Page 103 of Protected in Darkness
“What’s going on?” Obsidian prompted, scanning the grim faces of all the males standing around.
“We’ve got a problem,” Reidar growled softly, his eyes never leaving Oliver, who was leaning casually against the counter, a glass of juice in his hand, looking like he hadn’t a care in the world.
“What?” Oliver asked, grinning. “You’re telling me I don’t have the right to call my girlfriend? She deserves to know where I’m at. Now she does.”
Oh, fuck.
Footsteps sounded from the front of the house, slowing as they neared. All eyes shifted that way, awaiting the new arrival to step into the kitchen.
“I didn’t expect a party,” Eclipse said, his eyes quickly scanning all the occupants. “Well, fuck me running. What’s wrong?”
Reidar relayed the condensed version to Eclipse.
All eyes locked on Oliver again. For a brief moment, Obsidian almost felt sorry for the male. He had absolutely no idea the trouble he’d caused.
“How long before she can get here?” Taayin asked, the question aimed at no one in particular.
“Worst case, a few hours,” Reidar stated, his gruff tone reflecting the displeasure he found in the fact. “I figure we might as well get prepared.”
Which meant only one thing. Obsidian peered over at Stygian then Eclipse.
“Throw it up, boys,” Reidar announced.
Nodding at his brothers, Obsidian let his senses flare out over the mansion. When he felt his brothers’ energies, their efforts combined, effectively throwing up a shield to disguise the mansion from anyone and everyone. Though it was invisible to angels, thedhirasettled over the property, making it appear as a vast nothingness. The cloak wasn’t as powerful as it could’ve been if all his brothers were there, but it would work for the time being.
“I’m going to get Penelope,” Obsidian informed Reidar. “You team up with Mordecai and Magnar. Get me a bead on Seraphina.”
The male nodded, then everyone dispersed.
PENELOPEHADJUSTSTEPPEDOUTOFOBSIDIAN’Sbedroom, intending to take the stairs down to the main floor, when Obsidian came strolling around the corner, his long legs bringing him down the hall toward her. His brow was furrowed, his mouth a thin line and she imagined his eyes were glowing behind the dark lenses.
She came to a stop before him, reaching out to touch his chest. His hard body seemed to lean into her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing yet, but…” He exhaled heavily as he pulled her into his arms, his lips brushing the top of her head as he bent down. “Your brother called Seraphina. Gave her our location. Or what hethoughtwas our location, anyway.”
She inhaled sharply, pulled back enough to look into his face. “Why would he do that?”
Obsidian motioned in the direction of the stairs, taking her hand in his. “In his defense, we didn’t tell him what’s going on. I doubt he meant to cause problems, but…”
Even if it was unintentional, he most definitely did.
“He doesn’t realize his girlfriend’s a demon so he called to check in?” She felt weird even saying the words.
“We need to bring him up to speed.”
Yeah, unfortunately, they did. She wasn’t eager to see Oliver’s reaction, but he did deserve the truth. No matter how unrealistic it sounded.
They took the back stairs down to the main floor. As they emerged from the stairway, Penelope could hear the sounds of people working. Footsteps traipsing through, pots being set down, a rush of whispered commands.
When they stepped into the kitchen, the first thing she noticed was the metal shutters at the back of the house had retracted, the lights inside reflecting off the dark glass. The second was that she couldn’t see a single thing outside, not even the lights in the swimming pool.
“Why’s it so dark?” She moved closer, stepping up into the sunroom.
Obsidian moved behind her, placed his big fingers gently on her temples. Suddenly she could see clearly out into the night. The pool lights were on, coloring the water a teal blue. The patio lights highlighted the empty furniture. In the distance, a sliver of moon cast the tall trees and mountains surrounding the property in silhouette.
When Obsidian removed his fingers, it went pitch black once more.
“It’s an illusion,” he explained. “A cloak my brothers and I erected to shield the property. Only angels can see through it.”
