The Darkest Touch (Lords of the Underworld 11)

Not my woman. Can’t think like that.

“A game of catch? Sure. I’m willing.” Keeley stepped beside him and tossed the crackling flames back to the little girl, who caught it with an expression of utter shock.

Urban stretched out his hand, a ball of ice forming just above his palm. He tossed it, and Keeley caught it with the same ease as before.

Only, this one melted in her grip before she could lob off a return. “Oops. My bad. I’m summer today, not winter.”

“Who,” Maddox began darkly, “is the Red Queen?”

“I am.” Keeley executed a flawless curtsey. “I know, I know. You’re honored to make my acquaintance, and you can hardly contain your excitement, but do your best to remain calm. I find bouts of fawning adoration embarrassing—for others.”

Maddox blinked.

Torin tried not to smile.

More footsteps resounded. Then the golden Ashlyn, blue-haired Gideon and a noticeably pregnant Scarlet raced around a corner. From different areas of the house, others came running, as well. The silent Amun and loving Haidee. The dark Reyes and his blonde bombshell, Danika. Determined Sabin and his spunky Gwen. Cocky Strider and his redheaded terror, Kaia. The newly tattooed Aeron, his lovely wife, Olivia, and their kinda sorta adopted adult daughter, Legion.

The last time Torin had seen Legion—a former demon turned real girl, à la Pinocchio—she’d been a wreck, having just been rescued from captivity and torture. The time he’d been away must have been good to her. The roses had returned to her cheeks and the sparkle to her dark eyes.

Lucien moved to Anya’s side, spoke a few quiet words. As he did, Paris and Sienna materialized.

The reunion lacked only Kane, Cameo and Viola.

Differing emotions were cast Torin’s way. Elation, confusion, surprise, and of course, Anya’s uneasiness. That uneasiness began to annoy him. Keeley should have been welcomed, no matter what, the way he had welcomed every other new addition to the family.

“Good to have you back, my friend,” said Sabin, the keeper of the demon of Doubts.

“Who’s the babe?” asked Strider, the keeper of Defeat. “She’s—humph.”

Kaia elbowed him in the stomach.

Though a thousand things had changed in the short time of separation, this had not, and it relaxed Torin. He wanted so badly to close the distance and hug each of his friends. But not a single one of them would welcome his touch, even a protected one. Keeley was the only person who’d ever been willing to risk all for his sake.

He reached out and flattened his gloved hand on her lower back—couldn’t stop himself. A show of support, gratefulness, and yes, desire.

She flicked him a confused glance.

He shrugged. He didn’t know what to say.

“What’s going on?” Aeron demanded. “What’s this about a Red Queen?”

“I’m going to roundhouse kick her in the face!” Anya piped up. “Or watch someone else do it. Anyone? Anyone?”

“Enough!” Or I won’t be responsible for my actions. Though Keeley maintained a neutral, even bored expression, a soft rain began to patter against the windows. She was hurting. “She has a name, and you will use it. She will be treated with respect at all times. Anyone who offends her will answer to me—and I promise you, the questions will hurt.”

“Well, I already like her,” Kaia said. “Anyone who makes Anya pee her pants in fear has to be totes amazeballs.”

“I haven’t peed!” Anya paused and added glumly, “More than a little.”

“Torin,” Lucien said, an edge to his tone. “If Keeley has done the things Anya mentioned—”

“Oh, I have,” Keeley interjected, unrepentant. “Those, and more. And worse.”

“Then she can’t stay here. The children...”

“Please. Do you truly believe I’d want to stay in such a hovel?” Keeley walked to the nearest window and peered out. “Ask me if I’ve ever heard anything so ridiculous.”

His heart ached for her. So defensive. Rejected by her parents. Rejected by Hades for a barrel of whiskey. She craved acceptance. And Torin got that. Probably better than she would have liked. Because of Disease, he’d been left behind for every battle, every celebration. He was a part of his friends’ lives, but it was a part set aside, to be looked at but never handled, if that made any sense.

Rage ignited. “I go where she goes. No exceptions.”

Her gasp echoed in the sudden quiet of the room. Less than an hour ago, he’d tried to get rid of her; but here he was, pledging to stay by her side. She might wonder at his reasoning, and he had no real answer for her.

Sabin and Lucien shared a long, silent communication before stepping forward.

“Stay,” Sabin said with a nod.

“We just got you back,” Aeron said. “We can’t lose you now.”

“Then no one threatens Keeley.” Torin pinned Anya with a glare. “I mean it.”

“Fine,” the goddess huffed. “I’ll make sure you never hear what I have to say.”

Oh, really? “You may have witnessed the Red Queen’s temper in action, but did Lucien tell you she is capable of so much more? She can find Cameo and Viola. She can bring Baden home.” He paused, making sure he had everyone’s undivided attention. “She can find Pandora’s box.” Also the Morning Star. But he once again kept that bit of news to himself. He planned to do a little research first. “However, I won’t ask her to do any of those things if one unkind word is said. In my hearing or not.”