Rhodack chuffed out a deep growl as his wings cut through the air. He cursed himself for falling for Rina’s promise to stay where she would be safe. The minute he’d entered the lair, Avalena had rushed to him and informed him that she had watched Rina disappear from the rooftop.

He could only think of one place she would defy him to go.

Home.

He’d go to her house first to look for her.

Didn’t she realize how dangerous it was to be out without protection? While out hunting down the beings, they’d come across more energy beings in town. More of the misted beings had crossed over, and he and the gargoyles had no clue how they were entering the realm.

They knew where she was now.

He just prayed he wasn’t too late and would find her safe and sound.

He scowled at the thought that she hadn’t listened to him. No one would dare go against his word. He pushed harder, flying through the air at record speed.

He broke through the clouds, and Rina’s home came into view. His heart seemed to jump into his throat at the sight that met him. A half dozen of the misted beings floated in the front yard.

His gargoyle set free a deafening roar as Rina stepped out onto the porch.

He drew his leathery wings close to his body and angled his way toward the ground. He cut swiftly through the air, the yard rushing up to meet him.

The faint glow from the beings grew, and they morphed into humanoid figures.

He pulled his body up, his feet slamming into the earth. He stood to his full height and faced the necromancer’s hunters. He released a deep growl, his gaze meeting the soulless eyes of the demons that stood before him.

“Rhodack,” Rina’s voice echoed behind him.

His muscles were coiled tight, ready to take on the demons. His mind raced, and he tried to figure out when the necromancers began using their powers to convert their demon warriors into mist.

“Go back into the house, Rina,” he snarled. He snapped his attention to the first demon to take a step toward him. Rhodack knew who he’d be killing first. “Not a chance.”

He sensed a small presence appear behind him and he cursed.

Growls filled the air. The demons converged on them. He moved his body in front of Rina, ready to protect her.

They’d chosen the wrong female to come after.

“I can help,” she insisted.

A strong power surge hit the air behind him, and the first demon ran toward him.

He roared, lunging toward the demon. Their bodies slammed into each other in a battle of strength. Rhodack knew that he was the more powerful of the two. A low demon had nothing on him. He dug his claws into the demon’s throat, and it gave a gargled scream. He swung the demon’s body around and slammed it onto the ground.

The others rushed forward.

He rose to his full height, his gargoyle brandishing his massive fangs ready for the next one.

He fought his way through the unwanted guests, catching sight of Rina using her energy to ward off the hunters. Her hair floated in the air around her, and she narrowed her eyes on the attackers. Energy shot from her hands and thumped into a demon charging her.

Rhodack grabbed the one in front of him, twisting the struggling being around and snapping its neck.

He freed a deafening roar, and the body fell to the ground before him. He studied the yard, and the few demons that were left took a step back. His powers radiated from him as he eyed his mate.

She’d certainly surprised him for someone who a week ago thought she was human. Their eyes met before he snapped his back to the demons. He balled his claws into fists and bared his fangs, stalking toward Rina.

The demons backed away, their gazes meeting each other’s. Rhodack’s chest rose and fell quickly from the short battle. He was ready to defend his mate.

To the death, if need be.

They must have witnessed the deadly glint surely in his eyes that showed how far he’d go, for they all disappeared into their misted forms then flew off high into the air.

A growl vibrated in his chest while he watched the demon warriors vanish into the night.

“Rhodack,” Rina breathed behind him.

He swung around at the sound of the door of her house opening. A small witch stepped out onto the porch.

“Go back inside, Chelsey,” Rina said, turning to the door.

“Are you okay?” the witch named Chelsey asked. Her eyes widened when her gaze met Rhodack’s. Her steps faltered as she paused on the porch.

“I’m fine. This is Rhodack.” Rina motioned to him.

He didn’t sense any threat from the witch. He moved behind Rina and gently grabbed her arm and tried not to pierce her flesh with his claws.

They would need to leave.

“It won’t be safe for her here,” he murmured.

Again, he roved his gaze around the yard. The bodies of the fallen demons had disappeared. The ones who’d escaped would surely inform the necromancers of the fight, and they’d up their antics to get to Rina. Her show of power would draw them out.

“Can she come with us?” Rina asked with wide eyes.

“No, I’ll go stay with my coven. You’re going to need all the help you can get. I may not be a powerful witch, but there are those who are that will aid Solana’s foster daughter,” Chelsey announced, standing on the edge of the porch.

“But, Chelsey—”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll leave now,” Chelsey promised, running down the stairs.

Rina pulled away from him and met her roommate in a brief hug.

“Promise me you’ll be okay.” Rina sniffed and stepped back.

“I promise. Now go,” Chelsey said, pushing Rina toward him.

He wrapped his arms around Rina and nodded to the witch. He knew the witches would aid the gargoyles against the evil that was coming.

“I’m ready—”

Rina’s voice was cut off—he leaped into the air with her in his arms. He opened his leathery wings and beat them. Her surprise scream echoed in his ear. The wind flew past them. He gripped her tight to him, and they cut through the air toward the gargoyle lair.

They had much to discuss. His anger at her was simmering in his chest while they flew over the city.

“Oh my,” Rina breathed.

She tightened her grip around his neck, and he coasted. He beat his wings in unison as he flew through the dark night sky.

She’s safe. She’s safe, he chanted in his mind, the abandoned-looking building drawing closer. He passed through the wards around the structure, now seeing it for its beauty.

Humans who passed it would only see a decrepit construction, but those of the paranormal world would see a beautiful stone sky-rise that was tall enough to almost touch the heavens.

Not saying a word, he landed on the ground in front of the main entrance. He connected his gaze with Rina’s, and she slid down against his hardened body. A growl slipped through his firm lips, his body reacting to the feel of her soft, supple curves.

“I’m sorry,” she began.

He lifted his hand, silencing her. She didn’t realize the magnitude of her defying his request. Right now, those demons would be informing the necromancers of her powers.

They would come for her.

They would need to prepare a battle strategy.

But now, he had other plans for his Faery princess.

Rhodack snarled and marched through the lair. No one would dare meet his eyes as he pulled Rina behind him through the throngs of gargoyles who were lingering around the entryway.

The lair was a maze of underground tunnels that ran beneath the city’s surface. The Steele Bank building was an entry point to the surface for all those who lived underground.

Just the thought of him being a few minutes later rattled his gargoyle.

They could have taken Rina.

She belonged to him, and he’d be damned if the necromancers would lay claim to her.

“Rhodack. If you’d just let me explain,” she gasped.

They went down the stairs to the lower level where his private suite was located. He paused to sweep her up in his arms then continued down the stairs.

“Shut it,” he snapped.

He gripped her with his claws, but not tight enough to break the skin. He arrived at the door of his suite, pushed it open, and stepped through it. He kicked the door shut and placed Rina on her feet. She took a few steps backwards, away from him.

He focused to bring his human self forward. His body began the swift change from gargoyle to man. His bones crackled and reshaped as his other self emerged. He opened his eyes and met Rina’s.

“Look, I know you’re mad at me, but I had to go home,” she started.

He marched over to her and grabbed her by the nape of her neck and slammed his mouth on hers. She pressed close to his naked body as he controlled their kiss.

He had to taste her. He could have lost her tonight, and it didn’t sit well with him. This was his woman, his mate, and no one would take her from him.

She gasped at his tongue forcing its way past her soft lips. He needed to have the taste of her. Her small hands rested on his bare chest. His cock, thick with need, pressed against her stomach.

He threaded his hands in her hair, trapping her in place. He pulled back and rested his forehead to hers.

“If you need to leave the lair, you’re to have a guard with you at all times,” he murmured. He opened his eyes and found hers on him.

She silently nodded. Her swollen lips called to him.

He pressed another kiss to hers before easing away. “I will not lose you.”

“This thing between us scares me,” she admitted, her eyes searching his.

He sensed a tremor course through her body, and she leaned into him.

“I belong to you and you belong to me. Don’t think about it. Just feel what’s between us,” he said. He turned her around, her back to his front. He held back a groan when his cock brushed the swell of her ass. He gently led her to his bedroom.

Rina gasped as they passed the doorjamb and paused. His gaze followed what she was staring at on his bed.

Calista, a member of his harem, was sitting on the middle of his bed with a small smile on her face. Her delicate features lit up at the sight of Rhodack and Rina.

“Um, Rhodack…” Rina’s muscles tensed, and her gaze wandered to his.

He let go of her hips and slowly smoothed his hands up her body to cup her full breasts.

“As the mate of the clan leader, the harem belongs to you as well. They will answer to you and will do as you wish,” he said, brushing his lips over her neck. He trailed his tongue along the curve of her throat before nipping it with his teeth.

A shudder passed through her body, and he continued to stroke and massage her breasts. Her beaded nipples pushed at her dress.

“I’ve never been with a female before,” she whispered, leaning back against.

His lips curved up into a smile, and he raised his eyes. Calista slipped from the bed. She was one of the newest members of the harem, added about twenty years ago.

He hadn’t called for anyone from the harem but he was glad Calista was there. She’d be the best person to help Rina embrace being with a female from their harem. Everything he owned would belong to Rina, and that included the harem.

“This is Calista. She’s a gentle soul who will help you,” he said.

“Your mate is beautiful.” Calista sashayed across the room. Her dark hair tumbled down around her shoulders in a direct contrast to her white floor-length gown. Her bare toes peeked from beneath her dress as she stepped toward them. She stopped a few inches away from them and waited patiently.

“You are as well.” Rina turned her head toward him, and he nodded to her.

Uncertainty filled her eyes, but her lips tilted up in the corners slightly.

“We’ll go slow,” he promised, removing her gown.

He pressed small kisses along her neck, revealing her body to Calista, whose eyes lit up with hunger at the sight of Rina.

“Just turn yourself over to the pleasure,” he advised.

Rina’s head turned back to him, and she stared into his eyes.

“Okay,” she whispered.

His gargoyle growled deep in his throat. He’d make sure she wouldn’t regret it.