Page 9 of Twisted Solstice

I glanced over at Ember and Kael. They were both keeping their distance from the property. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Death is there.”

I laughed. “You are death.”

Gaspar shook his head. “Not the same.”

A cold chill ran down my spine and settled in my stomach. “Tell me?”

“It’s not safe.” He ushered me away from the site, deeper into the property. “This isn’t a good place to be. Observing and touching is a no-no. I should have explained earlier. I’m sorry.”

I was officially freaked out. “You’re not making any sense. Didn’t you promise to keep me safe... All of you?”

“We did,” Ember said. “We willshowyou everything.”

The keyword being, 'show.' "Fine." I hitched my backpack higher. "Lead the way, oh great and wise protectors."

“I think she’s mocking us,” Kael teased.

"Me? Never." I stayed with Gaspar as we walked along an old dusty trail. In the distance, I could hear the beating of drums. I wrinkled my nose. I was sure if anyone got into the canyon, we’d have seen them. So, what the fuck was going on? “Uh, guys?”

“Shit,” Gaspar muttered. “It’s already begun.”

“What?” Confusion filled me. “What’s already begun?”

“Remember we’ll protect you.” Kael stood in front of me. His brilliant blue eyes darkened with determination. “You won’t be harmed.”

One second, I was standing between Gaspar and Ember and in the next, I stood completely naked in a circle surrounded by men. I didn’t know how I got there or what’d happened to my clothes. My heart hammered as fear clogged my throat. Dread mixed with anxiety as warning bells went off in my mind. I needed to get out of there. I had to go home. My mom was right. I had no business in these hills. I fucked up.

The drumming came from shadowed figures above us on a rocky ridge not more than a few feet from us. A small fire illuminated the area allowing me to see those who waited. Ember, Kael, and Gaspar were there along with several other men in black cloaks. A red upside-down pentagram along with a goat's head was embroidered on their hooded cloaks.

A scream of terror built in the back of my throat. Kael had been right. Tonight, someone would be sacrificed, and that someone, was me. I tried to cover myself as best as I could. I was exposed to them. I was betrayed by three ghosts. I fell for their line. I fell for their spiel about them being my protectors. The kiss of death being my security. Bullshit, it was the signing of my death warrant.

With everything I could muster, I beckoned my guardians. I called for this to end. I called for the white light of protection to shield me from the satanic worshipers. I raised my hand and threw every ounce of venom I could into my words. “Begone, you who are foul and unclean. Begone, you who trespass within the light. Begone, you who scurry across the ground of your demonic bellies. Leave this mortal realm. You don’t belong here. You have no power here. You have no life here. This is my realm. I am in control here.”

Nothing happened.

Chapter Four

A man began to laugh. The sound layered together so it was as if three people joined him. He stepped around Ember and lowered his hood. "Welcome, Simone." He held his arms wide. "Tonight is your rebirth."

I stared at the figure. He didn't represent a man or a demon, but a cross between both. He had coal-colored skin, yellow eyes and elongated teeth that protruded over his lips. His mouth also didn't move when he spoke. I took a step back from him and grunted when I ran into something solid.

“Shh,” Gaspar whispered. “You’re safe. I swear.”

“Fuck you.” I stomped on his foot and shoved away from him. “You said this wouldn’t happen. You said if I stepped into the—”

He cut me off with a kiss. His mouth covered mine and I swore I forgot who I was and where I was. Our tongue clashed and retreated. I should hate him, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t get enough of him. My blood sang through my veins. My heart pounded, and I was sure it would fly out of my chest. He skimmed his fingertips down my sides, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

My nipples hardened to the point of pain while my clit ached. Everything around us slowly faded into nothing. I couldn’t hear the drums or the chanting. Couldn’t see anything vaguely familiar, though I’d closed my eyes unwilling to see the end coming for me. When my back touched something soft and pillowy, I peeked through my lashes, curious as to where I’d been taken. I was no longer in the canyon with a demon. I’d been transported to somewhere else, somewhere peaceful.

“I made a promise I said I would keep,” Gaspar reminded me.

“Where are we?”

“Someplace safe.” He kissed me again. “I’ve been waiting for this moment a long time.”

I gazed up at him. Gone was the cloak and dark clothes. His pale muscular body lay beside me. He appeared content to stroke and tease my flesh until I was insane with arousal. I should be furious at him, but I found all the anger and feelings of betrayal evaporated the minute his lips touched mine.

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