The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

Author:Gena Showalter [Showalter, Gena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Gena Showalter, 1001 Dark Nights, Lords of the Underworld, paranormal, romance
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * * *

The rain pitter-pattered, and Viola’s happy buzz faded. Brochan sure did know how to ruin a moment. He wouldn’t be too thrilled when he learned the truth about the nonexistent key. He might even feel as if he’d lost his only family yet again.

Inside, she cringed. As a mother, how could she hurt a father?

What if she found another way to save McCadden? She’d rescued Fluffy from the jaws of death using a literal piece of her heart. A pinch she’d severed from herself and wove into his—a spiritual process she’d learned from books.

If Viola shared a piece of herself with McCadden, she would need to feed him the same way she fed Fluffy. Her heart wasn’t a natural part of his, and it would drain, requiring charging.

“Give me what I want,” Brochan said. “I…I’m willing to partner with you to permanently neutralize the other Forsaken.”

“Wait. Hold up. In this so-called partnership, you get deliverance from your foes and a key?” Just not the one he assumed. “What do I get?” She plucked a flower and nestled its soft petals against her cheek before weaving the bloom into her hair.

“You receive deliverance from your foes as well. And freedom,” he grated. “Do you agree or not, goddess?”

“Not!” Giddy—ruthless—she peered at him over her shoulder. She’d won. Mostly. Kill the Forsaken, her enemies, and Brochan allowed her to feed Fluffy without interference? Done. “I demand a vow of eternal protection. Consider it a captivity tax. That’s my deal. Take it or leave it.”

His nostrils flared. “Sent Ones only bestow vows of eternal protection to their mates.”

“Good thing you aren’t a Sent One then. Although, there’s a slight chance I could be convinced to possibly consider pondering a long-term union with you.” Why not? If he were the one to pass her test…

A huff of irritation. “Stop pretending to desire me, Viola.”

Something about his tone and defensive posture unsettled her. She considered his display of vulnerability in the shower stall. How he’d flushed when they’d discussed lovemaking. How his previous partners had turned their heads, avoiding his kiss. Deflating his pride.

I can build his confidence.

When you can’t even build your own? The demon laughed at her.

She cringed as if the fiend had struck her. Rephrase. She wanted to build Brochan’s confidence. Since they were partners, she should try.

Yes. Aid him now, destroy him later. Good plan.

Viola jerked, then tried to hide the action by pretending to sniff another bloom. “Brochan, if you can’t tell when I’m being genuine or not, that’s on you. Now. If you’d like access to my key, you’ll give me one hour of devotion a day. At least.” Though he continued to deny it, he yearned for her as much as she yearned for him. He must. All he lacked was an excuse to give in.

Happy to oblige, darling. For the first time in a long time, a male intrigued her. Why not explore their connection while she had the chance?

Facing him fully, she said, “Do you agree, beast?”

A strangled sound left him.

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