Page 42 of Dark Reckoning
I rose on my toes and kissed the lips that kept me mesmerized. My man was so beautiful and strong... and wicked. Of course, the fact that he was a dark mage didn't bother me like it did when we'd first met. It was just who he was and I loved all of him.
“Let's take care of business,” Sage said.
I nodded. I couldn't even imagine how many humans were being attacked all over the world. And if they could turn into one of those things in the span of two hours, the world wouldn't last three more days.
Sage kissed me again, then turned to Damon. “I don't think I need to issue any threats.”
Damon rolled his eyes. “No, you don't. I have a vested interest in keeping him alive. Anyway, do you know why this is happening?”
I looked at Sage and he looked at me. I certainly didn't want to tell him that he'd lost two griezels because a spell we performed had unleashed a Dark God into our world.
“We're not sure, that's why we joined the Echelon Imperial. We want to end this as fast as possible,” Sage said, which took the pressure off of me.
“So, you're now a part of the High Council of Arrogant Mages... as if you weren't already insufferable,” Damon remarked.
“You're welcome for your barrier spell,” Sage shot back.
“It's the least you could do,” Damon said.
Sage frowned. “Meaning?”
“You tell me?” Damon 's gaze didn't falter as he stared Sage down.
“You know something I don't?” Sage asked.
“I know when I'm being lied to,” Damon said. “Between you and Salino, you're both hiding something.” He tapped his lips with a manicured finger. “I wonder what it could be? Did one of your spells backfire?” he asked, an eyebrow cocked.
“Like I said, we don't know. In any case, I have shit to do and so does Adrian,” Sage said.
I watched the tense exchange take place between my man and the Griezel King, and I felt it was best to let them work it out. They were obviously feeling each other out, and if it helped me avoid having to confess, then I was on board.
Damon sighed and turned to me. “My helicopter is waiting.”
Immediately, my stomach clenched up and my heart began to race, because I wasn't looking forward to riding in another helicopter and this time, I wouldn't have Sage to distract me. “I can take the car.”
“I thought time was of the essence?” Damon asked. “Traveling by helicopter will decrease your time exponentially.”
“It's going to be okay, baby,” Sage said.
I whined a little because I wasn't looking forward to it. “Yeah, I know... I just don't like it.”
“Don't worry, I have the perfect traveling companion for him,” Damon said. “Shall we?” He walked off and began chatting on his cell phone, ordering the team who'd accompany me to his other locations.
Sage was at my side, my hand in his. My body was tired, and all I wanted to do was rest up with a nice little nap. But I knew I couldn't. Just how long was this night going to be?
***
We got to the rooftop and there were four griezel waiting by a black and gold helicopter. I was certain that it was just as luxurious as Salino's was. The four griezels bowed to Damon, then opened the door.
“Sage handed me the duffle bag and I took it. “You don't need anything from here?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No, I have Salino's blood and his vampires prepared the rest for when I get to each house.”
I nodded.
“Adrian, you'll be in good hands with my attack squad,” Damon said, then went on to introduce each member. “David, Trevor, Devonte, and Lexy.”
I looked at each one and they appeared as badass as one would think an attack squad would look like. Frankly, they seemed like some mercenaries about to go on a kill mission. I could admit, they made me feel a bit safer, especially since I couldn't have Sage by my side. Also, I had to remember that I was very powerful these days myself, with the boost I got from the spell linking me to Salino. I said my pleasantries and kissed Sage goodbye, then climbed on the helicopter. The others climbed on with me, Trevor, Devonte, and David sat opposite me, while Lexy sat next to me.
