Page 38 of Stone Heart
To the death, if need be.
They must have witnessed the deadly glint surely in his eyes that showed how far he’d go, for they all disappeared into their misted forms then flew off high into the air.
A growl vibrated in his chest while he watched the demon warriors vanish into the night.
“Rhodack,” Rina breathed behind him.
He swung around at the sound of the door of her house opening. A small witch stepped out onto the porch.
“Go back inside, Chelsey,” Rina said, turning to the door.
“Are you okay?” the witch named Chelsey asked. Her eyes widened when her gaze met Rhodack’s. Her steps faltered as she paused on the porch.
“I’m fine. This is Rhodack.” Rina motioned to him.
He didn’t sense any threat from the witch. He moved behind Rina and gently grabbed her arm and tried not to pierce her flesh with his claws.
They would need to leave.
“It won’t be safe for her here,” he murmured.
Again, he roved his gaze around the yard. The bodies of the fallen demons had disappeared. The ones who’d escaped would surely inform the necromancers of the fight, and they’d up their antics to get to Rina. Her show of power would draw them out.
“Can she come with us?” Rina asked with wide eyes.
“No, I’ll go stay with my coven. You’re going to need all the help you can get. I may not be a powerful witch, but there are those who are that will aid Solana’s foster daughter,” Chelsey announced, standing on the edge of the porch.
“But, Chelsey—”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll leave now,” Chelsey promised, running down the stairs.
Rina pulled away from him and met her roommate in a brief hug.
“Promise me you’ll be okay.” Rina sniffed and stepped back.
“I promise. Now go,” Chelsey said, pushing Rina toward him.
He wrapped his arms around Rina and nodded to the witch. He knew the witches would aid the gargoyles against the evil that was coming.
“I’m ready—”
Rina’s voice was cut off—he leaped into the air with her in his arms. He opened his leathery wings and beat them. Her surprise scream echoed in his ear. The wind flew past them. He gripped her tight to him, and they cut through the air toward the gargoyle lair.
They had much to discuss. His anger at her was simmering in his chest while they flew over the city.
“Oh my,” Rina breathed.
She tightened her grip around his neck, and he coasted. He beat his wings in unison as he flew through the dark night sky.
She’s safe. She’s safe,he chanted in his mind, the abandoned-looking building drawing closer. He passed through the wards around the structure, now seeing it for its beauty.
Humans who passed it would only see a decrepit construction, but those of the paranormal world would see a beautiful stone sky-rise that was tall enough to almost touch the heavens.
Not saying a word, he landed on the ground in front of the main entrance. He connected his gaze with Rina’s, and she slid down against his hardened body. A growl slipped through his firm lips, his body reacting to the feel of her soft, supple curves.
“I’m sorry,” she began.
He lifted his hand, silencing her. She didn’t realize the magnitude of her defying his request. Right now, those demons would be informing the necromancers of her powers.
