of figuring out how to remove it.

“Then take me with you. You know that you’ll need backup over there as much as I do.” I look at Theo and wish I could bring him with me. I know I’ll be safe with the guys, but something about having your friend at your back is calming in an unknown situation. But the idea of Theo being in danger is something that tugs at my chest. Sure, he's a trained killer and can probably kick my ass, but I don't like the idea of bringing him into more danger than necessary. Theo and Jordan are the brothers I’ve never had, the brothers I always wished I had. I can’t bring one of them with me without knowing they’ll be safe.

“Watch after Jordan,” I finally say. Theo’s lips press into a firm line, his eyes hardening with frustration as he shakes his head and looks away from me. “Please, Theo,” I whisper, pressing my hand to his shoulder when he steps back from me and shrugs. I see him swallow, his throat bobbing as he rolls his lips together and inhales sharply.

“Sure thing.” His voice is rough as he takes another step back when I try to step closer to him. I stop, hurt that he’s trying to put distance between us. “Just come back, Meyer,” he grinds out before turning and rushing back up the stairs before I can say goodbye.

I move to dash after him, but Creed stops me, his big hand pressing on my shoulder as he shakes his head. “Let him go, Lemon Drop. We can guarantee your safety because of Nox and Valen, but Theo doesn't have a bond to a Demon, which would be dangerous for him. He’s safer here.” My shoulders sag say I nod, watching after my friend until he’s out of view.

“Monroe?” I whisper, looking up at the red-haired giant at my side. “Keep an eye on them for me?” I ask, feeling a little weird asking my Regalis Senior for a favor, but needing someone to look after the guys. Monroe arches a thick brow at me as he purses his lips, trying to suppress a smile as he sighs.

“I already have four death threats hanging over my head about those two Rangers, one of which isn’t even in my bloodline, mind you. Are you going to make it a fifth, Ranger Smith?”

“Four?” I ask, looking from Valen to Creed, then Lennox, who is talking to Elaine with Senior Drakos at her side. Victor looks around them, his gaze scanning every inch of the courtyard for a threat, his hand resting on the hilt of his massive sword strapped to his side. His eyes find mine, and his lips twitch into one of his almost smiles as he dips his head to me in greeting. I smile back and offer him a small wave just as Creed steps in front of me with a scowl on his handsome face. “What?”

“No,” he growls, shaking his head. A spark of something dark lights his green eyes, making me smirk as my hand falls to my side.

“Are you jealous, Credence Regalis?” I tease, loving the possessive look he’s giving me. I startle when Valen’s big hand wraps back around my waist, and he leans forward, his soft lips pressed to the shell of my ear, making a shiver race down my back.

“That man danced with you at the Christmas dinner, and we didn’t.” I swallow as Creed steps forward, pressing my chest to his and caging me between them. My eyes lock with his and widen as he dips his head, making me lean into Valen’s hold so I can look up at him.

“Jealous doesn't even start to describe how I feel when you look at any other man but us. You don't get to be cute and wave at him. Not unless you want him out of the picture in a very permanent manner,” Creed rasps, lips brushing against mine in a soft kiss.

“I… you’re… wait, you’re frying my brain,” I snap, feeling like I’m short-circuiting as I shove at his chest, making Creed grin in response. “Victor is one hundred percent obsessed with?—”

“Elaine,” Creed finishes for me with a nod as he swings a bag over his shoulders. “Yes, we know.” I frown and look over my shoulder to Valen, who’s watching me. His pale green eyes are softer than before, slightly alleviating my fears about his mental state. I know he’s not completely okay, but he seems almost back to normal, which is a good sign.

“So why the jealousy?”

“We didn't say it was rational jealousy, Mi Sol,” Valen whispers, leaning down, his lips dusting over the sensitive skin behind my ear. “You compare our behavior to that of a human man… not a Demon. We are not rational with our mates. Possessive, territorial, protective… irrational, ” he breathes, drawing the last word out as he chuckles against my neck. “All words you should get used to.” With one more kiss to my neck, Valen stands, leaving me swaying on my feet as he walks over to Nox, who’s glaring at Victor like he’s about to murder the man.

“Are you ready for an adventure?” Creed asks, bouncing on his toes. His smile is so broad it's almost contagious.

“Not really,” I admit, nerves fluttering in my belly, feeling like I might throw up on Creed's shoes. “Why are you so happy?”

Creed chuckles as he leads us closer to the others.

“Because I get to introduce you to Mom. She’s going to love you.” He presses a kiss on my hair, and my heart drops. Oh, holy shit… I have to meet the parents. Why didn't I think of that before now? My nerves increase tenfold. Not only am I sleeping with three of their sons, but I think I might be Nox’s girlfriend or some kind of Demon partner. He said I’m his and that he tied us together to bring me back to life. I’m so grateful, but I need to get him alone for a moment and ask him what that all entails.

Shit. I really am going to throw up.

“Let's go!” Lennox snaps, yanking me from Creed's arms with a dark growl as Creed starts to laugh.

“You’re going to have to get that under control, Nox. You know how it’s going to be back home, and Dad will roast you for killing civilians in a jealous rage.”

“Fuck off, Credence,” Nox snarls. Razar is already by the opened gates, his long black cloak moving with the cold gusts of wind. “We’ll be back within the week. You know what to do if there’s an attack before we get back,” Nox instructs Elaine, who gives him an unimpressed look.

“Yes. I do believe we know how to handle the castle, Lennox. Get things sorted and get back here so we can finish this. I’m growing tired of fighting,” she adds, her soft brown eyes moving to mine as Monroe walks over and starts talking with Victor. He waves at Nox and Creed, nods at Valen then glares at Razar, who is looking in his direction, then flips him the bird. I snort in amusement, liking my Senior all the more when Razar takes a threatening step forward, and Nox sighs, holding his hand up to stop his brother.

“Can you not?” Nox grumbles to Monroe, who shrugs his shoulders, the picture of innocence. Elaine walks over and grabs my hand as she glares at Nox. “What?” he asks, frowning as he looks at her and then at me.

“Go away,” she states, making Nox’s expression thunderous. But he surprises the hell out of me when he stomps away like an angry child, yelling at Razar about some weapons.

“You are ok?” Elaine finally asks when the guys are far enough away not to hear us. I open my mouth to respond when she squeezes my hand. “Truly Meyer. Tell me if you’re okay. I know you need to leave to get some things fixed, but you’ve been through a lot in the last few days. I need to know you’re going to be alright.”

I blink at her in surprise as I try to process how I’m actually feeling. If we are being one hundred percent honest here, I’ve been trying not to think about the fact that I died. The way the arrow felt when it lodged itself into my back. The burning pain encompassed me as everything slowly turned dark. It's terrifying to relive, and I haven't been strong enough to think about it, choosing to shove it to the back of my mind to deal with later. But what's been worse is my last encounter with Inanis. The way he had complete control of my body, the pain and despair I felt as people screamed in my ears.

“I—I don’t know,” I finally admit, and Elaine's sad smile falters as she nods. “I don’t really want to think about that all right now. I know I’ll have to eventually but..” I trail off and Elaine tugs me into a tight hug, surprising me at the strength of it as she holds me close. Something about this hug makes my small amount of control slip, and I have to swallow back the unexpected sob that tries to break from between my lips.

“If you could not make her cry, I would appreciate it,” Nox suddenly snaps at my side, startling me enough that I jump a little.

“By the Gods, Nox. Can you give us a minute? What's your problem?” Elaine glares at the man as I shrug out of her hold, glad for the distraction. This is not the time for a meltdown.

“You know what my problem is,” Nox grinds out. His big hands fall on my shoulders and force me to turn toward him. His normal cold green eyes are almost gentle as he puts a finger under my chin and tips my face up so he can see me clearly.

“Very well. Travel safe, you two,” Elaine says, squeezing my hand again. “We’ll talk more once you get back,” she whispers, before letting my hand go and heading back to the castle; Monroe and Victor moving to follow her in a matter of seconds.

“I’m fine.” Heat creeps up my neck as I step back, watching Elaine climb the stairs. Nox’s hand darts out and wraps around my wrist, stopping me before I can move too far away.

“Don’t lie to me,” he growls, tugging me closer to him. “You know that’s pointless.”

“I’m fine, Nox,” I say firmly, straightening my shoulders and shoving everything I’d been feeling back down, making Lennox’s eyes widen just the smallest amount.

“Don’t do that.” Nox dips his head as he pulls me close, making my heart skip a beat.

“What?”

“Hide your emotions from me like that. I won't pry the information from you, but don't shove it down like that. If you're having problems with the events that happened, talk to someone. I know our…” Nox trails off with a puzzled look as he tries to find the right word for whatever is between us.

“Friendship?” I offer, almost scared to push anything serious on him. This man goes from hot to cold so damn fast, it makes my head spin. Honestly, I don’t know where I stand with him most day’s, despite his words and actions. Our first kiss was evidance of that.

The expression on his face morphs from puzzled to annoyed at my suggestion. He growls, hooks an arm around my waist, and yanks me off my feet, his lips slamming to mine in a hot, too brief kiss.

“ Relationship, ” he snarls against my lips, “is new, and I might not be who you trust enough to talk to just yet. But I need you to find someone to be that for you until I can earn your trust. I do care, Meyer. Despite what you may think about me. Shoving shit like that down and ignoring it will only hurt you in the long run.” Nox lets me go, and I stumble back as I try to regain my balance, breathless from the sudden kiss and more confused than ever about what we are. Why is this man so hot and cold all the time? I’m getting emotional whiplash.

“You said not to show weakness,” I remind him, making Nox scowl but dip his head in a nod. I wasn't allowed to cry during those first few weeks I was here. I couldn't show any weakness without him yelling at me.

“I know. And that won't change, especially in Versipellis. When a Demon spots weakness, they can and will strike to destroy it. But that doesn't mean you have to suffer alone. You may have come to this castle with no one in your corner, but you won't leave here that way, Little Demon.”

“Are we ready?” Valen asks, stepping up to my side and holding a hand out for me to take. I look at Nox and swear I see the smallest amount of sadness flicker in his dark eyes when I nod and take Valen’s hand.

“Yes,” Nox mutters, his eyes still on me. “Let's go. It's a long walk to the rift.”

“We have to walk? The snow is four feet deep on the North Ridge,” I almost whine, my nose wrinkling as I look down at the heavy boots on my feet, knowing I’m in for a physically challenging hike.

“We can’t leave the horses up there, and I don’t want to risk Hunters bringing them back down when the Therion and Beastia activity is higher than normal. So yes, we’re walking,” Nox clips out, checking multiple weapons strapped to his side before striding away from me without a second glance.