Page 14 of My Salvation

Aiden had to direct the men as they arrived because, to the man, each froze in place, reacting to the darkness and the cold.

Priest lingered near Meryn as Aiden walked away with a squad member named Reston to get more updates. When he stepped closer to the fae woman speaking to the Menace, a tantalizing perfume tortured him. It was sweet yet hinted at a warm spice like cinnamon and nutmeg. “Gods, what is that aroma?” he wondered out loud.

Ryuu’s mouth twitched as he placed both hands on his shoulders and steered him to stand directly in front of the two women.

“So, you have a name?”

The fae laughed. “No.”

Meryn’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

“Of course, I have a name.” The gorgeous blonde thrust out her hand. “I’m Cassandra Vi’Illiya.”

Meryn took her hand. “I’m Meryn McKenzie. Nice to meetcha!”

He took another step forward.

Meryn scowled at him. “Dude, personal bubble.”

Cassandra turned to him, her eyes widening. “Oh dear.”

“Cas, you okay?” asked a Vanguard warrior, as he stepped closer to Cassandra.

Priest growled low in his throat and pulled his mate behind him.

“I don’t fucking think so,” the Vanguard said, squaring up to him.

“Coop, it’s okay! He’s my mate!” Cassandra yelled from behind him.

“What!” Multiple male voices demanded.

Aiden walked over. “Priest, you steady?”

He could only nod. In his chest, his bird felt like it was clawing his organs. “Bird…isn’t…happy,” he grunted out.

“Luca, please help him! He’s all red,” Cassandra begged.

Scowling, another warrior stepped past the one called Coop. He laid a hand on his shoulder, then pulled it back quickly. “Son of a bitch!”

“Luca, you okay?” Coop asked.

Luca sucked on his fingers. “Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting the sharpness of the pain, is all.” With a gentler expression, he put his hand back on his shoulder. “Conquiescere, frater meus. Be at peace, my brother. We don’t desire your mate. We have just been looking after her for a long time.”

Inside his body, his bird settled down, and Priest was able to exhale. “Thank you.”

“Thank you, Luca,” Cassandra said, stepping around him to look up. “Hello, my mate.” She smiled so brightly that he felt his heart stutter.

“I swear by all the gods to protect this smile,” he whispered.

“Oh!” She covered her mouth with both hands. “Oh.”

Luca sighed loudly. “Looks like we have a new brother.”

The one named Coop and the equally intimidating one next to him grunted in agreement.

“I turn my back for three freaking seconds…three!” Reston ranted, coming around to stand next to his squad brothers, hands on hips.

“You sure, hun?” Another asked.