Eternal Earth: Hound Series, #2

By Layla J. Omorose

AN OBSESSION HE COULDN'T CONTROL

For over a year, Adien, the Trinity Hound of Earth. has watched Harmony Sonders from a distance. Silently protecting her from his enemies and those who sought to harm her...including himself. One look from her is enough to have him longing for the one thing he never wanted...

A MAN SHE DARED TO TAME

Harmony Sonders has spent the last few years piecing herself back together after escaping a marriage that nearly killed her. With her life finally where she wants it, the last thing she needed was for another man to come and throw her world into chaos... and that's exactly what Adien Tygerian does. A wicked temptation, he awakens a side of her she didn't know existed... a piece of her that demands she claim what is rightfully hers and damned the consequences.

A DESIRE THAT WILL ROCK THEIR WORLD

With their enemies gathering their forces and the birth of a new power at hand, can Adien and Harmony break down the walls that guard their hearts and take hold of a love like they've never known to protect the ones they love or will the ghosts of their pasts lead to their damnation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Layla J. Omorose
• Release date: Mar 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393239871

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was rare that Adien, Trinity Hound of Earth, one of the most powerful beings in existence and ultimate playboy, let himself become flustered over a woman. An even longer time since he had sulked in his unwanted desire, instead of finding some big-breasted babe to fuck all night long. Yet here he sat, at the bar, in one of the most elegantly decorated ballrooms he had ever seen, brooding over a woman he had sworn to keep his distance from.

The room’s long tables were covered with soft cream-colored tablecloths that complimented the professionally polished wooden floors. Softly lit candles stood as centerpieces for each table, and were surrounded by a small bouquet of wild flowers. Scattered about were various drapings and other decorations that not only added to the overly priced feel of the room but also Adien’s boredom.

Giving a heavy sigh, he downed the rest of his drink. The dark alcohol burned as it traveled down his throat. Finished, he slammed the glass down on the table with more force than he intended and ignored the bartender’s glare as he turned his attention back to his surroundings. Adien’s gaze scanned the large crowd of bodies as he tuned out the dull music that played in the background.

What the hell am I doing here? He thought for the hundredth time. Why had he allowed his bastard brother to drag him out from the pair of lean legs that had been wrapped around his waist? He had been in the middle of some serious fondling when Radien and his dark aura showed up. An instant mood killed if he ever saw one. One glance at him and his company was dressed and out the door quicker than Adien could take his next breath.

Damn it and damn him.

His brother had cost him a much-needed release.

Why did they have to bring me here?

Nothing good would come from this... nothing good at all.

Adien spared a quick glance over to the opposite side of the room, wondering just how long it had been since he had last seen her. A year if he wasn’t mistaken. Three hundred sixty-five days since he had last seen his golden-eyed obsession. Fifty-two weeks since he had last felt a flutter in his chest or true heat in his veins. From the first moment he had seen her, his life had taken a turn for the worse.

Damn her.

After all this time, thoughts of her still consumed him. The feel of her warm skin against his continued to linger in his senses while her earthy scent remained engraved in his mind. The only time he felt anything like his old self was when he thought of her... of holding her, touching her... fucking her senseless on the ballroom’s hardwood floors.

With a heavy groan, Adien turned back towards the bar. He was going to need a few more drinks if he was going to make it through this party. Maybe, if he got wasted enough, he could ignore the thick erection pressing against the fly of his slacks.

Let me get another round, he told the bartender, who continued to glare at him.

Too distracted to care about the overweight man’s unexplained hostility, Adien waited for his drink. His mind wandered back to that night a year ago when he had first seen her... more like stalked her from her closet. Back then he hadn’t had time for tact. The life of his brother’s mate had been at stake. While he and his brother weren’t on the best of terms, Adien couldn’t sit back and let an innocent woman suffer. The one time he decided to take the higher road and be the better person, his world was turned upside down.

Beautiful... mine...

That’s what he had thought, his hormones consuming him, until her birthmark, several shades darker than her skin tone, caught his attention. Feeling like a pervert but unable to stop himself, Adien had taken a peek under her towel and froze. There, covering her side and twisting down her hips was a mark identical to his. Panic had consumed him, flushing out the desire he had felt.

The Fates had played a cruel prank on them. A mate was not something he wanted. Not after what happened with Persephone, who was not only married to Hades, Lord of the Underworld, but was the reason for the bad blood between the god and Radien.

Sour thoughts continued to consume him. All too clear the images of how she had used him, pretended to care about him only to get to his brother, played in his mind. Like a fool, he had fallen for her lies. Their selfish actions had haunted him for over a millennium.

There was only one person who deserved his trust, and that was his sister-in law and his brother’s mate, Melody. She was the only reason the relationship between him and Radien had improved. They no longer wanted to kill each other... just beat each other to a bloody pulp occasionally.

Yet even with all that had occurred, there was a part of Adien, a part of himself that he hated, the part of him that secretly wanted the bond his brother had found with Melody. Adien was tired of the revolving door of women that entered his life. The stream of nameless women that groped and threw themselves at him, claiming to want him when all they wanted was his status, bored him.

But to get what he wanted he would have to open himself up again. He would have to place his heart in the hands of another person, and that was something he was never going to do... ever.

Here, the bartender’s harsh tone drew Adien from his sulking. Giving the man a quick once over as he practically slammed the small glass down on the bar top, Adien was unimpressed with what he saw. Fat and balding, wearing clothes that were too small for him, reminded Adien of some type of nasty goo. However, that did not excuse the fact that the man had pissed Adien off.

Giving the worn man a chilling stare of his own, Adien fought for control over his rising temper. It wouldn’t be wise for him to kill the man in such a public place. Although, if he didn’t get control over his hostile emotions and do his damn job, Adien couldn’t be held accountable for his actions.

Drink up. The man sneered at him. Before he could think better of it, Adien was reaching across the bar, gripping his hostile host by the collar and pulling him in. Several patrons at the bar turned to see what was happening but quickly went back to their polite conversations and drinks when Adien gave them an angry sneer.

If you value your life, Adien growled, his powers suddenly coursing through him, begging for release, you will shut the hell up, control your fucking attitude, and happily serve me my damn drinks. His eyes narrowing dangerously, he dared the man to say something. If not, you and the glass mirror behind you will have a nice, long, conversation about server hospitality. The man’s face drained of color. Understood?

The man nodded.

Good. With that Adien released his hold, watching with dark amusement as the male stumbled to catch his balance. Saying nothing more, the bartender headed over to the other end of the bar, leaving Adien to his thoughts.

It’s really been a year...

From his brother’s mating to his mortal enemy’s release, it felt much longer than a year. Or maybe time seemed to be dragging thanks to the long nights where he woke up in a cold sweat, his body rock hard from having wild dreams of him and his obsession tangled in a ball of sweaty limbs.

Turning back around, Adien once again scanned the crowd, looking for the only thing that would bring him peace. He found her on the far side of the room, surrounded by a small group of suit-wearing men. His gaze focused intently on her, he tried his best to ignore the way his heart skipped a beat from a single glance at her. Breathtakingly beautiful, she shined in her floor-length gown. By the way the dress hugged her toned body, Adien knew it was custom made. The V-cut neckline showed just enough of her pushed-up cleavage to have his mouth watering for a taste. Her once-short hair was cut into a short bob, where the hair in the front was longer than the back. With the hairstyle leaving the sensitive flesh of her neck exposed, he imagined taking his tongue and running it along the length of her slender neck to her collarbone and then even lower to the swells of her breast. Picturing her in his arms again, but conscious this time, made him groan and down another shot to calm his raging hormones.

She must have felt his gaze on her. Slowly, without breaking her conversation, her eyes sought him out. Their gazes locked, and Adien felt his world shift once again. For a long moment, he found it hard to breathe as she continued to hold his stare. Mesmerized, he envied the way she was able to keep her calm while he felt as if he were going to jump out of his skin. When she broke their connection, another guest demanding her attention, the feeling of loss settled in his chest. Despite that, Adien continued to watch her as she greeted those gathered around her. Each time she smiled, even though he somehow knew it was false, desire rocked him. Longing assaulted him as he wondered if she would ever smile at him. Not that fake smile she gave everyone around her, but a real smile that made her eyes sparkle.

Really, Adien... sparkle? This is business...

Yeah, business... there’s nothing business about this, he grumbled, all the while watching her.

There you are, the familiar voice came from beside him.

Dragging his attention from his obsession, he focused on the woman approaching him. At seeing her, he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face as she navigated her way towards him.

Melody, the Trinitymate of Light and Radien’s mate, was beautiful in her midnight-blue gown. With her, now, snow-white hair pulled into a tight bun, she practically glowed. Adien watched her, noting the numerous pairs of male eyes that followed her. The fact that her belly was large and round made no difference to the men that looked over her with hungry eyes.

Their desire angered him. The blatant disregard of the fact that she was clearly with child or the large diamond ring on her finger that indicated she was married made him want to bash them over the head... repeatedly.

Adien. It was obvious from her labored breathing that her pregnancy was taking its toll on her. Thanks. She smiled up at him.

Not a problem. Like always, when he was around her, he found his spirits lifted and he was able to smile easily. We wouldn’t want your oversized protector causing a scene.

Her laugh was filled with warmth and took his thoughts away from his own horrible situation.

It never ceased to amaze him how close the two of them had become within the last year. Melody was the sister he had always wanted. He would gladly trade both his siblings for her if he could.

Adien. She sighed as she hobbled onto the stool beside him. You promised to cut back on your drinking.

And I have. He paused before saying, For the most part.

She rolled her eyes, and he groaned in defeat. Cut me some slack, Mel. I’m barely holding on here.

I can see. Are you drunk? she asked him just as the bartender returned.

No, Adien dryly responded.

Drunk? He wasn’t drunk, far from it. He was too focused on his obsession as she chatted with the men that hovered around her like vultures. Watching men who weren’t in the same league as her laugh and throw flirting smiles her way made Adien more jealous than he cared to admit aloud. Each lustful gaze or subtle touch to her bare shoulder or arm spiked his anger.

You better get used to that. She gets that kind of attention everywhere she goes. Taking the water she ordered, Melody wobbled her way to her feet.

Quickly, Adien held her steady as she moved from the bar stool.

You okay? Her harsh breathing bothered him. Just where the hell was his brother?

Yeah, thanks. She smiled at him. If I’d known I’d be this tired, I would have taken up Radien’s offer to carry me around. Well, behave yourself. I’m off. With a wave of her hand, she made her way through the crowd of people, leaving him alone with his thoughts and raging libido.

Growling low in his throat, Adien turned away from the sight in front of him and barked at the bartender to fix another drink.

This is going to be a long night, Adien whispered to himself as he gazed back over his shoulder. His gaze lingering on her, he once again took in her enticing body and felt himself harden even more.

It was going to be an extremely long night.

Harmony Sonders was many things but aloof and naïve was not among them, especially when it came to men. At least she wasn’t anymore. That was why she knew the moment his eyes focused on her. From across the room she could feel the heat of his gaze as it traveled along her body. Feeling suddenly exposed, her cheeks flushed a light red as she chatted with the head advertiser of her company. Halfway aware of what he was saying, she watched her admirer from out of the corner of her eye. There was a familiarity about him that she could place. Like she had met him before, not too long ago, but for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out where she had seen him. She was sure that she would remember someone whose presence demanded the attention of every woman, and some men, in the room. Even she had snuck a peek at him when he had first arrived.

A brief glimpse at him and her body had come to life. The cool gray three-piece suit he wore had been perfectly tailored to his body. The black shirt and red tie he wore complimented the golden-brown hue of his skin, while the red pocket square added a little touch of sophistication to an already elegant ensemble. Standing out in a sea of black suits and boring smiles, he was by far the most enticing man she had ever seen. Then there were those eyes... those bright-green eyes that were focused so intently on her that it made her weak in the knees.

Absently, Harmony wondered whose guest he was. Her party was invite only, and she had personally sent invitations to every person. She had conducted business with more than half of the people here, and the rest were potential partners. So, to see such a powerful looking man at her party sparked her interest and added some excitement to an otherwise boring party.

Ms. Sonders?

Reluctantly, she turned her attention to the gentleman in front of her. I’m sorry, Jack. My mind wandered off. What were you saying?

Jack Whitfield, her oldest and most-trusted advisor, smiled at her and continued with what he was saying. The new line seems to have made a great impression overseas and was well received by the consumers. There’s no doubt that we have secured the buyers for our new line.

At the end of his statement, he touched her arm, a light and fleeting touch that meant nothing to her, but she swore she heard a growl echo from the handsome stranger over by the bar... or maybe her mind was playing tricks on her.

Because what kind of man gets jealous over a woman he doesn’t know. Stop being so self-centered and focus. Harmony chastised herself.

Did you hear me, Ms. Sonders? Jack touched her shoulder again, and another growl vibrated through the air around her.

Did she hear him? Was she listening? No, not really. While she loved hearing the good news about her newest line, he wasn’t telling her something she didn’t already know. The phone call she received that morning told her exactly what she expected to hear.

Yes, I did. I expected nothing less from your hard work. She smiled sweetly at him. Growing bored with their conversation, Harmony looked for a polite way to end it.

Harmony! The familiar call of her name grabbed her attention. Looking past Jack, a wide smile spread across her face as she spotted her youngest sister, Melody. Shock and excitement made its way through Harmony as she excused herself from Jack’s presence.

It had been a few months since she had last seen her sister, thanks to the complications of Melody’s pregnancy. Although she said she would come, Harmony didn’t expect to see Melody. Not when it looked like her sister couldn’t walk without the support of her new husband.

Harmony! Melody called as she struggled to make her way through the thick crowd of people.

As much as she wanted to run and knock people out of the way and embrace her sibling, Harmony couldn’t be that rude. The people here were some of her top benefactors and pissing them off would do nothing but hurt her reputation. Instead she excused herself with a polite smile and carefully made her way to her sister, acknowledging those who waved at her with a smile and a thank you for coming.

Melody, Harmony called over the voices of the crowd. Reaching out, she embraced her big-bellied sister, careful not to put too much pressure on her stomach.

Where have you been? Harmony asked as they separated. You look like you’re ready to pop. Here—she grabbed her sister by the hand—come with me to my private table. We can catch up there while you rest your feet.

I’m fine, Melody said as she pulled her hand free. I’m used to it.

Harmony raised a brow, not at all convinced by her sister’s words, especially when she looked like she was ready to fall over. But, Harmony wouldn’t press the issue. If she had learned one thing about her baby sister, once she made up her mind she rarely changed it.

Sighing, Harmony dropped the topic. How is everything? I heard you handed your company over to your vice president not too long ago.

I had no other choice. With the pregnancy, I just couldn’t keep up anymore. I figured it would be best for me to step away for a moment.  Melody paused.

Harmony frowned, not sure why a sudden flush came to her sister’s face.

Besides, Radien is too much of a distraction at work.

Ah, so that’s the reason. Harmony shook her head. It’s supposed to be a work place, Mel. Not your own private after hours’ spot.

I know, I know, but... I can’t help it. The last part Melody mumbled, and Harmony gave an amused chuckle under her breath.

Your exhaustion probably has more to do with Radien than the babies. With that, Harmony gave a pointed stare at her sister’s outstretched belly, which Melody rubbed a manicured hand over while her face flushed a deeper scarlet.

Something like that. The smile that spread across her sister’s face was one of pure adoration. It was a smile that appeared every time she spoke of Radien.

So, where is Mister Mom? Harmony couldn’t suppress the laugh that escaped her at her sister’s frown.

Teasing Melody was something Harmony had taken a liking to. She couldn’t help it. The handful of times she had seen Radien, he had been hovering over his wife like some over-protective parent, which had, she admitted, scared her when she first met him. His presence alone was intimidating, and add to that the fact he was well over six feet tall and had a build that could nearly block out the sun, he was downright frightful.

For a moment, Harmony had questioned her sister’s sanity for marrying someone who looked like they could punch an elephant through a wall. But after seeing them together, the way his gray eyes softened when he looked at her and the tender way he held her, catering to her every whim, Harmony had relaxed a little in his presence. She might have even developed a small sisterly bond with him. Although, she was pretty sure if he heard her referring to him as Mister Mom, he would kill her.

I resent that comment. Harmony jumped at the sound of Radien’s voice as it thundered from behind her.

I— Turning around, she began to explain herself. Before she could open her mouth further, she was scooped into a bear hug that had her feet dangling in the air.

Radien... I can’t breathe. She coughed.

Laughing, he placed her back on her feet.

What took you so long? Melody’s voice penetrated through his laughter.

My beauty. Instantly, Harmony found herself forgotten as Radien turned his attention to his wife. Closing the distance between them, he wrapped her in his arms.

Watching them, Harmony felt a small piece of longing for someone who would look at her as if she were the only one in the world.

Been there, done that, and what did it get me? A concussion and three weeks in the hospital. Harmony shook her head, blocking out the unwanted memories. While she was happy for her sister, Harmony knew that type of happiness was out of reach for someone like her. Life had made sure to drill that point into her head after her long years of marriage to her ex.

Again, she shook her head, refusing to go down that road again.

I’ve missed you.

Harmony turned away from the couple just before Radien crushed his lips to his wife’s.

I see you two need a moment. Knowing when she was a third wheel, Harmony left the loving pain and headed towards the bar. A hard drink was what she needed to put unwanted thoughts back to the back of her mind where they belonged.

Chapter 2

With her drink in her hand, Harmony watched them glide effortlessly across the dance floor. Their movements harmonized, not even her sister’s big belly seemed to stop their rhythm. Harmony watched with an annoying ache in her chest that wouldn’t go away. The dark memories from the time she had spent with her ex-husband refused to leave her alone. Absently, her hand went to her stomach. Till this day she didn’t know when their relationship had turned sour.

Had he always been abusive? A monster lurking behind a beautiful smile?

No, she thought.

There were times in the beginning of their marriage when he was sweet and loving, caring and supportive. At those moments, she truly believed he had loved her, times where he would take hours to make love to her, over and over. There was no part of her body he didn’t explore... she had loved him the most then. Yet, before she knew it, tender caresses were replaced with hard punches, while harsh curses took the place of soft whispers, turning the man, she once loved more than anything else in the world into a twisted monster that haunted her dreams and most of her waking moments.

How about we stop going down this road... Harmony took another sip of her drink, the liquor burning her throat as she continued to watch her sister.

Sickening, isn’t it? The voice came from beside her. Smooth and sensual, it vibrated through her body, making her pulse quicken.

Ignoring the increasing pain from her side and her rapid heart rate, Harmony took another sip of her drink before she spoke, most days.

Although she hadn’t looked at him, she could feel the weight of his stare on her.

He gave a light chuckle that made her heart skip a beat. It was intoxicating as it sent shivers down Harmony’s spine, and she wondered what his laugh would sound like.

Would it be smooth like the sound of his voice, capable of conjuring up the most provocative images or a deep and resonating sound from within his chest?

He sighed. Love, isn’t it grand. His sarcastic tone made her smile. He sounded as distrustful with the feeling as she did. Yet, there was no denying the fact that her sister was in love and loved in return.

I wouldn’t know. With a heavy sigh, Harmony finally turned to look at him. When she did, his emerald eyes held her captive. Their intensity made them shine with bits of golden specks. Never had she met a man with such vibrant and richly colored eyes. She had seen green and hazel eyes before, but they were nowhere near as outstanding as the ones that stared at her then. She didn’t think the vibrant colors of the coral reef were as beautiful as his eyes. Had she not been leaning against the bar, she was sure her suddenly weak knees would have given out from under her.

Adien. He extended his hand to her. His smile showed off a pair of perfect teeth that any dentist would be envious of.

Harmony. She placed her hand in his.

Raising her hand to his lips, he placed a light kiss on the back of her knuckles.

Harmony couldn’t lie and say that he wasn’t handsome. She had known that from the brief glance she had gotten of him earlier. But up close, dear god, he was gorgeous. In fact, he was the handsomest man she had ever seen, which given her profession said a lot. After dealing with cleanly cut male models, she appreciated his manly handsomeness. Youthful and masculine, he appeared no older than thirty-five, yet the aura that surrounded him said that his appearance was deceiving. That behind those eyes lay a lifetime worth of heartache, which she couldn’t begin to understand. His lips, full and plump, made her want to trace the curve of his top lip with her tongue.

When he released her hand and rose back to his full height, Harmony’s gaze traveled down his body. The gray suit he wore molded perfectly to his frame, hinting at the toned body hidden underneath. Images of what he looked like naked assaulted her, and she had to look away from him before her wicked thoughts were reflected in her eyes.

A pleasure. She turned back to see him smiling at her. Breathless, she could do nothing but stare at him, while desire coursed through her. The soft feel of his lips still lingered on her skin as she struggled to form a coherent thought. I take it you are the hostess of this lovely party. He continued as he waved the bartender down.

That I am. Harmony returned the smile, and his gaze focused on her lips.

Sir? she heard the bartender ask.

Gin and tonic, Adien answered, without taking his gaze away from her.

Nodding, the bartender turned his attention to her. Ms. Sonders, would you like another drink?

Yes, one more of the same. Thank you. Finished ordering her drink, Harmony turned her attention back to Melody and Radien as they continued to glide across the dance floor, a futile effort to distract herself from both the vibration of her birthmark and the man standing beside her.

Adien stood silently beside her as she watched Radien and Melody. The couple was currently swaying back and forth to the soft music, staring into each other’s eyes like they were the only two in the room... it made him sick.

Bored with his brother’s happiness, Adien turned his attention back to the woman at his side. He couldn’t take his eyes off her for longer than a few seconds. Every time he looked at her, the memory of her in his arms, with nothing but a towel covering her, went through his mind. Remembering the weight of her body in his arms, the warmth of her breath against his neck as he carried her, made him rock hard.

While the memories he had of her was enough to send his body into overdrive, reality was enough to have him going insane. The changing in her breathing when he had kissed her knuckles and the way she smiled at him made him want to take her into his arms and ravage her on top of the bar.

Damn it. He scolded himself but he couldn’t stop his thoughts.

He needed to focus more than ever. Iraon’s release, thanks to Melody’s stolen blood, had caused a shift in the balance of power. In the last year, Iraon had been busy trying to find the location of the remaining cages. With the help of the Universe of Death, Thana, it was only a matter of time before the beast found what he was looking for, which led him to the reason he was here. If Iraon wanted to free the next beast, he would need the blood of a trinitymate, the blood of a female who was destined to become a mate of him or one of his brothers. Since Melody’s escape from Iraon’s lair and her pregnancy, she was never left alone. For a creature like Iraon, it was too much of a hassle to attack her at that moment. Harmony, however, was another matter. She didn’t have twenty-four-hour surveillance on her. She was free to come and go as she pleased, making her a very easy target.

Dragging his gaze away from his obsession, Adien looked around the room once again. Nothing seemed out of place, but appearances were deceiving in his world. Recording