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Before Bade could snap how he was tough enough to face the enemy on his own, Brak added, “You are not there yet, recruit. Intel only. I don’t want to send a hotshot Firebrand with a couple civilians to the Evermore. Follow my command. The sign of a true warrior is his ability to follow orders. Is that you?” Damn, Brak thought. I’m starting to sound like Kole.
The vampire nodded. He was growing into a fine warrior, more mature since the death of his friend Sig in a battle against Arisen Dawn. Hell of a way to grow up.
Once he dropped off the small squad at the least likely site to see action, he planned to join Thorn and Dax where he had assigned them in North Shelters. But shit happens. Brak whipped his body toward a rustling sound while ten Arisen Dawn soldiers marched into view, crunching leaves under their boots. Though it was dusk, the bright light of day surrendering to the night, Brak’s demon eyesight allowed him to see clearly.
Fuck.
Brak and the inexperienced crew were caught with their leathers at their ankles. Three vampires, a few satyrs, an Amazon, and four demons were prepping to take their asses through the portal. “Bade, call the stronghold. Get a couple Firebrands here now. I’ll hold them off.”
When Brak stepped into view, he signaled the others to remain hidden. From the sheaths at his spine, he whipped out two butterfly swords, each about eighteen inches long, single-edged. A grin curled his lips while he loosened his knees, bloodshed sweetening his tastebuds and making his mouth water. His body primed itself for a little up-close cutting and slashing.
The assholes circled him, smug confidence written on their faces. That was okay. He would be wiping it off in minutes.
A vamp, satyr, and Amazon charged without hesitation. He flipped his blades in a figure eight. At the same time, his foot lashed back at the female sneaking up on his rear. When it landed in her gut, she flew off the ground, cracking her head against a tree, probably out of the fight.
The vamp drew his own blade and lunged. Brak deflected, knocking the weapon from the bloodsucker’s hand.
Dead man walking.
The Firebrand carnal demon drove his sword into the guy’s chest.
Brak ducked, avoiding the swing of the satyr’s axe. Righting himself, he threw out a straight arm, cocked his wrist, and flattened his blade. A diversionary tactic. With the other sword he pulled away and sliced forward, cutting off the satyr’s head in a motion so swift it could not be detected even by an Aeternal’s sharp vision.
The others moved in for the kill, no longer looking confident.
Brak winced at the sting of a blade, blood trickling down his arm from a deep cut.
Sonofabitch.
Flipping his butterfly swords through the air so fast they were a blur, he spun and kicked, taking out a few Arisen Dawn soldiers. The remaining foes closed in, cutting his flesh with each attack.
Bade popped out of hiding, holding off two attackers though he was still a greenhorn, recent to the blood game. Nonetheless, Brak welcomed the assist.
One of the vamps got in a lucky slice to his hamstring. Brak wobbled but refused to topple. Harley was waiting for him, someone who cared whether he lived or died. With renewed energy, he took the bloodsucker out of the game with a cut across the guy’s chest, deep enough to pierce the heart. That’s when a sword poked into his back. He fell to a knee, his blades still whipping through the air.
Bade sounded a war cry while he severed the head from a demon’s body. One of the civilians charged from his cover in the trees, taking out another Arisen Dawn soldier. Then Brak heard his frerons pop in, answering the call for help.
The carnal demon’s vision blurred, but Bade moved to shield him. When his arms gave out, his weapons slipped from his bloody hands. His other knee hit the dirt. In slo-mo, the ground came up to greet him. He met darkness.
Until.
His heavy lids dragged open, scratching his eyes like sandpaper. They scraped shut again. Everything was dark. He didn’t know how long he was out. He struggled to lift his head. It was so fucking heavy. Somebody squeezed his hand.
“Brak.”
What a nice voice. And she smelled so good. He knew her. Hell. He loved her. It was Harley. She had come for him. No. She’d get killed. He struggled to shout, “Get out of here. They’ll get you.”
He heard her clothes rustle while she shifted beside his bed, her hand stroking his hair. “You’re safe, Brak. You’re with the healers.”
Water drops plopped onto his chest. Damn. His female was crying. He willed his uncooperative lids to open. When they did, he saw her leaning over him, still squeezing his hand, tears dripping down her cheeks.
“Hi,” Harley said. “Welcome back. We thought you might be out longer. You’re a tough guy.”
He chuckled. Ouch. Pain. “Don’t you forget it.” His throat was dry, his voice raspy. “How long have I been here?”
“A day. A very long day. Kole came by to check on you. Every one of the Firebrands.” She chewed her lower lip. “I sent the healer away.”
“Why?”
