LUXURE

Kade and I talk through the night. My worst fears are confirmed. The Vollstrecker know that I am alive and well, and on the run with a human woman. Thankfully, as yet, neither them nor Kade know what she is. At this point, it’s between Sirena, Selma, and me. I know Luc better than anyone. He won’t rest until he finds out everything there is to know about my traveling companion. Unfortunately, he knows me well. He knows I wouldn’t keep a woman around unless she means something to me, and if she means something to me, she must be quite extraordinary. It’s only a matter of time until they uncover at least part of the truth. We need to head them off at the pass and come up with a preemptive plan of attack.

“If we’re going to keep you both safe, we need to reunite The Brotherhood. It’s the only way to give us the advantage.”

“No, Kade. I refuse to put all of you in danger. I haven’t seen most of my brothers in almost a millennium. What makes you think they would even want to help me after I deceived them?”

“Luxure, they are your brothers. I assure you they will feel the same as I do. They will want to help you, and in turn, it will help us take back our stronghold in the Underworld.”

“Luc will never let that happen. He would never let me return.”

“You underestimate how much you have been missed, brother. There has been discontent in the Underworld for a long time now.”

“Discontent?”

“Azazel doesn’t have the same control over the Vollstrecker that you once had.”

“What happened?”

“Your lieutenants were too loyal to you. He couldn’t force their respect, and so he replaced every last one of them. They have been imprisoned for treason almost nine hundred years now. Aze ended up splitting the Vollstrecker into factions. The ones who attacked you were the low levels. They have no place in the army. They are the last resort if numbers are needed. They are the forgotten. The one who managed to get away bargained his way into the level two ranks with information of your sudden reappearance. As far as I know, they killed him as soon as he told them everything.”

“So he wouldn’t tell anyone else.”

“Exactly. I think they’re keeping it under wraps for now. Only the top level Vollstrecker will be privy to your existence. There’s no way they would allow everyone to know. It would cause anarchy in the ranks.”

Kade’s right. “Low levels would risk exposure trying to find me and seek favor with Luc.” I hear Sirena wake in the other room. I don’t want her to worry about all of this. “Okay. We need a plan. Does The Brotherhood still have allies in the Underworld? If there is so much unrest in the ranks, maybe we could quietly garner some support.”

“I’m on it. But I still believe that we’ll need the brothers to come together if we are to have any chance of long-term success.”

“Hold off on that for now. Speak to Cole and see where he’s at.” The door handle creaks. “Not a word of this to Sirena. She’s been through enough.”

“It’s going to get worse before it gets better, Lux. She needs to be prepared.”

“Prepared for what?” The sweet sound of her voice spreads warmth through every cell in my body.

I turn to face her with an innocent smile and beckon her over. “Prepared to spend some time holed up in here with me.”

Her smile is majestic as she takes her place on my lap wrapping her arms around my neck. “I’m sure I can handle it.”

Her attention shifts to my brother. “Hey, Kade. What are you doing here?”

His grin makes me uneasy. His unwavering attention to her causes my hands to ball into fists. “Just checking in, filling Lux in on everything. And, I wanted to check that you were safe after such an ordeal at that nasty little diner. You are far too beautiful for lowlifes like that to even lay a finger on. Are you well?” He’s a smarmy shit sometimes, always has been.

“Luxure has taken good care of me. You needn’t concern yourself.” Her self-assurance is endearing.

“You’re family now. Of course, your well-being is my concern.”

I’m about to have a few choice words with him when the door opens, and Selma walks in. As soon as she sees Sirena cuddled in my lap, her flawless features are marred with pain and jealousy. I hate that I could never reciprocate her feelings, but I never led her on or gave her false hope. I chance a look in Kade’s direction and watch as he studies the scene before him. His intense gaze is switching between Sirena, Selma, and me. I know him too well, even after all this time. His strength has always been his downfall. The envy he inspires in others is also his worst trait.

“Well, hello. And who might you be?” He stands to greet her.

“I’m Selma, and you must be Kadedus.”

“My reputation precedes me.” He reaches out his hand—holding hers a beat too long. I can almost see the cogs working overtime in his mind.

“I’ve spent enough time with Luxure to pick any one of you out of a lineup. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“So you must be the selfless Masuulka who kept my brother alive all these years.” He dips his head to kiss the back of her hand. “I am forever in your debt.”

Selma pulls her hand from his grasp, a look of disgust on her face as she turns to me. “We need to talk, Lux.”

“We have lots to discuss… later.”

She glances at Sirena who is more than aware of what I meant. “Of course. Later.”

Sirena is on me in seconds. “I need to know what’s going on. Don’t try to hide how bad it is, Lux.”

“Sirena…”

Kade speaks up. “Selma, why don’t we go and let these two… fight.” His smug grin gets my back up, and all I want to do is punch him.

“Fuck off, Kade.”

“Come on, Kadedus. You can get me up to speed while you give me a tour of this maze.” Selma still comes to my rescue, no matter how much I hurt her.

He readily agrees, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as they leave the room. Her usual wit is at work. “Move it or lose it. Put your hands on me again, and I’ll make sure you regret it. Got it?”

As the door clicks shut, Sirena wastes no time in starting her tirade of questions.

“I don’t even know where to begin. What were you and Kade talking about all night? What is he telling her right now that you don’t want me to know?”

“I wanted to shield you from all of it, if only for a little while.”

“That’s not how our relationship is going to work—equal partnership or nothing. I might be struggling with what the hell I am, but that doesn’t mean I’m weak. I’m strong enough to handle whatever we’re facing… as long as we face it together.”

“I know you’re strong. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met. I just…”

“Just nothing. Tell me.”

I explain it all—the changes in the Underworld, what they know about us, what they don’t, who we need to be aware of. I’m in awe as she takes it all in her stride. She’s breathtaking. We talk for hours, and she listens to me—my fears, my concerns for her, for us. She’s incredible. Somehow, when it’s not about what she is and what’s happening to her body, she has an amazing ability to stay cool and calm and process all of the information as if she’s studying for a test. She strategizes ways for us to tackle the adversaries we face. Abiteth was a warrior, but she never showed this kind of strength. It blows me away.

When all is said and done, the question on both of our lips is, “Are we safe here?” I don’t know the answer. Kade said this was the safest place on Earth for us right now, but Selma found us. I send Sirena to get dressed and wait for me in our room while I speak with Selma. She has a lot of explaining to do, and I fear her answers may mean finding a new place to hide out for a few months.

* * *

Kade and Selma are deep in conversation when I find them in one of the many living rooms. Kade has that look in his eye. The same one he gets when he looks at Sirena… and it bothers me. Selma’s had enough heartache at the hands of a Zonder brother. I’m not proud of that, and I sure as hell won’t let him cause her any further pain in a twisted attempt to get back at me. “Hey, guys. I’m guessing you’re up to date on what’s going on?”

Kade grins from ear to ear. “It’s been… enlightening.”

I had forgotten how much he bugs the shit out of me. “Well, now that you’re sufficiently enlightened, can you give me some time to talk to Selma? Alone.”

“Of course, brother. You have much to discuss. I will take my leave and go in search of the lovely Sirena.”

I grab his shoulder as he walks by. “No need. She’s resting. Leave. Her. Alone.”

He knows exactly what I mean. “Whatever you say, Luxure. You’re the boss.” The disdain dripping from every word is palpable.

He turns his attention back to Selma. “It was delightful talking with you. I really cannot fathom why this imbecile never claimed you as his own. I would’ve done so long ago in his position.”

She fakes a smile but doesn’t respond with any false niceties. Instead, her focus is solely on me—gauging my reaction and looking for any sign of jealousy. When the door closes, she starts in on me. “How could you be so careless, Luxure? You know better.”

“I know, and I can’t explain it. But I’m doing the right thing.”

“Do you have any idea what will happen if the other realms find out about her existence? What did her father have to say about it?”

“I wasn’t there when she spoke to him. She asked me not to listen, and I respect her privacy.”

“You’re even more reckless than I thought. Privacy is a luxury you can’t afford. We need to know how many celestials know of her true nature. We need to eradicate the threat before it comes looking to do the same to us. Just the fact that we know about her puts us all in danger.”

Shit. She knows what Sirena is. Of course she does. The moment she clued me in on the very meaning of her name, I should have put it together. And if she’s just spent the last three hours telling Kade what she knows, then he knows, too, and that could be dangerous. “Did you tell Kade about her?”

“I assumed you would’ve. He’s in just as much danger, and he deserves to know. She is a well-kept secret for a reason. You know this could mean war in the Underworld. I don’t know how the celestials will react, but I don’t think it will be good. Otherwise, they would all know about her, and she’d already be out of our protection and under theirs.”

“Fuck!”

“What?” She comes to me offering her arms in comfort, but it’s different now—a betrayal to Sirena. I stiffen involuntarily in her arms causing her to pull back. “Seriously? I can’t even hug you now?”

“Of course you can.”

“You’ve always been a shit liar, Lux. A thousand years wiped out by a few weeks with this girl? I don’t get to be your friend anymore?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re my best friend. You always will be. I’m just on edge with everything that’s going on.”

“Whatever. Tell me why you’re annoyed at me for telling Kade.”

“I don’t trust him, Sel. I don’t know his motives yet, and I wanted to keep his knowledge of Sirena to a minimum until I figure out if he has an angle.”

Selma tries to convince me of his honest intentions. I shouldn’t be surprised. She always tries to see the best in people. It’s the reason I’ve managed to stay alive all this time undetected. It’s why I need her in my corner for the battle I’m about to face. There is no one better to help me hide Sirena. I want to trust her judgment of my brother, but a little voice inside of me just can’t help being cautious. “I want to believe his intentions are good, but he’s a demon. And he’s always been out for number one. I’ve been gone a long time and caused my brothers to lose their standing in the Underworld. Resentments run deep. I just want to be sure.”

“I get it. But you can’t always use the demon card. You’re honorable and trustworthy.” Her gaze grows softer, and I hate myself for loving her. If I didn’t, I could let her go. I may not be in love with her, but do I love her—too much for me to let her walk away.

“You’re the reason, Sel. Your friendship and guidance over the centuries. I’ve spent most of my existence living up to my reputation.”

“You underestimate yourself, and I think you’re underestimating Kade and the rest of your brothers. We are going to need all of them over the coming months if we are to survive.” I know she’s right, but I’m concerned I could be giving the enemy the keys to the kingdom, so to speak.

We talk back and forth discussing Selma’s time away and how she managed to find us. It turns out she discovered Kade was helping us and tracked him until she got our location from his ‘secure’ servers. She’s already told all of this to Kade, and he seemed more impressed than concerned for our welfare. It confirms that we need to find somewhere else to stay. If Selma found us, the Vollstrecker won’t be far behind. I need to get Sirena out of here sooner rather than later. “You need to get out of here as soon as possible, Selma. Go back to Uitare and lay low until it’s safe.”

“When have I ever worried about my safety when it comes to you, Luxure?”

“This is different, and you know it.”

“I don’t care. You’re my best friend. You can’t just tell me to go and hide. I will stand and fight for you, Lux. Whatever comes our way, I will be here to help in any way I can.”

“Sel…”

“She’s right, brother. You and Sirena are going to need all the help you can get.” I recognize the distinct voice of Colère behind me.

“What are you doing here, Cole? This place is already becoming overcrowded, and we’ve only been here a few nights.”

“I brought someone that has information we need.”

I can’t fucking believe this. “You brought someone here? Are you all trying to get me killed by week’s end?”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Luxure.” Kade walks in, and to my absolute horror, Gabe walks in behind him.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” I stare at Cole dumbfounded by his decision to bring Sirena’s father here. An angel. “Do you have any idea how much he hurt Sirena? The lies, the deception. He is of no use to us. He can’t be trusted. Get him out of here before I do something I’ll regret.”

Gabe steps forward. “Everything I did was to keep Sirena safe. I love her with all my heart, you have to believe that.”

With every step toward him, my anger builds exponentially. “I don’t have to believe a word that comes out of your scheming, fallen mouth.”

As the words leave my lips, I feel Sirena’s presence in the doorway. “Dad. What are you doing here? We’ve said everything we need to say to each other.”

“There are rumors in the Heavens and Nebeský of your existence. It’s only a matter of time until it is known throughout the realms. The Guardians and the Čuvari will work together to track you, and if that happens, it will not go unnoticed by the Underworld.”

“My safety is not your concern anymore.” Sirena walks to my side garnering strength from our connection.

“Your safety will always be my priority until my dying breath. You’re my daughter no matter what you choose to think.”

I pull Sirena closer, our fingers intertwined letting her know I’m on her side. “What are the rumors?”

He drops his head. “They know everything, Sirena. They also know of my involvement in hiding you and your family line. As soon as it’s confirmed as truth, there will be a target on my back from all sides.”

“Why would the celestial beings want you dead? You’re one of them. And why am I such a huge secret? Why am I so bad?”

“Sirena…”

“Gabe, I’ve got this.” I sit her down taking her hands in mine. Everyone else in the room fades into the background leaving only us. I sense their presence as I speak, but all I feel is Sirena. I explain the myth of a soul with free will—the importance of it to every supernatural being that exists. I don’t tell her about my personal feelings on the subject as she has enough to deal with. How do you find out you’re the most important being that has ever walked the Earth, the one who could incite anarchy and war among all planes? How do you hear that and stay calm? Sirena astounds me as always looking me dead in the eye and asking, “What can I do to stop the war?”

“It’s not that simple, angel.”

“Yes, Lux, it is. If I’m not around, then there won’t be a war.”

“What are you saying?” I know the words that are about to leave her lips, and they stab through my heart like a knife.

“If I don’t… exist anymore, then the world is safe.”

My blood is boiling. “That’s not a fucking solution, Sirena!”

“IT’S THE ONLY SOLUTION!”

I grab her by the arms, my body vibrating with anger and fear.

Gabe steps in. “It’s not a solution, Sirena. This isn’t just about you. This also involves Luxure.”

In unison, Sirena and I speak. “What do you mean?”

“Remember what I told you about your bloodline?”

“Yes.”

“What’s he talking about, Sirena?” I look to her for answers, the secrets between us an uneasy weight on my chest.

She dips her head, her voice a little quieter. “I’m not the only one. I’m nothing special.”

Gabe interjects sensing her reticence. “Don’t ever think that, Sirena. You are unique and amazing and special.”

He steps in front of her taking a protective stance. “What Sirena is trying to tell all of you is that she’s not the first soul to have free will.” What the hell? Why wouldn’t she tell me this? “Her bloodline is one of females who have all chosen their paths. It started about a thousand years ago.”

“A thousand years?” The timing is too much of a coincidence.

“Yes, Luxure. The same time that you chose your path. It caused a ripple effect. We don’t know how or why, but what we do know is that it’s limited to the Sovende bloodline.”

“Were they all dormant Sirens?” I have so many questions, but the worry in Sirena’s eyes curbs my curiosity.

“No. Each soul was different. The first was destined to be Masuulka, like Selma. Her name was Clarimonde, and I was sent to watch over her. I’ve watched over every generation since.”

“Why is Sirena the only one? Surely her bloodline has grown over the centuries?”

“That’s where it gets complicated.”

“What do you mean?” Sirena and I speak in unison.

“Only one soul can exist at any time. Each woman will give birth to a new free soul, and when it takes its first breath… she takes her last.”

Sirena drops her head to her hands, and I feel every ounce of her despair. “So my supposed free will is a lie? I’m destined to die no matter what I do. And if we truly are free, why do we always choose to be human?”

“Because humanity is the greatest gift the Almighty ever bestowed. That is why every soul with free will has chosen to live as a human. But you are the first to discover your original destiny. This is all unchartered territory for me. You’re different. Something about your connection to Luxure has allowed you to tap into your dormant side.”

“Will she cease to be human at some point if it continues this way?”

“What do you mean? How far has the transformation gone?”

Sirena speaks up with strength returning to her voice. “My eyes turn red, I have tattoos covering the top half of my body. Water makes my skin shimmer with scales.” The whole room sits aghast at her revelations. “Oh, and I can sense Luxure from a mile away, at least.”

They erupt into frantic discussion each throwing a new concern into the mix. Selma is a combination of horrified, devastated, and terrified. Kade is intrigued more than anything, but I know he’s worried for me. Gabe wants to get Sirena out of here and as far away from me as possible. Sirena and I sit back in silence watching them. You couldn’t find a more diverse group of people if you tried, but they’re all on our side. I notice Cole sitting in silence on the other side of the room listening intently to the rabble, but watching Sirena and me with a keen interest. His voice is low when he speaks, but his eyes are fixed on mine. I hone in on every word. “We need to get both of you out of here today. It’s not safe. This… is not safe.”

I simply nod and quietly ask Sirena to pack a bag. Colère and I have always been able to communicate with limited dialogue when necessary. He’s right, and I know it. Sirena and I have to leave this place. Too many people have found us already. Too many people who are connected to us and could be tracked down by the Vollstrecker. Not a single one of them would give up our location, even under torture, but I don’t want any of them to lose their lives for us. It’s better if they don’t know where we are.

I slip away leaving them to fight amongst themselves. Cole follows a few minutes later and tracks me down. He hands me a sealed envelope. “This is a secure location. Take Sirena and leave, now. I’ll deal with everyone here.”

“You need to keep them safe, Cole, especially Selma. She kept me alive for a thousand years. I owe her my life.”

He puts his hand on my shoulder, his demeanor more serious than usual. “If she’s the reason I have my brother and best friend back, I will guard her with my life. I promise you that. Now go. I’ll contact you.”

“Stay safe, brother. And… thank you. Even after all these years, I can still count on you.”

“Get Sirena and go.”

I do as he says making my way to our bedroom. I don’t feel good about leaving Selma behind without saying goodbye, again. And I especially hate the idea of leaving her with Kade, but I know Cole will keep her safe.

I find Sirena ready and packed. “Where are we going?”

“I don’t know yet. Cole gave me a location, but I’ll wait until we’re away from everyone here until I check it. No one can know where we’re going.”

“You’re not even going to tell Kade?”

“Definitely not. He’s the reason Selma found us. I don’t trust him, angel.”

“I trust him more than Cole. Kade has done nothing but help us, Lux. I think you’re too harsh on him. Maybe from past issues? I’m usually a good judge of people, and I think Kade’s going to surprise you… given the chance.”

“Maybe you’re right, but for now my priority is keeping you safe.”

“And you’re sure we can trust Cole?”

“Why would you question my judgment?”

“Oh, I don’t know, perhaps the fact that he kidnapped me! And something about the way he watches us.”

“We can trust him. I know he was a dick to you, and I was ready to kill him for that, but his intentions were to keep you alive even if I didn’t like his method. He’s always been my best friend and closest ally. We have thousands of years of history that assure me he’ll help us.”

“Okay. I don’t have to trust him. I trust you, and that’s enough for me.” She grabs her bag and takes her place at my side. “Let’s go.”

We quietly and carefully creep down the hallway, the weight of unsaid goodbyes weighing heavy on our hearts. Cole gave me the keys to his car, so we head for the garage ready to face whatever happens—together. With her hand in mine, we relax in the companionable silence of the elevator listening to the wheels turn, and the gears grind. I’m apprehensive of what comes next, but whatever it is, I know I will overcome anything to keep Sirena safe.

The familiar ping signals that we’ve reached the garage and as the doors open, an eerie silence fills the air. It should be quiet, but this is different, it’s the calm that comes before a storm—too quiet. I can smell it in the air. Sirena senses my unease. “Is everything okay?”

I step out of the elevator, and I press the button to return Sirena to the top floor. Leaning in, I whisper in her ear. “Get Cole and Kade. Do not come back down here.” As the doors begin to close, her face twists in horror. I feel them descend. “I love you.”

She tries to stop the doors from closing, but she’s too late, and as she disappears, I listen to her screaming my name, “No! Luxure!”

I turn to face the shadows forming around me like ravens darkening the sky, heralding trouble ahead. The strength of my brothers’ proximity courses through my veins readying me for battle and as my foes come into view, I know that I’m about to fight for my very existence. Thirty or more Vollstrecker warriors surround me. There’s only one exit and one door that stands between them and Sirena. I can’t let that happen.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this, Luxure.”

Everything around me disappears at the sound of his voice. All that remains are obstacles that pose a threat to Sirena, ones I need to eradicate no matter the sacrifice. “Then come and get me… Azazel.”