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The vampire looked shocked. He dropped Ana at his feet and moved away, his fangs retracting as he did so.
Declan was at Ana’s side instantly and he scooped her slight form into his arms, cradling her closely.
“Why?” he asked, shaking his head, not understanding.
Her eyes fluttered opened and she smiled, shakily, but in that second he knew she was going to be fine. “Your safety,” she managed. “Seth.”
He ignored everyone, sliced into his wrist, and held it over her mouth. As he gazed down at her, felt her take life-giving blood from him, Declan knew his path had been forever altered.
That she would be willing to sacrifice herself so that he would live was humbling. The woman he held completed him, made him whole. He would never give her up.
“This is not your concern.” Alistair had managed to regain his composure and his dark eyes were centered on Bill and Azaiel.
Bill laughed and shook his head. “Oh, but it is.” He nodded toward Declan and Ana. “They are Seraph and as such are part of my family. They are under my protection.” Bill’s hand was upon Alistair’s throat before the vampire had time to react. “The Seraphim.”
He bent forward, his face inches from Alistair. Light emanated from his body and the horror that was reflected upon the vampire was sobering.
He’d just had a sneak peek at Bill’s true nature.
Bill dropped Alistair and smiled down at the now-cowering vampire. “The Seraphim don’t like to get involved in day-to-day squabbles amongst the otherworld. However, I’ve always been more hands-on.” He shrugged. “I bend the rules, and sometimes I break them. So, vampire, be forewarned, anyone who is under my protection is off-limits. If you touch them I will destroy you.”
“Alistair, we will not be dictated to.”
Ransome growled at the last vampire standing other than Alistair. The large wolf had him cornered. Bill didn’t bother to look their way; he waved his hand and the vampire slid to the floor, forever silenced.
Bill patted Alistair as if he were a dog. “Now then, I’ve business to attend to, run along.” The small Seraphim stood back and Alistair’s form shimmered and disappeared.
He turned to Declan and Ana, his meaty hand clutched tight around the emerald bag. “I should like the pleasure of returning this to Seth.” His eyes widened. “If you don’t mind, Ana.”
Though Declan would have preferred to hold her close and not let go, she slid from his arms and enveloped elf man in a hug. She whispered something into his ear and Bill’s face reddened considerably as she let go.
Bill stared at the two of them for a long moment and sighed. “A dark wind is coming, my friends.” His eyes glittered, “Go with Azaiel to The Pines. There is much to discuss.”
And then he was gone.
Ransome shifted back to human form and gathered the tattered remains of his clothes. “Damn, I need a drink,” he murmured to no one in particular as he pulled his jeans up. “You guys coming to the Lounge for one last hurrah?”
Declan slipped his arm around Ana and shook his head. “Next time, LaPierre.” He shook the wolf’s hand. “Thanks for everything. I’ll be in touch and if you ever need a hand . . .”
“No worries there, my friend. The company you keep is kick-ass. I won’t hesitate to call.”
Nico appeared in the door and nodded. “Samael is waiting.”
Ana looked at Declan and slipped her hand into his. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Declan bent, his lips grazing hers as he whispered, “I’m thinking a long, hot bath and hours of undisturbed sleep.”
Ana smiled against his mouth. “After I’m done with you, a week’s worth of sleep will not be enough.”
Declan groaned. “Promise?”
They were outside now and Declan eyed the sleek limo parked in front of the house. On the street great plumes of smoke still poured from the vehicles Samael had set on fire. Ana tugged on Declan’s sleeve. “Cross my heart.”
They slid inside, followed by Nico and Azaiel. Ana settled against him. He held her close and glanced at Samael. The demon’s hands were clenched tightly, the set of his mouth tense.
Declan turned away and closed his eyes. He didn’t want to think a
bout the bad shit. Not yet. Not when the feel of the woman he loved made everything all right.
