Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(58)



“Make love to me before you go,” she whispered, tugging on Kian’s shoulders as she leaned back.

Slipping his arms around her, he held her up and kissed her again. “I can’t. Not until I come back.”





5 2

K I A N

T here was nothing Kian wanted more than to lay Syssi down on that lounger and cover her body with his. Unfortunately, he couldn’t allow himself that sweet indulgence. If he made love to Syssi in his exhausted state, he would be worthless for tonight’s mission.

“I’m running on fumes.”

“And here I thought you were Superman.” Syssi chuckled.

“I’m sure even Superman needs a few hours of sleep once in a while.”

“Don’t look so hurt, I was just joking.” She kissed his nose. “You’ll always be my Superman.”

“I wasn’t hurt.” Well, maybe just a little…

“Aha… sure…” Syssi narrowed her eyes. “Men and their egos. Just promise me you’ll be careful and not pull any macho stunts out there. I need you…” Her voice quivered a little. “When are you heading out?”

“We are leaving at midnight,” he said, touching his forehead to hers. “The Doomer holds Amanda at a remote mountain cabin, so we cannot risk landing the helicopter anywhere near the place—even with the silent blades. We’ll have to trek several miles through the forest for a surprise attack.”

“How long do you think it will take?” Syssi whispered in a failed attempt to hide the growing tremor in her voice.

“We estimate it will take us at least two hours to get there on foot. The rest should go down quickly. We’ll probably be back before three.”

Syssi’s worried eyes were getting moist with unshed tears, but she said nothing.

“There are six of us going and only one of him. The Doomer doesn’t stand a chance. You have nothing to worry about. Andrew knows what he’s doing. His plan, at least on paper, seems fail-proof.” Kian did his best to sound more assured than he really was. Even the best of plans sometimes failed. There were always surprises, and unforeseen obstacles could derail the whole thing. It was impossible to account for everything, and the help of the capricious Lady Luck was needed.

“Just bring Amanda home, safely,” Syssi whispered. “The lives of the most important people in my life are on the line tonight. I will lose a millennium of my new immortal life until I see all of you safely back,” she said with a lone tear sliding down her cheek.

“Oh, baby… Don’t cry. I promise we will all come back.” He hugged her close.

I’m such a fucking liar, promising what I can’t guarantee to deliver.





5 3

S Y S S I

A t midnight, Syssi accompanied the men to the rooftop helipad.

Outside, dark clouds obscured the moon, casting ominous shadows on the dimly illuminated platform and the large craft perching on top of it. Syssi suppressed a shiver.

It’s not a premonition, don’t read anything into it!

“Come back home safely, all of you!” She briefly hugged Anandur and Brundar, then crushed Andrew in a desperate hug while choking back tears.

If I lose him too, it will destroy me. I’d rather die than live with that pain again. My new immortality may as well become a curse instead of a blessing.

“Don’t worry. We’ll be back with Amanda in no time at all.” Andrew kissed her forehead, then dislodged himself with effort from her tight embrace. “Damn, you’re strong now…” He gave her hands a reassuring squeeze before running under the helicopter’s blades to board the craft.

The moment Andrew let go, Kian took her in his arms. “Stay with my mother. You could use each other’s support…” he said before kissing the living daylights out of her. “That was just an appetizer. Later tonight, we feast…” Wiping her tears away, he commanded, “Smile!” then shook his head at her pitifully miserable attempt at one. “I think you need another kiss…” He took her lips again.

She held on as he tried to pull away. “Just a little longer…” she whispered.

“Everything is going to be fine, sweet girl,” he murmured against her lips as he kissed her again, softly, then with one last squeeze extracted himself from her arms and hurried to the waiting helicopter.

“Good luck!” Syssi called after his retreating back.



Hugging herself against the night’s chill, she watched as the helicopter carrying the two men she loved most in the world took off, then banked north. Her vision blurred by tears, she followed the craft’s blinking lights until they disappeared in the distance. “Come back safely to me… Please!”

She cast her prayer on the cold, indifferent wind.

The end… For now…

DON’T STOP HERE

AMANDA’S STORY IS JUST GETTING STARTED

DARK ENEMY TAKEN





IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON


Read the enclosed excerpt


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