Demons (Darkness #4)(11)

The scar on Jonas’ neck stood out in relief as he smirked. He didn’t spare a glance for the hard rapping on the inside of the window.

Charles took a deep breath after both males had moved on. “Well, goody, rainbows and unicorns. Lovely working conditions.”

He opened the door to a bag of cats.

“What the hell, Charles?!” Sasha yelled, clambering out. “I’m supposed to be his damn equal, and the two of you lock me in the car?”

“Sorry, he’s bigger. C’mon.” Feigning confidence, Charles jerked his head toward the warehouse. “Dominicous is already out of his car and headed over there. You need to show up before he does.”

“Why, would he usurp my power or something?”

“Yes. Him hanging back is a nod to the Boss. And you. He is letting everyone know that the Boss is leading—why do you not know this?”

“I can’t learn everything in a few months, Charles. Magic came first. Stupid hierarchy of egotistical penises had to take a backseat.”

“Penises don’t have egos. And what about the women in command? They can be pretty damn bitchy.”

“The women have bigger balls than you do, Charles. Let’s get focused.”

Kind of a dick thing to say.

The warehouse crouched on the deserted road, silent and foreboding, housing some sort of hellion that could tear families apart. He had never seen one, true, but from a lifetime of ghost stories, he wasn’t in a great hurry. He liked the little life he’d set up—he didn’t really want it getting torn apart right now.

They stepped beyond the cars. A large circle of Mata waited around the warehouse, facing the building. They stood sentinel with resolute expressions and fisted hands, just in case that thing inside got out. Dressed in loose sweats, with most primed to change form, they waited for war.

Walking toward each Mata guard, ready to take over, was a clan member dressed in battle leathers with glowing swords.

The Mata didn’t plan to step aside. The clan members would try to make them.

“What a mess,” Sasha muttered.

Charles agreed wholeheartedly. “I thought you used a concealment charm?”

Adnan caught up with them, shadowing Sasha.

“I took it off when we got here. Remember me yelling at you to shut it so I could concentrate?” Sasha rubbed her temples, her nerves fraying, looking every bit as out of her element as Charles felt.

In front of the building, facing off, stood the Boss and Tim. The Boss was bigger, more heavily muscled, with an elegance to his grace that made a male’s hairs stand on end—he was a world ender.

But Tim…Charles had to hand it to him. He wasn’t a wimp by anyone’s standards, especially when he changed into that colossal Kodiak bear. He faced off, meeting the Boss’ stare with one of his own, power and brawn ready to be unleashed.

“C’mon,” Sasha said, half to herself. She marched out toward the two men.

“What’s going on?” she demanded as she got within speaking range.

It was Tim that answered. “Stefan has decided he reins this territory, and as such, is trying to send us packing. I have politely informed him, as is my place, that when we lose one of ours, we are given license to step in. This was an agreement reached in witness of Dominicous and his authority of office as it represents the council.”

Sasha stepped forward to make a point. The Boss held out his hand to block her advance, trying to keep her at a safer distance.

“Back off!” She pushed at the Boss’ arm. Her brows lowered dangerously when she had no effect. Next they heard a metallic crackle, zapping the Boss with a shot of fire as only she knew how.

The big male took one step back, every muscle on his body taut in pain. Jonas, standing a few feet away, rolled his neck—he’d flown three feet when Sasha had done that to him.

Her gaze slid to Tim as her brows lowered. “You, too.”

Tim stared back for a moment, before taking one step back.

Wise, Charles thought.

“This is my rule,” she addressed both males. “Tim, you came here as my guest, which makes you subject to my leadership. Had you investigated on your own, per the signed treaties, given that it was only your men affected, then yes, you would be licensed to step in. For right now, until I abandon my rights, you do not take a primary role. Not until the threat is neutralized.”

Charles couldn’t help his mouth dropping open as Tim nodded, somehow not looking as shocked as Charles felt. Who was this girl? And more importantly, who’d been working with her? Genius, whoever it was. And obviously extremely patient.

Her gaze swung to the Boss. “I will repeat, this is my rule. I will soon defer to your leadership, since you have more experience in these matters, but regarding the Mata’s right to be here, I have the rights to approve that, and I do. We do not have time for a challenge, so I hope you don’t make one. I woke up whatever that thing is. Somehow. It’s loose in that warehouse. I can feel it eating away at my magic. It’s doing a really good job.”

“The last time these mongrels offered aid,” the Boss said in low, hate-filled tones, “they whimpered like curs and ran, leaving us to deal with it. There is no way I’m leaving holes in the defense. This is easily settled with them leaving now before the demon is released.”

The breath left Sasha’s body, a brief flash of compassion covering her face. Just as quickly, it was gone; business.