Page 170 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Draven sighs, his expression telling us he’d rather keep whatever information he was about to share to himself.

“There’s a reason supes that lean towards the darkness choose to settle on Staten Island. There’s dark power here that needs to be watched. Sometimes demons from the deeper levels get through, and we make sure to get to them before they move on and cause havoc on this plane. But something far darker has been awoken, and with it, demons from its depths. A few have shown up here and already caused a lot of damage.”

I share a look with the others. “Our brothers have already met one of these… demons.”

Draven sighs, nodding. “I thought as much. But I had hoped we would have more time to contain it here first.”

“Why do you think we can help? Surely an island full of demons and warlocks can take on a few creatures. Luka and Jax dealt with it easily enough,” Axel says, probably wondering if Draven has an ulterior motive.

“You and your mate are not like the rest of us,” he declares, as if it’s a statement we all should know.

Axel narrows his eyes on him. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You’ve become stronger since you’ve bonded, no?” Draven looks from Axel to Rion, and then his gaze lands on me. He raises a brow. “You were powerful before, but now…” He shakes his head. “Now, you might as well be unstoppable. We can fight them, but with your help, we can send them back and close whatever portal they’ve come from.”

There’s something he’s not telling us, but it’s a problem we’ll deal with later. Right now, I want Kiarra in my arms and home with my family.

I share a look with Axel and Rion before turning to Draven. “Fine, you help us find our mate, and we’ll help you with the demon problem.”

Draven nods, releasing a harsh breath. He’s more worried about the old demons than he’s letting on.

“When can you start searching for our mate?” It needs to be his priority if he wants our help.

“As soon as you get Jazmyn here.”

“Consider it done, but remember your vow.” We’ll contact the guys and should be able to have her here within the hour.

“You have my word. She will not be harmed and can leave once we find Kane.”

Draven gets up to leave. “I’ve arranged private rooms for you. They should be ready if you’d like to make your own arrangements.”

I turn to the guys and head out.

“Do you think he’ll follow through?” Axel asks.

“Yes. I think he’ll have no reason to go back on his words, but I do feel he’s keeping something from us,” Rion says.

“You picked up on that too?” I didn’t miss the way he acted when he mentioned us bonding to Kiarra and how he already knew about our stronger abilities.

Rion nods, “He knows something about our bond with Kiarra, but he doesn’t trust us.”

“Goes both ways. I don’t trust anyone here.” Axel seethes, staring at a warlock, who stares back with a look of disgust on his face.

“It could be something important. We should press him on it.Makehim tell us,” Axel says.

“Afterwe get Kiarra back. Once she’s back with us, we can figure the rest out,” I tell them both.

Axel and Rion nod in agreement.

Once we’re inside the apartment, we check around for any concealed spells or traps. Finding everything clear, we get settled and reach into the link to contact Luka and Jax.

The small thread of hope grows. It feels like it could work this time.

Just hold on a little longer, Kiarra. We’re coming…

CHAPTER 8

LUKA

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