Chapter 9
At the unearthlypeace and warmth surrounding her, Shae’s eyes opened in confusion. It took a moment to realize sunlight streamed in through the closed window and that the room was toasty warm. But Dagan wasgone.
When she recalled her jealous outburst before she’d used him as her personal blanket, she grimaced and rubbed her burning face. But she was aware, too, she’d only fallen asleepafterhe told her he’d fed from ananimal.
It’s none of my business whom he fed from or slept with. Irritated at herself for stewing over it, she sat up, picked up her cell from the nightstand to call one of the two men who never let her down. She’d call Harvey later. Lem first, or he’d worry if she didn’t check in. There was already a missed call from him. She hit speeddial.
He answered on the first ring. “Shae?”
“UncleLem—”
“Thank God! Are you all right? I called your cell, you didn’t answer. And the hotel you were registered at in Anchorage said you hadn’t checkedin.”
Crap. She’d forgotten to cancel. “Because I’m not staying there. I’m er, camping out”—she winced at the lie—“and I was out of Wi-Fi range, but I’m fine. I just got into town and called so you wouldn’tworry.”
Silence. “I see… When are you comingback?”
Uneasiness stirred at his quiet tone. He didn’t believe her? “As soon as I’m done. Uncle, I have a shot at working forNational Geographic. I don’t want to mess thisup.”
“I understand, child. Actually, I have some wonderful news. You remember those businessmen who approached me to run for mayor in the next election? Well, I’ve decided to doit.”
“Really?” She grinned, tucking her long bangs behind her ear. “I’m so happy for you. I’ll help you any way Ican.”
“I’ll hold you to that. I’d like you to be there for my speech. It’s nextweek.”
“I will be. Do you want me to look over yournotes?”
“That would be wonderful. When you get back, we can talk more. Goodbye, Shae. Go take some greatpictures.”
Darn. She rubbed her temple and stared at her silent phone, her guilt constricting her like a noose. While she was happy with the news of him running for mayor since it was something he’d wanted for as long as she could remember, how could she tell him the truth about the supernatural threat she faced? Demons who hunted humans with strong psychic abilities. Knowing Lem, he’d come after her, walk right into danger—and probably death. He was way tooprotective.
At a new unread message, she opened it. Harvey.You didn’t call? Are you postponing thesummoning?
She chewed her lower lip then typed back.Yes. Something came up. I’ll call youlater.
As if he were waiting, a message instantly came back.Okay. As long as you’re all right. Saw you with HIM, wasworried.
She remembered Harvey saying something about saving his cousin from certain death, and nowhewas in trouble with thatcold Guardian bastard—hiswords.
Since she’d met said Guardian, yeah, she understood. No way would Dagan have let that infraction go. Well, she wasn’t letting any of them touch herfriend.
Spying her luggage on the ebony chest, she breathed a sigh of relief. A half-hour later, showered and changed, Shae left the room, tying her hair into aponytail.
Low, masculine humming coming from the kitchen had her frowning. Dagan would probably jump off this mountain before he’d hum, and she couldn’t see Nik doing so either. But the delicious aroma of something baked scented the air, and her stomach kicked up afuss.
Curious, she quickened her steps and stopped dead at thethreshold.
A tall guy, about eighteen or so, was pulling out a tray of cookies from the wood-burning oven, but damn, the entire place was spotless. He sported skinny black pants and boots. His rich, mahogany-red hair was pulled into a low ponytail, a colorful contrast against the dark blue tunic hewore.
“Good morning,” she called out. Sheesh, it was likely pastmidday.
He whipped around. His striking purplish eyes widened, as did hers. Whoa! His ears—dammit, they werepointed!
“Good morn, my lady. I am Angelus.” His voice pulled her out of her gawking. A smile lit his incredibly gorgeous face. Oh, man, he looked like anangel.
“Please, call me Shae. So, what areyou?”
“The help. Hedori sent for me. I’m to take care of thisplace.”
