Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) by Nellie Steele (best books for 20 year olds txt) 📕

Celine bristled. “Never. We are in love!”

He lunged at her, grasping her arms and pulling her toward him. “Love? You dare speak to me of love? I offered you the world, is that not love? Anything you desired I would provide for you. What more could you want?”

“Unhand me!” she cried, wriggling in his grasp. “Grayson and I are married, and tomorrow we will leave this place.” She freed herself, backing up a few steps, clutching her music box.

Marcus eyed her but allowed her to distance herself. “Yes, you do that. Leave this place with your new husband, with your love,” he spat, disdain dripping from him. “But know this, my darling, wherever you go, I will be there. I will always be there, Celine. I will not rest until you are mine. And I will use whatever means necessary to persuade you. Let’s see how far your love can take you.” Celine fled from the room, tears streaming from her face.

Celine swallowed hard recalling the memory. His reaction would be no different now. His fury would know no bounds. She had to be prepared for the fallout from her decision. She considered giving in for a moment, wondering if the price she and her family would pay for this betrayal might be too steep. No, she resolved, she mustn’t. She could not give in to his demands. They would manage. They would do what they must to fight against him. They had to.

Chapter 10

Damien awoke the following morning groggy. He yearned to roll over and sleep the day away, but his worry for Celine drove him from his bed. Gray greeted him from the armchair. “Good morning,” Gray said.

“Good morning,” Damien answered through a yawn. “Sorry, still a little groggy.”

“It’s fine. How are you? Recovered?”

“For the most part,” Damien answered. “Have you heard anything about Celeste?”

“She stopped by last night, asking about you. She didn’t give anything away. My guess is she’s indebted to the Duke.”

Damien sighed, pondering for a moment. “Do you think she’s always been? That she helped him abduct Celine?”

“If she did, I’m not sure it began willingly. Anyway, my concern is not Celeste’s loyalties. Those have always been questionable at best. My concern is Celine.”

“I hope she hasn’t incurred any debts with that creep,” Damien replied.

“Me too. Although she’s smart. And she’s savvy. We’ve dealt with him for a long time.”

Damien nodded. “I want to believe you, but I’m still worried.”

“I understand, Damien. I’ve dealt with this for centuries and I’m worried, too. I just want her home.”

“Me too.”

“I hate waiting around for her to contact you, but I suppose we shouldn’t go to the mill until we’ve got the all clear from her.”

“Yeah, I hate it, too, but you’re right. Another day of waiting.”

Gray sighed. “Unfortunately.”

“I’m going to take a quick shower to wake up,” Damien said after a moment.

“All right,” Gray said, returning to his book.

Damien closed himself in the bathroom. He stared in the mirror for a moment before turning the water on. He hoped Celeste was fixed. He couldn’t stand this waiting. They needed to start trying their formulated incantations, testing them, learning from them. It was the only way they could rescue Celine. And they had to rescue her soon. The longer the Duke imprisoned her, the likelier things could go terribly wrong.

He stepped into the shower, letting the hot water and steam relax his tense muscles. Tiredness hung over him, although he wouldn’t admit that to anyone. He couldn’t. He couldn’t risk them sedating him, so Celine couldn’t contact him. He turned off the water, toweling off. He wrapped the towel around his waist and pushed back the shower curtain, stepping out of the shower.

“You’re a hard man to catch alone, Damien,” a voice said.

“Oh, geez! Holy crap!” Damien shouted, almost falling into the tub. He gulped as he recognized Marcus Northcott across the room. Marcus leaned against the wall casually, his arms crossed. “How did you get in here?” Damien quickly added, “How did you get back?”

“Carefully,” Marcus replied. Damien eyed the door, wondering if he could make a run for it. “I wouldn’t try for it,” Marcus stated, noticing his gaze. “And in case you’re wondering, they won’t hear you if you call for help.”

Damien gulped again. He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself for the inevitable attack he would sustain. “What on earth are you doing?” Marcus questioned.

Damien popped one eye open. “Preparing?” Damien answered in question form.

“Whatever for?”

“Aren’t you going to kill me?” Damien queried, opening both eyes.

Marcus rolled his eyes, striding toward him. “No. I am here to extend an invitation.”

“An invitation?”

“Yes. If you wish to see Celine, meet me at 10 a.m. at the cave leading to the beach. Come alone, tell no one. I am trusting you, Damien. If you cannot abide by the rules, Celine will be the one who pays for your imprudence.”

“You’ll let me see her?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not sure I can get away. As you mentioned, they’re keeping a close eye on me. I’ve been… pretty distraught over Celine,” he replied, dancing around an explanation.

“That, dear Damien, is not my problem. If you want to see Celine, meet me as instructed.” He turned on his heel, stalking toward the wall.

“Okay,” Damien answered, staring after him. “I’ll be there!”

“I look forward to it, Damien,” Marcus called behind him before disappearing through the wall as though it wasn’t there.

Damien collapsed to a seated position on the edge of the tub. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He ran his fingers through his still-wet hair. His hands still shook from the encounter. He didn’t know how he’d manage it, but he had to make it to that meeting. He considered telling everyone. No, he decided, he couldn’t risk it. He wouldn’t endanger Celine, and he was certain they’d never let him go alone to meet the Duke.

A knock at the door interrupted his musings. “Everything okay?”

“Yep,”