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Lover Tamed	By : Sarah_Wolfe Category: A through F > Black Dagger Brotherhood Views: 3499 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward, nor do I make any profit from this.

Chapter List
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Chapter 3

Eve felt the white hot flash of agony spread through her body; the feeling of being torn apart, her soul ripping free from under her skin. She was dead or at least in the last throes of death. The Grim Reaper was cradling her in his bony arms, carrying her into the afterlife. She was floating, completely disconnected from everything around her but the pain. Numb to all other senses.

Then everything stopped.

Icy claws wrapped around her body and plunged her into a quasi-solid form.

The heat from the sun licked at her skin, warm air drifted about her. It was like she was lying on the beach of a deserted island. She could even feel the sand serving as a rough pillow under her cheek. Eve opened her eyes to find out where death had taken her. She winced from the blinding golden brightness surrounding her.

What do you know, it was a beach. The sun was blazing yellow high in the sky, the ocean’s waves crashed in gurgling noises as bluish tongues licked away the shoreline. A warm breeze rustled through the palm trees dotting the beach before caressing her face like a gentle, loving hand. The sky was a brilliant azure with nary a cloud in the sky.

She had died, and was now in limbo in some postcard picturesque hell.

“You are at the Dividing Line, the midpoint between death and life so to speak,” poured a rich male voice from behind her. It was pleasant, soothing, like hot chocolate on a cold, stormy night.

It still startled her.

Eve jumped up from her prone position on the ground, scrambling to face whatever was coming at her. She turned to face a numinous creature cloaked in a blazing glow. Her hand automatically came up to block out both the shimmering sun and the being coming toward her.

“What are you?”A soft chuckle echoed eerily through the trees, the radiance flaring slightly before dimming down until there was a slight luminance under the skin.

Eve lowered her arm when she was able to see the man in front of her. He was tall and willowy, dressed in flowing robes in various colors of white. Waist length silver hair matched the streak that ran through hers. His skin looked sun kissed, a soft golden hue made darker by his lighter features. The most striking trait to the whole ensemble was the lavender eyes set under thin white eyebrows. They gazed upon her with warmth and affection. They were the same light purple as hers. There had to be some blood relation to this man.

He said nothing as he continued to come forward. He stopped just before her and she had to tilt her head back to keep his face in her sights because he was so tall. Smooth hands reached out to cradle Eve’s face in tender palms.

“Mine beloved daughter,” he whispered.

She gasped. “Y-you’re my…father?” Eve swallowed the lump forming in her throat, squeezing her hands into fists to keep from shaking. It didn’t help though.

“Yes, and I have waited so long to meet you. I wish it had been on more favorable terms.” Her father’s thumbs stroked across the soft skin of her cheeks. That is when Eve realized she was crying and he was brushing them away.

“Are you dead too?” Well, duh, she thought to herself. He wouldn’t be here if he were alive.

“No and neither are you, not completely,” he said.

A thought crossed her mind, but she shook it away. It was impossible for there to be such things. Maybe she wasn’t dead, but having some weird ass drug induced dream. She did get stabbed. Perhaps should would wake up in the hospital and forget about this whole thing.

“I am what you think. You are as I am as well. We share the divine blood.” His caring face stared down at hers, waiting for Eve to process all that she had been told.

“You’re a…an angel.” She could barely choke out the word. It sounded ridiculous just saying it aloud. This was certainly one of the most fucked days she had ever had.

“As are you.”

“This is all just some weird dream, right? I mean, angels have wings and all that shit,” she said lifting her hand to make a circular motion above her head.

The corner of his lips turned down into a frown, disapproving of her choice of words. “This is no dream. Not all angels have wings; I once had them, but they were forfeit for my past indiscretions.”

“They were taken?”

“Burned…they were burned from me.”

Eve inhaled sharply, horror coming over her like a dark blanket. “Why?”

“Because I disobeyed the Order when I was Earth bound. I impregnated a human woman and conceived you. They would have killed my only child had I not bargained with them. I was promised to another yet I had lain with your mother. You were proof of my ill behavior. The family of my betrothed was furious and demanded your death. I could not let them have my only child. I bargained my wings for your complete safety, and a vow to stop all contact with all things earthside, including you and your mother.” He leaned down gracefully and pressed the sweetest of kisses to her forehead.

“You did that for me?” she questioned quietly.

“Yes,” he told her, pulling back and thumbing away more tears that coursed down her cheeks.

“Why?” she asked.

“You were innocent and it was a very small price to pay to keep the whole of my heart safe. You are mine blooded daughter. I love you,” he answered straightforwardly.

Eve’s throat tightened to the point that she had to struggle to get air in. It had been forever since she had heard those words, and even longer since they were spoken to her. Not having a response to the pretty words he had said to her, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in the luxurious fabric bundled at his chest. Her father’s strong embrace held her to him as she let the emotions roll through her. An extraordinary calm flooded her system as soon as she was enveloped in him.

“Well, isn’t this a cozy little family get together,” rumbled a deep voice beside them.

Eve was shuffled around so that her father’s body was between her and plausible danger. The robe got in the way so she couldn’t see the figure but she knew that it was another angel because of the brightness radiating everywhere. Even her father had begun to put on a little light show of his own.

“Lassiter,” he hissed. “What are you doing here? You are among the Fallen, are you not? You should have not been able to enter herein.”

“Nice to see you, too, Aelred. How long has it been? A few centuries maybe?” the voice of Lassiter said sarcastically.

Eve finally pushed aside the robes to see who her father was talking to. Pupil-less white irises rimmed in blue focused on her. This man, angel, whatever, was huge. He was taller than her father, a frame thickened with bulky muscles, and his shoulders were twice the size of the one in front of her. He looked like someone had spread a glittering gold powder all over him. His countenance was an otherworld beauty, delicate with smooth features, yet a bit cold and distant. The piercings littering his skin made it all the more callous. Black and blond hair fell over his shoulders and nearly reached his waist.

“So this is what you gave them up for?” He seemed to scoff at the idea. It was obvious that to him, she was definitely not worth it.

“What do you want?” Aelred asked in a tone edged in frost.

“I sensed the force of angelic energy and recognized the echo within as yours. I found your daughter’s body.” Lassiter continued to look her over as she stepped out from behind her father’s back, refusing to hide. “So, tell me, are you going to do what I think you are going to do?”

“Yes,” Aelred answered plainly.

“You are a fool. What do you think they are going to do when they find out what you have done? They already crippled you. You have nothing left to give,” Lassiter said almost heatedly.

“That is why I have intercepted her soul at the Dividing Line. No witnesses. They will not find out unless you tell them,” Aelred grumbled as if daring the other angel to open his mouth to another on the subject.

“I won’t say a word about you and your precious child breaking code,” Lassiter said, crossing thick arms over his chest.

Her father placed his hand high on his chest and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Lassiter.”

“What are you going to do?” Eve asked looking back and forth between them. She had a vague outline of what her father was going to do and she didn’t like the idea at all. She didn’t know him. He was a virtual stranger. And yet, she didn’t want her father hurt.

“Daddy here is going to risk his life to save yours,” Lassiter explained begrudgingly, confirming the thoughts reeling through her hazy brain.

“You have already given up much for me. I couldn’t ask that of you.” What other kinds of punishment would they employ upon him if he follows through?

“You wouldn’t have to ask. I am acting of my own volition. I’d give everything of mine to allow you a life, a better one that you have lived for the short time you have been alive,” he told her.

“Don’t do this,” Eve pleaded. Not for her. She wasn’t worth the price of what he offered.

“Your life was stolen from you. I’m only returning it. Do not worry. I shall be fine,” he kissed her forehead again then wrapped his arms around her, draining the anxiety and gloom hovering in her spirit like an oppressing storm.

“Will you lead her back, Lassiter? I know this is much to ask of you, but will you help her?” The angel pulled from her, focusing on her face. He kept running those lavender eyes over her as if to imprint her to memory, like it was the last time he would ever get to see her. And it probably was.

“You’d trust me with your only child? That’s brave of you,” he remarked amusedly, flicking his colorless irises from father to daughter.

“You’re all I have to rely on in this. I wouldn’t ask if it was not important. You know why I would seek your help. There could be a lot of negativity said about you, but I know once you give your word you keep it.” Aelred clearly trusted the guy to take care of her. Eve only wished she had that same kind of conviction. This Lassiter looked like he could kill with the flick of a wrist. He was packing an unearthly power that made you apprehensive around him.

“A lot of faith you have in me. More than you should. You think she’s strong enough?” Lassiter gave the other angel a skeptical look.

“Strong enough for what?” Eve was confused at what the two were discussing, but one thing was clear, they weren’t going to convey their plans to her. She was ignorant of everything, a lamb off to the slaughter house.

“Your second life. You will not be as you are now, but an entirely different brand of creature.” He turned to the other man then. “Yes, I know she can do it. She has already proven herself and I know that she will make me even more proud this time around.”

“I still think you are pretty fucking stupid.” Lassiter needn’t put to words what he felt because his expression said it all.

“I could say the same of you,” her father retorted.

“True.” The other angel smiled slightly then gazed upon her. “There isn’t much time. Are you willing to receive what your father is offering you?”

Aelred squeezed his daughter’s shoulder, lending her a bit of strength before pressing her in the direction of the larger male. She wasn’t so sure she wanted to go but her father was risking so much to save her life. He wanted her to except this one proffering, and as much as she wanted to say no, she could hardly refuse.

“We are out of time, Ilia. Lassiter will help you. He is a friend of sorts, but you can trust what he tells you. You must go with him now,” her father urged.

“What about you?” she asked.

“Were losing time,” Lassiter cut in.

“Daughter mine, I love you and you are worth more to me than anything. I only ask you one thing; please, go, Evelyn, and live for me,” her father pleaded.

A warm hand gripped her wrist and started pulling her away before she could say anything to him. The pain in her body began to increase again, first eating away in her chest then spreading to her limbs. A moan of protest slipped past Eve’s lips and she had the urge to dig her heels in the sand so she didn’t have to feel that tearing, excruciating pain shred her body again.

Lassiter must have felt the tension cramping her body. He turned slightly, glancing at her panicked face. “Don’t worry,” he said. “It will all be over soon.” She nodded and looked back at her father one last time. Then Lassiter exploded into a supernova of light, blocking out everything until all she saw was the blinding white of nothingness.

~*~

Bodies littered the floor of the gym room. The only one standing among the fallen lumps of pissed off flesh was Doc Jane, who – in her state of shock – had turned back into her ghostly transparent self. There were different variations of what-the-fucks being thrown around as the males picked themselves up off the floor.

Minutes later the pounding of shitkickers stomping down the hall announced the rest of the Brotherhood coming down to add a new collection of obscenity laced questions. Rhage, Zsadist, Tohr, and Phury burst in the room with weapons drawn, ready to blow down anything in their paths. Their guns were drawn, swinging in their hands as they turned to gauge the situation.

“Was that a fucking earthquake that just shook the holy hell outta us?” Zsadist asked, still surveying the area as if possible danger was lurking in every corner of the place.

“With that amount of power, it was definitely holy, but that was no goddamn earthquake. What the hell did that motherfucker do now?” V barked.

The door to the Emergency room kicked out revealing the aftermath. Shrouded in celestial light was the figure of Lassiter and he carried something draped with white cloth in his arms. Legs and arms dangled lifelessly from the underneath. The vibrant rainbow of bracelets clustered at her wrist still held on, glittering in the light.

“Well, boys,” called his deep voice, “did you have fun? Rough, wasn’t it? It is how you roll, Vishous, is it not?” The blue rim in his eyes lightened to a sky blue.

V growled, baring his fangs. Lassiter smiled, flashing his own set of extra sharp pearly whites. Those two always managed to goad each other, finding new ways to get under one another’s skin. It didn’t take much and the two were ready to throw down on each other. The reason for the aggression was unknown, but whatever it was, it must have cut deep because their contempt for each other was pretty damn obvious.

“Shut the fuck up. The both of you,” Wrath snarled as his cell phone started to let out a shrill ring. The harsh lines of anger dug into his face softened when he looked at the screen. “ Hey, Leelan. Are you alright?” There was a pause. “Yeah, were all fine. I’m going to let you go and make sure everything is secure over here. I’ll call you back in a little bit.” There was a lot of uh-huhing, followed with an “I love you”, and then he hung up again. “Your shellans are all unharmed. Everyone at Safe Place is fine.” There was a collective whistle of relieved sighs throughout the room.

“V, I want you go and make sure all the security systems are still up and running. Butch, you go with him. Give me a full report once you’re done. Jane, give Blaylock a full check-up. Make sure there is no permanent damage. Qhuinn, John, you two go to your rooms. I’ll deal with you three boys later. The rest of you, get up to my office. That includes you, Lassiter.” Wrath was all king mode, barking out orders and getting immediate action. Bodies started scattering about, following the demands of their leader.

“No can do, Wrath. I need to keep the girl close to me for a while. She needs rest,” Lassiter told him. All eyes darted back to the two males staring each other down. A vein jumped in Wrath’s neck, his fists clenched tightly in coiled anger. All he needed was one little push, and he would be jumping off the edge.

“What are you doing with the girl anyway? I thought she was dead.” Wrath took a step toward the two but still stayed a safe distance away in case there was something else that went down.

“Turns out her soul got a free pass for resurrection. I just had to guide the way.” The angel seemed greatly amused by the shake up.

“You gotta be fucking kidding me,” the Blind King snarled. He scrubbed a hand over his face then slipped his fingers underneath the wraparounds to rub his eyes. This was just more shit shoved on a manure heap. Couldn’t they just get one little iota of normalcy around here?

Lassiter’s attitude seemed to sober a bit as he looked at the king. “Just let me take care of her. I’ll come to you when I know she is going to make it.”

“Is she going to be okay?” This came from Blay who was still being looked over by the Doc. She was checking out the stab wound to his shoulder which didn’t look too serious. In fact, all the small cuts and bruises were healing up nicely. The young male didn’t even appear to be in much pain anymore.

Lassiter’s blue rimmed white eyes changed focus to the redhead. “What’s it to you?”

“She saved me. It’s my fault she was hurt. I just want to know if she’ll be alright.” Blay stood up once Jane was finished putting a bandage on the most serious cut.

“She’ll be fine. Wrath, we’ll talk later. You have my word.” Lassiter dismissed himself by walking out of the room, heading for the main part of the house without waiting for the king’s reply.

~*~

Qhuinn ran a hand through his damp hair. He had taken a shower as soon as he had gotten to his room to wash away the dirt and stench that clung to him like a grimy layer of skin. He was lounged out on his bed, arm behind his head, legs crossed at the ankles. The TV was quietly playing in the background, but he wasn’t paying any attention to it. His mind was on a certain pale-eyed girl that was currently sleeping right down the hall from him in Lassiter’s room.

The guilt of her death had been lifted off his chest, but regrets still haunted him. He was really feeling like hell after what he had said to her. He had pretty much told her that she was better off dead. Then she had risked her life to save his best friend.

He wanted to see her, reassure himself that she was still alive. And apologize even though he’d feel like an awkward ass doing it. It was the right thing to do.

There was a knock on his door then. Qhuinn rolled out of bed to answer it, not surprised to see who was on the other side. The huge body of Wrath stood with his arms crossed over her chest, his usual pissed off mood so tangible you could almost run your fingers through it. Behind him were an always silent John and a bruised and battered Blay, their heads hung low like children that had been scolded. Well, that wasn’t too far from the truth. Qhuinn knew that that was exactly what this happy little get together was about.

“Come on,” the king told him, sounding tired and worn thin. He had a lot on his plate with being kind. Now more was being shoveled on with the latest addition to their little unconventional family.

The three boys filed in the office after Wrath, shuffling to vacant furniture littering the room. John sat in a chair across from Wrath’s desk and Qhuinn and Blay crowded in on the couch. Wrath cleared his throat when they were all settled and pressed on with why they were in his office.

“You already know from this point on you three are not longer on rotation. In addition, you go nowhere without my permission. No ZeroSum. No Iron Mask. No Screamers. No clubs period,” Wrath said.

“That’s not fair,” Qhuinn mumbled.

“Fair? You are lucky I don’t knock the shit out of you. Do you realize what you have done tonight, the complete and utter stupidity of your decisions? You not only almost cost your friend his life, you endangered the race by bringing a girl, a human girl into the mix. It is forbidden. You know this, but you were too busy trying to get your dicks wet to use half a brain,” the king admonished.

“It was entirely my fault. Please, don’t punish them because of me, my lord. I knew better to go off by myself and I didn’t tell them that I was leaving the club. They just thought I went outside for air,” Blay pleaded.

“No Blay, you all made poor decisions. Those decisions could have cost you your life. All three of you acted like incompetent children, so that is how you will be treated from now on. I specifically told you not to go anywhere without each other. You all disobeyed me, and you all will be penalized for your failure to comply with my rules.”He paused for a minute and rubbed his tired eyes behind the dark wraparound sunglasses. “Tell me something, what would you have done if there had been other human witnesses and the police were called? What would you have done if you were carted away by human police and thrown in jail?”

The boys were silent, staring down at their boots in an unspoken shame. They all knew that they had fucked up royally, but to be banned from doing anything was a bit extreme for Qhuinn to handle.

“So what will we do all night, sit and twiddle our thumbs?” he asked, his anger simmering in his veins.

“If I command it, so shall it be. It will give you time to think about all the shit that could have happened. In the meantime, you can train with the brothers until I feel you are ready to play with the big boys again,” Wrath said.

“We know what we did was wrong, but it was just one mistake. Isn’t keeping us locked up in the compound like a bunch of criminals a bit extreme?” Qhuinn asked.

Wrath let out a harsh barking laugh. “You just don’t get it, do you? Being locked up for a while should be the least of your worries. Trust me. After first meal everyday you are to meet in the training room from now on. This is for your own good. I can’t afford to let you on the field and get yourselves killed, especially when our numbers of fighters are so low right now.”

Qhuinn looked over at John and then Blay. Both had their heads down, hanging in humiliation, and thinking over the things that they had done wrong. He sighed and decided that arguing wasn’t going to get him anywhere. That he might as well take whatever punishment he was dealt and accept it. Even if he didn’t think what he deserved such a strict punishment, he shared in the blame of what had happened.

After a few more warnings from Wrath he dismissed the boys from his office. Qhuinn watched Blay and John go back to their respective rooms before he followed suit and went to bed himself. It had been a long night after all, and with any good chance hopefully Lady Luck was done with their asses for a while.

Ilia (n.) – Angelic for precious daughter.

Author’s Note: Since we have little to go on about Lassiter – or angels in general in the BDB-verse – I’m just going to do my own take on things from what little we do have to go on and just expend on that and make a whole lot of stuff up. Like the fact that they have their own language.
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Lover Tamed