Page 29 of Wicked Savior
Something odd flashes in her eyes but disappears quickly. “I’ll grab my laptop and a few other items.” She runs to her desk and grabs a backpack.
Seconds later, Daire walks into the lab, followed by Arden, Valerian, and Fallon. “What happened?”
A familiar flash of regret runs through me. Danica taught me a valuable lesson, and in my effort to keep my remaining child safe, I ordered Daire not to show emotions or affection to me in public. When he follows those orders, I can’t help but wish things were different.
“Gabriel took Ishkova,” I tell him. “Sorry for the short notice, but I need a place angels can’t enter.”
Daire’s blue eyes take in the four humans in the room. He swivels back to me with an eyebrow cocked in question. He knows I’ve avoided humans like the plague since his mother died. Not because I hate them, but their vulnerability is something I can’t afford.
I ignore it and turn to Evren. “Ready to go?”
She eyes the four supernaturals in front of me and shuffles closer to my side. “Introduce me. I don’t like strangers.”
My eyebrow rises at her demanding tone.
Valerian chokes, trying to stifle his laughter, but he’s used to people being scared of his massive size. “I’m Valerian. Dragon shifter. You’ll be safe with us. I promise.”
I snort at the understated description of himself but appreciate the ease with which he introduced his supernatural status.
Aurora’s and Becca’s eyes widen with understanding, but they don’t say anything.
Evren, of course, is as cool as ever. “Evren. Aurora, Becca, and that’s John in the bed. Human.”
Daire’s eyes narrow on Evren, but I subtly shake my head. She’s human… plus. I still think she’s Druid. She even smells like them, although she insists she isn’t one.
“Fallon, elf,” the dark-haired warrior announces.
“Daire, vampire,” my son says, following Fallon’s description with a similar version. “Is everybody ready to go?”
Evren nods slowly, but her eyes are swiveling between Daire and me.
“The Abbey is a sanctuary where all races are welcome, supernatural and human, although only supernaturals live there at the moment. I promise, you’ll be safe,” Arden says with her usual wide, confident smile. “I’ll carry Aurora.”
Evren holds out her hand for Becca, but I motion to Fallon and grab her extended hand in my own. “You’re coming with me. Fallon will get Becca. Valerian will help John, and Daire will protect our rear flank.” I can tell she’s nervous about going to an unknown place.
She gives a strained laugh but grips my hand tightly. “I’m trusting you, not only with my life but theirs too. Don’t make me regret it.” Her green eyes search mine for reassurance.
I inhale sharply, drowning in their dark depths. It’s the first time she’s looked at me with something other than speculation or suspicion.Damn it.
Tearing my eyes away, I squeeze her hand. “I won’t.”
ChapterSixteen
EVREN
Within seconds of arriving at The Abbey, Lucifer leaves me with a barely muttered goodbye. Wondering what to do, I look around and find a pair of violet eyes assessing me from the corner. Tall, lean, fastidious-looking in a sharply creased suit and tie, he’s handsome and obviously Fae. There’s an icy coolness about him.
He steps forward. “Evren? I’m Theron. Welcome to The Abbey.” He motions for Becca to step closer, then waves an elegant hand behind us. “Let me give you both a tour before I show you to your rooms.”
When I turn around, I’m shocked to see a large dance floor flanked by two levels of tables and chairs and a large bar on the far side. Everything is glittery and gold and quiet right now.
“He brought me to a bar?” I ask, trying to smother the laugh threatening to erupt.
Theron stiffens. “The Abbey is a sanctuary where paranormals from all races can congregate. We shelter or help individuals when they need it, even if they’re hiding from their own.” He turns to me. “Nobody crosses that threshold without our permission. The Abbey is protected by a primal source that recognizes no authority but its own.”
Nerves slither down my spine as I wonder if it will let me stay.
Theron explains the hours for the club, then leads us into the kitchen, where a large, fierce man is yelling orders right and left while the staff scurries to do his bidding. His build and demeanor scream predatory shifter, but his staff seems to be a mix of paranormals. A witch, a few shifters, and a vampire.
