He moved swiftly over the ashes and began unraveling the safeguards surrounding the cabin. Once inside the cabin, his spirit traveled straight to his body. He’d been away from his physical body far toolong, and he needed to allow himself time to reorient himself. Unfortunately, Gaia couldn’t handle fifteen demons on her own. Andros and Grigor would fight to the death, but they wouldn’t win against demons without the proper tools. Afanasiv didn’t know how experienced they were in fighting demons. He wasn’t going to take chances with his lifemate’s brothers.
“You want to sit this one out,sívamet? I would be grateful.” He didn’t make it a command. His woman didn’t react well to commands. She had to make her own choices. He was coming to understand that his need to protect her was bound to be in a constant war with his need to make her happy.
She came across the room to stand in front of the cot where he sat. Her hands framed his face, crystal-blue eyes looking down into his. “You know I cannot. These are demons we face. I am the most experienced out of the royals at demon killing. I can open the portals and consecrate the ground, closing it off so they cannot escape from the underworld. You know I am needed. I was taught from birth that this is my destiny, my role. You are a hunter of the vampire. I am a hunter of the demon. Just as what you are is embedded deep, so is my legacy embedded deep within me. I will get my energy back quickly.”
He had known what her answer would be. Still, a part of him had hoped. “We have to get back now, Vasilisa. Who knows how many Lilith can muster quickly? Once she realizes which way her prisoners have gone, she will send as many of her demons as she can to retrieve them. The sun is rising, and I will have to go to ground. She is aware of that, as well—that you will have little help during the daylight hours.”
Vasilisa stepped back to give him room to stand. “I suspect she is wrong about that, Afanasiv.”
He arched an eyebrow at her in inquiry.
“Tell me you are not capable of walking in sunlight if you have to,” she challenged.
“Why do you think that I can?” His tone was curious.
“I just have this feeling,” she countered. “You cannot lie to your lifemate. Can you be out in sunlight?”
His impossibly long lashes swept down and then up again, lending him a softer look as he gave her a slightly mischievous grin. Her heart did a funny little somersault and sped up. “Can’t everyone?” He took her hand and led her back outside. At once he dropped her hand and launched himself into the air, shifting into the body of an owl, wings straining to gain altitude fast.
“Show-off,” she muttered, but found she was laughing. How could she not when being with Afanasiv was fun, even under these circumstances? There was no leaping into the air and shifting for her, although she was tempted to try it. Lycans were capable of tremendous vertical leaps. She was going to practice the minute she had time. She would not be outdone by him.
His laughter was low and played along her spine, scattering goose bumps over her skin. She stood on the railing of the porch, took a little hop as she shifted, holding the image of the owl in her mind as feathers broke out over her body.
She noted the male turned in a circle above her, waiting for her to complete her metamorphosis before he rushed off to aid her siblings. Clearly, she was his first concern. While she did want him to save her brothers, she couldn’t help the thrill that ran through her bloodstream at the idea that he would put her first. In her life, no one, not even her parents, had ever done that.
Once in the air, the two owls flew fast together to the small portal where her brothers waited with their women and Gaia. When that door was opened, it would alert the commander of the demons, and those demons lounging would come to full attention and do their best to kill the escapees.
There are five demons on either side of the door. They are armed with swords and eager to use them. The main five are straight in front of the doorabout thirty yards out. These demons have seen plenty of combat, and the commander is one of that group. I will take on those. Grigor, you will have to fight off the ones to the left of the door, and, Andros, you the ones to the right. Gaia, the sun is already in the sky. If you are feeling the effects, you must go to ground before it is too late for you,Afanasiv warned the Carpathian woman.
She sent an image of her laughter to him.I live among demons and Lycans. Where do you think I get blood to survive? I am mixed blood. I have been for a very long time. If it is necessary, I can walk in the sunlight. It will never be my preference.
Afanasiv turned that over in his mind. Carpathians often hypothesized about what it would be like to walk in the daylight. Which kinds of activities they would choose to do if they were given only a few hours to be awake during the day. He loved the night. There was such beauty in the sky, in the moon and stars. He loved the night storms that poured water from the skies, while thunder roared and lightning forked with loud cracks.
He built one now in the not-too-distant sky and let the wind bring it to them. “You wanted a storm, I give you one.” He gave her a sweeping bow, and she realized how quickly he had shed the bird image and was already sauntering into the sight of the demons.
The demons were caught completely off guard. They expected their prey to come out of the portal, not walk up to them with his sleeves rolled up, revealing muscular arms and more tattoos.
I will have need of your blue flames soon, my lady, so continue to rest. Please stay hidden as long as possible. If they suspect you deliver the killing flame, they will do anything to get to you.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” Afanasiv greeted them. He faced the five most dangerous demons, but with his body angled slightly sideways, he could keep an eye on the two other teams. “I was a great distance from here and heard you calling my name. You summoned me, so here I am.” Once again, Afanasiv bowed.
The leader shuffled forward, his hand on the sword at his side. “You need to leave. No one summoned you.”
Afanasiv looked disappointed. He scratched his head and looked all around him. “Are you certain?” He took several steps closer to the captain of the demons. “Let me see the list of names you have. Surely I’m at the top.”
All the demons’ attention was riveted on Afanasiv.Now, Gaia, get them out. Hurry, I can only hold them so long. Vasi, stay with me.
“There is no list, you fool. If you don’t want to die this day, leave now,” the demon thundered.
“Of course there’s a list,” Afanasiv insisted. “Lilith always makes lists. She was very angry when I escaped. I know she put me at the top of the list, and if I get away again, she’ll put your head on the chopping block.” He pointed to a smooth boulder. “I can sit right over there while you consult with her. But I warn you, I’m not going to wait long.”
“You must be insane to come here and just turn yourself in. I’ll have one of my men escort you below, if that’s what you want.”
“You misunderstand me,” Afanasiv said with a small smile that showed his white teeth. “I have come to challenge you. You must defeat me in combat in order to take me in.”
The captain heaved a sigh. “Just who are you?”
“I am Afanasiv Belan Dragonseeker.” He dropped the name casually.