“Sounds like a cheesy superhero movie,” Zachary said.
They stood guard between the darkness and the light, not on one side or the other. They saw the shades of gray where others didn’t, recognized that there was good as well as bad on both sides. What stood guard at a gate between two points?
“Sentinels,” Nathan said. “We’re sentinels. We stand guard against evil, both supernatural and human.”
“Sentinels,” Luke repeated, nodding. “I like it.”
Beside them, Ira’s smile bloomed. “Yes. Sentinels.”
Nathan pointed at him. “You already knew, didn’t you?”
“I’ve known for months,” he admitted readily.
“Why didn’t you just say so?”
He ducked his head to hide his smile. “It had to come from you, Nate. You’re the one who names us.”
That was humbling.
“You always knew I’d wind up here?” he asked softly.
He shrugged one shoulder. “I didn’t know when or how.”
“He knowslotsof things,” Talon said with a smirk. “Pisses Shadrach off to no end. It’s highly amusing.”
“He’s just easily riled.” Ira flapped a dismissive hand.
Nathan straightened. That reminded him, he needed to ask a favor of Talon. He met the demon’s eyes over the pizza boxes, and his dark brows rose in question. Nathan glanced around, uncertain whether to ask in front of everyone or ask to speak to him alone. No matter what he did, Alex would learn the truth. He doubted Talon would keep any secrets from his human partner. And Alex would likely tell Luke. Hell, Ira probably alreadyknew.
“I need to ask a favor,” he said, setting his pizza down and pushing the plate away.
“Ask,” Talon said shortly.
“Weston,” Nathan said. “The guy we brought into the guild that led the demons there.”
“Yes.”
“I want you to go to the guild while the wards are still down.”
Talon’s black eyes gleamed. “And?”
“Kill him.”
A hush went over the group. Alex looked like he aged ten years in the span of a few seconds, and Luke leaned toward Malachi like he needed him to stay upright. Talon didn’t move.
“I don’t know what the guild will do to him, but he’s too dangerous to live. He might know how to make those hex pills. Even if he doesn’t, he helped kill dozens of people. Innocents and paladins alike. I know you don’t care about the paladins, but?—”
“He’ll do it,” Alex said.
Talon turned toward Alex, the hungry glitter in his gaze replaced with bald concern. “Are you sure?”
Alex nodded. “He’s right. Weston’s too dangerous. Nate said he worshipped that Amon demon. He might have other connections to other demons. If he’s holding a grudge—it’s just too dangerous.” He shrugged simply. “Just make it quick?”
“He doesn’t deservequick,” Storm said. “He nearly got Nate killed.”
“If he’s going into the guild, I want him to be quick,” Alex argued, albeit kindly. “I’m much more concerned about him making it backoutthan making sure Weston suffers. He’ll be dead. That’ll have to be good enough.”
Storm opened his mouth, but Nathan laid a hand on his knee and brought his reply to an abrupt halt.
