September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)(21)

With his grey hair brushed neatly into place and brown eyes shining with an inner joy I couldn’t fathom, Father Andrew reached to shake each of our hands in turn. I couldn’t help but look for the dragon he bore despite it being hidden by the long sleeves of his shirt.

“You certainly do, my dear,” he agreed. “I wish I could point you in the right direction. I do not know where the scroll is nor do I wish to. But I will help you in any way I can.”

Shaz gazed around the vast interior, and I could almost see what he was thinking. If the scroll wasn’t here, then what was the church’s angel protecting?

“Shya’s running out of time to find it,” I explained. “He’s resorted to desperate attempts. I’m afraid of what he might do.”

“It’s been several months since he’s paid me a visit. Not that I mind of course. I long for the day his reign of terror is over.” Father Andrew began to put out the candles using an elaborately decorated candlesnuffer. “I can make some calls, reach out to my fellow brethren, those I know are still trustworthy.”

The scent of candles tickled my nose. I held back a sneeze. “That means a lot to me. Thank you.”

“I wish there was more I could do.” Father Andrew paused, then added as if it were an afterthought, “Your vampire friend came by not so long ago. He said he was the one you took the demon mark for. I can’t imagine what would make a Hound of God willing to pay the price for a vampire, but whatever it is, it must be special.”

Awkward. I suddenly couldn’t bring myself to meet Shaz’s gaze. I cleared my throat and managed to squeak out, “Nobody deserves to be marked by Shya.”

Before I could change the subject, there was a loud bang, as if something had hit the front door. Hard. The sound of angry muffled voices was audible.

I was off and running through the church to throw open the door. Willow was on the front step, and he wasn’t alone. Brook stood there smirking, his black wings flared wide. So one of Shya’s demons had found us already. Fantastic.

Brook’s black gaze landed on me and a devilish smile crossed his face. He watched me emerge from the church with open satisfaction.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” He taunted. “Shya is going to be thrilled to hear I found you here.”

“So you were looking for me?” I challenged, striding right up to face him head on.

The demon stared down at me, trying to intimidate me with his size and wings. It didn’t work. Nobody could be more intimidating than Shya. At least, nobody I had met so far.

“Aren’t there other places you should be?” Brook sneered. “Like your bordello of blood, for instance.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s my God given right to attend church any time I damn well please,” I hissed, emphasizing God so that the demon flinched. “Care to join me?” I waited for a snide remark but received only a deathly glare. “Where’s Falon? He’s much more entertaining while being a major pain in my ass.”

“It would be wise of you to remember that we can watch you unseen, wolf. Even if you get your hands on the scroll, we’ll be watching. Be warned.” Brook followed his threat with a flap of wings and a burst of power that threw me off my feet.

The impact of my ass against the ground rattled my teeth, but I was otherwise unhurt. Still, it didn’t stop Willow from launching himself at the demon. There was a boom of sound, like thunder, and the two of them tumbled down the steps to the sidewalk below.

This wasn’t the first time Willow had gotten violent with Brook. I wasn’t sure if they had personal history or if the demon was just an easy target for Willow’s inner pain and rage. Shaz pulled me up, and we watched the two immortals trade blows. They didn’t hold back, unleashing assaults on one another that would have destroyed any one of us mortals.

I cringed, feeling like a helpless spectator. They could beat each other bloody repeatedly, and it wouldn’t accomplish a damn thing. Shouting their names seemed only to encourage them.

Father Andrew appeared outside, his face twisted in an expression of utter disbelief. “What’s going on?”

Brook immediately forgot Willow. His attention turned to the priest, and he aimed his attack precisely. Without thought, I threw myself at Father Andrew, knocking him down and taking the demon’s blast myself.

It tore a cry from me. I was on the ground, curled into the fetal position, whimpering and wailing. It felt like fire washed over me, through me, and all around. The burning sensation was beyond agonizing. Tears streamed from my eyes, scarlet fountains that exposed the darkness inside me. I gasped for breath, finding each lungful took great effort.

Shaz sprang into action. He shoved the priest back inside the church, shouting at him to stay within the consecrated walls. Then he placed himself between Brook and me, but it was unnecessary. Brook had backed off the moment he saw me take the hit meant for the priest.

All at once the pain subsided. I lay there trembling and gasping.

“Did Shya’s instructions include wounding his sacrificial wolf?” Willow shouted.

Brook lifted his chin defiantly. “What are you going to do about it?”

The two of them glared into one another once again. I shook my head and stood up slowly, waving off Shaz’s offered hand. I couldn’t afford to look weak in any way in front of Brook.