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“Of course we can.”
“No,” Gwen argued. “We have to cut them free.”
Ambrosius didn’t think they needed to do anything. His priority was to whisk Gwen back to her apartment and tend to her. While his power had sustained her through several murders, she had taken quite a bit of damage. It was now a strain on her, as her body was focused entirely on mending what Gwen had pushed to the limits. Ambrosiusdoubted Gwen realized how close she was to falling over with the latent adrenaline still rushing through her veins.
And it wasn’t as if Ambrosius had completely recovered yet, either. The strain of the night, on top of funneling so much of his reserved energy into keeping Gwen alive, had been one of the most taxing nights of his existence. Yet, Ambrosius knew Gwen had him. Her request to spare their lives meant they were to be kept safe. At least for this particular night. Afterward, Ambrosius could promise nothing.
Gwen sat the three humans on the curb, reaching for the rope to free one of the woman’s hands. Ambrosius stalled her, bending onto his knee next to Gwen.
“You’re incredibly fortunate that we found you when we did. Which is why I can’t stress enough that no matter what happens after tonight, you do not breathe a single word that you saw us. Say whatever you like to the authorities, but leave usout of it.”
The trio of humans nodded, and Ambrosius sensed their souls—at least in the moment—were true. Satisfied, he stood, walking around them to stand closer to one of the large pillars. It was honestly best that they looked at him as little as possible. A fact that Gwen appeared to understand as she unbound their wrists and—
“Whoa, what happened here? Gwen, are you okay?”
Ambrosius’ gaze snapped toward an SUV that had pulled into the parking lot. The window rolled down revealing a handsome face that—
“Dr. Monday!” Gwen exclaimed. “I … what are you doing here so late?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
Gwen was stumbling, overwhelmed with trying to reach some kind of explanation. Luckily, that was why she had him. Ambrosius came up to Gwen’s side, eyeing the man with a knowing stare.
“It appears there was quite the horrific scene inside. The kind that may draw questionable attention, given several sets of teeth were taken, if you catch my meaning?”
It was a bit of a gamble, but he knew that scent anywhere. Curdled milk and fresh teeth. If he was correct, there was a strong chance his hands were already tied. And exposure was the last thing either of them wanted.
Take the bait,Ambrosius thought.
The man paused, face betraying nothing.
“Any other survivors?” he asked.
Checkmate.
“Just the three,” Ambrosius replied, gesturing to the still-bound survivors.
“Okay, I’ll handle it.”
“What?” Gwen gaped. “Dr. Monday—”
“You heard the good doctor, mybittersweet.He has it handled,” Ambrosius said.
Dr. Monday exited his car, and at Gwen’s confused look, he smiled.
Ambrosius wanted to take his head off.
“It’s okay, Gwen. I’m sure your … patron will explain everything later. Just trust me, I’ll make sure these three make it home safely,” he assured.
“Hear that? All taken care of. Let’s go,” Ambrosius insisted, wrapping an arm around Gwen’s waist.
It was possessive—Ambrosius wouldn’t deny it. In fact, he relished in it as Gwen was wholly his now. Without the threatof the human cultists looming over them, they were tied in a way that nothing short of death could ever separate them now.
“I … um, okay … thank you?” Gwen offered, even as Ambrosius pulled her away.
“You’re welcome,” Dr. Monday smiled.
Fucking fae!