Page 30

CHAPTER 29

I sleep on and off. Isabella sleeps deeply, curled into my side, holding me as if she cannot bear to let me go, and I don’t mind it one bit.

Fang is a strange mix of innocence, fear, and brilliant power, and there is something so addictive about that. She could flay me alive with a touch, but instead she kisses me softly, seeking my guidance and strength.

A noise has my head jerking up.

I pull my gun from under the pillow where I hid it, pointing it at the intruder even as I tug the covers over Fang when she yelps and hides.

“Tem,” I snap.

“Mistress.” He climbs on the bed, careful not to touch Fang, and cuddles against my other side. “I missed you.”

Rolling my eyes, I drop my gun, making sure he doesn’t touch Isabella. She peeks up and startles a little, but she doesn’t complain, just curls back into my side.

“Can I join?” Ronan jokes, and I glance up as the door opens. They all crowd the doorway. Fang’s eyes widen in fear, and I snarl.

“Out, all of you.” When they hesitate, I narrow my eyes. “Now, or I will turn all of your balls into oven mitts.”

That gets them moving, the door shutting behind them. “It’s okay. They are gone,” I murmur, lifting the covers. She lifts her head, and I kiss her rosy lips softly.

“Go shower, Isabella,” I tell her, smacking her hip. “I’ll order you some food and have a talk with my boys.”

Climbing from bed, I dress and head out, giving her some privacy. She’s been through a lot recently, and she will need that time. Crossing my arms, I face my men, who all sit on the sofas across from me, blinking innocently.

Tem pouts. “She got to play with you.”

“She got to taste you before I did,” Addeus mutters.

“And me,” Ronan adds.

“I’ve tasted her. She’s delicious,” the fae comments.

Jarek looks between them and me. “I’d like to find out.”

I slash my hand through the air. “Do not embarrass her. She has been through enough. I mean it or no one will be tasting me again because you’ll be dead.”

“Fine,” they mutter.

“Is she staying with us?” Ronan asks. “A succubus could be helpful.”

“I don’t know. That’s her choice. It will be dangerous where we’re going, and she might want peace.” I head to the coffee maker and ignore the way my gut twists at the idea of losing Isabella. She isn’t mine in any way, but I feel protective of her.

Sitting down with them, I nurse my coffee as they talk amongst themselves.

I expect Isabella to come out shyly and meekly, but she stomps out, looking defiant, daring them to shame her or make her scared.

That’s my girl.

“Coffee?” Tem hops up. “I learned how to make it today.”

“Er, sure.” She sits on the sofa, eyeing us all. “So what are you, like, a monster team?”

“I like her.” Ronan nods. “She stays.”

“No.” I laugh, ignoring him as usual. “Just . . . thrown together.”

“Okay, so are you all monsters?” She looks us over once more.

Ah, that’s right. We didn’t make introductions.

“That is Tem. He’s a tempest,” I tell her.

“Mistress rescued me.” He smiles and hands her the coffee. Surprising me, she takes it.

“This is Ronan, and he’s a ghost. I had no choice,” I continue.

He grins. “I’m her stalker.”

“This is Addeus.” I nod at the big vamp trying his best to be as small as possible and squeeze next to me.

He inclines his head to her. “Tate rescued me as well.”

“Me too,” Jarek adds. “I’m Jarek, a warlock.”

“This is . . . the fae.” I shrug, still having no better way to introduce him. Maybe I should name him like a stray puppy.

“She woke me up and fed me.” He smirks. “She’s delicious, isn’t she?”

Isabella blushes at that but nods as she looks around.

“Okay . . . so that’s all of you?” she asks, trying to take in all the information.

“Oh, there’s Shamus too,” Ronan says, and I whirl around to look at him.

“Shamus?” she asks.

“The hunter commander,” Ronan supplies helpfully.

I cough. “Shamus is not . . . one of the team.”

Ronan snorts and shoots me a look of disbelief. “Sure.”

Isabella blinks, looking around. “So Tate just . . . saved all of us? I’m seeing a theme here.”

“Don’t go thinking I’m some sort of hero because I’m really not,” I murmur as I drain my coffee. “I have my own revenge to get.”

“Revenge?” she murmurs.

Nodding, I look around, seeing them all sober at the reminder. “My team, fellow hunters, betrayed and tortured me then left me for dead. The only reason I’m alive is because Shamus came and had the fae heal me. I plan to hunt them down and make them pay.”

It’s quiet for a moment, then Isabella smiles. “You helped me with my revenge, so it only seems fair I help you with yours.”

Jarek nods, drawing my gaze. “I’m all for hunting corrupt hunters. I hate them all. I’m with you.”

“It is not that easy. They are elite hunters for a reason and very dangerous,” I protest.

“I can handle danger,” Isabella says.

“Me as well. Besides, we are all supernatural creatures here. I think we are the dangerous ones.” Jarek chuckles. “Though, I do believe the most dangerous person in this room is you, Tate.”

“Me? I’m human,” I reply incredulously.

“Yet you have saved all of us. It is not simply the power you hold that makes you dangerous, nor your weapons, but the people supporting you as well.”

“A vampyr hybrid, a ghost, a tempest, a succubus, a warlock, a fae, and a hunter . . . Will that be enough for your revenge?”

I sweep my gaze over them and then nod. “It will have to be. I’m tired of waiting. It’s time.”