Page 112 of Guardians of the Assassins
“Is that what happened to you?”
His eyes shuddered, every ounce of emotion vanishing from his expression. “Come…we must go.”
He didn’t wait for anyone to respond, just turned on his heel and strode away. Morgan hesitated a moment longer, then hurried after him. He might be the only way they were able to gain access to the castle without being discovered. The farther they walked, the more the sounds of battle could be heard, and her insides clenched in dread.
They needed to hurry before war broke out.
The wolves followed at a distance, easily able to disappear in the shadows. Anytime a patrol got too close, they managed to lure them away. They rounded a corner, entering a garden of sorts. Everything was orderly, the blooms beyond exquisite, butshe wasn’t allowed to linger when Atlas latched onto her arm and hustled her after the others.
Cashure plunged into a wall of bushes. Loki wiggled his butt like it was a big game and plowed after him. Draven hesitated, waiting for the man to return. When he didn’t, the siren shrugged and dove after the fae. One by one, everyone followed, leaving Ryder and the wolves the last to enter. Morgan placed a hand on Ryder’s chest and shook her head. “The wolves should remain here. They will be discovered in the castle. This way, they can protect our exit.”
Ryder pursed his lips, then reluctantly nodded.
Louis stepped forward before he could speak. “I’ll stay behind with them and keep them safe.”
The guys shared a moment of silent communication.
Though the wolves weren’t happy, they obeyed.
Then Ryder caught her hand and forced his way through the bushes, hauling her behind him, using his bulk to keep the branches from touching her. But instead of hitting a wall, they came upon a tunnel that slowly descended into the ground. The air became damp, the stones giving off an unwelcoming chill, until it felt like they were walking into the bowels of the earth.
When they rounded the corner, she came to a stop to find Cashure and her mates waiting for them in front of a massive wooden door that looked centuries old. The ornate design looked like it had been created by a master craftsman and must have taken years to carve. The room looked old, the stone walls crumbling, the corners thick with dirt. Cobwebs quivered on a dank breeze, like a monster waited beyond the door to swallow them whole, daring them to enter without permission.
Loki barked, then spun and pranced in a tight circle, his tail lashing in excitement. Instead of opening the door, Cashure stood with his arms crossed and his legs spread. “Only you are allowed to enter.”
“No fucking way.” Ascher growled as his beast rose, steam rising from his clothes, and he barely resisted the urge to shift and rip the asshole to shreds. The rest of the guys agreed, spitting into two groups—one to protect Morgan and another to take out the threat.
Even Loki looked solemn, his lips peeled back from his teeth in a fierce snarl.
Life had been torture since Morgan had vanished through the portal.
He couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep.
It felt like he was losing his mind, worry for her consuming him every second she’d been gone. What if she were hurt and he wasn’t there to protect her? The few times he did manage to close his eyes, it was only to wake a couple minutes later to realize his nightmares were real.
He couldn’t do it.
He couldn’t leave her again.
He was barely able to keep control over his hellhound. If she left again, he very much feared he would burn the world down to get her back.
“Maybe he’s right.” Morgan could barely meet his gaze, her violet eyes tortured. “The last thing I want is to put you guys in any more danger. Taking you to meet the fae queens smacks as the height of stupidity.”
When he felt her retreating, the pressure in his chest became unbearable, like she was slipping through his fingers, despite standing only inches away.
It was unacceptable.
He cupped her face, worried that if he couldn’t get through to her, they would never see her again. “We’re always going to be in danger. The way we get through it is together—it’s the only way we survive. We have been partners since the beginning. Don’t push me away now. Don’t pushusaway just because you’re afraid.”
Indecision wavered on her face, and he pushed home his point. “If you leave, we poor, helpless males will be all alone and defenseless. Wouldn’t you rather have us in your sights, where you can protect us?”
A hint of a smile tugged at her lips, and he felt like he’d won a major battle.
“Besides, if it’s a trap, I don’t want you walking into this place alone.” Then he pressed home his point. “Because if you don’t come out, then you leave us no choice but to go in after you.”
Sneaky little bastard!
Morgan placed her hands on her hips as she paced, drumming her fingers with each step. She didn’t want to admit that she was relieved they would be accompanying her. While she desperately wanted to keep them safe, she feared what would happen to them if she wasn’t around to protect them.
