Page 20 of To Hell and Back
Arson shot to his feet. “Hey, shouldn’t we consider storm-proofing this place first?”
Killian shot him a withering glare. “My mate is hungry.”
“Food first. Got it.” The dark angel put his hands up in surrender. “We still have time before the storm intensifies anyway.”
He started to speak, but his words were cut off when his cane flew across the room. Stepping in front of his mate to protect her, he frowned when the cane simply vanished. A light tap on his shoulder had him turning around, and his eyes widened when he saw that his mate was holding a delicate black lace umbrella with a crystal handle.
She glanced down at it in confusion. “Umm, I think I caught your parasol.”
Apparently, the magical artifact had chosen a new owner. He wasn’t mad about it, though. In fact, he felt relieved it had switched alliances to Seneca since it would help protect her.
“That is a powerful relic that changes form to suit its owner.”
She eyed it skeptically. “I’m not judging or anything, but this doesn’t really seem to suit your style.”
“It doesn’t,” he agreed. “It has just claimed you as its new owner.”
“What? That’s crazy,” she sputtered. “But crazy seems to be my new default these days.”
Killian smiled at that.
“So, shall we eat in the dining room or somewhere more private?” Arson cut in.
Sighing again, Killian considered their options. He desperately wanted time alone with his mate, but the current situation called for him to be patient. Even if he wanted to get rid of the dark angel, they required more information in order to stop the magical attack from occurring. To do that, they needed to hear the entire story of her rebirth.
And he especially needed to know how his mate had died.
If someone had hurt her, he would make them pay. Even if whatever had happened during her last life hadn’t occurred in this one, they would be punished for whatever they had done to her.
He would make damn sure of it.
Killian wouldn’t stop until everyone who hurt her faced the full wrath of his fury. His vengeance would be swift and merciless, leaving no room for forgiveness. And there was no doubt he would enjoy every bloody second of it.
Chapter Seven
They decided toeat in one of the private rooms instead of the main dining hall. Although the club was officially closed for now, Killian wanted Seneca to be able to speak freely without worrying that people might overhear their conversation. Of course, he could easily use magic to ensure that didn’t happen, but humans tended to trust enclosed spaces more than invisible magical wards.
The private room was an appealing space designed to host intimate gatherings and small celebrations. There was elegant décor and rich fabrics that complimented the walls that were painted a soft, neutral crème color. Pale gold damask curtains were partially drawn over the rain-splattered wall of windows, but enough was left clear to see the gray sky outside.
In the center of the room was a large circular table covered with layers of ivory and gold tablecloths that matched the upholstered chairs. The room was illuminated by the soft glow coming from the elaborate crystal and gold chandelier hanging overhead. The lights had been dimmed enough to create a warm, inviting atmosphere without being too hard on human eyes.
When they arrived at the private room, Dario and Anika were already waiting for them. The moment Killian informed them that he had met his mate, they had been excited to meet her. He hadn’t told them much about the current situation, only that she was most likely the cause for the magical surge he’d sensed, and that she had news of an upcoming magical attack they needed to prevent.
Arson’s two best friends who helped manage The Manor were also present. Since the dark angel, Celine, and wolf shifter, Gunner, were also Guardians, Killian understood why Arson had wanted them there. It was their duty to protect The Manor and the surrounding community. In order to do that, they needed to know exactly how to prevent the magical attack.
He belatedly realized he should have asked Seneca before letting anyone else join them. She might not be comfortable telling her tale to strangers. Admittedly, he wasn’t in the habit of discussing his decisions with anyone. He usually decided on an action, and people just did whatever he told them to do. As his mate, Seneca deserved far more respect and consideration than that.
She deserved to be treated like the goddess she was…or would become once they were fully mated.
Silently vowing to do better, he’d been ready to apologize to her, but it turned out that it wasn’t necessary. Celine and Gunner greeted Seneca warmly as if they had known each other for years. Killian had tensed up when they had gotten too close to her for his comfort, but he relaxed again once they quickly backed away from her.
He assumed they had sensed his murderous intent.
When Arson shot him an amused grin, he’d wanted to punch the fucker in the face. He knew he was being an overbearing, territorial beast, but he had no problem with that. Not when it concerned his mate. He wasn’t used to people laughing at his expense, though. Lifting a brow, he sent a smirk of his own back toward his friend.
He hadn’t forgotten that little remark about Arson having a female of his own.
Killian would make sure he got that story out of him later.
