Page 29 of Tall, Dark & Horny

I crossed the bedroom and stalked through the living area, opening the door before he could knock on the hard surface. My mate needed all the rest she could get.

My head of security strode inside. “The wards flared and re-stabilized at the border of the western quadrant. I checked it personally.”

My shoulders tensed. “Was it a breach?”

“Not exactly.” He shifted his stance. “It wasn’t physical. More like a projection. Took the shape of a woman’s voice. Called your mate’s name.”

My jaw clenched. “It tried to lure her.”

“That’s my read. It’s good she was in your quarters. She never heard it. Didn’t get close, but it could’ve been a test run. A lure. Whoever’s coming is curious about her when they should be focused on you.”

I raked my fingers through my hair. “Then we need to be prepared for anything because I refuse to risk my mate’s life.”

A low growl built in my throat, so quiet it barely disturbed the air, but Kastiel stilled anyway. He recognized the edge in my posture. The rage held just beneath the surface.

The assassin had made a fatal error. My mate had been hunted before she even understood what she was. Touched by a force older than blood and bold enough to test my defenses. This wasn’t just disrespect…it was a challenge. One I would answer with hellfire.

Kastiel took a step back in silent acknowledgment, giving me space as I crossed the room.

The faint rustle of sheets in the other room warned me that Calliope was stirring. Her sleepy voice followed a second later. “Adan?”

I turned sharply, instincts snapping taut as I saw her standing in the doorway of the bedroom, wrapped in nothing but my robe. The thin tie was knotted loosely at her waist, and the deep neckline exposed far too much of her soft skin.

My demon surged. No one had the right to see her like this except for me.

Kastiel started to glance in her direction, but I moved before he could. I was across the room in a breath, tugging her gently but firmly back into the bedroom and kicking the door shut behind us.

Her feet were bare against the stone floor, hair tousled from sleep, and cheeks flushed from surprise.

“You okay?” she asked, her voice softening.

“I will be. Once you’re dressed.” I ran my fingers down her bare arm, voice dropping to a murmur. “I’d hate to have to kill one of my most loyal employees. I consider Kastiel to be a friend, but I’m the only one who will ever get to see you fresh from our bed.”

Her lips parted in surprise before curving into a smirk. “I should probably point out that you’re being ridiculous, but your possessiveness was hot.”

I kissed her forehead, letting her feel the restraint in my touch. “We’ll come back to that later. For now, let’s get you dressed.”

Her green eyes searched mine before she nodded. And my world steadied.

Since we’d moved her belongings to my quarters yesterday, it didn’t take long for her to get ready to face our guest.

Calliope stayed close as we re-entered the living room, her gaze sharp now despite the remnants of sleep. Kastiel turned when we stepped inside but kept his gaze on me. He knew better than to look at her.

I inclined my head. “Kastiel, this is Calliope. My mate.”

“It’s an honor.” He bowed slightly, fist pressed over his heart, an old gesture of loyalty among demons.

She blinked at the formal gesture, then flashed him a hesitant smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“She stays with me,” I added, my voice low with authority. “At all times unless I say otherwise.”

Kastiel’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t push. “Understood.”

There was no time to waste. I swept my hand through the air and activated the glyphs that lined my private quarters. They flared violet, then sank into the walls like embers fading into ash. “I want every protective layer around The Abyss reinforced. Lock down the exterior wards first. Then move inward.”

“My team is already working on it. The outer veil’s doubled.” Kastiel’s tone was clipped but steady. “But we’ve got movement on the eastern ridge. One of our regulars noticed as they were leaving and notified Lyra.”

“Notify all our guests. They have one hour to check out or stay at their own risk.”

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