“My godmother is here?” I don’t know if I should be excited or panicked she’d come here and not seek me out herself.
“She’s requesting your presence,” Pyro grunts. “Says, it’s urgent.”
Why didn’t she pop in out here?
“Right,” Heat grunts and guides me into the clubhouse, keeping me tucked close to his side.
Inside, I find Hel in the middle of the main room, the shadows of souls swirling around her in a way I’ve only seen a handful of times. Everyone is keeping their distance from her, rightfully so.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, meeting the woman’s gaze.
“The veil is thinning. It’s not supposed to happen until tonight . . .”
“It’s already happening?” Brimstone asks, speaking over Hel, which is not something a person should do.
“Yes,” Hel hisses, looking at Heat. “You know what to do. You two are connected, and the only way to stop this from happening is if you stop it.”
“What are you talking about?” I demand, glancing between two of the most important people in my life.
Heat tilts his head down, his face hard. I barely recognize the man whom I’ve come to love in less than a week. I didn’t need a lot of time to fall for him. In fact, I’d say I fell for him the first day I met him. Every day since has just solidified what I feel for him.
“Didn’t want you thinkin’ on it the whole time, but to keep this dark elf from getting his hands on you, I’ve got to take him out.”
I swallow, fear threatening to overwhelm me. I manage to find my voice and ask, “What do you need me to do?” I could see it in his eyes that there’s more. That he needs me to do something.
“I need you to stay here, hidden away, so I can focus.”
“There’s more to it,” Hel interjects.
“Several of my brothers will be with me while I’m handling this, but as Hel added in, there’s more to it. While you’re here, hidden from him finding you, he cannot get past thewards. I need you to tap into your gifts. I’ll use it through our connection.”
“What? How?” Panic was definitely starting to seep into my veins.
Heat tugs me close and wraps me tight to him. The safety of his arms eases the fear. “Just as I’m holding you now. You’re not panicking. You know you’re safe with me.”
“Here, you both need to drink from this,” Hel states, stepping forward, holding out a black goblet with ruby gems. “This will complete the bond between the two of you. This ceremonial goblet will tie you two together in every way that you’re not already. It’s the one you drank from on your eighteenth birthday, and it’ll be the one you drink from when you wed. You’ll feel each other’s emotions. Heat will be able to tap into your gifts, and use them as his own. This is what you’ve always needed, my child. Your soulmate to share these gifts with. He’ll be able to contain the gifts in a way you are unable to do without him.”
Whoa.
I slowly take the goblet from her, recognizing it as I hold it. I lift it to my lips and sip, trusting Hel without questioning her further. My godmother would never do anything to deceive me as she might others. Heat takes the goblet from me and follows my lead, drinking heavily, draining the rest of the goblet.
Within seconds of him finishing, I start to feel strange. Like I can sense him in a way I hadn’t already been able to.
“Heat?” I whisper, focusing solely on him.
“Yeah, Trouble, I feel it too.” Heat dips his head down and captures my lips with his. The emotions of his and mine swirl around inside me, intensifying everything at once.
My heart beats rapidly in my chest, and butterflies swarm in my stomach.
Heat breaks the kiss and leans his forehead against mine. “You’ll stay here, safe away from what’s about to go down. You understand me?”
“As long as Brimstone goes with you. Along with Pyro and Fire. Oh, and Inferno.” I knew dragon’s fire was dangerous for fae and elven folk. Plus, Brimstone is a warlock, though I learned he didn’t like being called that. He didn’t cast spells or wield his powers unless he had to.
Heat’s lip twitches as he nods. “Don’t worry, they’ll be with me, along with a few others. Inferno’s grandfather will be here, he’s not a member, though he’s honorary.”
“I will also be here,” Hel declares.
Without looking in her direction, Heat nods again as he speaks to her. “Then stick close to your goddaughter, make sure she stays safe and inside.”
