Page 177 of Devoted

Worse,I could’ve taken out the entire unit before even realising.

Now, without the haze of fury clouding my mind, I could see how she’d been baiting me. Sam had spotted it before I had, knowing exactly how to bring me back to him.

Take a lap.

“Up to the boundary,” I barked, unsheathing my sword and letting my power crackle from my other hand. “She said I can’t cross, but like Sam said, she didn’t say anything about the rest of you.”

The twins had snapped their shields over the one I already had over Sam. At my order, seven more clicked into place. The air around him was practically pulsing with power now.

The rest of my unit fell into formation behind my mate and the twins, Micah in the lead.

It went against everything in me to remain where I was. My weapon was drawn, my power ready. It was more of a reminder than anything else.

A reminder to Gloria that my temper could no longer be influenced. That my power, control, and love, were all guided by someone else now. The human who stepped over the boundary, barely a flicker of fear in his veins.

It probably helped us both to know that he had a whole cabal of deadly archangels at his back, but I couldn’t help the pride roaring in my chest.

Sam was defending me. He knew the danger he was walking into, but was doing it regardless.

For me. For us.

“Well?” His challenge rang out as clear as a bell. The monster tugged, but I planted my feet firm. “I’m here.”

Gloria pursed her lips, glaring at me where I stood. If Sam’s life weren’t at risk, it would have almost been funny. She was so transparent as she searched desperately for her next angle of attack. “Very well. Seraphim, lift your shields so I can check whether he truly is bonded.”

Terror clutched at my heart, but it was needless as Micah spoke. “You do not need the shields to be lifted. Every supe here can tell he’s mated.”

There was a cunning gleam in Gloria’s eyes. “Really? I can’t. I’m afraid the combination of your shields is too overwhelming to reveal the truth.”

Nate stepped directly in front of Sam. A heartbeat later, Theo did the same.

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” Nate said, sparks dancing along his hand. “Shields don’t affect that.”

I could feel the power pulsing from the twins all the way back here. All of the Seraphim would protect Sam, but the twins were taking this personally. Almost as personally as I was.

Funny how Sam had been scared of them until recently. I wondered if he knew he now held their loyalty as tightly as he held my heart.

“Let’s see if any other supes can confirm that,” Gloria’s voice rang out, and we all knew we weren’t the ones she was addressing. “Angels, are any of you willing to step forward and confirm that you can see a mating bond on this human?”

The twenty soldiers behind Gloria were stone faced and silent. My lips pulled back in a snarl as I memorised each of their faces. I didn’t know a single one of them.

I wouldn’t forget them now. If I came across any of them after today, I’d remind them of this. Of how they’d refused to speak up to save an innocent human.

Then I’d unleash everything my father had taught me.

Around Sam, I knew the rest of the unit was doing the same as it became evident none of them would speak up. Breann was outright growling as Grace shook her head in dismay.

“What a shame,” Gloria crooned, spreading her hands wide. “Not a single other supe can see through the shields either.”

“Bullshit,” Rami spat. “You have an entireunittelling you we can see the bond. You don’t need any other proof.”

Gloria shrugged. “My faith in your unit’s honesty and integrity was called into question months ago. Unfortunately, I can no longer rely on your word.”

Micah let loose a lethal growl. “You mean when you tried to execute my mate before me? That didn’t end well for you, Gloria. I can assure you this won’t either.”

Battle lines were being drawn. My unit readied themselves, weapons and powers rising to meet the coming challenge.

I had to stay here. I had to.

---