Fate of a Blood Moon (The Hades Blood Moon #2)

Chapter 39

Rachel

J ase and I returned from Fiskardo before sunrise. After showering, our group left our hotel early for the four-hour drive to our destination. Finally, we reached the historic and breathtaking city of Athens.

Our destination was another hotel that catered to the supernatural, much like some other European tourist chains. The building had fortified windows that filtered sunlight to protect the vampire guests. All rooms had a stocked kitchen filled with blood bags and a feeding area with employed blood suppliers in case the bags were unavailable or rejected. Not everyone could stomach it cold.

They operated this specific location through Greece’s supernatural government, which enforced strict protocols to maintain peace between species. The rules were nonnegotiable but necessary—they were the only way to keep the business going without attracting unwanted attention or reprisals from human officials or hunters. Thankfully, humans were allowed to stay there, too, but with conditions.

Tony and I had to sign waivers affirming that our stay was of our own free will. Jase and Lucy had to sign a waiver agreeing not to engage in unsanctioned feeding or face immediate execution.

Now that the sun was disappearing over the horizon and it was time to get ready for the evening, I loosened my bun, letting my hair fall to the center of my back. After combing out the tangles, I threaded a wavy strand between my fingers as I set the brush on the breakfast table and went to the balcony. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was visible from my room, with the golden hues of twilight washing over the ruins. The city was incredible. I couldn’t believe I had never been allowed to explore the world, let alone such a magnificent country like Greece.

It was shameful, really. Fucking Black Onyx assholes.

I tried to ignore the growing knot of anxiety about us being so close to Crete now. The stakes were so much higher for us. For now, I wanted to pretend I was on a trip with my best friends before the weight of reality ended the dream. This was the last stop.

And there will likely be a confrontation with Andrei if he’s in Crete waiting.

Leaning onto the railing, I gazed at the temple again, its ancient columns casting long shadows over the people exploring below. The magic beneath the ground was insane, a natural flow that tied all the energies of life together. My power bubbled within me when we arrived here.

God, the view was beautiful.

Jase and Lucy were most likely downstairs at the hotel bar, having a drink laced with blood, while Tony ventured out to grab dinner since he was still safe to roam. They’d left me alone with my thoughts and this bottle of wine Tony had brought me before heading out.

I grabbed the glass from the small patio table beside me, swirling the red liquid before sipping. It was a dry flavor, but after three more, the subtle bitterness melted away to aromatic dark fruits—plums and blackberries mingled with a hint of oak. It was a fabulous bouquet that hit all the right spots in my senses.

I could drink the entire bottle.

The cooling breeze carried the aroma of local food mixed with the faint scent of the ocean. I inhaled slowly, letting the air soothe my nerves and ease the tension in my back and shoulders before exhaling. I’d been carrying so much stress since we left Italy and it mentally exhausted me.

The sun dipped lower, sending rays of amber and crimson across the dark-blue sky. Our ferry to Crete wouldn’t depart until tomorrow late afternoon, which was the best way to ensure we arrived after dusk. Thankfully, the world was different now, with vampires in society. They ran the ferries all night.

Once we arrived, we’d have to walk to the caves, and it wasn’t safe for Jase and Lucy to be in the daylight since there was no guarantee of shade. Plus, we didn’t want too many people seeing us, so it had to be nighttime—it was the only option.

I leaned forward, my elbows resting on the balcony railing, and my thoughts drifted to Jase. My stomach fluttered. We hadn’t talked much since leaving the garden in Fiskardo, and the drive after was painfully quiet. We fooled around in that garden, resulting in him involuntarily using magic. Something felt so electric between us. It was both scary and exciting, if I was being honest with myself.

Closing my eyes, I let the memory wash over me—the pressure of his hands on my skin, the lust burning in those beautiful emerald eyes, and the taste of him. God, it felt so good. I didn’t want to ignore the moments we had together anymore. Jase consumed my mind.

For the first time since leaving the villa, I wasn’t thinking about Andrei in any capacity other than hoping we didn’t run into him. Four months ago, we parted at the train station after he kissed me for the first time. It left something in my heart that made me so angry. I couldn’t tell if it was lust, a warped form of love, or a combination of both, but Andrei revealed his true nature when he assaulted me through our guardian bond. He was a depraved demon who only wanted to control and oppress me. I was afraid of him now.

No … I was terrified .

But what was also insane was that I was falling for his brother. Before, I was sure he and Jase were the same.

But I was wrong.

What would Andrei do to me and Jase if he found out? I couldn’t tell if I was more scared of those consequences than being taken and used for that damned spell.

Or worse.

When it came to Jase, I’d spent days fighting against whatever the fuck was developing between us, denying the force that seemed to pull us together. I took another drink of wine and sighed, the last streams of sunlight bathing me with my eyes still closed. I knew the answer—resisting was pointless.

I wanted him.

Jase Halpert, the vampire who had been my enemy, had kissed me in the garden.

Not just kiss me …

His touch set my body and soul on fire. Something deep inside me ignited in his arms, as if I belonged there against him. Like fate had aligned our paths, no matter how ridiculous that sounded. The whole situation was still confusing as hell but not enough to stop me from giving in to whatever this was. Jase wanted to kill me not too long ago. Slit my throat even. He stalked me for years and turned my best friend into a vampire. Jase even asked a woman to infiltrate my life before the two of them destroyed it.

I should hate him.

I should want to kill him.

But I didn’t feel either of those emotions anymore.

When I opened my eyes, night started pulling its cloak over the land. Lucy wanted to explore the city with me, and we’d head out in about an hour. As I turned to leave the balcony and change, I slammed into a broad chest, almost spilling my precious wine. A rich scent filled my nose, and my cheeks heated.

Jase .

“Well, that was bold,” I said, raising my head to meet his eyes. God, the green in those eyes really could inspire poetry if I had a talent for it. “The sun’s barely set; you could have scorched that pretty face of yours.”

A soft smile graced his lips, making my chest squeeze. “Well, I was waiting patiently.”

“In the room?” I hadn’t heard him come in. Wait, isn’t the door locked?

“The doorway, technically.”

I narrowed my eyes. “That’s a little stalkerish, you know?”

He laughed. “I enjoy being stalkerish.”

Silence fell between us for a moment before Jase stepped closer. I took an involuntary step back, allowing him to press me against the railing.

Jase’s hand drifted up to my cheek and cupped my jaw. “Why do I feel like you’re still scared of me?” he asked, almost hurt. I blinked. How could I answer that?

“It’s … it’s not that I’m scared of you. Not anymore, at least. I’m afraid of … this .” I touched his chest. There was no heartbeat, of course, but despite his cold body, I sensed a warmth that drew me in. “Why do I feel like this when I’m with you?”

Jase’s brows knitted together, and he shook his head. “Angel—”

“And why do you call me that?” I asked suddenly. I wasn’t sure if I was trying to distract from hearing the answer, but this had also been on my mind since we met—that nickname—the one I initially hated but now craved to hear him say.

Jase stepped back a little and folded his arms over his chest. Another breeze swept his wavy black hair across his face, partially obscuring his left eye. When he didn’t answer, I lifted my arm and delicately moved his hair away. It was long enough I could tuck it behind his ear. I let my fingers brush his cheek, and his head tilted slightly toward the touch.

“A Nephalem turned your mother,” he finally answered. “You carry demon, human, and angel blood….”

I smirked. “Then why not call me ‘demon,’ given how you felt about me in the past?”

“Because”—Jase bit his bottom lip to keep the growing smile away—“the beautiful, angelic part is the only thing I see in you.”

My pounding heart seemed stuck in my throat. I was so far from angelic.

As if he read my mind, Jase leaned forward, wrapped his hand around my neck, and pressed his lips against mine. Any air in my lungs vanished as his body leaned into me. His mouth tasted faintly of whiskey and some delicious, warm spice.

God, he knew how to kiss.

“Jase,” I whispered against his lips, breaking the kiss. “What’s happening?”

I moved away and pressed my hands against my stomach. The rune wasn’t burning like it usually did, but it tingled. I lifted my shirt, and Jase’s eyes went to the mark. I hadn’t shown him yet. Every time Jase touched me, my shirt stayed on and covered the area. “I have—”

“I know. I have it, too.” Jase raised his shirt and turned slightly. My jaw dropped. It was the same symbol, only closer to his hip, so I wouldn’t have seen it until now.

My mind reeled with theories. The odds of us having the same mark should be practically fucking zero . “Is it because I drank from you in the church?” I asked. “It appeared shortly after that.” But that didn’t make sense. Andrei and I drank from each other, too.

“We ...” Jase swallowed, his expression blank. “Fuck. We need to talk.”

I didn’t like the sound of that at all.

My stomach twisted as I brushed past him, stepping off the balcony and back into the room. Without thinking, I headed straight for the bathroom and shut the door behind me like a damn coward.

Jesus, what the hell am I doing?

I wanted answers, but why was I so goddamn scared of them now? I spent my whole life just wanting the truth—no more secrets. Yet I wasn’t ready to face this .

There was a tap on the door, and I jumped. “This has to be some kind of punishment, right?” I said. “It has to be.” There was silence on the other side. I rested my head against the wood. “Jase. You know what these marks are, don’t you? Tell me what they mean.”

“I …” his voice trailed off before the knob turned, and he opened the door.

Damn. I forgot to lock it.

“Your mother told me something at South Station while you were gone,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.

My stomach twisted into a tight knot. What? “Wait. You were at the station?”

I didn’t expect that. While I was being fucked by Andrei, I’d assumed that Jase was either gone or with Jackson and the others. Valentina didn’t say shit about him being there, too.

He shook his head. “Andrei was supposed to distract you while I went to kill her and take the ring. It was supposed to be easy since she was so weak. Instead, Valentina told me something that made me change my mind. Well, to be honest, it freaked me out so badly that I ran. I didn’t want to ask questions, so what I’m telling you is all I know.”

Jase held out his hand, and without hesitating, I took it. He led me out of the bathroom to the bed. We sat down on the mattress, and I turned to him, waiting.

“I’ve never really put much thought into celestial power or cosmic influences,” he began. “Sure, I believed there was an afterlife, like Hell, but since I’d never seen it, I wasn’t sure until those demons attacked us. That pretty much shattered any doubt. But before then, I never thought too hard on the subject.”

Nodding, I replied, “Same here.”

Jase reached out and retook my hand, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. “When your mother turned me two hundred years ago, something extraordinary happened. I’d never experienced something like it before or since.”

My brows furrowed. “Tell me.”

He swallowed. “The Hades Blood Moon somehow linked my soul with your mother.”

My eyes widened.

“It didn’t stay linked. There was this enormous force that slammed into my body, crushing me from the inside out. I thought it was part of becoming a vampire, but I was wrong. I thought I was dying and tried to fight back against whatever the hell it was. Then suddenly, it lifted, and I could move again. There was a snap, like a lock clicking into place, and warmth seemed to fill my body for a moment. When that happened, I didn’t understand it at first. At the station the night you fled, Valentina told me that my soul wasn’t connected to hers. I was linked to yours. I felt that rope of power….”

I shook my head. That was impossible. “I wasn’t even born yet.”

He squeezed my hand. “I know,” he replied. “Some higher power chose us. They selected me for you. When I came to New Orleans, I couldn’t stay away. I thought it was to learn about you, but it became so much more. Everything about you captivated me—your fiery temper, strength, bravery, and loyalty to the ones you love. I questioned why every day. That night at the church, when you drank from me, it happened again, that same feeling….”

My heart was pounding so hard I felt dizzy.

“Valentina told me I still have a soul, angel. That ‘rope’ was an anchor, linking my powers and soul to your essence. We’re fated, or cursed, mates. However you want to look at it.”

He released my hand and cupped my cheek instead. I wanted to say something—I even opened my mouth—but no words would come out. Jase’s expression turned to concern as he watched me process this insane information.

When I stayed silent, he gently said, “Please, say something.”

“We … we’re soulmates?” I asked. It was the only thing I could think to say. The coven had taught me about them growing up. Not everyone had a mate, but when they did, it was impossible to fight the ties that pulled them together. Even if one of them walked away, they would never find such a powerful love again. It sounded romantic as a child, but right now, I was fucking pissed that it had to happen to me.

I pulled away from his hand and stood, pressing my hands against my chest. Pacing in front of the bed, I reeled under the weight of what he told me. Then I stopped in front of Jase and, without a pause, slapped him so hard across the face that his head jerked to the side.

“Fuck you,” I seethed through clenched teeth. “I expected something like this from my lying fucking mother, but she isn’t here for me to hit. If this is true, you should have fucking told me. You’ve had months to come to Italy and find me. Or even before we left on this insane road trip from hell! Almost an entire week! Goddammit, you knew before you even touched me, you … you …”

Jase sat motionless, seemingly awestruck that I had hit him again, his eyes downcast.

Slowly, he raised his head to look at me with heated eyes. “It’s like you want me to punish you,” he said, licking his lower lip. “I warned you about hitting me, and yet you keep fucking doing it.”

“Well, you deserved it every time.” The audacity of this man. I couldn’t believe it.

I stepped back when Jase jumped to his feet. He grabbed my arm and spun me around so my back pressed against his chest. His left arm snaked under my shirt and across my stomach, right over the rune. His fingers gently caressed the raised symbol in slow strokes as his right hand grabbed my throat, pulling my head toward him. Jase’s hard cock pressed against my ass, sending molten heat between my legs. My breathing grew ragged.

“Don’t think I regret any of this for a second,” he growled through his teeth.

“But I do—”

“Liar,” he said, chuckling in my ear. He knew I was full of shit. Finding out I had a fated mate was enraging, but it enticed me to the core. It was a mix of wondering if anything I felt for Jase was real or just part of some universe-magic bond bullshit. Whatever it was, I loathed and loved it.

In his arms, right then, I didn’t want him to let go. Jase’s arms gave me such a sense of peace and belonging. Every shred of doubt in my mind burned away, and I allowed myself to melt into his touch while he buried his face in my hair, slowly breathing in my scent.

“Do you want me to let go? Because I really don’t fucking want to,” he asked.

No, I don’t. Please, don’t let me go. The words rang clear as a bell in my head, yet I couldn’t speak them. He knew the answer, though. His grip tightened around me possessively.

“Does it burn, too?” I asked instead, focusing on that soothing touch of his fingers on my mark. “When you think of me?”

Jase nodded in my hair. “Every goddamn time. It’s like a searing pain that drives me to insanity. The only time I find relief is when I’m around you.”

Closing my eyes, I leaned further into him, feeling his body relax. His fingers moved away from the mark, sliding down my stomach and slowly inching under my pants.

It was just like the club, but we were alone now. There was no barrier to stop us, no more guilt to drive me to run away.

The coldness of his fingers sent shivers down my spine and goosebumps over my skin, moving toward my wet heat. Jase’s hand settled in between my thighs, and he groaned against my neck. I was so fucking turned on that I thought I was going to go crazy.

Before Jase could slip his fingers inside, I turned, causing him to pull his hand away. Confusion crossed his face.

God, he’s hot when he’s confused.

I stepped away, reaching for the hem of my shirt before lifting it over my head and dropping the fabric onto the carpet. I wore a lacy black push-up bra, the clip at the center squeezing them together in an alluring swell. Jase’s green eyes roamed over my body, taking in the sight like a starved man finding sustenance for the first time. He nibbled his bottom lip as he reached for me, sliding the straps from my shoulders. Moving closer, he pressed his lips against the curve of my neck.

“Yes,” I whispered as his sweet kisses trailed up my neck, pausing by my ear.

“I’m not going to be able to stop myself, angel,” Jase confessed.

“Good, because I don’t want you to.”

Instantly, he wrapped his hands around my arms and pulled me in. His left hand then gripped my ass, guiding me against him. Jase’s teeth grazed my heated skin with playful nips, each one sending shudders through my body. His cool breath skated over the crook of my neck before he bit down, and I ascended into fucking heaven.

Oh fuck….

My head tipped back as Jase drank from me. Every part of my body surrendered to him as he fed. He grunted low against my skin like he satisfied a long-buried need. The bite was painful, but I loved it. He devoured me rough, ruthless, and desperate. But it wasn’t enough. None of this foreplay felt like it was enough.

“Get on the bed,” I ordered, and his fangs pulled away from my throat. A playful smile touched Jase’s lips as he backed away, his legs hitting the mattress. I watched him for a moment, taking in his features. The tug in my chest pulled, demanding to be close again.

He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.

But he still had that damn leather jacket on.

It needed to come off.

Once he was seated, I climbed on top of him, caging his hips with my knees. I slid the silver tab of his jacket zipper down and pulled it off, tossing it across the room. The shirt came off immediately after. I paused, taking in his chiseled abs and flawless, sun-kissed skin. My breath hitched as I brushed my lips against his before pushing him back. My tongue trailed down the side of his neck and then glided over the contours of his chest. I let my fingers play with the strained fabric of his jeans, slightly pressing on the hardened flesh beneath.

“Fuck, Rachel,” Jase moaned, his head falling back. He reached up to thread his fingers into my hair, gripping at the scalp. I felt the possessiveness beneath that burning hold, the desire, and I wanted to lose myself in those sensations.

Up until now, there had always been some restraint. Not wanting to act on this forbidden connection that was meant to be. We weren’t fighting it anymore. I wanted to give Jase everything and, in return, to have him be mine completely.

I raised my eyes to him and pressed another kiss to his mouth, savoring that smokey taste mixed with my blood. Taking my time, I slowly moved my hands to unbutton his jeans. I lowered the zipper and skillfully worked his pants and boxers down past his hips and knees to pull his cock out.

Before I could move, Jase released my hair, grabbed my hips, and flipped me onto the bed, so I was on my back. We moved toward the center of the bed, his knees against my thighs. It was his turn to take control. Those eyes took me in like I was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“Jase,” I whispered. And that was all he needed. It was like the leash had snapped, and we couldn’t keep our hands off each other for a second longer. Jase wasted no time, ripping my black lace panties in two and throwing them aside. The bra was next. I was laid bare for him, revealing every inch of myself.

In a heartbeat, Jase pushed my legs apart while stroking his cock. He leaned forward, settling himself between my thighs. His length teased my pussy, sending a shocking pulse through my body. Yes . I barely drew a breath before he thrust his hips, ramming himself deep inside of me.

Then I cried out, the world exploding behind my eyes, my vision swirling with stars. As Jase filled and stretched me, my hands went to grab him, to dig my nails into his back. But before I could, Jase seized my wrists and pinned them above my head.

Yes.

Only the sounds of heavy breathing and moans filled the room as we drowned in each other. The scent of us clung to the air, making my mind blur. Jase slammed his hips into me so roughly that the bed squeaked in time with his thrusts. He felt so good, so goddamn good. He was made for me. It felt like Jase was everywhere: my blood, my bones, embedded in every fucking cell of my body.

“Fucking hell,” Jase moaned loudly, his words muffled as he kissed me. His tongue slid over mine as we devoured each other. I could barely breathe as I shoved my hips upward, allowing him deeper access. We finally had what we wanted the most …

Each other.

“Don’t stop,” I pleaded.

“I won’t, angel. God, I never want to stop.” He grabbed my bent leg and pushed it out, spreading me wider. From that angle, he was hitting all the right places inside me. Jase didn’t need to do anything—my body felt like it was on fucking fire.

That’s when I felt it—the bond between us. My eyes fluttered open, and I saw our elements swirling around us—a vortex of violet and cerulean blue—Water and Fire blended together. It was beautiful and terrifying.

“Jase,” I said, panic edging into my voice.

“Shh, keep your eyes on me, angel,” he demanded, and my eyes snapped back to his. Whether or not he knew about the magic, he didn’t care. His focus was solely on me. As Jase pounded harder, he lowered his neck to my lips. “Drink.”

My fangs slid free, and I sank my teeth deep into his vein. Blood flooded my mouth, and I moaned against his skin. Holy fuck, Jase tasted like heaven on Earth. That sense of home returned in full force. I clung to that feeling, that completeness I’d been missing my entire life.

I felt him start to tense on top of me. We were drowning in pleasure, and I could feel the shuddering pulses overtake my body. I was hanging by a thread. Then Jase groaned my name … and I came undone. Tingling waves rushed through me, moving between our bodies as Jase came, too, filling me up as I continued to take my fill of his blood.

There was a snap, and our blended magic disappeared. Lost in the sweetest of sins, neither of us wanted to let go, and only one thought came to my mind: things would never be the same again.