Fallen Embers (Fallen Guardians #9)

Chapter 15

Chapter

Fifteen

Irritation surged through Lore as Nia’s fury and hurt abraded his psyche. He wanted to take her out of there, but not until the situation was settled.

The thought of her mated to another felt like a dagger had lodged in his chest.

Hanging onto his calm, he waited near the leather chair she’d occupied moments ago. She stood by the desk, her face flushed with anger, as she removed a single sheet of paper from the second envelope.

Her lush mouth compressed into a thin line as she read. Then she froze, her knuckles turning white. She clenched the page with both hands, her gaze racing over the letter.

All the color drained from her face.

Without a word, she pivoted and headed for the door, letter scrunched in her fist. Lore followed.

“Ms. Deveraux, wait,” the attorney called out. “We haven’t finished.”

She wheeled around like a gale force, bumping into Lore, her eyes scorching like the sun. He put a hand on her waist to steady her, all his angelic senses focused on her. He couldn’t read her with her mind shields so tightly shut.

“Do whatever you want! I don’t care!” She pivoted and stormed out.

Her features set in tight lines, Nia marched down the long corridor toward the front of the mansion. As they strode farther along the passageway, the human in the black suit who’d opened the door for them approached.

“Ms. Nia, the reception is in the south living room…” His words faded as his gaze roamed her face. “Or, you may have tea in the library for some quiet first, if you wish.”

She shook her head. “I’m not staying, Bennett. We both know that would be a farce.”

“I am sorry, Ms. Nia.” The man’s neck bobbed as he swallowed, then he inclined his head, a tinge of sadness in his eyes. He removed her coat from the hallway closet and handed it to her as Lore opened the front door. “Take care of yourself.”

A tremulous smile formed as she slipped it on. “Goodbye, Bennett.”

They stepped into the brisk afternoon air, the door shutting behind them.

Lore grasped her hand and flashed them back to her home. He mentally opened the front door, but Nia showed no inclination to go inside. She paced the paved backyard as if unable to remain still, the letter clutched in her fist. Her brow furrowed, then she bit her lush lower lip.

His thoughts rushed to last night, to the intensity of their kiss. His heart thudded as if it would escape his chest.

Nia looked up, then away, as she passed him.

The entire moment of their kiss had imprinted itself in his soul and refused to be locked away. It took every inch of his willpower to reel in his chaotic thoughts and concentrate on her current state of anguish.

“What happened?” he asked quietly.

She wheeled around and shook her head, crushing the letter to her chest. “It’s my problem.”

“Nia, I can feel your pain. Talk to me.”

“Stop, please.” She flashed up a hand when he moved closer. “You can’t help me. Not with this, okay?” She brushed past him again, but he grasped her arm, his grip gentle enough for her to break free. She didn’t.

“What did the letter say to cause you this much anguish?”

A hollow laugh escaped her. “Why?” Her dark glare slammed into him, bright with pain. “Your only job is to make sure I still breathe, not worry about my emotional well-being. God! I need a drink.” She yanked free and stormed into the living room.

He followed her inside. “Nia?—”

“Fine, here!” She spun to him, smacked the crumpled ball into his chest, and stalked to the kitchen, where she rummaged through the cupboard, brought out a dark bottle, and filled a small crystal glass with deep red liquid.

The acrid smell of fermenting grapes teased his nose. She picked up the glass and just stared at the glinting red liquor as if seeking answers.

Frowning, Lore smoothed out the single sheet of paper on the counter and scanned the message written in spidery black penmanship…

Since you have refused my generous offer of financial security and marriage to a refined member of society who wants you, you have left me no choice.

My entire estate will be divided and donated to my charities. Now that I’m free of my obligation to my beloved son, it is time you faced some truths.

1: There is no money for you to inherit.

2: I endured you because my son asked it of me. But I will never love someone who is of unknown DNA and cursed by darkness with the ability to see the vilest evil out there.

Yes, as you must have now gathered, you were adopted as a child. My son refused to divulge which agency he used for the adoption, but you are clearly someone else’s spawn. Maybe even a demon’s, considering your abominable skill.

Since my son’s estate reverted to me at his death, there is nothing for you from my family. All allowances and tutorial fees will cease.

I wish you the life you deserve.

Cora L. S. Deveraux

A thud sounded as Nia settled her glass on the counter. “Now I know why she treated me as if I belonged with the squatters in the streets.”

The pain in those words wrapped around him like serrated wires. Before he could speak, she said, “You know what?” A strained smile touched her mouth, but her eyes were damp. “I’m relieved. Absolutely and utterly relieved that I don’t have her blood running through my veins. Now, I need to get out of here. I’m going to Satire.”

“No.”

“Don’t tell me no! I’m human, and free will is my right.” She snatched her cell from her coat pocket. “You can stay here. I’m calling an Uber.”

With a low growl, he grasped her hand and flashed them.

They reappeared in an alley near Satire, the area gloomy with twilight approaching. A light drizzle fell as they headed for the club. The place buzzed with life and noise. He didn’t like Nia being out in the open. More, he didn’t like that she’d shut him out.

She pushed open the door, and he followed. Music belted out from the jukebox, and a few people swayed in the small dance space. The smell of food and alcohol crowded Lore’s sensitive nose, along with the faint odor of sulfur from the local Otium demons who inhabited the town. But the hellspawn he hunted wasn’t around.

He sidestepped patrons, ignoring their stares. Even with his angelic allure concealed so he could blend in, it didn’t stop the humans from noticing him. All that mattered was being the support Nia needed?—

“Nia!” A dark-haired man yelled from the other end of the bar. “Long time no see, sugar. Damn, I’m about to clock off, and you now come along.”

Sugar?

“Hey, Austin.” She waved back. “Been busy.”

At the smile in her voice, Lore fought the violent urge to plant his fist in the human’s face.

He made her smile. Unlike him.

The man took a step in their direction; his gaze shifted to Lore, and at his deathly stare, he paled and scurried off.

Nia glanced over her shoulder and frowned at him. “What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

Her expression remained unconvinced. “Stop, please.” She stomped off, leaving him behind.

Pulling the vicious emotion swamping him deep into his gut, Lore shadowed Nia to the back.

She stopped at the bar, and a human flung her a drunken smile. “Take my sh-seat, sh-sweetness. Let me get you a drink…” He blinked at Lore, who compelled him to get lost.

The man stumbled off. This time, she didn’t call him out.

“Zac, is Saia around?” Nia asked the bartender with an abrasive aura, a half-demon.

“Yeah, in the office. Your usual?” he asked, eyeing Lore coolly.

“No. Dirty martini, please.” She unbuttoned her coat, sat on the vacated stool, and drummed her fingers on the scratched wooden surface.

A moment later, the male set a conical glass in front of her. “You okay there, gorgeous? Glad to see the glamour’s gone.”

“Yeah. Me, too.” She picked up her drink and gulped it down. “Another, please.”

The bartender lifted an eyebrow. “Rough day?”

“Rough life,” she said under her breath, then louder, “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

“I feel you,” he murmured. “Been there. There’s Saia.” He nodded to his left.

Nia glanced back, and since he stood directly behind her, her gaze clashed with his. Her stare dropped to his mouth, then shot back up. The urge to pick her up and kiss her as he did last night took hold.

She lifted an eyebrow, seeming more relaxed. “Lore, sit. You’re looming and scaring the patrons. No, scratch that.” She cast him a taunting smirk. “They look ready to storm you .”

Better her baiting than her tears.

“They won’t.” He stepped aside as her friend hurried over.

“Are you okay?” Saia hugged Nia. She glanced his way and gave him a quick smile. “Hi.”

He usually avoided interacting with humans, but this was Nia’s friend, so he nodded. Besides, Nia would likely call him out on it.

“Hey, Sai—darn!” Nia shook her head, then pressed a hand to her brow as if it hurt. “My mind’s roasted, and I forgot to introduce you. This is Lore, sent to protect little ol’ me.”

Heavens, that tormenting mouth of hers.

“Oh, good. More help is better. It means that pesky mosquito will be swatted soon,” she muttered, her dark eyes like daggers. “I don’t get how he’s managing to evade us. I mean, Riley and my brothers are formidable.”

Lore frowned. The male, Zayn, and even this female weren’t fully human. He recalled their parents at the cemetery. While the sire was human, their mother, her aura, though tightly shielded, possessed an ancient vibration… That of a goddess, if he wasn’t mistaken?—

Nia’s stifled laugh distracted him. “They are definitely formidable.”

“Nia?” he said softly.

Mesmerizing amber-gold eyes met his and darkened, shadows dimming their brilliance. His stomach muscles tightened at the unhappiness there, part of which he was responsible for.

“I’m going to reconnoiter the area. Stay?—”

“Here?” She sniffed. “Well, I have no plans to go anywhere else.”

He ignored the tart response and headed for the door. Out on the street, he stood in the rain for a second and shut his eyes.

And then he felt it, the familiar vibration of his kind and the source of what had set him on edge since he’d arrived in New Orleans.

Angels were about. To check on him?

With a deep sigh, Nia pulled her attention away from the empty doorway. She wasn’t the only one watching Lore leave. Most of the other women there were doing the same. If only they knew the truth. He was so far out of everyone’s reach, like a distant star.

“Here you go.” Zac slid her an olive martini and a pear one for her friend. Nia picked up her drink and sipped. The liquor burned her throat but did little to calm the chaos within.

“Wow,” Saia blurted. “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen this.”

“What?” Nia’s attention shifted to her friend.

“The angel?” Saia arched an eyebrow.

Heat bloomed over Nia’s cheeks. “Oh, no-no! It’s not what you think?—”

“Mm-hmm.” Saia smiled, revealing the single dimple on her left cheek. “Denial.”

Nia swallowed her groan. “Sai, he’s an angel?—

“Whom you have the hots for. Gotcha.”

Darn. Nia swallowed more of her martini. She had to learn to control her emotions. “It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it like, hm?”

“I don’t know…” Nia set her glass down and smoothed back her hair, still imprisoned in a bun. A deep sigh escaped her as she lowered her hand. “From the time I met him, there was something between us. It’s hard to explain.”

“I know what you mean.” Saia rested her elbow on the counter, chin propped, her entire focus pinned on Nia.

The more time she spent with Lore, the more the magnetism between them drew her like an irresistible forcefield, but it wasn’t what he wanted.

Nia lifted a shoulder in a helpless shrug and said the only thing she could. “He’s an angel, Sai, and in service to God.”

“I know that.” Saia frowned, picking up her drink. “But just know, the look he sent you wasn’t holy in the least.”

“Okay, I know he’s drawn to me, too.” Nia traced a scratch on the wooden counter with a fingertip. “When he kissed me?—”

“Whoa! What?” Saia’s glass landed with a thud on the wooden counter. “I thought it was just the eye-lust thing otherworldly beings sometimes do with no intention of going further?”

Nia’s fingers tightened on the stem of her crystal. “Once this is over, and I’m safe, he’ll leave.”

“Immortals. The bane of our lives.” Saia snorted. “I mean, Riley was a hardhead, too, when we first met. In his case, he wanted to keep me safe from himself.” She rolled her eyes.

Nia swallowed more of her drink. A slight buzz loosened her strung-up nerves a little. “Because he’s a demon?”

“It’s more…” Saia lowered her voice and leaned closer. “My mate is half demon, yes, but his other half is a Sin.”

“What?” Nia reared back, wide-eyed.

Saia scrunched her nose. “Riley—that’s not his true name—he’s the son and heir of the Sin of Wrath. Yes, that Wrath, and he has already inherited some of his sire’s ability.”

“Wow. I knew he was dangerous, but that? No wonder the demons here give him a wide berth. Man…” Nia shook her head. “Angels and demons exist, sure. Why not Sins, too?”

“Yep,” Saia added with a grin. “And the demons here tend to behave.” She sipped more of her liquor. “So, the reception went well?”

At the abrupt switch in conversation, Nia’s nerves tightened again. She shrugged and set her glass down. “I wouldn’t know. I didn’t go.”

“Understandable,” Saia murmured. “But everything’s settled with the will reading, right?”

Nia inhaled deeply. God, she didn’t want to talk about that. Didn’t want to see the pity in her best friend’s eyes. “Let’s just say my grandmother’s dislike of me is now official.”

“ Nooo .” Saia’s eyes rounded like saucers. “She didn’t…”

“And she took the time to leave me a letter confirming it.”

“I don’t understand her aversion to you. I mean, there are people born with supernatural abilities, like my brothers. You don’t hate them for that. Being able to see a demon’s true self is an added layer of protection, to steer clear of them. That’s a bonus, surely?”

“Oh, that one’s easy to explain,” Nia said flippantly, rubbing the dull ache in her temples with her fingertips. “It’s nothing to do with my abilities. Okay, maybe some. The main thing is, I’m not of her blood. And I’m cursed by darkness to see the vilest evil out there.” Her droll tone fell flat. “I’m the adopted black plague.”

“What?” Saia blinked, her jaw nearly hitting her chest. “You’re adopted?”

“Yeah.” Nia fished out the two olives from her martini and ate them. Then she gulped down the last measly drop of liquor. “The only reason she tolerated me was to respect my father’s last wishes, and there you have it.” She set her glass down. “You know what? I’m happy?—”

“Hey, beautiful.” Zayn put an arm around her in a quick hug. “Good, you made it.”

Ditching the funeral black for jeans, a navy t-shirt, and a black leather jacket, her friend was a welcome sight for her hurting soul.

“I’m surprised you don’t have some model or two on your arm,” Nia drawled.

Saia snorted. “You mean bimbos.”

“Ouch, that hurts.” He raked back his overgrown hair. “Are you two ganging up on me again?” His eyes gleamed with laughter. He glanced at the blonde in a slinky black dress further down the counter, eyeballing him, and smirked.

Yep, her friend was a born flirt, and females were drawn to him like moths to flame. However, he didn’t encourage the blonde.

“So, where’s the angel?” he asked. “Thought he glued himself to your side.”

“Hardly.” She laughed. “He’s doing recon, probably searching for Kas.”

“That dumbass will be history soon. C’mon.” He grabbed her hand. “Instead of sitting here and getting drunk, let’s dance.”

“Zayn, I don’t think?—”

“Stop with the thinking. The day’s been rough. I need cheering.”

Nia huffed, touched at how he was trying to cheer her up. Of all Saia’s brothers, she was closest to Zayn. He knew all about her rocky relationship with her grandmother.

She removed her coat, wishing now she’d changed out of her dreary black pantsuit.

“Give me that,” Saia said, grabbing her coat. “I’ll leave it in the office. Go, dance. Have fun.”

Nia blew out a deep breath. “Okay.”

Holding her hand, Zayn headed for the makeshift floor. As the slow number continued, he drew her into his arms. “Are you all right?”

“As okay as I can be.”

He nodded. “You need anything, call. Remember, our home is always open to you. You know that, right?”

Tears burned her eyes. If only those words had come from Lore. But he didn’t do emotions. Didn’t even understand what comfort meant, the one thing she so badly needed. She pressed her face into Zayn’s chest and hugged him. “Thank you.”

“Hey.” He rubbed her back. “We got you, Nia.”

Her words were muffled against his shirt. “I know.”

“So, what gives? I feel there’s more.”

She shook her head.

He stopped guiding her around the dance floor and tipped her chin up. “Is it the angel?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “What?” It was one thing for Saia to know, but she didn’t want anyone else catching on. Not even Zayn. “I don’t know what?—”

“Okay, got it.” He nodded. “Nia, love, I want you to be happy, to smile, and collect happy kisses.”

“Collect what?” She blinked. “I don’t think?—”

He kissed her, just a brief press of mouths, but it startled her. “Happy kiss number one.”

A snarl erupted behind her. “She’s mine!”

Nia spun around as Kas’ form shifted to demonic and back to human. A shriek exploded as a sizzling demon bolt torpedoed toward them. The lights flickered. Patrons screamed.

A furious angel materialized before them, taking the fiery bolt in his chest. The impact sent him stumbling into Zayn.

Riley appeared, and the shrieking patrons froze. He dove for Kas.

Teeth bared, Kas escaped in a swirl of black smoke. Riley cursed and vanished, too.

“Lore!” Nia cried, darting toward him and grasping his arm before he disappeared.

He twisted around. At the gaping, bloody hole in his shirt, she gasped, “You’re hurt?—”

Her gaze rushed up. His eyes blazed with such anger that she stumbled a step.

Then he was pushing her to Zayn. “Keep her here.”

The ice in his tone sent a chill down her spine. “Lore, wait!”

He vanished in a scatter of silver sparks.

The patrons came alive and scrambled, knocking into tables and screaming. Zac materialized among them, and they all calmed down and continued with their fun as if nothing had happened. Music blared, and laughter erupted.

Breathing hard, Nia stood there. No, he wasn’t gonna just walk away! She tried to tug free of Zayn’s grip, but his hold remained unbreakable. “Dammit, Zayn, let me go!”

“It’s dangerous.”

“Lore’s hurt?—”

“I know. He’s an angel, he’ll heal.”

“This is different. I feel it.” It wasn’t just him being wounded. The rage in him gutted her. Something was dreadfully wrong.

With a hard yank, she broke free and sprinted for the door, hoping she wasn’t too late.