If it weren’t such a dire situation, Zach would be amused by the way everyone reacted when they discovered Drew had been trying to cook. He really had developed somewhat of a reputation, especially after the zombie . . . “He did,” he confirmed. “Long story short, we ended up being sucked into a portal to Hell. We had to travel to the borderlands to get back here, and we had a run-in with an old . . . associate of mine, as well as the enforcers sent to arrest him. We ended up returning, but Drew apparentlyleft something behind, and he . . .” Zach had to stop to take a deep breath before he could continue. “He returned. By himself.”
“What the fuck?” Dom hissed. “Is he insane? What the heck could be so important that he had to go back for it?”
“I wish I knew,” Zach said.
Hearing the dejection in his tone, Dom reached over the table and squeezed his hand. “So, what’s the plan to get him back? I’m assuming you’ve asked the Grand Master for help?”
“Yes, Kensington’s working on it. Neither of us is strong enough alone or even together to attempt a rescue. He’s calling in reinforcements.”
“Okay, that’s good.” Dom said slowly, nodding. His dark brown eyes were full of compassion when he asked, “How are you holding up?”
In response, Zach held up the frappe and took a long suck from the straw. Instead of feeling revolted by the sugary explosion on his tongue, it just made his heart ache for how much he missed Drew.
“Right,” Dom said. “So, what you’renotsaying is that you’re drowning in guilt, feel totally helpless, are itching to dosomething, and have no idea what to do with yourself?”
Zach huffed out a short laugh. “Sounds about right.”
“You know that no matter what you’re telling yourself, this isn’t your fault. Right?”
“We will have to agree to disagree on that,” Zach stated.
“You know how stubborn Drew can be when he sets his mind to something,” Dom argued.
“But I should have been able to stop him!” Zach cried. They both froze at his outburst, then Zach dropped his face into his hands. “Fuck. What if something happens to him? What if he gets hurt? I should be there to keep him safe.”
“I know this must be killing you,” Dom acknowledged. “But from what I understand, Drew is pretty powerful. I’m sure he can look after himself.”
“He is, but he’s also too nice for his own good,” Zach said. “Hell is a brutal place, and Drew isn’t ruthless enough. That’s why I need to be there with him.”
“I get that you’re used to taking care of him, but I think if push comes to shove, Drew will do whatever it takes to get back to you in one piece,” Dom told him. “Don’t underestimate him.”
Zach huffed out a sigh, but before he could reply, his phone buzzed with a text.
Kensington: Have update. Meet at HQ.
“Good news?” Dom asked.
Zach shrugged as he pocketed his phone. “Kensington has an update, but I don’t know if it’s good or not. He wants me to go and see him.”
“I guess you’d better be on your way, then.”
They rose, and Zach threw his drink in the trash. “Thanks,” he said as they made their way to the door and into the parking lot.
Dom smiled and pulled him into a hug. “Anytime, man. Keep me updated, yeah?”
“I will.”
“When Drew’s back, we need to all catch up. Maybe have a few drinks,” Dom suggested.
Zach huffed. “Yeah, a drink or two sounds pretty fucking good right now.”
“Maybe I’ll even bring some nip,” Dom said with a wink.
That drew a proper laugh out of Zach. “That sounds even better.” He took a deep breath and tried to let go of his stress and anxiety when he let it out. “Okay, I better go. I’ll text you when I know more.”
Dom nodded and headed for his car, and Zach turned and headed for home. He really hoped Kensington had good news. Christ knew Zach needed it.
Chapter 14
