Chapter 20
Dagan tookform in a derelict backstreet in the Bronx near a looming building. A dog barked in the distance, the sound cutting eerily through the far too quiet area. The brackish odor of the East River drifted to him, merging with the reek of piss and other nasty things stung hisnose.
It took several moments before he managed to get his mind focused on thejob.
“The building’s guarded and warded,” Hedori said, detaching from the shadows nearby while he remained hidden ingloom.
Still silent, Dagan scanned the warehouse situated near the river. Several figures roamed inside. Demons or humans, he wasn’t sure—didn’t care. They’d all pay, except he couldn’t kill the humanfuckers.
“But I can,” Hedori muttered as if reading his thoughts. “I will end those responsible for this crime, human or not. I’m not bound by Guardianlaw.”
Perfect.
To conserve his psychic energy since he’d used plenty killing that asshole Luka, Dagan summoned an iron dagger. Besides, he was wired too hard and needed the fight. Letting his form blend with the shadows, he headed for the front entrance while Hedori quietly made his way to theback.
Dagan bypassed the stacks of decaying wooden crates leaned against the grimy wall. He came up behind the first demon guard, slit his throat, then rammed the blade into the other one’s heart before a word had even left their mouths. As they crumbled to dust and vanished, Hedori reappeared, stopping at the front entrance. He immediately set about unscrambling the protection wards, then opened the door and glided inside like ashadow.
Dagan followed. Hedori flashed in a dark glimmer. A sword appeared in his hand, and he tackled the three humans, his movements swift. Deadly. Bodies fell with thuds. They lay still on the ground, blood seeping profusely from the wounds in their chests—andfuuuck! The decadent scent of blood crowded his senses, his incisors throbbed. Hunger rose. It took all his control not to tear into those still-warmbodies.
The other Guardians appeared at his side as if to witness his hideous nature. His teeth clenched. It was why he preferred patrollingalone.
A ball of flame shot past him, incinerating the bodies within seconds and eliminating the temptation. He knew exactly who it was. Smaller flickers of flames still licked over Týr’s palm as his fingers fisted, shutting off thefire.
He cut Dagan a quick glance as if inunderstanding.
Jaw tight, Dagan looked away. Aethan and Blaéz nodded athim.
“Hedori filled us in,” Aethan said then. “We’ve got yourback.”
Shit. Of course theyknew.
As they searched the massive chop-shop warehouse and its adjoining buildings that fronted as a garage, Dagan prowled between vehicles in various stages ofstripping.
He had a bad feeling about this. It was why he hadn’t wanted Shae involved in the rescue. His blood went into a slow boil when he recalled that fucking demon kissing her. Teeth clenched, he shut off the thought, or he’d lose his shit. Right here. And that wouldn’t help anyone, so he focused his attention on the only thing important—saving hermother.
He inhaled deeply, separating the odors of metal, grease, and lube, and finally hit on one—a faint thread of sweet fruit with a hint of spice. A tingle brushed his psyche. Eyes narrowing, he trailed his palm over the length of the floor then stopped at the center, placing his hand on the grimy surface. “She was here. I feel her, but I can’t make out her thoughts. Everything’s toohazy…”
“The basement’s empty,” Týr said, coming up thestairs.
Frowning, Blaéz lowered opposite Dagan. Lines marred his brow, then his eyes did that eerie swirly thing when his precog kicked in. The others crowded around him. For several seconds, he remained silent. Then, “She’s below, but not in abasement...”
No one said a word while they waited. It would be pointless since Blaéz wouldn’t hear them. He blinked, coming back tohimself.
“What do you mean she’s below but not in the basement?” Aethanasked.
“He means the Dark Realm.” Once more, Dagan trailed his palm over the spot where he’d sensed Jenna’sessence.
“I imagine this must be an entrance to a portal then.” Blaéz rose to his feet. “A soft spot to traverse eitherway.”
“So, what are we waiting for?” Týr drawled. “Life just got fucking interesting. Going back to the place weabhor.”
Nik snorted. “Only you would see this asfun.”
“Killing those damn bastards? You bet ya ass.” Shooting Nik a nasty grin, Týr waved his hand. The air above the ground shimmered, and the gateway slid open in a hiss. A churning, gray smog rolled out through the dark portal.“Whatthe—?”
A pale-skinned demon appeared, flashes of lightning shooting out of him, sending the Guardians flying back. One streak slammed Dagan in the chest, knocking him several feet away. His teeth ground down, impossible pain zipping through his body; so sure his lungs were bashed out of his ribcage. Fury igniting his adrenaline, he jumped the scourge and pounded him in the face. The demon stumbled back and didn’t attack, his red-rimmed eyes staring blankly at Dagan. Only then did he become aware that Blaéz held the fucker immobile with hismind.
“Much as you want to hammer him into a pulp”—the Celt grimaced, rubbing his chest, his tee sporting a charred hole—“you’re gonna need the motherfucker. Seems he was guarding the entryway into thisworld.”
