Unchained: An Eternal Guardians Novella Read Free Page A

face.
    He moved toward the steps, climbing steadily until he reached the top. His legs moved as if they had a will of their own, driving him over the bridge and up the hill until he stood at the base of the gazebo.
    It towered above, all ancient stone and marble, with ornate carvings and scrollwork, more temple than garden structure. Energy vibrated from inside, an energy he didn’t recognize. Pausing to catch his breath, he stilled and listened to the forest around him, tuning in to his god-sense for any indication of a threat.
    “Find me, Titos...”
    Her voice slithered over his skin like a sensual caress. Common sense told him to be careful, that he didn’t know who or what she really was, but desire pushed his feet up the steps and brought him to a stop at the doorway.
    His fantasy stood in the middle of the octagonal room, flame-red hair curling down around her shoulders, gemlike eyes pinned on him, candy apple red lips curved in a wicked, for-his-eyes-only smile.
    Forbidden images swept through his mind—the flimsy white gown slipping free of her delectable body, her hands coming up to caress her plump, perfect breasts, a catch of her breath as she slid one hand down her toned belly and into the thatch of red curls at the apex of her thighs.
    Blood rushed into his groin, making him instantly hard. A moan echoed in his head...hers, his, he couldn’t tell which.
    “Come, Titos.”
    The words were a command he couldn’t ignore. He stepped one foot into the gazebo, and another. Her smile grew wider. Heat and the sweet scent of heliotrope surrounded him as he drew close.
    “Touch me and make me real.”
    Yesterday she’d wanted him to find her. Now she was telling him to touch her and make her real. Confusion pulled at his brows. “I don’t know how.”
    She moved closer, until she was mere inches away, and lifted her chest so his attention dropped to her breasts heaving with her breath in the low-cut white dress. “Just touch me. Your Titan powers in this place will do the rest.”
    His hand lifted as if guided by some unseen force, and as his fingers drew close, he thought he heard her whisper. His gaze darted toward her face, and he watched in a trance as her ruby-red lips moved quickly, the words barely audible.
    Ancient Greek. He recognized the tongue, not what she was saying. His hand stilled. Her chanting grew louder. Just as he was about to pull back, she stepped into him, and his fingers passed through what should be her shoulder.
    A flash of light illuminated the inside of the gazebo and quickly faded. Prometheus blinked several times and looked down only to realize the warm flesh and solid bones beneath his hand were real.
    His gaze darted right back to her face. “Who are you?”
    “I told you yesterday. My name is Keia.”
    She stepped back, away from him, and in a daze he realized the gazebo was no longer dark and empty but illuminated by dozens of candles around the periphery that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere when he touched her. A thick rug made of red and gold swirls lay beneath his feet, a gold chaise with plump red pillows sat ahead. He turned to find two more plush chairs and dozens of soft, luxurious pillows scattered across the floor.
    “What just happened?” he asked. “What is this place?”
    “You’re a Titan.” She moved to a small table, uncapped a decanter and poured red liquid into two goblets. Handing him one, she stepped close once more and said, “Don’t tell me magic is new to you.”
    He looked into his goblet as she sipped from her own. Wine, he guessed from the fruity scent, but it might just as well be poison. His gaze narrowed on her flawless features once more. “I’m not in the mood for games.”
    “Neither am I. You’ve made me real. In this place, at least. For that I’m thankful.” She moved to the chaise and gestured to one of the chairs. “Sit and talk with me for a bit before it’s time for me to go. It’s been ages since I’ve had the