27. Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Six
Nina
The sun was rising. The tops of the trees were illuminated in vibrant yellowish white. Beams of light filtered through full leaves, casting geometric patterns on the ground below. Shade and sunlight shifted with the wind.
Though she didn’t have the same powers as her twin—a Raeth capable of encouraging the earth to bloom—Nina had always appreciated nature. The gentle breeze tousled through her hair, but her mind kept coming back to the inevitable: tonight, during the Lyrid meteor shower, they’d face the Citizens here, on her own turf.
The Citizens had learned their lesson after the defeats of the past few years. First, at Lucius’ House in California, and most recently on Nero’s own clan lands in Oahu. They would throw everything at this fight.
As Key had predicted, more than a thousand mercenaries would arrive en masse tonight. Outfitted with weapons capable of harming immortals, they’d attempt to take her territory and kill everyone within.
The predator beneath her skin hissed at the thought. With it came a residual ache that was relentless. Ever since Key had informed her of what part she’d play, Nina had become hollow.
The warmth of her home greeted her senses as she stepped back inside. It had barely contained all twelve couples that’d slept there last night. Oddly peaceful, all things considered. Key had warned that none of them should use psychic energy to teleport. Though it was a blanket ban, Nina knew the preservation method was directed at her and Isaiah alone. If the foreseer had forbidden only them, Zeke would’ve taken notice.
Nina’s hand protectively curled around her throat just as Remmus walked into the kitchen, Ava shadowing his steps. She’d seen him grow from a famished teenager into a strong lieutenant, and now a happily mated man, but she still hadn’t lost the urge to take care of him.
“You’ve lost weight. You need to eat something.”
Remmus eyed the fruit on the counter like a ravenous tiger. “I am starving.”
“Take one. While you’re at it, I’ll make something hearty.”
Nina heated up the electric griddle, and spread out the French toast slices with a satisfying sizzle. Around them, she could hear the house waking up and conversations beginning behind closed doors.
“I’ve never wielded that amount of power before,” Remmus finally said. “I’ve gotta be honest: it was both terrifying and intoxicating.”
“Don’t get too used to it,” Nina replied. “Despite Key’s reassurances, that was still a phenomenal risk.”
He gave her a dimpled grin. “I doubt I’ll have a chance again—and that kickback afterward was something else.”
“Fortunately,” Ava said, “I have a strong mate.”
“That you do.”
While the vampires and their mates still slept, those without her bloodline started gathering in the social areas of her home. By the time she’d turned off the griddle, she’d gone through two loaves of bread, a half cup of sugar, two cartons of eggs, and an entire bottle of Vanilla extract. Fortunately, everyone seemed pleased by her rendition of French toast.
The twins, eager to meet new faces, had taken to climbing up their guests like monkeys. Isaiah and Rukia’s son, Isaak, did much the same after seeing their method. Nina’s stomach clenched as she thought about the three of them growing up together.
Key returned hours later, well into the afternoon. The immortals on site had finished what few tasks had remained—namely, getting their affairs in order should they not return from the battlefield. The foreseer didn’t speak about where she’d gone the night before, and no one pried.
“This is the last time we’ll be together before we meet the enemy on the battlefield,” she warned. “Say goodbye to your children. It’s no longer safe for them here.”
Instantly, Zeke grabbed Eve and Nina hugged Zak to her. Her heart thumped as they clutched their children, fleeing for another room for a private family moment.
The twins, not even reaching mid-thigh yet, scrambled to attention at their parents’ harried glances. Nina’s eyes were wet with tears as she whispered in her toddler’s ear.
“I love you, Zak, my sweet boy. Always remember that, okay?”
“’Kay momma.”
His dark eyes blinked up at her, guileless, as she pressed another series of kisses to his baby-soft cheek. Turning to Eve, a pit opened up in her chest. She held her daughter tight against her as Zeke did the same with their son.
“Be brave, Eve.” She brushed a hand down the downy-fine blonde hair. “Take care of your daddy and brother, okay? Mommy loves you very much.”
A wet kiss pressed into her cheek, Eve’s little hands clutching at her as if to never let go. She gave Zeke a single nod, the anxiety of the situation thrumming through her veins.
Nina heard the telepathic call from her mate to Tzuriel in Ontario, signaling the end of their time together.
And then, their twins, barely more than a year and a half old, were teleported away.