* * * *
NYMON HAD COMPLETEcontrol over his magic and the plants in his home.When he used his magic, he could always feel something coming from the plants, but it had never been as strong as it was right now.He’d certainly never felt them being eager to do what he wanted.
They were today.
He heard the man on his porch curse and try the handle again, but the door wouldn’t budge.It couldn’t, not with the vines now covering it.
“Nymon!The elders are waiting.Don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be.”
Nymon pushed more of his magic into the plants.Thorns grew on the vines, sharp enough to hurt if the man managed to get in.Nymon didn’t see how he could, though.Behind him, he heard Tex move closer, his mate’s protective instincts radiating through their bond.Tex wouldn’t let anyone hurt Nymon.
“He’s not alone,” Kael whispered from the window.He looked terrified.“At least four that I can see.”
Nymon’s stomach dropped.This wasn’t just about questioning him—it was an ambush.The elders must have known about Tex and his friends.There was no way they’d have sent so many people just to ask Nymon to come talk to them.
“Nymon, can you seal the other entrances?”Tex asked.He pressed a warm hand against the small of Nymon’s back, and Nymon leaned into his touch.
“Yes.”He closed his eyes, reaching out with his magic to feel the plants throughout his home.They were everywhere, from the kitchen window to a table next to the back door, to the window in his bedroom, and he connected with all of them to urge them to grow.Vines, branches, and leaves reached out from the pots he kept on every sill, weaving together into barriers that would make it impossible for the people outside to get in.
It was a lot more magic than he usually used, but he gritted his teeth and pushed harder.He could do this.
He didn’t have a choice.
“Impressive,” Ridge muttered, watching as ivy crawled across the back door.He didn’t look for long, though.His attention kept drifting toward Kael, and his expression was odd, although that could be because of the situation they were in.
“This will hold for a while,” Nymon said.“But not forever.They’ll break through eventually, especially if they have anyone with stronger magic.”
“Then we’ll use the time we have.We can take out the ones outside quickly and quietly.They won’t have the time to warn whoever sent them.”
“And if theyarefollowing the elders’ orders?”Kael’s voice was shaky.“These could be people we know, Nymon.People from the community.”
Nymon met his best friend’s eyes.He understood why Kael was distraught, but there was only one way out of this mess.“I know.But they might be working with that network of demons, Kael.Even if they don’t realize it.We can’t let them stop us from ending this.Besides, what do you think they’ll do if I go to them?They obviously know about Tex, and I’m not giving him up.”
Kael swallowed hard but nodded.
“All right,” Seymour declared.“Orlando, you and I will take the front.Tex, you handle the back—”
“I should stay with Nymon,” Tex argued.
“No.”Nymon turned to face him.“You need to stop these people, and I need to maintain the barriers to keep myself and Kael safe until we know more.I can do this, Tex.”
“If something happens—” Tex started, but Nymon wouldn’t let him continue.
“It won’t.”Nymon turned to cup Tex’s cheek, forcing him to meet his eyes.“I’m stronger than you think, and I have Kael here with me.”
Kael made a small sound of protest, clearly not thrilled about being volunteered as protection, but he didn’t contradict Nymon.He couldn’t.It was either that or surrendering, and they didn’t know if the guys out there really had been sent by the elders or if the elders worked with the network of demons selling their magic.
“I don’t like this,” Tex said.
“I know.”Nymon pulled him down for a quick kiss.“But you have to trust me.Besides, you were going to sneak out anyway.”
“Not while you were in danger.I don’t want to leave you and Kael alone.”
“I could stay.”
Everyone turned to look at Ridge, who was still watching Kael.He quickly looked away from him when Kael looked at him.“I mean, someone should stay with them in case Nymon needs help or something.I’ll stay.”
Seymour frowned.“Ridge, we might need—”
