Ashes (Dark in You 3)

Just as possessive, her demon had left two brands on him – one on his nape, and one across the back of his shoulders, making each seem more like an extension of the other. Both were tribal and masculine with thick, pointed curves and solid, black lines. Knox wouldn’t lie; it was a total turn-on for both him and his demon that they’d been branded by hers.

“Come on, Knox, you know nobody can keep me safe better than you can.”

She was right on that. “You’re very good at getting your way.”

Harper grinned. “I learned from the best.” Her mate was damn good at making things go his way. He could certainly talk her in circles at times. She’d had to learn fast how to keep up or he’d walk all over her – it was simply in his nature to forge ahead when he wanted something.

“I’ll help you get dressed.”

“I don’t need —”

“Just let me take care of you.”

Sensing that he needed that, she relented. “Okay.”

Harper’s demon rather liked how carefully and reverently he touched her as he stripped her naked and then dressed her in the blue jeans and black, long-sleeved shirt she chose. He even insisted on brushing her hair – something he did often, as if it soothed him somehow.

When they were both finally ready to leave, he took her hand and guided her down the curved staircase, along the wide hallway, and over to the marble foyer. There, he helped her slip into her jacket before guiding her outside and down the wide steps with a hand on her lower back.

Levi opened the rear door of the Bentley – one of several luxurious cars that Knox kept stored in the garage. Once Harper and Knox slid inside, Levi drove along the long, curved drive; passing the extensive, beautifully landscaped lawn and the security gatehouse.

The estate was bordered by high, brick walls that would have been plain had it not been for the ivy that trailed along them. At first, Harper had felt a little intimidated by the size of the estate. It was a far cry from the many homes she’d grown up in with her nomadic father. But now… well, now it felt like home.

The mansion was an expansive, lavish, beautiful piece of modern architecture, but it wasn’t excessively extravagant. Wasn’t showy or ostentatious. Instead, it possessed a warm elegance and the same undeniable charm as its owner.

It also had blue-tinted, bulletproof windows that Harper found totally awesome.

As the black, heavy, metal gates swung open, Knox spoke. “How do you feel about going somewhere for a few days? Maybe spend some time on the yacht?”

Considering she was used to his overprotective ways, Harper figured she really should have seen this coming. Crossing one leg over the other, she gave him a sideways glance. “Really, Knox, I’m not traumatized by what happened. I don’t need to get away from Vegas.”

Knox stroked her thigh. “No one would blame you if you did. It hasn’t exactly been a relaxing place for you over the past year. Plenty of people would want a break from it in your position.”

“I’m not plenty of people. Knox, seriously, I really am fine.”

Knox could sense that she truly believed that, but he wasn’t convinced – not given that her body was screaming, “stressed!” He knew she was far from fragile, but it was difficult to remember that when she looked so drained and weary. “I need you to promise that if you do feel overwhelmed —” he gently tapped her temple “— you’ll call me.”

“I promise.”

“And I need you to also promise me that you’ll be alert. There is a possibility that more hunters will be sent. I doubt it, because, although hunters are greedy, they aren’t stupid enough to pursue something that got two others killed. Still, there might be some who’ll do it for the right price. Everyone has a price.”

“I’ll be alert,” she vowed.

“Good girl.” He kissed her softly, barely resisting the urge to take her mouth hard and feast on her. He held himself in check, but it was a struggle. “I don’t know who found out that you can fly. The sentinels know, your family knows – it’s possible that someone overheard one of them talk of it. If so, I suspect that someone may have passed on this information to another person who would want it. Either that or they themselves covet your wings. They may also know just how unique your wings are.”

“If they do know, they didn’t tell the hunters. They were sincerely surprised when they saw the colors of my wings.”

“In any case, they obviously have no idea that you can conjure the flames of hell or I doubt they would have risked trying to obtain your wings.” The flames of hell could destroy anything aside from archdemons – nothing else was impervious to the flames, which was why Knox took great care in ensuring the demon world didn’t discover that he truly could call on them.

As a disturbing thought occurred to Harper, she sat up straighter. “Or maybe that’s why they did it. If someone was in possession of wings that were sort of… birthed from the flames of hell… they’d have a lot of fucking power if there was some way they were able to tap into it. The kind of power only you could fight.”

Knox twisted his mouth, pondering it. “True, but I don’t believe they could tap into it. Not unless they have some way of fusing your wings to them – and I’m quite sure that’s impossible.”

“It doesn’t mean there isn’t someone who’s willing to try it. It’s just something we should consider.”

“And we will,” he assured her. “While we’re busy finding who’s behind the attack, we’ll have to put aside our investigations into the remaining Horsemen.”

“Which could be exactly what someone wants,” she pointed out. “The Horsemen could have hired the hunters to either piss you off or distract you – maybe even both.”

That was something he had already considered. “Yes, but I need to be sure. Any immediate threat to you needs to be eliminated.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’d feel a lot better if you’d agree to learn how to call on the flames. Then you could have called on them yesterday.”

“I caused a lot of destruction last time.” Enough to scare her into never wanting to do it ever again.

“That was mostly your demon.”

“Yeah, I remember it got high on the power. It would love another try at it.” Just the thought had it fairly rubbing its hands with glee.

“But if you don’t learn how to call and direct the flames, you could call them by accident – I don’t think you want that.”

She sighed, knowing and resenting that he was right. “Fine, I’ll learn.”

“Right decision.” He kissed her palm. “Are you sure you won’t take at least one day off work?”

“Not happening, Thorne. You know me well enough to know that I can’t sit around the house doing nothing – I’ll go crazy.”

Yes, Knox did know that. He even understood it, but he’d still rather have her at home. Still, Knox knew better than to browbeat her on anything – she’d object just to be contrary. Her obstinateness was typical of both imps and sphinxes. She had many sphinx qualities, despite being more of an imp by nature. Her breed was much like a bird and a lion rolled into one. In addition to being graceful and difficult to pin down, Harper was fierce and strong.

“All right,” he said. “I’ll trust you to call me if the day catches up with you.” He’d also tell Tanner to keep a close watch on her and ensure that she ate well through the day to build up her strength.

A short time later, Levi parked the Bentley outside a small, detached house. As he opened the rear door, he said, “I think it’s best if I wait in the car.” He tipped his chin toward the group of teens who were staring at the Bentley with covetous eyes.

“We won’t be long,” said Knox. He took Harper’s hand and led her up the narrow, cobbled path. She pressed the doorbell and stood back.

Within moments, Wyatt opened the door. He nodded in deference. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Wallis.” He stepped aside, inviting them to enter.

A redhead stood behind him, gray eyes bright, smile strained. Her face was narrow and pale, rather unlike her mate’s – he had an almost square face that was as tanned as the rest of him. It was easy enough to sense that Wyatt was a cop, Harper thought. It was in his stance, his expression, and the authoritative air about him.