Shattered Dreams

By Shayne Carmichael and Mychael Black

Sometimes happily ever after just doesn't happen. Cody knows his lover, Li, is a demon. Yet he remains with him, waiting for Li to tell him the truth. After an attack, Cody's rage knows no bounds. He sets out to destroy every demon present at the attack, make Li pay for his betrayal, and to destroy Li's brother Vaul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arian Derwydd Books, LLC
• Release date: Dec 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781955467513

Shayne Carmichael

She writes, she makes shiny things.

Book preview

Sometimes happily ever after just doesn't happen. Cody knows his lover, Li, is a demon. Yet he remains with him, waiting for Li to tell him the truth. After an attack, Cody's rage knows no bounds. He sets out to destroy every demon present at the attack, make Li pay for his betrayal, and to destroy Li's brother Vaul.

(This title was previously published but has been revised.)

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This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Arian Derwydd Books, LLC

https://arianderwyddbooks.com/

Shattered Dreams

Copyright © 2022 by Shayne Carmichael & Mychael Black

ISBN: 978-1-955467-51-3

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Chapter One

Kulisael.

Li cursed under his breath and turned. Yes? Do I know you?

The man who had spoken was taller than Li’s six and a half feet. Looking at the black and white uniform with red insignia patches, Li knew this demon was high level.

I thought as much, the man said dryly. He smirked at Li.

What do you want? Li started backing up, and the man advanced.

You are required to return home.

Home? Li shook his head, not once looking away from the coal-black eyes staring through him. I no longer have a home.

The man pulled out a small square card and handed it to Li. Your service is requested.

Something tells me this isn’t a volunteer thing, Li remarked. The man simply laughed. Then he was gone in the blink of an eye. Fuck.

* * *

Skulking on the outer fringes of Caeunial, Cody stayed well away from its demon populace. He had his own damn agenda to take care of, and the thirst for vengeance had led him here. It fucking figured it would be the one place Cody really didn’t want to be. Keeping a low profile in the midst of demons, as a human, wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Sitting in front of the small fire he’d set to ward off the chill of the coming night, Cody stared into the black flames.

I thought I might find you here.

Cody didn’t exactly freeze with the sound of the voice, but he refused to turn around and look at the speaker. He knew who it was. That’s odd. I didn’t think I would find you here.

I was on my way to… work. The speaker emerged from the shadows and knelt across from Cody, on the other side of the fire. You look worse for the wear.

You were called in to deal with the zombie problem, weren’t you? Cody’s gaze remained on the fire as he reached into the pack near him. Pulling out a can, he opened it and drank his dinner. Are you going to provide additional incentive from the Counsel to hire me on?

How do you know any of that?

Shrugging, Cody tossed the empty can back into the pack. They already tried to hire me. I told them ‘no thank you’. I just didn’t think they would bring you into it.

I don’t know what they’ve called me in for. And I guess it’s safe to assume that you’re still pissed off.

Now why would I be pissed off? Finally looking over at Li, Cody gave his ex-lover a bland look. Li hadn’t changed one bit. The demon still was one of the most incredibly handsome creatures Cody had ever seen. From the top of his golden blonde curls to the innocent looking features of an angel, Li had eternal youth and extraordinary good looks on his side.

Why else would you storm out? Li asked him. Why else would you turn away from everything?

Things change. Didn’t anybody ever tell you that? I learned the hard way myself. Cody had found out in a damn hard way exactly what Li was. In the lesson, he wasn’t given a chance to choose, either by Li or the demons who’d damn near killed him.

Fair enough. He stood and ran his fingers through his hair. For what it’s worth, I haven’t changed, Cody.

That mean you still don’t tell the truth? Cody stood and went to a pile of small sticks. Picking up several of them, he turned back to throw them into the fire.

What?

Never mind. Water under the bridge, Li. In a more conversational tone, Cody asked, So are you going to wade into the zombie problem? Internally,