Page 55 of Eternally Yours

“What the hell are you talking about? What church?”

“The coven, Cat.”

“Are you fucking mad?” she said in a harsh whisper. “Your father will have you killed on sight.”

“That’s why I need you to intercede for me.”

“You want me to convince your father not to kill you? Nic, I’ve been practically on house arrest on suspicion of aiding you in escaping the city. You want me thrown in the Solaris?”

“Loren’s been captured by the Order and I suspect they plan to use her against the covens.”

“What makes you think that?”

“There are properties in her blood that make her different.”

“Like what?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I’m a daywalker now? Somehow drinking from her enabled me to not only heal faster but now I can—

“Hold up, you drank from her? Nic, please tell me you didn’t mate with that woman.”

I swallowed hard. I didn’t have time for this shit. I knew why she was worried. Once my family found out what I’d done, throwing me in the Solaris was the least of my worries. There were bigger things at stake here, and my father would have to listen to what I had to say. “Cat, I’m approaching the gate. Unless you want the coven’s guards to turn me into Swiss cheese, I suggest you meet me outside.”

She sighed. “Why do I have the inkling you’re gonna get us both killed?”

* * *

It had been decades since I’d been back, but the church ruins had remained the same. A crumbling structure, it had been condemned for ages, along with an acre of land once used as a cemetery. What was above ground wasn’t what was interesting; it was what lay underneath that would give humans a run for their money. A secret and completely concealed, state-of-the-art, underground world where one of the most powerful and oldest covens lived.

The long, dirt road leading to the ruins was lined by massive trees. Their large leafy branches obstructed the sun’s light even on the brightest days. The large iron gate at the end of the road crawled open, allowing me passage through the cemetery and to the mausoleum that led to the underground garage.

Pulling into the massive stone building, the sound of metal gears echoed off the walls as my car was lowered into the darkness below. When the platform stopped descending, I cut the engine and stepped out of the car.

The elevator chimed and Cat stepped out dressed in athletic pants and an oversized T-shirt, something she used to wear when we’d spar and train together. That wasn’t a good sign. Her spiny gaze skewered me in place as she crossed her arms.

“How long do I have?” I asked, knowing security was well aware of my presence.

She gestured toward the large, double doors in the back of the room. “They’re waiting to take you into custody once you go through.”

“Thank you. For whatever you did to convince him to hear me out.”

Letting her arms fall back to her sides, she sighed and said, “The only reason you’re still breathing is because he needs to know how the fuck you’re walking in daylight.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “Fuck if I know. I drank from Loren, that’s all I got.”

She drew closer and grabbed my arm, whispering to me, “You’re bloodmated to her, Nic. That won’t bode well with your father. Or the other families.”

Pulling my arm from her, I clenched my jaw and gritted, “I don’t give a fuck about their judgments right now. The covens are in danger. And so is Lor—”

My temple throbbed with a stabbing pain that dropped me to my knees.

“Nic, what’s going on?” Cat asked, kneeling beside me.

“My father…” I said, sucking in deep breaths as I tried to alleviate the pressure. “He’s summoning me.”

Chapter Eighteen

Loren

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