Marisa Chenery (8 page)

“I didn’t take you for a quitter, Chyna. You wouldn’t let me give up on you. Well, it’s my turn to not let you give up on me. And for better or worse, we’re tied to each other for all eternity.”

She came to a dead standstill. “What are you saying?”

“The demon was right when he called you my mate. You are. When I bit you in the hotel shower, I claimed you as the one meant for me. A bond formed between us. Now you’re as immortal as I am and we share the same life force. There’s no breaking it.”

If it were possible, Chyna’s face grew even whiter. “You made me immortal and tied us together with an invisible bond that can never be broken?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“What the hell, Jaxon? First you can barely stand the idea of seeing me past a night, then you begrudgingly gave me two months. Now you tell me you’ve made sure we’ll be together for eternity. How can a commitment phobe go from never wanting to settle down with one woman to that? But what really pisses me off is that you didn’t give me the choice. You got to make the final decision when I asked you to stay with me longer than a one-night stand. And why do you have to shift into that creature?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “It wasn’t as if I decided to do it without talking to you first. You don’t understand. Every time we made love, just before I came, I had the urge to bite you, to sink my fangs into you. The harder I fought against doing it, the harder it pushed back until I lost control. Anubis warned me something like that would happen if I kept denying what you are to me. I even told him I didn’t want a mate, ever, but there was no getting out of it. I am the warrior of a jackal-headed god. It also makes me bigger, gives me more strength over evildoers so I can send them to Anubis to be judged in the underworld.”

Chyna stiffened as if he’d slapped her. And Jaxon knew that instant he’d just fucked everything up. Royally. He took a step toward her, then came up short when she flipped him the bird with each hand.

“Screw you, Jaxon,” she shouted. “Here I was falling in love with you and all you could think about was trying to get out of having to stay with me. Well, I don’t need you. You can stay away from me or I’ll kick your furry, kilt-wearing ass into next week. And congratulations, you just made me so furious I’m no longer afraid of seeing you in your other form. Have a nice immortal life without me. Jerk.”

She spun on her heel and headed toward the room’s entrance. It was Jaxon’s turn to be afraid. With the real threat of losing Chyna forever, all the feelings and emotions he’d fought to extinguish when it came to his mate bubbled to the surface and spilled over.

“I love you, Chyna,” he said before she left. “Please don’t leave me.” She stopped but didn’t turn around. “I may have wanted to get out of claiming you as a mate in the beginning, but that’s no longer the case. My feelings for you grew stronger the longer I was with you. When I saw the demon go for you, and I realized how vulnerable you truly would have been if I hadn’t made you my mate, I knew what I felt for you was love. The thought of losing you makes my heart ache.”

Slowly, Chyna turned in his direction. The anger that had tinged her cheeks pink had faded. “I really want to believe that is how you truly feel about me.”

Jaxon crossed the room and cupped her face in his hands. “It’s the truth. I swear it on Anubis. You’re the first and only woman I’ll ever love. Let me explain everything to you. Give me another chance.”

She took a deep breath and nodded. Jaxon brought his lips down to hers and kissed her. He shook with the need to make love to her, but that would have to wait. He took her hand and guided her over to the couch and prepared to tell her the story of how he’d become a warrior to the god of the underworld. Something he’d never told to anyone else.

Chapter Eight

Chyna settled onto the couch as Jaxon took the spot next to her. Her anger at him had burned down to ash. The fear she’d initially felt was gone as well. In some ways, she felt a little numb. She had no idea what Jaxon was about to tell her, but she was more than willing to listen. When he’d said he loved her, she hadn’t been able to keep walking. It had been the last thing she’d expected him to say, especially in the heartfelt way he’d said it.

“All right. I’m listening,” she said.

Jaxon surged to his feet and paced in front of her. The coffee table still sat where he had pushed it out of the way earlier. It was a full minute of Chyna watching him walk back and forth before he spoke.

“I really was born in Dijon, France, but not in the year you originally thought. It was 1772.”

“So you’re two hundred and forty years old?” To look at him, Chyna would never have known he’d lived that long. Even though she hadn’t asked, she’d kind of figured he was a little younger than her. He didn’t look thirty.

“Correct. I’m that old, but I basically became frozen in time when I was twenty-six. That’s when I took my vow to become one of Anubis’ warriors.”

She’d been right. That was why he looked younger than her. Then Chyna realized she would forever remain looking like her thirty-year-old self. She’d never get any older. Not yet ready to dwell on that for too long, she pushed it away.

Chyna cleared her throat as she stopped herself from trying to freak out again. A little bit of the numbness had worn off. She needed to keep her head to pay attention and understand everything Jaxon said. “How did you become a warrior to an ancient Egyptian god when you’re French?”

“I was on the verge of death.”

“What happened?”

“I was a soldier fighting with Napoleon in Egypt. We were there to take the first step against British India, to drive the British out of the French Revolutionary War. On August 1, 1798, during a battle, which would become known as the Battle of the Nile, I was on a ship called the
Orient
. The British and French fought in the Aboukir Bay just off the coast of Egypt. Nelson led the naval attack on the French, with the British ending up the victors. My ship took a lot of cannon shot. I was badly wounded but managed to jump overboard before the
Orient
exploded. I barely made it to shore.”

Jaxon stopped pacing and stood to stare down at Chyna. From the look in his eyes, she could see he was reliving what he’d gone through during that battle, and it wasn’t a pleasant memory for him.

“Then what happened?” she prompted.

“Once I’d dragged myself to shore and a little away from the water’s edge, I realized I was in pretty bad shape. There was no one around to call for help. After fighting my way to shore, I was too weak to look for it. I was bleeding out from several deep wounds, the blood pooling around me. I wasn’t ready to die. I called out to God but He didn’t answer. I grew weaker, I knew I’d pass out and that would be the end of me. Being in Egypt, I’d taken an interest in the ancient gods that had once been worshipped there. Desperate to try anything, I called out to them, promising I’d do anything if they would just spare my life. That’s when Anubis answered.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he’d save me, but in return, I had to vow to serve him as one of his warriors for eternity. I didn’t even think twice about it. I was already a soldier. It was the only life I’d known. Being a warrior to an ancient Egyptian god wouldn’t be a hardship for me. So I gave him my vow, and he healed my wounds, granted me immortality and put his mark on the left side of my chest. Now each night since then I’ve hunted evildoers and have sent them to the underworld to be judged by Anubis. When I shift, I’m able to see every evil thing my prey has done, to make sure they truly need to stand before the god.”

Chyna looked up at the man with whom she’d fallen in love in a matter of days. If not for Anubis, she’d have never met Jaxon. He would have died at a very young age. Even if he had survived his wounds, he wouldn’t have been around for her to love. Old age would have claimed him a long time ago. Now that she’d met Jaxon, she couldn’t picture him not being in her life. And thanks to that same god, she would have Jaxon forever.

She stood and met his gaze. “If I could, I’d thank Anubis for saving you. If he hadn’t, I wouldn’t have had the chance to fall in love with you.” Jaxon pulled her into his arms and claimed her lips. She held on to him, giving back as good as she got. Once he pulled away, she said, “Being one of Anubis’ warriors, is that why you didn’t want something long-term with me?”

Jaxon kissed the tip of her nose. “I hate to say it, but no. That had to do with me. Even as a mortal I didn’t want a woman in my life. My mother died giving birth to me, and my father decided when I was quite young that I’d go into the army. He raised me to be tough and independent. I’d figured loving a woman would make me appear weak. But I think that opinion really formed when I was younger. I’d gotten close to a woman, thinking I could have that type of relationship with her. I ended up finding out she not only had me but another man and was playing us both. When I confronted her about it, told her what I was feeling, she laughed and said she’d never want a boy like me on a permanent basis, that I was just an amusement.”

“Do you still think that way?”

“No. My life wouldn’t be complete without you. Finding you showed me how much I’d been missing.” He brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. “Are you done being angry at me?”

Chyna nodded. “I now understand where you were coming from.”

“Good, because you’re one tough woman when riled. I don’t need you to threaten to kick my furry, kilt-wearing ass again.”

She felt herself blush. “Yeah, I can say I have a bit of a temper. And it’s not as if I could ever kick your ass while you’re in that form, anyway. You’re twice your normal size.”

“Are you okay with what I am?”

“Yes. I think. It’s still so weird.” Some of the numbness was still with her. Once it wore completely off, she’d have to look at this more clearly, but for now it could wait. “So that was a demon, huh? Have you had to deal with many of them?”

“No, I haven’t. This is the first time. They usually are trapped down in another part of the underworld. That one and a few others escaped. So far two other of Anubis’ warriors have sent the demons to the god for final judgment. I’m going to have to do the same for this one or we’ll never be free of him.”

She should have been scared to think about the demon, but Chyna suddenly felt very tired as the last of the adrenaline left her body. She was too tired to even feel the fear she should. A quick look out the living room window showed the sky was lightening. She covered a large yawn with her hand. “Do you think the demon will come back soon? We both need some sleep.”

“I doubt it. He’ll want to lick his wounds. Let’s go to bed.”

Chyna placed her hand in Jaxon’s when he held it out to her. Maybe she was accepting all of this too easily, but right now she didn’t care. Tomorrow when she wasn’t so tired she’d think about it.

Once inside his bedroom, Jaxon stripped Chyna and put her to bed before he climbed in naked beside her. She turned to him and cuddled close. With the sound of his heartbeat in her ear, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

* * * * *

Chyna sat outside in Jaxon’s backyard at the glass patio table. Jaxon was inside leaving his morning offering to Anubis. He’d explained that the spare room she’d found with all the artwork of Anubis was a mini-temple Jaxon had set up for the god of the underworld. He’d also told her that was the only place he could actually speak with Anubis. Jaxon had asked if she wanted to come with him and talk to the god, but she’d declined. She had everything that had happened the night before to get used to before she spoke with a real ancient Egyptian god.

Along with talking about the temple, she and Jaxon had discussed their future together. She, of course, would be moving in with him. He’d also suggested she quit her job, which she was more than happy to do. She knew Joy would be the first one the company would go to as a replacement.

With her face lifted to the sun, Chyna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was immortal. She still found it hard to even comprehend. And having her life force bound to Jaxon’s was so much more permanent than any marriage license. She’d been a little worried when he’d told her that if he ever lost his head, literally, she’d die right along with him. But he’d quickly calmed her fears, saying San Diego was the last place he ever expected it to happen. The amount of evildoers was minimal compared to other cities.

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you look sitting there in the sun?” Jaxon asked.

Chyna opened her eyes and smiled up at him. He stood at her side. “And you’re looking pretty hunky yourself. All done with the offerings?”

He pulled out the chair next to her and sat. “Yes. I also spoke to Anubis and told him what happened last night. He’s happy that I claimed you but wished I’d gotten your permission first. He also warned me to stay alert when it comes to the demon. After my first encounter with the creature, we’re not sure when he’ll try to take control.”

“Take control? What do you mean?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you don’t know what really happened to me the day I was supposed to see you.”

“The demon did something to you?”

“Yes. He appeared before me, forcing me to shift. He then used a spell that took away my humanity, leaving nothing but the jackal part in control. It lasted two days. I didn’t remember anything. Anubis was able to bring the memories through the block in my mind.” Jaxon paused. “I went on the hunt for evildoers, but I didn’t send them to Anubis to be judged. I killed them, which sent them to the demon part of the underworld.”

Chyna swallowed. “And he can still use that spell on you?”

“He wouldn’t have to cast it again. It remains a part of me. The demon just has to trigger it.”

That didn’t sound good at all. “Can’t Anubis get rid of it?”

“He has tried. He even tried again a few minutes ago, but the demon put a failsafe on it. Too much tampering and I lose my humanity forever. The only way to break it is for me to send him to Anubis. Until then, I’m a bomb waiting to go off.”

“Shit, Jaxon. We have to get rid of this demon.”

“You mean I have to get rid of him. You’re going to do your best to stay clear of him.” She opened her mouth to protest, but Jaxon spoke before she could. “You’re not to put yourself at risk. Remember, with our life forces joined, the demon can take me out by taking you out. It works both ways.”

“All right. I’ll let you handle him, but…” Chyna’s words trailed off as Jaxon shot to his feet. “What’s the matter?”

He didn’t answer. The sound of his bones realigning themselves filled the air as he grew larger to stand at almost seven feet tall. His body shifted to his half-human and half-jackal form, his muscles becoming bigger. Black fur sprouted from his skin until he was completely covered from head to toe. Gold armbands appeared around each of his thick biceps, and last, a snow-white Egyptian-styled kilt formed around his hips to fall to the middle of his thighs.

The shift complete, Jaxon growled in a gravelly voice, “Run, Chyna. He’s here.”

“Not so fast,” the demon said as he appeared behind Chyna and grabbed hold of her, preventing her from escaping. “Intermission is over. Now it’s time to get to the end game, for both of you.”

The demon whispered a word she didn’t understand. An instant later, Jaxon growled and clutched his head as if he were in great pain. Once it seemed to pass, Jaxon straightened and his gaze latched on to Chyna. Her heart tried to beat out of her chest. Looking into his eyes, there was no human intelligence staring back at her. It had been replaced with something feral. It was like looking a wild animal in the eye.

“He thinks you’re his prey,” the creature who held her said with a laugh. “Now you can run.” He released her with a shove.

Chyna took off, not even looking back to see what Jaxon would do. She barely made it into the house and locked the door before he caught up to her. The lock slowed him down some, but the sound of the door being ripped from its hinges rent the air. A low, angry-sounding growl followed it.

The only place Chyna could think of where she had maybe a chance of being protected was inside Anubis’ temple. She ran faster than she’d ever run in her life. She could hear Jaxon hot on her trail. Inside the room, she slammed the door, but there was no lock so she put all her weight behind it, knowing full well it wouldn’t keep Jaxon out.

“Anubis!” she yelled. “If you can hear me, I could really use your help.”

Chyna felt something ruffling through her mind before a voice answered her inside it.
Let Jaxon into the temple. Once he’s in, I’ll be able to hold him in place with a shield.

She whimpered as Jaxon pushed at the door, almost throwing her off balance. “And the demon?”

You’ll have to be the one to send him to me. One cut is all you need to send him to the underworld.

A black-bladed dagger appeared in her hand. There went her promise to Jaxon to let him handle the demon. She was going to have to save them both. Chyna just hoped she could cut the demon before he managed to take her head.