Dark Fates (A Paranormal Anthology)(43)

Eden watched in awe as Tariq stared at nothing and started speaking in that ancient tongue. From what she could see, she, Anubis—now looking like one giant man even taller than Tariq—and a happy dog wagging his tail stood in the command room with the others still kneeling.

After Tariq had attacked Set, everything had slowed then frozen. Time stopped, literally.

Set vanished with a scowl on his face. The others in the room remained on their knees, looking down. Only Anubis changed into a more normal appearance. The dog just appeared out of nowhere, smiling, his tongue lolling out.

“So what has happened, exactly?” Anubis asked.

Eden told him everything in detail, even the parts about her and Tariq having sex in front of the guys. Something about Anubis demanded the truth, and knowing how much Tariq loved and worshipped him, she knew Anubis deserved the respect.

“Hmm.” Anubis tapped his lips and stared at Tariq, who suddenly jumped in front of the dog, screaming.

The dog licked him then seemed to wink at Anubis before vanishing.

“You really are his heart. I know you, Rehema, and I love your gentleness, your need to make things better for everyone you meet. You’ve been alone a long time now. Can you see a future with Tariq?”

She watched her lover, her mate, looking horrified, and wondered what he’d done and why. No doubt something noble and stupid to save her. She hadn’t lied before. She’d started remembering a good deal about him, and every bone in Tariq’s body belonged to a hero.

“He’s a good man. His heart is true.” She held a hand over her chest. “And it’s mine.”

“Ah. A good answer. But is it balanced?” He snapped his fingers and floated her on top of a scale that magically appeared.

A few days ago, watching time stand still, talking to a god, and watching her lover cut out a man’s tongue would have seriously freaked her out. Now? She just rolled with it.

Perched atop the scales, she marveled at the fact that her side didn’t move, considering a feather sat on the other side.

Anubis’s grin stole her breath. “As I’d hoped. You love him as he loves you, with your whole heart.” He helped her down, using his hands this time, and touched her belly. She felt a zing and a flutter. “Such strength in this little one. You will keep him happy, and one day he will serve me, like his father.”

She nodded, pleased at the thought of her family in the care of a fair and loving deity.

Then Anubis leaned forward and kissed her, and she felt his power all the way to her toes. “You are a worthy mate, Rehema. Eden.” He smiled. “You need not worry about leaving Tariq before your time. You are welcome here and in Duat.” Anubis glanced at Tariq. “See to your mate. I’ve given him a fright, but it was necessary. He would sacrifice all for you.”

She smiled.

“Yes, this I knew. But he would also sacrifice all for me.” Anubis nodded. “I will deal with Set and the others.” He snapped his fingers again, and the people on the monitors disappeared. The men in the room rose from their positions on the floor to smile at their god. Then Tariq rose to his feet, his worry a palpable thing.

“You are worthy, Tariq. Most worthy.” Anubis yanked Tariq to him, gave him a hearty hug, then vanished.

“Eden.” Tariq rushed to her side and squeezed the breath out of her while the guys laughed and congratulated them.

“What happened to you?” she asked.

“Is Set gone? Ammut, is he still here?”

“Whoa. Sounds like Anubis put you on a bad trip,” Chig said. “We’ll give you lovebirds a break. Come on, guys. Let’s see if we can track Lowe down.” He cracked his neck. “You know, I have a bad feeling I’m missing something. My neck really hurts, but I can’t for the life of me think why.”

The others left, but Tariq didn’t let her go. Instead, he lifted Eden onto a nearby table and fiddled with his pants. Growing wet at the thought of him desiring her after all he’d been through, she accepted his kiss, his desperate hands, and the thick cock that slid inside her.

“I love you so much. You’re my heart, my soul.” He took her harder, and she felt his need to get as close to her as possible. “Yes, yes.” He came and continued to thrust, riding her through her orgasm and into another.

After three more rounds of exhausting bliss, he finally slowed and kissed her.

“You made a huge mess,” she complained, but she felt so boneless she never wanted to move again.

“I almost destroyed us,” he confessed and told her what he’d seen after attacking Set.

“You didn’t. You saved us. I think if you’d accepted Set’s offer, neither of us would be here.”

“As much as I love you and want you safe, I cannot put Anubis or the lives of innocents at risk.” He paused. “I will always be his protector, Eden. Just as I will always have the capacity for the dark in me. Set didn’t turn me this time, but what of the next?”

“Then it’s a good thing you got your heart back.” She kissed him, showing him how much she loved him. “I hope you’re not the jealous kind, because Anubis and I shared a kiss.”

The look of joy on his face brought tears to her eyes.

“You are truly my heart. My soul.” He sighed and started to move again. “But if Anubis kisses you again, I’m going to punch him.”