The way she said theohhhhad Nate’s eyes narrowing at her. “What’s theohfor, Ely?”
“Marex hurt our lady Elytani a while ago,” Toren explained.
Ely grimaced.
And Nate knew. It was the bastard who put the scar on her side. “Where is he?”
“He’s no longer here,” Ely said quickly, grasping his forearm. “Toren, this is my mate, Nate.”
The male gave him a half bow, but Nate didn’t let his guard down, not when it came to Ely. Hands fisted, he waited.
“Her former, personal guard was hiding in this world,” he told Nate. “We finally tracked him here. He’s no longer a threat. Lord Araton awaits his return.”
“Mypateri?” she asked, seeming startled.
“Aye,” Toren murmured. “Your sire has long since called off the search for you. He did send a message for you, however. He and yourmateriwish you well with your new life and ask that you visit them if you can.”
Ely’s eyes widened in shock. “They did?”
Toren inclined his head. “That, and the archangel, Michael, paid your sire a visit some time ago. Something about you being a Guardian of this world.”
“Ohhh…” She blinked. “And mymaterididn’t throw a fit?”
The male’s stoic features finally cracked, and his eyes lit with amusement. “No, she didn’t.”
“Well, now.” Ely smiled. “No wonder I had no one on my back this time around.”
“I will notify your parents of your mated status.”
“Oh, and inform them I’ve met mydestinedmate.” Her soft gaze met Nate’s, and his ire faded. “His name’s Nate.”
“Congratulations, my lady, my lord.” Nate lifted an eyebrow at the address. “Farewell,” Toren said, then he and the two silent enforcers gave them a half bow and dematerialized.
“That was somewhat entertaining,” someone said from behind them. “Thought for sure there’d be bloodshed as usual.”
Nate glanced back and found Aethan, Nik, and Dagan standing near the boathouse. Blaéz, Týr, and an angel with fiery-hued wings were up on the deck.
Blaéz leaped down onto the pier and joined them. “We sensed something was off and came out here to check, but you appeared to have it all under control.” His blue eyes twinkled. “So, they’re from your realm, Ely?”
“Yes.” She sighed, then said, “Unrequited lust is a pain in the ass.”
Blaéz grinned. “Better that than murder on the mind.”
“I suppose.” Her attention shifted back to Nate.
“I would have killed the idiot who hurt you had I been a moment earlier,” he said straight-up.
“Have to say never a dull moment here whenever a new couple takes up residence,” Nik drawled. “You’ll get past it. Trust me.”
“Agreed,” Aethan added.
Ely smiled at her Guardian brothers. “Yes, I recall those incidents.”
“Indeed.” Blaéz nodded. “In some form or another.”
Nate frowned, then telepathed Ely,Did they all have to fight off other males after their mates?
Not exactly,Ely responded.More like law-keepers and such. I’ll tell you about it later.
