TARNISHED (Book 5.5, The Caged Series (Novella)) by Natusch Amber Lynn

Author:Natusch, Amber Lynn [Natusch, Amber Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

The Standoff

“Aniketos.” My father's tone was drenched with disdain. When I turned to face him, green eyes blazing, that sentiment reached his expression as well. “I see that Sophie was not exaggerating for once.”

“I knew you would come,” I told him, approaching with a swagger that only infuriated him more.

“Did you now?”

“Indeed. But it matters not...what's done is done. Even you know that a deal with Persephone cannot be broken.”

“I see...,” he replied through gritted teeth. “Do tell me, what exactly is your angle? Why have you caved to this bizarre need to be in touch with your mother's weak nature? Have you, of all my seed, not learned that to be weak is to be ruled?”

“Weak?” I countered, nearing his face more than I should have. “She withstood you. That takes more strength than anything I can think of.”

He laughed at my words.

“Is that what you've done? Built her up in your twisted mind to make her something she is not? Never was? Aniketos, please,” he condescended. “Your mother succumbed to the darkness as well. That is why I chose her, but even then her true nature could not be totally overrun. I see that fact staring back at me in that detestable eye color you are donning. Never has it been so true to hers. I could tolerate it when you were younger, knowing that it would fade in time. But now? Now I find myself wanting to tear those angelic eyes out of your face.”

“Temper, temper,” I warned, waving my finger in his face. “You know that would never be tolerated, and I know that you are far too attached to a life above ground for you to even attempt such a foolish thing.”

“Perhaps it would be worth my while...”

I shrugged off his bravado.

“Does your visit have a greater purpose other than to chastise me, Ares?”

“Yes. I came here to warn you.”

“About...?”

“Sophie,” he replied flatly. “You may fuck Persephone if it pleases you...she may be exactly what you need to bring you back to your senses, but you may not, under any circumstances, undo your bond with Sophie. It is forever binding. Eternal...”

“And if she were to die?”

He leaned in closely to me. I could smell her scent all over him.

“If she were to find herself on the unfortunate end of an untimely death, you would be to blame and the punishment would be severe. You would beg for death yourself one thousand times over...”

“Only one thousand?”

His brow creased intensely at my mockery. If he had held the ability to kill me without consequence, it was clear that he would have in that moment. Even though I had no intention of getting rid of Sophie, he did not know that, nor did I intend to let on to the contrary. He clearly had a weakness for her as well, which only made sense. I was in part my father's son. The darkness that reigned in him coursed through me as well, and it would appeal to her.

“Do not challenge me on this.

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