Page 22 of Vampire's Promise
“It blackens a guardian’s soul.” She nodded to their surroundings. “Hell makes it worse for them, but the few living females never seemed to be affected by it.”
The air crackled with evil, and several creatures that Kian sensed were demons dropped into view. They were surrounded by at least ten of the black-skinned creatures with razor-sharp teeth. Gwen was quick to slip to his backside while he called forth his power.
“I’d think twice if I were you,” Kian said.
One demon took two steps forward, lifted his nose into the air and sniffed. “Demigod, you reek of the female.”
“What of it?” He lifted a brow while glancing behind him to make sure Gwen was still safe.
“We don’t like her kind here,” the demon growled.
“I’m offended, but then again, I should know not to expect anything else from a pussy such as yourself,” Gwen said.
“Are you trying to piss them off?” Kian raised his hand, called up a power sphere, and was ready to blast should any threat come close.
“Ha! The last time Bragroth and I came head-to-head, he ran with his horns tucked between his legs.” She slid in front of Kian. “Watch our backs. Never trust a demon unless it’s a friend. He––” She pointed her sword at Bragroth. “Is not a friend.”
Kian found Gwen sexy in her leather while brandishing a blade, but he wasn’t fond of her putting herself in front of him. They were going to have to discuss the matter later when they were out of danger.
“Demon hunter, you killed my brother and for that I will kill you.”
Ready to launch his power, Gwen must have felt it and placed her hand on his chest. “No. Watch my back and I will give this black-hearted prick his chance at my head.” She faced Bragroth. “Your minions make one false move, and the demigod here will smite them in a hot second.”
There was no stopping his grin at her words. She was correct. He would take down this entire circle of demons. “Don’t worry about his little helpers, I will simply place a barrier between them and us.” With a snap of his fingers, an invisible shield dropped into place, cutting off all the other demons, leaving Gwen, himself, and Bragroth in its protective dome.
The demon snarled and ran at Gwen, his blade pointed straight at her. Kian curled his fingers and dug his nails into his palm when Gwen’s own sword slammed against Bragroth’s. He wanted to encase her in his protective power, but knew ifhe did so, it would hurt her that he didn’t trust her. Besides, he had seen her take down a valkyrie, and they were vicious females. Instead, he stood by and watched. Ready to intervene if necessary.
Gwen met the demon’s blade, blocking him each time he attempted to make contact. Kian couldn’t stop the pride he felt or the fear. Every time the demon got close to Gwen, Kian had to force himself not to simply flash them away. The thought of her getting injured, or worse, left a powerful ache in his chest. He realized then that he cared for her. More than would seem normal considering they had only met, but it was enough to make him wonder if her words about them being mates held any truth. It bore further investigation.
While Kian had been busy contemplating his feelings, Gwen had knocked Bragroth’s sword from his grip and had him pinned to the ground, the point of her own blade to his neck.
“Tell me one good reason I should let you live?” she asked.
“So I can kill you later,” the demon snarled.
“While that’s a pretty good reason, I don’t feel like dying yet.” She plunged the blade into the demon’s neck and twisted, covering herself with blood. Kian made sure his shield held, keeping the others at bay.
Gwen rose, wiped her sword on her pants, then flashed it away before she turned to face him. “It wasn’t about me. His death was about the humans he tortured, some of which were children. He needed to die.”
“You don’t have to explain your actions to me. You are a guardian of humanity and as such it is your right to exact revenge for those you protect.”
She smiled as the blood splatters vanished from her face and hair. “Thank you. My people have a history full of death and destruction that isn’t very pretty. Let me take us out of here. We can look for your father and the others, then tell them whathappened. Khedeus won’t dare touch us once we are under their protection.”
He slipped his hand in hers. “Funny, my people’s history seems to be full of the same death and destruction.” Everything around him shifted, and they slipped into blackness, but unlike before, this was warm and felt like Gwen. In seconds, they were inside four walls.
“My home in Vandeldor. My brother is probably frantic, and I need to let him know I’m safe.” She led him outside and had hardly got several feet away when the male he had seen in the mortal world appeared.
“Gwen! Christ, I was worried I would never see you again. What happened?” He jerked her into a hug that Kian thought might crush her.
“Long story, but a god name Khedeus took me to some prison.” She broke free and turned to Kian. “It’s a long story, but––”
“I already know.” Marcus stepped forward, hand extended. “You must be the son of Argathos. I am Marcus.”
Kian accepted his hand and gave a nod. “I am Kian.”
“Marcus, we need to find Argathos, but I wanted to make sure you knew I was safe… For now.”
Her brother’s face bore the reflection of his mood, which indicated he was ready and willing to rip apart any who dared touch her. Kian respected that. “What do you mean, for now?”
