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“It’s Leah,” she said with clenched teeth.
Colton’s eyes remained on Leah. His large black body, dark eyes and twitching muscles did nothing to calm the terrified victim.
Riley walked calmly to Leah’s side and turned to her mate. “Snap out of it, Colton. He’s gone and you’re not leaving me here alone.”
Colton’s eyebrows arched before his body rippled and his human skin formed. “Sorry, but I really hate that demon.”
Leah’s jaw dropped, as did her hands. “You’re human?”
Riley cleared her throat. “We were human. Both of us were attacked and transitioned into shadow warriors. That’s what you just saw. Deruthel is a demon. A demon general, to be precise. Honestly, I’m surprised you survived the attack.”
Leah glanced around the room. “I’m used to people underestimating me. I have a black belt in karate, and have been competing most of my life.”
Riley glanced at Colton as he made a swirling motion with his finger. Black script popped in the air before quickly disappearing. She had a pretty good idea who he was contacting and decided to get more information about Leah and the winery. “Were you on a tour when you are attacked?”
She shook her head. “My brother works here. I found his body in the gift shop, before I heard the screams. I had every intention of killing his murderer, but I never anticipated a monster. The devil.”
Riley put her hand on Leah’s arm. “I’m sorry about your brother. These demons aren’t from hell per se, they are invaders from another world, but you have the monster part right. They intend to annihilate us, and move on to the next world. They are evil in every sense of the word.”
The familiar hum echoed in the air before the shadow pathway opened and Raine coalesced in the room. He smiled as he approached Riley and Leah. “Riley, will you introduce me to your friend?”
“This is Leah. She was attacked by Deruthel, but she held him off until we arrived.”
Raine’s eyes roamed over the petite woman. “She held off Deruthel?”
Leah rolled her eyes. “Yes, beating up assholes is kind of my thing. For your sake, I hope you’re a nice guy.”
Raine’s lips twitched. “I mean no disrespect. While you won’t remember, I want you to know that I am impressed with your skills. In fact, you remind me of someone I care for deeply.”
Leah’s eyes were wary. “What do you mean, I won’t remember? How could anybody forget a black demon the size of a woolly mammoth?”
“We must keep our fight with the demons in the shadows. Humanity is not equipped to deal with this war. Their interference would result in more death. I’m going to remove your memories and replace it with something befitting of your world.”
Leah glanced between the men. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“No, but it won’t hurt you,” Riley said.
“Part of me is relieved. Do what you gotta do.”
Raine locked his gaze with Leah. After a few seconds, he put his hands on her shoulders, and though she flinched, she didn’t move away. “It isn’t working.”
“Has this ever happened before?” Colton asked.
Raine pursed his lips. “Never with a human.”
“What does that mean?” Colton asked.
“My gift doesn’t work on shadows or reapers unless they are newly turned or children.”
Colton rubbed his chin. “Did it work on Dannika?”
Raine shook his head. “I’ve never tried, nor would I.”
Leah fiddled with the zipper of her tracksuit jacket. “I’m not sure if I should be relieved or concerned.”
Raine frowned. “Was Deruthel attempting to abduct you or feed on you?”
Leah shivered. “He told me I was going with him.”
