Nik reformed in the shadowy lane between two storage holdings in Brooklyn. The smell of sea hung heavy, and the gulls were creating a riot with their raucous cawing under the bright moonlight.
Nik surveyed the arched entrance of the warehouse a short distance from them. The dense stench of sulfur in the air almost singed Nik’s nose. Demons direct from the Dark Realm.
“Stay here,” he told Laex.
“No.” His lean features hardened. “Joyce will be terrified. She knows me.”
Damn idiot. But Nik understood, too, the need to protect his female. “Don’t get in my way.”
He cast Nik a wary look and nodded.
Despite the gloom, Nik could easily make out the demons guarding the place in their humanoid forms. He could probably do this on his own, just kill all the bastards in a hail of ice lances, but they needed one for questioning. Better if he had back up.
He mind-linked with Dagan.We have a lead on the missing females.He gave the address. A moment later, the air shimmered next to him as Dagan, Ely, and Aethan took form.
“I’ve scanned the place, can’t pick up any of the captives, but definitely more guards inside, along with these four demons monitoring outside.”
“Joyce is there,” Laex added, his stare glued to the building opposite. “I sense her.”
Aethan arched an eyebrow at Nik, then said, “Ely and I will tackle the ones out here. Give us a second.” They dematerialized and reformed in front of the two at the entrance. Swords flashed, skewering the scourges.
The pair vanished around the building.
Grunts reached Nik, then Aethan telepathed,You’re good to go. No wards protecting the place. We’re gonna do a recon of the area.
He and Dagan sprinted across to the buildings. Nik kicked in the bolted wooden door, crashing it against the wall and leaving it hanging by its hinges.
“Not so fast—” Dagan flung out his hands, immobilizing the demons and humans minions with his telekinesis.
Nik flashed downstairs to the basement.
More demons. Hissing hellbolts flew at him like deadly arrows. Nik ducked and countered with several ice lances, nailing a few, careful not to harm the victims. Cries of terror escaped the several women trapped in one cage and the kids in another. Damn, a major memory swipe would have to be done on them.
Nik evaded another hellfire bolt zinging toward him. He grabbed the demon, kneeing him in the balls. “Who sent you to this world to steal the women and children?”
The demon doubled over, dark eyes sparking in rage. Mouth opened, garbles escaping.
At his lack of answer, Nik kneed him in the belly. The demon stumbled and fell. He shot up, and Nik flung out a hand, instantly freezing him.
“Joyce—” Laex yelled, weaving between the fighters. He yanked at the cage gate, but it held tight. Nik flashed over and touched the lock, letting his powers free, he froze the thing. The women cowered in the corner, whimpering in terror.
“I’m not gonna hurt you,” Nik said, forcing the rage out of his tone, “but you all need to stay back.” Then he kicked the lock, and it shattered, pieces raining to the cement floor.
“Laex?” A small, dark-haired woman scrambled to her knees, eyes gleaming with tears.
“Yes, it’s me.” He drew her close, but she pulled away. “My baby.” She pointed to the other cage with three crying children.
Dagan had already unlocked the kid’s cage, ushering them out.
Joyce grabbed her the little boy and picked him up, tears flowing down her dusky face.
The other females clambered to their feet but huddled together, their acrid scent of fear twisting Nik’s gut. Ely took form. The women and kids stared at her, no doubt wondering if she truly was an angel.
“You’re all safe,” Ely said softly. “Come, let’s get out of here.” She ushered them upstairs.
“Kept one alive.” Aethan dragged a stocky demon downstairs and shoved him forward. He stumbled and hissed.
“Who ordered the capture of humans?” Nik snapped.
