Page 84 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

“I know what you mean. Even if Ella says the exact same words, it’ll never come across with the same attitude. It’s like Ella is a golden retriever. Lacy is a guard dog. Dangerous to everyone except the people they love.” Xavier tipped his head to the side. “But I’m not sure I’d stand here much longer.”

“I’m not. Fuck,” he grumbled, tossing the pool cue onto the table and ending the game. “Why in the hell do guys think they can put their hands on women?”

The man Ella spoke to reached out to touch her arm, but Ella sidestepped, avoiding him.

“I commend Ella for her independence, but she’ll have to deal with that joker all night unless you step in.” Xavier grinned. “I have your back if you get in trouble.”

He wouldn’t need the help. “Might as well shut it down early.” Damon flexed his hands and stalked in her direction. Before he arrived, the man held up a roll of cash.

Ella’s offended expression said it all. She shook her head and turned to go back toward the bar.

This time, when the man reached out and grabbed her by the elbow, she couldn’t avoid it because of the crowd behind her. She tried to jerk away, but he didn’t release her.

The man stood as Ella looked toward Damon for help.

Lacy rushed in her direction from the bar, shouting for Ryker.

His friend shot out of the booth across the restaurant, but Damon would make it there first.

When the guy turned his head, Damon’s restraints snapped.

Walker.

Damon quickened his steps. He didn’t ask any questions before nailing Walker across the side of the face with his fist.

Ella squealed, stumbling away and right into Ryker. He grabbed her around her waist, hauling her away. Slater passed them on his way toward the commotion.

With her safe, Damon let all his focus narrow onto Walker.

He stumbled to his feet, holding his head.

“I told you not to touch her again.” Damon hit him again, across the chin.

Blood and maybe a tooth flew from his mouth.

“Shit,” Walker muttered, wiping the blood off his cheek. “You knocked out a tooth!”

“You should have listened the first time I told you she’s mine.”

Walker started backing away, pointing at Damon. “You’ll regret this. There’s a lot of witnesses to have you arrested.”

“And touching her is a death wish for you.” Damon hit him again, twice in the ribs, before nailing him across the face with a left hook.

Walker fell to his knees, spitting blood and another tooth out of his mouth.

Damon grabbed him by the back of the hair, bringing his face up, satisfied with the blood and pain in his eyes. “If you touch her again, I will fucking finish you.”

“And I promise you’ll regret this. She should’ve taken the money.”

“Nobody wants your fucking dirty money.” Damon shoved Walker toward the door as Xavier tugged his arm.

“Get him out of here,” Xavier shouted at Slater. “You get back here and cool the hell off before you scare the shit out of Ella. Damn, brother. Thought you were going to escort him out of the bar, maybe shove him a little.”

Damon headed to the far side of the pool room, a hand on the back of his neck as he stared up at the fluorescent light.

Ella’s safe. Ella’s safe. Ella’s safe.

He chanted it repeatedly, ignoring whatever Xavier rambled on about until his breathing calmed. He glanced over his shoulder. “Never thought anyone would have a strong enough hold on me that merely seeing a man touch her would set me off.”

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