Casstiel; Born of Lightning: Dragon Hunter Brotherhood, #2

By Sheri-Lynn Marean

Download now and discover why fans call this series powerful and full of action, suspense, sorrow, romance and so much more.

As a bonded dragon shifter, Casstiel should have joined his soul mate in the afterlife when she was murdered. He did not. Fate changed the rules and tethered him to another.

Casstiel lives in a haze of fury as he searches for the source of the hated connection. Only when they finally cross paths, he's faced with a horrifying truth and finds himself protective and fiercely attracted to her. Even worse, she makes him question what it is he really wants.

Half fire-born, Ashara has never soared the skies or shifted into her dragon. Instead, she's been held captive as a breeder for the Ilyium, heart breaking more each time they take a child from her. Her only solace has been a connection to another that's always kept her sane in a cold, harsh life. When suddenly freed and confronted by a large, sexy male who scares the hell out of her, and wants her to release him, Ashara's at a loss. As her heart awakens to a love she never dreamed possible, she struggles to find her place, unsure of her desires, until a shocking discovery changes everything and may not be what anyone wants.

Fans of JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, Christine Feehan & Nalini Singh will love this heart-wrenching tale of loss and redemption, so grab some tissues because your soul will sing as all things lead to love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheri-Lynn Marean
• Release date: Aug 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781988636269

Sheri-Lynn Marean

Sheri-Lynn Marean, Author of Dracones Awakening, book one in the Dracones series, did not grow up thinking she would one day be an author. Instead, she grew up riding and working with racehorses, drawing and selling her animal artwork, and of course reading. Sheri fell in love with reading at age twelve and has not stopped reading. One day Sheri decided she would write her own book, with her own characters, doing what she wanted them to do. She began to write and the characters came to life in her head. Now, several years later, she has never looked back. 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Eight years after Maya …

I’m dying, yet I live without you . Casstiel directed the thought up to his mate in heaven, then closed his eyes. As his magic faded, the thunder eased up and the snapping and sizzling bolts of lightning slowly died out. His head fell into the blood-soaked dirt. He lay there and let his body go lax. A rancid, charred stench surrounded him as ash slowly fell to the ground like grey flakes of snow, only nastier. It was done. He should feel better but never did. That angry pit—the bottomless black void inside him—continued to stretch for miles, yawning, craving more.

He sought oblivion but was never quite able to reach it, no matter how he tried, or what he did, and today wasn’t any different. Bit by bit, his body came out of the comatose state he sought and awareness grew, until he could feel each and every stinging cut and wound. They covered him, and he didn’t care. They’d heal and the pain was good.

Maya, why did you sever our bond and leave me behind? The question reverberated quietly through his mind, just as it had millions of times over the last eight years since his soul mate’s brutal murder. Though he hadn’t always been silent in his quest for an answer. The agony of loss so long ago, yet so fresh, had moisture prickling the backs of his eyes. Then a noise snapped them open. Shit, he was found once again.

Damn, Cass, you’ve got to stop this. It’s killing you. Zales crouched beside him.

I fucking wish, Cass groaned and rubbed at his face. He sat up and attempted to stand.

Zales put a hand on his chest, stopping him. Wait. At least let me remove the blade embedded in your side first.

Cass really didn’t care if it stayed or left his body, though it would probably be a hindrance if it wasn’t removed. When the enemy’s short sword was no longer piercing him, Cass’s wound started to knit itself back together.

Zales tossed the blood-soaked weapon and helped him to his feet. I called Saber. We’ve been looking everywhere for you … again. Zales glanced around with dispassion.

Cass gazed at his handiwork—the bodies and scorched remains of his enemy’s outpost. A sick satisfaction filled him at the sight of another Ilyium base wiped out.

Yet no matter how many he destroyed, it wasn’t enough. The rage still ebbed and flowed like an out-of-control river, demanding more, and he knew it would never be enough. Not after what the bastards had done—what they had taken from him. No, he’d not stop until they were all burned to ash and scattered to Tartaria’s four corners. Or, until he found what he was looking for.

Cass?

He shoved a couple strands of blood-and sweat-streaked, dark-blond hair out of his face and took in his friend. With piercing blue eyes, and dark hair trimmed in a skull cut, Zales was more than a friend. Zales and his brother Saber were of the few remaining who he could call family.

I know you want to die. Anyone who lost a soul mate they’d bonded to would, but this … Zales shook his head. Don’t you think you’ve been punished enough?

No. Never. And I’ll not stop until I fuck fate right up her twisted ass.

What does fate have to do with anything?

Cass blinked and looked away. She’s fucking with me. At the question in Zales’s eyes, he sighed. It’s nothing. Forget it.

Cass, is there something you’re not telling me?

Don’t know. What am I supposed to tell you? When I piss, or jack—

Zales let out a growl. This is the third outpost you’ve torched his month, and the seventh this year. How do you even find them with their cloaking?

Cass smirked without humor. Takes some doing, but it’s a neat little trick that I recently discovered.

You still seem to be out of control. Zales indicated their surroundings and wrinkled his nose at the stench.

They deserved it.

Zales sighed. They do. For all the pain and suffering they’ve caused, I agree. But you’re lucky there weren’t any innocents here. What about next time?

None of them are innocent. Besides, I’d never hurt anyone who doesn’t deserve it, Cass answered.

I understand Maya’s murder, and her breaking your soul-bond hurts you still after all these years—

She took half my soul with her, Cass snarled.

I know. I can’t imagine how you’re even alive, but are you sure you aren’t turning rogue? Zales studied him with eyes that always seemed to see so much.

Cass ground his teeth, the reminder of what he lost raising his anger another notch. Though she was taken from him eight years ago, the agony, despair—that dark, gaping hole in him—all made it seem like it was just yesterday. I’m not turning rogue. I swear on Maya’s soul.

You don’t know that, and this shit—Zales indicated what was left of the Ilyium base, then stared pointedly at Cass’s shaggy beard and mustache—along with the way you’ve let yourself go, is a damn good indicator that your humanity is deteriorating.

Cass had considered shaving the beard off but just didn’t care enough to follow through, and besides, what he did with his body wasn’t Zales’s business. Just because I’ve decided to be proactive where our enemies are concerned means I’m turning rogue? he snapped, though in all honesty, he should be worried at how often he got lost in the darkest part of himself.

You know that isn’t what I mean. We all turn rogue when we lose enough of our souls, and without a mate— Zales left the rest unsaid. Without a mate, all dragonkind males started to lose their souls. Then their humanity went, leaving them angry, fire-breathing, killing machines.

Cass’s heart squeezed in his chest. Maya had hurt him more than he could have ever imagined when she severed their bond so that he wouldn’t follow her. Even worse was the feeling that he hadn’t been enough for her. That no matter his love, she obviously hadn’t felt the same. I promise you, I’m not losing my soul, he ground out, ready to be done with the conversation.

How can you promise that? Zales asked but didn’t wait for a reply. Cass, if the need to scorch the realms is upon you, you have to let me or Saber know.

Why, so you can attempt to put me down? Good luck with that. Or, maybe you hope to contain me?

Zales sighed. You’re family. You need to let us know.

Zales was right and Cass should have felt guilt at the very least for failing at his duty. He was a sentinel if the dragon hunter brotherhood. A brotherhood tasked with defending dragonkind and all innocents. What was more, Saber and Zales were like brothers to him. Yet he felt nothing but a cold darkness inside.

Zales hated causing his friend more pain, but he needed to know what was going on. I’m concerned, that’s all. Maya’s death had hit them all hard, but what she’d done to Cass should have been impossible. If you couldn’t count on joining your mate in the afterlife, what could you count on?

Don’t be. I’m not worth it. Cass’s green eyes grew dull.

Zales wanted to growl in frustration, but instead, held his tongue and turned to stare into the sky where a large, black dragon was bearing down on them. Saber.

Another who Zales couldn’t help but worry over.

With Saber’s reckless ways and thirst for vengeance, Zales knew it was only a matter of time before his brother was completely lost. When Saber did turn rogue, there wouldn’t be a hell of a lot that Zales would be able to do for him. Saber was older, stronger, and much more powerful than him. Who could he turn to for help? His gaze landed on Cass. Though older than both he and Saber, the other dragon shifter was nowhere near powerful enough to take out a Thorn brother. Besides, even if he were, Zales could never ask it of him.

He had no good answers and bit back the agony at the thought of losing yet another sibling.

Saber landed and shifted into human form. Doing some more cleanup, Cass? Saber’s blue eyes gleamed in satisfaction as he surveyed the carnage.

Keeps me busy. Cass’s shoulders drooped, and he limped a slight bit as he walked away from them.

Cass, Zales called, wanting to understand what his friend meant earlier.

Ask Saber. He’ll tell you. Cass didn’t look back and instead shifted into a luminous silver dragon, then shot into the waning evening sky. They felt his power: an angry magic. Dark clouds swiftly gathered, followed by bright flashes of white, blue, green, and pink lightning, zipping from the heavens, and drawn to him.

Ask me what? Saber eyeballed the carnage.

Cass claims he isn’t turning rogue. Zales sighed.

He isn’t.

Why are you both so certain? Zales asked.

Saber grimaced as he glanced at the speck in the sky that was Cass flying away from them. Because there’s something—someone keeping Cass here. It is tethering him to the land of the living and is what prevented him from taking his life and joining Maya.

Zales soaked up that bit of news. I’ve never in all my years heard of such a thing happening.

Saber shrugged. Me neither.

Do you think it’s his and Maya’s young?

Saber shook his head. No, it’s not them.

Damn. Zales swore softly. No wonder he’s so full of rage. I wish I would have known.

Sorry, wasn’t my place to say.

So, how do we help him? Zales asked.

A familiar darkness, along with resignation in Saber’s blue eyes, made Zales shiver.

We can’t.

CHAPTER 2

Truth Revealed

Ten years after Maya …

Cass was in the middle of trying to save his best friend’s life when that faint, elusive, and detested connection that always seemed to be with him, slowly began to grow. Hands suddenly shaking, he paused in cutting the poisoned flesh from Saber’s back and drew in a steadying breath before he dropped the blade.

Hatred surged anew at the link tethering him to this world, and just like it always did when he thought about it, his resolve to join his lost mate in the afterlife strengthened. It didn’t matter that he was no closer to discovering why Maya had broken their bond and left him behind in the first place.

However, he needed to find and destroy the one holding him here first.

Was it possible that after ten excruciating years, that possibility was drawing near? He sucked in another deep breath and fought to rein in the urge to go—to drop what he was doing and seek out the witch holding him here.

How he knew it was a female he couldn’t say … and didn’t care. It had to be a druid witch who had conjured the spell, for who else would even want to. He could just imagine whoever it was who had him tethered to this world must be laughing her ass off over how she’d screwed him.

Cass gazed down at Saber and bit back his frustration. He needed to hurry, then he could leave, yet he also needed to be careful he didn’t do any more damage than had already been done to his friend. Drawing in another deep breath to steady himself, Cass attempted to clear his mind. He couldn’t just leave Saber like this, he’d die. Demons, Sabe. How do you get into these messes?

There was no answer, but Cass knew how. With the same disregard for his own life as Cass, Saber ended up being stabbed in the back when he fell for the fiery-haired female hovering over him with tears in her eyes.

Cass knew it wasn’t her fault, but rather her evil brothers. Still, it angered him. Good thing that bastard is dead, Cass muttered under his breath, as he finished removing the putrid substance.

In the back of his mind, he kept tabs on the steadily growing connection, mildly reassured that he wouldn’t lose it. This was the strongest he’d ever felt it.

When he was finally done, he went and washed his hands and his blade off.

Cass returned to Saber’s bedroom, prepared to take his leave, only to hesitate. The witch was close. Really, really close. He tensed up and was on the verge of telling Zales that there were some Ilyium near, when he realized what Tirah was about to do.

Unable to help it, a low growl slipped out. She was going to bond with his best friend, and it was hard to get over the fact that she had helped murder Maya.

Cass wanted to rage at the heavens. He loved Saber like a brother, and wanted him to live, but damn, to bond with the enemy?

What the hell had Saber been thinking?

Saber spent ten years of his life tracking this female, going from realm to realm, all so that he could destroy her—the last Ilyium who’d been there that night Maya was killed and his brother was sucked into a hell realm. And Cass had followed, wanting his shot at her.

Damn, Saber. You were supposed to kill the female, not mate with her.

Though really, if Saber had kept his promise to Cass, he would have turned her over and let Cass take his revenge. It was only fair. After all, Saber had been the one to interrogate and dispose of everyone else responsible for Maya’s murder.

Yet if he were honest, he had to respect Tirah for seeking him out when she knew he wanted her head. All to save the male she loved.

A sound outside of Saber’s room snapped Cass from his dark thoughts and his heart nearly stopped. She was here, now. But how could this be? Saber’s lair was warded. No one but a friend, ally, or family should be able to get it.

Horror dawned and his heart began to race. No, he couldn’t have gotten it wrong, could he? It had to be an enemy.

Ashara and Mihel are here, Zales informed Tirah. I had a couple of my men go and get them.

Ashara, Mihel? Cass tried to ask the question aloud but couldn’t seem to speak. It was like he was frozen, completely paralyzed while anger, hatred, and the desire for revenge surged with fury through his veins.

Zales glanced up at him and frowned. Tirah’s mother and brother.

Mother? Broth—what? Cass tried to draw in air, but it was with difficulty. Then a petite female, who looked no more than thirty, maybe thirty-two, timidly entered the room.

Cass blinked. Whoa, this wasn’t … she couldn’t be … but it was. He could feel the connection to her as if there were a thick, steel cable attaching them. If he so much as touched her … well he didn’t know what would happen, and he wasn’t about to try it.

Fearful, deep-blue eyes briefly met his. Cass sucked in the snarl that wanted to escape at the pain reflected back at him, then frowned. Ashara’s skin was pale and pasty, her clothing worn and tattered, and her long black hair wilted and tangled.

Behind her, a much healthier male with short black hair and the same color eyes followed her. Though his gaze was anything but fearful. Mihel glanced at Cass and the warning in his deep blues said he’d do battle to protect his mother. That was something Cass could respect.

It seemed impossible that no one else noticed the thrumming connection between him and the slight female. Hatred and fury gripped Cass tightly as Tirah climbed off the bed and hurried over to hug her mother.

Saber’s dying.

I heard. I’m so sorry, baby, Ashara said softly and her voice sent a wicked tingle of wildfire through Cass.

What the fuck? No, this is not happening. He growled under his breath and tried to fight his growing fury. He didn’t realize how fierce he looked until Mihel moved forward protectively, and Ashara backed farther away, the fear in her eyes growing. Then she lowered her gaze from his.

It’s all right. No one here will hurt you, Tirah told her mother as she shot Cass a glare.

That’s right, Zales confirmed, warning him with a look.

Lips pursed, Cass struggled to rein in his temper. Now wasn’t the time, but it would come. He was positive of it.

More was said, but Cass barely heard. There was too much anger swirling around in him. This wasn’t what he’d expected, and he had no clue of how to deal with it all. First his revenge was taken away, and now the one holding him to this world looked like she’d been to hell and back.

Think on it later, he told himself, and tried to focus solely on Zales as his friend poured his sacred, power-giving dragon light into Saber. Right now, Saber living was all that mattered. Still, he couldn’t help but keep an eye on Tirah’s mother, though Ashara didn’t look at him again.

As angry as he was with everyone, Saber included, Cass still let out a sigh of relief when his best friend finally opened his eyes. Then he cussed under his breath at the love in Saber’s gaze when he spotted Tirah. His mate.

Cass felt like an intruder, and the memory of his and Maya’s love bit deep—the lack of it a deep black void filled with the most intense pain, even after all these years.

With a sob, Tirah threw herself at Saber. I was so scared I’d lost you.

Saber hugged her and scanned the room. His eyes grew cold when they landed on Cass and his arm tightened around Tirah. Cass, I know I promised you—

Cass snarled. Why did everyone just assumed he’d do the worst? As if he’d actually murder Tirah right here, right now. She was his best friend’s mate, he couldn’t do that to Saber. Well, at least not with everyone watching. Settle down. If I wanted to kill her, I would have.

Saber stared at him for a long-drawn-out moment, then lay back and narrowed his eyes on Zales. What did you do?

Before Zales could answer Saber’s question, a loud shout from the hallway drew all their attention.

Cass blinked as a wild dervish with wide, terror-filled, light-blue eyes, and long dark-brown hair in a tangled mess, streaked into the room. At five feet six, slender, and toned as if she worked out regularly, or in her case, sparred on a daily basis, was his fourteen-year-old daughter on the verge of womanhood. Skye.

CHAPTER 3

Caged Wildcat

Cass sighed with annoyance. He didn’t need any more drama tonight and though he’d forbidden Skye to come here, she’d ignored his order to stay home. He really shouldn’t be surprised. The girl never listened to anything he said.

Skye swept the room with a quick glance, and then turned her gaze on her uncle Saber. The one who helped raise her more than Cass ever had. Guilt sliced through him at how badly he’d failed as a father. Another reason Maya would be disappointed in him.

Skye? Saber let Tirah go and held his arms out.

Skye threw herself at him. I heard you were dying. You can’t die on me!

She sniffled and Saber patted her back. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.

Pain shot through Cass as he remembered Maya promising him the same thing. Demons, he should have gone with his instincts and protected her. She’d be alive today if he had.

Skye pulled away and crossed her arms over her chest, shooting a glare at Cass, daring him to say anything about her disobeying him.

Self-loathing and guilt made him even angrier, but he didn’t say a word. He was afraid if he started, with the black mood he was in, he’d likely roar the mountain down on their heads.

Saber pulled his mate back to his side. Skye, I’d like you to meet Tirah.

Anger flashed like bolts of lightning in Skye’s light-blue eyes. Whatever! Then she rushed from the room.

Skye? Saber called.

What the hell is she pissed about now? Cass wondered, then sighed inwardly. Yeah, these teen years were hell.

We already met, Tirah said, reminding Cass that she was only part Ilyium. The other part of her was Fire-born. Though terrified of what he and his clan would do to her, she’d outed herself as dragonkind to gain his help in saving Saber. Just one more reason that he couldn’t kill her even if he still wanted to.

Cass wanted to leave but needed answers from Tirah’s mother. As he was about to tell Ashara that he needed to speak with her, Zales attempted to stand and wavered.

Shit! Whoa, buddy. Though not in the mood to play babysitter, he steadied his friend. Zales had saved his ass countless times, he owed the guy. Come on, I’ve got you. Cass slid an arm under Zales’s shoulders. Let’s give Saber and Tirah some privacy, he said, shooting a glance at Ashara and Mihel, then nodding toward the door. Then with the pair following, he helped Zales out of the room.

I’m fine. Zales, ever the toughest of them all, tried to pull away.

It was a shock to see the mighty, reserved Zales weak, but that was what giving your life power to someone did. You just gave Saber your dragon light, don’t make me knock your ass out and carry you. I’m not in the mood.

I can see that, what in Hades is wrong with you? Zales asked.

Cass’s power surged in response and as his fingers began to tingle, he pushed it back until it died out. Not now.

Zales started to speak, but one glance at Cass had him wisely shutting his mouth.

Cass led them down the large crystal and gem-studded rock tunnel of a hallway, and into the combined living, dining, and kitchen area of Saber’s mountain lair where Skye was pacing like a caged wildcat.

Her fists were clenched and fury was etched on her features. Though the tears slowly rolling down her cheeks shocked Cass like an electric current to his whole being. He hadn’t seen his sweet daughter cry since Maya died.

No. Don’t think of Maya. Not right now. Keeping an eye on Skye, Cass settled Zales on the large red horseshoe-shaped couch, then looked at his little girl.

Skye. She was no longer little. When had she grown up? It seemed like yesterday she was just four years old and sneaking out of bed and into his arms.

Leave me alone, Cass.

He liked to think that nothing hurt anymore, but yeah, surprise, surprise—that did. When did she stop calling me Pepaw? For some reason lately, Skye enjoyed taunting him with his name. I’m your father. I’d like to talk to you.

Skye turned away. Too bad. I don’t want to talk to you.

He ground his teeth as she headed for the tunnel leading to the waterfall, one of two exits from Saber’s lair. Where are you going?

Skye glanced back. Home, I guess. Where else would I go?

Wait, Cass called, but she was gone.

Let her go, Zales said wearily as he leaned back and closed his eyes. She’s upset that Saber’s taken a mate.

Cass sighed, afraid it was something like that. She’s only fourteen for demons’ sake!

Doesn’t matter. It’s her first crush, and Saber’s always been there for her. Zales appeared exhausted, and though Cass didn’t think he meant to press on the wound and make him bleed more, the dig still stung.

Cass looked at Tirah’s mother and brother. Ashara continued to watch him with fear. Her painfully thin body trembled while Mihel stood close, on guard and ready to defend her.

Cass sighed and ran a hand through his straggly blond hair. Ferk. He was a mess. Then he glanced at his bloody clothes and wished he could just go and take a shower. Or better yet, soak in a hot pool, clear his head. Maybe even catch a few minutes of sleep. Yeah, sleep would probably do him some good.

Cass glanced around. Saber’s lair was big enough that he could just shift into his dragon and back into human form. Then he’d be clean at least. He looked back at Ashara and somehow, knew that would scare her. I won’t hurt you. Go sit down, just … stop looking at me like that.

As if used to obeying orders without question, Ashara inched past him but Cass noticed she was careful to keep her distance as she made her way over to the farthest love seat. Mihel kept his eyes on Cass as he settled on a chair not far from her.

Zales let out a little groan, drawing Cass’s attention from the two strangers. You all right, bro?

Fine, Zales said.

But as a slight tremble ran through him and he grew paler, Cass didn’t buy it. I need to give you some of my blood.

No. Zales shook his head. I’ll be fine.

Cass knew he was lying, though he didn’t understand why Zales was refusing him. Yes, he was independent, but still, this could get very bad. Why the hell not?

I said no.

Cass narrowed his gaze. The giving of one’s blood was a common way of healing another, so why was Zales refusing? There had to be more going on, but knowing Zales, he’d never spill.

Cass went and filled the largest drinking jug he could find with water, then came back and held it out to Zales. Here, drink some water. Then I’ll get you something to eat in a minute.

Zales shook his head and closed his eyes. No, and I’m not hungry. Get them some food instead.

I’m fine, Mihel said.

Yes, we’re fine, Ashara said when Zales opened his eyes and looked at her. I don’t want to be any trouble.

You are no trouble, Zales said sincerely, then looked at Cass. Right?

Cass wanted to object. The last thing he wanted to do was cater to the one tethering him to this life, but at the trepidation in Ashara’s eyes, his emotion shifted. Suddenly he felt bad for the way he’d been acting … or reacting. What had happened to her? As the question entered his head, a sudden, fierce need to care for her swamped him, almost dropping him to his knees. What the hell? Aware of Zales watching, he set the water on the end table beside his friend. Yeah, no trouble. Though I’ll be shocked if Saber has anything edible here besides ale.

Zales gave Ashara a slight smile. See, Cass doesn’t mind, and I’m sure you’re starving. When did you last eat?

Ashara didn’t answer.

The strange, new emotions churning inside of him left Cass confused and on edge as he went back to the kitchen and pulled the cooler open. He stared. Damn, you went all out buddy, he mumbled under his breath and began to pull food out and set it on the counter. Saber had gone shopping. He glanced back at Zales. You want an ale? He reached under the counter and pulled some eating platters out.

Not right now, Zales replied, sounding even weaker as he lay with his head back and eyes closed.

Cass stilled and watched him for a moment. You should at least drink.

Later.

This wasn’t good, and it wasn’t