Page 128 of Protected in Darkness
“What is it?”
He nodded toward Eclipse’s door. “He ran Ziana off when she went to feed him. I think he’s found hisamsouelot.”
“That’s good news, right?”
“You’d think.” Obsidian peered at the closed door to his own room, allowed his senses to expand until he located Penelope. She was sitting in their bed, watching something on her iPad. “We need to come up with a plan. Let’s get everyone on the phone and we’ll hash it out.”
Stygian nodded. “I’ll grab Eclipse.”
While his brother remained in the hallway, Obsidian returned to the living room to place the calls to his brothers, getting them all on the line.
The four of them were chatting amongst themselves when Stygian and Eclipse joined him a few minutes later. Eclipse looked a little worse for wear, which made him believe Ziana was right. He’d found hisamsouelot, but it hadn’t turned out the way he’d expected.
“We’ve got six males we can release,” Obsidian informed them as his brothers took seats on the sofa, the others going quiet on the phone. “And with Eclipse staying back, that’s at least one for each of you.”
“If I might make a suggestion,” Shadow said. “I think it would benefit us all if Gryffyth would stay back. His tracking’s unparalleled and those of us who haven’t pinned down ouramsouelotscould really use his expertise.”
“I’m leaving Søren here, too,” Stygian informed him. “That should help. I’ll have him reach out to yourlieterras, figure out how they can best assist each of you.”
“What about you, Stygian? Where’re you heading off to?” Aphotic asked.
“Massachusetts,” he replied. “Søren thinks he’s pinpointed her.”
“That’s good news,” Cimmerian stated. “You’re faring better than I am. We’ve trekked through the entire Midwest and beyond with no luck. Well, unless you count the demon nest we took out in Idaho.”
While that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it wasn’t the end goal right now, but Obsidian didn’t have to tell him that.
“Shadow?” Stygian prompted. “You still in Canada?”
“For now. But we’re returning tomorrow night. She’s not here.”
Obsidian sighed, hating to hear more bad news.
“Aphotic? Any chance you can get your female back here?”
The laugh that rumbled through the phone rang with doubt. “It’s a wonder she’s even talking to me.”
A round of genuine laughter sounded.
“You mean, for once in your life, you have to work to get the girl?” Piceous taunted. “Must suck to be you.”
“Hey. Give it time. She’ll come around.” Obsidian could hear the smile in Aphotic’s voice. “They always do. What about Eclipse?”
Glancing up, he locked on Eclipse, who had his head back, eyes closed. “I found her.”
“That’s fucking awesome, brother. Congrats,” Aphotic noted.
“Yeah. I wouldn’t pat me on the back yet.” Eclipse lifted his head, opened his eyes. “I killed a male in her presence. I’m pretty sure she’ll be running scared.”
Well, that fucking sucked.
No one bothered to ask him who he’d killed because they all knew it had been warranted. Eclipse was one of the most level-headed. He wouldn’t take a life unless it was inevitable.
For the next few minutes, they outlined who would go where before disconnecting the call.
“Winnie’s been asking for a tour of the mansion. I figured I could get Asmia and Penelope to give her one,” Obsidian informed Eclipse and Stygian. “While they do that, we’ll meet with thefiestreigh. Get our shit together so we can get you all back here ASAP.”
Stygian nodded as Eclipse pushed to his feet.
