And Rhyn and Kris and Kiki, Toby said cheerfully.
You made Kris and Gabe trade their souls for Katie and baby's then you quit.
The only thing that concerned him now was killing Kris.
When he was out of Hell, he'd already planned on kicking the ass of their eldest brother, Andre, and killing Kris.
I'm coming for you, Kris.
Kris raised an eyebrow and turned to Ully.
Kris waited until the door closed.
Kris's normally iced features clouded, his violet eyes going green as he thought.
Kris asked, the worry lines on his forehead deepening.
Neither Kris nor Sasha was capable of mercy or empathy.
Kris's features clouded, and Gabriel suspected it was because Kris had been with his current lover, Jade, for hundreds of years.
Gabriel liked Kris as much as he'd ever liked anyone despite the bad blood between Kris and his half-brother, Rhyn.
Kris slid two rare green life crystals across the table, the common form of payment for an assassination not ordered by Death herself.
Kris left, and Gabriel closed his eyes, crossing into the shadow world before emerging on the street outside the woman's apartment building.
No girls ever visit my lab, and Kris rarely lets me leave.
Kris glanced at her and then back at the screen.
He didn't doubt his second and his lover would move on, if Kris chose to take the woman as his mate.
Kris felt the intent gazes of both of his deputies, who left the obvious unvoiced.
Surprised, Kris eyed him.
Kris had never heard anything so ridiculous.
Kris traveled via shortcuts through the shadow world as Gabriel did and willed himself to the in-between world.
Andre was dressed in cashmere and wool, his hair kept short and neat, his loafers more expensive than Kris's conference room had cost to build.
Kris smiled, and Andre echoed the movement, the skin around his eyes crinkling in warmth.
Kris chuckled, at ease with his brother despite the unprotected penthouse on the top floor of a building that could be easily leveled by a single explosive charge.
Andre pursed his lips in displeasure as Kris reappeared.
Kris asked as he poured himself a second glass of whiskey.
Kris sat opposite his brother.
Kris knew his brother too well to know he'd not betray the trust of anyone, even a man who wanted to kill him.
Next to Kris's whiskey Andre kept at the wet bar was Tamer's favorite vodka, Kiki's rice wine, and Erik's diet soda.
He didn't say this, but Kris knew it was on everyone's mind.
Kris sat back, satisfied.
Kris remained where he was, aware they'd destroy each other if allowed.
What are you not telling me, Kris?
Kris chuckled, aware his older brother could wait him out.
Kris said nothing, feeling at once foolish and like he was the child Andre used to chastise for failing to focus on his duties.
Kris willed himself to the shadow world and walked back to his underground refuge, heart heavy.
Kris accepted the glass of whiskey but avoided Jade's extended hand.
Jade waited, and Kris held his gaze in silence.
Kris let him go despite his desire to follow him.
Images of Kris, his only love in two thousand years, swam through his thoughts.
Kris will send a car for you.
She'd fallen asleep in Kris's library after half a bottle of whiskey and awoken in her own bed with a throbbing headache and dry mouth.
Katie, you forgot your drink at the bar, Kris said, holding out the iced whiskey to her.
Kris rested one hand on her shoulder.
We gotta get out of here, Kris said.
Several doorways glowed around her, and Kris yanked her toward one.
Kris muttered curses and touched her shoulder.
He was built like Kris with dark hair.
You know my brother Kris.
The angrier she got, the calmer Kris looked.
If Kris didn't kill you on the way here, he might on the way back.
I'm going to send Kris away and bring you a bottle of whiskey.
His presence and words were as soothing as Kris's were not.
At her hesitation, he motioned for her to sit again and turned, continuing to block Kris from sight.
She heard Kris stir, and the cocoa-skinned Jade followed.
His words appeared genuine, unlike Kris's.
Andre and Kris seemed to think she was there for the long haul.
She saw Kris and squeezed
Right about now, she'd be happy to see Kris and would even risk going to the shadow world!
With some satisfaction, Rhyn wondered if another of Kris's men had gotten as fed up with Kris as he had.
He'd thought himself in love with Lilith once, and so had Kris and half their brothers.
Who'd have ever thought she'd want to be found by the jackass, Kris?
His reflexes were like Kris's, too fast to follow.
Who would you rather see her with, Kris or me?
Kris must be livid I've stolen her from him.
He wanted to keep Sasha talking, to find out what it was about this woman that was so special that both Sasha and Kris wanted her.
Even Kris was better than any of these creatures, and she'd barely tolerated him!
Did Kris even know about Jade's betrayal?
You know Kris and Sasha are brothers, right?
Kris's not stupid enough to send you here.
Hey Rhyn, bet Kris wants this one back.
If you're Kris's, pain like you've never known.
Kris's pets can go anywhere but Hell.
He'd been furious when Katie mentioned Kris.
So, this was an opportunity too good to pass up and isn't about getting back at Kris?
Kris relaxed, as if expecting a refusal.
There's no telling what he'd do to you, Kris said.
Kris had planned to claim you.
Ully found out Kris can use your power to make him immune from the other Ancients.
Jade glanced sharply at Ileana, then at Kris.
Kris met his gaze, and the intensity of the exchange left her no doubt as to their relationship.
Katie, my brother Tamer, who's in charge of Africa, Kris grated.
How did she tell Kris his closest advisor had betrayed him?
Kris didn't know what Jade had done; he couldn't protect her.
Who spent the last million years in Hell, thanks to Kris.
She wrote Kris a short message and folded the paper, presenting it to Gabriel.
He'd claimed her, whether in a fit of jealous fury after hearing Kris's name or for some other purpose.
They say he went mad when the woman he'd chosen as his mate chose Kris instead.
The legends don't say what happened, but after Rhyn killed the woman, he tried to kill Kris.
He didn't have Kris's noble look or Andre's delicate features.
Andre said Kris planned to do what Rhyn did and make me his mate.
She was the first Ancient's mate born and should've been Kris's mate, if she hadn't first promised herself to the Dark One.
Rhyn killed her to protect Kris and his brothers.
Kris never knew and never forgave him for killing the woman he meant to take as his mate.
Why didn't he tell Kris she was evil?
So he'd spend eternity in Hell because he couldn't sit down with Kris and tell him what happened?
The woman, Lilith, was pregnant with Kris's heir.
Though all seven were constantly fighting, Kris and Rhyn were always at each other's throats.
Curiosity drew her to the gate again, where tiny Daniela was animated and angry as she stood between Rhyn and Kris.
Kris's white hair, fair complexion, and amber eyes were at odds with Rhyn's darkness and glowing pewter gaze.
Kris looked at Rhyn, who refused to take the hint.
But are you done with me, Kris?
Kris, you can't use people!
Andre had claimed Kris was highly combustible.
With effort, Kris drew a deep breath and blew it out.
Her gaze settled on Rhyn, who was waiting as tensely for her response as Kris.
Kris's gaze flared again, and she assumed he'd expected her to ask for her freedom.
There were many still forms around them, with only Kris moving.
Kris told us you both were coming.
Rhyn's mother was a powerful demon, and his father is the same as Kris's.
You can say it --Kris won't let me forget I'm a square in a round hole.
She didn't know if she could trust him, or Kris, or anyone yet, but she could at least know the man beneath her was probably the only man she was safe from.
Her eyes found Rhyn first, then Kris.
Jade was there, another man with Kris's eyes but whom she didn't recognize, and a fifth man.
All but the man with Kris's eyes and oriental beauty were sweating and bloodied in at least one spot.
His voice held an accusatory note that Kris ignored.
Kris was for all of five minutes.
Both Rhyn and Kris sulked.
Your place is there, Kris said dismissively.
Kris, can you spare a few warriors?
She wiped her eyes and twisted, surprised to see Kris in her doorway.
He didn't take blood gently as Rhyn did; no, Kris wanted her to hurt!
Kris released her and stepped away.
He and Kris are barely working together as it is.
I think Kris is right --the fate of humanity is more important than me.
A touch of coldness made the hair on the back of her neck rise, and she sat up, fearful Kris or Sasha had come for her.
He sat beside her and reached for her, his gaze on the newest scars given to her by Kris.
Why wouldn't you just tell Kris the woman he loved was evil?
I knew when Gabriel summoned me to you and went to Kris.
Don't care what Kris does.
She didn't like Kris, but he did what he did for some greater cause than himself.
Her body was still exhausted from Kris's attack and a day spent with Hannah and her friends.
She'd been scared since Hell, if not before, for which he blamed Kris.
Maybe Kris thought turnabout was fair play.
He was sick of Hell, yet Kris's crime deserved punishment.
He had to protect her from Sasha and the Dark One; he had to protect her from Kris and his people.
He began to believe Kris was right about the bloodline of his mate's family.
It wasn't in the barracks of Kris's fortress.
Two months is all Kris asks, and I'm free.
You said you're giving Kris two months.
She.d never understand how Kris could treat his own half-brother as he did.
Kris said she needed anyone but him in her life.
Kris waited for him to change forms.
Kris strode past him and led him through the castle's ground floor, whose wide, carpeted halls felt nice on his paws.
He wondered what poor fool was stuck babysitting the high-maintenance angel as he followed Kris.
He changed shape before descending behind Kris.
Kris produced a key chain from his pocket and unlocked the five locks before pulling the heavy door open.
I.ve sealed off the crypt with magic to keep Immortals from entering through the shadow world, and installed locks for those who wander where they shouldn.t be, Kris said.
Kris lit another torch to shed light on the murals on the floor.
Kris was next in size, standing on a mural of North America.
Kris lit another torch to display a darkened case on the wall.
Wouldn.t you like to have Kris out of the way, so you and your human treat can live in peace somewhere?
Kris had given them to him weeks ago as payment for two assassinations.
Kris yelled at me for it, Katie said, leveling a glare on Ully as he opened the door.
Kris said the normal Immortals aren't allowed around you, because they tend to attack you.
She suspected Kris might override his promise to let her go in five weeks, if Ully couldn.t figure it out.
Kris entered, followed by someone whose appearance made her gasp.
Fear fluttered through her, and her gaze flew to Kris, whom she trusted little more than his sadistic brother.
At least before, Kris had a reason to keep her around, because he wanted something from her.
Like Kris had flung him aside to make way for a mortal.
Maybe she wanted Kris, too.
He.d seen the way Kris looked at her and had long suspected the Council leader had two lovers, not one.
At least this way, she.d never have Kris.
Kris is your brother, and family should stick together.
She.d seen the acrimonious relationship between him and Kris and understood some of what made them enemies.
A man named Kris invited them.
Hannah never traveled light, and there was no way of knowing what Kris was doing.
Following him was Kris, dressed in nothing but judo pants, as if Ully had dragged him straight out of bed.
Ully and Kris carefully wrapped one of his arms in gauze.
It.s my fault Toby was wandering around without someone watching him, but really, Kris, who assigns a woman an Immortal kid that.s not even her own and expects her to know what to do with it?
Be out of here by nightfall, Kris said at last, his voice quiet and hard.
You all won.t live long if I go, Kris.
Her surprise echoed what he felt from Kris.
Keep everyone out of the forest, Kris.
She wasn.t expecting his ministrations—however rough and sloppy they were—or his mouthing off to Kris.
She was still staring at the doorway when Kris walked through.
Weeks ago, when she.d been at the Sanctuary, Gabriel entrusted her with the secret of what had caused Kris to turn on Rhyn.
And no one had ever told Kris.
Kris finished tying his boots and crossed to the door, slamming it on his way out.
Kris does a big feast here every year, and Andre used to arrange the December holiday celebration.
She recalled what sent her outside the castle, and her anger at Kris ratcheted up another notch.
While he didn.t care what happened to Kris, he did care about Katie and when the demons would choose to attack.
Kris would never listen to him.
Or he could take Katie, disappear, and leave Kris and the Immortals to their fate.
She went the back way—the servant.s route, as Kris had so kindly informed her—to the front door.
She didn.t hear Kris draw abreast until the man stood at her side, staring at the gorgeous woman approaching.
Both of them looked at Katie, and Kris pursed his lips.
Before she could respond, Kris strode from the doorway down the path, stopping in front of the two approaching.
Kris greeted Gio, stepping aside to walk them up the path.
Hannah.s gaze strayed beyond Kris to catch sight of Katie.
Hannah asked, gaze on Kris once again.
You just wait to see what Kris has in store for you.
Katie wondered what had called him away—news of the demons in the forest or some other awful plan by Kris?
Kris asked me to bring her here.
Katie faced Kris with a glare.
As she thought of Toby, she wondered how much of what Kris said was true.
He wouldn.t have been hurt if not for her, and Hannah may not have been dragged into the Immortal world if she hadn.t hit the radar of Kris.
Kris wore a rare, charming smile as he sat across from Hannah, talking.
Kris caught Katie.s gaze and shook his head ever so slightly, warning her against coming in.
Like Kris saying he.d break the mating bond between us.
Kris can.t do it, by the way.
None of you knew about the demons in the forest, and you were right about what you said to Kris.
Kris watched the door to the guest bedchamber close, unusually hopeful about his discovery.
Kris poured himself chilled whiskey from the small refrigerator tucked in a corner.
Without him, Kris felt as if he were alone trying to solve the world.s problems.
You forget, Kris, he was my brother, too, and I considered him a friend.
Unless Sasha posed a direct threat to the Council, Kris was forbidden from buying an assassination, despite suspecting his brother wasn.t as innocent as he proclaimed.
Lilith had been intended for Kris and was pregnant with his son when Rhyn killed her and the baby both.
Kris looked at him sharply, suspecting his brother was trying to play on his emotions.
Surprised at the raw, bitter note in Sasha.s voice, Kris studied him.
Jade had disappeared after Kris sent him away in hopes that Katie would become his mate.
Kris could kill or have him killed in retribution for any life he took while inside the walls.
Sasha wasn.t that stupid, though Kris wondered what game his brother played.
Darkyn was a head shorter than Kris and wider, his steady gaze and roughly hewn features reminding him of Rhyn.
Kris was quiet, pretending to consider.
There was no way in Hell Kris would give this creature the key
I hope not, Kris thought but said aloud, "I'll warn him."
Darkyn.s features were too shuttered to read, and Kris didn.t wait for him to second-guess anything.
Kris heard the sickening sound of the demon.s body breaking from the distance and watched the other demons shapeshift to charge the half-demon.
Kris nudged Ully awake, motioning for the scientist to follow him out of the chamber.
I need confirmation before the Council meets, and I need to know if you can alter whatever it is Sasha's people did, Kris said.
Kris opened the door to his lab, pushed him in, and closed it.
Jade waited for Darkyn to return from his meeting with Kris.
He clenched his fists, not wanting to think about Sasha or Kris or how quickly he, too, could have the tables turned on him as he had done to Sasha.
Kris refused to turn over Sasha or the vial.
I want my revenge against Sasha and Kris both, but there are innocent people there.
Sasha and Kris were his enemies, not the rest of the Immortals!
He.d been unable to shake the empty hole in his heart resulting from Kris flinging him to the side to pursue a human female.
Even as he thought of his last moments with Kris, he felt his anger turn to resolve.
He.d use the tricks of manipulation he.d learned from Kris and Sasha both to get Sasha to do what he wanted.
My brother Kris is too good, as you know.
More anger stirred as Jade bit his lip to keep from defending Kris.
No matter how badly Kris had hurt him, it hadn.t been for a selfish cause like Sasha.s.
Kris won.t tolerate what you do to them.
I.d be a bigger fool than Kris to return with you, Jade.
If you can help him get to Kris, he.ll call it even and leave you alone.
You and Kris toughened me up.
Jade waited, hoping Sasha.s desire to return to Hell or take out Kris overwhelmed any suspicion he had.
She felt bad for scaring him but knew the alternative—people like Kris or Sasha finding out—would doom her.
Master Kris has ordered us to respect any wish you have, Miss Hannah.
Kris explained everything to me last night, Katherine.
Kris wasn.t there, but Sasha was.
Where.s Kris? she demanded.
Is Kris with you in the lab?
He left the sparring level without saying a word to Ully and followed his instincts up a flight of stairs and down a narrow hall he recognized from his visit to their father.s catacombs with Kris.
Kris had managed to create a barrier around the chamber to keep Immortals from trespassing via the shadow world.
Kris disappeared into the portal behind him.
I turned it over to Kris, and now the Dark One wants me dead-dead, Sasha said.
Ully is still working with it to verify, Kris replied.
He crossed his arms, interested to know Katie.s sister was as special as she was and wondering if Kris had already claimed her.
Everyone chuckled but Kris, who levied a glare at him.
Kris was frozen in place, as if not yet registering what had happened.
But I.ll have to agree, Kris.
Rhyn looked to Kris, then to Sasha, whose smile had faded.
Kris looked up at Rhyn.s low voice, his gaze lingering.
Kris was crushed, and Rhyn wasn.t sure how his eldest surviving brother hadn.t expected the rest of them to walk away.
That Kris could attack his brother.s mate but refuse to strong-arm his brothers into fighting demons made his anger boil.
The demons are planning something, Kris, and hoping someone comes to your rescue is stupid, he returned.
But, if you do as Sasha says and break the bond, I will keep her safe, I swear it, Kris said.
For the first time in his life, he felt something akin to pity for Kris.
Kris doesn.t need your blood anymore.
Rhyn joined Kris in the hallway and waited until Katie was out of earshot.
Of course I suspected him of something, Kris snapped.
Furious, Kris stalked away.
I.m doing what Kris won.t.
I gave you Kris and the Immortals.
He shifted in the brush, wishing he could.ve found a better way to draw out Kris and Sasha than by sacrificing everyone.
Jade had trained under Kris, the greatest of the Immortal warriors, and knew Sasha to be a lazy fighter.
Kris has a scientist named Ully who would.ve likely been given the vial.
While feeling vindicated that Kris might already be dead, he couldn.t help the growing guilt at hurting so many other Immortals.
She didn.t know if there was a second gym where other Immortal mates were, but Kris had said Hannah would be down.
Master Kris said you were coming.
Nice of Kris to abandon you upstairs like that.
His tactics would never earn anything but scorn from Kris, but they worked.
Two, what are we going to do when Kris chooses the Code and his oath over our unanimous vote to kill Sasha?
Tamer emerged from Kris's chamber into the hallway first, armed with a scythe and a bo, while Erik followed with a long sword.
Kris and a few of his Immortals were surrounded in the middle of the park while demons darted from the forest to attack pockets of Immortals.
Kris, he knew, was the best Immortal warrior ever known.
I evacuated the castle, Kris said.
Kris turned away and maneuvered through the piles of dead-dead Immortals and demons toward Tamer.
Kris didn.t go far, just far enough to be out of earshot of the Immortals.
The Ancient Kris probably contacted the other three, because we only have about forty Immortal refugees here now.
For the first time since meeting him, she almost preferred to deal with Kris.
I guess it wouldn.t matter if you succeeded in altering it like Kris said.
The second looked like Kris might.ve in his younger days, when his face still glowed with hope.
She whipped around to see Kris standing in the doorway, holding the door open as if debating whether to enter.
God, Kris, did you have to go there?
You.re right, Kris, I can.t understand how you could turn your back on the person who needed you most and justify it with your shortsighted arrogance.
You chose the wrong side, Kris.
Rhyn killed her to protect you, Kris.
She.d never understand a man like Kris, who saw the world only in black and white!
Mostly. The Council sent in their warriors to help Kris.
Ancient Kris would never admit to that.
The guy I spoke to said he beat the ever-living shit out of them all at once, until they agreed to come back and do what Kris says.
Kris was glaring up at him, he knew without looking.
Katie couldn.t stay with her sister if her sister chose Kris, or she.d be subjected to the same treatment he was.
He would go to the Sanctuary and bring Sasha back to Kris.
Kris had sworn to protect her if Rhyn un-mated her.
Kris rose to find his brothers.
Kris was silent, surprised at Darkyn.s audacity.
While Kris would love to sacrifice a certain infuriating mortal to further his cause, he wouldn.t even sacrifice her, let alone allow Darkyn.s to wipe out a village.
Kris opened a portal to the Indian Ocean Sanctuary, where Erik had gone to seek out Ully.
Kris wasn.t about to lose Hannah the same way.
Kris knew the opposite to be true but said nothing, enjoying the moment of peace.
He looked … different, though Kris couldn.t pinpoint why.
Kris gave him a sidelong look.
He was safe at the castle, Kris said as they walked.
Gabriel's ominous words made Kris uneasy.
Kris had come close to breaking the Immortal rules or his own oaths to his father.
Kris took in his mutilated brother.s body.
She.d been the reason Kris turned his back on him, and she.d been the one to bring the vial to the demon she thought was Ully.
If he killed her, Kris would finally see the folly of his ways.
Maybe there was a chance he could leave Hell and come back to Kris.
He would go to Kris and tell him just that—that Sasha had done this all, and he, Jade, had tried to help but been nearly killed by the demons!
He saw only warriors on the main floor of the castle and ascended with increasing pain to the floor where Kris would be.
Kris's chamber was a burnt-out hull, and he lingered for a moment, regret in his belly.
Kris looked up, surprise crossing his face.
Kiki, the Ancient from Asia, sat beside Kris at the small conference table and looked him over with a frown.
Emerald was the color of Kris thinking, and Jade.s favorite hue.
Kris managed at last, standing.
I was worried, Kris said in a soft voice.
They slashed him up good, but he.s still alive, Kris said.
She.d brought him nothing but pain, and now her family had taken Kris from him.
Please, go take care of yourself, Kris said, not unkindly.
Kris waited until the guest bedroom door closed before he motioned to one of the Immortals posted on either end of the hallway.
Something was drastically altered about his friend, and the thin collar around his neck told Kris everything he needed to know.
Kris waited until five Immortals were present in the hall before he retreated to his conference room.
Kris crossed to his burnt-out bedchamber and dug through a trunk in the closet.
Kris looked at his condemned brother anew, not sure how to take Rhyn.s newfound intent and resolve.
What he did was for the good of Immortals and humans alike, Kris said.
I only ask one thing of you, Kris, in exchange for doing your dirty work.
Kris had assigned her a babysitter and ordered her to spray herself down with the skunk spray so she wouldn.t draw any unwanted attention.
Sounds like he did the same to me as Kris did to you.
She wondered if Kris would check on her then dismissed the idea he.d seek her out for any reason.
Kris will need to be convinced to turn it over to me.
Kris gave me one of Andre.s old jobs.
He twisted his head to see Kris standing outside of a portal.
Kris gave no explanation, simply strode into the shadow world.
Kris caught him and shoved him back into the wall with his forearm across Rhyn.s throat.
But Kris was right; this was time to think, not act.
Gritting his teeth loudly enough for Kris to grimace, he nodded.
You don.t think, Rhyn, Kris said.
I tried to get the vial from Kris.
Or who let him have the vial or who knew how to use Jade to get to Kris?
Kris pushed him aside to offer her a chair.
Daniela.s little legs moved fast, and she was across the courtyard while Kris stared toward the room where Rhyn assumed his mate was.
As if sensing what he intended to do, Kris took his arm.
Kris entered and closed the door.
Rhyn looked at Kris, puzzled by the nonsense.
He thrashed, knocking Kris back.
Jade.s shouts turned to screams, and Kris motioned Rhyn out of the room.
Rhyn thought nothing of it until Kris opened the door.
Jade had freed himself during his thrashing and launched out of the door, machete in hand as he flung himself on Kris.
Kris appeared surprised and furious.
He didn.t wait for the shocked leader of the Sanctuary to respond but took Kris into one of the empty rooms and laid him out on the bed.
He was alone, roasting in the sun for a long moment before he sensed Kris approach.
Kris asked, sitting heavily on the ground beside him.
At one time, I would.ve probably agreed, Kris admitted.
Kris was quiet for a moment.
I can.t control it, Kris.
I.ll figure something out, Kris said.
I know, I know, Kris says I'm an angel and angels are supposed to protect humans and you're anything but human but I still want to stay with you.
Kris and his mate, Hannah – Rhyn's other buffer – weren't about to live the rest of Immortality on the beach with him.
Rhyn glanced at him, taking in the arm in a sling. Kris was healing from an attacker Rhyn had saved him from, the day Katie killed herself.
Kris rose but didn't leave.
Kris was silent for a long moment.
You're doing exactly what Kris wants you to, Rhyn, going to your death like a lamb.
Kris stood outside, waiting for him.
Kris frowned and opened his mouth to speak when Toby gave an exasperated sigh.
Kris opened the portal to the shadow world and held out his hand to his mate.
Rhyn glanced back to see both Kris and his mate frowning as they watched him.
Kris had opened it near the cliff. On the other side of the world from the Caribbean Sanctuary, the French Alps were dark and cold, and it was sleeting.
He gritted his teeth to keep it contained, silently cursing both the angel and Kris for not just letting him die-dead, like he deserved.
What are you doing? Did you do what Kris said?
She wanted Kris dead in that moment, even if the arrogant Immortal was her sister's husband.
It was better than traveling the underworld with Gabriel or fighting with Kris for an ounce of respect.
And then I saw how good his heart is. He's a train wreck, but he's honorable and capable of such good. Kris pulled me into this world and assumed I'd do what I was told like a good little human. But when I told Rhyn I wanted to leave him, he asked for another chance. It's like he woke up then and realized he wasn't in Hell anymore or trapped by his brothers' expectations.
He ascended two floors to the hallway where Kris's supplies had been stocked. He recalled how hard it could be taking care of a helpless creature like Katie or Toby. He strode to the chamber that had served as a department store full of clothing to Kris's Immortals. Not surprised to find the chamber ransacked, he sifted through the remaining clothing on the floor. He guessed Toby's size and stuffed a bag with a few items before going to the food supplies.
She's alive now. I told Kris and Hannah the same thing. No one listens to me.
Uncle Kris is right. You are more brawn than brains, Pops.
You don't bring something food and clothing if you don't care if it dies. If you want it – Toby - to live, come to the castle this evening after dark falls. We have matters to discuss. Bring Kris. If you want the angel to die then stay right here.
Testing his magic, he realized he could call forth a portal. He needed an ally, but it wasn't Kris. He had no intention of bringing Kris to meet Darkyn, not when he didn't know what Darkyn wanted. His thoughts went to Gabriel, the best friend he hoped he hadn't lost completely. Gabe wouldn't try to negotiate with Darkyn if things went bad.
Kris would've helped you.
It's been three days! You and Kris couldn't get along for three days?
You must tell Kris about Lilith. I'm sick of this war between you two. We need you both on the Council.
He'd have a way of keeping my mind off of things. I think the demon side of him makes him a better Immortal than people like Kris.
A tingle of alarm went through Rhyn, but his head was too heavy for him to process it. Instead, he focused hard on containing the power within him. When he felt he wouldn't explode, he looked around. Darkyn had claimed Kris's library and stood near a pane of windows overlooking the snowy Alps.
I want to see Kris first.
If you loved her enough to destroy the world for her, then you know the pain Kris has been through twice. Hell cannot hold a candle to that kind of pain.
Kris gave you the position of enforcer.
He thought of Hell, and the portal glowed blacker than night. He thought of Kris, and the portal for the Sanctuary lit up. He thought of the Immortal underworld – Death's domain – and the portal turned gray.
At the Sanctuary, Kris was just getting ready to return to his tent when Kiki burst onto the beach, looking as if he were being chased by demons.
The portal closed behind his half-brother, and Kiki lowered the knife in his hand, facing Kris.
Kris watched him for any telltale signs he was a demon. So far, every move was very Kiki.
Even if it could, only Ully knew what Ully was doing in the lab, Kris said in frustration.
Sorry, Kris. Andre had a way with people, even Rhyn. Without him or Katie, we can't fix whatever it is Rhyn is going to do.
Rhyn does understand, but he can't control what he is. Even if he wanted to do good, he'd fail. He's too weak to control his impulses, Kris.
There had been no hesitation, no second guessing when Rhyn snapped Jade's neck. Over and over, Kris had tried to convince himself he'd do the same for his half-brother.
Kris, I think the era of the Council as a whole is over.
Kris heard what Kiki didn't say, that only Andre had been able to keep the Council together after their father's death. The six headstrong brothers of the Council That Was Seven had respected Andre, who was an adult when the rest of the brothers were born.
Listen, Kris, I'm not trying to be an ass, but logistically and in practicality, there's no reason for us to maintain the Council.
At that moment, Kris couldn't help resenting both Rhyn and Death or hoping Death's visit to Rhyn hadn't been her way of showing support for Andre's successor.
Kris felt as if he'd glimpsed his fate – and it wasn't good.
Look, Kris, don't take our resistance personally. Anyone who tried to step into Andre's shoes would receive the same treatment. It's too soon after his death.
But sometimes I look at Hannah and see Katie, Kris said, recalling how he'd taken Katie's blood by force soon after she went to the castle.
He slapped Kris on the arm.
Kris lingered, deep in thought, until Hannah sought him out. She still looked pale.
Kris let out a surprised laugh at the image in his mind of Rhyn being sent packing like a misbehaving puppy.
Hannah's pretty eyes grew dark. Kris kissed her on the forehead, not wanting his mate to worry, even if he didn't know what would happen once he and Kiki left for the underworld.
Please, don't worry, Hannah, Kris said.
She hesitated then kissed him on the cheek and turned to go. Kris watched her, unable to shake the uncanny sense it was the last time he'd see her.
I don't think both of us will make it out of the underworld. It makes me think about all the things I wish I'd done before I died. I wanted to backpack through Europe and go on a cruise somewhere warm. I wanted to make love with you on the beach under the full moon. Without worrying about demons or Kris or anything.
Besides, you have to show up Kris and the rest of them.
I mean, how are you not a traitor like Sasha or a cold jerk like Kris? How did you spend so long in Hell and still try to follow parts of the Code?
Kris can't keep everyone together. He needs your … charm.
Kris glanced up, expecting Kiki to enter his tent; however, it was one of his Immortal messengers who approached.
The messenger held out a small thumb drive with what Kris hoped contained a report identifying the two shapeshifter demons. He left, and Kris plugged the thumb drive into his small PDA. A single file was on the drive, and he opened it.
Puzzled, he pulled the drive free of his PDA and reinserted it. The single file within was still empty. Kris tossed it on a table.
Kris drew a sharp breath, unaware that the deity could enter his dreams.
Kris crossed his arms, looking hard at the deity. "I think I said it."
Kris blinked, trying to figure out what the deity wanted.
She was a risk for revealing the Immortal society to the human world or alerting the demons as to where Kris's strongholds were.
Death's words made the air in the room feel heavy. Kris sat down at the table.
Kris, what if I said you could have anything in the world from me? A favor. A wish granted.
Answer me, Kris. What is your deepest desire?
As suddenly as she appeared, Death was gone. Anger rising, Kris looked around to make sure she really was gone then cursed.
Kiki froze halfway through the doorway, frowning. Kris breathed a sigh, wondering how one tiny woman could make him tense enough he wanted to raze the beach.
Kiki left, and Kris felt he'd frustrated the one brother willing to help him.
Instead of following, Kris dwelt a moment longer on Death's words.
Kris's memories stirred stronger than he liked. He remembered Lilith, a beautiful Immortal whose laugh had filled him with happiness. Their love had been intense and brief, lasting less than a human year in total. One day, she was just … gone.
Even if Lilith wasn't meant to be his mate, she didn't deserve such a brutal death. She didn't deserve death at all. Instead of mourning a son, Kris could've spent the past few thousand years raising a successor.
Of all the things Death had told Kris, she hadn't seemed in the least concerned about trespassers in her domain.
Kris caught a glimpse of what looked like a shopping mall west of them. His gaze lingered.
Kris attempted to summon a portal.
Kris didn't answer, not wanting to think of how that conversation would go with the deity. He tested his power again. Kiki was right; they had none.
Hannah looked to Kris, her blue eyes watering.
Kris pursed his lips, wanting to release the curses coiled on his tongue. He looked her over. She'd at least worn sturdy shoes, long pants and shirt. She was in decent shape, slender and toned from Pilates and the gym.
Kiki shook his head and stalked off into the brush. Kris held out his hand to Hannah, unable to shake the small part of him that was grateful he had one ally, even if she shouldn't have come.
Rhyn thought of Kiki, suspecting his brother went to Kris. He wondered who Kris sent after him to make sure he didn't follow through on his threat to confront Death. "We only have today," he said.
I'm beyond help, Rhyn. I've always believed you could be all that Kris and Andre and your father were not. Your half-demon nature makes you better prepared than all of them combined.
Kris and Kiki both looked towards the sky when the thunder began. They'd both given their jackets to Hannah, whose step was growing slower the farther they went into the jungle. Kiki muttered but didn't openly bitch, probably knowing Kris had no patience for anyone insulting his mate.
Kris addressed Kiki with a worried look towards Hannah.
Kiki gave him a fiery look but moved to the nearest tree. Kris watched him scale the large tree and disappear beyond the canopy of leaves.
Kris sat beside her. Hannah's skin had gone from pale to gray, and her features looked gaunt. He couldn't help thinking Katie wouldn't survive a week down here if Hannah was suffering so badly after a day. He touched Hannah's hair, revolted when a handful came off in his hand.
Hannah looked down at it then at him. Her blue eyes had turned dark, and Kris shook the hair off his hands. He tried to smile reassuringly.
She didn't look convinced. Kris moved away her, his anxiety and concern growing. They'd come there to rescue one human and might just lose two. He paced and gazed up the tree, unable to see Kiki. He heard Hannah stir and glanced towards her. She rose from her seat.
Kris looked up in time to see Kiki crash through the canopy and plummet towards the ground. Kris gasped and sprung forward. A streak of black crossed his vision as a flying demon snatched Kiki out of the air.
It had been Andre's mantra, and Kris had always done what he thought Andre would've wanted.
Suddenly, Hannah stopped. Kris barreled towards her. He glimpsed movement before he burst into the small clearing. It wasn't until he leapt over the final hurdle – a massive fallen tree – did he see what stopped her. One moment she stood with her back to him. The next, she was on the ground, Rhyn's dagger dripping with blood.
A similar scene flashed before Kris. One from long ago, when another blond woman had fallen to the devil that was his brother.
Rhyn looked up, and Kris charged him. He knocked Rhyn to the ground, wrestling the dagger free, and lashed out.
Instinct and fury blinded him. He felt the dagger sink into flesh and struck again, only to find himself flying backwards through the air. Rhyn shouted something at him, but Kris couldn't hear him, not with the memory of both Lilith and Hannah dying.
Magic shot through him, burning like fire. Kris gasped. Another blast, and he fell to the ground. His body roiled with the demon magic, convulsing until the blow faded. He felt himself hauled up by his neck and thrust onto the ground again. His vision blurry, Kris could only see Hannah's beautiful blond hair. Sorrow replaced anger, and he reached out, touching the soft wheat curls.
Rhyn snatched him again and shoved Hannah onto her back. Fury built in Kris again at the disregard for his mate, until he saw her face.
He stared. It was not Hannah lying beside him but a demon with blond hair. Kris pulled his legs beneath him to sit, and Rhyn released him.
Kris looked at him, anger building. The muscular half-demon was bleeding from a wound in his chest. His dark eyes glowed like a demon's, though his face was still that of an Immortal.
It took Kris a moment to regain himself.
Another thought struck Kris.
Rhyn's jaw clenched, and he looked up at the sky. He stood and hauled Kris to his feet, indicating the forest.
Kris watched him stalk away, unable to shake a sense of guilt. If he'd gone after Kiki, he wouldn't have put his half-brother at even greater risk. His judgment had failed him.
As he stood alone in the jungle, Kris couldn't help feeling as though he'd failed some test, one Rhyn wouldn't fail.
No, Kris, you deserved that for letting our brother get taken by demons.
Kris slowed, hearing Andre's message in Rhyn's voice.
Sounds about right. Everyone's got a weakness that can be leveraged, Kris.
Kris said nothing. Rhyn's assurances that Hannah was safe in Hell didn't sit well with him. Kris followed the half-demon without knowing where they might be headed, instead thinking of just how bad of a situation he'd left Kiki in.
Death was right. Kris didn't have what it took to keep the Council together. He may have just lost one of his brothers, because he lost focus of what he should've done. Maybe he should've known Jade was a traitor or Hannah was a demon. He hadn't known of Andre's danger or been able to bring the Council together to fight the demons that threatened them all. He hadn't been able to keep Hannah safe or Toby or Katie.
His eyes went to Rhyn's back as his half-brother hacked through a few branches in their way. The sense that the exiled half-demon could do what he couldn't returned. Kris touched his collarbone, the one Jade had broken.
None of it mattered now, however. Kris had responsibilities, and he had to find a way to fulfill them the best he could.
Rhyn stopped and knelt, placing his hands to the ground. Kris crossed his arms. A blast of energized air swept over him. Rhyn sat back.
Kris asked, looking around for any change in their surroundings.
Coldness settled over Kris. He gazed around warily.
Kris asked. The jungle stilled around them, and the snake-like branches froze.
Kris caught it by the hilt and waited, the sound of his heart pounding loud in his ears.