Page 33 of Guardian of Shadows

Red Jr.: What’s wrong?

Anthony didn’t want to worry his twin, but she would fret regardless, especially if he wasn’t truthful, so he gave her a condensed version.

Red Jr.: When Cailín’s off her case, I’m going to pass this job on to her so I can help you and Elle.

Tony: I appreciate the offer, but there’s nothing you can do unless you know dark fae magic.

Red Jr.: When the sigil is taken care of, I want my shot at this fucker.

Anthony smiled at his sister’s ire. She had yet to meet Elle, but she was still ready to avenge her. He should have never doubted how she would react to him finding a mate. He needed to remember this moment when Tabby found hers.

Tony: How’s it going with the super star?

Red Jr.: It’s quite entertaining. Trista can’t focus on training for staring at Joey’s muscles.

Tony: You’d think someone like her would be used to hot guys.

Red Jr.: True, but her other movies have been mostly romcoms where the leading actor was handsome but clothed. Nothing like Joey in shorts and a tank.

Joey Palamo was a beast. He was a half-blood, but he came from his father’s Samoan bloodline, and Malakai’s family was something special – a Clan of their own, dating back thousands of years if not further. When they got together and the males performed a haka, it was truly a sight to behold.

Red Jr.: Let me know when you land.

Tony: Will do.

“I thought you were private investigators,” Elle said.

“We are, but we also provide security. Trista Bellinger is filming a movie in Atlanta, and she wanted a female bodyguard.”

“Tabitha must be tough then.”

“That she is. All of our females are. We all trained together growing up. I’d take any one of them to have my back in a fight. Just like I would be proud to fight alongside you.” Anthony tapped Elle’s nose, and she gave him a smile, the first one in hours. After serving their coffee, Celeste returned to the cockpit but not before pressing a hand to Elle’s face again. Anthony didn’t know the female, but he wouldn’t doubt if she had kids. Her maternal instincts were too strong.

They were about an hour out of Nashville when Elle whispered, “I’m scared.”

Anthony knew this. He felt it through their bond, but he hadn’t wanted to broach the subject. He was scared too. No, Anthony was terrified. Instead of admitting it, he called on his Goyle for strength. He projected confidence and love through the bond. If anyone had told him even a few days ago he would be in love with a female, he would have scoffed, but he had no doubt what he felt for Elle was the all-consuming adoration he saw between all the other mates. When the fates chose, they chose well.

“I know you are, but I want you to trust your sister, Cassi, and the Queen too. The dragons owe you their lives, and if your goddess won’t help, we have to believe Mórdrake will. In the meantime, we’ll confer with the witches.”

“I’m not doubting someone will eventually remove the sigil, but I have to go back and pretend everything’s okay. I’m not sure I can pull it off.”

“You can. You’re so strong, Elledan. We’re going to get through this.”

Chapter 12

It was going on nine a.m. when they landed in Nashville. They thanked Cruz and Celeste, then Tony ushered Elle to where he’d parked his fancy sports car. He tossed their bags inside after helping Elle into the low seat. The plan was to drive back to downtown, walk around like Elle was doing the job in case Grevolus was checking, then get on the road to Atlanta.

Once he parked in a paid lot, Tony took Elle’s hand, and they headed down the hill toward a bank. They went into a different one than Elle had hit Saturday. While there, Tony asked for a large withdrawal from his credit card, giving them a reason for being there. As they were walking back to his car, Tony stopped on the sidewalk, pulling Elle away from foot traffic.

“Have you ever taken pain relief?”

“Other than herbed tea? No.”

“Let’s go in here.” They went inside the store where Tony found what he was looking for and also chose a can of water. After paying for both, they continued on to where he’d parked. Once seated, Tony opened the bottle and dumped two pills onto Elle’s palm, then popped open the water. “Do I chew these?” she asked, staring at the medicine.

“No. That’s gross. Put them in your mouth and drink some water to wash them down.”

Elle did as instructed, placing the water in the cup holder when she was finished.

---