“So how does this work?”Isaac asked once everyone had arrived.
“We patrol in teams of two, usually,” Nathan said. “Ira’s been getting some training, but he doesn’t patrol very often with us. Whichever one of us stays behind trains him and the recruits.” He gestured to the Alvarez siblings, sitting over on the sofa with school textbooks in their laps.
“What’s their deal, anyway?” Isaac asked.
Nathan shrugged. “They were here when Ira, Luke, and Alex found the Rink. According to them, they used to come here to get away from their dad, who’s… less than stellar, we’ll say. Rather than kick them to the curb and leave them to their own devices, the others offered them a place here. They could come here and hang out whenever they want, take part in the training, even become demon hunters like us, if they want. In exchange, they’ve helped with some of the remodeling, and some of their family are in construction, so they’ve been able to help get us some deals on repairs. They’re good kids.”
“Never really thought you guys would get organized enough to haverecruits,” Isaac said. “I mean, I thought you had just left the guild. I didn’t know you were out here building something new.”
Nathan smiled faintly. “Yeah. I certainly didn’t expect any of this, either. But it works for us. We’re equals here. No one gives orders.”
“Do you think that’ll always be the case?” Isaac asked. “Do you think the Sentinels will grow to the point that you’ll need more rigid checks and balances eventually?”
Nathan tilted his head thoughtfully. “I think that’s a question for Ira. I don’t know. Maybe. But we don’t want to do things the way the guild does, so whatever it looks like in the future, it’ll be something different.”
They fetched some weapons from the training area. Excitement buzzed under Isaac’s skin. He hadn’t held a blade since the day he ran from the guild, and he’d missed it. Hunting centered him. He was looking forward to this.
A familiar body lined up against his back, and an arm curled around his shoulder to flatten against his chest, drawing him more firmly against Shadrach’s body. Isaac looked up, smiling at him through the reflection of the mirrored wall in front of them.
“Did they explain the dangers of this patrol to you?” Shadrach asked, casting Nathan a pointed look.
Nathan inclined his head. “I was going to, yes.”
“I’ve been hunting before,” Isaac said, turning his head. “I know the dangers.”
“Not those dangers, killer,” Shadrach said. “The monsters are a typical concern, yes, and the paladins are also probably looking for you. You should be well-informed before you go so you aren’t caught by surprise. Or maybe Ishould just come with you.” He leaned in, his teeth possessively nipping Isaac’s neck.
Isaac snorted out a laugh. “You aren’t seriously that worried, are you? I can’t imagine you marching through a cemetery with us.”
Shadrach affected a pout. “I could patrol.”
“You don’twantto patrol.”
Nathan held up one hand, fingers spread, to indicate that Isaac had five minutes before it was time to go, and then slipped away from them.
“I could,” Shadrach replied, ignoring Nathan’s departure. “If it was just you and me. I imagine we could have a lot of fun stalking through the darkness together, searching for prey to carve into.”
Isaac shivered.
“You like the idea of that, don’t you? Goddamn, you’re perfect,” Shadrach said, dipping his voice down to a molten purr that curled directly into Isaac’s ear. “But do you know what I’d like better? Stalkingyou. Setting you loose somewhere totally deserted, giving you a five minute head-start, and tracking you down. Imagine running through a graveyard knowingIwas the one huntingyou. Imagine knowing how good it would be once I finally caught you. How high you’d feel on adrenaline with the grass and dirt beneath you as I pushed inside.”
He could imagine it so easily, and it was definitely something they were going to explore later. But for now, he groaned. “I have topatrol,” he said, letting his head fall back on Shadrach’s shoulder. “I can’t believe you’d do this to me right before I’m supposed to leave.”
Shadrach chortled, nuzzling the side of Isaac’s head. “I’ma demon, lover. Torturing you is in my wheelhouse. Luckily for you, that torture comes with a side of pleasure.”
Isaac wasn’t the only one he was torturing, though. Shadrach’s hard length was obvious against his ass. It was reassuring to know the demon wanted him just as badly, and the fantasy he’d concocted in Isaac’s head turned him on just as much.
Overwhelmed with fondness, he turned his head and captured Shadrach’s mouth. A subvocal rumble left Shadrach, feeling more like a purr against Isaac’s back. It reminded him of contentment, of quiet moments wrapped naked in soft sheets.
“Ah, young love,” someone said, and Isaac turned his head to see half of the room watching them. Shadrach didn’t turn, lifting his head to press his lips above Isaac’s ear.
“There’s nothing young about Shadrach, little bird,” Talon drawled, draping one arm around Alex’s neck. “He’s actually older than me.”
Alex shot him a wide-eyed look. “Wait, really? You’re theyoungerbrother in this equation?”
“You know we’re not really related, right?” Talon asked.
“Yeah, I know. But youactlike brothers. Complete with the bitching.”
