The only good in her life was a vampire-who-was-not. Yet even he deceived her. The reasons for his deception no longer mattered. It was too painful to face.Ra’s finger lifted her jaw to look him in the eyes. She expected to see his madness, but it did not stop the shiver.“You have lost, child. Did you think you could overpower me?”“No, my Lord.”“You will be the first to fall.”“Yes, my Lord,” She mumbled.Nothing mattered. Sha’ní would not fight him. She wondered if she died in this reality if her body would actually die.The only way to kill a god was to destroy the soul. If her mind believed her to be dead, would she wake up from her nightmare or remain in the dark?A cold and dark power went through her forcing a scream out before her lungs locked. Her heart fluttered in her chest, fighting to keep her alive. The darkness continued further down until it reached her soul. Sha’ní’s body went rigid, and a silent scream was etched on her face. It would not be long now.The cold gri

Charles sat staring at Atumn with her jaw unhinged. She could not believe any of what he said. Her mind simply could not file the information.Ra’s soft eyes peered at her with concern, “Speak, Charles .”She blinked and opened her mouth, but no words came out.“Why are you telling me this?” She finally asked.“It is time you know the truth. Releasing Lilene was treason to the gods and I must atone for it. You judge the living. You must decide my fate.“If you choose death as an acceptable punishment, I wish you to know everything and answer all the questions that you have been asking since your birth as a human before I meet your husband.”Charles ’s anxiety and rage fueled a storm that demanded a release. She stood and started pacing to help relieve the energy.“It is not my place to pass judgment on you. You are the lord of the gods.”“You are my daughter and heir. My failure rests in your hands.”“Lilene cannot be my mother. The human that went by the name Parnell gave birth to me

Her soul cried out for its master, and her heart tugged on her to touch the god. Her entire body hummed with thrilling anxiety.It was as if they played a game in the Queen’s Chambers, and she was tasked with taming the beast. Charles would not tame this beast. She would encourage it and enjoy its ravaging hunger.“Leave us, Jasper ,” Autumn commanded.Jasper slowly stood and took one prowling step toward Charles . His nose flared as he breathed in her arousal. His mind was closed; however, his eyes burned with passion. He could not hide his desire for her. Behind his lust was the burning question of whether or not she forgave him.He stood frozen in place for a brief moment; however, in that single moment, the entire world disappeared, leaving the two of them. He was hers to command. She must only speak, and she would have that fantasy and many more.When Jasper vanished, Charles let out the breath she was holding out. At times the trance she fell into was not beneficial. She was sup

"Have you always been this way?”“I do not know what you mean. I will leave you be and return when I have had a moment with mother,” Sha’ní lunged at him and embraced him. His body jerked, and his claws raked the chair as he stood.Sha’ní fell on her rump and stared at the angry jackal. His eyes glowed red as he panted.Kebachet realized what he had done and rubbed the back of his neck, “My apologies, Sister. Please do not do that again.”Sha’ní stood and clasped his hand. His green eyes locked on to her gaze, “I should be the one to apologize. I got excited.”Sha’ní smiled as she turned toward the door, “I should have known not to hug you. You were raised to believe affection is a weakness. You have all the markings of Jasper ’s son.”It was not merely the fact you hugged me. You glow with love and life like mother does,” Kebachet struggled with words to explain his reaction, “It stirred a painful memory,” he finally said as he returned to the chair."Besides, your skin feels like a

Charles relived the eight thousand years she was a vampire through Jasper ’s experiences. She had no control over his body; however, she heard every thought and felt every emotion as he strove to guide the female vampire to the god’s realm.He was faced with destroying a creature he loved and struggled to find a solution. When there seemed to be none, and he concluded he must end her life, his mate broke through and glowed brilliantly. He could not be more proud of her.Charles ’s ascension and marriage to him were the happiest times of his life. He shared every thought as he governed the underworld and took his role as husband and father.Jasper ’s anxiety over Charles ever finding out his true nature forced him to be creative and keep his inner thoughts away from her. Her deep blue eyes peered up at him in awe when he surprised her, and it made him feel unstoppable.He molded her into the goddess she was. He poured his very soul into her; however, her fire and determined will to liv