Embrace the Desire Read Free

ran from the demon that lurked under his skin. And he could only remain as he was, crouched low to the ground, fighting every instinct in his entire body.

Chapter 2
    As Akhos’ slave disappeared with Payne, Gyth gritted his teeth. Cracking the muscles in his neck, he dematerialized sending himself to earth. Knowing that if Payne did not break soon, the world would have bigger problems to deal with, he sent a summons across the earth. He needed players in this game and he had to take the necessary precautions.
    Determination raced through his heart. The oncoming events had to be played with precise control and like chess, the king had to be protected at all costs. The queen and her rooks would have to rule the board and corner the opponent’s men.
    From time to time, Gyth had to take these little excursions with a fair amount of patience, even when they involved the throne of the Heavens. Knowing what future lay ahead, he had to turn the tables. He wasn’t going to allow Damon to rise from the Underworld, nor was he going to lose the throne any time soon.
    Materializing in front of the Tortured Souls, the bar that served as a sanctuary for his Destroyers, his eyes darkened. If the game was to be played and for his team to have a fighting chance, he would have to make sure that he chose the best of the best to be Chanta’s rooks. The bishops and the knights, although important, would have to be probable forfeits in the game as well as the pawns.
    His nostrils flared. As much as it dismayed him, Payne was the king in this game and he had to be protected at any cost. True, Chanta was the priceless asset; however, in order to achieve the desired outcome, Payne would have to survive. And the best protection he could give him was sitting at the bar drinking vodka. Gyth’s own son, Varick Ta Farg, was the best of the best.
    Given the recent events in Varick’s life, he may not be a willing participant in the game. With a low grunt, Gyth walked into the bar and met Varick’s eyes. No matter how defiant his newly transformed son was, he knew that Varick would never allow any serious harm to come to Payne.
    Varick was a god now, his powers restored. Gyth got his eyes full of Varick’s appearance. Black trench coat, black cowboy boots, and a black button up silk shirt graced his muscular body. He and Gyth shared common traits. They had the same gold eyes and the same white hair. They both flexed their jaws when angry or upset. Gyth’s gaze flickered over the red braid hanging from his son’s temple.
    The braid was the same as Terror Sky’s, the elemental god that served Isten with a faith that defied logic. Gyth had no idea what the braid meant, but he was sure it did not bode well. Nevertheless, Varick would serve the purpose at hand simply because of Payne and their friendship.
    Across the empty bar, Varick set his glass down, small sparks of purple flames jumping from his fingers. “Where the hell is Payne?”
    “In the realm of the Algea.” Gyth replied, “Either he’ll do as I command or he’ll be ruined.”
    In a flash, Varick was in Gyth’s face, his hand wrapping around his neck. “Father or not, if you harm Payne, I’ll destroy you!”
    “Before you take me on, you’d better learn how to control those god powers. Your threats are empty until you do,” Gyth reminded him. “Remove your hands or I’ll have that bastard son of Damon’s neutered and skinned alive.”
    Varick stared hard at his father and slowly dropped his hand. “What do you want from me? That’s why you’re here isn’t it? To make a bargain in return for Payne’s freedom.”
    Straightening his robes and trying to keep his anger intact, Gyth followed Varick to the bar. “The female, Chanta Timbers, is entering her Burning. Her destiny is to be protected at all costs.” Gyth gritted his teeth. “You’ll make sure that Payne takes her through it and that she survives.”
    Varick shook his head. “Payne won’t touch a woman. There