The precautions weren’t necessary and when Abyar called to her a few minutes later, she was sure they were alone. They saw nothing but a few parked cars on the street, heard only the muffled sounds of battle a few doors away. They descended to the awning as quickly as the dared. Abyar rolled over the edge and caught her as she hung from the frame.
She led him through the streets, cut through alleys and across vacant lots. Once away from the restaurant, she didn’t hurry but she wasted no time. “I used to walk to work this way. It takes about twenty minutes,” she said conversationally. “It wasn’t bad going to work but sometimes going home got a little scary. Shadows seem to grow at night. Noises are creepier.” She put her arm through his. “I’ll never be afraid again as long as I’m with you.”
Abyar patted her arm but his thoughts were blocks away where the orange glow tinted the sky. His warehouse was in that direction and in that warehouse lay his future. An ominous foreboding crawled up his spine. He shook it away. Two nights. That’s all he had to get through and all would be well. They would remain in Andi’s house until the appointed time. In Andi’s house they would be safe. All would be well.
*****
The demons roared back into action. The flash and bang had stunned some and the concussion had injured others. It was all temporary and the Paenitentia were outnumbered six to one.
Nico and Dov tore into the crowd from behind. And muffled explosion shook the building as they reached the last stair. Fangs bared, Nico ripped the throat from the nearest demon, plunged his fist through the chest and ripped the heart from its mooring.
Broadbent burst through the door, flinging stars one after another in quick succession. Nardo was right behind him tearing into the nearest demon before the thing even realized he was there. The blood rage took hold. Neither thought of the numbers they were fighting. They thought only of the demon hearts still beating.
Dov wasted no time. Slashing, punching, kicking and screaming with pent up hurt and anger, he charged the center of the room and found himself surrounded by snarling creatures. He whirled and spun with lightning speed using white light to fuel his blood rage. He felt something behind him and turned with dagger raised just as Nardo screamed, “I’ve got your back.”
Broadbent fought his way to their side. “Is this a private party or can anyone join?” he asked casually as he took the head from an approaching demon. He allowed the blood rage to take him again.
Facing outward, they formed a circle of three, defending each other from attack and doing as much damage as they could. Each in turn shouted in triumph as another demon fell.
Nico worked his way around the outside, keeping the wall to his back. The room was too crowded for swordplay and he missed the feel of the long blade in his hand. Using the shorter blade, he lunged, stabbed and evaded the tearing talons all the while scanning the room. There were no higher demons here. At last report, four were still missing including the leader and he hoped that Canaan had taken them down.
His blade ripped through a chest wall. With a flick of his wrist, the heart was severed. He pushed the body away and rounded on the next attacker with a kick. The razor edge at the toe of his boot sliced into flesh and his attacker fell away. He watched the three at the center and saw they were doing well working together. Nardo showed the heart of a leader. He guided and coached the others as they fought. Broadbent showed no resentment toward the Guardian who was so much younger. He seemed to have excellent control of his blood rage, letting it gather strength then pulling it back to conserve his energy.
Dov, he grudgingly admitted, worked well with the others. He timed his rages to match Broadbent. He surged forward when Broadbent sought control and brought his own rage under control as Broadbent surged. He seemed to intuitively match his rhythm to theirs, turning when they turned, ducking as they slashed over his head, moving like a dancer. It was a dance of violence and death, yet beautiful all the same. All this passed through Nico’s mind as he executed a deadly ballet of his own.
The doorway filled with a blazing white light and Canaan’s battle cry echoed off the walls. Nico had heard the tales but had never seen his Liege Lord fight. The Paenitentia was everywhere at once. Shock and surprise glowed from the eyes of those he struck down. This was a warrior to emulate.
Nardo increased his speed to match his Liege Lord in action and grace. Moving in opposite directions, they cleared the fringes of the room and came together on the other side.
Canaan raised his blade in greeting. “We’ve got this handled. Send Col in to replace Dov then check the upper floors. We’re still short four big ones. Be careful.”
Nico brought his fist to his chest in a quick salute. Canaan turned back to the fight.
When Nico brought Col in, Dov protested. “I’m okay. It’s all good.”
“Canaan’s orders. You’re out of here.”
Outside, Dov complained to Otto. “What’s the deal? I’m fine and it’s almost over. Col could have fought beside me. Shit, Uncle Otto, I’m not gonna lose it again. I’m not gonna leave my partner.”
“You’re complaining to the wrong man, Dov.” Otto pointed to the second floor. “Your partner’s up there. Alone.”
“Damn, you’re right.” Dov smacked himself in the head. “I’ll bring him his sword. He’s got room to use it up there.”
Dov knew something was wrong before he reached the top of the first flight of stairs. The sounds of heavy fighting were coming from above. Unlike Cappaletti’s, this place was divided into several apartments, four on the upper floor. He charged upwards and ran along the hall to the front of the building. It was clear that Nico was fighting something big.
Dov stopped for a moment in the open doorway to assess the situation. A higher level demon was rolling on the floor clawing at the knife protruding from its eye. Another had Nico pinned to the table. Nico had his hands at the demon’s throat using all his strength to keep the slavering jaws from his neck.
Without thought, Dov dropped the sword and pulled the familiar knife from his belt and threw it in one smooth motion. At this distance, the knife should have easily penetrated the demon’s side. Instead, it bounced off the leathery hide and fell harmlessly to the floor. The monster didn’t know it had been hit.
Dov reached down and picked up the sword. The force it would take to cut through that hide and sever the head might take Nico’s head as well. He remembered the Guardian slashing the tendons of the demon in the warehouse.
He let the blood rage surge and he screamed a war cry while he spun with the sword held over his head. Putting all his force behind it, he took it to the vulnerable place behind the creature’s knees.
The monster reared up and screamed as its legs collapsed. As it pulled away from Nico, Dov swung again and caught the back of its neck. A second swing finished it off but Dov wasn’t done. He turned to the writhing creature on the ground and dealt another final blow.
Only when both demons no longer posed a threat did he turn to Nico. The Guardian was conscious and breathing heavily. His right thigh was torn to ribbons and his right arm hung at an odd angle from his shoulder.
Dov stood tall and looked down at his injured comrade. “There’s something you need to understand. I was a fuck up. I admit it. I followed my brother ‘cause I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I know now. I’m gonna be the best damn Guardian you ever saw. I won’t ever let you down. You can take that to the bank.” He looked at the sword. “Oh, here. I thought you might need this.”
Nico nodded, unable to speak. His throat was too bruised and scraped. Dov helped him to his feet and down the stairs.
*****
Grace slumped in the seat and watched the two escapees in the side view mirror. They were getting away and while she knew where they were headed, she had no idea how long they would stay. She knew who they were now. He was the handsome man/monster that almost went undetected and she was the concerned hostess. They were in charge of this operation and it was imperat
ive that Canaan be warned about their escape.
As soon as the couple turned the corner, Grace was out of the car and moving toward the alley that ran alongside the restaurant. At the corner of the building she paused and cautiously peeked around. Seven Paenitentia stood in a cluster outside a building two doors down. They were laughing and slapping each other on the back, having a great time.
She marched up to them with her finger in the air ready to give them hell for celebrating while she worried in the car. Then she saw the condition they were in. All but Otto were bloodied and torn and even he looked battered. Nico was by far in the worst condition.
Canaan saw her first and his laugh disappeared. “You promised to stay in the car.”
She ignored him. “Nico needs to get home.” She looked the others over. “You all do.”
“Aw, let it go, Gracie,” Dov called. “We’re having a good time. Don’t spoil it.” He looked to the others. “I bet there’s cold beer in the bar.”
“There’s plenty of beer at home,” Otto scolded. “Grace is right. We need to get you home. Nico, there’s no way you’ll be riding that bike. I’ll pull the car around.”
While things were sorted out, Grace explained to Canaan her reason for leaving the car.
Canaan turned from her to address the group. “Otto, you get Nico home. Take Nardo and Broadbent with you. You two,” he pointed to the twins, “stay here with the bike. Someone will be back to get you and the bike. Grace and I are going to check something out.”
Nico’s voice was raspy from his injured neck. “No need for them to wait.” He used his good arm to dig the keys from his pocket and threw them to Dov. “You drive,” he said.
Dov looked like he won the lottery. He couldn’t tell which made him happier; Nico’s approval or the chance to drive such a sweet ride.
Grace insisted on driving instead of relaying directions and when they reached the little house, Canaan had her drive past to park a few doors away. He got out and gave her a stern look.
“This time, stay in the car.”
She blew him a kiss and he strode away. She had no intention to follow him. This was Guardian business and Canaan was in charge, but the more she thought about it, the more concerned she became. The battle at Cappaletti’s was one thing, this was another. Canaan was welcome to the demon but the woman was human and if Grace wasn’t mistaken, she was the one who helped bring these evil creatures here. She was the one who helped get Nico shot and Dov beaten. She was the one who almost killed Col. Just like Col, Canaan wouldn’t see her as a threat. Canaan was alone in there with a monster and a Daughter gone dark. Stay in the car? The hell she would.
She was out of the car and running. She heard the fight as she entered through the rusty iron gate and took the steps two at a time. The front door opened directly into the living room. Canaan grappled with an immense creature that towered above him. The front of his shirt was torn away exposing deep, bloody gashes. His neck was torn adding to the blood that smeared his chest. A shimmering mirror stood against the wall behind the combatants. Strangely, there was no reflection of the battling pair.
All this, Grace took in at a glance. Her attention was caught by the woman standing near the mirror holding a knife that looked to be made of polished black stone. It shone like glass. She watched the fight with frightening intensity, her lips pulled back in a vicious snarl.
Locked in combat, Canaan and the demon turned, presenting Canaan’s back to the woman. She raised the knife.
Grace felt the power swell within her. This woman had done enough damage to those she loved. She stretched out her arm, fingers spread, toward the woman.
“No!” she shouted and felt the power soar. She had gone unnoticed until that moment and the scene froze as three pair of eyes turned to her. Grace only saw the woman and when their eyes locked, she felt her power surge across the room in a bolt of energy.
The woman screamed and lost her balance. She tried to keep her footing by using the mirror for support but the glass wasn’t there. She fell and kept falling into and through the mirror. Her scream of “Abyar!” faded to an echo.
“Andi!” the demon screeched and reached for her as she fell. He, too, was drawn into the mirror. He fought it, but like some cosmic vacuum, it sucked him in. The shimmering stopped and the mirror returned to glass reflecting the room around it and Grace in Canaan’s arms.
Chapter 46
Manon held out the knife that had once pierced Col’s heart. “Have you looked at this? Have you held it?” she asked Grace.
“I avoid looking at it. Why Col wanted to keep it is beyond me. It’s a guy thing, I guess. Canaan’s the one that gave it a place on the mantle. I only held it for a second when Canaan cut it out. That’s how long it took me to throw it down. Why?”
Manon handed it over and Grace reluctantly held it in her hand. Her eyes widened when she felt a slight, pleasant tingle across her palm. She looked in question at Manon.
“I, too, ignored it. I don’t know why I picked it up today. Its essence is fading. This is not meant to be used as a weapon. It is an athame, a most important tool of witchcraft. This was not meant for evil. You can feel it. It has been used for good.”
Nico finished his apple and tossed the core in the trash. He rinsed his hands and reached out for the athame. “May I?” he asked before touching it.
“Of course.”
The faint tingle spread through his body as he turned the athame over in his hands. He gripped it tightly and smiled. “Another woman of mystery. Interesting.”
A laughing Dov came barreling through the door followed closely by Col who wasn’t laughing.
“Give me my fucking keys.”
Dov held up two sets of keys that belonged to the two new motorcycles that were parked in the garage. “Which one is Col’s?”
Col grabbed a set. “Shithead,” he said but he grinned when he said it.
“Asshole.”
“Boys!” They turned to Grace. “Col, you need to get going. Nardo’s waiting for you, and you,” she turned to Dov, “Put a shirt on.” She shook her head and tried to keep a straight face. “We’ve been looking at those silly flowers for a week now. We’re sick of them.”
Dov ruffled her hair and ducked away before she could swat him. “Says the lady in the low cut blouse,” he teased as he danced away.
Grace blushed. He was right. She was so proud and pleased with the little white rose that had turned to red. She was bound to Canaan forever and wanted the world to know it.
*****
Tyn sat at the kitchen table and counted the stacks of money all over again. The truckload of drugs that he’d stolen from Abyar’s warehouse had paid him much more than Abyar would have. Once the warehouse went up in flames, the local dealers were eager to do business with him. He could have demanded a lot more for the bags of white powder but he didn’t. He planned on doing business here for long time. He needed to make friends. Abyar was gone and Tyn was in charge.
*****
Grace’s body floated back to earth wrapped in the soft blanket of Canaan’s love. Sharing her blood and taking his was the ultimate expression of intimacy. The world shattering sex was an added bonus. She rolled to her favorite position with his arm around her and her head snuggled against his shoulder. Her finger traced the skull and lilies on his chest, then rested on the tiny red rosebud that was nestled in their midst. She closed her eyes and let the movie play across the backs of her eyelids.
Canaan sat on the deck she had planned for the back of the House. At his feet played a small blonde boy and a smaller dark haired girl. The little girl’s smile was knowing and the little boy had a tiny red teardrop on his shirtless chest. The vision popped like a cartoon bubble.
She would bear a son, something no Daughter of Man had done since breaking off from the Paenitentia. It was indeed a new beginning for all of them.
There would be troubles ahead. The Ruling Council had yet to pass judgment and the demons would be back
. She and Canaan, along with the members of their House, would see those troubles through together. She was sure of it and the thought made her smile.
“Happy?” Canaan asked. She liked the way his voice rumbled in his chest.
“More than you know.”
Buffy, tiny and tawny, purred contentedly at the foot of the bed.
BOOKS BY JACQUELINE RHOADES
Thanks for reading Guardian's Grace, the first in my Guardians of the Race Series. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you'd like to know more about me, and the books I've written, or read excerpts from my work, you can visit me at http://www.jacquelinerhoades.com
Other Paranormal Romances By Jacqueline Rhoades
Available at all ebook retailers
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Guardian's Hope #2
Guardian's Joy #3
Alpha's Mate Series
The Alpha's Mate
Excerpt from Guardian's Hope
Book 2 in the Guardians of the Race
Chapter 1
She had to go back into the house. She had to assess the damage, make repairs if necessary and make sure those awful creatures hadn’t come back. She couldn’t put anyone else in danger and those abominations were dangerous. Frightening and dangerous. She knew it. It was why she ran.
The new tenants were scheduled to move in on the first of the month and everything had to be moved out in the next few days. What little inventory was left needed to be shipped to the new owner and the computer files holding all the business records needed to be turned over as soon as the check cleared. She was being paid an unimaginable amount of money for that trashy website and she couldn’t afford to ruin the deal now. She had to go back into the house.
Guardian's Grace Page 29