Chapter 25 – Do You Want to Die Today?

The interior of Gwion's private jet lacked nothing in luxury and style. There were multiple rooms, all elegantly decorated with expensive furniture in shades of soothing neutrals, highlighted with black accents; along with the newest high-tech equipment. It was a long flight and I was hugely grateful to have all of the modern comforts.

I rested comfortably on a leather couch, curled against Myrnin's chest, while we waited for everyone to board. My mind wandered. "Myrnin, now that the challenge is over, what is the plan for these weird new features in my head? You made it sound temporary. Do they just wear off?" I asked, rolling my head to the side to look up at him.

"No, they have to be removed, but I have no intention of removing anything while you are still in proximity with Gwion."

"What is the process to remove them? Is it similar to Clāmāre?" Heat rushed through me at the thought.

He smirked, "No, nothing quite that intense, but I would have to bite you to draw them back out. It must be done carefully and slowly to make sure your body handles the extraction process."

Eve and Michael entered through the door, and settled across from us in plush recliners. Eve was glowing with happiness. I knew she also appreciated not being cramped into a tiny seat of a commercial plane. My heart twisted a little as I thought about Shane. He had preferred to get away from me, sooner rather than later, and had decided to fly back to Morganville separately. I couldn't argue with his choice. I knew it was excruciating for him to be around so many vampires. Of course, even if it had just been him and me alone on the flight, I think he would've made the same decision. I cringed slightly, guilt for his pain running through me again. I hoped that he would find someone new quickly.

Abruptly, Myrnin's posture stiffened. My heartbeat increased, my senses heightening, looking for the threat. It didn't take me long to find it. Gwion boarded and walked past us, further into the belly of the plane, to the adjoining room – along with Raven. Myrnin held me a little bit tighter, but it wasn't necessary, as neither acknowledged our presence as they passed by. I was thankful they were sitting in separate quarters. I certainly did not want to have to make small talk with Gwion and Raven for ten hours.

Last to board, were Liam and the dark guard from before, whose name I finally learned was Dargan. I smiled at Liam, but then shivered when Dargan glared at us. Myrnin let out a low warning growl, his eyes flashing crimson. I felt the muscles in his chest contract in preparation – and excitement – for the fight.

Dargan stopped and stared in challenge at Myrnin, his lips twisting into a menacing sneer.

My heart stopped.

Quite purposefully, Myrnin removed the arm that rested over my shoulders, and stood to his feet. "Do you want to die today?" he purred lethally, clearly ready and willing to make that happen.

"You wouldn't fight me with your pet so close," Dargan snidely replied.

Myrnin's lips turned into a wicked smile. "I think you may be shocked at what I am truly capable of."

From the corner of my eye, I realized that Gwion was standing in the doorway, watching them. I assumed he knew the extent of Myrnin's skills, and likely did not want his pretty little jet destroyed. Still, he made no move to intervene or say anything, so I couldn't be sure what was really going through his mind. Maybe it was just appreciation for the spectacle.

Dargan's glance cut to Gwion before resting back at Myrnin. He relaxed his stance and barked a humorless laugh, "I know exactly the extent of your darkness. Others may fear you, but I do not." His posture was defiant.

Myrnin's tone turned mocking, "Such courageous words. Your ignorance is not surprising. It was exactly what your sister said before I ripped out her throat."

Dargan's entire body vibrated with fury. I was certain his attack was imminent, but instead, he looked down at me and chuckled darkly, "I don't need to take my revenge. You will do that all on your own. I just regret not being there to see the life leave her eyes, at the hands of your love."

"Speak of her again... And those words will be your last," Myrnin promised, his voice deadly with intent.

Dargan said no more, just strode past us into the next compartment with Gwion and Raven.

Myrnin returned to his seat, and placed his arm back over my shoulders, but anger still flowed unchecked through his body. I didn't dare say anything when he was in this mood. I knew if left in peace, he would naturally calm down in 15 to 30 minutes. After an hour had expired and he was still tense, I couldn't take it anymore. Eve had fallen asleep shortly after takeoff and Michael was listening to headphones with his eyes closed.

I turned my body in Myrnin's embrace so that I could look up to see his face. The lines in his jaw were still constricted tightly. I gently ran my fingers along his stress points. He didn't respond. Determined, I turned my body further, moving one leg over so that I was straddling him. He avoided my eyes. He didn't need to tell me. I knew the conflict that raged in him. He knew it would be all too easy for him to accidentally kill me. And he despised himself for it.

I leaned toward his ear and whispered, "You need to trust me... Believe in what we have together. I know you're afraid. You successfully did not kill me for the two years we were just friends, because I can get through to the monster inside."

He turned his head to stare at me intently. I knew he was surprised. He had expected me to just assure him that everything would be fine. But I wasn't that naïve.

I pulled back slightly and stressed, "You are not irrevocably broken. You have your faults and your weaknesses, as do I."

He raised an eyebrow at the comparison.

I continued undeterred, "Yes, it is unlikely that my weaknesses could ever lead to your death. I'm not saying that they are equal; only that they both exist. My point is, I am not in denial of the danger."

He looked down and murmured darkly, "Then why would you risk your life?"

"Two reasons... First, I am different and you know it. The beast inside of you, responds to me. I have yet to speak with him since our relationship has changed, but I promise you, he doesn't stand a chance against me now."

The corners of his mouth turned up, "– and the second reason?"

I hesitated. The second reason was a little bit harder to admit. I breathed deeply and said, "Because it would kill me now, to be without you."

"Cariad, what have I done to deserve you?" he whispered and gently found my lips. I felt the tension bleed out of him, and sighed into his embrace.

I moved to sit next to him again and rested my head against his chest. He leaned down and asked quietly, "Are you okay with Raven being here?"

The thought of her made me tense but I pushed those feelings away. I would not let her affect me. I spoke honestly, "I'm not thrilled about it... She certainly wasn't warm toward me, but she didn't seem to want to kill me either." I contemplated silently for a moment.

He read my expression and asked softly, "What do you want to know?"

I had many questions about Raven. Most of which I knew better than to ask as the answers would only cause me torment. But the few that remained, I inquired, "Where did she come from? How long has she been with Gwion?"

"Raven was sired by Lucas."

"Lucas... He was one of the bloodline vampires?"

"Yes. He currently maintains an expansive stronghold in Romania. Raven was one of Lucas's proudest achievements. He was furious when she decided to leave."

"Why did she decide to leave?" I breathed.

Myrnin tensed as he answered, "She met me."

For a moment, I couldn't catch my breath. I knew Myrnin would be a part of the story, I reminded myself. Inhaling slowly, I nodded and regulated my breathing.

He continued, "When we returned, she met Gwion and it wasn't long before she rose to the status she is at now."

I looked at him in confusion and asked, "So she left you for Gwion?"

"No, it didn't quite work like that. Her status with Gwion is like a job position, making her the highest ranking female. However, that did not define – or limit – who she chose to have intimate relations with."

"Oh, so you and Gwion shared..." I understood now, mulling it over in my mind, and murmured almost to myself, "No wonder Gwion didn't see the problem, in wanting to be with me."

"Yes. While I was perfectly willing to share her, I am not at all willing to share you," he spoke meaningfully.

Warmth ran through me and I snuggled closer. A new thought occurred to me. "How does Amelie factor into all of this? Didn't she and Gwion have a thing? Was he with Raven at the same time?"

"Amelie came before Raven. To my knowledge, they have never met. They had a short fling and Gwion wanted Amelie to stay. There would be no one with higher status, then a bloodline female counterpart. But Amelie wasn't interested in sharing a kingdom, or being secondary to a male."

"So she turned him down," I breathed. "I bet that didn't go over so well. No wonder he didn't want to return with us."

"Not exactly. As you can see with your challenge, Gwion quickly got over his loss. I don't think he holds emotional ties. But you are correct, when he wants something, it is exceedingly rare that he does not obtain it."

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