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“You must be joking,” Luka shouted above the din. From his place among the wolves, he glared at Xavier, and his eyes glinted dangerously. “He’s been tried and sentenced to death for torturing and killing Community members. Or have you forgotten?”
“What you say is true,” Adam said, somehow rising above Luka’s insult. Nothing like a little angelic patience when defending a murderous bloodsucker. “However, he has played an integral part in this endeavor’s success and has received full immunity from the DEA. My decision is final.”
Gasps and grumbles filled the air, but no one argued against the archangel—a true testament to how much the Community honored his word. As much as Colin wanted to topple our way of life and allow the realms to form whatever governing bodies we wished, most of us respected the angels and their judgment.
Of course, respect didn’t mean we had to agree with, or even like, every decision.
“I’ve brought some hungry new friends to play with the fae today,” Xavier drawled, his pupils blazing red.
Dozens of newer vampires clambered into view through the door behind their creator or scaled the walls like ants. Ill-fitting clothing covered their half-decayed skeletal remains, but at least we didn’t have to see them fully naked in the light. Or ever would be great.
Thank the gods for silver linings.
More angry mutters rumbled through the vast room, and the assembly squeezed farther away from the foul-smelling creatures. Technically, vamps were as much a part of the Community as anyone else. Xavier was our main issue.
“With that situation out of the way, let me introduce Prince Edric of the Summer Court,” Adam said, and the prince in question dipped his head regally.
The archangel relayed the information we’d learned from him about the queen.
“Our mission is to hold Colin’s attention on our armies for as long as possible,” Adam said. “A small group will infiltrate the palace and free the queen. With her freedom, Colin’s reign of terror will finally end.”
Cheers and shouts for getting this show on the road rang out, near-deafening in volume and intensity. Beside me, Lena raised her sword in the air and joined their cheers, and I couldn’t help my grin.
Many here were warriors like Lena, born and bred for battle. This was what they lived for, and their excitement was contagious.
“Before we open the portal, a team will secure the location in the Otherworld. Please complete your preparations.” Adam lowered himself back to the ground, disappearing among the throng of people.
Thane’s warm presence grew closer, and I spun around to face him, clutching his arms. I hated this part, any time I had to leave his side, but even more when it involved so much danger.
If I lost him…
No, I couldn’t go there. I needed to focus only on the present.
My gaze traveled across his handsome features, beginning with his thick midnight waves, lingering on the sharp angles and planes of his face and very kissable lips, and settling on his deep ocean-hued eyes. I drowned in them each and every time, and today was no exception.
His palms cupped my face, and he brushed my cheeks with his thumbs before leaning down to kiss me. Sparks ignited within every nerve with that simple touch, striking down to my core. Our soul link blazed with heat and love, with adoration, respect, and desire.
Whatever happened, he was my flame’s chosen mate. I would do everything in my power—and more—to protect him. Whatever it took, I would be with him.
In life or in death.
He pulled his head back much too soon and smirked, directing even more heat straight between my legs. Memories of tangled sheets and laughter, his lips and tongue between my thighs, and his rock-hard length thrusting deep inside me swirled through my mind, dizzying and intoxicating.
My cheeks flushed, and I clenched my thighs together as an intense throb ached for release.
I would never get enough of this man.
“Don’t worry, I’ll ravage you again soon.” Grinning mischievously, he kissed the backs of my hands and released me, making his way through the crowd toward Adam.
Grumbling at his absence even though I knew it was coming, I fanned my face. Good thing I didn’t have to hide a hard-on in my pants.
“Think I’ll find my flame’s mate someday?” Lena asked, sighing as she watched Thane disappear into the crowd.
I looked at the longing on her face with surprise. She’d never hinted at that desire before. “I hope so. Maybe you should take a trip to Italy after this.”
Expecting an elbow to the ribs or a glare, I laughed when she just nodded with a wistful smile. I couldn’t say whether Holly, Kit’s witchy friend in Rome, was Lena’s mate. Still, she’d turned the warrior woman soft in a way I’d never seen before.
Speaking of witches, I nudged my way through the mob until I spied Kit with her eyes closed, breathing deeply. Close to Adam, she stood in the middle of a chalk circle, which I’d learned would amplify her magic and make holding the portal open easier and less draining.
