When she ended the call, she said, “Larissa said the same thing—that I should come to the compound.” With a shaky smile, she added, “I know better than to argue with a stubborn witch and determined gargoyle.”
“It’s what’s best,” Arto insisted.
“I know. And I’m not going to argue considering the role I played in all this. Although I’m not crazy about leaving, I won’t fight you on this, Arto.”
Right. She didn’t want to return to the compound. Why would she after what happened in the library the last time she was there? By the moon and stars, he could kick himself for eternity for the role he played, causing her anguish. But now was not the time for self-flagellation. What was paramount was getting Janie to safety. Although her house was protected by magic, the demons were ruthless and persistent. Their use of dark magic could lead them to powerful spells or workarounds to breach the protection.
While Janie went to her room to change and pack some clothing, Arto communicated to Roman telepathically.I’m here with Janie. She’s coming to the compound.
Good, Roman responded.Franco and Vidas are on their way to accompany you and escort you.
Just in case. How their travel plans would work was the next question. Janie would most certainly want to go by ground transportation rather than fly, especially with bags. That was fine, they could travel by vehicle together. He’d notify the sentries, who could then follow them by air.
“Arto, can you come in here?” she called.
He entered her bedroom, his gaze drifted toward the bed where he’d carried her a few nights before. She’d asked him to stay. Regret swelled. He should’ve been there holding her all night, damn all duty.
His gaze traveled to her. She was dressed now, wearing a pair of black yoga pants that clung like an enticing second skin to her luscious curves. A pink tank top clung to her full breasts.
“It’s too cold for bare arms,” he said.
“I’ll grab a hoodie.” She opened her closet door and pulled a soft pale gray one out and pulled it over her head. When she did so the bottom part of her tank top rose, revealing a few inches of skin.
When he raised his gaze back to meet hers, he sensed she’d caught him staring at her exposed flesh.
“Can you get me up to speed while I pack?” She pulled a small carry-on suitcase out of her closet and placed it on the bed.
“Of course.”
While she filled the suitcase with pants and shirts, he told her what he learned.
“I flew over to check that everything was okay here.” The way he always did. “And that’s when I detected one was here.”
“How do you know?” She threw a handful of socks into her suitcase.
“My sense of smell.” He tapped his nose. “Demons have a distinctive scent.”
“Any chance it could be a false alarm?”
He shook his head. “I wish it was. I would do anything in the universe to undo what happened that day and ensure that you’re safe. But I’ve faced too many of these demonic monsters. One was here. It’s not only their scent but their dark energy that lingers in the air.” He gulped.
She opened a drawer and pulled out a stack of panties and bras. His gaze lowered to them, and he gaped. He forced himself to break the stare.
“Did it try to break in?”
“I didn’t detect any signs of it. The protective shields are intact.”
Janie’s expression burned with anguish. “It was here. Outside my house?”
His mouth filled with distaste. He nodded before he could say the word. “Yes.”
“Blast it all!” She threw both hands up. “I can’t believe this. Not again!”
Anguish pulsed off her. A demon lurking outside Janie’s apartment could only mean one thing—it was coming for her.
* * *
They didn’t saymuch en route to the compound as they sat together in the backseat of the taxi, both staring out the window as if searching for the creature. They couldn’t discuss the situation where the human driver would overhear. Two sentries, Franco and Vidal, followed by air.
