Page 109 of Angel Of Darkness

“That will really suck, won’t it? You fell to save her, and those bastards up there still take her from you.” Sam’s voice thickened. “It’s about time someone showed those assholes that they aren’t the only game in town. About time they realized even precious angels can suffer.”

Keenan swallowed his rage. Control. “Take me to his men.”

“You’ll owe me if I do,” Sam said, his eyes watchful.

“Take. Me. To. Them.”

“Then I guess we have a deal.” Sam held out his hand. “I was coming out here to say I’d have your back, that you could count on me.” He still sounded so sincere, but Sam’s eyes showed no emotion. “I never expected to find this.”

Keenan couldn’t believe him.

Sam’s offered hand didn’t drop. “Do we have a deal? I’ll help you, and when the time comes, you help me.”

Help you do what? Did it matter? He grabbed Sam’s hand. “Deal.”

The scent of brimstone teased his nose.

“Then let’s go find those hunters.” Sam’s smile was evil. “And make them beg to tell us everything they know.”

Keenan nodded and finally realized just how far he had fallen.

Because the brimstone scent wasn’t coming from Sam.

It’s coming from me.

Chapter Fourteen

She wasn’t dead. Why wasn’t she dead? Nicole sat up, but didn’t rise far. Her arms were chained to the floor. Thick, dark metal chains secured her.

Where was she? The last thing she remembered…Carlos had been?—

Carlos.

He wasn’t a human. Wasn’t just prey. He was a shifter.

Which brought back the question—why was she still alive?

And not just alive. She tested those chains again. When she stretched her arms, she didn’t feel the lash of pain. She was weak, yes, but the blisters were gone, and the wounds in her shoulder and side were healed. Night had fallen, she could tell that instinctively, but the darkness wouldn’t have healed her. She would have needed blood.

Blood she hadn’t gotten.

A metal door groaned open and a musky scent teased her nose. “Awake, are you?” Carlos shuffled inside, then came to a quick stop.

It was dark in there, but her vamp senses were enhanced so that she could see him perfectly, and she saw the surprise that flashed across Carlos’s face.

He didn’t expect me to be healed, either.

So she’d definitely not been given any blood. But she felt great. Why?

Keenan. The answer whispered through her mind. His blood was different, and it was starting to make her stronger.

“How the hell did you do that?” He sprang at her. His hands slid down her arms. His claws scratched her skin. “You were barely alive. How did you?—”

She lunged for his neck.

He swore and dove back.

“Careful there, shifter,” she taunted, “get close enough again, and I’ll rip your throat open.” And, oh, but she wished she had her silver bullets handy. But, no, that gun she’d taken from the feeding room was back at Keenan’s. She hadn’t thought she’d need silver in order to fight off humans.