Yeah? I said, turning my back on him. Well, now youve seen me. And I walked away from him. I wouldnt stay here, if I were you, I threw over my shoulder at Adrian. Theres a gateway on the beach. I glimpsed the demon realm only seconds before Snake Arms and his friends came out of it.
Where? he asked, catching up to me all too quickly.
About four blocks this way, I said, cursing myself because now, he had a good reason to keep walking with me.
He reached over, touching my arm. Ivy, wait
Now, thats funny, I interrupted, jerking away. Is that what you thought? That Id just wait for you until you felt like showing up again?
You asked me to go, Adrian said, his voice roughening with frustration. In fact, you insisted, remember?
I began to walk faster. Who wouldnt need a little time after finding out that youd lied to me about my real destiny? Then, you didnt even try to make up for what youd done. No, you disappeared for months without a single word. You knew when I started this that I thought everything would be fine if I used Davids hallowed, Goliath-slaying slingshot to save my sister. But after I almost died doing that, you dropped the bomb that it was only step one in a destiny I couldnt avoid, remember?
Dont even get me started on step two and three of my supposedly unavoidable destiny, where fate said that Adrian would literally be the death of me.
He sighed, running his hand through his hair. The front was still longer than the back, and the ocean breeze tousled those thick, dark gold waves. His silver-ringed eyes were deep blue, and even when he scowled, it highlighted lips both full and completely masculine. Adrian was as gorgeous as he was dangerous; another sign of fates cruel sense of humor when it came to our opposing destinies.
I looked away, blaming my staring at him on post-battle temporary insanity. Once, Id laughed after almost getting ripped apart by a demon who could turn shadows into weapons. Adrenaline was more sense-depriving than heroin at times.
Yeah, I remember, Adrian said shortly. Saying Im sorry is worthless, so I wont. All I can do is promise that it will never happen again.
I wished it wouldnt, for a lot of reasons. But how could I believe this promise when he still wouldnt even apologize for the last time hed lied to me? And worse, fate predicted that he would betray me again. Twice, and the final one would end in my death, making me just another dead Davidian in a long line of ones killed by Judians.
Except that I was the last descendant of the Biblical King Davids line, and thus the only human capable of wielding the hallowed weapons that could bring down demons. Adrian was the last descendant of Judas, and in addition to his incredible, otherworldly powers, he had also inherited the fate to betray and kill Davidians. When we first met, I had believed that he could beat his fate, if he tried. In fact, Id believed it so much that Id fallen in love with him. Now, I wasnt so sure, but I had other things to worry about. Like the demons who would surely be after me, my sister and Costa now that wed killed more of their people.
Adrian grabbed my arm. Would you stop for a second so we can talk?
No, I replied, yanking away. And if you touch me again, youll regret it.
Whats your hurry? he challenged, switching tactics.
I gave him an irritated glance. Im worried about my sister and your best friend. Costas house is on hallowed ground, so its safe for now, but three minions and a demon going missing from that realm wont go unnoticed, as you of all people should know. The rest of the demons will figure out what happened since no human couldve taken them down. Soon, theyll be tearing this place apart looking for us, so Jasmine, Costa and I need to be gone before they do.
He arched a brow. Well, then, I guess its a good idea that I stay close to make sure youre safe.
I can take care of myself, as one very dead minion would tell you if he could, I shot back.
The smile he flashed me was maddening in its cockiness. Seems like you needed a little help with the rest of them.
He was right, but admitting that would be tantamount to telling him that I wanted him to stay, and I didnt. Dont flatter yourself. I had a plan. Two more blocks, and Id have been on hallowed ground. The demon couldnt cross that, and he couldnt wait me out with the sun coming up. And as you once told me, minions are easy to kill.
Not two at a time when youre still a novice, he replied.
I spun around, and then clenched my teeth when I saw the triumphant look in his eyes. Hed wanted me to keep talking and Id let him bait me into it.
I began to hike up my dress as I resumed walking. Adrian watched with interest until I reached the straps around my upper thighs. I gave him a censuring look as I pulled out my cell phone. No, I wasnt flashing him. I had to give Costa and Jasmine a heads-up that they needed to start packing. Poor Costa. Hed taken me and my sister in because we couldnt return to our old houseor our old livesafter Id decimated a demon realm rescuing Jasmine. Now, Costa would be forced to leave his own home, and I had no idea where any of us would go.
But when I looked at my phone, I let out a groan. The front of it was smashed so badly, I could see the plastic casing behind it. Memories of the minions fists explained how that had happened. My ribs hadnt been the only thing hed bashed as hed tried to kill me.
Do you have a phone? I asked, breaking my new silence.
His mouth tightened. No.
Who goes anywhere without a cell phone? I muttered.
Adrians features closed off, as if this was somehow a sore subject. Ive been having issues with mine.
We walked in silence for several moments. The sun was almost fully up, and I felt bad for Brutus flying in those rays while taking the demon far out over the ocean, even though I was ticked at Brutus for sneaking behind my back to see Adrian.
Do you know the worst part of staying away from you these past months? Adrian asked. I thought it would be remembering everything that had happened between us, but instead, it was thinking of everything we didnt do.
I still said nothing. If hed missed me so much, ignoring me for months was a real unique way of showing it.
He moved closer, until his big body blocked the wind. I still didnt look up at him, but kept staring straight ahead as if I could will myself back at Costas with sheer mind power.
I showed you terrible places when I should have shown you beautiful ones, he went on, his voice deepening. Told you horrible details about my past instead of letting you get to know the person Id become, and I taught you how to wield that slingshot instead of teaching you a thousand different things that we wouldve enjoyed much, much more.
The way his voice caressed that last part made his meaning explicitly clear. Surprise combined with a rush of heat as a treacherous part of myself started imagining what those things might have been. My lack of experience meant I didnt have a lot to go on, but my mind seemed up to improvising. Then, with a mental slap, I forced those thoughts back.
Too late now, I said in a crisp tone.
Adrian caught me to him, his hands closing like warm steel bands around my arms.
Ivy, listen. When we met, I didnt think I could beat my fate. Thats why I kept pushing you away, why I didnt tell you who I was at first and why I didnt tell you what I felt until, yes, it was almost too late. But its not too late. He stared at me until his gaze felt almost palpable with his intensity. I know what I feel for you, and its stronger than any destiny. I told you the last time I saw you that Id make you believe in us again. I meant that, and regardless of how mad you are at me, if you had a hard time resisting me when I was fighting my feelings for you...you wont stand a chance now that Im not.
Too late now, I said in a crisp tone.
Adrian caught me to him, his hands closing like warm steel bands around my arms.
Ivy, listen. When we met, I didnt think I could beat my fate. Thats why I kept pushing you away, why I didnt tell you who I was at first and why I didnt tell you what I felt until, yes, it was almost too late. But its not too late. He stared at me until his gaze felt almost palpable with his intensity. I know what I feel for you, and its stronger than any destiny. I told you the last time I saw you that Id make you believe in us again. I meant that, and regardless of how mad you are at me, if you had a hard time resisting me when I was fighting my feelings for you...you wont stand a chance now that Im not.
My jaw dropped as pride chased away the dangerous warmth that had caused me to sway the tiniest bit closer to him. Id practically thrown myself at him the last time circumstances had forced us to spend time together, and what had that gotten me? Betrayed and dumped. Damned if Id let history repeat itself.
Dont be so cocky, I said, pulling away and starting to walk again. Im not the same person, either, so save your efforts. My panties arent going to fall off just because youve finally decided that you want them to.
His laughter chased after me, sensual and challenging. Oh, Ivy, they dont need to fall off. Im happy to tear them.
I let out a frustrated sigh. Adrian wasnt leaving and he wasnt listening to me; I may as well be reliving the first time we met. Back then, hed saved me from a minion kidnapping while opening my eyes to my hallucinations being real. Whether I liked it or not, if history was repeating itself, then his presence meant my life was about to irrevocably change.
Again.
CHAPTER THREE
SINCE ADRIAN WASNT going away, I decided to make him pull his weight. When we reached the spot on the beach where Id grappled with the minion, I gestured in the general vicinity of where Id spotted the demon realm. I didnt see anything now, but that wasnt a huge surprise. My lineage meant that I was most attuned to hallowed objects, so at best, I only caught random glimpses of dark ones even when I was right on top of them. Adrians lineage meant that he was most attuned to dark objects, and a demon realm gateway was about as dark as something could get.
The realm gateway was over there. Do you see it?
He walked to the spot Id indicated. Then he held out his hands as if feeling for a doorway, which, in essence, he was.
Its strange, he said after a pause. I see the realm and I do feel something, but its not as strong as a normal gateway would be. Instead of a door, it feels more like...a crack.
Thats what Im worried about, I said with a fresh sense of dismay. With the walls between demon realms and our world weakening, cracks are probably turning up all over the place. If it gets worse, those cracks will turn into gaping holes and realms will spill out into this world. And then...
I stopped speaking because I didnt want to say what would happen next. The only thing worse than knowing was being the only person who could do something to stop it. Thats why Id spent the past two months splitting my time between training and trying to get my sister, Jasmine, through the post-traumatic stress of being a former demon captive. Youd think with all that, I wouldnt have had the energy to focus on Adrian, yet I had. A broken heart was the slowest wound to heal, it appeared.
I think were safe for the moment, Adrian said, not addressing my unfinished sentence. The crack doesnt feel strong enough to let anyone else through. Maybe the sunlight is weakening it.
For now. I rubbed my right hand where the outline of a braided rope ran from my finger all the way up to my elbow. The remains of the ancient, hallowed slingshot no longer burned in that odd way, but touching it was a tangible reminder that Adrian and I had destinies to fulfill: me to possibly save those trapped in the demon realms, and him to probably betray me.
All right, well, minions are dead, the demons gone, Brutus should be back any second and Im almost home, so you can leave. Now, I added.
A scoff preceded his response and the silver rings around his dark blue eyes seemed to gleam.
Im not going anywhere, Ivy. Ready or not, Im back in your life and Im here to stay.
But I dont want you to, I said, fighting the urge to thump him over the head so the words would sink in.
He only smiled, dazzling and so arrogant that I spun around so I didnt have to look at him anymore. Yes, I heard you, but while you might not want meyetyou do need me.
Then, with his lightning quickness, he appeared in front of me, shoving a small box into my hands. Speaking of things I didnt get to do before, happy birthday, although one day late.
Shock made me stand still and stare at the box. Twenty-one was a milestone, but no one else had remembered. Not my sister, who was also my best friend, or Costa, my roommate whod become as close as a brother to me, or Zach, the Archon who sorta mentored me and had supernatural knowledge of just about everything. Only Adrian, and Id never told him when it was.
I couldnt stop myself from opening the unexpected gift. Then I let out a little gasp when I saw the round stone suspended at the end of a long gold chain. The jewel reflected the first rays of sunlight back at me in a rainbow of colors that were so bright, I had to squint while looking at it. Unless it was the most sparkly piece of glass ever, Adrian had just given me a diamond the size of a large marble.
Theres no way I can accept this, I almost stuttered, adding, Did you steal it? because how else could he have gotten something that cost as much as several high-end cars?
Hints of darkness colored his laughter. Former demon prince, remember? I might have left all that behind me, but I didnt leave empty-handed.
Youre not a demon, you were just raised by them, I muttered.
He shrugged. Honorary demon prince, then. Either way, I can afford it. Besides, you lost your other necklace because of me, so dont say you cant accept this one to replace it.
The necklace was so beautiful, a shallow part of me wanted nothing more than to put it on and run to the nearest mirror. I couldnt, of course. For starters, I hadnt looked into a mirror since the night I found out the hard way that some demons use mirrors as portals into our world. Plus...
This feels like a bribe, I said, holding the necklace out to him. And you cant make up for everything thats happened with a shiny, expensive gift. Things arent good between us, Adrian. Not even close, and if I accepted this, Id be implying that they were.
He crossed his arms, his posture taking on a very familiar stubbornness. Im not trying to bribe you, Im giving you a birthday gift. Throw it into the surf if you want, but its yours, so I am not taking it back.
My jaw clenched. He might have been raised in an environment where money was no object, but I could no more toss this diamond into the ocean than I could burn a stack of hundred-dollar bills for warmth, and from the challenging curl to his mouth, he knew that. Still, that didnt mean he was getting his way.
I folded the necklace into my hand and resumed walking. It didnt take my enhanced peripheral vision to see Adrians smirk as he followed. He thought hed won this round. Think again, I silently told him.