“And now he loves me.” Grayson winked at Asher, and they all started laughing. “I told you we would be close.”
“If I had a looking glass that could have shown me this future, I would never have believed it.” Asher chuckled and rubbed his hand over Lita’s arm. “I’m so glad our getting-kidnapped days have come to an end.”
“What? You don’t want me stealing your mate again?” a voice said, coming up out of the dark.
They turned to see the leader of the centaurs, Brad, coming into the light. This was the centaur who had kidnapped Lita many many years ago. He had taken her for her own protection, knowing the half-demon Abaas was after her.
“Oh my goodness!” Lita said, hopping up to her feet with a smile on her face. She rushed over and hugged the centaur. “What are you doing here?”
Brad chuckled. “Well, if that mate of yours is able to stand toe-to-toe and fight, then I’m able to, too.” He nodded toward the distance. “The centaurs and minotaurs have grouped together. We will answer Elysia’s call.”
“Brad, it’s nice to see you again. It’s been awhile. How’s that son of yours doing?” Asher shook the man’s hand firmly.
“He’s not too happy right now. I made him stay home to watch the womenfolk and the elderly.” Brad chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. “He’s only sixteen. He doesn’t need to be out in something like this.”
“I agree with you. He’s much too young. Hell, I don’t even want my kids out in this.” Asher glanced at his children with a small frown.
“I wonder what happens after all this …” Brad said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Lita asked as she moved into Asher’s arms.
“When we defeat the demons. It isn’t like we’re eradicating them. What happens? Are you making them submit to your rule?” Brad looked at Lita, who shook her head.
“No. This isn’t about dominating or controlling demons. It isn’t about asking them to be anything other than what they are. It’s about protecting ourselves. After the war, those who live can continue to live as they always have. I’m not expecting to turn them into angels, but I do plan to eradicate the very thought of taking over Elysia again. This world is not here for any one species to dominate.” Lita smiled. “We can all exist and live the lives we’re supposed to. We may still fight, but that’s part of life.”
“We aren’t looking to change the order of things. But we’re not about to allow ourselves to be taken over. We’re going to secure a future for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.” Asher smiled and Lita nodded at him.
Brad nodded. “That’s the way it should be.” He glanced out into the distance. “Well, I wanted to let you guys know I was here. See you on the battlefield.” He nodded at everyone before he disappeared back into the darkness.
Asher and Lita sat back down near the fire and looked over at their companions: Garrett, Caspian, Caden and Grayson. They were together in the beginning, and they were together in what might be their end. Asher looked across the flames to theother side, where the next generation was all laughing together. They had raised strong, independent children. All of them were trustworthy and strong, and had gathered powerful allies and made lifelong friendships. He trusted their power and skills, but still, he was their father. And even during the fighting tomorrow, he would continue to check on his children. If it came to it, he wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice himself for them.
Lita interlaced her fingers with Asher’s and slowly nodded her head in agreement. As much as they loved each other, they’d both agreed. Above all, they would protect their children and their future.
“So, I heard you guys took out that witch, Meryl? She cursed me, and I wasn’t able to touch anyone for years. I couldn’t even be around my own mate. I’m glad she’s been taken care of.” Mason turned his gaze to Hunter and Freja.
“The only one missing is her granddaughter. To my knowledge, she still hasn’t been found. But we’re letting the covens deal with her for now. She’s a child and was probably just being manipulated.” Hunter watched as Mason nodded his head in agreement.
“During the fight tomorrow, Ciana will stay back at Reiya and Xander’s side. She will use her strength as a mass healer.” Dex wrapped his arm around Ciana, who had a bright, unique mark on her neck.
“It takes a lot of my energy, but if I try to just use it in extreme situations, I should be able to manage.” Ciana looked over at Chasen. “I promised Jin I would make it back, and that I would keep you all safe. I know you have accelerated healing, but what I have is a bit different. It isn’t accelerated healing, more like instant. I can’t use it much, but if the situation is dire, I will do what I can.” She’d made up her mind that she would focus on making sure Chasen made it back to Jin. Of course, she would watch over everyone, but Chasen would not die on her watch.She had the power to make sure that happened. He would make it back to his mate and child. Jin deserved happiness.
The drums of war continued to sound in the distance while the demons marched through the night. The Chain family rested near their loved ones. Tonight was the last guaranteed night they had together. Reiya was snuggled deep into Lee’s side, while he lovingly embraced her. While she slept, he kissed her forehead and squeezed her a little tighter.
He would keep her safe no matter what. He would be facing off against Mephisto, and honestly, he didn’t know how that was going to go. An original demon was at the same level as a tier-one deity. And as much as he’d tried, he couldn’t get any other deities to join in the fight. They’d all refused to participate in the war. If only they had one more strong deity, they could tip the scale in their favor. Seraphina was a tier-three deity who was Lita’s summon and the only other deity they had fighting on their side. The others all took a wait-and-see approach. To hell with them.
If he fell, Reiya thought she would, too. But he couldn’t allow that to happen. He couldn’t let her light go out. So, he did something she didn’t know about. He breathed in her scent and sighed. He had to make sure he won, no matter what. He knew better than to offer a mindless prayer up to the gods. They didn’t care. The only one who did was Selene, and she couldn’t get directly involved. Instead, he hoped against hope that this wouldn’t be their last night to ever hold one another.
Hunter kept his arm around Freja’s waist as he laid beside her. She was still awake but had her eyes closed.
Freja … I just want you to know how much I love you. Just in case … you’ve made me happier than I ever could have imagined.
Hunter. We don’t have to do this. Everything will be fine. But … you are my reason, Hunter. You have breathed new lifein me I didn’t know existed. It’s more than how much I love you. You are part of me and my existence. No matter what, my heart will always be with you.
Of all times to not have a room of our own …A smirk played over her face.
Probably a good thing. We both need our rest for tomorrow, and I don’t think a private room would allow for that.
Lita looked over her children, who were resting comfortably. Chasen and Brody were laying side by side like they used to when they were children. The two of them had always had a close bond. So much that Lita had felt bad about them having to part ways as guardians. It seemed like only yesterday her four children were running around the house playing tag. And now they were all here, ready to fight in the war they’d been preparing for all their lives. She felt Asher’s hand grip hers as he held her tighter. This was their destiny. This war was always their family’s fate.
