“I did not call you that, Jazmin, I am simply explaining,” Bastian says, through gritted teeth.
“You push stained shadows into the human world, where we have no chance of fighting back? We don’t even know what they are?” Jazmin snaps.
“Jazmin, one problem at a time. First, we save Drake, then we fix this antiquated system.” Caderyn stands and walks away for a moment, thinking. “So, Drake and the new Fae Queen came into a War they did not start. Now, she is dead, and Drake is next!” She clasps her head, and calls for him softly in her mind, ‘Drake,’ no answer.
“We have to split up!” She says whirling around. “You two are going to go get the key, and I’m going to find his body.”
Jazmin starts to disagree but stops when Caderyn turns her chocolate stare on Bastian, and her eyes flash silver. “I am your Fae Queen. I command my Guardsmen to protect Jazmin and find the Key!”
“Yes, my Queen,” he says bowing low. Caderyn nods in satisfaction.
“Jazmin, I’ve loved you like a sister, you have believed in fairytales most of your life, and now we are living one. Help me save Drake and his people. I will be okay,” she pleads clasping her hands softly.
“Okay, what do we do?” Jaz asks.
The Fae Queen smiles, “I have a plan.”
Chapter 9
Caderyn is going home. Before Bastian and Jazmin left to retrieve the key, he opened her mind to the gifts she now possesses.
“My Queen, it should be taught to you slowly over centuries, but that is a luxury we do not have. If you will trust me, I can share the knowledge of our people with you,” he asks waiting for permission.
“If it will help me save him, Bastian, do it.” He reaches up and touches her temple and immediately she feels. Pain surges over her, and through her. She feels the heartbeat of the planet and the power of the sun. She sees the beauty of the stars and the souls waiting to experience life. She feels sorrow, sadness, joy, and love. She becomes life and death, and she weeps, falling to the ground. “Breath my love,” his deep voice says, and Drake wraps his soul around her. He shields her from the pain, and she feels him inside of her, around her and with her. Power flows from him into her, and she glows with the enormity of the shift.
After a few moments, it eases, and Caderyn stands. Her chocolate eyes flash silver, and she smiles, “Thank you, Bastian. I’m ready.”
Jazmin hugs her tight, “Cadie, promise me you will be okay?” she asks.
“I will be okay, trust him Jazmin he will take care of you,” Caderyn says stepping back and in a flash, she is gone.
Jazmin stands in wonder and dread, staring at the spot Caderyn once stood. “What now?” she whispers. Bastian walks up behind her, and she feels his heat, as his arms surround her.
“Now, we keep our promise,” he says close to her ear. Chills erupt, and she turns slowly, rubbing her body against his. Jazmin looks at Bastian and is afraid, not of what waits for them, but afraid of losing him.
“Bastian, thank you for healing me,” she says softly, and she wraps her arms around his neck and pauses a breath away from his mouth. His lips touch hers masculine and dominating, possessive and needy. She tastes him, Bastian, full of fire and ice. He pulls her closer; crushing her breasts against his chest and watches her eyes fill with passion. His hands skim down the side of her breasts clutching her waist, and he breaks away with a dark smile.
“You are welcome. Do you trust me, Jazmin?” He asks quietly, still holding her.
“I don’t know you, Bastian, but I would like to trust you,” Jazmin answers honestly.
“That will do, for now. The Fae can travel very quickly, but you must not fight the sensation. Hold onto me.” Before she can blink, his energy surrounds her, soaking into her soul. She feels the heat, and when she looks into his dark eyes, all fear is forgotten. Mine is all she can think.
His possessiveness is growing, and Bastian knows it will only become stronger over time. His Mate. He will kill for her, destroy for her and give his last breath to keep her safe. ‘Mine,” comes his soul’s response. Light, brilliant streams of light move around them, past them, and under them, but she only has eyes for him. Her hands snake up into his hair, and she pulls his mouth down again, more she thinks.
“More,” he responds and takes her with his mouth with all the skill of an immortal.
He breaks away as the colors streaking past begin to slow, and turns her away from him, “We are almost there.” Arctic air hits Jazmin, and she shivers snuggling closer to Bastian. With a thought, they are dressed for the frigid temperatures of Mongolia.
“That’s handy,” Jazmin laughs. They’ve arrived outside of the monastery, which is located a few miles from the Silver Tree.
“Bastian, why are we here? Why not just go straight to the temple?” Jazmin asks quietly.
“The Fae are forbidden from setting foot inside the temple. The Silver Tree you seek is a silver tree fountain. Jazmin, it is guarded by four stone lions on the ground, and four serpents on the top of the tree. The true guardian is the Angel who sits on top. It was built to show the world the wealth of the Mongolians, but in truth, it guards a secret.”
“A real angel?” she asks in wonder. They walk outside, and Bastian points to the fountain. In the distance, she can see it. “What is the secret, Bastian?” she asks, looking back at him.
“The secret is under the fountain; a crypt of
