I jerked back. “Why?”
“Angel blood is a precious commodity.”
So they knew what I was? “I’m not an angel.”
“Half angel is still very powerful, especially since your father is an archangel.”
“What for?” I asked.
Cillian smiled. “Nothing that would hurt anyone.”
“That’s a broad statement, with the potential for numerous loopholes.”
“We don’t mean you any harm, Cora,” Liza declared.
I nibbled on the inside of my cheek. “What kind of backing are we talking about?”
“Cora,” Hudson snapped.
Indigo raised her head and peered at the people before us. Each and every one of them recoiled. For a sect that worshiped death, they sure were twitchy around me.
“Let them take it,”Indigo purred.“Lesser beings can’t harness the power within it, no matter what their plans are.”
Good to know. I guess.
Hudson was silent after having heard her statement.
Cillian pressed his lips together and frowned. “In a war, we will fight beside you, with you.”
“You are what, ten people? How is that helpful? What power do you hold?” I asked.
Cillian nodded and rose. “Follow me.”
I glanced at Hudson, and we both strode after their leader through the door. We descended a steep spiral metal staircase, deeper and deeper into the earth. A few others followed behind us.
When the stairs ended, we found ourselves inside a chilly antechamber, lit with fire torches attached to the walls. Now this was more like what I had expected.
He flung open the door, and we followed. Hudson swore, and I froze as at least a thousand pairs of eyes turned to watch us from the hundreds of church pews.
“Give me a vial of your blood, and I’ll give you an army,” Cillian declared.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
At least death has my back.
“What did you do?” Lucifer snarled as he reappeared to collect us. The devil was mad at me, my mate was fuming, and my family was going to curse me—literally. But sacrifices had to be made. Eloise wasn’t pulling her punches. Plus, it was time to allow my monster to lead.
Hudson huffed. “Later. Let’s get home first.”
Lucifer grabbed our arms, and we materialized inside Summer Grove House a moment later, my wards brushing up against me in a familiar caress. I pulled away and swung around to march up to my rooms for a little respite. The disapproving males in my life were weighing my already heavy soul. I needed to breathe. My foot hit the first step, and then muscular arms looped around my waist and picked me up. I growled as Hudson walked with me back to the parlor. Dave, Rebecca, Liz, and Sebastian joined us.
Rebecca raised a brow at Hudson’s manhandling of my body.
“You want me to deal with him?”Indigo asked.
Did I?“Not yet.”
Lucifer jerked a finger in my direction. “Tell me why I smell blood magic.”
