Shae grimaced. “I didn’t give them muchchoice.”
“Had you been mated to one of them…nope, you wouldn’t be doing it because you’d be locked up for sure by now,” Kiradrawled.
“I second that.” Echogrimaced.
Before Shae could tell them the truth about her and Dagan, Darci asked, “Have you decided on what towear?”
“From what I’ve seen in nightclubs, lots of skin is best,” she said dryly, thankful Dagan had sent her things over withAngelus.
The girlslaughed.
“Come on, let’s go help you look for something sexy.” Kira leaped up. The others glided to their feet and ushered her out. Farther down the corridor, they stopped near a wood-paneled door. Kira stabbed the button to summon theelevator.
Her fingers clenching, Shae eyed the door as it slid open. “Er, do you mind if we take the stairs? Enclosed spaces and I don’t go so welltogether.”
“No problem.” Darci gestured to the way they’d come. “We’ll take the back stairs. It’scloser.”
Echo led the way up the narrow, spiraling staircase, and stepped onto the first level, probably for the guest room Shae’d first used. “Not here,” she said. “Actually, I’m on the thirdfloor.”
All eyes turned to her, frownsfollowed.
“But that’s where my and Aethan’s quarters are,” Echo said, then slowly added, “andDagan’s.”
Heat flooding her face, Shae nodded. “Iknow.”
“Say what now?” Kira gasped, her mouth hanging open. “You and the ultimate hardass. Wow! He never speaks to any ofus.”
Shae didn’t say anything. She, more than anyone, now understoodwhy.
“That’s wonderful,” Echo said. “I had wondered when I first saw you two together—the tension and sparks flying. I’m so happy foryou.”
“And that man’s hair,” Kira continued, seeming to enjoy herself, “does it touch his ass whenloose?”
Shae smiled as they started up the stairs again. “Itdoes.”
“I can’t believe he’s actually letting you do this—be bait,” Elytani, the voice of reason said. “I know my kind. When they find their mates, they can be a tadprotective—”
“Tad? You’re kidding, right?” Darci laughed as they spilled out of the narrow staircase into the softly lit landing on the third floor. “But you’re excused since you just got back from another realm and training and have no idea how bullheaded they can be about keeping ussafe. When you find your mate, you’ll see. There’ll be constant complaints about you going out and putting yourself in danger, even if it’s just shopping. So, enjoy this freedom while youcan.”
Though Ely smiled, Shae caught a hint of wistfulness in her gaze. It disappeared the next second. “I don’t plan on being mated to anyone. And, before you ask,” she told Kira, “no, I’ll not even consider any of the unmated Guardians, too much intractability for my liking. But, in the unlikely event I do think of taking a mate, not only will he have to accept my job, it will also have to be a soul-joining—like you all have. I won’t settle forless.”
“Yes, that is the best type,” Echo and Darci agreed in unison, sharing asmile.
Shae inhaled a shaky breath. She and Dagan might be soul-joined, but it hurt more, knowing she could never have the intimacy these women obviously enjoyed. There would always be that one barrier between her andhim.
“When are you going out on patrol?” Echo glanced at the blonde as they traipsed the widecorridor.
Elytani sighed. “Michael said two months in-house training with the Guardians first. I’ve been here for almost that length of time, so hopefullysoon.”
“Maybe we can train when you have time?” Shae askedher.
Surprised brightened her coppery eyes. “Youfight?”
“I’m a lot stronger than I look. My best friend is a demon, he helps metrain.”
“That’s wonderful,” Echo chipped in. “Now, I have another sparring partner. I adore Hedori, but I like having different people to train with.” Then she scowled. “Aethan is still hanging back in fear he’ll hurtme.”
Feeling a lot more at ease now, Shae glanced atDarci.
“Oh, no, don’t look at me,” she protested. “I’ll do the treadmill if need be, but you guys are quite welcome to slice and dice eachother.”
“I’m right there with ya.” Kira slung an arm through Darci’s. “All that bloodshed—ack, not forme.”
As their friendly banter and laughter continued, Shae entered her and Dagan’s quarters, her mind slipping back to him, her heart heavy at the conflict betweenthem.
