Read Online Forged by Fate by Reese Monroe - Free Book Online

dart through his eyes.
    So expressive. So old. It both soothed and scared her, if that was possible.
    “And why can’t I go home?”
    Justin snickered and crossed his arms over his broad chest.
    “I can do without the snickers, Justin.” She kicked her leg over the bike and took several steps back. She wanted to bolt again, but that’d gotten her nowhere fast last time. “I’m waiting, Theo.”
    He smiled as if pleased she’d said his name. He remained on the bike, but set the kickstand.
    She glanced around to find trees behind her and a row of houses on the other side. The street dead-ended to her left, then went for miles north. But she was only about a mile from campus, maybe—
    “Please don’t run again,” Theo said. “The results were not very pleasant last time.”
    He must be able to read minds, too.
    “As to why you can’t return home, the answer should be obvious.”
    “Color me dumb, then.”
    “You’re far from dumb.” Theo smiled again. Damn, that earth-shattering smile could crack a fissure in the ground. “Eighteen years old, already done with undergraduate studies. A degree focused on chemical engineering, no less. Slated to sign with Bendz Chem upon graduation.”
    Her jaw dropped. Who is this man? No, not a man.
    “So, give me some credit, love. You’re not dumb.” His eyes softened. “But I understand your confusion.” He rubbed his neck. “You remember when I held you at the station?”
    She nodded, not ready to chance speaking yet.
    “Your touch triggered my transformation. Yours was a few days earlier. Four maybe?” He pointed to her shoulder, and she cupped it with her hand. “Your Ahavah Mark appeared.”
    “First comes the female’s, then her Mate’s once they touch.” Justin shifted his weight as he scanned the area. “I’d really like to get out of here, considering splices seem to be opening so easily nowadays.”
    “Don’t worry, brother, I can sense them when they come.”
    Sadie stared at Theo. “Them…”
    “Demons from Hades. Where you just were.”
    Justin smiled. “They’re all around humans, hidden from sight, doing their soul-stealing thing.”
    “But how can they leave…Hades?” She couldn’t believe she’d just asked that.
    Theo nodded. “It starts with a human signing over his soul, becoming a demon on earth. That’s where Hunters come into play. Hunters are humans chosen by The Great One and given extraordinary powers to vanquish demons. If the demons gather enough strength to breach Hades to get to earth, I’m alerted and step in. Make their stay a little more…permanent.”
    “Except this bastard Aggie.” Justin punched his palm. “Something’s up with him.”
    “Not just him. But yes, we do need to figure out how to dispose of him, permanently, before he gets his hands on my Sadie.” Theo glanced at Justin, then back to her. “And we need to find out what the hell is going on in Hades.”
    Sadie gulped through the lump in her throat and looked at Theo. “What are you?”
    “I’m the Gatekeeper of Hades.” He bowed his head. “And you…are my Mate.”

Chapter Thirteen
    “Nice, Theo. Nothing like throwing it at her full force.” Justin inched toward Sadie.
    Theo raised his hand, commanding him to remain where he was. He saw a flicker of realization ignite in Sadie’s eyes amid the confusion, and caught the scents of fear and anger as well.
    But there was a hint of acceptance, however small, too. Maybe even on an unconscious level. Yet she stood, staring at Theo, unblinking.
    “Sadie. You were taken by Aggie, a very nasty demon, who somehow broke through my binding. He’s marked you as a target. He won’t stop, Sadie. Not until he finishes his task.” Slowly, Theo swung his leg over the bike and stood.
    She puffed out her chest, straightened her arms, and fisted her hands. A fighter, indeed. Had it been anyone else and they hadn’t been so small and…human, he would have taken it as a challenge.
    But not with his