Darkyn's Mate

"I have to show you something," he started. "It's bad. But since he sent you, I want you to see it." He paused to pull up photographs on the screen. "Before a few months ago, the Immortals and demons had an understanding that the normal humans are off limits. Things have gone to shit fast, partly because I can't get the fucking Council to agree on anything." Rhyn snorted. "Darkyn recently decided to send his demons after human kids. They've been attacking schools all over the world. We're getting better at tracking them, but haven't been able to stop them." He handed the device to her.

Deidre almost dropped it at the pictures displayed. Horrified, she wasn't able to look away. The children were all elementary age, their dismembered bodies nothing but carnage. There were dozens of them.

This was what she was bound to for eternity, the monster behind all the evil in the world. Rhyn snatched the iPad as it slid from her fingers. She stared at the floor. Fate said she was a balance for the out-of-control demon, but how could she live with something like him?

"If you have any influence over him …" Rhyn prodded. "I'll make you a deal to stop this. Just let me know your terms."

"I can't make deals," she whispered. "Rhyn, I …" The images in her head were brutal. "I was terrified of Gabriel, knowing he was Death. This is something so far beyond what he was." She stood and paced anxiously, hugging herself.

"You're his mate, his representative. As much as I hate to do this, I need for you to help me fix this," Rhyn said. "It's been going on for two weeks, and it's getting worse. Redirect the violence at the Immortals. Human children are off-limits."

Deidre was silent, grappling with the issue and her emotions. Her chest was too tight for her to breathe deeply. What power did she have to do what Rhyn wanted?

She caught sight of her gaze in the mirror again and stared. Distraught, she was also clearly the mate of the Dark One. The only person who might influence him, based on what Fate and Rhyn believed.

She was beyond terrified of the power Darkyn held. What he was in their insulated world in the bedchamber was far removed from what he was outside. She'd accepted her place in his bed. How did she accept her destiny as his mate?

What part of her was able to live with not trying to help spare innocent children?

Claustrophobic, she started to panic.

"I, uh, I need to go," she said.

"Alright. If you need anything … I have no fucking clue if I can help, but ask." There was concern on Rhyn's face.