Sven jumped to his feet, axe in hand. Lucius whirled, eyes blazing and claws out.

  Whoa, talk about intense. “Calm down.” Holding her hands out in front of her, she sought to ease the tension. Both men were wound tighter than a coiled spring. “Chill, I’m only going for the chocolate.” Suiting actions to words, she slowly eased across the room, opened a cupboard door over the refrigerator, and pulled down a bar of ultra-dark chocolate. “I keep it for emergencies. This qualifies.”

  Both men held their positions, gazes locked. Trust was definitely an issue with these guys. Silently muttering about the stubbornness of men, she opened the bar and broke off two pieces. She held one out to Lucius. “Here, you need this.” When he didn’t immediately take it, she waved it in front of him. “I don’t often offer my chocolate.”

  “Then I am honored.” He took it and stuffed it in his mouth in one bite.

  Horrified, she could only watch as he bolted it down. “You don’t eat expensive chocolate like that.” He doesn’t know any better, he doesn’t know any better. The calming mantra did little to quell her dismay.

  He shrugged, totally unrepentant. “I’m hungry.” He began dragging every can of soup out of her cupboard.

  With a shake of her head, she left him to his work and held out a piece to the Viking. “It doesn’t cure all ills, but it doesn’t hurt.”

  He didn’t smile, but his shoulders lowered, and the axe head dipped toward the floor as he took the proffered treat. Holding her gaze, he bit off a small piece.

  “That’s what I’m talking about. You savor it.” Then it was her turn. The tiny sliver of chocolaty goodness melted on her tongue. It tasted slightly different—likely due to the changes in her body—but thankfully, still delicious. That could have been a problem. She could give up most junk food but not chocolate. “So, Sven, what did Maccus tell you?” Someone had to get them talking.

  “Maccus never tells anyone very much.”

  Lucius snorted. “Understatement.”

  He propped the axe beside him and retook his seat. “He said you had angel problems and that I was to protect you. He went to Heaven to seek answers.”

  Four pots were slapped on her stove, each filled with a different kind of soup. Bread was toasting. Her stomach growled. She popped another piece of chocolate into her mouth. “Are you a member of the Brotherhood?” Honestly, if she waited for Lucius to ask, she’d be an old lady before they found out anything. She paused with a piece of chocolate halfway to her lips. She wasn’t going to age any more. Or if she did, it wouldn’t be for a very long time.

  “Is something wrong?”

  She waved away Sven’s concern. “I’m fine.” Or she would be when she had time to process. “You were telling me about the Brotherhood.”

  The corners of his mouth did twitch and his gaze lightened, making him look younger, not as hard. “I am a member of the Brotherhood.”

  Interested, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and her chin on her hands. A bowl of chicken noodle soup and a plate of toast were slid in front of her. “Eat. You need it.”

  Her man was starving, but he’d fed her first. He was one in a billion. Gazing up at him, she offered him a smile. “Thank you.” He grunted and went back to the stove, grabbed a pot and spoon, and began to eat.

  “How are you here, Viking?”

  Not exactly subtle, but from all she’d observed, members of the Brotherhood were blunt, bordering on rude. It probably discouraged questions from most people.

  She wasn’t most people. After inhaling the soup, she munched on some toast. “You said your mother got you a second life. Is this it?”

  He shook his head. “The gods twist things to suit themselves.”

  That wasn’t at all ominous. Even though she was still hungry, her stomach was churning too much for comfort. She pushed her plate away.

  “Are you unwell?” Lucius was beside her before she lifted her finger from the plate, concern etched on his beloved face.

  “We have angels after us and we still don’t know why. Sven is right. The powerful often twist things to suit themselves. Do you know anything? You were sent to us for a reason.”

  “Protection.” The cold cynicism was back. “I’m good at killing.”

  A chill rushed down her spine.

  “You should eat.” Ignoring their guest, Lucius stroked her face. He was worried about what he’d done, about the changes taking place inside her.

  “I will, as soon as this settles. Don’t let me stop you.” He’d battled and been through even more than she had, giving so much of himself. When he hesitated, she shamelessly used his feelings for her. “I’d feel better if you ate something.”

  He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

  Her drakon was too smart for his own good. Or her good, for that matter, but she wouldn’t change him for anything. There was silence as he polished off a half dozen cans of soup, her supply of canned tuna, and a jar of peanut butter along with the rest of the bread.

  “How is your father?” he finally asked.

  “Well.”

  Not exactly forthcoming. Curiosity wouldn’t allow her to keep her tongue still. “Lucius is a drakon. Maccus a fallen angel. Your father would have to be special to be part of the Brotherhood. So would you.”

  It wasn’t really her business, but these men were a part of Lucius’s life. Part of her life now. It was like living in one of the myths she’d been obsessed with since childhood. On one hand, it was unbelievable. On the other, it was almost shocking how easily she slid into it, as if everything in her life until she’d met Lucius had been preparation.

  “Bjorn Knutson is the father of Norse werewolves,” Lucius told her. “A fierce fighter who has spent his entire existence angry at the world, with good reason.”

  “Yes!” She pumped her arm. “I knew werewolves were real. I think I’ve interviewed one or two.”

  “Woman, you’re going to make me old before my time.” He snatched her out of her chair and dragged her into his arms. “You need a keeper.” It wasn’t the first time he’d said that.

  “I do not,” she protested, even as she snuggled against him. He smelled so good. “I’m a modern, independent woman. A professional. I’ve taken care of myself my whole life. I have a job, a home.” She frowned at the front of her house. “Or I did. What am I going to tell my insurance company?”

  “Anything but the truth.” He chuckled, his entire body shaking.

  He was right about that. The truth would not go over well. She played out scenario after scenario, finally admitting defeat. “I’ve got nothing.”

  Lucius kissed her temple. “Don’t fret. One of the pink diamonds will pay for any repairs.”

  Aghast, she whirled around and thumped her fist against his chest. “We are not selling those diamonds.” That’s how crazy her life was. She’d forgotten all about them.

  He canted his head to one side. “Why not?”

  God, he could be obtuse. “They’re mine.” She rolled her eyes toward Sven, not certain how much Lucius would want him to know. “And they’re special.” They were drakon tears. Her drakon’s tears. They were a symbol of how much he loved her. She’d never give them up.

  “If it means that much to you.”

  “It does. Besides, I have insurance.” She’d figure something out.

  His pink eyes glowed as he lowered his head. Breathless with anticipation, her lips parted and her heart pounded. Ignoring their avid audience, she went up on her toes to meet him. They’d barely touched when he raised his head. “Maccus is here.”

  …

  It meant everything to him that Raine valued his drakon tears. He wanted this situation settled once and for all so he could whisk her away and make love to her without worrying about someone trying to harm her.

  Taking her hand, he led her toward the front of the house and outside. Sven followed but stood off to the side, axe ready, gaze watchful.

  Maccus stood in the center of the yard, hands on his waist as he surveyed the damage to the house. “You had quite the battle. Two angels are dead. Heaven is not happy with you.”

  Every muscle in his body tensed. His dragon roared to life, ready to lay waste to any enemies. “They came after us unprovoked.”

  “Which I pointed out to them.” He tilted his head to one side and studied Raine. “She’s changed.”

  Lucius slowly released her and pushed her partially behind him, his protective instincts on alert. “Yes.” It wasn’t a surprise that his friend would sense the difference. His reaction was the unknown. He’d hate to have to fight him, but no one was taking her from him. She was his mate, the missing piece of his soul.

  “I’m happy for you, Brother.” The acceptance, heartfelt and immediate, humbled him.

  “I’d invite you in, but the living room is a disaster.” She waved her hand toward the house.

  Birds called to one another in the distance. Morning had dawned. With it came the light, putting the extent of the destruction on full display. The ground was scorched in several places, the surrounding grass a dull brown. Lucius winced at the damage that had been done to Raine’s sanctuary. She hadn’t complained, not once, but sadness lurked in her eyes.

  He’d build her a castle, if she desired, once this was settled. He owned land around the world. Or had. He’d deeded it to the Brotherhood, but they’d give it back without him having to ask.

  That’s what the Brotherhood was all about.

  “We still have a problem.”

  There would be no future for them until this was settled. “You went to Heaven?” If he found the idea jolting, how much more so was it for Maccus to return to the place he’d been kicked out of?

  “I questioned the remaining force that had been sent here. They’d received orders from higher up. Problem is, there’s no record of it and no one will admit to it.”

  “Someone destroyed the evidence.” That was smart and spoke of someone in a position of authority.

  “What are our options?” she asked. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not willing to sit around and wait to be attacked again. Should we go to Heaven? Is that even possible?”

  He’d never say it aloud again, but she did need a protector. She was willing to jump in where most angels would fear to tread.

  “It’s not possible.” Maccus raised his head to the sky. The clouds parted, revealing the sun. “Gabriel, get your ass down here.”

  A bolt of lightning zigzagged from the sky and hit the ground, followed by a ground-shaking boom. When the brilliant light died, the archangel was there, arms crossed over his chest and a frown on his face. “I don’t appreciate being summoned like some servant. I’ve been busy trying to get to the bottom of your little problem.”

  “You and Lucifer tried to cause trouble for me and then for the Brotherhood.” Lucius didn’t trust him. Neither, it seemed, did Maccus.

  “I admit to joining forces with Lucifer to try to kill you.” He shrugged when Raine gasped. “It was worth a shot.” He pointed a finger at Maccus. “I wasn’t involved with Lucifer’s plots to harm your little friends. I have better things to do.”

  That rang true. Lucius wanted someone to punish, to blame, to find a way out of this situation. “If not you, then who?” he demanded.

  Gabriel sneered. “I don’t answer to you, drakon. Nor to you, Viking.” He shot Sven a nasty glare.

  “Gabriel.” Maccus’s tone was level and low, but even Lucius heard the annoyance simmering there. Good, he wasn’t the only one losing patience with this bullshit.

  “I’ve informed all angels to stay away from the drakon and his little friend. I’m looking for the angel who oversaw the Angel Foundation, but she’s proving to be surprisingly resourceful. I’m not sure what else I can do. Quite frankly, I’m tired of the lot of you.”

  “You’re looking for Rivka.”

  Gabriel swiveled toward Raine, his eyes blazing. “You’ve seen her?”

  Lucius stepped in front of her, groaning in frustration when she peeked around him. “She was here briefly to warn us but left.”

  “I’ll find her,” the archangel vowed.

  “No.” The finality of that one word froze them all in place. “Sven.”

  The younger man stepped forward to answer Maccus’s summons, axe over his shoulder. “You want me to find her.”

  It wasn’t a question. That Maccus would ask Sven to take on the task spoke volumes about his abilities. Bjorn was the best tracker Lucius had ever known. Maybe his son was as good or better.

  “Do what you want. I’m done.” Gabriel disappeared in a blast of light.

  “He does like a show.” Raine squinted and then smiled up at him. “Does this mean we’re safe?”

  Unsure, Lucius looked to Maccus. “Do I need to find a way to Heaven?” Because he would, and when he did, he’d make them all very sorry.

  “No. The angels all know what will happen if any of them go after you, but I still want to know the truth.”

  “As do I.” He wouldn’t be satisfied until he was confident everyone behind the plot was punished.

  “I’ll find this Rivka and uncover the truth.” Sven nodded at Maccus before turning to him. “Take care of her.”

  “I will. Thank you for your help, Brother.” Lucius held out his arm. The younger male hesitated for a moment before they clasped arms. “Whatever you need, whenever you need it,” he vowed.

  Sven stepped back and disappeared. That was one hell of a talent.

  “Where will you go?” Maccus asked.

  “That’s up to Raine.” Too many choices had been taken away from her.

  “I need to get my things packed and put into storage before the house falls down on them.” She chewed her bottom lip. “I guess repairs come after that. I’m going to have to start making a list.”

  “If you need a place to stay while you’re deciding what to do, come to New York. I own several apartment buildings.” It was a grudging offer, but an offer, nonetheless.

  “Bet that hurt,” he teased.

  “You have no idea. It’s all Morrigan’s fault. The woman wants to keep all the Brothers around, at least the ones who have women of their own.”

  “I like Morrigan.” Raine was staring at the house. He could almost see the wheels turning in her head. “I’d love to talk to her, learn more about all of you.”

  Maccus groaned. “On that note, I’m gone.” He, too, vanished, leaving him and Raine alone.

  “Is it really over?” She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I want to believe it.”

  “Believe it.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind, loving the way her body fit against his. “I failed to protect you.” Something that would always haunt him.

  She tilted her head back, her eyebrows drawn down. “Please tell me you don’t believe that. Lucius, you saved my life.”

  “You died.” And that was all on him. His arms tightened around her, and a muscle worked in his jaw. “You didn’t have a choice about what happened after.” The tattoo and change in her eyes were proof of that.

  “Maybe not, but I did choose to become your mate, to love you.” Her acceptance loosened the knot in his stomach. “I have no regrets.”

  His throat tightened, forcing him to clear it several times before he could speak. “Let’s get a storage pod delivered, pack your things, and get out of here. I want to take you somewhere I can make love to you for hours without worrying about anyone or anything.”

  “Somewhere they deliver food.”

  “Anything you want.” He turned her in his arms and kissed her. As always, she welcomed him eagerly. He had no idea how he’d gotten so lucky, but he’d spend the rest of his years being grateful.

  Raine’s phone chimed. The interruption made him frown. “And we’re turning off the phones, too.” Someone or something was always getting in the way.

  “It might be important.” She pulled her cell out and then laughed. “There’ll be a storage pod and boxes arriving within the hour, courtesy of Morrigan.”

  The Brotherhood was stronger than ever. Maybe the women had something to do with that. Raine had made him stronger on every level. “We’ll get Penelope before we leave.” With all the upheaval, her pet would be a comfort, offer some normalcy.

  “Can we? Is it safe? I couldn’t bear it if something happened to her, but I miss her so much.” She was bouncing on her toes, her excitement palpable.

  “It’s safe.” He’d make it that way.

  “Awesome.” She threw her arms around his neck and nibbled his earlobe. “We have an hour before the pod arrives. Think we can make love without bringing down the rest of the house?”

  He lifted her off her feet and carried her toward the house. “I do love a challenge.” Raine would offer him one every day for the rest of his life. He couldn’t wait.

  …

  Gabriel was still fuming when he arrived in his quarters. The sting of having to answer a summons as though he was nothing more than a lowly clerical angel wasn’t going to go away anytime soon. Maybe Maccus and the Brotherhood were off-limits, at least until he found a way around it, but the missing angel fell under his jurisdiction.

  All he had to do was find her. And he had to do it before the Brotherhood did. Dead angels told no tales.

  Epilogue

  “Will they like me?” Raine set her brush down on her dresser and did one last check of her appearance in the mirror. Her makeup was minimal, the slacks and top she wore casual but excellent quality.

  It wasn’t like her to fret so much. She was used to navigating social situations. Academia was an excellent training ground for such things.

  This was different.

  Lucius finished buttoning his shirt. “They’ll love you. You already know Morrigan.”