Page 7 of Mortal Guardian (Shadow Shifter)

Colton ran his hand through his hair. “Daniel, did you know about the shadows before you transitioned?”

“Not completely. The first time I met Ferguson, I knew he was something... more. I’m a priest. I believe in demons. These fiends are different from those of our biblical lore, but evil is evil and it must be vanquished.”

Dannika’s eyes narrowed. “You said you needed to protect Riley, why?”

Daniel sighed. “I believed that a demon killed Cami. I investigated her death and the things I learned were not... natural. I realize now it was a reaper, but I didn’t understand the difference. I moved Riley to the church to protect her.”

Dannika glanced between Colton and Raine. “That wouldn’t work, right?”

Daniel’s face calmed. “The church is a haven for both humans and shadows alike. There are no pathways in the church and a demon cannot trespass on blessed land.”

Dannika’s eyes widened. “Blessed land? Church land? Is that somehow like blessed steel?”

“A demon cannot trespass on property designated for worship. I turned to the church to protect my child, and it did,” Daniel said.

Dannika flinched, as Raine growled. The pain his mate was forced to endure wasn’t aimed at the man who’d raised her sister. It radiated from his body with black eyes and wisps of dark smoke.

Dannika turned away. “Tell Ferguson to bring Irdane here. I need to know more about Breck and the reapers. This changes everything.”

CHAPTER4

Riley inched closer to Colton. The air was oppressive as they waited for Ferguson to bring Irdane to the Lodge. A leaf blew against the window, creating a scratching sound that acted as a precursor to darker things to come. While the wind howled outside, the interior remained eerily quiet.

All eyes followed Dannika as she strolled to the window. The haunted look in her green eyes stretched the uncomfortable silence. Riley wanted to reach out to her sister. To hug her and tell her that she was sorry for the way things turned out. Apologize that her parents had saved her and given up on Dannika. But what did you say under those circumstances?

Dannika had been left alone, tormented by her father and brother while Riley was protected by the church and both her parents. She’d had a community, love and acceptance. The opportunity to explore art, travel and sports. Did Dannika have any of those things?I have a sister I know barely anything about.A sister that went from being an orphan to a queen.

The guilt in her heart continued to rage. It was a cauldron of spewing anger as she thought about the transformation that Dannika had endured. She acknowledged the incredible strength and perseverance her sister possessed. It took her a moment to understand what that emotion was. Pride.

Every head in the Lodge turned except Dannika’s when the familiar hum vibrated in Riley’s ear. The popping sound and scramble of feet had them leaning to look out the window. Ferguson had arrived, and he wasn’t alone.

Ferguson helped Irdane roughly to his feet, as the traitorous Reaper stumbled before making his way to the porch.

“How the hell do you move that fast?” Irdane said, looking at Ferguson with fear in his eyes.

Ferguson shrugged. “Just remember, if you cross Dannika again, there is no dark corner of this world where I won’t find you.”

Irdane opened the door to the lodge and rushed in, as if the log home would provide some safety from the ancient reaper.

Ferguson entered the Lodge. His nonchalant attitude quickly dissipated as his eyes fell on the queen. “What happened? Dannika is upset.”

Dannika quickly recalled the events in a hushed tone. Trying without success to keep the hurt from her voice when she explained Riley’s background.

Ferguson’s eyes burrowed into Riley. His anger was impossible to miss. Black smoke rippled off his shoulders as his eyes glowed with crimson flame. “You’re her sister.”

Colton stepped in front of Riley. “She didn’t know.”

Dannika put a restraining hand on Ferguson’s. “This isn’t anybody’s fault. Just shit luck. Story of my life, really.”

Ferguson glanced around the room, his warrior looking for retribution for Dannika’s pain. While she wondered what had transpired to inspire such loyalty in the ancient reaper, she was curious about Dannika’s past. What made her into the woman she was today? The queen.

Dannika smoothed the lapel of her leather jacket, though it was immaculate. “Irdane, I believe you left out some pertinent information.”

Irdane shook his head. “I withheld nothing and will answer any of your questions.”

“The reapers that joined the demons, they wouldn’t stay if they weren’t getting something out of it. You took your time to return, and don’t give me that bullshit about collecting Intel. You were playing both sides of the fence, waiting to see who came out on top. I believe the experiments swayed you into coming back, but what were you offered to stay?” Dannika asked.

Irdane’s eyes flicked to Ferguson’s. “Immortality.”

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