It was close to five when Shae left her mother and headed for her bedroom later that afternoon. The new living room door Dagan was behind remained closed the entire day, to keep the dust and paint fumes contained, he’d said.

She understood it would take time for him to assimilate after learning the truth of what had occurred on that fateful day eons ago.

Her cell rang on the nightstand rang. She snatched it. At the name on the display, she smiled. “Uncle Lem?”

“Yes, my dear. You didn’t call, so I was wondering if you’re still coming tonight? Don’t tell me you’ve got other plans.”

Aw crap. She bit off a groan, recalling the promise she’d made him a while ago about attending the election debate speech he was giving to kick off his mayoral campaign. “No, I don’t.”

“Good. Do you still want to look over my speech?” he teased.

She laughed. “I trust your judgment, you won’t embarrass us. I know you’ll knock them right into voting for you.”

His chuckle floated through the line. “You sound…happier.”

She heard the question, and Dagan had already cautioned her against mentioning that they’d found her mother until they caught Samael. She didn’t want Lem caught in the crossfire with this knowledge.

“Yes. National Geographic bought my Nightlife series.” At least it wasn’t a lie.

“Well done. All right, then, I’ll see you tonight at Cooper’s Union. At eight.”

Rubbing her temple, she ended the call as Dagan walked out of the workroom. Perspiration beaded his brow, and his faded gray tee, darkened with sweat was stuck to his chest. Darn, the man simply smoldered sexiness, even in his clammy clothes.

“Shae?” He stopped in surprise. “I thought you’d be with your mother.”

“I was. I came up to check on you.”

A dark eyebrow arched. “Me?”

“Yes. That room got done faster than I blinked,” she teased. “It says a lot.”

A wry smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He stepped closer and pressed his lips on hers. “I’m okay, Shae-cat.” Then he nodded to the cell in her hand. “Who was that?”

“Uncle Lem. It’s his big speech today. Remember I told you about him running for mayor?”

“And he wants you there?”

“Yes.” When he frowned, she added, “I’d like to go, Dagan, he’s family. And this is really important to him.”

He rubbed his jaw, his brow still furrowed then he tipped his head. “Okay. Let me get ready for work and we can leave. But after the speech, I’m bringing you straight back.”

“Okay.” Not like she wanted to linger there when Aza would be about. Besides, she had her abilities if anything happened. She could teleport.

* * *

A short while later, dressed in boots, black jeans, and a cream sweater, Shae pulled on her leather jacket and ran downstairs to check on her mother.

In Hedori’s quarters, she hurried through the living room and paused in the guestroom doorway. The TV was on but muted while her mother stared at her clasped hands. The pile of magazines Shae had set on the nightstand earlier remained untouched. Once, years ago, they’d used to love looking at the latest fashions. Then her father died, and everything changed.

“Shae?” Her mother’s panicked voice pulled her back from her troubled thoughts.

“I’m here, Mom.” She hurried across the room and grasped the hands tearing at the covers. Dull gray eyes blinked as if waking up from a nightmare. Shae’s smile quivered, her chest hurting at the fear in them. “How do you feel?”

“Happier when I see you.”

Her eyes burned as she stacked another pillow behind her mother. She forced a smile. “I missed you, too, Mom. Would you like me to get some tea? There’s cake—chocolate cake. Hedori made it earlier—”

“I’m not hungry… He’s the other man who rescued me,” she said, her tone quiet. Eyes emotionless.

“Not exactly a man.” Shae sat on the bed, watching her mother anxiously. “He’s immortal, like all the men here. He takes care of everything at the castle. And he’s an excellent trainer.”

Her mom didn’t say anything, her gaze drifting to the television.

Unable to stop herself, Shae blurted, “I’m so sorry.”

Slowly, her mother glanced back at her. “Why?”

“For terrifying you when the laptop exploded. For hurting you.”

“It’s not your fault…” She frowned and rubbed her brow then shook her head.

Shae hated that lost look on her mother’s face and tried to think of happier things she could talk about.

“Mom,” she began quietly. “There’s something I want to tell you. That tall Guardian with the warrior braids? We’re uh…together.”

Her mother stared at her steadily for several seconds then nodded. “I’m glad.”

She couldn’t help the smile curving her mouth thinking of her man. “Dagan makes me happy.”

Her happiness faded a little. She hated having to leave her mom this evening, but Uncle Lem needed family with him.

Voices drifted from the kitchen, followed by the sound of clattering dishes. Shae cut a quick look at the doorway. The warriors would be leaving on patrol, and Dagan would be waiting for her.

“Shae—” Her mother grasped her wrist tightly, panic surging over her wan features. “Ash, he must leave this place.”

Shae had no idea what to make of that. Her mother didn’t have strong precognition, but she occasionally dreamed things. “Did you have a vision?”

She winced and rubbed her head, her eyes gone dull again. “I haven’t had any of those for a long time. I just feel…uneasy about him.”

Ash had always been “that musician” to her mother. The fact that she’d actually mentioned his name worried Shae. “Okay. I’m going out with Dagan to see Uncle Lem for a short while, I’ll speak to Ash then.”

The blank look back in her eyes, she nodded. “I’m tired… You’ll come see me when you come back?”

“I’ll be here.” Her chest aching, Shae pulled the covers over her. The speech shouldn’t take too long.

Leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar, she cut through the living room and made her way to the kitchen. As she entered, Dagan turned from the French doors, his black cigar case in his hand. Leathers covered his muscular thighs, and a black dress shirt fitted his wide chest, the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His brow furrowing in concern, he crossed to her. “What happened?”

“Mom feels Ash could be in trouble.”

He stared at her for a second. Then, setting his case on the table, he grasped her hands. “She, there’s something you should know.”

His quiet tone sent alarm bells ringing. “What is it?”

“We found Ash a few days ago in a warehouse. He’d been hurt badly. Michael healed him, removed his memories, and sent him off. I didn’t tell you because you’d already been through a lot.”

“Who?” she asked, too worried to get upset that he’d kept it from her.

“We think Samael could have been behind it, for rescuing Jenna.”

“Oh, God!”

His grip tightened on hers. “Your friend’s okay. Go ahead and call him.”

Dagan wouldn’t lie to her. Her hands shaking like a leaf, she rang Ash.

He answered on the first ring. “Thank God, you live! You left the club so suddenly that night, then you just disappeared for work to the ends of the world without a word for weeks? Yeah-yeah, called your friend Harvey, he told me. When are you coming back, doll?”

Tears of relief stung her eyes at his lengthy speech. A shaky laugh left her. “When I’m done. Anchorage is hardly the end of the world. And there wasn’t any Wi-Fi coverage where I was—” She grimaced at the lie. “Are you’re still in New York?”

“Yeah, the gig will run for another week, then we’re off to Miami.”

Damn. There was no way Ash would pack up and leave now. “Just be careful, okay?”

“Careful’s my middle name, doll. How’s Alaska?”

“Cold.”

“Shae?”

“Yes?”

A slight hesitation, then a sigh drifted through the line. “Come see me before I leave, okay?”

Something sounded off with him. She cut Dagan a quick look, knowing he could clearly hear their conversation. “I’ll try. Bye, Ash.”

She ended the call, and at his unreadable expression, she had a feeling Dagan somehow knew about her unrequited feelings for Ash. So she just said it, “Yes, I did like him, but I realize now it was a pale comparison to what I feel for you.” Her eyes searched his. “Meeting you showed me that. I still care about him, but only as a friend. You know that, right?”

His gaze softened. “It’s why he still breathes.”

She huffed out a laugh, then immediately sobered. “Dagan, you have to get Ash to leave New York.”

“I’ll drop in on your friend later tonight and give him a little nudge.”

“Thank you.”

He removed two cigars and pushed them into his pocket.

She frowned. “You still need them?”

“Not in that way anymore. But it has been centuries, and it is a narcotic smoke. I guess it will take time to ease off. These have a lower dose of the sedative leaf. Come on, let’s go.”

Out on the terrace, the moment his arms came around her, she inhaled deeply, his scent and his warmth calming her as he dematerialized them.

* * *

They took form in a small grove of trees not far from Cooper’s Union. Clasping Shae’s hand, Dagan headed for the brick building across the street. At the sight of the crowds rallying there, he slowed.

Shae tightened her grip on his hand as if he would leave—he would, but not without her. So he was stuck until the meet and greet was done. And the speech.

Inside the building, he ignored the stares coming his way and he and Shae headed down the busy corridor. The loud chatter in the place crowded his ears. Two hours—that wasn’t long, he tried to convince himself. Yeah, that shit didn’t work. His teeth clenched.

“Shae?”

They both turned. Her demon friend dodged the crowd and jogged to them. “Harvey.” She grinned. “I hoped you’d come.”

“Said I would.” He cast Dagan a guarded look.

Shae introduced them. “This is Harvey, my best friend—Harv, my mate, Dagan.”

The demon nodded. He didn’t seem surprised at that bit of info.

Dagan stared, doing little to put him at ease. This male was there for her in all the times she needed someone, taught her to fight—yeah, he should be grateful—hell, he was, but bottom line? He was a territorial bastard, and there it was.

Shae elbowed him in the ribs. He merely folded his arms.

She rolled her eyes and turned away. “Come with us,” she told the demon. “I’m just going to say hello to my uncle then we can find our seats.”

Harvey groaned. “Fine, as long as I don’t have to see that damn Fallen drooling over you.”

Dagan couldn’t fault the demon there; he was going to make that fucker wish for death for what he’d done.

“Your mother?” Harvey asked her then.

“The Guardians rescued her.” She inhaled deeply, lowered her voice. “A rogue angel, Samael, held her prisoner in the Dark Realm.”

“Shit. I’m sorry. But I’m glad you have her back.”

“Me, too.” Shae slowed after navigating the corridor to the back and stared at the few doors there, all shut. “Excuse me.” She stopped a human male shuffling past, eyes glued to a file in his hand. “Leamas Hale? Do you know where I can find him?”

The guy looked up then frowned when his gaze settled on Shae’s scar, lips curling in distaste. Her mouth tightened. A low growl rumbled out of Dagan. The human stepped back and hastily flicked his thumb over his shoulder. “Last office.” And giving Dagan a wide berth, he scurried off.

“Asshole,” Harvey muttered, climbing just a little higher in Dagan’s estimation.

Shae didn’t respond, heading for the last room instead. Dagan scanned and picked up four heartbeats. Humans. She knocked and opened the door.

As they entered, the scent of coffee and liquor flooded his nose. A young, suited guy seated behind the desk was going through something on his laptop. Three more men sat at a round table, talking and looking over notes. Silence fell at their entrance. The man at the desk scratched his close-shaven hair, looked up, and a bright smile split his dusky face. “Shae.”

“Hey, Rashaad. How are you?” Shae asked with a friendly smile Dagan didn’t care for.

“I’m good, girl. We haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Been busy—work. I don’t see my uncle around.”

“He stepped out for a minute. I’ll go alert him you’re here.” He jumped up and rushed off.

Harvey remained near the shut door. Dagan looked out the window into the darkened street choked with parked cars and scanned the area. Nothing. Even though there wasn’t much supernatural activity here, he didn’t trust the quiet.

People hustled toward the building, obviously not wanting to miss the speech. He slid his hands into his pockets, itching to get back on the street.

“You’re like a caged tiger,” Shae said, appearing at his side, a mug of coffee in her hand and a smile on her beautiful face. “He’s stuck in the other office with last-minute things, he’ll be here soon. I just messaged him that I wanted him to meet someone important to me.”

Dagan cut off a snort and declined the coffee she held out. He was the last person to inspire confidence in anyone. With his height, long hair, and clad in leathers, he probably appeared more like the Grim Reaper. However, he wasn’t concerned. If her uncle didn’t like him, he’d simply change his mind.

We need you here, man, Aethan’s clipped voice sounded in his mind, sending him into tense alert. Shit’s flying everywhere.

Dammit. The other warriors could help out for now.

The door opened, and an older man of average height with light brown hair wearing a black designer suit strode in, frowning at some papers in his hand. Two men, as well as Rashaad who seemed to hang onto his every word, followed him. The man sure had a presence about him…

The human looked up, a smile warming his austere features. “Shae.”

“Uncle Lem.” She set the mug on the windowsill and hurried over to hug him. “I’m so sorry, but the job took longer than expected. I want you to meet someone.” She eased back and held out her hand. Dagan crossed to her, and she laced their fingers. “This is Dagan.”

The man turned then, eyes narrowing. Before Dagan could take hold of his mind and soothe him, he smiled. “I’m Leamas Hale, her uncle. I guess you already knew that. Call me Lem.”

Thankfully, her kin didn’t offer a handshake. It suited Dagan since he didn’t much like touching anyone.

Lem turned to the desk and put down his notes. “Let’s have a drink.” He nodded to someone. A server with a tray appeared. Dagan declined, watching as Lem offered Shae a glass and waved Harvey over then handed him one, as well.

D-man, where the hell are you? Nik telepathed him now. These damn mind-links were going to crash his brain. He shut them out, said to Lem, “I’m sorry about this, but something’s come up—work. I have to go. Shae?”

The older man frowned.

“Dagan works security,” Shae quickly covered.

“You can’t leave,” Lem told her, disappointment pulling his mouth down.

Dagan? she mind-linked him, her voice faint, but he heard the plea.

“Shae, see me off?” Since he didn’t want to argue with her telepathically either, he ushered her out into the corridor and to the end of the passage slowly clearing of the crowd.

“Dagan, he needs me.”

Dammit, he didn’t want to leave her here alone. But her pleading tugged at him. He pulled out his cell and shot off a text. Put his phone away. “I’m not happy about this—hell, I just want to cart you back to the castle, but I know how important this is to you. Hedori will be here in a moment or so—go wait with your demon friend. I’ll be back as soon as I can. If anything makes you uneasy, I don’t care how insignificant, you teleport out of here back to the castle and telepath me.”

“Okay, okay, be safe.” Her eyes searched his. “Is everything all right?”

He didn’t want her to worry about the shit happening out there. “The usual crap, but just a little more tonight.” He cupped her face and kissed her, hard. “Be safe for me, Shae-cat.”

“I will, and you be safe, too.” She bunched the fabric of his dress shirt as if to keep him there. Her smile wavered. “I love you.”

Dagan stood there like some damn stiff, unable to speak as a rush of emotions crowded his throat at those three simple words. “Now you tell me? When I’m about to leave.”

A smile curved her mouth. A teasing light brightening her beautiful eyes, she whispered, “I’ll tell you again later…in bed, when we’re naked.”

“Fuck, woman, don’t put those thoughts into my head when I’m leaving. Cause right now, all I can think about is dragging you off to the nearest dark corner—” Growling, because talking about it sure wasn’t helping his unruly body when he had to get back on the job, he gave her another hard kiss. “Go back to the office, I’ll see you soon.”

In the grove of trees, he scanned for trouble. Like pinpoints of icy prickles, it broke over him, abrading his mind. Shit, it wasn’t just one spot but several places throughout the city.

Hedori materialized.

“Good, you’re here. She’s in the office at the back, last one.”

* * *

Dagan rematerialized in the Bowery. The cacophony of guttural sounds rebounded off the grimy building walls deep in the alley downtown. Damn scourges would turn up now and distract him when he had things to do. Summoning his mystical sword, he dove into the horde.

With barely a ripple in the air, Týr appeared beside him, his sword blazing a deadly orange gleam, a smirk on his face.

“Damn fuckers!” Dagan growled, pain searing his right arm from a sword slash. With Shae’s blood in him, he healed fast.

“Hey, fun times,” Týr grinned, ducking a blow that would have severed his head. A flash of his hand, and the demon screamed as a blazing fire consumed him in seconds.

Dagan kicked a sneering demon in the chest, sending him flying. With his mind, he grabbed the lot in front of him and held them immobile. Using their own weapons, he compelled them to slice their own carotids. The bodies crumbled and disappeared. Hell, it felt damn good to have his abilities as backup.

Inhaling lungfuls of the decaying alley air, he scanned again. Sensing more of them deeper in the shadows, he flashed. In the dead-end, a shimmering portal hovered, and the scourges vanished through it. The gateway hissed shut. “Shit!”

Dagan searched the eerily quiet thoroughfare. Nothing. He dismissed his sword, but the itch bearing down his spine warned him that it wasn’t over. Since he was close to Club Nocte, he’d go get that friend of Shae’s to leave before he wound up dead.

“Where’s Shae?” Týr asked, joining him.

“Waiting to hear her uncle’s speech.” It was strange that he hadn’t laid eyes on Aza there. “I’m heading back as soon as this mess is dealt with. Got Hedori guarding her. And I have to get Shae’s friend to leave the city tonight.”

“Who?”

“A musician from RockinHell.”

“Yeah. I heard them, they’re good.”

Dagan snorted, then explained about finding Ash tortured in the warehouse and Jenna’s premonition. Týr nodded as he got out a pack of M&M’s from his jacket pocket. He poured the candies onto his palm, and taking his time, he finally selected several reds.

“Really? Are you five?”

“Don’t mock my method, you uninformed vampire.”

“There’s insanity to your method.”

“Maybe…” Týr smirked, tossing the lot into his mouth.

Shaking his head, Dagan rubbed his jaw as they headed up the alley, his mind back on Shae’s uncle. “Leamas Hale… There’s something about the human that bugs me.”

“Could be that he’s Shae’s guardian, not blood, and maybe because he’s young? You know, like that dumbass, Damon, who was Echo’s?” Týr drawled.

“Not that young,” Dagan grunted. “It’s not just his excessive confidence…he’s too smooth. Hell. It would hurt Shae if she found out I don’t like the man.”

“Leamas. That’s a strange name. Leamaaas,” Týr dragged out the name. “L. E. A. M. A. S.,” he spelled slowly, eyes narrowing. “Motherfucker!” he snarled. “Leamas is Samael spelled backward. The bastard must have been laughing at us the whole time, being right under our noses. No wonder he was able to shield himself so well.”

“Samael?” Dagan froze, feet nailed to the grimy asphalt. “Shae’s uncle?” Just as fast, he yelled through their mind-link. Shae!

Nothing, just unending silence.

“She’s not answering my mind-link,” he gasped. Then he couldn’t breathe, feeling as if his strength had drained. Týr grabbed his biceps and shook him. “Dag—calm down, man. Gotta keep your shit together!”

He shrugged Týr off. “I left her with him. I didn’t even know, and I met the fucker!” His fangs bared, his stomached roiled in dread.

“Go. I’ll alert the others and see to the human.” Týr flashed.

Dagan dematerialized—except he couldn’t.

An eerie sensation snaked around him, holding him in place, unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. Energy seeped into him. He stiffened. What the—?

His thoughts scattered as a riptide hauled him into a vortex of impossible power.