“Raine, come here.” Lucius’s deep voice made the room shake.

  She wanted to, really, she did. “We should…” She cleared her throat and tried again. “We should talk about this.” One wrong word and things would go nuclear.

  Neither man was listening, both locked on the other. Morrigan was standing behind her man, a sword in her hand, ready to defend him. No help there. It was up to her to deescalate the situation before it got to the point of no return.

  “You know, most friends who hadn’t seen each other in hundreds of years would grab a beer and pizza and catch up on all the news. Not go at each other like Clash of the Titans.”

  Lucius turned his head, his big jaw dropping to expose giant teeth. At least there was no drool. That would be a huge turnoff and likely something she wouldn’t be able to forget.

  “I couldn’t see you.” Lucius’s pain gave her the strength to move toward him. His tail curled around her, herding her toward his chest.

  “The shadows were alive.” She feared she’d dream about being trapped inside them for the rest of her life. “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me.” It hadn’t been a pleasant encounter, and something she could go eternity without ever experiencing again, but she was keeping that to herself. If he had any inkling of how scared she’d been, he’d attack. Then somebody would die.

  “I think it’s best if we leave.” Before some spark lit a flame that might mean the end of the city. She patted one of his thick scales, but he remained rooted firmly in place. The floor groaned beneath his great weight. “We’re going to end up in the lobby the hard way and take out the people below us. You have to shift.”

  His roar shook the entire building. She slammed her hands over her ears and prayed there was no lasting damage. Meteorologists would likely be checking to see if there’d been an earthquake in the area. His body shimmered. The wash of energy lifted her hair on end. Even though she closed her eyes, it was still too bright. When it died down and she opened them, he was in front of her, gloriously naked and unarmed.

  “What’s it going to be?” Every muscle in Lucius’s back tensed as he faced his opponent. His tattoos glowed. She moved to the side, wanting to keep everyone in her line of sight.

  The flames on Maccus’s sword burned brighter before the weapon vanished into thin air. No warming, no fanfare. Just poof. He tilted his head back and stared at the hole in his ceiling. “I had to see inside her, to be sure she was telling the truth.”

  “You were protecting him? From me?” Incredulous, she pointed at her chest. “I’m the only human here.” Morrigan didn’t count, since she was a former bounty hunter for Hell.

  Maccus snorted. “Humans are deadlier than many paranormals. Groups of your kind have dedicated their lives to harming drakons.”

  Letting the “your kind” comment slide, she frowned. “Why didn’t you ask? I would have consented. Anything to help figure out what’s going on.”

  “He wouldn’t have allowed it. You told me I could investigate.”

  So she had. She’d never imagined he’d take her up on it so quickly or in such a manner.

  Chin arrogantly tilted and totally unapologetic, he inclined his head toward Lucius. “I understand if you wish to leave the Brotherhood.”

  “No one is doing anything.” The last thing she wanted was for Lucius to decide something that huge in the heat of the moment and have to live with regrets. They needed to get out of here and regroup. Myth and legend were her life’s work, but she’d reached her limit. It was a hell of a lot different when it was in books, and a lot scarier in reality. “Will you call if you get any information?”

  Maccus inclined his head. That was something. The trip hadn’t been a total waste of time. She wished it would have ended better.

  Lucius took her hand and headed toward the elevator, practically dragging her behind him. Giving a sigh, she dug in her heels. “Wait. We can’t leave yet.”

  “Why not?”

  She ran her gaze over him from head to toe. “You’re naked.”

  …

  White-hot anger heated his blood, making it difficult to think rationally. Maccus knew what Raine was to him. He knew. He might not have said it aloud, but his friend had been around long enough to understand what he meant when he’d said there was only one force powerful enough to wake him—Raine was his mate.

  For a drakon, who prized treasures both large and small, there was no greater one in this world or any other. Speculation had run rampant for millennia among his kind. They’d all wondered if there were only one mate destined for them, as was the case with dragons, or would they wander aimlessly through their lives unable to find anything but the occasional short-term relationship with a woman.

  There were no longer any doubts.

  And Maccus had tried to take her from him. He shook his head, fighting his dragon for control. The beast wanted to rip the male to shreds for daring such a thing.

  His friend had been looking out for him, in his own way. He had no idea how close he’d come to dying. The only reason he hadn’t attacked outright was out of fear of hurting Raine.

  “Hold up.” She tugged at his hand. “I know you’re pissed, but you can’t walk the streets naked.”

  “Maccus’s clothes should fit. I’ll get something for you to wear.” Not waiting for an answer, Morrigan slipped down the hall.

  Arms by his sides, Maccus stared at him, jaw clenched, body rigid, and eyes burning with an inner fire. It pained him to be at odds with one of the few people he’d ever called friend, but there were lines that couldn’t, shouldn’t be crossed.

  “He was protecting you.” Raine kept her voice low, even though she had to suspect everyone could hear her.

  “Are you defending him after what he just did to you?” Seeing her disappear behind a wall of impenetrable shadows… Talk about a living nightmare. He’d died a thousand deaths in the seconds it had taken him to transform. She’d been alone, unable to protect herself against such a powerful foe. Although, to be honest, she looked anything but defenseless now.

  Hands on her hips, she glared at him. Her hair was mussed, and the color had come back into her cheeks. He wanted to take her, claim her, mark her so the entire world would see she belonged to him.

  “What did he do? Did he scare the crap out of me with that weird shadow business? You bet. But he didn’t physically hurt me. And I did tell him he could investigate.”

  He dragged his fingers through his hair, caught the ends, and tugged so he wouldn’t try to shake some sense into her. She had a way of confusing him, making him change his mind, to see things from another viewpoint. “Are you serious?”

  Her expression softened, her eyes taking on a wistful look. “I always wanted a friend who would care about me so much they’d risk everything to protect me.”

  As much as it pained him to admit, she wasn’t wrong. He slowly released the grip on his hair and rubbed the back of his neck. “What do you expect me to do?”

  She placed her hand on his chest, right over his heart. “I don’t expect you to do anything. You do whatever you think is right. But Maccus took a risk, knowing it would likely destroy your friendship.” She paused and glanced around. “His home didn’t fare so well, but he did it anyway. What does that tell you?”

  He glanced around the room and winced at the cracks in the walls and on the ceiling, the chunks of plaster scattered about. Not to mention what remained of the living room furniture. The damage was extensive but could’ve been worse. At least the building was still standing.

  “I think this will do.” Morrigan returned with a stack of clothes. “Not sure about the sneakers.” She held up a pair of plain black ones. “They’re worth a try.”

  He was vaguely aware of Raine taking the clothes, but he had eyes only for Maccus. Now that the haze of anger had faded, and his dragon was assured the danger had passed, he was remembering details, both small and large.

  “You have wings.” The corners of Maccus’s mouth tightened but he nodded. “How?” What else had changed while he’d been sleeping? He wasn’t the only one who was stronger, had evolved.

  Raine handed him a pair of jeans, which he pulled on. They fit almost perfectly. A bit short, but not uncomfortable.

  “That wasn’t normal?” she asked as she shook out a T-shirt and tossed it at him. “I figured a fallen angel meant no wings. I wasn’t going to ask but, since you did…” She sent Maccus a quizzical look. “How did you get wings?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  Raine rolled her eyes. “You guys are not big on details, are you? Getting anything out of Lucius is like pulling hen’s teeth, and FYI hens don’t have teeth. Try these.” She shoved the sneakers at him.

  Like the rest, they fit well and were only a little snug. They’d do until he could change back at the hotel. He needed to buy more clothes. For that, he’d need money. “I need access to my account.” While he had gold and gems and other priceless items cached around the globe, he’d left the fees he’d gotten from the contracts he’d taken with the Brotherhood in case any of them fell into economic hardship. Not that such a thing was likely but, since he hadn’t planned to ever come back, he hadn’t needed the money.

  Maccus pulled out his phone. Beside him, Raine shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Two minutes passed before he slipped the device back into his pocket. “It’s done. I texted the information to Raine.”

  This was it. Once he walked out that door, he’d never see his friend again. All these centuries, Maccus had watched out for him, guarded his money, and kept his secrets. The leader of the Brotherhood had done what he’d thought was right and would make no apology.

  “You’re fucking maddening, do you know that?” Hands fisted at his sides, he stalked across the room. Raine grabbed the hem of his T-shirt to try to stop him but ended up being pulled along.

  “I’ve been told that.” The damn man tilted his chin up, as if daring Lucius to take a shot. Or offering him a free one. “You’ll feel better.” He motioned to the clenched fist.

  On a roar, he slammed his fist into Maccus’s jaw. Pain radiated through his hand and up his arm, even as Maccus’s head jerked back. The thing was harder than iron. Any other paranormal creature would have likely been on his ass, his face shattered, or maybe even dead. He really was stronger.

  Smiling, the angel licked a drop of blood from the corner of his mouth. “That all you got?”

  Shoulders loosening, he smiled back. “I’m just getting started.” A fight was exactly what he needed to rid himself of all his pent-up frustrations. He raised his arm, but there was no punch thrown, no follow-through. Clinging to his biceps like a monkey, Raine hung about a foot off the floor, her short nails digging into his skin.

  “You’re not fighting with each other. I’m putting a stop to it.”

  “How are you going to do that?” Not that he would do anything, not with her stuck to him like glue, but he was curious about how she intended to stop him. He should be furious with her for putting herself between him and Maccus yet again, but could only marvel at her fearlessness.

  Boosting herself up, she wrapped her entire body around him, legs around his waist and arms around his neck. “You won’t risk me being hurt.”

  Yes, that would stop him faster than any weapon or magic incantation ever could. The fact she realized that, meant she trusted him on the deepest level.

  Closing his eyes, he buried his face in the curve of her neck and breathed in her scent. It grounded him, aroused him. It was, would always be, the scent of home. “I would never risk you.” It appeared she not only understood that, but also wasn’t afraid to use it. Not only was she brave, she was clever.

  He captured her mouth, claiming it, because he had to. And strangely enough, he trusted Maccus not to do anything that might hurt them. Damn it. He was going to have to forgive his friend.

  Holding her close, he practically inhaled her, loving the way she instantly responded, her tongue stroking his. Relief flooded through him. She was safe, and they weren’t in this alone. The Brotherhood would have his back. Or at least Maccus would.

  He eased away and dropped several more kisses on her swollen pink lips. “You don’t want me to fight.”

  “You’re friends. Or were. Still are.” Her golden eyes pleaded for understanding. When he nodded, she released him and dropped back to the floor. His lips twitched in amusement when she clasped her hand in his. She was determined to keep him from fighting.

  “Feel better?” Looking no worse for wear, Maccus patiently waited.

  “Yes. No.” On a sigh, he kissed the top of Raine’s head. “You can let go.” Her fingers tightened fractionally before she released him.

  Facing Maccus, he stared deep into his eyes. There was no emotion to be found, but a muscle twitched beneath his eye.

  “Don’t do it again.” Warning given, Lucius dragged his friend into his arms. He remained stiff for several long seconds before one arm came up to wrap around him. “I’m not sorry I hit you.”

  When they parted, Maccus’s lips twitched. “I’m not sorry for what I did either.”

  Good enough. “So what now?” He glanced around the penthouse and winced. “I’ll pay for the damage.”

  Morrigan leaned against Maccus and slung an arm around his waist. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been meaning to redecorate.”

  His friend’s woman was as gracious as she was beautiful. “I apologize for any upset I might have caused you.” He’d been pissed about Raine being in danger, but he’d done the same thing to Morrigan.

  Maccus inclined his head. It was done.

  Raine eyed them both, arms crossed and foot tapping. “That’s it? You guys are squared again?”

  “It’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t get guys. You’re mortal enemies, throw a punch, and then you’re friends again.” She shook her head and looked to Morrigan. “Do you get them?”

  “Oddly enough, I do. Friends are scarce enough, but when you’re so very different, they’re even harder to find.”

  “You’re right. So we’re all good again. What’s the next step?” She’d taken the words right out of his mouth. It likely wouldn’t be the last time, since she seemed to be in tune with what he was thinking.

  “Where do we go for answers?”

  “If angels are a problem, we go to the source.” Maccus waved his hand toward the wall. Bloodred symbols appeared on the damaged plaster.

  “Holy crap.” Raine started forward, likely to examine them, but he hooked his arm around her and held her back.

  “Wait,” he cautioned. He had no idea what all the symbols were for. The ones he recognized were protective, to keep someone or something from entering.

  Another wave and several of the symbols vanished. “Gabriel, get your ass down here. Don’t make me have to come looking for you.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  I’ve got to stop thinking things can’t get crazier.

  Every time she did, something else happened to prove her wrong. Raine had no idea who Maccus was calling out to, wasn’t sure she really wanted to. If it took bloodred symbols on the wall to keep them out, they weren’t someone to trifle with.

  Her stomach turned queasy. There was a good chance that was actual blood on the walls. Many cultures used it in rituals and warding. Light shimmered in the corner of the room, growing brighter, forcing her to shield her eyes with her hand. No way was she closing them.

  “Redecorating, I see.” The voice was deep and melodic and tinged with humor. It was seductive, almost hypnotic.

  Lowering her arm, she stared as the brilliance faded away, leaving a man in its wake. He was tall with golden hair that hung to his shoulders and eyes bluer than the ocean. He wore faded Levi’s and a dress shirt so white it almost hurt to look at. He was movie star, rock star handsome.

  “He has wings.” Huge, pure white wings spread out behind him, each feather soft and perfectly shaped. They were spectacular. The way he’d arrived, his sheer presence was exactly as Mack had described. He likely had been visited by an angel, and it had led to his death.

  She didn’t trust him. He was too pretty, too polished. There was something about him that repelled even as it attracted.

  Gabriel turned his attention to her, his lips curving into a welcoming smile. “And who do we have here? Another addition to your charming group?”

  “This isn’t a social call,” Maccus snapped.

  “Then why did you call?” White wings snapped back and disappeared. “I was busy.” She tried not to stare, but it was impossible not to. From the beginning, all the evidence pointed toward angels being involved, but to actually see one was making her head spin. Yes, Maccus was an angel but a fallen one. He was also Lucius’s Brother. This was an actual angel from Heaven. The air snapped with energy, a powder keg just waiting to be ignited.

  Maccus’s lip curled. “I’m sure you were.”

  Beside her, Lucius stirred. “What do you know about the Angel Foundation?”

  Gabriel was slightly shorter than the other men, but somehow managed to appear as though he was looking down on them. He reminded her of those stuffy academic types she ran into at faculty functions who thought they were so much better than a lowly professor of folklore.

  “And who are you?” The angel ran his gaze over Lucius. “Another one of Maccus’s merry band of followers, I assume.”

  A low growl rolled up from Lucius’s throat.

  “Is this one housebroken? From what I’ve heard, you had trouble with the werewolf. I imagine this one is a shifter of some kind.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he tilted his head to one side and his eyes narrowed. “A drakon. I didn’t know you had one of those. I’m impressed.”

  Angel or not, she wanted to kick his ass for treating Lucius like he was no more than an animal. Her muscles quivered, but she reined in the impulse. He’d smite her like she’d flick a mosquito. That would set off a chain of events that would be good for no one, least of all humanity. “What do you know about the Angel Foundation here in New York?” She was proud her voice quavered only a little. It was easy to be brave with the others around her.