Page 49 of Rising Darkness

I prayed to the Great Spirits, thanking them for my seven incredible mates and begging them to help us make it through this fight alive.

Chapter Twenty

Lorn

Nerves ate at my stomach as we waited at the top of the hill overlooking Elan’s estate. The last time I’d been here, he’d nearly killed me, and there was more on the line today. My mates flanked me on either side, lending me their support, but I felt their anxiety at the upcoming battle.

Instead of waiting for Elan to make a move against us, we were going to him to end his reign once and for all. This close to him, I felt the darkness of the Shadow Realm polluting the air and poisoning the ground. Darkness soaked everything it touched like a paper towel sopping up spilled ink. I squirmed from the way the darkness in me responded, writhing below the surface.

A bright light flared and then dissipated as Rook appeared with a number of men in beautiful armor. It shone like the stars. Ethereal magick poured from Rook as he strode up to Dason and shook his hand.

“What perfect timing you seem to have. I recently got a missive from my father, and I’ve been spoiling for a good fight ever since.”

“I’m glad, because we have the fight of a lifetime ahead of us,” Dason said, voice edged with an angry growl. Pure alpha power emanated from him. “I want you with us when we attack. You’re our middle line of defense.” Dason went on to explain our plans, and Rook grinned with fearlessness, as though we’d invited him for a game of flag football instead of the bloody battle we surely faced.

Mato and Nahele portaled in a minute later, followed by Efram and his strongest warriors.

“So we’re doing this?” Mato looked excited, rubbing his hands together like he was ready to see some action.

Jolon patted him on the shoulder and thanked him for coming. “Yes, but we have more allies on the way.”

Tye squatted and spread a makeshift map along the ground, going over our game plan once more. “His bedroom is here, his office is here, and this is his workshop, if you can call it that. He’ll be in one of those places. He motioned to the three rooms, and goosebumps broke out on my skin at the mention of the serial killer workshop space. What I wouldn’t give to burn this place to the ground when we were done.

Be my guest, Tye said.This place has brought me nothing but misery.

“Lorn said she can sense that the veil’s darkness has almost completely consumed him, which will weaken him, but also make him unhinged and more dangerous,” Jolon added.

Dason agreed. “We need to be careful and coordinate our attack.”

A familiar magick warmed the air behind me and I turned to see Darbonne stepping out of a portal with a familiar red-head by his side.

“Em?” I squealed quietly and rushed to my friend.

“Hey, girlfriend,” she hugged me tightly, squeezing the life out of me. “I was so worried about you, but I had a feeling your sexy hunks would find you. I mean, have you seen them? All muscled and growly. You’re such a lucky bitch,” she teased.

I laughed, truly laughed, and it was the best stress relief.

“Emmaline,” Darbonne snapped, and my friend pulled back with a roll of her eyes.

“Yes, Beauford?” she sassed.

Darbonne pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’re about to go into battle. Could you please stop checking out your best friend’s mates, for fuck’s sake?”

“You know nothing about girl talk. I was distracting her, you asshole.”

My gaze bounced back and forth between them.

“It sounds like you have your own sexy hunk to dish about.” I grinned, even as Dason growled.

I’m teasing. I only have eyes for you and the guys, you know that.I tried to soothe him.

Stalking up to me, he pulled me into his chest.You better. I’m struggling enough with the idea of sending you into danger. I don’t need to start killing off our allies.

Stop.I popped up on my tiptoes and kissed him, soaking up the feel of his steely lips on mine as he deepened the press of our mouths.

More witches and warlocks appeared, forcing us apart as we issued orders and organized our attack. I'd never seen so many different races working together before. Kota was tense as he eyed the magick users he’d always considered enemies, but even he seemed grateful for the backup.

Dason and Darbonne talked quietly, and then the warlock was issuing orders to those under his control. Em gave me a hug and told me to be safe as she left with him to set up a perimeter around the property.

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