Nate went motionless, then he slowly set his mug down. “He’s going to regret ever crossing me,” he said in a tone so cold, Ely knew without a doubt Nate’s reprisal would be as brutal as when he killed his opponents in those hellish death fights.
“I think Azgor already had the honor. Pangur killed his son.”
“What?” He stared at her, gripping the edge of the counter.“Derrodus?”
“Aye.”
A furious growl rumbled free, sparks of red flickering in his bright eyes. “Of course! That fucking bounty on you wasn’t at Derrodus’ order, but Pangur’s!” He stormed the length of the galley kitchen like a barely leashed gale force. “What the fuck did he want so badly that he would—” He stopped dead. “Me! He fucking wantedme!” He spun back, jaw clenched.
Much as she wanted to comfort him, Ely understood his anger and helplessness at being denied revenge. “Pangur believed he should have had the kind of power you did.”
He blinked. “What?”
“He wanted the wraconis symbiont so others would fear him like they did with you…” then she told him about Aba burning the symbiont, Pangur’s retaliation, tearing off Nate’s remaining wing, and about the ensuing fight. “He escaped while Aba spoke with Azgor. But Azgor’s guards must have found him by now.”
Nate thumped his fists on the counter, jaw clenched so hard, it hollowed out his cheeks.
“Nate?” She reached across the granite surface to grasp his hand. “He’s gone. It’s over.”
He looked up, those fiery topaz eyes blazing like the sun. “He deliberately put you in danger, Ely. Who knows how many more are still hunting you for the supposed riches?”
“But when they learn he’s dead and no one will pay the fees, the bounty will be forgotten.”
“Ely, being dead means nothing! This is the Dark Realm we’re talking about. It’s all about powerplay, conquering the unconquerable by any means. They’ll fucking come after you just to sell you to the highest bidder!”
His fear for her made her get off the bar stool and round the counter to him. “Nate.” She hugged him from behind, pressed her face to his back, and caressed his abs. “I think I’ve proven I can take care of myself.”
He pivoted and drew her to him, holding on so tight, she could barely breathe.
“You are my heart, Ely. I cannot bear the thought of those twisted fucks after you—” he buried his face in her neck. His chest rose as he inhaled a deep breath.
Heck, what did it matter if she could breathe when it gave him comfort? Besides, she loved being in his arms. She caressed his spine, and the symbionts pulsed lightly beneath her fingertips.
“After enduring a life of constant torment, never knowing what it felt like to experience happiness, you appeared like a glimmer in that darkness, drawing me out of my tortured existence. Now that I have you, I cannot bear the thought of even a scratch on you.”
“I’ll be fine, my love,” she murmured, pressing her lips to his scruffy cheek, then met his dark stare. “Remember,Icannot die.”
“That doesn’t convince me. All immortals can if the right weapons are used.”
“I know…” And since he was her soul’s other half, she revealed the Guardians’ truth. “But notme, Nate. Not forever, if it does happen. I’m a Guardian, and…and our goddess watches over us.”
Like a switch flipped, understanding dawned in his gorgeous eyes. “She resurrects you? Like with Nik?”
“Aye.”
After a second, he shrugged. “No matter, you are still mine to watch over. I don’t want you harmed in any way.”
Oh, man.Nate was a tough one, but she let it be. She understood his fear. Not so long ago, she’d been there, too.
Several moments passed, then his tense body finally relaxed. Heck, she’d take it. “Hey, you could become a Guardian?”
“Yeah, no. I like what I do.”
“Fixing cars?”
“Yes.” He swept her up into his arms, striding for the bedroom.
“Wait, wait!” She clung to his neck. “What are you doing? Nate, we’re supposed to leave for the castle—”
