Harvey groaned. “Fine, as long as I don’t have to see that damn Fallen drooling overyou.”
Dagan couldn’t fault the demon there; he was going to make that fucker wish for death for what he’ddone.
“Your mother?” Harvey asked herthen.
“The Guardians rescued her.” She inhaled deeply, lowered her voice. “A rogue angel, Samael, held her prisoner in the DarkRealm.”
“Shit. I’m sorry. But I’m glad you have herback.”
“Me, too.” Shae slowed after navigating the corridor to the back and stared at the few doors there, all shut. “Excuse me.” She stopped a human male shuffling past, eyes glued to a file in his hand. “Leamas Hale? Do you know where I can findhim?”
The guy looked up then frowned when his gaze settled on Shae’s scar, lips curling in distaste. Her mouth tightened. A low growl rumbled out of Dagan. The human stepped back and hastily flicked his thumb over his shoulder. “Last office.” And giving Dagan a wide berth, he scurriedoff.
“Asshole,” Harvey muttered, climbing just a little higher in Dagan’sestimation.
Shae didn’t respond, heading for the last room instead. Dagan scanned and picked up four heartbeats. Humans. She knocked and opened thedoor.
As they entered, the scent of coffee and liquor flooded his nose. A young, suited guy seated behind the desk was going through something on his laptop. Three more men sat at a round table, talking and looking over notes. Silence fell at their entrance. The man at the desk scratched his close-shaven hair, looked up, and a bright smile split his dusky face. “Shae.”
“Hey, Rashaad. How are you?” Shae asked with a friendly smile Dagan didn’t carefor.
“I’m good, girl. We haven’t seen you in awhile.”
“Been busy—work. I don’t see my unclearound.”
“He stepped out for a minute. I’ll go alert him you’re here.” He jumped up and rushedoff.
Harvey remained near the shut door. Dagan looked out the window into the darkened street choked with parked cars and scanned the area. Nothing. Even though there wasn’t much supernatural activity here, he didn’t trust thequiet.
People hustled toward the building, obviously not wanting to miss the speech. He slid his hands into his pockets, itching to get back on thestreet.
“You’re like a caged tiger,” Shae said, appearing at his side, a mug of coffee in her hand and a smile on her beautiful face. “He’s stuck in the other office with last-minute things, he’ll be here soon. I just messaged him that I wanted him to meet someone important tome.”
Dagan cut off a snort and declined the coffee she held out. He was the last person to inspire confidence in anyone. With his height, long hair, and clad in leathers, he probably appeared more like the Grim Reaper. However, he wasn’t concerned. If her uncle didn’t like him, he’d simply change hismind.
We need you here, man,Aethan’s clipped voice sounded in his mind, sending him into tense alert.Shit’s flyingeverywhere.
Dammit. The other warriors could help out fornow.
The door opened, and an older man of average height with light brown hair wearing a black designer suit strode in, frowning at some papers in his hand. Two men, as well as Rashaad who seemed to hang onto his every word, followed him. The man sure had a presence abouthim…
The human looked up, a smile warming his austere features. “Shae.”
“Uncle Lem.” She set the mug on the windowsill and hurried over to hug him. “I’m so sorry, but the job took longer than expected. I want you to meet someone.” She eased back and held out her hand. Dagan crossed to her, and she laced their fingers. “This isDagan.”
The man turned then, eyes narrowing. Before Dagan could take hold of his mind and soothe him, he smiled. “I’m Leamas Hale, her uncle. I guess you already knew that. Call meLem.”
Thankfully, her kin didn’t offer a handshake. It suited Dagan since he didn’t much like touchinganyone.
Lem turned to the desk and put down his notes. “Let’s have a drink.” He nodded to someone. A server with a tray appeared. Dagan declined, watching as Lem offered Shae a glass and waved Harvey over then handed him one, aswell.
D-man, where the hell are you?Nik telepathed him now. These damn mind-links were going to crash his brain. He shut them out, said to Lem, “I’m sorry about this, but something’s come up—work. I have to go.Shae?”
The older manfrowned.
“Dagan works security,” Shae quicklycovered.
“You can’t leave,” Lem told her, disappointment pulling his mouthdown.
