"That would destroy the reason you hired me, an outsider, and it would connect the Coven to the hit." Torin reminded him.
“Master Hadden is well aware of that fact, but he will not leave you on your own and will not leave your human beloved without the additional protection of the Coven. Accept the offer, Torin.” He pressed. “Do it for Shae.” He added.
"Does he know what it is he's inviting into his home?" Torin asks in a deadly serious tone.
"He knows who you are, Torin, and he is asking you to come to the Coven. You know me, and you know the kind of man that I am, and let me tell you that Master Hadden fears no one." He made himself clear.
"Okay, we're on our way." With that, he closed the call and pulled Shae into his arms.
"It's not safe for you out here. Massey is looking for you, and he has enlisted the aid of shifters. Master Nikolas Hadden has asked us to come to him, and he will protect you." Torin explained as best he could, not wanting to frighten his beloved, who was just starting to get the gist of supernatural existence.
“Shifters have enhanced olfactory abilities," Shae commented, and shocked Torin, who remembered that fact which had been among so many others. "They can smell me."
"And me," Torin added.
"We'd better get out of here," Shae stated.
“On it.”
He would have to expound on the special powers of the Shadow Demons once they were in the Coven and his beloved was secure. Shae held on tight and leaned into the movements with Torin as they flew through the atmosphere's vibrations. He's rolled with everything so far, but Torin knew that humans were unpredictable and the smallest things could undo all his hard work.
They came to a stop in the conference room on the thirty-ninth floor of the Hadden Center. The Master was there along with his second in command, Josef, and Killian. They were keeping the welcoming committee small, which was wise. Torin kept his arm around Shae and turned to regard the Master.
"Thank you for having us, sir." He said, and Shae cautiously peeked at the men in the room but never let go of Torin or moved his face away from his chest. Shae was spirited, gutsy even, but the men in this room gave off an air of strength and command that even had Torin checking for the exits, just in case.
"Massey had wreaked destruction on everyone present or connected to the spa day at his compound. He thinks that if he kills everyone, he will get the party responsible for the attack." Master Hadden stated.
“He’s an idiot.” Killian contributed to the conversation.
"A deadly idiot, unfortunately," Josef added.
“We have interceded and put those still alive under my protection.” The Master continued.
Torin noticed the Master's gaze never left him he was evaluating and assessing the level of danger Torin posed to his home. It was an expected outcome of showing up at his door. Torin would not have taken assistance from anyone; he never did, but his beloved was someone he would not risk, so he took help when it was offered.
“Logic dictates that Massey will know you had a hand in the attack.” Torin pointed out. “It will be common knowledge.”
"I don't care what he knows or doesn't know he is a dead man walking. I have several teams scouring the town. They will find him and the last of his men, and they will finish this." Torin nodded and tightened his grip on Shae, who looked up at him with those beautiful eyes.
“Will we be safe here, Torin?”
"Yes, baby, we will be safe here."
"You and your beloved have been through a lot." Master Hadden said, looking over at Killian. "Killian will show you to your room and fill you in on the rest."
“Yes, sir.” Torin glanced over at Killian, who was walking toward him. They headed for the door, but before leaving, Torin turned back to face the Master. "I am no danger to you, sir."
"I know, Torin." He responded kindly but firmly. "Take care of your beloved." Torin nodded and left with Killian.
"He knows your circumstances, Torin, and he wants you and Shae to be safe. There's nothing shady going on here. I know you live and work in a very different atmosphere but trust me that this is the best place for you both right now." Killian persisted.
The Master was worried about Shae and also worried about what would happen to Torin if something were to happen to Shae, and it was a valid fear. Shadow Demons were not known for their self-control when angered, and they made targets of anyone or anything that got in their way.
Torin understood perfectly where the Master’s concern and Killian’s concern came from. They’re dealing with Massey and his lot, and they didn't want to have to deal with the devil as well. The Shadow Demon needed to be monitored.
They were shown to a large suite on the twenty-second floor. He knew this was the floor where the guards and soldiers were stationed. His decision was understandable, but left Torin feeling restrained, and he didn't like it. Beggars cannot be choosers.
They entered the suite, and Torin released Shae, who hesitated at first, not sure he wanted to be very far from Torin. "It's okay, look around. I would like to speak with Killian for a minute." Shae acquiesced and headed into the kitchen. Torinheard doors opening and closing. His beloved must be hungry, he thought, and then turned his attention to Killian.
