Page 95 of Destined for Dreams
“But he will need a lot of help before he can do his part,” Remiel said.
Cori knew that much already. “Like needing sensors to nullify the Gregorian stones? How are we going to find enough of them who don’t have angel blood.”
“We are already working on that,” Melena said, nodding when Patrick—Emily’s birth father—entered the room with a young woman. They both had pure blue auras around them. “Patrick is willing. And Honor, who I’ve worked with before, has also volunteered. We are working on getting at least a few more from Europe.”
Cori frowned. “Do you know any over there?”
“She doesn’t.” Patrick stuffed his hands in his pockets. “But I do from the message boards.”
Melena had once told her something about how sensors had created secret communication networks with each other that started when the internet got popular. Cori didn’t know much more than that, but she supposed that was one way to get recruits.
“And I might be able to get a guy I know from France,” Honor added.
The beautiful young woman appeared to be college age with a Latin heritage. She had dark brown hair that ran partway down her back and a tan most people in Alaska would envy. Cori had met Honor once before when she’d come to Fairbanks to help Melena and the gang regain control from Zoe when that crazy woman had taken over the city, but they’d barely spoken to each other that time.
She turned her attention back to the male sensor, who was middle-aged with a hint of nerd in the way he dressed and carried himself. When Patrick had first arrived in their lives, Cori had doubted him, but he was steadily proving his loyalty. “Are there any takers yet from the boards?”
“A few nibbles, but I think they want to see what we bring to the table before they make any commitments.” He shrugged. “It’s been even more dangerous for sensors in Europe than it has in America. No one can blame them for wanting to be cautious.”
“So what is the plan?”
Melena rubbed her hands together. “We’re forming a task force.”
“A supernatural one?” This question came from Joy.
“Not exactly.” Melena shook her head. “I’m working with DHS, Interpol, and the London authorities so that we can work in tandem with supernaturals. The best way to prevent more human lives from being lost is to use official channels. We need every advantage we can get, and they need to know the truth if they’re going to be able to do their jobs properly.”
There had only been one other time Cori knew of where such a task force was formed, but that had been a small one, and it had been formed in the United States to take down an extremist sensor group—which included Melena’s father and brother. “Are you sure you can get all the groups to cooperate on such a short timetable?”
“They don’t have a choice.” Melena lifted her chin. “If we want to save the world from this demon, everyone’s got to put their bullshit aside and work together. I’ve made that abundantly clear to all of them over the last few days, believe me.”
Cori never ceased to be amazed at what the sensor could accomplish when she put her mind to it. “So where do I fit in?”
Remiel took a step closer to her. “There are going to be a lot of eyes on your mate and his father when they face the demon. The last thing we need is for Bartol to lose control.”
“But I thought you told him his father could help him with that problem,” Cori argued.
“Raguel can to a certain degree. He can teach his son the principles of how to release himself of the demonic energy that will drive away his sanity, but there won’t be enough time to train fully against someone as powerful as the demon they will face.” The archangel worked his jaw. “Bartol will still need some help if he is to survive intact.”
Cori stilled. “What do you mean?”
“As his mate, you may be the only person who has a chance of stopping him from a killing spree.”
“Why can’t you or his father do it?” she asked.
“We don’t have the ability to reach your mate on an emotional level to help him.” The archangel paused, lips thinning. “Our way would require seriously harming your mate—or possibly killing him if it comes to it. Just after he takes the demon down, he will be at his strongest, and difficult to stop without resorting to physical violence. Only you have a chance of doing it peacefully.”
Cori moved her hand protectively over her stomach. Was she going to have to choose between Bartol and her child? “You are aware of my condition.”
“I am.” He nodded. “It was clear the last time I last saw you.”
“And you didn’t say anything?” she gasped.
Ariel spoke up from where she’d been sitting quietly on the couch. “He didn’t for the same reasons I did not. There are some things best discovered in their own time.”
“Why are you here?” Cori asked, shooting an accusing look at the fallen angel. She must have known during their last card game and kept it to herself.
Ariel stood and moved closer. “Because though I have lost much, I do still retain one special ability you’ll need—protection for you and your unborn child.”
