Seduced by Darkness (The Seduced Saga)(23)

Tammy smiled. "We want you to be leader, Derek. I still have a lot to figure out in my life, but you are settled down with an amazing woman who fits into our life, you have the leadership qualities a good pack leader needs, and we know you're the best choice."

"I can't," I said. "I've barely spent time with the pack. I was always gone before and now we live at Elysium and are hardly here outside of Sunday family dinners. I wouldn't know what's best for them or even how to do this."

"Dude," Dean said, "you'll figure all that out. You and Rose were meant to be here, leading our pack, protecting the rose bush and our legacy and people. The way you saved me from the hell dimension proves that. The pack trusts you. They want you as their leader."

My mom stood and walked over. "I know you're scared, but I also know this is your destiny and you are ready for it. We are deeding you this house and the property, as well as Rose Botanicals. Your brother and sister will help you run the company, and you and Rose can live here and raise the next generation of O'Conners. If you want. It's your choice."

I looked to Rose who shrugged and looked as shocked as I felt.

My family left us alone in the study to talk, but I just sat there in silence. I felt much like I imagined Rose felt. I didn't want to fail everyone, but I felt like I would.

When Rose's phone rang, I thought she'd ignore it, but when she saw the number she answered. "Hello?"

Her face turned deathly pale and she jumped off the couch. "We'll be right there."

She hung up and turned to me. "That was Beleth. Sam and Drake have been captured."





TWENTY THREE





Weigh Thy Words





DRAKE





Thou weigh'st thy words before thou givest them breath.

— William Shakespeare, Othello




A THIRST FOR blood woke me. My tongue felt thick and coated, like I'd been asleep and drugged for a long time. My head pounded in pain and the world around me spun. I had no idea where I was, and I couldn't see Sam.

Someone was dragging me forward. The stone floor scraped at my body until I righted myself and tried to walk on my own. My wrists were handcuffed behind me, and I couldn't release my wings. "Where's Sam?" I asked the Emzara who held me. The one who had attacked us.

"Drake!" I heard her voice behind me and spun toward it. She was being dragged forward by one of the soldiers in red.

"Sam, are you injured? Are you okay?"

The Emzara jerked me forward and I lost eye contact with Sam, but at least I knew she was all right. "Where are you taking us?"

I had so many questions. Why had we been attacked? What did the Emzara want with us? No one answered me.

'Drake. We need a plan.'

Sam's thoughts came to my mind weakly. Quietly. Like it took all her effort to make the mental contact. 'Are you powers compromised?'

'Yes. I can't reach anyone but you. I can't push my mind too far. It snaps back, like a rubber brand. Someone's blocking me. Or something.'

That eliminated Plan A. We needed a Plan B. 'Have you learned anything about where we're going or why?'

'No. They haven't spoken and I can't read them. I'm scared.'

I glanced back at her, locking eyes. 'So am I. But we'll be okay.'

I hoped that was true and I wasn't lying to my wife.

We finally stopped and were pulled through a huge double door that had the symbols of Sunrise and Nightfall intertwined. A sun and moon.

'I think I know where we are,' Sam said to me mentally.

I nodded, also suspecting the truth of our location. The Twilight Court in Venice, Italy, ruled by Queen Seraphina. It was confirmed as we approached a floating royal throne where a beautiful Nephilim sat, her silver blue wings spread behind her. In her left hand she held a glowing white orb. Her midnight hair flowed like water down her shoulders and her dark silk dress clung to her slender figure.

Sam's voice broke the spell the Twilight Queen had cast over me. 'Hey! Stop drooling, husband!'

I glanced at her sheepishly. 'Sorry, that was weird.'

She smiled to show she wasn't truly upset. 'I was pulled in for a moment too. I think it's part of her power.'

We were both shoved to our knees by the Emzara escorting us. They also knelt as the Queen looked down at us.

Her voice filled the open space when she spoke. "Rise and face me."

We were yanked up and pushed forward.

She directed her gaze toward me and I did my best to keep my mind latched to Sam, to not lose myself in her mystique.

"Drake, son of Beleth, you have broken one of our most sacred laws. You have turned a human into Nephilim without seeking permission from your Queen. How do you plead?"

I stepped forward and shoved my fear down as I faced her. "I had no choice… Your Majesty. My wife would have died had I not acted fast. She was attacked by a beast who is killing paranormals."

"Be that as it may, you still broke our laws and must pay for your crimes," she said.

A heavy stillness settled on the room as we waited for her verdict. My stomach tied itself into knots with the waiting.

Finally, she released her orb and it floated beside her as she leaned forward. "I am truly sorry, but I cannot allow the creation of new Nephilim. Your wife will be executed at sunrise. She shall suffer the fate of her destiny, as if you had not interfered."