“Hell.” Michael rubbed his temple. “In this world today, with the technology humans have come up with, they’re even locating ghosts. It’s simply a matter of time before someone squeals about sighting ones like us. We can’t have that. I hope you took care of it?”
“Tagg saw to it,” Aethan said. “And I scrubbed whoever’s memory I had to.”
“Good. But this isn’t the end. The gang leader was only a small screw in a vast damn circle and a realm-wide problem. Anything else?”
“Yeah,” Nik said, his warm breath coasting along Shadow’s nape, but she felt the tension in him. “Encountered several demons earlier tonight, direct from the Dark Realm judging by the strong stench of sulfur—”
“Why the hell didn’t you call us?” Blaéz demanded, frowning.
“I could handle the demons. Killed the lot but realized too late they didn’t come alone. The hellhound that followed us to Romania appeared.”
“What?” Kira gasped, hazel eyes flashing to Shadow. “And you didn’t say a word?”
“I would have.” She scrunched her face. “But I guess I’m still processing and trying to get over my shock.”
“We need to find the damn thing and kill it before it causes chaos,” Týr pushed up from his chair.
“No, no, wait!” Shadow flashed out her hands as if she could stop him. “It didn’t hurt us—”
“But it hadyoupinned to the ground,” Nik growled.
Of course, Nik didn’t want her anywhere near the hound. Only a fool would let their guard down. “I know,” she said, stepping away from him. “But then it licked my face.”
The silence that swept through the kitchen made Shadow feel as if she’d stepped into a void.
“What do you mean?” Nik demanded, fingers clenching as if to stop from grabbing her and leaving. Probably to lock her up some place safe.
She just shook her head as she continued. “When a demon slammed me to the ground with a bolt of power, the hound attacked him and tore him apart. It protected me. But when Nik faced it with his sword, it vanished.”
Everyone quieted. All eyes nailed on her like lasers.
Man, she didn’t like being the center of attention. But since Nik didn’t say anything about her feeding from the hound, she remained silent, too.
“The presence of a hellhound means we’re dealing with higher-level or old demon,” Blaéz said contemplatively. “They can command the creatures, but this one didn’t follow his master’s orders…”
“Great,” Michael muttered, rubbing his scruffy jaw. “We not only have women and children being abducted and Narakas on the hunt for whatever, and now one of their deadlier hellhounds attaches itself to Shadow. Am I missing anything?”
“Nope.” Týr grinned, dropping back in his chair. “But this sure beats hunting demoniis nightly.”
Michael straightened. “Just deal with this. I have to take two young psionics to the Celestial Realm.”
Echo gasped. “You found more of them?”
“Yes, and they are orphans. Too young and far too powerful to remain in this world.”
Psionics? Shadow had no idea what they were talking about, her mind still on the hellhound. She understood the creature was dangerous, but it let her touch it and feed, and she really didn’t want it dead.
I saw you with him.At the eerie voice in her mind, Shadow froze. What the hell?What you have belongs to me.Youbelong to me.
Tolvi?
A sinister growl rebounded inside her skull.You still carry my mark.
“Excuse me, I need a little air.” Her heart thudding, she scurried outside onto the herb-scented terrace and past the trellis, rubbing her temples, trying to claw out the ominous sensation lingering in her head. Anger tore through her. The damn jerk—
A strong gust of wind swept past her, startling her. Trees rustled. The gales grew, tugging at her hair. Leaves and debris flew about, and a garden bench lifted.
“Shadow!” Nik dragged her close, his gaze swiveling from the shaking trees up to the garden seat hovering midair. “What is it?” he demanded.
