Chosen Rye

By Larisa Long

When the barriers of hell broke, demons decimated the world and only a few human settlements escaped. For 18 year old Rye, surviving another day means running faster than the demons who hunt her. When Rye ducks into an alley, she is transported to another realm currently on the brink of war with the underworld and told she is the chosen soul mate to two powerful and dangerous immortal brothers. When another brother of pure evil also finds out he’s fated to be with Rye, he’ll stop at nothing to claim her. Rye is the only one who can control the warring brothers, but Rye might be the most dangerous of them all. Everyone hints about who she really is, but will Rye figure it out in time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larisa Long
• Release date: Dec 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463742471

Larisa Long

Larisa Long writes young adult urban fantasy/paranormal romance and reverse harem romance (which has quickly become an obsession). When she’s not writing or thinking about writing, she devours paranormal fiction, worries about animals, stalks chocolate, dreams about the perfect cupcake, and tries to explain her devotion to sprinkles. She lives with her husband and a group of ever expanding rescue animals (and possibly some paranormals) in the Pacific Northwest.

Book preview

Chapter 1

There will be no rescue. You can feel it in your soul. You are tethered to me. You are mine, and I will never let you go.

What was that? I hadn’t said anything, and that wasn’t a demon. They were more raspy. I’d seen and heard my share since the last human settlement had fallen.

Then I heard it.

Again.

That voice.

You are chosen. You are mine.

I instinctively grabbed my throat. I hadn’t said that. Hadn’t even thought it. I’d never say anything so cliché and tragic. Neither would a demon.

When the barriers broke, hell ripped opened. Lucifer’s inner circle allowed all sorts of nasties to hunt down the last of the humans. Most of the governments had already fallen. Armies had dispersed or been decimated.

Got her. A girl about my age stepped out of the shadows.

I froze. I’d been waiting for the usual bloody bits of demon still out of place. I looked her up and down.

She studied a clipboard and shuffled papers as she glanced at me and then back at her clipboard. Definitely not a demon.

Should I be praying? Coming to terms? But I prayed every night. Prayed every morning. We all faced death hourly, and I was ready. I didn’t know what would happen now that hell was well ... earth, but I wanted to ensure my soul didn’t go anyplace grisly. I didn’t do grisly. I’d been able to survive longer than the rest because I didn’t bother, didn’t push, didn’t overstay. I wanted to, but I blended. It was what I was good at. Why did she notice me?

She grinned at me. It wasn’t the grin of the mad ready to rip and shred. She was more friendly like a hyper barista who’d been sipping the espresso samples all shift. I hadn’t realized she was wearing tight silver pants and a matching top which barely kept all of her from spilling out. I raised my hand to shield my eyes from her cleavage. Some kind of uniform? Maybe she was from hell.

Silver girl positioned her long blonde hair over her boobage. Better?

Um, thank you? I looked around. What is happening? I checked my pulse. It felt okay. My vision wasn’t abnormal. Had I been drugged? Is this the end?

I’m Tryst. Sorry for the getup, sweetie, she said, in a very thick British accent. I’ve had to go to a lot of places. Some respond better to more skin or the accent. Humans do anyway.

I guess my eyebrow arched as far as it could go without the use of frequent flyer miles. Huh?

Your birth was foretold thousands of years ago which is when you were chosen.

Chosen?

She nodded. Chosen by Winter. This is a great honor.

That brownie I found yesterday. I cringed. That wasn’t just a brownie, was it?

Demons growled, but they were farther away now. Why weren’t they attacking? They normally didn’t give up so easy.

Tryst casually glanced around. She’d never had to worry about her safety. Ever. Not even once. I thought you were someone else until I saw you. Luckily I recognized you before you were gutted.

That is lucky. I nodded. Gutting can really ruin a night.

She giggled. Winter will be ecstatic. You weren’t supposed to be out tonight. Why were you out?

I shrugged.

I saw you escape one of them. Dreadful things those sad demons. She waved her perfect manicured hand in front of her face. The most godawful smells they produce. If my brother could have kept his pet, Lucifer, in line. She grinned as if she’d said more than she ought.

I must have blinked very fast. The Lucifer is your brother’s pet? My mouth gaped open.

Or is it the other way around? I can never be sure with those two. Tryst eyed me with an amusing grin. You’re very fast for a human. Her gaze made a round trip from my normal kick ass boots up my jeans and to my green rhino t-shirt which even I admit was tighter than I normally wore.

Damn dryer in that one building I squatted in was hotter than it was supposed to be and shrunk my favorite shirts. All two of them. The other one had too much demon whatever to get out.

That totally wasn’t my fault either since I ran into the alley for a short cut and wandered into ... I guess it was some sort of demon orgy. If I could have gauged my own eyes out ... I slipped in something that I will never try to describe. Anyway, the shirt couldn’t be salvaged. Neither could my innocence after those images of writhing and moaning demons.

Tryst narrowed her eyes. That was an interesting explanation.

I stepped back. Was it? Did I say that out loud? I didn’t think I had. Although I ramble-shackle when I’m nervous.

She smiled at me again. Winter was right about you being beautiful. Ever since he dreamed of you, he’s been obsessed with red hair and your perfectly pale face as if sun has never kissed it. Also, your green eyes … She stepped closer.

I think my eyes opened even wider. Not that I wanted to see what she’d do next. It was just out of instinct.

She sighed. Yes, I’d say you are hauntingly beautiful. Winter said achingly beautiful. In fact, a thousand years ago I think we spent a month discussing it. Winter was right.

Winter’s a who? I thought you were talking about a season. I almost felt sorry for summer and spring.

Something laughed or snorted. I wasn’t sure which. Maybe it was a bark or hiss or a purr.

She sighed and focused on me again. Winter’s been talking about you since we were thirteen. That’s when he dreamed about you. He’d bore us all with every detail about you. She talked as if she provided the most rational explanations. He’d already proven you were his. That’s why he has the bond mark. I don’t yet. Still waiting. She sighed as she lifted her ring finger on her left hand. I can’t wait to get the soul mate bond mark. Loc and I are bonded, but not in that way. He’s an angel.

What the hell was I supposed to say to that? Okay.

She stepped even closer to me.

I had to prevent myself from jumping backwards. My favorite migraine introduced itself, and I heard my own heartbeat pound in my ears. My stomach shifted, but I didn’t think I had eaten enough in the past week to attempt a projectile vomit. When she got closer, I could see she wasn’t human. Why hadn’t I noticed her translucent skin before? What are you?

Technically you are the chosen for bo—

There was a noise in the distance like someone clearing his throat.

Tryst took a deep breath. But Winter’s my favorite. She stared at my eyes for the longest time as if she could crawl in and take a tour of my brain. Just give yourself time to get use to him. He’s very intense. The most of all of us. That’s why he was elected to lead after the ancients stepped down.

Someone cleared his throat again, but Tryst didn’t pay any attention.

You’re the only one who could truly hurt him. Only our true soul mates could cause us damage, but that’s why we choose so wisely and have to wait so long to make that choice. And don’t get me started on all the questions from the Officiates or the Chamber we have to answer. She leaned in and whispered. Just be true to Winter, and the Sentinels won’t bother you. And be wary of the Kyrenders. They think they are linked to everything. And don’t say the oath until you’re sure.

I cocked my head to the side as if that would help me understand her better. She spoke very fast and took few if any breaths in between her info dump.

Sweetie, once you utter those words, you’ll be his forever. Just like he’s yours. Your souls will be forever forged. Winter’s already spoken the oath like two million times, but it was usually when you were sleeping so he didn’t scare you. He chose you so early even though he was supposed to taste others. She hesitated as if testing my reaction. Is that how you’d say it? Taste?

Taste? I hoped not. Although I think I stopped listening to her and wondered how my body would be found or if I’d just be a demon chew toy for awhile. I guess that depends on what you mean. That’s when I realized she’d never actually opened her mouth. She’d been conversing with me in my mind. Holy shi … Why’d I need that lipgloss tonight?

Lipgloss?

I nodded. Lost my last one last night.

Apologies. She shrugged. By the time you get home, Winter will have provided every shade of lipgloss you’d ever want … She winked at me with the most wicked grin. Or any of the flavors or colors he’d like to taste on you.

I shuddered. At least I know when I’m going to die. I looked at my watch which hadn’t worked since the night I lost everything. In about five minutes?

Oh, sweetie, you are just the most adorable creature. Then she noticed the way I held my ankle. I’d forgotten I twisted it last week. With a flick of her wrist, my ankle healed instantly.

I honestly couldn’t explain it, but, as soon as fear rose in me, it would settle again like a bipolar tornado. She must be doing something for me to stay so calm and not scream or run or a thousand other things I should be doing.

You ... vampire? I didn’t know why I asked, but I wanted to know what I was going to be killed by. I’d still be dead, but I hated not knowing.

She shook her head and then focused her golden eyes on me with an intensity that would have made a statue piss itself.

Crap. Fae?

She shook her head and suppressed a grin which unnerved me.

Reads minds? Beautiful. Not just beautiful. Ethereal.

She smirked at me.

Someone screamed down the way. Human. I jumped and lost a few more minutes off my life.

Tryst didn’t even flinch.

Are you going to feed me to them?

Why would you think I’d share? She winked.

When I paled even more than I thought possible, her eyes changed color from golden to green and then to red before settling on pink.

Continue the guesses. This is fun.

Yeah, fun. And who the hell was this seasonal guy she keeps mentioning?

There was laughter but not from Tryst. I looked around for someone else. It was the usual abandoned alley in a fallen city. Trash cans, stains, the odd body part.

She looked up at the sky again. Winter, such a naughty boy. You just couldn’t wait, could you? But you’ll have to watch the volume. You nearly scared her to death. She looked back at me. Do you want to say hi to him? He’s been waiting for you forever.

I’m sure I am very amusing to whatever you are. Focus, Rye. Different eye colors. Can all of you heal?

She nodded. Heal or hurt. Either one. Both are fun.

That’s handy. I spoke more to myself since deflecting and being snarky had helped keep me sane since all the madness started. You also either keep demons away …

Or? Tryst jumped up and down with the glee of a child with a new present.

Or? I thought a minute, but I didn’t want to go there. Really didn’t want to say it. But since everyone seems to be able to read my mind. Or, they are afraid of you.

Clever for you to notice that, the voice from before said.

I didn’t want to look around for this Winter again. I knew he wasn’t there. He was somewhere else able to crawl into my mind. I ran through the options. Demon? Angel? Fallen? Witch? Imp? Shifter? Hybrid? Wizard? Minion? Goblin? Ghost? Pixie? Spirit? Lost Soul? Wraith? Ghoul? Reaper? Elemental? Trickster? Mermaid? Genie? Zombie? Sprite? Nymph? Jinn? My mind raced through various scenarios as fast as I could process.

Tryst was nodding before I realized, but I didn’t know which one she started nodding to.

Winter cleared his throat again. Stop teasing her, Tryst.

I was proud of myself for not jumping that time.

Are you a god? If I could have ripped my own tongue out I would have. I realized my mistake. Oh.

There you go, sweetie. Tryst grinned as if I’d just made her so proud.

Why hadn’t I noticed that? I know what you are.

Yes, you do, Winter said. So clever.

Tryst clapped. Very good. You’re quicker than the others.

Tears I hadn’t allowed in years started to form. Suddenly I prayed for a quick death. A slow death. Any death. It’s not possible. You’re not real. You couldn’t be real. No one has heard about you in ... I couldn’t even remember the last story. Myth. That’s what they were. Myths. Legends. Nightmares. They weren’t real.

We are very real, my love, Winter whispered.

I squirmed as my skin warmed. Why does his voice do that to me?

Tryst smiled. Oh if you could see him, you would realize how happy you’ve made him.

He’s not invisible, is he?

Tryst laughed. So adorable. No, silly. He’s like me. Trust me, you’ll want him very corporeal. She winked at me.

I shook my head. No. I wasn’t ready for this. Nothing could prepare me for this. I liked footwear that could also be used as a weapon and reading and lipgloss and chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles. I’m only eighteen. Isn’t this against some convention or something? Don’t I have a say? I won’t go.

Tryst shook her head. You can calm down now.

I won’t do it. I can’t do it. I’ll face any demon. Put me in a fight club. I’ll march into hell if I have to. I’ll have tea and scones with Lucifer himself. We can glitter each other’s hair and talk about boys and how to save wolves and pangolins, but I won’t be one of your—

She held up her hand, and my thoughts quieted and ceased. Sweetie …

She flipped through several more pages on her clipboard as she winked at me. There you are. Idiot pets for not putting you at the top of the first page. Ryenne Logan. Goes by Rye. Eighteen. Orphaned at twelve.

She looked at me as if she almost felt sorry for me. I remember when that happened. Winter was inconsolable for the longest time. He had to take most of his classes over again. But all that training did make him tight. Is that what you call those hard muscle abs? She touched her own stomach. Loc has those. He’s a fighter. A warrior. I do hope my true soul mate will be super tight as well.

I didn’t say anything. I was already dead. It was over for me. I was lost. No one will know. There’s no one left to care for me.

It’s going to be okay, Rye, Winter whispered to me. You are my chosen. I swear I won’t hurt you or allow anyone to harm you.

My muscles tightened at the sound of his voice, and the buzzing sensation rippled through my entire body.

Tryst smiled. Don’t fight that, sweetie. It’s the first step to accepting him. She returned to the clipboard, but her eyes glazed over as if remembering. That day still pains me. It took you forever to even smile again after you lost your family. And you wouldn’t ever let anyone touch you. She leaned forward. Don’t worry about that one boy. He never made it out of hell when the locks broke. He was ended in the most gruesome way. It took ages. Winter made sure of it.

There was a growl from Winter.

Before I knew it, I was on my knees.

Tryst smiled but then realized I was praying and not kneeling to her. You needn’t be so dramatic, Rye. She went back to reading the pages on her clipboard. Winter can you see her gifts? Rye truly is magnificent. So powerful. You are so lucky to have won her.

I stared at her barely able to comprehend. She must have done something to me because not even my tears would fall.

That’s enough, Tryst, Winter said. You can bring her home. Has Loc located Matthew yet?

I have been busy, brother. I’m not a complete gadabout. Tryst squinted her eyes as if listening. Yes, he found him. Just. He was about to take on a garrison of the fallen.

Be careful with Rye, sister. I only trust her with you.

She laughed when she looked at me. You poor frightened soul. What must they think of us?

We do have the reputation, Winter said.

Well earned, my brother. Very well earned.

My eyes suddenly grew very heavy, and I glanced around one last time. It was a filthy, dark alley full of funky smells and some form of liquid I tried not to focus on. And it was the last thing my eyes would ever see of my world. There would be no rescue for me. I could feel it in my soul. I was already tethered to them. I was theirs now.

Chapter 2

I swear I won’t hurt you or allow anyone to harm you.

I jumped when I heard Winter’s voice again. I was lying on a cot. I’d been asleep? I rubbed my eyes. I’m not in an alley. Where am I? Glass floors, ceilings, walls. I’m in a giant glass cube. There were others inside with me who looked as freaked out too.

There were a dozen of us. Five boys. Seven girls. We all looked the same age. Maybe some a bit younger and others older. Funny how trauma can quickly age anyone. A dozen green camping cots were scattered about. No tables, chairs, games, a kitchenette or even a bathroom. I cringed but checked under my cot. No buckets, so that was either good or bad. I didn’t want to think about needing to use a toilet, but there didn’t seem to be any messes. Not yet anyway.

I guess no one wanted us too comfortable. A few slept or tried to. One girl cried behind her cot in a makeshift corner she’d made from a blanket, her cot and the adjoining one. One of the boys paced around in a circle arguing with himself. One sat on his cot and rocked himself back and forth humming.

Welcome back.

I looked up and had to shield my eyes from the brightest light.

Sorry, the voice said. Let your eyes adjust.

I closed them for a second and then slowly opened them again. A smile greeted me. For a feared second, I wondered if this was the Winter I’d been told about.

He looked about my age with brown curly hair, and the kindest eyes I’d ever seen. His eyes melted into every emotion. Joy. Anguish. Happiness. Suffering.

Amazing.

He smiled, but it wasn’t a smirk or an all knowing leer. It was a benign smile. I’m Loc.

I sighed either from understanding or disappointment. I wasn’t sure which. You’re the angel.

He nodded. I am.

You belong to Tryst.

He smiled. Not really. How do you humans say it? It’s complicated. Tryst and I are bonded, but there are many meanings to that.

He looked very human. But the glow gave it away as if he had his own backlighting wherever he went. Also, he was perfect. I know it’s cliche, but he really did look carved directly from perfection.

Sorry, I said. I shook my head. Never met an angel.

He grinned. Most don’t.

I looked at him confused. You’re seriously an actual angel?

Sure I’d seen my world fall. Hell had broken open, and all sorts of indescribables roamed the earth. There were fewer humans in the world, and demons seemed to multiply like raindrops. Then I was trapped by ... I shuddered. I couldn’t go there. I was told I was chosen, and now I’m in some large glass ice cube talking with an angel. I’d say it was my normal Wednesday? I wasn’t even sure what day it was anymore.

How long have I been here?

Loc shrugged. Awhile. I’ve been waiting for you to awaken. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much company until just now.

I glanced around at my fellow ... I couldn’t and wouldn’t use their ‘chosen’ word. Most were in their own worlds. In the middle of the room, one guy alternated between sit ups and push ups. He wore fatigues which had been ripped into shorts and a matching shirt. Various animal tattoos covered every inch of skin I could see, and his long hair looked like haunted midnight.

I leaned closer to Loc. Can they hear us?

He nodded.

I hesitated. Do I speak? But they’ll hear my thoughts anyway. I had no idea what to do. My eyes darted around as my breathing quickly increased. My heart raced. I thought I might pass out. Or get sick. Why didn’t we have buckets?

Loc put his hand over mine and just as quickly jumped back and grimaced.

What happened?

Winter doesn’t want anyone else touching you. The exerciser stopped his sit ups and joined us. He glared at