Eternal Fire: Myths Magic and Gods (The Guardians Series Book 4) Read online

  Eternal Fire

  The Guardians Series Book Four

  S Lawrence

  Eternal Fire: The Guardians Series Book Four

  Copyright © 2018 by S. Lawrence.

  All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  For information contact :

  [email protected]

  https://www.slawrencewriter.com/

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  Book and Cover design by S Lawrence

  ISBN: 978-1-7323570-6-8

  First Edition: 2018

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  ETERNAL FIRE

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Epilogue

  Also by S Lawrence

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Afterword

  ETERNAL FIRE

  To those that read well beyond bedtime,

  Who long for worlds that live only in the imagination,

  Those who believe in magic and dragons,

  Who dare to dream:

  This one's for you!

  ~S

  Prologue

  "You packing up, Cora?"

  I look over at Remy, the artist that sits beside me. I have a few of his pieces on my wall. I nod. "My heart isn't in it today. I shouldn't have even dragged myself here." I walk the few steps and glance at his canvas, my eyes widening. It's me. "Why'd you make me look so forlorn?"

  "Paint what I see, sister girl. And you have been different since you got back from wherever you disappeared to." His polite way of asking once again where I had been. I don't answer. He has no idea just how different. I hide my eyes behind contacts and sunglasses.

  "You're right, Remy. I need a night out. Tonight I'm going to go drink a lot of drinks and listen to some wonderful jazz."

  "You heading to The Spotted Cat?" He knows me well, and I nod. "Well, you be careful and if you need an escort home, give me a call. Or call a car. Don't walk alone; it is too dangerous." I lean over and kiss his cheek.

  "I'm always careful, you know that." I return to my table, putting my cards and stuff in my bag before folding the table. I pick it all up and walk the three blocks to my home. It's not even lunch time, but I head back to bed. Laying there, I realize he is right; I have been depressed since I've been back. I have to snap out of it. I fall asleep watching the fan spin slowly over head. My dream is haunted again.

  The sun has set when I untangle myself from my sheets and push out of bed. Thirty-five minutes later, I'm walking towards the bar. The night is warm and humid, and I fan myself with my church fan, as we call them, as I stroll along. It only takes me ten minutes to reach The Cat. I smile at Jack the bouncer, and he swats my ass as I walk by. He is a flirt, but his wife would kill him if he was serious. I've known him since I was sixteen and would sit outside on the sidewalk to listen to the music.

  I walk to the bar, and Charlotte yells at me, "Where you been, girl? We were about to call out the guard or have a locator spell done." That's New Orleans for ya, I think to myself and laugh.

  "I went with Aislin to Scotland, where she's going to be living most of the time now that she got married," I say loudly so she can hear me over music.

  "That sounds amazing. You want your regular?" I nod, and she moves away to get my drink as other orders are yelled at her. She sits it in front of me and leans near. "I'll catch up when it calms down." I nod before picking up my drink and turning toward the band. I sip and close my eyes, letting the bourbon and music wash away my problems.

  I'm so lost in the moment I don't feel the eyes that lock on me from the dark back corner of the bar.

  Chapter 1

  LOKI

  My power often takes over, shifting me into what it thinks is needed. Mine is an old and primal power with a mind of its own. Like Odin’s, it came from those that lived long before our people on our home planet, a gift to those first members of the clans. Our family is descended from that first family that made up our clan. The first warrior, the first conqueror of the others. War and the power that comes from reigning calls to us. For thousands of years, I have fought against that siren’s song. But recently, the call is stronger than ever before. I fight for control and fight the change.

  I sit in the back in the shadows and let the music wash over me. I ignore the drunken tourists like I have since I arrived months ago. Months, I’ve hidden here in plain sight, lost in the throng of people that move in and out of this vibrant city, letting my magic change my form at will. I sometimes stroll the streets as a dog, other times, a homeless woman pushing a cart. I’ve sat and played drums on a bucket looking like a child; I’ve moved through the bars on Bourbon Street as a young handsome man. Tonight it leaves me in my own form.

  I’ve often walked to Jackson Square, skirting around the edge looking for her. It pisses me off. The glass in my hand shatters under the pressure of my grip. The glass biting into me pulls me from my anger. I’m not sure which I’m more angry about -- the hold she has on me or the fact that I haven’t seen her.

  I feel a gentle caress of power over my skin and I raise my eyes looking slowly around before locking onto her. She sits at the bar, a drink in her hand and a look of ecstasy on her face. It’s tilted up, eyes closed, a tiny smile curving her lips as she listens to the music. I can’t look away. Finally. Something settles before my heart starts to pound.

  Long minutes later, her head slowly lowers and her eyes open to slits as she looks around. She has felt my eyes on her. A hint of my power moves through the room, and she looks for the danger. Smart girl. Her drink lowers to the bar as she turns on the stool, eyes still scanning the crowd. Still she doesn’t see me. I use my power and pull the surrounding shadows to me. Her body stiffens, and she throws the drink back, her sl
im neck moving as she swallows. The bartender comes to stand in front of her. They talk for a moment, and I can see they are friends. A subtle shake of her head and she throws some money down and climbs down from the stool. She moves quickly through the crowd, stopping beside the huge man at the door. His hand lands on her all too familiarly, and a growl rumbles from my chest. I’m on my feet in an instant moving toward her, but she slips out the door. By the time I hit the sidewalk outside, she’s gone. My power washes over me, and the next moment, I’m a giant Irish Wolfhound loping down the street, tourists scattering as I move past. Locals just stop and stare; a few cross themselves, but others smile with knowledge. Whispers of “werewolf” and “magic” reach my sensitive ears. Gods, I love this city.

  I track her down the dark streets to a building near Bourbon street. I sit under the streetlamp and stare up at the window until a light comes on. I watch as she moves through her home, fighting the urge to howl. The shutters are thrown open, and then she is there, the light from inside hiding her face, but I see her eyes lock onto me. I wait to see what she will do.

  “You just try to come in here and you’re gonna get quite the shock, Mister man.” Her voice is low but strong. She is daring me. “My Grand-mere taught me plenty protection spells, and I happen to have a few friends that warded this place to the roof. You ain’t getting in. So whoever sent you, you better run right on back to them.” She points at me. “I’ve done been through the roots of the Tree of Life. You don’t scare me.” She turns her back and walks brazenly away, leaving the window open. My power flares to life, and I’m flapping my wings to rise in the air toward that very window.

  As I dive toward the opening, I hit an invisible barrier and fall to the ground. My wings catch me just before I hit. She is standing there laughing. “I told you, didn’t I? Now go on and git. Tell Odin I still don’t know where he is.”

  I peer up at her, pondering her words. Still. Has he come for her before? Is it because of her abilities or my interest? I shift again and flap much bigger wings until I hover in front of her, watching as her eyes widen, as I settle myself on the post of her tiny balcony. Concrete-looking wings fold in on my body, my new form one of a gargoyle, a small gargoyle dragon to protect her. She backs away, keeping her eyes on me.

  Chapter 2

  CORA

  I stare at the tiny grey dragon gargoyle-like thing, well, I say tiny but he’s still bigger than a good-sized dog. His eyes are tracking my movement. He doesn’t try to get in again. Bending my knees but keeping my eyes on him, I pick up my phone and shuffle backwards into my bedroom, closing the door slowly. Our eyes remain locked until the very end. Turning the skeleton key, I lock the thin door, knowing it will in no way protect me. I scroll through the contacts finally hitting the one I was looking for.

  “Is something wrong, lass?” Michael’s whiskey voice washes over me, and I can hear Sean shouting in the background, making my nerves settle. Even a world away, they make me feel safe.

  “Um, I’m not sure. Is Raven there?”

  “Do we need to come there?”

  “What? No! I just… Can I please talk to Raven for a minute?” I grumble.

  “Okay. Just making sure ye are fine.” He sounds slightly hurt, and I feel bad.

  “I’m fine, totally. You know I ask for help if I need it,” I soothe, hearing him harrumph as he hands the phone over.

  “Hey, Cora, what’s up?” Raven’s voice is smooth, but I hear the concern.

  “I was just wondering if you know of anyone that shifts into lots of different things, like dogs, birds, and umm…well, tiny dragons.” Her silence is deafening, and my heart begins to pound. “Raven?” I whisper, suddenly afraid.

  “Cora. Is he still there?” I peek out the curtain, through the slots in the shutter. His head swivels my way, and I leap back.

  “Yes,” I whisper, moving into the bathroom and locking the door. “Is he going to kill me? Has he sent for Odin or someone else?” I lean against the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Fear has paled my caramel skin, and my eyes shimmer silver beneath the contacts I’ve taken to wearing.

  “No. Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. He’s definitely not going to kill you. And no way has he contacted Odin. There is only one person I know that can do what you described…” I hold my breath waiting for her next word. “Loki.”

  I slide to the floor. “What’s he doing here? Did you know he’s here?”

  Her sigh echoes over the many miles between us. “Can you meet me at the farm tomorrow?” My eyebrows climb, knowing this must be bad. I hear Michael murmur in the background, “Us.” Sean calls out, “I’ll call Kai and Jason.” Shit, what the hell is going on?

  “Sure,” I draw the word out, more worried now. The phone disconnects, and I stare at it in my hand for several minutes before I lay it down. Looking in the mirror, I open the contact case and remove one then the other of the dark contacts, watching as my eyes swirl with power. Power that is on the fritz, apparently. Not a single vision, no warning whatsoever. So much for the Tree of Life’s great gift.

  I stare at my reflection, no longer pale. In fact, my cheeks have a pink tint to them, and I roll my eyes at myself. I won’t lie, he’s been on my mind constantly. He was so angry. His power so vast. But all I think of is his arms around me, the warmth of him seeping into my bones, the smell of him, the feel of him beneath my hands.

  My hand glides over the light switch as I slowly open the door. Next I turn out the light in the bedroom and creep back to the window. Easing the curtain a millimeter at a time, I put my eye to the opening and jump as my phone rings. I throw it across the room and squeeze my eyes shut, frozen in place. Slowly, I open one eye and lock onto red ones staring in my direction. I ease away and turn to my phone just as I hear yelling from the street. I grit my teeth. Fuck. Remy’s, the artist that paints beside me in Jackson Square, voice echoes up, and I hear a low rumbling. I race from the room and out the front door. Seconds later, I’m standing before him, and he’s grinning down at me.

  “Jack said you ran out like you were spooked, so I thought I should check on you.”

  “Thanks, Rem. I’m good. You hungry? Why don’t we grab some tacos from the El Gato Negro around the corner?” He grins and starts walking, slinging his arm around my shoulder, chatting away about stuff that had happened after I left earlier. My eyes dart around, trying to catch sight of a living statue.

  I keep my eyes on the skies until we step inside the door of the restaurant and as I glance back over my shoulder, I see a massive raven sitting on the sculpture across the street. Red eyes blink slowly at me before a caw rings out. I shiver before turning back to my friend, who’s still talking. We order our food and drinks. I gulp my beer as I keep one eye on the window and the bird. The food arrives and I eat, although I can’t tell you anything about it.

  Remy pushes back from the table, looking at me in silence. “What?” I question.

  “That’s what I can’t figure. What’s going on with ya?” His eyes narrow. He always does see too much; it’s the artist in him. “What’s wrong with your eyes?” The last is drawled out slowly.

  Shit. I let my eyelids drift down as I try to think of what to say.

  “Did you finally get your voodoo magic?” His voice is a whisper, and my eyes fly open and my jaw drops. “Girl, you practically drip power.”

  “Whatcha know about power, Remy?” I look at him with new interest.

  “Oh ya know, this and that,” he hedges, and I frown. “We all got secrets, girl. We all got demons.” He’s piqued my curiosity now. Remy Sinclair has been holding out on me. He throws some money down and stands, waiting for me. As we walk outside, he pauses. “You don’t have to tell me. I know something happened on your ‘vacation,’ but just know I’m here if ya need me.”

  He catches hold of my hand and squeezes it tight before letting it go quickly, but not fast enough that I don’t feel the shiver run through his body. Secrets indeed. I’m about to question
him when he turns and ambles away, leaving me to stare after him. I glance across the street, but the bird is gone. My eyes travel up, looking for it in the sky but seeing nothing. Turning, I head back inside, nodding toward the back as I walk past Erin at the bar. She glances outside before nodding.

  I slip out the back and creep in the darkness through the narrow opening between the buildings. A shortcut home. I don’t go up; instead I inch my way along the shadowed wall until I’m by my car. One last glance around and I cross to it, sliding my hand under the front bumper to the hidden key. My I.D. is in my pocket, so no need to return to my apartment. Closing the door as quietly as I can, I start the car, thankful for the quiet engine, and pull away from the curb. I’m two blocks down Decatur Street before I let out the breath I’ve been holding. Traffic is not horrible, so I’m heading out of the city in minutes and on the bridge heading to the farm before I know it. My eyes constantly scan the sky and my mirrors. The problem is I have no idea what he might look like now.