But she sure seemed desperate.
What was so important anyway? It wasn’t even ten yet. Maybe she had another ridiculous, drivel-filled novel to nosedive into or…she’d had enough of his magnificent company this evening.
Nah. Everyone loved his awesomeness.
With wry amusement, he headed down the grand staircase that spilled out onto the huge foyer. The tiered chandelier cast prisms of light over the colorful stained-glass windows running from floor to ceiling. And, along with the usual verdant plants in the foyer, the new invaders—tall, pewter vases, overflowing with various shades of purple flowers—took up space.
Yup, eye-catching, and the perfect backdrop for the she-devil who stood there, her curvy figure clad in a slinky lilac bridesmaid’s gown. Her dark auburn hair had been pulled into some kind of topknot. Sure, she was breathtaking, he wasn’t blind, just messed-up in the head. But that sharp tongue of hers usually ruined the effect of her beauty.
As Týr jogged down to the ground floor, Hedori acknowledged him with a nod, and the ice queen who’d reigned during the reception and tacitly ignored his provocations turned, too. Her hazel-green eyes flared in irritation, the color a startling contrast to her luscious, creamy-latte skin.
“Sire, we have a bit of a situation,” Hedori said. “With the fae here, and guests still about, I cannot leave the castle just yet. Would you take Kira home?”
“No-no, Heds,” she quickly countered. “I’ll wait for you.”
He should leave, walk out. Aethan or another could take her, but Týr couldn’t resist. “Ah, Fluff, you wound me. Truly.”
Her head snapped his way. “Yes…maybe, if I thought for one second there was a heart or soul buried somewhere deep down under that shell,” she said sweetly, tone spiked with venom. She faced Hedori again, sweet as treacle. “How long do you think you’ll be?”
Hiding his amusement, Týr sighed loudly as if put out. “C’mon, Fluff, let’s get you home.”
She pivoted so fast, fingers fisting as if she wanted to punch him. “Call me that again, and I swear, I’ll—” She broke off, her expression tightening as softer footsteps echoed. Lila Smith, their Oracle and the she-devil’s grandmother, rounded the staircase a moment later.
Hedori nodded to them and departed.
“Thank goodness you’re still here, Kira dear,” Lila breathed. “Would you— Oh, hello, Warrior,” she greeted him softly with a regal incline of her gray-haired head.
Lila usually treated the Guardians injured by those annoying demon bolts with her miracle potions and salves since they couldn’t self-heal that crap fast enough. More annoying, those open wounds acted like a damn tracking device for the hellscums.
“Oracle,” he returned politely.
“Kira…” Lila glanced back at his nemesis. “I have to go to Seattle for a few days. The coven has a problem and needs my help. It would ease my mind if you stayed here at the castle until my return.”
“Gran, I don’t know why you worry so much,” appearing all tranquil and sunshiny, as if she wasn’t about to eradicate him just moments ago. “It’s not the first time I’ve been alone. Besides, I have to go to work. I’ll be okay, really.”
Týr could sense the Oracle’s growing anxiety, though her expression remained serene. It could only mean that whatever had gotten her so worked up was serious. Michael should talk to her. Better if the Guardians knew what trouble was stirring.
Lila glanced at him. “Warrior? Would you—?”
“Gran, no!”
Her horrified yell had Týr narrowing his eyes. He’d be the first to admit that he wasn’t fit company for females to be around for any length of time, but she and the Oracle were under Michael’s protection, and by default, the Guardians’, too.
And he took his damn job seriously.
“It would be my absolute pleasure,” he overrode Kira’s protest with as much sincerity as he could dredge up.
At her death glare, he bit back a grin. If it were anyone else, they would undoubtedly be seeking cover by now.
But his own perverse nature when it came to her wouldn’t let him back down. He merely quirked an eyebrow, enjoying her flush of frustration, and sent a quick telepathic message to Aethan.Babysit Ely tonight. Have to do a favor for the Oracle.
Would that have anything to do with a certain bridesmaid who wants to leave immediately?the Empyrean shot back, laughter echoing through their mental connection.
Damn smug bastard. As if he needed another funny-man around. Týr shut off their mind-link with a hard slam.
“Are you leaving also?” Týr asked the Oracle, suspending his silent stand-off with Kira.
“Yes, if you wouldn’t mind, Warrior.”
