The Grey God

"There's more than that."

Darian studied his friend, unable to discern exactly what Jule wanted him to know.

"I'll fight whatever it is. If anything happens to me, you take care of Damian and Claire," he said. "But I don't see it ever coming to that. No White God has fallen in the history of our worlds. It would disrupt the balance between good and evil, rupture the gates between worlds. It can't happen. As long as I'm alive, I won't be defeated."

"There are those who would see the gates ruptured in pursuit of the mortal world. Czerno is one of them. The Black God wants to be the only god the humans know."

"My Guardians are there to stop him. Our duty is to the little humans as much as to our own."

"Very well," Jule said in a softer voice. "I've done my part to warn you."

The Original Immortal was visibly disturbed. Darian studied him a moment before his gaze went to the flowers floating from the apple trees. He loved his orchard. He'd watched Damian's birth here, grown up here, met Claire here. It was the place where he'd always found happiness.

"The trees bloom year round for you," Jule said, following his gaze. "They'll bloom forever, if it makes you happy."

"It does," Darian said. "As long as I live, I want them to bloom."

The trees rustled as he dispelled a fraction of his power. His magic swept through the orchard. The trees would continue to bloom for the rest of his years, filling the orchard with delicate pink-white petals.

"They're beautiful, Darian."

Both turned at the woman's quiet voice. Darian's gaze swept over his mate's form. Only a head smaller than his tall frame, Claire was shapely and beautiful. Hers was the kind of beauty that made a man notice her in a crowd full of beauties, or a god spot her from others gathered in his orchard for a celebration of his twenty-seventh birthday. She wore a snug dress that revealed more of her large breasts than she probably should. Long, auburn hair was loose around her shoulders, and her face glowed.

He felt the familiar sense of desire rise just looking at her plump lips and bright blue eyes.

"If you'll excuse me," Darian said.

"Of course," Jule replied. "Think about what I said, Darian."

"I will," Darian said, half-hearing. He dismounted. Jule left them in peace, and Darian offered his hand to Claire. "I thought you'd be sleeping still."