Once Kira entered the safety of the Peacock Lounge, Týr dematerialized to an alley deep in the rundown area of the Bronx. As he took form, a familiar sensation coasted over him. Elytani and Aethan approached from down the alley.
Shit, he still hadn’t done his babysitting stint with their newest Guardian yet.
The others and I will take turns keeping an eye on Ely,Aethan mind-linked with him as if sensing his thoughts.You do what you have to.
With the Empyrean witnessing his massive meltdown earlier, yeah, well, time to take back the reins and validate that he wasn’t a walking ad bordering on psychosis. Okay, except for when it came to his difficult female. She drove him a little crazy, but he wouldn’t rest until he claimed her body and soul.No, I’m good. I’ll take over now.
Aethan pulled out his vibrating cell from his pocket and smiled at the name. “Give me a minute, I’ll catch up.”
Elytani remained silent beside Týr as they walked deeper into the backstreet. Michael must have lost a few screws, signing on this female as a Guardian. Sure, she could fight. He’d trained with her. But she appeared too fragile for this cold-blooded job.
“I know that look.” Ely gave him a little smile. “I can kick effen demon ass just as well as you males.”
Týr cocked a brow. Man, even her cussing was polite. “Kickeffendemon ass?”
She shrugged. “Yes. Aethan uses those types of words a lot, and a few other colorful ones when eliminating the scourges.”
Snorting, Týr filled her in about Tomas and what had happened. “Underground or cordoned-off buildings are our best bet.”
Ely nodded then halted, going utterly still. “We have trouble.”
Týr frowned, instantly scanning. In these alleys, there was always the residue of sulfur. Then, the malevolent abrasion of evil prickled his skin. No, shit. Ely was right. Dammit, she’d already taken off. He needed to get his damn mind back in the game.
Týr flashed after her then slowed down. Three lumbering figures stalked two vagrants trudging to wherever they took shelter, their shoulders hunched against the cold, unaware of the danger trailing them.
About to take them out, Aethan appeared at his side.Don’t, the Empyrean mind-linked with him.Watch. He pulled Týr into the shadows of a looming building.
The demoniis turned, eyes a neon crimson. Sniffed. They came at Ely hard, guttural growls issuing from deep within their throats. Lust rolling off them.
Assholes might need new souls to survive, but their dicks worked just fine. They lunged for Ely like bullets. She hit the wall and fell, her groan abruptly cut off.
Týr moved, ready to kill the fuckers, but Aethan grabbed his arm, stopping him again. As fast as they’d jumped her, the demoniis stumbled back.
Ely pushed to her feet, sporting a red bruise on her cheek and jaw. She spun around, and with her booted foot, she slammed one in the chest, sending him reeling away. A swirl of grayish fog appeared, and a meter-long, black rod took form in Ely’s hand.
What the—?Hell, Týr had never thought to ask her what weapon she’d been gifted by the ancient goddess, Gaia. Obviously, not a sword.
Twirling the staff in a figure eight like a pro, she flipped her weapon into the air. The other, braver asshole, who probably thought her an easy target with a puny stick, drew closer and grinned. “Put away your twig, little girl.”
Ely leaped into the air, grabbed her falling weapon, and landed like a cat in a crouch on the asphalt. She sprang up as the demonii charged her. A swish sounded, her rod snaking again, and she wheeled around, knocking the demoniis in opposite directions with her spinning weapon with the blade-like ends. Guttural shrieks eroded the quiet night air as they crashed into building walls.
“Everything okay with you?” Aethan asked as they kept an eye on Ely getting more hands-on training, fighting the real deal.
“Yeah.”
“Kira?”
“We’re good.”
Týr frowned, his attention split between the fight and the feeling that they were being watched. An indiscernible shadowy shape snuck away from the wall some distance away.
“Got another one.” Týr took off, almost crashing into the homeless humans. He dove for the bastard but collided into the dumpsters instead, sending debris and filth scattering into the sludgy snow. Laughter ricocheted off the dingy walls.I’ve waited a long time for a rematch and ripping you apart.
Týr froze.
Sinister laughter echoed in the night air.Soon… The shadow disappeared.
Bile churned his stomach and tracked up his throat. Týr stood there, ensnared by a past he could never forget. Somehow, the reality had found him. His sadistic demon jailer was here…
