Page 22 of Mortal Guardian (Shadow Shifter)

Ferguson’s eyes moved around the room. “There have been several attacks in the human world. I am leaving to investigate, and sending Darwin to one of the sites, but we need to assign other shadows to investigate the rest.”

“Jesus, how many attacks were there?” Dannika asked.

“Right now, seven, but I believe it will be double that by the end of the night,” Ferguson said.

Dannika stood up. “We need to shut this down now.” She glanced at Colton. “Are you up to investigating one of the locations?”

“Yes, Riley and I will check one of the locations. Are you going to meet with Ryder? He needs to be brought up to speed.”

Raine moved in front of Dannika. “She can’t leave the wolf caves right now. I will have the bear clan leader come here as soon as he is able. They are dealing with reaper attacks on their territory.”

Colton glanced between Ferguson and Raine. “Why can’t Dannika leave the wolf caves?”

Raine’s jaw ticked. “We are having some issues with the clans.”

“Why?”

“The clans believe Dannika should lead the war against the demons, but neither Ferguson nor I will allow it. He is making it known that he wants her here. So far, their fear of him has kept the peace, but I doubt it will last long.”

Colton frowned. “Dannika is too valuable to risk in the war, but why can’t she travel to the other clans in an advisory position?”

Ferguson growled. “Dannika will stay here. Anyone who questions that order will deal with me.” He strode from the suite, slamming the door as he left.

Colton glanced at the shaking door frame. “What just happened? He’s pissed and quite frankly he seems more demon than human, but with Dannika...”

Riley stared after the ancient reaper. “He’s completely loyal to her. He intimidates everyone around him, but when he looks at her, it’s with pride. I can’t explain it, but I feel it.”

Dannika cocked her head to the side. “Does he intimidate you, Riley?”

She shook her head. “No, I think he would protect me. Is that weird?”

“No. He makes me feel safe, too.”

“My father adores him. I think they met before I was attacked,” Riley said.

Raine nodded. “I suspect that Ferguson was visiting Daniel when he was a priest.”

Colton frowned. “That’s strange.”

“Why?” Riley asked.

“We avoid churches. Our demons are wary of them. Fledglings can feel nauseous on sacred ground. Mature shadows usually feel some discomfort. We have learned to overcome that. Although it doesn’t explain why a shadow, let alone a reaper, would willingly traverse sacred ground.”

Black script formed in the air above Raine.

“What does it say?” Dannika asked.

Raine’s eyes moved over the disappearing smoke. “Darwin is at the shelter. Two homeless men are dead in the alley. They appear to be reaper kills, but there are two more attack sites since the last report. We’re going to run out of manpower.

Colton stood. “Riley and I will investigate one of the sites. Where do you want us to go?”

“There’s a report of an attack at the winery. They were in the middle of a tour. We were told there were no survivors, but it’s worth investigating,” Raine said.

Colton took Riley’s hand. “We will send you a report soon.” They said their goodbyes and exited the suite.

Riley stopped him in the tunnel. “You were in a hurry to get out of there. Why?”

“I have a bad feeling. Let’s check on the winery. Hopefully, I’m wrong.” They exited the caves before Colton’s shadow enveloped Riley’s and they were racing along the pathways. Switching between the streams that intersected like a highway of dark spiderwebs.

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