Marked by Death (The Godhunter, Book 4) (19 page)

My humiliation melted and I could’ve kissed Re for that. Hell, I could’ve kissed Re for any reason.

“I would love to dance, thank you, Re,” I put my hand in his and he swept me out to the dance floor.

I had a moment’s doubt when I realized everyone was waltzing. I didn’t know how to waltz. I looked at Re with panicked eyes but he smiled reassuringly, taking hold of me firmly. We were a little closer together than everyone else but as he started to move me around the floor, I realized it was for my benefit. He guided me easily, my feet automatically following his movements.

In moments, I was having fun and I’d completely forgotten about Anubis. Re’s smile was sunshine on my soul, his hands a warm comfort. The Sun God was dancing with me and he eclipsed all others.

Until I saw the other sun god in the room... Blue.

He was standing with a group of gods who were talking animatedly to him but he was staring at me. Great. He was probably enjoying my downfall immensely. I looked away before he could smile and gloat. That would just make my evening complete.

“
Anubis is glaring daggers at me,” Re whispered into my ear, “and he’s not the only one.”

“
Probably because they all hate me,” I held his gaze determinedly. I wouldn’t look at Anubis. I wouldn’t look at Anubis.

I looked at Anubis and Re was right, he didn’t appear so happy.

“They don’t all hate you,” Re never took his eyes off me. “They’re wary of you. You’re called the Godhunter. Can you blame them?”

“
No,” I smiled up at him, “but I’m not exactly in a position to hurt anyone.”

“
Only Anubis and I,” his lips brushed my ear as he spoke.

“
Right,” I laughed. “Anubis controls my body like a marionette and you’re pretending to like me because Ma’at asked you to. I don’t think either of you are in any danger.”

“
Anubis is losing control,” Re’s face went serious, “anyone with a pair of eyes can see it, and as far as my affections… I don’t blow hot and cold,” he kissed my cheek, “only hot. Just because I entered this game as a pawn, doesn't mean I don't want to be King.”

I swallowed hard and looked up at his bright eyes. He was messing with me, he had to be. I couldn’t handle another man, especially one who made me melt with a look. I know, I know, it sounds fabulous but a relationship with someone who I was practically too nervous to function around, just didn’t sound fun to me. I wanted comfortable, attractive but not blindingly so, intelligent but not egotistical.

I wanted Trevor.

“
You look scared, Godhunter,” he chuckled.

“
You’re a little intimidating,” I looked away to where Anubis had been standing but he was gone.

“
I’ll try to tone it down,” his lips were still twitching when Anubis’ hand landed on his shoulder and stopped our progress around the floor.

“
I think I’d like a dance as well,” Anubis held his hand out to me and I went obligingly into his arms.

“
But we’ve just begun,” Re’s eyes twinkled.

“
You’ve danced through two songs already.” Anubis twirled me away.

“
We did?” I hadn’t even noticed. “It didn’t seem so long.”

“
Time flies when you’re having Re, huh?” Anubis' lips pressed thin.

“
Really? You’re going to take it there?” I couldn’t believe Ma’at’s plan was working.

“
Take what where?” Anubis frowned.

“
It’s an expression,” I sighed. “It means that I can’t believe you’re jealous.”

“
I’m not jealous,” he swung me in an arc and pulled me closer. “I don’t think I’m jealous.”

“
Well good, since it would be ridiculous,” I caught Re winking at me from the sidelines and chuckled.

“
Why would it be ridiculous?” Anubis pressed his lips to my neck and I felt chills course over me.

I pulled back a little and unwound the chain from my arm. His gaze followed my movements as I hooked the end onto his belt. When I looked up at him, his eyes were swirling jewels. I let myself go soft in his gaze as I leaned forward and kissed him gently. He groaned and wrapped me tighter, as he deepened the kiss.

Then he pulled away and leaned his forehead to mine. I suddenly realized we’d stopped dancing. We stood in the center of the floor, other couples swirling around us, lost in each other like a couple in a chick flick. It was so romantic, I almost forgot that I was playing him.

A flash of light woke us both from the dream I'd been trying to weave. I frowned and looked over at a man with golden blonde curls, dressed in a tux, and holding a strange looking camera. He smiled a little, a wicked grin really, and I suddenly remembered him.

“Hermes,” I spat.

“
I'd like a copy of that,” Anubis unhooked the chain as he led me over to Hermes, and slipped it back around my arm.

“
Of course,” Hermes inclined his head, “my pleasure.”

“
I'd just bet,” I growled.

“
What?” Hermes smirked. “Afraid your werewolf lover will see how
you really feel about
your captivity?”

“
Why is he here?” I turned to Anubis instead of answering the Messenger God, who also happened to be a reporter for the God Realm.

“
I invited him, of course,” Anubis looked curiously at Hermes and then me. “He always covers my parties.”

“
They are the talk of the God Realm,” Hermes agreed. “But this picture, of the Godhunter being tamed by the God of the Dead, is going to make the front page.”

It was all I could do to not wrap my chain around Hermes' throat and choke the life out of him. I took a deep breath, reining in my temper, knowing that I couldn't show my anger there or Anubis would know my demeanor was an act. So I shrugged and turned away from Hermes, like he didn't matter to me.

“I think I need to sit down,” I said to Anubis. “All this dancing has been too much excitement for me.”

“
Of course,” Anubis nodded to Hermes, who backed away with another evil grin, and escorted me to a chair. “I need to make some more rounds with my guests, wait here and catch your breath. I fully plan on stealing it away again later.” He smiled at me, and it was lighthearted, happiness radiating off of him. I smiled back but I don't think mine was as blissful as his.

Anubis walked away without looking back, leaving me to contemplate the heavy chain wound about my arm and the photograph that would soon be circulating the God Realm. What was Trevor going to think when he saw that intimate pose? Would he believe I'd betrayed him? Had I betrayed him?

And then there was that stupid gold chain. When Re had presented me with the chain, I had felt respected, maybe even admired a little, but when Anubis wrapped it around my arm, it had felt like even more of a restraint. As if the chain were merely symbolic, his hold on me went so much deeper, the chain truly meant very little. Locked onto his belt or not, it made no difference, I couldn't escape him.

I sighed and got up, wandering along the edge of the crowd and making my way to the double french doors on the far side of the room. I could see a balcony through them and a starlit sky. I needed the air, the space, and maybe even some bracing cold to remind me of how much I hated Anubis.

Snide looks followed me but I ignored them. There was only so much Anubis could do. He couldn't control the way people looked at me and really, what was there to do about it? More importantly, what did I care? I didn't know these people and I sure as hell didn't like them anymore than they liked me. They could all go to hell for all I cared. Oh wait, right, already there.

Cool air lifted the baby hairs from the sides of my face, caressing my skin with some much needed refreshment. I sighed and closed the doors behind me, the din of the party becoming a soft drone. The night sounds of the garden took over, little bugs chirping, small creatures nestling in for the night, and lizards climbing across branches. I closed my eyes and lifted my face to the moon. Was Trevor looking upon her as well? Or was he in the Human Realm, lifting his face to a mirror moon, a backwards version of the one I stood under.

A single tear slid out of my tightly closed lids and tracked its way down my cheek. Before more could follow, the doors opened behind me and I quickly dashed it away. I took a deep breath and turned to face Anubis. Couldn't he leave me be for one blasted moment? I just wanted some peace, just a small bit of solace in the night before I had to face him again.

“
Hello, Vervain,” it wasn't Anubis but his mother. Nephthys closed the doors behind her. “I'm sorry to interrupt. Your sorrow called to me.”

She walked forward slowly, as if she didn't want to spook me, and then reached out a hand and laid it lightly on my shoulder. Looking in her eyes made me want to lay my head against her chest and cry, she held so much sympathy in them. Instead, I smiled.

“It must be hard for you,” I observed.

“
What is?” Sympathy made way for confusion.

“
Being the Goddess of Mourning,” I took her hand from my shoulder, squeezed it gently and let it go. “You get sorrow and your son gets death. Who did your family piss off in order to get such awful assignments?”

She made a startled bark of a sound, then swiftly covered her mouth with both hands, wide eyes staring at me in shock. She slowly lowered her hands and I was pleased to see that a smile remained on her face.

“I see why he loves you,” she said quietly.

I frowned and looked back out at the gardens. She moved up beside me, close but not touching, and stared out at the scenery with me.

“It must be hard for you as well,” she said casually. “Held prisoner here, surrounded by enemies, and never knowing what your future holds.”

“
My future,” I gave a grim little laugh.

“
Vervain,” she turned to look at me and I slanted my gaze to her. “Anubis can be harsh, his father taught him that, but he can also be kind. I like to believe that was my contribution. He is made up of contradictions and can be difficult to understand but once you delve through the layers, there is an amazing man underneath.”

“
I'm sure there is,” I couldn't speak disparagingly of him to his mother.

“
Please,” she grabbed my arm and made me look at her. “He is so lost right now. There is nothing for him to live for and when Death has no reason to live, what shall become of him? What shall become of us all?”

“
I think you mistake your son's interest in me,” I once more removed her hand. “There may be desire there but it's not love. I'm not his reason to live.”

“
I think you are the one who is mistaken,” she waved her hand in a slashing motion when I began to speak. “I am his mother. I know him better than any other and I can say, without a doubt, that I have never seen him look at a woman like he looks at you. You have put colors in his eyes that I have never seen there. There is no mistaking his feelings for you. Why do you think I welcomed you so warmly? I knew immediately that he wanted that from me.”

I closed my eyes and rubbed at my forehead. I was so tired of trying to figure Anubis out. Now his mother was telling me he loved me. Should I be happy? Excited that I was one step closer to escape? I tried to feel those things but all I could manage was a vague twisting sensation in my stomach. I had a bad feeling about all of it.

“Please help him,” Nephthys whispered in her grave-side voice. “Raise him from the dead and give me back my son.”

“
That's not one of my powers.”

“
Oh, but it is, Godhunter,” she turned and left me but her voice lingered beside me. “It is.”

Chapter Twenty-One

I was drinking a glass of punch, leaning a little against the mirrored wall, finally alone while Anubis chatted with his father, when Thoth approached me. I eyed him warily as he came up with his glass of champagne. He smiled and inclined his head as he leaned back against the wall, next to me.

“Enjoying yourself, Godhunter?”

“
As much as possible, I suppose,” I eased myself down the wall from him a little.

“
Little by little you’re changing him,” he poked at the chain wrapped around my arm. “Now he lets you free.”

“
Hardly,” I lifted my glass in Anubis’ direction. “He’s only just there.”

“
More free than he intended,” Thoth’s eyes were angry, glinting in the light from the hundreds of candles reflected in the mirrors. “More free than I’d like.”

“
I’m so sorry to disappoint you, Thoth,” I sighed and rubbed at my head. I mean come on, the guy acted like it was all a vicious plot of mine to get Anubis to kidnap me. “Frankly, I think I’d rather be chained to the wall of Anubis’ bedroom than at this party right now. In case you haven’t noticed, nobody here likes me much. Anubis is showing off his prize, that’s all this is about.”

“
I don’t know about that,” I turned to find Ares leaning on the wall to my left. “But I agree with Thoth, you’re much too free for my liking.”

I backed away from Ares, bringing me closer to Thoth again but I preferred the birdbrain to the bully any day. Ares gave me a cocky grin and looked me up and down, like he was imagining new forms of torture to try out on me. I lifted my chin, looked pointedly at his lack of a left hand, and felt my eyes widen as I saw the shiny new golden hand that was in its place. I suddenly felt like I was in a James Bond movie. I grinned mockingly.

“You impudent bitch,” Ares threw his crystal glass to the floor and reached for my neck.

The crash of his glass, not to mention his shouting, drew everyone’s attention and of course I was in the center of it all again. I leaped back to avoid Ares but I’d forgotten my train and I tripped… right into Thoth. Thoth caught me, automatic reflex I think, but we both tumbled to the ground.

The good news was, Ares missed. The bad news was, I was in a tumble of silk with Thoth and all Anubis’ guests were watching. Thoth recovered quickly, got to his feet, and totally shocked me by helping me to mine. It must’ve been all the watching eyes, he wanted to look like a gentleman.

Ares hadn’t cooled off though and by the time I’d made it to my feet, he was right there to knock me down again. Whamo! Bitch slapped again. I was getting tired of that shit. I mean, come on, fight me with a sword, with magic, with your fists, but don’t slap me like a girl. That’s just not right.

I contemplated all of that as I reclined on the floor and tested my lip, which he thankfully missed, no blood to ruin my pretty dress. My cheek stung something fierce though. Before I could decide whether to attempt getting to my feet on my own, it’s more difficult than you may think when you’re tangled in yards of silk, Anubis was there helping me.

I looked up, half expecting to find him angry at me. He looked pretty pissed but when he got me on my feet it was only tenderness he gave me. He stroked my face gently, smoothed my hair, and looked me over carefully, making sure I hadn’t bruised or scraped anything.

“Are you alright, Miw-sher?”

“
I think so,” I felt my lips go a little slack as I stared at the colors shifting over his eyes… sharp, bright colors. Someone was in
tro-o-o-uble
… and holy hounds, for once it wasn’t me.

He pushed my hair back and kissed me on the forehead, before turning to face Ares. I hadn't even noticed the flashes until Anubis sent a withering look to Hermes and they abruptly stopped. It must have been one hell of a look, because when he transferred it to Ares, the war god immediately started stammering.

“She insulted me,” he waved to his new hand-o-gold. “I’m a god, I can’t let that pass. You of all should understand that.”

“
Were you absent when I said I wanted Vervain afforded the same respect as one would grant me?” Anubis’ voice was cool, like the whisper of a ghost on the back of your neck.

“
She insulted me!”

“
Were you
here
?” I saw Anubis’ shoulders tense and his hands rise.

“
Yes, I was here but she mocked my hand,” he pointed accusingly at me. “You know her lover cut it from me.”

“
I
am
her lover,” Anubis slid closer and Ares backed up, “and my bite is much worse than the Wolf Prince’s. Do you doubt it?”

“
No,” Ares drew his sword in one swift move and the crowd drew a collective breath. “I don’t doubt you take a bigger bite but you’ve sorely misjudged me if you think I’ll just stand here and let you take one out of me.”

“
You have five minutes to get out of Duat,” Anubis waved a hand and werejackals came out of the crowd to surround Ares. “They’ll escort you out or tear you apart if you dally. Goodbye, Ares.”

“
Goodbye, Anubis,” Ares started to strut by but stopped when he got abreast of us. “Watch your back with this one.”

In answer, Anubis turned to me and unlocked my collar. The metal slid from my neck and I heaved a sigh of delight. The absence of all that weight was an incredible relief. He held the collar out in front of us and let it drop to the floor with a loud clank. I looked at him with wide-eyed disbelief and he pulled me in with one hand, stroking my hair with his other.

“I am the God of the Dead,” his voice carried over the quiet assemblage. “I rule here and no one, be they god or god
hunter
, will triumph over me in my own palace. I have no fear of that.” He scooped me up and carried me from the room, making me wonder whether he was being gallant or arrogant.

The last thing I saw before the doors closed behind us, was his mother's smile.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“
You have let your lust blind you,” Thoth’s voice stopped me short, just outside of the library.

I was going for another book, one of the few sources of entertainment available to me, but the idea of a new story was less interesting than the one that was taking place on the other side of the door. I pressed my ear to the crack and eavesdropped.

“My lusts are none of your concern,” Anubis said haughtily.

“
They are when they’re threatening to destroy you.”

“
She’s completely in my control here,” Anubis sounded overly confident. “She’d have to trace out to a warded home in the God Realm to be able to resist my call.”

“
And what if she did manage to trace out to a warded territory?” Thoth just wouldn’t let up but in this instance I was glad for it. I needed those questions answered as well.

“
She can’t,” Anubis answered flippantly. “She’s human. She needs the help of one of us to leave Duat. There’s no possibility for her to escape. Even if she did, all I'd have to do is wait for her soul to seep back to me and then simply call her back. She's mine, she'll never be free. So stop worrying. ”

“
I can’t help it. You’re acting more and more like a lovesick pup everyday. There may come a day when you free her yourself, out of love.”

“
No,” Anubis’ voice went up a few octives. “I’ll never release her and there’s no love in me. I’m Death, death does not love.”

“
You don’t sound so sure anymore,” Thoth’s sigh was loud enough for me to hear easily. “I know
I’m
not sure because I know there’s love in you. Being Death doesn’t burn away your heart, my friend. Death can be cruel but it can also be merciful. There’s love inside you but please, for your own good, do not gift it to
her
.”

“
If it is true, if I do have the ability to love,” Anubis sounded a little hopeful and it made my own treacherous heart ache. “Then I’ll have no choice in the matter. My love will go where it will.”

I waited a few minutes for the conversation to steer back into safer waters before I knocked and opened the door enough to poke my head in.

“Am I disturbing you?”

Anubis smiled brightly and waved me in. “No, I was just about to go looking for you, come in.”

Thoth stared at me but kept his face carefully blank. I looked away from him quickly.

“
I was just coming to exchange a book,” I held the book in my hands up.

“
What were you reading?” Anubis held his hand out for it and I gave it to him. “Wadsworth. You like poetry?”

“
You sound surprised,” I smiled crookedly at him. “Just because I’m the Godhunter, I can’t enjoy poetry? Should I read
The Art of War
instead?
”

“
You’re just not the woman I thought you were,” Anubis looked pensively at the book before placing it on the table beside him and standing up.

“
Is that good or bad?” I took the hand he offered me and let him lead me out of the room and away from Thoth. I could feel his bitter scowl on my back.

“
Good,” Anubis shifted his hand to the small of my back. “It’s very good.”

“
Where are you taking me?” I softened my gaze. The effort was less and less difficult lately.

“
Far from here,” he kissed my cheek. “I’m tired of chasing Re away from you.”

“
Does he stay here often?” Re hadn’t left since the night he’d helped me win Anubis’ jealousy and that had been over two weeks ago.

“
He visits a lot,” Anubis led me out into the garden and through the paths. “But not usually for so long.”

“
Oh,” I knew this was an opportunity to play on his jealousy again and I figured I might as well make use of Re’s extended stay. “Why do you think he’s stayed so long this time?”

“
You know exactly why he’s stayed,” he stopped and chucked me under the chin and I turned toward him but I immediately forgot what I was about to say, as a wave of weakness washed over me and I collapsed.

“
Miw-sher!” Anubis picked me up and carried me to a stone bench. “What is it? Look at me!”

I lifted eyelids that felt weighted down with lead and tried to focus on his face but it was Trevor’s I saw, pale and weak. I screamed as his wolf tore through my body, trying to break free and return to him. It pushed and clawed until I thought I must surely be bleeding to death from the inside.

I always knew Trevor would die without me and I knew his death would tear me apart but I had no idea it would be so literal a tearing.

“
Miw-sher, please!” I felt Anubis stand and then there was a sense of swift movement as he ran us back to the palace.

I tried to answer him but all that came out was a groan. Then the warmth of the sun was traded for cool shade and I was laid out on a bed. I saw Trevor again, eyes open, arms reaching for me and I screamed his name.

“Her mate is dying,” the reserved tones of Thoth’s voice hovered around me. “She’ll probably be alright in a few minutes but she’ll go through bouts like this until he’s dead.”

“
No!” I screamed. “Trevor! VéulfR!”

“
Anubis,” Re’s warmth spread over me. “Maybe you should let her return to her mate.”

“
No,” I felt a cold hand on my face and was finally able to focus enough to see Anubis. “I won’t let you go, Miw-sher.”

“
Please,” I felt the tears pouring down my face. I was gasping brokenly and I grasped his hand desperately. “Please don’t let him die.”

“
If you leave me,
I
will die,” he kissed my forehead.

“
Stop being so dramatic,” Thoth sneered.

“
Anubis, you said it yourself, she’s only property to you,” Re tried for a more consoling tone. “Let her go, she’s suffered enough.”

“
No!” He growled at them over his shoulder.

“
What do you care?” Re gave up being calm and yelled back. “It’s not like you love her.” Silence thickened the air. “Do you? Do you love her?”

“
Yes!” Anubis’ voice rang through my head. So I’d won but at what cost? Even his love was selfish. He wasn’t going to let me go, no matter how much pain it caused me.

“
I will hate you for eternity,” I vowed with a shaking voice, “if you let Trevor die.”