Reine's Salvation

By Elyzabeth M. VaLey

He’s the kind of man her mother warned her to steer clear from...

Mystique is happy with her current life, but for years she's struggled on a path of self-destruction. She knows she shouldn't get involved with the brooding hunk at the bar, but how can she stay away when his sorrowful gaze is so compelling?

Reine has lost everything: his wife, his friends, his ability to fight, and his identity as an Alpha Protector. There's nothing left for him except a world of anger and bitterness. At least, that’s what he believes until he meets an intrepid waitress.

The attraction between them is immediate, but while Reine can’t let go of his past, Mystique is not willing to return to hers. With darkness constantly closing in, will they find a way to be together? Or, will Reine's behavior destroy their future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Nov 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781773390727

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Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpulishing.com

Copyright© 2016 Elyzabeth M. VaLey

ISBN: 978-1-77339-072-7

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Audrey Bobak

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

A huge thank you to my Evernight family. Occasionally the world becomes a dark and sad place, but your continued support, understanding and encouragement have kept me going. Thank you for being there.

REINE’S SALVATION

Alpha Protectors, 1

Elyzabeth M. VaLey

Copyright © 2016

Chapter One

Reine cracked his knuckles and fought the urge to tap his foot. He crossed his legs at the ankle. One year had passed since he’d last been in this room. The place hadn’t changed much. The rosewood panels on the wall and the ancient Persian rug on the floor made the room stuffy. The large windows on the left were always closed, the heavy curtains drawn to keep all but a sliver of light from coming in. Reine leaned back against the couch. It was comfortable enough, but the dark color did little to add life to a somber room. Two single, straight-backed chairs and matching side tables with traditional table lamps completed the ensemble. There was no entertainment in the room except the landscape paintings which hung behind him. That and the vase of yellow tulips someone had placed on the wooden coffee table in the center of the room.

Reine took in a deep breath. Why had they called him in here? The school term was over and he had done nothing wrong. Contrary to what he’d thought at first, teaching had suited him. He’d enjoyed imparting knowledge to the young students at the Academy and they had seemed to like him, too. Besides, they had all passed their exams with flying colors. No, that couldn’t be the reason why he had been waiting in this room for the past thirty minutes. Reine chewed on the inside of his cheek. He hadn’t had any problems with the staff either. They seemed to like him and had invited him out on several occasions, even if he had declined repeatedly. Ever since he’d lost his ability to fight, he tended to stay away from others. It was better this way. The last time he’d been around a group of Guardians had not ended well.

His vision clouded as he recalled that last mission. It had been chaos from the beginning. Their numbers were small compared to those of the Inferum, the Sin’s minions. His group had separated as the Sin launched a major offensive. He had run down what seemed an endless hallway, fighting for his life, attempting and failing to find a way out until he found the room. Reine shuddered. His life had changed forever when he stepped into that dark place. A tremor crossed his body. No. He had to stop thinking about that day.

Breathe, Reine, he whispered to himself. Focus.

He trained his vision on the yellow flowers. They were beautiful, extraordinary in their fragile nature and bright color. The petals were silky in appearance, the color vibrant, almost palpably alive. In a garden, they would stand out, tall and proud. They were the kind of flowers that screamed to be looked at. Like the mirror in the Sin’s wall. Reine clenched his fist and took in long deep breaths. The distraction technique the therapist had taught him was not working. He swallowed hard, battling with the memories which threatened to overcome him.

They had joked around that morning, confident it would be an easy mission. After all, they had all been down Wrath’s lair before. This was their job. They were fighters. An elite unit of Guardians created for one purpose only: to balance out the forces between good and evil. Their mission in life was to protect the people, both human and supernatural, from the influence of the seven Sins: Pride, Lust, Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Envy, and Gluttony.

They worked hand in hand with the Human-Guardians, the HGs, but when it wasn’t enough, they would act. It was a constant war, which they were losing. As the human population grew, the Sins were growing in power. There was so much to choose from, so much to take, and misuse. Meanwhile, their side was becoming weaker. The number of Guardians and Human-Guardians decreased every year and they just didn’t seem capable of catching up with the Sins.

Their tactics against evil were divided into three parts. Stage one: a battle between Guardians and Inferums to avoid the latter from entering the human realm and taking more souls. Stage two: In certain areas, Guardians would help out the humans by becoming night-watchers. Stage three: Breaking and entering into a Sin’s lair, their homes. Fighting on their turf was always extremely dangerous. Their lairs were labyrinths which played tricks on their minds. It had happened to him. On that day, in that room. He’d walked inside to find nothing but mirrors, his reflection staring back at him.

No, Reine whispered.

Perspiration dotted his brow. He ran his fingers through his hair, tugging slightly at the ends in an attempt to keep himself grounded. He didn’t want to remember.

Reine?

He jumped at the sound of a voice.

Are you all right?

He searched for the voice, his vision slowly clearing. The secretary who had showed him into the room when he’d arrived stood at the door, her hand on her hip, and a look of concern on her face.

Are you all right? she repeated.

Reine nodded.

Are you sure? She crossed her arms over her chest, while cocking her head to the side. The gesture reminded him of his mother and he smiled.

Yes, I’m fine.

Her eyebrows shot upward.

Really? Her voice was thick with skepticism. That’s not what it looked like two minutes ago.

Reine’s smile transformed into a grin as he realized what the woman before him was.

You’re a perceptionist, aren’t you?

The woman bobbed her head up and down. She dropped her arms to her side and walked into the room.

Glad you finally noticed. When I walked into the room it looked like you weren’t really with us. She offered her hand for him to shake. You were in another time and place.

Reine took her hand. To his surprise, she had a firm grip.

Name’s Scarlett, from the famous Scarlett O’Hara. My mom was human and a huge fan. Would you like a glass of water or some tea?

Reine nodded. Yes, please, some water.

Wait here.

Scarlett disappeared into another room. Reine could hear the clink of glasses. He shook his head. Of course, his boss would have hired a perceptionist as a secretary. They were great assets to have in business situations, for no one could lie around them. They were perceivers of emotions and feelings, and unless one was very skilled at hiding those, they were capable of seeing right through anyone.

Scarlett returned into the room carrying a tray with a tea pot, two cups, a glass of water, and a plate of cookies. She set the tray on the coffee table.

Help yourself, she said, while pouring tea into both cups. So, where did you get your name, Reine?

She sipped at her tea while waiting for him to answer. Reine reached for the water and took a long gulp. It was blessedly cool.

Oh, it was raining the day I was born. He paused, uncertain if he should tell her more. Deciding against it, he perused the cookies and decided on one with a thick coat of chocolate. Thanks. He took a bite, moaning in appreciation at the sweet flavor.

You’re welcome. I made them myself and it looked like you could use some sugar in you. Scarlett smiled.

They’re delicious. He picked another one. Thanks again.

Scarlett watched him as he ate. He shifted in his seat. Her intense gaze made him uncomfortable. It was almost as if his mother sat next to him, waiting for him to confess about something.

Well, now that you seem to be feeling a bit better, I’m going to check to see if the boss is ready for you. Give me a minute.

Reine swallowed hard.

Scarlett touched his shoulder. Have no fear. Everything will be all right.

She walked out, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more. Reine concentrated on the tulips again. Everything would be all right. He’d done nothing wrong. Perhaps his boss only wanted to see him to commend him on a great school year. Besides, he was a Guardian. He knew no fear. He’d battled more foul beasts than his boss had. He chuckled, imagining Aslan as a beast. The man was too good looking.

Suddenly, Scarlett appeared at the door, clearing her voice.

Glad you’re feeling better. He’s ready. Follow me, Reinhard. She laughed, the sound coming from deep within her chest and rolling out smoothly, like melted chocolate on toast. What? You didn’t think I wouldn’t know your full name, did you?

Well, I’ll be damned.

It’s on your file. Do you know what it means?

He shrugged. Something about bravery, most of the Guardians’ names have something to do with that or battles or whatnot.

She led him down a dimly lit corridor. He could see a closed door at the end of it.

Yes, I agree. However, your name not only means brave, it also means hardy. They stopped a few feet before reaching the door. It’s that door right there. Scarlett looked up at him, the kindness in her gaze only making him more nervous. Endure Reine. Whatever happens, it will not be the end of the world. Go right in. Don’t hesitate. He’s waiting for you. Good luck.

She gave him a little wave with her hand, turned on her heel, and left him standing in front of the impressive oak door. Reine stared at it. Doors. Always doors. Sins had hundreds of them, big, small, wide, narrow. They all led somewhere, be it heaven or hell. The problem with doors was he never knew what was behind them. He never knew what awaited on the other side. Sometimes, he could stop himself from entering, but other times, he had to go through. Reine took a deep breath. There was no going back. This time, he had to go through. He knocked on the door.

Chapter Two

Reine pushed the door open. He blinked as