Page 11 of Azrael

“You used past tense when saying she’s from the Middle East.Does that mean she’s gone?”she asked.

I nodded.“Cancer.”

She pushed her mug aside, and I noticed she hadn’t taken so much as a sip.At least it had warmed her hands.If she was going to stay here, I’d have to find out what she liked.I was a fairly simple man.I kept coffee on hand, occasionally grabbed a soda, but otherwise I drank water.

“You should get cleaned up, then get some rest.”I stood up.“We can talk more in the morning.The club will want to hear your story.”

She stood as well, swaying slightly before steadying herself on the back of the chair.“I need to know if you’re going to help me or not.”

I looked at her -- this small, fierce woman with her stitched-up arm and determined eyes.She’d tracked me down, survived an attack, and was still standing, still fighting for her mother.How could I turn her away?

“We’ll help you,” I said finally.At least, I hoped the club would agree.If not, I’d do what I could on my own.“But understand something -- once you’re in, you’re in.There’s no backing out halfway through.Think you can live with yourself if I have to spill blood in my pursuit of bringing your mom back?”

Zara lifted her chin, a flash of pride in her expression.“I’m not the backing out type.And whoever took my mom would have done it against her will.As far as I’m concerned, they deserve to die.”

I liked this woman.More than I should.“I’ll lend you something to sleep in.I’m assuming you have clothes stashed somewhere?”

“Yeah.Motel across town.”She sighed.“And thank you.For the rescue, the medical care, listening to me.All of it.”

I shrugged, uncomfortable again with her gratitude.“Get some sleep, Zara.Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

“Shower, then sleep.You were right.I do want to get cleaned up.I feel grimy after being in that alley.”

“Bathroom is across from the spare bedroom.It’s the only one in the house, so if the door is closed, it’s occupied.Towels are under the sink.There’s a spare toothbrush in the drawer.”

“I never asked your name,” she said softly.“Just know you as Azrael.”

“It’s better if you don’t know it.Around here, I go by my road name.That’s all you need for now.”

Something like understanding flickered in her eyes.“Fair enough, Azrael, Angel of Death.”

She disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.I fetched a shirt and pair of boxers, then knocked on the door.She cracked it open, the shower already running.I passed them to her, then went to the kitchen, wondering what the hell I’d gotten myself into.Bringing a stranger into the compound was risky enough, but getting involved in her personal issues was another level of complication.The club would have questions, and I didn’t have all the answers.

But there was something about Zara Colton -- her determination, her courage, the fire that burned behind those blue eyes -- that told me she was worth the risk.And if her mom had been trafficked, maybe it would tie into the Devil’s Minions somehow.I knew the club wouldn’t turn her away then.

I settled on the couch, my gun within easy reach, and listened to the quiet sounds of the house.The water in the bathroom shut off, and a few minutes later, I heard the door open and she quietly padded to the bedroom.

She was safe for now, under my protection and that of the club.Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for tonight, at least, the demons had been kept at bay.

For both of us.

Although, I had a feeling Charming would have a few choice words for me.I hadn’t exactly asked for permission to bring her here or informed him yet.It actually surprised me he hadn’t called or dropped by.Between the Prospect at the gate who’d seen me come here with Zara, and Doc stopping by to treat her, someone should have ratted me out by now.Either they hadn’t, or Charming was giving me time to come clean.

“No time like the present,” I muttered.I pulled my phone from my pocket and shot off a text to him.If the kids were asleep, no fucking way I was waking them up with a call this time of night.

Saved a woman from getting gang-raped.She’s at my house for tonight.

It only took a few minutes for him to respond.Seems like you’re leaving a few things out.

Shit.Looked like he’d already spoken with Doc.I called Charming’s phone, hoping his eleven-year-old twins, Misha and Alek, weren’t going to wake up.Those boys would give their dad hell, which meant his wife, Dakota, would be pissed as well.

He picked up before it even finished ringing once.

“Any reason you waited until now to tell me about your houseguest?”he asked, not even bothering with a simple hello.

“She just went to bed.Not mine, just so we’re clear.Her name is Zara.”

“Not what I asked.”

---