Wicked Road to Hel (League of Guardians 1)

A soft creak drew her eyes upward. Kaden stood at the top of the stairs, his hand on the railing, about to take another step.

“Give us a few minutes.” She knew he was going to protest—saw him square his shoulders. She raised an eyebrow and it was enough. Kaden shot an aggressive look toward Declan and then disappeared.

“Follow me.”

She slid past Declan and headed to the kitchen located at the back of the house. She was edgy, still unsure if she’d made a huge mistake; however, there was no turning back now.

She flipped on the light, though the rusting fixture that hung from the center of the ceiling didn’t do much to illuminate the room. The kitchen was as dated and tired as the rest of the house, with frayed, yellowed wallpaper and cracked linoleum. She rested her hip against the aluminum-framed table. The last time she’d sat at the damn thing it had been 1956. Elvis had been king, her brother had been home, and she’d been happy.

As always, thoughts of Jean-Charles conjured up memories best left alone. It seemed a lifetime ago, and for someone who had lived for over three hundred years that was saying something. She pushed all thoughts of her brother aside. There was no room for bitterness and melancholy. Not tonight anyway.

Ana straightened the cherry red vinyl chair and eyed the ancient fridge. Christ, she needed a drink. Badly.

“I work for Bill.” Her words came out in a rush. “It was he who brought me back from the darkness two years ago.”

Declan’s eyes widened for just a second. “After the fiasco in Vegas? You’ve been alive all this time?”

His words were controlled, his tone conversational, yet his hands were clenched tightly. She nodded and waited as long moments of silence followed.

“It doesn’t make sense. If he pulled a Lazarus with you, why aren’t you working for the Seraphim like Nico and I? Why did no one tell me?” His face was unreadable.

“Bill doesn’t trust them.”

Declan’s eyes narrowed and he took two steps until he was inches from her. Ana’s gut clenched and she wished he’d move away. His scent was irresistible, his heartbeat mesmerizing.

“I’m in New Orleans because I’ve been ordered by that little fucker”—his words were matter-of-fact and he watched her closely—“to bring someone in for the Seraphim, of which Bill is one, last I heard.”

“You would hand over a boy to them? Do you even know why they want him?”

She saw the confusion on his face.

“Boy?” He rubbed his jaw.

“They want Kaden.” Her voice trembled slightly and she was pissed at the show of emotion. “I’ll die before that happens.”

“Well that’s kinda hard, isn’t it? Since technically you’re already dead.”

His smart-ass tongue was starting to get on her nerves.

At Ana’s growl Declan raised an eyebrow. “So, let me get this straight. Bill has me on the trail of a kid that he has you protecting?”

“That’s about right.” Ana was just as confused. “I don’t know why he didn’t warn me. He usually does.” She paced as she spoke. “He plays nice with the Seraphim even if he doesn’t always believe in their methods. Of course he sent you after Kaden. He was ordered to.” She stopped and felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. God, she needed blood. “It’s just . . . he usually warns me when the game has changed. If I’d known you were on the hunt I’d have taken Kaden deep underground.”

“Bill’s away. He’s been called to council for Azaiel’s trial.”

Ana was quiet as she digested that information. It made sense. If Bill was in the upper realm with the fallen, he’d have no way of contacting her. She shivered, suddenly so weary and tired of it all.

For the first time in a long while she wasn’t sure she could carry out her mandate. She didn’t know if she could keep the boy safe from both the Seraphim and now Samael.

The demon lord was like a dog, nose to the ground and tracking hard. It’s probably why the Seraphim had finally made a move. They didn’t want the demon underworld to get their hands on Kaden. They’d rather destroy the boy than chance it.

“How long will he be away?” she asked.

Declan shrugged. “I have no clue, but the last time he rode the golden elevator upstairs he was gone for months.”

“I won’t let you take him,” she reiterated.

Declan ignored her comment. “Who is he?”