Page 117 of Dark Haven Omegaverse

When the elevator reached the basement, we all stepped off. Layne and Crew made a beeline for the kitchen to slip toward the maintenance hall.

At this point even the staff didn’t yell out any protests, simply ignoring them. They’d been through so many times I doubted the staff even cared.

As I piled my tray with an insane amount of food and walked to the table, I caught more than one conversation about classes or therapy.

While our world was falling apart and the demons and gargoyles were fighting ruthless battles, the humans were oblivious.

What the fuck.

“Did anyone notice they’re acting like it’s business as usual here?” I hissed at Roman.

Stravos cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I think I can help with that. They’ve been shielded from the supernatural so other than the courtyard being off-limits for ‘renovations’, they’re none the wiser. If they looked down from their rooms, it would look like construction.”

“You can do all that?” Roman questioned.

Even I was shocked to hear the new fact.

So far, I had learned very little about gargoyles. Other than they were the balance to the demons and Monty and Kol had some sort of rivalry going.

Kol was more intent on telling me I was his mate and fucking me than trying toactuallytalk.

“No, it’s the demon’s work,” he admitted. “Demons are the masters of illusion and disguise. We’ve got strength and wings on our side, and we’re made to kill demons, so there’s that.”

“Interesting,” I said with a nod as I absorbed the new information.

“I’m team gargoyle,” Roman joked. We both burst out into laughter at that while Stravos looked confused.

“I guess I have to be team why choose,” I deadpanned. “I’ve got a demon, a half demon, two humans, and a gargoyle in my bed.”

“Hiro and I need to up our supernatural game to compete,” he joked, though I could see a bit of unease there.

Roman seemed to doubt himself more lately. I put a hand on his arm, waiting to speak until he looked up at me.

I hated the vulnerability I found in his gaze.

“Hey, I like that you’re human, Roman. If you haven’t noticed, so am I. Stop doubting your ability to keep us all safe. You’ve proven you’re capable more than once since I’ve met you.”

My voice was firm. He looked away, not saying anything as he placed a hand on my thigh, squeezing slightly. He heard me, it might just take time for him to believe them, too.

The doors slammed open, the cafeteria falling silent as Drake burst in. He looked right at our table before his face shifted to fury and he power walked over.

“I told you not to leave,” he ground out through a clenched jaw. “Not after the last attack.”

Somehow he kept his voice both scathing and quiet, so the others couldn’t hear us as well.

“You’re not my warden, Drake,” I told him, matching his energy. “I wasn’t going to stay in that room perpetually. I had to get out and I’m with my freaking bodyguard.”

I pointed at Stravos who nodded solemnly. He didn’t need to know how badly I needed my meds. There was enough on his plate.

“I don’t give a fuck who you’re with, Harlow. Do you not realize what we’re up against?” he continued.

“You’re being a bit harsh,” Roman cut in. “She’s not alone or reckless. Look around, Drake. We’ve been hiding away but they’re living life like normal. What good are we doing there?”

“I have a dagger,” I tacked on. He bit back a growl. The alpha was so tense his veins were bulging in his neck and forearms as he clenched his hands into tight fists.

“They have no clue what they’re up against,” he argued. “Youdo. You’re too important, Harlow. Not just to us, but Hel.”

“Why?” I demanded. “She still has yet to give me any real fucking reason why. What reason do I have to hide away? To fight?”

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