A Battle of Blood and Stone

Book 4: Chronicles of the Stone Veil

by Sawyer Bennett

Genres: Fantasy Romance; Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

With every piece that falls into place for the queen of the Underworld, Kymaris gains strength and power that will make it more difficult to defeat her when the time comes. It feels as if we're in a desperate race to get just one step ahead of her, but my demise feels closer than it ever has before with still so much to do.



The first order of business is to unlock the angelic powers with which I was gifted at birth, and Carrick insists on getting help from my archnemesis to do so. Yes, I have to save the world, but my priority has now become rescuing my sister from the Underworld. While there are many questions still to be answered about my long-lost twin, I know I will not win this battle without her by my side.



In the midst of all the doom and gloom, Carrick has become my beacon of shining light. Our connection unimaginable, my heart recognizes his as the other half of its whole. Inexplicable and deeper than one could ever imagine, the love I hold for him is forged by destiny, however ill-fated it may turn out to be.



And those are the feelings I must hold close . . . to keep me going. Because a painful lesson is on the horizon—betrayal never comes from your enemies.

Release date: April 13, 2021

Publisher: Big Dog Books, LLC

Reader says this book is...: action-packed (1) emotionally riveting (1) entertaining story (1) strong chemistry (1)

Sample

The minute Boral leaves Carrick’s condo, Maddox asks, “Feel like blowing off some steam?”

I had thought he meant a workout in the gym, and I was game for that. So I say, “Sure.”

But rather than heading toward the gym, Maddox pivots in the opposite direction and leads me to the southwest side of the condo. It’s an area I don’t go to a lot as it holds a guest suite identical to mine and another guest bedroom.

Maddox opens a door I had thought was a utility closet, and I gasp when I realize it’s a man-cave.

Dark paneled walls and gleaming hardwood floors, but the decor is distinctly different than the cool blues, light creams, and silvery grays throughout the rest of the condo. Persian rugs in crimson, navy, and beige are scattered under various pieces of furniture. There’s a pool table, a bar to seat eight, a poker table, and even a dartboard. One wall boasts a flat-screen TV so large I can’t even begin to fathom how big it is, and it’s sectioned off with a massive U-shaped couch in cocoa brown, distressed leather with ornate carved clawed feet.

It was the antithesis of the rest of the condo, and not just because it’s designed to serve men and their desires for liquor, football, and cigars. It’s just overly staid in my opinion.

“Holy shit,” I murmur as I follow Maddox in. “I had no clue this was even here.”

He plops down in the middle of the couch, then reaches for a remote control. “I brought over my PS4. I thought you and I could practice our battle skills in a more chilled sort of way.”

I snort as I take in the handheld gaming controls, the only reason that I recognize them is that Myles is a big gamer. He waves one at me provocatively and then nods to the cushion beside him.

“Come on, Finley,” he urges with a gleam in his eye. “Take a load off for a while and come spend just half an hour with me blowing shit up.”

Playing video games just isn’t my thing, but it’s better than sitting around and letting my mind become overwhelmed with planning, contingencies, and what-ifs. It would actually do me good just to take a brain break.

“Okay,” I reply almost giddily, moving to the couch and hopping the back of it to land on the cushion beside Maddox. He hands me a controller and says, “We’ll play Final Fantasy VII. You’ll love it.”

I wait as he boots up the game, studying the controller. I assume he’ll give me a lesson on what the buttons do.

“Does Carrick even come in here?” I ask as I kick my tennis shoes off and cross my legs.

“He used to PF,” Maddox says as the game starts to load.

“PF?”

“Pre-Finley.” He grins at me, then takes the controller I’m holding out of my hand. “But only to have a drink, conduct business, or maybe play some poker with friends.”

“But Carrick doesn’t have friends,” I point out. “And why hasn’t he come in here since I came into his life?”

“You are correct… Carrick doesn’t have friends. Maybe I should have said business acquaintances. And I imagine he doesn’t use this room very much these days as he hasn’t had much downtime since you came into his life wreaking havoc.”

I know he’s teasing, so I bump my shoulder against his good naturedly. “Well, maybe I can convince him to play a few games of pool. I’m really good, and I’m not above hustling him.”

“It’s a good thing I’m not a sucker then,” Carrick’s voice sounds from behind us. Maddox and I both twist to look at the door to find Carrick standing there casually, one arm raised and his hand resting against the jamb slightly above his head. The smile on his face is amused.

“You’re back,” I exclaim, pushing up from the couch. I was looking forward to unwinding a little with Maddox, but if it’s a choice between time with him or Carrick, I’m going to choose Carrick every time.

It seems just so natural, despite the fact I know Maddox is watching, to walk right up to Carrick and kiss him.

Or perhaps it’s him who is kissing me.

Regardless, my lips are happy for that brief connection, and I take stock of the fact I’m infinitely happier at this moment than I was a mere thirty seconds ago hanging out with Maddox, and I was pretty damn happy then.

There’s no getting around it.

Carrick just does it for me in all ways.