Chago blinked his eyes open and squinted into the pre-dawn gloom. For a moment he thought he was back in the heavenly realms awaiting Divinity’s next orders, then he remembered he didn’t live there anymore. Just as well since he couldn’t stand to look at the perfection all around him when the the debt he owed was still left unpaid. His heart broke when he thought of the innocent men who’d died because of his failure to keep them safe. Bitter irony, considering it was his sacred Scion duty to protect the mortal host of the second Seal of the Apocalypse—War—which, if she were killed, would unleash a cataclysm to end the entire universe.

Head pounding and throat sore, he dropped his head back onto the soft pillows. He should not have tried alcohol the day before.

Fingers touched his chest, feather-light, stroking his skin with care. There was love in that caress. Concern too. He attempted to gather his queasy thoughts and focus on the person beside him, but it was impossible. Still, the touch felt good, soothing his raging headache.

Slowly, memories of the night before resurfaced.

Irena. Being with her was nothing short of Heaven on Earth. He was her sworn protector, his sole reason for existence to guard the ancient Seal housed within her DNA.

Her tender caress lingered over the exquisitely sensitive Scion mark on his lower abdomen, making him bite back a sigh of contentment. The mark heated, responding to the Seal’s power within her touch—despite her being unaware of the ancient secret woven into her genetics. The Seal passed from one generation of mortals to the next without notice. And he’d stood guard, watching over each of them from a distance. Never interfering, never making contact.

Until now.

“Oh my God.” The mattress jiggled as Irena scrambled away. “It’s glowing...”

She hit the floor with a thud.

Chago sat up, wincing at the agony in his skull.

Irena gaped at him, naked as he was, her eyes wide and her face ashen. “What are you?”

He growled in frustration and she bolted for the door.

Thankfully, his Scion reflexes hadn’t suffered as badly as his head from the hangover. He reached the exit first and jammed his hands against the doorframe. “Irena, please listen to me.”

She tried to pass, pummeling his chest with her fists. “Get out of my way!”

He caught her around the waist and pulled her back into his chest. Unfortunately, her soft backside brushed his groin and his body got the wrong idea. Having a hard cock would not help matters.

Summoning all his patience, Chago tucked Irena under one arm and carried her back to the bed. She continued to struggle, scratching his arm and elbowing him in the ribs. Sharp pain radiated through his side and he sucked in a breath, his hold loosening. She broke free and darted for the door again.

“Please, Irena,” Chago managed to gasp. He doubled-over, holding his aching side while hot bile choked his throat. “Wait.”

She snatched her clothes from the floor and tugged them on fast, keeping a wary eye on him the whole time. Her pink t-shirt was on inside out, but he didn’t think she’d appreciate him mentioning it at the moment. She twisted her long blonde hair into a rough ponytail, then charged forward. Every fiber in his immortal being screamed that he couldn’t let her go, couldn’t let her walk out the door. If she ran, he’d lose what little peace he’d found here in Montana.

“I can explain.” He wasn’t quite sure what he intended to tell her, but he needed to say something, given how this situation was rapidly going downhill.

“Explain what? That I’m crazy? Or that I just slept with a…a…?” She waved her hand in front of him, her expression a mix of horror and confusion. “I don’t even know what you are.”

Being her sworn Scion protector gave Chago a preternatural awareness of her feelings, and right now they were all over the place—anger, fear, and everything in between. He wanted to comfort her, tell her things would be okay, but she wouldn’t even meet his gaze.

“Please tell me this isn’t a sick joke,” she said, her tone quiet.

“What? No. Irena, look at me. Please.”

“I’d rather not.” She shook her head.

Chago scrubbed a hand over his face, searching for the right words. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” She gave an incredulous snort. “I slept with you. That meant something to me. But now I don’t even know who you are…what you are.”

Shoulders sagging, Chago closed his eyes and concentrated, until the heat surrounding his Scion mark slowly faded. He hazarded a glance in Irena’s direction, knowing she deserved to hear the truth.

“What we did last night meant something to me too. And no, this is not a joke. You do know me. I’m the same man I was yesterday. I’m Chago—rancher, friend, Scion warrior.

“Scion warrior?” She looked up at him then, her expression skeptical. “What’s that?”

Few alive had ever heard of the Scion, and the few who had believed they were some kind of saints who couldn’t enjoy life in all the important ways.

That belief couldn’t be further from the truth.

They had rules, heavenly laws they must obey, but at heart the Scion also had free-will in most areas and could be fun-loving and gregarious when not on duty—which, granted, was rare—but many of his brethren had fallen in love with mortals. Just this past winter in fact his Scion brother, Kagan, had met and fallen for his Seal’s host, choosing to live with her in a place called Chicago.

Chago was now in love with Irena too. Had been for the last three years.

Before he’d gone away, he’d considered her a friend, a duty. He’d thought her pretty and attractive and relatable. She eased his loneliness. But going away had made him see he’d fallen hard for her. In the heavenly realms, he’d watched her from afar, monitoring her daily life from the huge, wall-sized screen in his quarters. But once he’d met her face-to-face, his poor battered heart hadn’t stood a chance.

“Irena?”

She didn’t respond, staring at his lower torso as if expecting his mark to ignite again. It was a constant struggle, keeping it dormant whenever she was nearby, but necessary. The mark would burn holes through his clothing and draw unwanted attention from other mortals.

The tension in his shoulders increased and his head throbbed anew. Drinking had been a bad idea, but he’d do just about anything these days to ease the haunting pain of his failures, his shortcomings. Humans drank to cope with their issues, why couldn’t a Scion?

His stomach lurched in answer. Because liquor would do nothing to ease the burden of guilt he bore for what had happened more than a century ago on the Iberian Peninsula. He perceived it as a black mark on his reputation as a Scion warrior and on his immortal soul, a mark that would not be erased until he gained justice for those who’d died because of his mistakes.

Plus, thinking about how the relationship he’d built with Irena might be destroyed because of one night of intoxicated lust hurt more than he could say. She’d been a light in his darkest hours, the one person who eased his suffering. She’d given him her friendship and support, made his pain and guilt bearable. If he lost her now, he wasn’t sure how he’d cope.

She was the one good thing left in his eternal life.

“I’m an immortal warrior sent from Heaven to protect you.”

“Why aren’t you in the bible?” Irena crossed her arms and gave him an appraising look from head to toe. “I doubt a heavenly being would be allowed to do what we did last night.”

“I am certainly no saint.” Saying that brought his duty back to the forefront. His chest ached. There’d been a tribunal, made up of archangels and Divinity, after the slaughter in the Basque region. They’d gone over his case, found him not guilty of any wrongdoing, but the burden remained. He could not forget what he’d seen that day, the evil perpetrators of all that destruction, the true villains behind the humans they’d so easily manipulated. Too bad there was no evidence to support what he’d seen. He’d spent countless hours searching the the Empyrean libraries, returning to the scene of the battle in what was now Spain. He’d been there these past three weeks, as he was every year at this time, to search, to remember. He’d still not found what he needed, but he would continue his quest, for eternity if necessary, to get justice for his lost men.

Irena raised a brow at him, focusing his thought back on the present situation.

“I went to revisit a battlefield where many lives were lost because of me. I visit to remember, to remind myself of my sworn duties.”

“Sworn duties?”

“You’ve read the Book of Revelation?” He searched her eyes for a sign of recognition, then quoted the verse. “The second seal opened and a fiery red horse rode forth. Granted the power to take peace from the earth, that people should kill one another. A great sword was given unto them.” He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “The Scion were created to protect the mortal hosts of Seven Seals of the Apocalypse, Irena. I am sworn to protect you.”

“Me?” Her voice was tight with panic again. She backed away, trembling. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re mine to protect, Irena. You’re the mortal host of the second Seal. I wanted to tell you many times since we met.”

“That you’re one of these Scion?”

“That I’m your Scion.”

“No. I can’t hear this right now.” Her frown deepened and her knees wobbled. She sank down onto the edge of the mattress. He wanted to touch her, hold her. Wanted to know he hadn’t just ruined everything between them by telling her the truth of who he was and what she was.

“You are the mortal host of the second Seal, Irena. Of War.” Chago tried to explain as best he could. “It’s woven into your genetic code, your DNA. When I made my decision to leave my heavenly quarters and live here in the earthly realm, I stayed close to keep an eye on you. I bought this ranch, visited your diner. Got to know you, became your friend.”

“Why?”

Good question.

Chago stared at her pink painted toenails. She was so delicate and soft. He loved that about her. Loved her smile and her openness, loved how she always found time for him, no matter how busy her schedule.

“Because I care for you, Irena. I meant what I said.” He closed the gap between them, heart choking his throat. If baring his soul was the only way to make her stay, then he would willingly submit. Even if it meant she’d shatter what was left of his wounded soul. “You’re beautiful, inside and out. I love you.”

Her breath hitched, and she looked away.

The wait felt like a small eternity. If she accepted his truth, he’d take it as a sign there was hope—for him, for them, for the future. If she rejected him...

Irena remained still, her gaze downcast.

Slowly, he slipped a finger beneath her chin, tipping her face up to meet his gaze. She’d never mentioned seeing another man since his arrival in Montana nor had she gone on any dates that he’d observed, but there could still have been someone else. If she didn’t love him too, things would be more difficult, but he’d endure. He was an immortal warrior with a divine calling, he’d taken sacred vows to serve and protect. He couldn’t walk away from Irena any more than he could ask her to accept his burdens.

“Guess I know why you’re such a good listener,” she said at last. “It’s your job.”

He shook his head. “Only for you. My Scion brothers remind me often listening is not my specialty.”

“How many of you are there?” She held up a hand, severing his response. “On second thought, I don’t want to know. I’m still trying to believe all this is real.”

“Listen to your heart, it will tell you what’s true and what isn’t. Our time together is special for me as well, Irena.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Last night, was…different. I’m not usually so demanding.” She raised her fingers to his bare abdomen, then hesitated. “May I touch it again?”

Chago nodded. In truth, what touching a his mark was far more intimate than sex. A Scion’s sigil was a direct link to his soul. His mark heated again, responding to her Seal’s power. He did his best to contain the glow, but it was impossible. She gasped as the intricate, swirling lines lit beneath her touch.

“I wanted many times to be honest, to tell you the truth,” he whispered, holding her gaze. “I should have said something last night, tried to tell you downstairs, but I’d had too much to drink. Now my damned head is killing me.”

Thunder rolled outside and he winced.

“No swearing allowed?” Her brows rose.

He scrunched his nose. “It’s frowned upon.”

She smiled, pressing her palm to his skin His eyes slipped shut with pleasure. Her touch felt incredible, as though they’d taken the first step toward the future.

“Your head will feel better soon.” Irena’s sweet tone drifted over him like warm honey, easing his aches and pains. “I shouldn’t have let you drink so much.”

“It was my first experience with alcohol.”

“Then I shouldn’t have let you drink at all. Will you get in trouble for that too?”

“No.” He opened his eyes. “Once one of my Scion brothers, Wyck, bragged about drinking his mortal opponent under the table. He made it sound like fun, but this is definitely not enjoyable.”

She laughed softly. “Hangovers are awful.”

Her sunny smile stole his breath. Chago could look at her until the end of time and never tire. He’d watched her from birth and she’d only grown more gorgeous, more spectacular. Her bright, expressive eyes and full lips made her the most stunning female he’d ever seen.

Irena slipped her arms around his waist. “I always knew you were special.”

Making love with her had been his every fantasy come to life. He’d wanted her for so long. He’d tried to brush his feelings aside as nothing more than lust and hunger from years of celibacy, but last night had proven it was far more. This was love. At least the alcohol had given him the courage to cast his inhibitions aside and make his move.

“What happened?” She rested her head against his chest, over his heart. “At that battlefield?”

“I was captured and tortured.” Vicious Nephilim mercenaries had tied him to a tree and beaten him to within an inch of his immortal life, but he would rather have died a thousand deaths than betray those entrusted to his care. “I allowed myself to be taken prisoner as a diversion to allow the rest of my mortal troops to escape. But they refused to run. They were all killed because I’d led them into a trap.”

Memories of the senseless carnage—the heat of the fires, the coppery tang of blood—flooded his mind. He should have known the danger, should have seen it coming. “I failed.”

“Hey.” Irena cupped his cheek. He leaned into her touch, seeking solace. His brutal memories faded, but they would return. They haunted him, filling his dreams with the stench of burning bodies and the unholy glee on the pale faces of the half-breeds. “You’re safe here. You can tell me all of it.”

He swallowed hard and looked deep into her eyes. “I’d been sent to assist the followers of Carlos VII . They’d put the imposter, Amadeo I, on the throne and the common people had suffered. I organized the Basque revolutionaries by providing military expertise and strategy. The last day of battle, I led my troops onto the field, but the Nephilim had gotten word we were coming and waited for us. When I realized the half-breeds were involved, I acted as bait, hoping they’d leave the others. No one survived.”

“Nephilim? Aren’t they half-human, half-angel?”

He nodded.

“Wow. Okay.” She exhaled slow, as if absorbing the information. “Right. So you said you didn’t expect them to be there.” Her hand remained on his face, giving him strength. “Who do you think betrayed you? How did they find out about your attack plans?”

“No idea. I’ve searched for countless hours, but still have no proof. I believe it had to have been someone in the heavenly realms though. No one else would have had access to my battle plans. The Nephilim came fully prepared too. They brought advanced weaponry, things that hand’t been invented in the human world. They slaughtered so many.”

Her eyes widened. “Why would they do that?”

Chago shook his head and scowled down at the hardwood floor. “They’ve covered their tracks well since then too. So, I go back to the battlefield to search and to remember. Those people died because of me. Seeking justice is my duty and my burden.”

“But those Nephilim were responsible. That wasn’t your fault.” Irena seemed more comfortable with him and what he’d told her now, but he knew this wasn’t over.

“I should have known, should have foreseen it. It’s my job as a warrior and warfare expert to be prepared for any outcome, to protect others. I failed.” He got up and tugged on his boxer shorts and jeans. “I’ll get justice for them, one way or another.”

“Have you checked the Internet? There has to be some way to find the proof you need, right? Someone must have seen something or know something.”

“I’ve checked the heavenly records and the Empyrean libraries, but there’s no record of who leaked the information. No one else in Heaven claims to know anything about Nephilim interference.” Chago paused, a new idea forming. “There is one place I haven’t checked though.”

“Where’s that?”

“Hell.”

“Hell?” Irena looked stunned. “You mean like brimstone and infernal fires and home to Lucifer? I’m guessing he won’t help you either.”

“Good thing I don’t need to ask him.” Chago sat beside her to pull on his boots. “I just need a guide into Hades.”

She faced him, her gaze wary. “And you know someone you can do that?”

“One of my Scion brethren has there before.” He hesitated. “You can’t follow me to Hell, but you can come with me to Chicago, if you want.”

“Chicago?” She gave him an odd look.

“It’s where my brother lives now. Please, Irena, come with me. Give me a chance to prove to you I’m still the man you’ve known these past three years.” Chago swallowed hard around the lump of anxiety in his throat. He didn’t want to leave her here alone. Yes, he could watch over her remotely, but he’d miss her smile, her kind eyes, her scent—like sunshine and happiness and every good thing all rolled into one. He took her hand. “Please?”

At last, she gave a slight nod. “Okay.”

“Good.” He couldn’t contain his relieved smile. “We’ll pack then fly straight there.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve got hidden wings too.”

“No.” Chago chuckled. The Scion routinely traveled by vortex, a sort of wormhole time travel that allowed them to go anywhere at any time. Given the tenuous nature of his present relationship with Irena, though, traveling by human methods was better—no matter how slow. “We’ll go by plane. Can you buy yourself a ticket?”

She nodded again. “What about you?”

“I don’t need one. As long as you have one, I’ll take care of the rest.” A renewed sense of optimism swelled within him. With Kagan’s help, he’d get the proof he needed to nail those Nephilim bastards to the wall for what they’d done. He’d free himself from his burden and put his past to rest once and for all. Then he’d begin a new future with Irena, if she’d have him. “What about the diner? Can someone to run it for you while you’re gone?”

“I’ll call Andy. I’ve been training him for months, so he’s ready.” Irena touched his shoulder. “Are you sure about this?”

Chago covered her hand with his. He’d do everything in his power to make things right. Then he’d prove his love for her, no matter what it took.

“Yes,” he said. “I’m sure.”