Rhyn's Redemption Read online

  “I see you made it back,” Katie said awkwardly.

  “You look better than I expected.”

  “Gee, thanks, Rhyn.”

  “I mean, you look beautiful for a dead woman.”

  She crossed her arms.

  “I told you I’d get you back,” he said and took a step towards her.

  “Toby brought me back,” she pointed out. “He said if you listened to him, you could’ve found me faster.”

  “That little shit.”

  Katie fought back a smile at the irritated look on Rhyn’s face. He was in raw form: bloodied, drenched with underworld rain, disheveled, in need of a good shave. His thick frame was still on edge, as if he expected one of the Sanctuary’s nuns to turn into a demon and fly at them. He looked every bit the muscular, powerful, glowering half-demon the nuns wanted to throw out of the Sanctuary.

  She stepped closer to him as she had in their dream, gazing up into his molten silver eyes. He’d gone to Hell for Hannah and confronted Death for her. He’d killed demons to protect her and defied his family to find – and keep – her. Katie fought to keep the emotions tumbling within her from leaking out, instead reveling in the sight of her mate. While in the underworld, she’d lost all hope of ever standing next to him again. Part of her was convinced this was another dream, and Rhyn would disappear all too soon.

  “It’s not a dream,” he said. “Not this time.”

  “Doesn’t quite seem real yet, though.”

  He hesitated and then held out a hand. She took it. His warm hands were rough and large. He squeezed hers. He led her away from the courtyard and lights into the dark night. They walked hand in hand for a few moments, alone under the full moon. She’d walked with him before, but this night, it was different. She felt the shift between them.

  “The hatchling really is a girl?” he asked.

  “She’s not a hatchling, Rhyn.”

  “I hope she comes out better behaved than Toby.”

  Katie laughed loudly, unable to help herself. Rhyn pulled her into his arms, swallowing her in his warmth and scent. Katie wrapped her arms around him.

  “It’s really over, isn’t it?” she whispered.

  “It’s just us tonight. I’ve gotta go kill some demons in the morning.”

  “But you’ll come right back.”

  “Every day. I swear it. We won’t be apart anymore. We’ll stay here until I can get the castle cleaned out and beat the shit out of my brothers. They’ll be moving in, even if they don’t know it yet. And that’s where Hazel will hatch and live.”

  Katie’s eyes watered, and she squeezed him harder. The nightmares of the past few weeks seemed to fade away while she was in his arms. She’d been too afraid to think about what kind of life they might possibly have, but she found herself wondering how it would feel to wake up and go to sleep with Rhyn beside her.

  “Our life together starts right now. Unless you want to send me away,” he added.

  “Depends on how you behave,” she said, smiling up at him through happy tears.

  Rhyn grimaced. “I’m not promising any miracles. We got a lot to do to prepare the world for Hazel.”

  “I have faith in us.”

  “Right now, I owe my mate a rowdy night on the beach under the moonlight,” he said. He swung her up into his arms and strode towards the water.

  Katie laughed, happiness and hope bubbling within her. She took in Rhyn’s strong profile. If anyone could save the world, it was him.

  In Hell, Darkyn stood before the hourglass perched on a window sill in his study. The black sand had run out. He’d missed his window. Rather, he missed this window. He looked over at the demon standing before him. At least one of his super-demons had survived. This one still wore half a face, that of Death’s favorite assassin, Gabriel.

  “Chances are, the demons will be defeated this round,” Darkyn said. “And Death … you’re certain she walked away?”

  “Yes, my lord. She quit and appointed Gabriel in her stead.”

  “Interesting. A Death with a history as a mortal. Not any mortal, but one you say she was in love with. I’d heard rumor but never thought a deity capable of such a thing.”

  “Rhyn’s mortal was convinced of this. She said Gabriel had been the lover of Death for thousands of years.”

  “And now she’s gone,” Darkyn said.

  “As far as we know. I didn’t see her enter the portal, but one of our spies was in her fortress when she entered the chamber you indicated.”

  “Where would a deity in love with a mortal go?”

  “To the mortal world,” the super-demon guessed. “She’s no threat to you, master.”

  “True,” Darkyn said. “But the new Death is her lover. That makes her someone of interest to me.”

  “The immunity blood worked. We can have the Immortal scientist make us more. We could slide right into the – “

  “Ully is dead-dead, as you will be by the time the day is over,” Darkyn said. “I cannot have anyone else find out about the power of the immunity blood.”

  The demon before him looked down but didn’t object, understanding his place. Unlike Immortals, demons obeyed their leaders. But maybe, next time, lack of discipline in his enemies would work for Darkyn. He’d failed to takeover Death’s domain or to kill her. It would take Gabriel a very long time to learn how to rule over the dead, and Rhyn was a loose cannon as a leader for the Immortals. In the meantime, all of Rhyn’s Immortals and Death’s assassins would be a disorganized mess.

  All Darkyn had to do was wait and watch for his opportunity. While he did so, he had a new plan: To pursue a certain deity who’d left her position to her lover. In all his dealings with Immortals and mortals, Darkyn long ago learned the weakness Immortals and mortals had for a beautiful woman. Gabriel would be no different.

  “Leave me. Report to the executioner.”

  The super-demon bowed his head and left. Darkyn watched him go then looked again at the hourglass. He hadn’t expected Death to quit, but she was about to give him a new window of opportunity, one that might be more powerful. He might soon take over the underworld and its army of souls.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Two weeks later

  “Watsup, Gabe?” Rhyn’s familiar voice interrupted Gabe’s concentration.

  “You’re forbidden from entering, Rhyn.”

  “Sure, Gabe.”

  Gabriel looked up from his stance peering into the murky Lake of Souls. The half-demon appeared unconcerned about sliding through the barrier Gabe had been working hard to patch up. Rhyn looked happy and healthy, the opposite of how Gabe felt.

  “You clean up good,” he said. “You know I can claim your – “

  “But you won’t. I came to see how my only friend is doing,” Rhyn said. “You need help killing demons?”

  “I recalled all the assassins and put a hold on all soul collections for a week or so,” Gabe answered. “The queue to get in here is longer than you’d guess.”

  “We’re almost done exterminating the castle. I can send some help your way.”

  “I imagine you have your hands full dealing with the Immortals.”

  “Nothing I can’t handle. I have Kiki, Tamer, and Erik on lockdown. A week without food, and they’re happy to help. Kiki is running most things, until I figure them out.”

  “Sounds like it’s going well,” Gabe said, truly pleased to see his friend, despite the poor timing. “How’s Katie?”

  A small smile crossed Rhyn’s face, answering Gabe’s question without words.

  “Then everything is going well. Good for you, Rhyn.” He couldn’t help but feel envious of his friend, who wasn’t trapped in a world where he didn’t belong, fighting demons.

  “Katie sent these back with me,” Rhyn said and held out a familiar necklace. “We’re still working with Hannah. She’s in denial about everything. I almost pity the girl.”

  Gabe took the necklace, looking at the two emeralds on the black leather-like co
rd. He’d missed his necklace after eons wearing it. He’d missed his mother and baby brother. He squeezed them in his hand in the only hug he could give his dead family.

  “We’re twins, now, though I think you liked your family,” Rhyn said and pulled free an emerald on a chain around his neck.

  “You’re all the family I got now. I got a long way to go to figure out how to be a proper Death,” Gabe said, looking again at the lake.

  “You hear from her?”

  “No. I don’t expect to. I should’ve sent someone after her, but … “ Gabe met Rhyn’s gaze and managed a smile. The half-demon’s sharp silver gaze missed nothing, even how unhappy Gabe really was.

  “You never stopped loving her,” Rhyn said.

  “I tried.”

  “Yeah, you’re fucked. Gods know I tried not to fall for Katie.”

  “Appreciate the pep talk,” Gabe said drily. “I did tell you I can legally claim your soul if you come here, didn’t I?”

  “Why don’t you come up for air sometime?” Rhyn asked, ignoring him. “Katie and Toby will be glad to see you, and you can scare the shit out of Tamer. It’ll be fun.”

  “I’d like that. I have to fix this first,” Gabe said and motioned to the Lake.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Gabe stepped closer to the Lake. Even through the black water, he could see the green souls at the bottom. They glimmered faintly, like lights shrouded by fog.

  “They’re moving,” he said. “They shouldn’t be. I heard a story once about the Army of Souls. I’m wondering if they are what Darkyn was after, not killing Death.”

  “Never heard of the Army of Souls.”

  “It led to the last apocalyptic age that predated my predecessor here. It was not a good time, Rhyn. I’m hoping I can calm the waters down.”

  “If anyone can, you can, Gabe.” Rhyn studied him a moment longer.

  “I’m fine, Rhyn,” Gabe said. “Really.”

  “Come by when you need someone to kick your ass.”

  “I will. Rhyn, thank you.”

  The half-demon shook his head, turned and strode away, disappearing into a portal. Gabriel watched him, envious and proud of his friend. He’d always had faith in Rhyn. Gabe’s faith had cost him everything, but it was worth it. If only he could find peace as well.

  He moved away from the Lake. He had a long journey ahead of him, one he didn’t relish taking. But, if he was to be the honorable Death that mortals and Immortals alike deserved, he had to do it.

  Gabe’s thoughts went to his predecessor once again. He couldn’t help wondering what happened to her. He’d expected her abandonment of the underworld would grant him some sort of peace or reprieve. However, after thousands of years with the vexing deity, he found himself lonely instead.

  He replaced the necklace around his neck and strode back to the fortress, his new home for eternity.

  Summer 2012 Amazon Review Challenge

  Want to win a $25 Amazon gift card?

  Want more Rhyn?

  Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by simply reviewing KATIE’S HELLION (Book I, Rhyn Trilogy) on Amazon or Amazon UK from July 1, 2012 – September 30, 2012! (Please note: this offer is valid for reviews left on KATIE’S HELLION only!)

  Winners will be posted to my website on a biweekly basis, with the first announcement going up on July 15. My website: http://www.guerrillawordfare.com/

  For every 100 reviews Katie’s Hellion receives on Amazon and Amazon UK, I’ll also release a new novelette in the series.

  If Katie’s Hellion reaches 1,000 reviews on Amazon, I’ll write another book about Katie and Rhyn!

  Katie’s Hellion on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Katies-Hellion-Book-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005347RCW/

  Katie’s Hellion on Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katies-Hellion-Book-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005347RCW/

  The Rhyn Trilogy

  Katie’s Hellion (Book I, May 2011)

  Katie’s Hope (Book II, September 2011)

  Rhyn’s Redemption (Book III, March 2012)

  Rhyn Trilogy: Origins (short story, October 2011)

  The Rhyn Eternal Series

  Gabriel’s Hope (September 2012)

  exclusive excerpt from Secret Bloodline, by Talia jager.

  Secret Bloodline

  Copyright 2011 by Talia Jager, used with Permission

  Summary: What sixteen-year-old Kairi doesn’t know is that vampires do exist and she’s one of them. She was left in foster care when she was very little and grew up away from her world. Then she began to change. Feeling out of place and confused, she ran away from her foster home. A coven takes her under their wings and trains her. When she is told her parents didn’t just abandon her, but died protecting her, she sets off on a mission to find their killer.

  And then she meets Aiden…a vampire hunter.

  Excerpt from Secret Bloodline

  By Talia Jager

  Chapter One

  The sun was beating down on me as I sat on the stoop waiting for Mrs. Armstrong to pick me up. I adjusted my hat to keep more of the sun out of my face. It was bright and I was tired.

  A silver Honda Accord pulled up and the window rolled down. “C’mon Kairi, hop in,” a familiar voice called. I stood up, picked up my backpack, and walked to the car. As soon as I was buckled, Mrs. Armstrong took off down the road. “How are you doing?” she asked.

  “Fine,” I responded, not really in a sharing mood. “Where am I going?”

  She sighed. “It’s hard to find a good place for teenagers to go. There aren’t many homes available.”

  “Does that mean I have to go to another group home?”

  “No, I was able to get you in at the Thompson’s. But, if this one doesn’t work out, I’m sorry Kairi, you’ll have to go to a group home.” Stopping at a red light, she looked over at me. She had short brown hair and kind hazel eyes.

  I just nodded. “Okay.”

  “Did something specific happen at the last place?” She turned back to the road.

  “No.” I never knew why foster parents didn’t like me. I wasn’t a troublemaker. I just didn’t fit in. The longest I had lasted in one foster home was six months. The shortest, a week. Mrs. Armstrong always got a call that ‘it just wasn’t working out’ and could she please find another place for me to go? Now, after twelve years of being in the system, foster homes were scarce. I had been to almost all of them.

  The group homes were harder because there were a lot of kids living there and the kids were meaner than the adults. None of them ever liked me. One even told me I was too pretty to be there. I didn’t agree with that. I wasn’t ugly, but I didn’t consider myself beautiful.

  I remembered it like it was yesterday. It was two years ago and one of my roommates yanked my long, golden blonde hair. “Hey!” I yelled.

  “What?” she yelled back. “You won’t fight me, pretty girl. You wouldn’t want to get dirty. I should punch you. Then you wouldn’t be so pretty, but I’d get in trouble. Can’t have that.”

  I glared at her wishing that I had it in me to just knock her out. But, she was right; I’d get in trouble for throwing the first punch. “Just leave me alone.”

  “Look at you, you can’t even look angry at someone. You and those stupid brown, puppy dog eyes of yours. Pathetic!” she snapped before she stormed away.

  “Kairi?” Mrs. Armstrong said.

  I realized I had missed something. “Sorry. What?”

  “I asked if anyone had made you uncomfortable.”

  “No. It was fine.”

  “Hmmm. Somehow I doubt that.” She pulled up in front of a brownstone. “Here we are. You’ll have to switch schools again.”

  “I know.” Being the new kid at school wasn’t new to me. I had done it so many times. Sometimes I left a school, went to another, and then went back to the old school. “Do I need to go to school? It’ll be out for the summer in a few weeks. Can’t I just…skip?”

  “No, you can’t skip. You need to finish i
t out.”

  “Bummer,” I muttered.

  “Do you need anything?” Mrs. Armstrong asked.

  I needed a lot of things. Parents would be nice. Friends. Maybe a boyfriend. A house to call home. Some nice clothes. All things I’d probably never have. “No,” I answered.

  Sighing again, she opened her door. “Okay.”

  I opened my door, grabbed my bag, and got out. We walked up the stairs together. She rang the doorbell and we waited for someone to answer. Who would it be this time? An older couple? An infertile couple? A single person? I could hear footsteps and then the door swung open. A middle-aged couple had won the prize – me! I rolled my eyes at myself. “Good evening.” The balding man nodded. “I’m Mr. Thompson. You must be Kairi.”

  I sighed. He had said my name like Carrie. “It’s Ky-ree,” I pronounced it correctly.

  “Oh. I’m sorry. Ky-ree. That’s pretty.”

  I smiled. “Thank you.”

  Mrs. Thompson smiled. “Welcome Kairi. Come on in.”

  I walked in and smelled something mouthwatering. I couldn’t quite place it, but it was sweet and yummy. Mrs. Armstrong and the Thompsons were talking. “Here are all the papers needed to register her at school and the medical forms for treatment if she needs it. I just need you to sign these papers and I’ll be out of your hair.”

  I wandered around their living room. There were some wedding pictures of the Thompsons. They looked much younger, so it must have been taken years ago and some pictures of a boy and a girl. There was also a table with a bunch of different kids pictures on it. “Those are all the foster kids that have come to stay with us.” Mr. Thompson said. He was standing next to me now.

  I nodded. “Cool. How many do you have now?”

  “Two girls. An eleven and a fourteen year old. You’re fifteen?”

  “I’ll be sixteen in a month.”

  “Cool!” he said. “Mrs. Thompson loves an excuse to eat cake.”

  I laughed. “Me too.”

  “Kairi,” Mrs. Armstrong called. “I’ll be going now. You call if you need anything.”