Where the hell was Larissa?

Roman tried to shove away thoughts that she was in danger. She could be anywhere—with family or friends. He didn’t own her. She didn’t have to report her whereabouts to him. It wasn’t as if they’d set up a specific time to meet.

Still, any uncertainties so soon after a demon attack exacerbated his tension.

It was time to focus on his duty. He soared over Boston on watch for danger. Anxiety had clutched his nerves since the attack. As the night air flowed over his wings, it soothed the remaining claw marks.

He inhaled the ocean scent. An infusion of serenity smoothed his roughest edges.

He’d spent the night on watch in stone form outside the compound. The waning moon had slashed a muted glow overhead amid the handful of stars, bright enough to compete against the city lights.

When daylight spread across the sky, the sun warmed his stone. It highlighted the buildings along the waterfront with a fiery orange glow.

He reentered the compound to retrieve his phone.

“Fuck.”

He’d missed her call. He phoned right back. “Are you all right?” he blurted.

“I’m fine, Roman. Don’t worry.”

That’s all he had been doing. As soon as she explained what had happened and where she was, he said, “I’m on my way.”

Twenty minutes later, he paced in front of the hospital. After she exited the revolving door, his heart jolted. She was stunning, even in jeans and a maroon T-shirt. Her long, brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her face was clean of makeup.

As he rushed over to her, he sensed her trepidation. She hadn’t spotted him yet. Although her expression was impassive, her jaw was tight. What was bothering her? When her gaze met his, her dark blue eyes sparkled and widened. He ran the remaining steps.

“Larissa.” He wrapped her in his arms.

Duty had kept them apart. But now that he had her body pressed against his, all his senses drank her in. He inhaled her unique aroma, an herbal mix of witch and woman with a vanilla scent wafting from her hair, and let it wrap around himself like a comforting blanket.

She stiffened at first. In the short time he’d known her, he learned she was not keen on public displays of affection—even one as minor as an embrace upon greeting. But, she relaxed, melting into his arms. Her skin felt like the softest of petals. He loved to touch her. His mate.

What he knew about mates was that they could provide comfort and contentment never before realized. The downside to that bliss was during an absence. Gargoyles would ache for their mates, yearning for the time that they could be together again. Not only did Roman’s instincts urge him to protect her, but a desire had bloomed to be close to her, as if she was a necessary part of living.

Her presence soothed him. Likewise, her absence left him bereft.

“Roman.”

The worry in her voice tugged at him. “What is it?” He pulled back to search her eyes.

Her gaze flickered around to the nearby hospitals. “I’m so worried about Janie. She hasn’t improved.”

She cared so deeply for her friend, one of the things he admired about her. She’d already done so much to protect Janie.

“She needs time to heal.”

“And if she doesn’t wake?” A worry line appeared between her furrowed brows.

He lowered his voice to avoid humans overhearing him. “You know what I said. There are other ways to pass energy to her.”

“I think we need to try that. Before I passed out, I heard her call for help. It might only be in my head, but still…” Larissa’s voice sharpened with impatience. “We have to try.”

Roman ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m not exactly sure how the process works.”

She raised her hands before her and shook them twice. “I want to do something to help her, but I don’t know what. It’s making me restless. Do you know what I mean?”

Roman cocked his head. “I do. But, I’ve learned immense patience from the hours spent watching in stone.”

Her eyes widened. “That would drive me insane. I know I am super impatient and all. But, please tell me that being with you isn’t going to turn me into a gargoyle, too. I may already be this hybrid. Let’s not add any more strange ingredients to the freakish cocktail.”

He chuckled. “I’m not a werewolf or vampire with a bite that can change you.”

Larissa clucked her tongue.

“Is that what’s worrying you? I hate seeing you so distressed.”

She let out a low moan as if hesitant to answer. “Somewhat. Before I passed out I had a vision.”

Roman straightened. “Of what.”

She rubbed her eyes. “Well, I don’t know if they were flashes of the other night tormenting me.” She pursed her lips and then whispered, “Because it involved demons.”

All his senses lit with heightened awareness. The sentries were all on watch for any remaining demon activity in the city. “With the incident so recent, it is quite possible that your mind is trying to make sense of it. Flashbacks are normal after stressful events.”

She grunted. “You’re right. With my curse to foresee things, I’m probably being paranoid and looking for danger in every dark corner.”

He couldn’t dismiss what she saw, though. Her sense of precognition, even if not fully developed, had to be considered. “If it happens again, don’t fight it. Let it reveal what it wants you to see.”

“I should have done that at the station, but it was a bad time.” She planted her hands on her hips. “I have more shitty news. The police department put me on leave.”

Although her forlorn expression indicated her displeasure, he appreciated the benefit. “You could use some time to rest and recover.”

“No, it’s not good,” she replied in a curt tone. “Not for me, at least. I get through things by working. I can’t sit around twiddling my thumbs, dwelling on things.”

“Everyone needs a break. And after everything that you discovered about yourself that night, it will give you time to learn about what you are.”

She raised a brow. “What I am?” She let out a grunt. “What I am is a police officer. And since my strange abilities have caught the attention of internal affairs, I’m not crazy about discovering any more oddities.”

Roman caressed her cheek. “Larissa, you are more than your job.”

She groaned. “What are you going to say next—that I’m special?”

She’d bristled at compliments and had responded with snark in the past. It didn’t bother him. He recognized it as a defensive gesture when she was feeling vulnerable, and he’d do what he could to escort her past that discomfort.

“Yes. I think you are phenomenal.”

She searched his eyes, and the vulnerable glint deep within her gaze made him tremble. What he’d do to take care of her—a woman who shielded herself from being cared for. But, she gave him brief glimpses of the woman within, something he wouldn’t take lightly.

“They’re investigating what you did that night? They should be honoring you for saving countless lives.”

She raised her hand and moved her fingers. “Apparently, shooting bolts of energy out of your hands to prevent demons on a deadly rampage raises some flags.”

Her sardonic tone was back; her inner armor returning to its proper position.

“Bah,” he scoffed. He had to work around humans and their narrow-mindedness for decades. Even after the battle at the Common, gargoyles had to return to an inconspicuous state. Humans were threatened by anything they didn’t understand, and that could be dangerous to his kind.

Larissa’s eyes watered. She wiped them with a quick motion as if frustrated any tears had the gall to appear. She tore her gaze from him, staring at an unfixed point at the buildings towering up to the sunlight in the distance. He sensed he was losing that argument. Being placed on leave was clearly a blow to her and had probably knocked her back into retreat to a safer place where she could ignore her abilities.

“All I’ve done is lay my problems on you. How are you?”

Ah yes, she was deflecting now, turning the focus off her. “I’ve had better days.”

Larissa probed him with her intense blue eyes. “You’re not going to get off that easy. What’s up?”

His muscles tensed. But, he owed her honesty; especially after she’d let down her guard to confide in him. “We said goodbye to our fallen gargoyles last night. That’s never easy to do.”

She covered her mouth. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Here I’ve been going on and—oh, Roman. Losing someone is always difficult.” She placed her hand on his upper arm.

He exhaled with a long, controlled breath. “They were Stone Sentries, and they died in the line of duty. That is the greatest way for a gargoyle to exit this world—while fighting to protect others.”

She tilted her head. “That’s some serious devotion. I understand the valor of dying while on duty—but, still. It’s tough.”

“Death is more difficult for the living.”

She eyed him for a moment. “True.”

He had to do something productive before he descended down a dark path, dragging Larissa with him. He straightened. What could he do for her? “You want me to try to help Janie?”

“Can you?” She stared at him with such expectation in her eyes, how could he say no? With her pride, it took a lot for her to ask for help from anyone. And she’d chosen him. The gargoyle in him rose to the call for help, although, he wasn’t sure he had the knowledge or magic to effect the change she wanted. The man in him beamed. She trusted him.

“I will try.”

He took her hand and strode toward the hospital where Janie recovered. He had never been to a city with so many medical facilities and such world-renowned expertise centered in one location. It was impressive, even if it was human medicine.

“How?”

“I need to project my energy into Janie to spark her life force.” He squared his jaw. “The problem is—I’ve never done that.”

“Oh.” Larissa clucked her tongue.

They entered the hospital and climbed up to the ninth floor. Larissa took the stairs rather than the elevator. He admired how she often challenged herself to be in top form. Plus, he had the added advantage of watching her body move from behind as she ascended. The beast in him longed to pull her into his arms and take his mate here. When would they have the chance to be alone together, so he could do all the things he’d fantasized about?

Once they arrived on the right floor, he stopped her. Before he took on the task ahead, he needed a moment alone with her. He had to touch his mate. “Hold on one second, Larissa.”

She had a hand on the door handle, but stopped and turned over her shoulder. “What is it?”

“This.” He stepped up to her and cupped her face with both hands. Lowering his mouth, he brushed his lips against hers. Fiery tingles rushed through him.

She turned to face him, and he backed her against the steel door. He pressed his body against hers as he deepened the kiss.

“There are probably cameras watching us right now.” However, she didn’t make a move to push him away.

“Then let’s give them something to look at.”

She ran her hands down along his back and moaned into his mouth, seemingly on board with that plan. Then she pulled back, panting. “We can’t.”

“I know.” He took a reluctant step away from her and steeled himself. “I miss you.”

Her eyes flickered with dark desire. “I have more free time now.”

“That’s a bonus.” He ran his hands down the sides of her body. “It would take a hell of a lot to keep me from you any longer.”

She pushed the door handle. “Don’t test fate. She can be a real bitch.”

He walked with her down the wing. “But, she also led me to you.”

She smiled at him, and his pulse rate soared.

“You’re right,” she said. “Despite all the chaos, something good came through for us.”

Once they passed another security door and checked in at the nurse’s station, they entered Janie’s room. It was full of machines—monitors and lights and tubes—human gadgets. He glanced at the unconscious, blonde woman on the bed. It was hard to believe it was the same vivacious woman who’d been dancing a few short nights ago. This woman appeared no older than a teenager.

He’d last seen her in the hotel room with the incubus. It had taken so much out of her that Larissa had thought she was dead. Her vitals had seemed nonexistent. But, he’d sensed life still in her, a faint but strong lifeline refusing to let go. She was tougher than she appeared and had undergone months of physical therapy after being hit by shrapnel from a bomb at the Boston Marathon. The night of the eclipse had been her first time out dancing.

Maybe Larissa was right. Fate was a real bitch.

Janie had suffered more than her fair share. And if it wasn’t for Larissa sensing dangerous situations ahead of time, Janie might have died years ago.

But, she had Larissa on her side.

Larissa walked over to Janie and touched her arm. “It’s me, Janie. I’m back with Roman. The guy with long black hair I met at the club.”

Roman said, “Hello, Janie,” Although, he had no idea if she could hear him.

Larissa beamed at him, which made it all worth it.

She glanced at Janie again. “Roman’s here to try to wake you. If you feel anything, it’s okay. I’m right here with you.”

Roman walked closer to Janie. The scent of the incubus lingered on her. He wrinkled his nose at the vile reminder.

Larissa glanced at him with a questioning look.

“I’m hoping my energy will act like a spark, giving her a jolt that she needs.”

Larissa squinted. “Like a defibrillator?”

He resisted a smile at the comparison of human technology to magic. But, she’d been raised in the human’s world. That was her point of reference.

“Somewhat. But a more powerful source of energy.” Roman lowered his hands above Janie’s torso, trying to get a better read on her. He had to somehow connect with her life force to kick start it. If that didn’t work, he wasn’t sure what would.

He took a deep breath. He repeated the action twice more. Once confident he was centered, he focused on his energy within. When he tapped into his essence, he projected it out on the next exhale, pushing it through his hands toward Janie. The energy moved from him into her.

It stopped with an abrupt push, as if prevented by a shield.

He opened his eyes. The obstacle had felt so real, he thought he’d see a physical barrier over Janie. But nothing was there.

“What’s wrong?” Larissa asked.

“Hold on. Let me try again.” He took another deep breath and repeated the action. The same thing happened. What the hell was preventing him from reaching her?

He stared at Larissa. “Do you see anything happening when I try?”

She shook her head. “Should I?”

“I hit some sort of barrier.”

Larissa jerked her head. “What kind of barrier?”

“I don’t know.” He surveyed Janie, seeking answers. “It must be a protective layer. Or magic.” Yes, that had to be it. He tried to sense a magical imprint.

Oh shit. He lifted his hands to his face and then dropped them at his side. In a layer buried so deep, pulsed a thin barrier of dark magic.

“What is it?” Larissa asked. Her eyes flashed wide with worry.

“Come outside,” he said.

He led her down the hall, away from Janie’s earshot, if she could even hear them.

Larissa had paled. She wrapped her arms around herself, clearly expecting the worse. Unfortunately, he might be revealing that news.

“Beneath that barrier, I sensed dark magic,” he said in a low voice, so no one would overhear. “It must be from the incubus.”

“Damn it.” She put a trembling hand over her mouth and let out a strangled sound. When she lowered her hand, she asked, “What does that mean?”

She was terrified. All he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and comfort her. Nurses passed, but they were too busy with their work to pay Larissa and Roman any attention.

He wrapped his arms around her. She dropped her head against his chest.

He kissed the top of her head. “It means we find another way.”

She cradled against him for a half-a-minute. When she pulled away, her eyes glistened.

“I’ll do whatever I can. My father was here earlier. He confirmed what you told me about myself.”

She didn’t say that she was a witch, nor did she have to.

“How are you taking it?”

She shrugged. “Not well. I kind of freaked out on him. Added to all the death, Janie’s coma, and my forced leave from my job, I feel like I’m the subject of a surreal, supernatural country song.” A one-sided smile tugged at her lips.

He smiled in return. Her sense of humor in the dark times fit right in with his world.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help her, Larissa.”

“By being here, you help me,” she said. “Roman, can you take a couple of hours to go someplace with me today?”

His body flushed with heat. He pictured taking her someplace that had a big bed, so he could make her forget all her troubles for a while. After the letdown of not connecting with her last night and worrying about what might have happened to her, all he wanted was to touch her and know she was safe.

“Of course,” he replied. “Where to?”

“My grandmother’s.”

His expectations crashed like a multi-car pile-up. What exactly did Larissa have in mind?