“So, you met my twin? I’m Echo. And you must be Ash. Aethan did mention that Race had met his match—I mean mate.”
Twins?
Race’s amusement flickered through their bond, and she bit her lip to prevent a snarky retort.
“Yeah, I am quite interesting,” he drawled as they headed down the stone steps. “Seems I’m the talk of castle-town these days.”
Echo laughed, and Ash couldn’t stop her own grin, either. She didn’t realize just how much she missed this droll side of him.
“Can’t blame them,” Aethan said, amusement threading his voice. “You never liked a roof over your head. Just glad Ash civilized you somewhat.”
Race snorted, the sound partway between a laugh and a growl.
“Listen, man.” Aethan’s tone turned serious. “I mean it, if you need help with this situation back in Lemuria, let us know.”
The humor faded from Race’s face, replaced by something unyielding. “I appreciate the offer. But this is one fight I have to handle on my own?—”
“Not on your own.” Ash pressed closer to him, her fingers finding his and squeezing tight. “I will be there with you, and the Resistance, too. We’ll take down that bloody usurper once and for all?—”
Power swept through the castle, causing the air to crackle, and Ash stiffened.
Aethan snorted. “The Arc’s back.”
“He means Michael,” Race muttered, but his grip on hers tightened fractionally. “Guess he brings news from Gaia.”
Ash swallowed, her stomach knotting. Whatever came next, they would face it together. But right now, explaining to her parents that she was ‘dating’ an immortal warrior who served Earth’s goddess—that, somehow, felt like the harder challenge.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Race skirtedaround the other warriors gathered in the minuscule study and propped a shoulder against the jamb. While the others updated Michael on more missing kids, Race’s thoughts shifted to Lemuria’s children, forced to work in those cursed mines.
Same fucking shit everywhere.
He shoved the dark rage deep into his gut, shutting everything out for now so he could focus on what mattered before leaving for his old world, mainly making sure Ash could protect herself.
Just the thought of her, and his mind instinctively tracked her as she headed off with Echo toward the kitchen. A surge of emotion for her flooded through him, and he rubbed his chest.
He lifted his gaze to meet Aethan’s amused one.
We’ve all been there,Aethan mind-linked with him, one of Gaia’s gifts he abhorred.So, I get the disbelief—the feeling it’s all a dream.
Race gave a slight nod in response.
“I want you all spread across the states with the most activities,” Michael said, listing their assignments. “Dagan’s handling Romania. I have my fallen angels on alert in other partsof the world. Something’s stirring in the Dark Realm. We must find out what the hell it is.”
“I imagine some demon lord has a fly stuck up his arse,” Blaéz muttered.
Nik snorted.
“Yo, dragon, you trolling the streets with us tonight?” Týr asked. “I’m out in New Orleans. Those cursed demons are expanding their trafficking ring, and worse, humans are helping them in this sacrilege.”
“I’ll join you a little later.” Race met Michael’s steady gaze and waited for Gaia’s verdict.
“Later, then.” Týr walked out, the others following.
Blaéz turned to him, his electric-blue eyes twinkling. “So, all’s good with you and your female?”
