“It can wait.” Exhaling a rough, smoky breath, he did a psychic scan of the village. Picked up no malicious demonii strains. “Place is clean for now. Let’s head to thecity.”
“You could do that. But she’s waiting for you at the KornerPub.”
The Korner-fucking-Pub?That was on the same street as the damn pharmacy! “You left her there alone?” hesnarled.
“It’s the safest place for her. Amidst humans, while I hunted down your surly ass. Besides, if I hadn’t brought her, she would have asked Angelus. The lad’s smitten enough to walk on water for her. I saw no reason to get him in trouble with you. You and I can have it out later.” Nik’s dark eyebrow cocked. “Well, are you gonna stand there and eyeball me, or go gether?”
“Stay the hell out ofthis.”
“Believe me, it’s my wish. But she asked…” A shrug. “Right, then. My job here is done. Go get yourmate.”
His gaze snapped toNik.
“What? You’re like a rabid dog around her. Besides, she told me.” With another toss of his blade in the air, the warrior and his weapon vanished from thealley.
Dammit! Dagan flicked the dead stub into a nearby dumpster and took off up the main street. Seconds later, he slowed down, struggling to keep his anger checked, not surprised to find the pharmacist already on the prowl. He stood near Shae, who sat at one of those outside tables, his hand on the backrest of her chair as if staking hisclaim.
Can’t kill a human—can’t kill a human!Shae would never forgive him if he hurt thefucker.
Dagan stalked over. She looked up and shot to her feet when she saw him, seeming to forget her admirer. It eased some of hisannoyance.
The asshole touched herarm.
For the second time, Dagan lost his shit. Fury zipped through his veins and thundered in his ears. He shot across the road faster than human eyes could track, and with his mind, hauled the male away and shoved him against a pillar. To the customers, they appeared to be having a friendly little conversation, thanks to his mind tamperingskills.
His fists pushed into his jeans pockets, tone low and very, very deadly, Dagan said, “Touch her again—or even seek her out—and I will break every bone in your pitifulbody.”
“I meant no harm, she-she’s just a friend,” the human whimpered, fighting to break through the invisible bands keeping himrestrained.
“Really?” he drawled, forcing his rage deep into his gut. “That’s not what I’veseen.”
“Dagan—” Shae hissed, clutching his arm. “Don’t dothis.”
It didn’t move him.I know your thoughts,he telepathed into the human’s mind, letting the tips of his fangs show. The man turned sickly pale and started struggling frantically.I’ll enjoy drinkingyou.
“Dagan, stop it!” Shae yanked harder at his forearm, panic etched on her beautiful face. “Let himgo.”
Thank your lucky stars for her intervention, human. Now fuck the hell off.He dropped his hold on the fool, grasped Shae’s hand, and strodeout.
In the shadows of a copse of trees, she spun to him. “What is wrong with you? You scared Vasile half to death grabbing him likethat.”
An icy smile touched his mouth. “I would have done worse, but you would have been mad. You’re still an innocent when it comes to the malespecies.”
Her eyes grew dark and stormy. “Whatever his plans were, I can take care ofmyself.”
Dagan studied the empty side street through the trees. Yes, she could. Still, no damn fucker would have those filthy thoughts about her.She was his.His!
She stepped in front of him, her anxious gaze searching his face. “Are you okay? I was soworried.”
“Do I look injured?” Anger resurged. “You were hurt, and you recklessly jumped between two fighting warriors. You could havedied!”
She rolled her eyes likehewas overreacting. “Look, I’m fine. I know what to expect. I trained with Harvey. Yes, it hurts like crazy, but it’s just one of thosethings.”
His mate had a way of fanning his temper. “Well, I’m not. I not only fractured your nose, I could have had my fangs in your carotid. This could have ended intragedy!”
“Dagan, stop. If you’re trying to scare me, it won’t work. You won’t hurt me—not deliberately anyway,” she quickly added before he opened hismouth.
By the stars!He wanted to shake her at her misplaced faith. Instead, he cut her a hard look. “I may be a Guardian, but beneath it, I’m a damn predator. In the animal kingdom, gazelles would flee fromme.”
