“This salted caramel Frappuccino is delicious,” Breslin said on a sigh as she sipped the frozen coffee.

The summer evening was cool and clear. A perfect night for shopping in the city with the girls, and stopping for their favorite caffeinated beverages was a must. Not that they had to go far for their indulgence. Coffee houses adorned every other corner in Seattle.

Breslin laughed as Izzy skipped around them, singing and enjoying a sugar cookie shaped like a flip flop. As the physical manifestation of the Goddess Morrigan, her niece had a magnetic aura. Humans couldn’t help but smile and praise Izzy’s cuteness, and supernaturals practically bowed at her feet when Izzy touched their hands or faces. It seemed like a simple gesture from a child, but Breslin knew firsthand the calming effect of Izzy’s touch.

“Not nearly as good as Elsie’s hot Butterbeer,” Shae countered.

“Oh my God, that shit was the best,” Mack agreed as she surveyed their surroundings.

Humans kept a safe distance from the formidable female, not that Breslin blamed them. Between her intense expression and being decked out in leather on a summer night, she was intimidating as hell. The only light side to Mack was her snarky t-shirts. Today’s special said ‘Don’t Be Fooled, I Just Act Like I Care’.

“Just wait until you can add rum to it,” the spiky-haired female added with a grin. Yep. That was their Mack.

“Not much longer until our next little bundle is here,” Elsie replied as they walked down the sidewalk, enjoying their time together.

Breslin couldn’t believe how fast time passed. Shae was nearing her due date. Elsie was the first in their compound to have a baby and Shae was the second. Most in the home assumed it would be Cailyn or Illianna, but they were ecstatic over Gerrick and Shae’s good fortune. They deserved the blessing after all they’d been through.

“Hey, Nate? Can you take the bags to the car? We have several more stops before we’re done,” Elsie asked the majordomo.

Nate tossed his empty cup into a garbage can and met Elsie’s gaze. “What? You aren’t done shopping? What more could you possibly need?”

Most days, Nate’s attitude needed an adjustment. Zander was far more patient with the male than Breslin felt he should be, but she understood her brother’s reasons. It was reassuring to have a dragon around to protect his mate and vulnerable child.

Breslin laughed and stopped walking, cocking her hip. “Och, a female needs things, Nate. Surely you’ve noticed Shae has ootgrown most of her clothing. And then there’s the bairn. I willna have our little guy wearing those hideous onesies. Besides, we still havena picked oot the bedding for the nursery,” she explained. Males, she thought, shaking her head.

“Really, I don’t need anything else,” Shae denied.

Shae fit in fabulously with their group but she was still the shy, awe-struck female she’d been when she arrived at Zeum. She hadn’t quite adjusted to her new status of living among the royal family. She came from a simple life and wasn’t comfortable with the luxury that being mated to Gerrick provided.

“Nonsense, Shae. You will have everything you need, and then some. No arguments. Gerrick gave you his credit card, so let’s go charge it up,” Breslin encouraged and gave the female a shoulder nudge.

This outing wasn’t only about Shae. They all needed it. Elsie and Izzy needed to get out of the compound. It had been months since the queen had taken her daughter for an outing and Breslin felt it wasn’t healthy for either of them. She hated seeing them prisoners in their own home.

Unfortunately, there was good reason for them to stay inside the protective walls of Zeum. Elsie was targeted by the demons from the moment she met Zander, and Izzy had been hunted since she was in the womb. They all did their best to protect them but nothing was guaranteed when it came to the archdemons.

Zander conceded to girl’s night out but insisted Nate accompany them just in case Crocel pulled another stunt. Breslin feared Elsie and Izzy would never live normal lives and hoped this fun-filled evening provided a brief escape from the reality of their world.

“If you’re going to be a baby about walking six blocks to the car, I’ll do it,” Mack said as she attempted to pick up the bags at Nate’s feet.

Nate was a smart male and grabbed the bags before Mack reached them. Kyran would skin him alive if he didn’t do right by his female.

“No, I got it. I’ll be right back. Where can I find you?” the dragon shifter asked as he turned to walk in the opposite direction.

“We’re going to hit Barney’s as we make our way down Fifth,” Elsie replied.

Breslin practically jumped up and down from excitement. She loved Barney’s and hadn’t been there in months.

“Okay. Don’t go any further and be careful,” Nate instructed their group.

The females continued along, leaving Nate to juggle the multiple bags. Breslin window-shopped as they passed the stores. This district of downtown Seattle near City Centre was one of her favorite shopping areas. It was littered with fantastic shops, both human and realm owned.

“Oh, look! Sparklies, mama,” Izzy cried out as she dashed to a window that showcased jewelry.

“Those are beautiful, sweetie, but you don’t need them,” Elsie replied with a smile.

“I do, mama. I neeeeed,” Izzy whined.

They all laughed but Breslin froze when a thousand needles pricked her skin. Something wasn’t right. She searched the area for any sign of danger but came up empty.

“Feel that?” Mack whispered.

Breslin looked to the group of females. Everyone seemed aware something was off but remained calm for Izzy’s sake. Illianna nonchalantly made her way to Izzy and Breslin could tell she was close to picking her up and flying away. The Joybringer’s massive wings were hidden from the humans, but ready for action should the need arise.

“Aye,” Breslin acknowledged and continued searching for danger.

“Auntie Bre. Dese earrings should be yours. Dey are pretty orange like Uncle Rhett’s eyes,” Izzy preened.

Breslin hated that evil was ruining the child’s evening. It broke her heart that Isobel wouldn’t grow up like so many other children. Her biggest concern should be whether her parents would allow her to have dessert after dinner, not a demon swooping from the sky to take her to the Underworld. Unfortunately, Isobel’s reality was she was the most hunted being in Tehrex Realm history.

“Aye, you’re right, Princess. So verra pretty and they do match Rhett’s eyes. I think we both need a pair,” Breslin said, forcing her enthusiasm.

“Yay, yay, yay,” Izzy cheered.

Elsie stepped beside Breslin but her eyes never left her daughter. “Where are they? I don’t see them,” she whispered and Breslin heard the panic in her tone.

Breslin’s fangs descended and she questioned their decision to leave the compound. Nate was nearby but he wasn’t there to protect them. Aside from Breslin, Ember and Mack were the only ones there to defend the females and protect Izzy. Elsie could fight and so could Shae, but Shae was pregnant and there was no way Elsie was leaving Izzy’s side.

Breslin’s neck prickled with awareness and she whipped around to locate the source. A shadow moved in the alley not far from their position. Breslin pushed Elsie toward Izzy and grabbed Mack’s shoulder to alert the female.

“Time to lock and load,” Mack announced as a dozen skirm sauntered out of the darkness.

“Izzy, stay by mama’s side,” Breslin warned her niece as she took three steps forward to block the skirm’s path to the pair.

“Shae, run. Illianna, get her away from here and to safety. Elsie, doona move. They will only follow you. We’ll get oot of this fucking mess,” Breslin cursed and pulled her twin titanium sais from their sheaths under her shirt.

“Tsk, tsk,” one of the skirm chastised as they split off into two groups. Breslin remained focused on the six approaching her.

“C’mon motherfucker. Bully someone your own size,” Breslin taunted at the same time Mack mumbled, “Say hello to my little friend.”

Breslin didn’t bother looking over when she heard the flash of fire and smelled burned flesh and ash. True to form, Mack hit her mark.

A scream rent the air and Breslin’s heart stopped as she spun around. Illianna lay on the ground, one of her gold wings split down the middle. Red stained the gold feathers that littered the sidewalk. Elsie’s scream echoed next and Breslin turned away from the injured angel.

“No, Bre! Help Illianna. I’ve got them,” Elsie told Breslin.

Breslin didn’t take two steps before she was surrounded by ten skirm. Had they fucking multiplied? It didn’t matter. She needed to protect Elsie and Izzy. She knew they were after her niece.

Hot breath hit her neck before sharp fangs pierced her shoulder. The skirm snarled and thrashed his head back and forth while its teeth lodged in her flesh. Breslin swung one of her blades up, and punctured through flesh. Bone cracked but it didn’t deter the rabid minion biting her.

“I’ve got Illianna,” Alex called out. Relief swamped Breslin at hearing the words but it was a costly distraction.

The fuckers took advantage and converged at once. From the corner of her eye, she saw Mack facing three skirm and two hellhounds.

She heard nearby humans scream and shout. This was one giant cluster fuck, Breslin thought as a new set of fangs drove into her thigh. The one at her neck let go and bit down again. Acid flowed through her body as blood poured from her wounds. How could she contain the humans, save Izzy, and fight off the enemy?

Breslin managed to find enough wiggle room to wedge her hand between the skirm at her leg and thrust her blade up with all her might. A flash of fire singed her pants, adding more pain to her injury.

Abandoning her weapons, she called fire to her hands. For a split second, she felt connected to Alex and her brother, as well as her mate. There had been a dozen instances over the past weeks where she’d experienced odd things like melting her fork while eating or freezing her bath water. She didn’t understand why, but the four of them appeared to share powers.

Breslin recalled a time when Elsie had additional abilities after receiving blood from Kyran and Bhric. She was a mess, freezing the pool and sifting without warning. Over time, the powers diminished then disappeared altogether. Breslin hoped that was the case for her, as well, because it was discerning for these new powers to be out of her control.

A skirm charged forward, snagging Breslin’s attention. She grabbed the creature around the throat and let her fire loose, but instead of going up in flames, the minion froze from the neck down. Damn. This was exactly the scenario she wanted to avoid. She needed to get control over this shit, and fast.

Breslin dug deep and found her center. She exhaled, and allowed her faith in the Goddess to decide the best defense. Fire shot from her hand followed by ice, incapacitating the six surrounding her. Okay, that was more like it.

A dry cackle echoed through the night and Breslin didn’t have to see the face to know it was the blue-winged demon.

“Give up now, your Highness. You can’t stop me from taking your daughter,” Crocell taunted as she hovered above Elsie and Izzy. With Illianna’s injury, she couldn’t fly and engage the archdemon.

“Izzy,” Elsie called out to her daughter who was crying and clinging to her mother’s leg. “Call Rami. Now! This is an emergency.”

“Don’t bother. I’ve blocked all communication. Your superhero won’t be saving the day,” Crocell laughed. “With the little one, Crecil will be at my side in no time.”

“Try and take my daughter, bitch. I dare you,” Elsie hissed as she shook with rage. Elsie’s eyes turned black as her fangs descended. Breslin had never seen Elsie filled with such fury. Don’t mess with Mama Bear, she thought.

Suddenly, Nate swooped in and blew dragon fire at the demon. Crocell easily deflected it then charged the dragon. The two grappled in the air. Droplets of red and black blood fell from the sky before they flew from of sight.

Breslin took off toward her niece but never reached Izzy. A large form slammed into her side as a hellhound leaped at her with its jaws open. The demon dog took her to the ground and sank its knife-sized teeth into her abdomen.

“Get the fuck off me,” she yelled as she stabbed it in the head with one of her knives while her power short-circuited and melted the knife in her other hand.

Breslin twisted and screamed as flesh tore, but managed to wrap ankles around the hound’s neck and squeezed with all her might. Bones and tendons snapped and the evil spawn fell to the ground. She got to shaky feet and threw fire at the creature. Luckily, flames left her hand and the dog howled as fire engulfed its form. Her flames were hotter since mating the fire demon, and quickly spread with a mere thought.

“That’s ten, asshat. Thanks for getting me to the top of the killboard,” Mack called out as her form sifted past Breslin. One step behind her, the two females ran for Elsie and Izzy.

A skirm snuck behind the Vampire Queen then grabbed hold of Isobel, lifting her off the ground. Elsie dropped her weapon and clawed at the male with her bare fingers. Breslin knew why she discarded her weapon. One wrong move and Izzy might suffer the blow.

Crocell reappeared in the next second, laughing haughtily, “Looks like you’re wrong about who’s going to win this one.”

Fuck. That evil bitch kept coming back. And the skirm had a tight grip on Izzy. Breslin lifted a palm to shoot fire at the archdemon but paused. What if her erratic powers hit Izzy instead of her target? She could kill her niece. Supernatural young weren’t immortal until they transitioned.

“Izzy, baby. Fight him,” Elsie urged.

“And, doona stop calling for Rami,” Breslin reminded her.

“Do what you did to Kadir,” Mack ordered the little girl. Breslin’s heart broke into a million pieces as she saw the terror in Izzy’s eyes.

Suddenly, a weapon of light appeared and Izzy’s palm reached out to grab it, but Crocel threw Dark Magic toward the object and it sailed past her reach.

“Let’s go!” Crocell shouted to her minion.

The skirm shoved Izzy into a large sack and wrapped his arms around the fabric. Crocell landed behind the skirm and grabbed its arm. In the next breath, they disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

“Nooooo!” Elsie screamed, and then she went beserk.

She clawed and slashed limbs from demons and skirm, killing four enemies in a matter of seconds with her bare hands. The volume of rage pouring from the Vampire Queen fed the remaining rage demons but the three creatures didn’t stand a chance against the female. She was lost to her fury.

Breslin joined the fight and the demons were quickly eliminated. The group of females were bloodied, bruised, and beaten as they stood in a daze, trying to figure out what to do next.

Suddenly, Rami appeared, his massive black wings filling the night sky.

The angel was too late.

Their most precious family member had been taken.

Elsie’s despair was a weight that surrounded the entire city. Even the humans stopped shouting and talking into their phones to join in her sadness. Breslin had no idea what to do. Izzy was gone.

“What the fuck happened?” Ramiel demanded.

“They took her, Rami. Crocell took my baby,” Elsie wailed as she fell into his arms.

“I will find her, El,” Rami vowed. “I will tear Crocell to fucking shreds,” he roared.

Zander arrived, along with the rest of the warriors, and Breslin sagged into Rhett’s embrace. She fought the tears as she watched Elsie crumple to the ground and heard Rami scream to the heavens.

His agonizing howl shattered glass in the windows of nearby buildings. He picked up cars and tossed them across the parking lot. He ripped a tree from the ground and tossed it into the nearest wall, causing the structure to crumble.

Illianna called out to him, trying to soothe his rage but it fell on deaf ears. The Joybringer closed her eyes, and a second later, another angel with white wings and gray hair appeared. Whatever his position, he was clearly powerful because it stopped Rami’s movements.

“You’ve pushed me too far this week, Ramiel. Do you realize the mess you’ve created?” the imposing angel gritted, his blue eyes blazing with his anger.

“They fucking took her, Cam,” Rami growled and his red eyes blazed with fury. “This is your fault. You wouldn’t let me intervene, and now Izzy is gone,” he bit out then his knees buckled and he fell to the ground. Rami tried to move but struggled against Camael’s force.

“Watch your tone, Ramiel, or you’ll regret it,” the angel replied. It was clear his power trumped Ramiel and Breslin wondered again about the male’s position.

The handsome angel looked over and met Elsie and Zander’s devastated gazes. Emotion crossed Camael’s face but Breslin couldn’t decipher the meaning. Did he know Izzy’s fate? Surely, the angel wouldn’t sit back and allow something terrible to happen to an innocent child.

“Are you okay, Flame?” Rhett asked as he inspected her injuries.

“I’m fine. We need to find Crocell,” she insisted, ignoring the pain from her wounds. She would heal. Izzy was all that mattered.

“You gonna listen now, asshole?” Rami challenged the male that was clearly his boss.

“Rami had nothing to do with this,” Illianna intervened as she limped forward with Rhys’s assistance.

Seeing Illianna made Breslin wonder about Shae. Were she and the baby ok? Her eyes scanned the group and landed on the pregnant female.

Gerrick cradled a sobbing Shae. The female looked okay and Jace was tending to her as everyone talked. Breslin swayed as relief washed over her. The baby would be fine.

“I understand Rami’s your friend, Illianna, but don’t defend his actions,” Camael ground out.

Rami continued to fight whatever held him in place, cursing a line of profanity that would make even Mack blush. The angel waved his hand and Rami fell silent. Camael was an incredibly powerful being.

“I’m not defending him, Camael. Crocell attacked us and Isobel couldn’t call out to Rami. We all fought, but they took her,” Illianna explained. “Rami appeared after the fact and what you saw was his reaction to the news.”

“Help me get my fucking daughter back,” Zander demanded of the archangel.

“I will do everything in my power to return your daughter to you but I cannot guarantee anything,” Camael divulged. “After the human’s memories are erased, we need to call a meeting.”

Camael waved a hand and the hold on Rami was released. He immediately lunged for Camael’s throat but the angel swatted him away like an annoying fly and Rami sailed across the parking lot.

Rami scrambled to his feet and shouted, “I’m not waiting around for a fucking meeting, asshole. You may not give a shit but I’m not going to allow that little girl to suffer one second in that demon’s hands,” he growled.

“We have to get her back,” Elsie wailed. “They could be hurting our baby, Zander.”

Zander clung desperately to his mate. Breslin had never seen her brother so distraught.

“They willna harm her, a ghra. Doona forget, Izzy is our Demonator. She can end their pathetic existence if they touch her. I have to believe that will keep her safe until we can get to her.”

Breslin’s heart shattered in a million pieces for her niece but she clung to her brother’s reassurance. Isobel Tarakesh had to be okay.

She was their hope. Their future.

They would find her and bring her home.