“Why can’t you be more like her?” Lore asked Týr.
More laughter and some ribbing at Týr followed. The warrior merely snorted.
“Nia, coming?” Ely called out.
“Yes.” She glanced at Lore. “I’ll see you when you’re done here with your fellow Guardians.” With a smile, she joined Ely, and they both left.
Lore had to fight the urge to call her back. They’d barely had any time together.
“Welcome to the dark side,” Blaéz said, dragging his attention away from the shut door.
He took in the warriors, his new brethren in arms. Already, he could sense the difference now that he was a part of the innercircle—a friendlier vibe, but still with the ribbing. He doubted they knew any other way to converse.
“And what a way to awaken,” Lore said.
“Loads of blood, guts, and gore,” Nik drawled. “Barely a dull day.”
True, but… “I meant with my mate next to me.”
The warriors chuckled.
It seemed he wasn’t any better than them with his dry retorts. “She is everything to me.”
“No one can fault you there,” Blaéz murmured.
“So, how did that happen?” Nik asked, leaning against the baby grand. “I know you fell from grace. How did you end up being a Guardian? Most Fallen don’t.”
“My fall didn’t go as planned.” Lore scratched his jaw, frowning at the stubble there. “The seraph wanted me dead for breaking a sacred law. He put a death touch on me before I fell. Somehow, I survived the fall, but I was dying…” He told them about Michael summoning Gaia, who gave him a chance at life if he swore his fealty as one of her Guardians.
“Yeah, she did so with us, too.” Nik nodded.
“So, Nate?” Blaéz called out to the male, who leaned against the doorjamb, watching them. “You going to join our ranks anytime soon?”
“Nope, still not interested. The garage is my calling. Of course, if Ely’s in danger, all bets are off.”
“Well, then, since Týr and Aethan are off duty, are you coming on patrol with us for what remains of the night?” Blaéz turned his attention back to Lore.
“I’m still on leave. I’ve never had a day or any time off in my existence. I plan to take it.” He stalked out, and laughter erupted behind him.
“Hell, can’t blame him,” Nik said as the group followed. “I’d do the same.”
“You think Michael will keep the seraphs from attacking again?” Týr asked. “I can’t see those bozos calmly letting things go.”
“Let them,” Lore muttered. “I’ll be waiting.”
Chapter
Thirty-Eight
Nia relaxed near the counter,sipping the energizing drink Hedori had given her, watching the other women set the table. They wouldn’t let her help because of what she’d done in vanquishing the thrones.
“That juice really does build up one’s energy.” Kira flashed her a smile as she laid out the cutlery.
At the aisle counter, Jenna whipped up a salad dressing with gusto. Hedori passed her, careful not to bump into her, and set about prepping a tray of food. Her shoulders sagged as he quietly continued his task.
Seriously? Why didn’t Hedori and Jenna just talk and make up?
When Nia learned they shared the apartment beyond the kitchen, she assumed whatever disagreement they had would blow over, but now she wasn’t so sure. She’d have to ask Kira before she stuck her foot in it.
