Page 10 of Guardian of Shadows

Anthony scrunched his dark red brows. “I thought you said there weren’t more fae on Earth.”

“There aren’t that I know of, but my sister and the prin... her friend were at one point. It was their portal Grevolus dragged me through from Evyndral.”

“Evyndral is your realm?”

“Yes. It is home to the fae and the dragons.”

“Holy shit. Dragons are real?” Anthony grinned, and Elle wanted to get lost in his stunning smile. “Wait until I tell Tabitha.”

Jealousy clawed at Elle’s skin. Of course, someone like Anthony had a female. “I’m sure she must be missing you. If you’ll get out of my way, I’ll take my leave, then you can go back to your female.”

His smile faded. “Tabitha is my twin, not my female. Please, Elle. You aren’t expected back until Tuesday at the earliest. Give me until then to try and help.” Tony placed his fist against his heart and inclined his head. “I vow on all that’s holy I am your protector from now until the stars fade, Elledan.” Her breath hitched as his promise settled within her. She didn’t know what he was other than not human, but she had witnessed his extraordinary speed. What if he could help her? Wouldn’t trusting him be better than returning to Grevolus and living a life she hated? Her instincts told her she could put her faith in him.

“O-okay. I’ll give you until Tuesday.”

“Yes!” Anthony pumped a fist in the air, his grin returning. Goddess, he was too cute for someone of his size. “Question. If you move to a different hotel, will Grevolus think anything of it? How closely does he pinpoint your location while you’re out of town? He isn’t here with you, is he?”

“No, he isn’t here. In the beginning, he did drive me to each city, but now he stays home since he trusts me to return. As far as the sigil, I honestly don’t know how it works. We’ve never discussed it other than when he marked me. Since I wasn’t supposed to hit the bank until Tuesday, it won’t look odd for me to move about.”

“Then I propose we check you out of this hotel and get you a room at mine. That will make it easier to bring my cousin in on the issue of the sigil.” When Elle didn’t immediately agree, he offered, “I’ll pay for your room.”

“I appreciate that, and yes, I’ll go with you.” Elle was a little disappointed he wanted to get her a separate room, but he offered to protect her, not... She disregarded that line of thinking before her pointed ears reddened.

“Would you like me to help you pack?”

“I don’t have much, so it won’t take long. If you tell me where you’re staying, I’ll meet you there.”

“Do you mind if I wait and ride with you? I walked down to the coffee shop.” Staring at his empty hands, she arched a brow. Unabashedly, he admitted, “I tossed my cup in the trash when I noticed you in the area.”

“You noticed me? How?”

“I sensed you, in here.” He pointed at his chest. “Let’s move to my hotel, and I’ll tell you everything. I promise.”

Elle nodded, then packed her meager belongings. She was probably a fool for trusting this stranger, but something about him called to her on a soul-deep level. She removed the cash from the safe and added it to the smaller bag. “I’m ready.”

Anthony offered to carry her duffel, and Elle handed it to him, keeping the bag of money strapped across her chest. He opened the door, allowing her to step through. Anthony glanced down several times as they approached the elevator. Once inside, he pushed the button for the first floor, and as they rode down, he stared at her reflection in the shiny door. When they stopped at the front desk, Anthony handed the clerk a credit card. Once the bill was paid, he ushered her outside with his hand on her back. That small touch had Elle wishing for things she couldn’t have but wanted more than almost anything.

“You didn’t have to pay, but I appreciate it.”

“No thanks needed.” When they got to her car, she handed Anthony the key fob. He popped the trunk so they could stow her bags, then walked around and opened the passenger door for her. After she was seated, he rounded the vehicle and slid into the driver’s seat after scooting it back to make room for his long legs.

He started the motor, then asked, “Where were you headed earlier?”

“I really was going for coffee. I skipped breakfast before hitting the bank.”

“We can stop somewhere, or we can order room service at the hotel.” Elle had never had room service, and she told him as much. “Hotel it is.”

Elle stared at Tony’s profile as he deftly navigated the busy streets. He pulled up to the front doors of a large hotel and parked. “Wait there,” he ordered, angling out of the car and coming around to open her door. A valet approached, and Tony opened the trunk, removing Elle’s bags before handing the key fob to the male. The man gave Tony a piece of paper in exchange for money. Elle reached for the smaller of her bags, but Tony waved her off. “I’ve got them.” He slung one over his shoulder, leaving his right hand free so he could open one of the glass doors. Inside, he led her to the front desk. “Do you have a room close to 507?” he asked the clerk.

“Let me look,” the female offered after totally checking Tony out. “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing available on your floor. I can put your... friend on the fourth, if that will work?”

“No, it won’t. I need two rooms together. Either that or a suite with two bedrooms.”

The female’s smile was forced. “The only one open at the moment is the presidential suite,” she informed him. Elle had no idea what a presidential suite was, but it sounded expensive.

“I’ll take it. I’ll have my things moved out of 507 within the next half hour.”

“Very good, Sir.” The clerk typed on the computer, and Tony handed her a credit card. Once the exchange was complete, Tony put the card in his wallet, shoved it in his back pocket, and thanked the clerk without looking at her. He led Elle to the elevator, and once inside, pressed the button for the top floor. The suite was bigger than the house where she lived with Grevolus in Winterhaven. Anthony took Elle’s bags to one of the bedrooms, then strode to the coffee table in the middle of the living room. He opened a notebook and handed it to her. “What would you like to eat?”

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