Damian's Assassin

"I saw something, ikir," she said in a tone far softer and more respectful than her original. The Greek god didn't so much as blink as he stared her down. Bianca's eyes watered again. He didn't have an ounce of mercy or humanity in him!

"If I didn't love you, you'd be dead, kiri," he spoke at long last, his low, even voice terrifying Bianca.

"I know," the blonde replied.

He nodded his head towards the garage door. She obeyed the command. Bianca watched her, wanting to scream at her to stay. The blonde slid sunglasses in place, and as she strode to the awaiting Yukon idling in the driveway she threw a glance over her shoulder. Her beauty was cool and classic, like that of the man before her.

"Take him, clean him up," the Greek god ordered one of the men at the front of the garage. He indicated her with the gun before turning away without another look.

Relief and fear unleashed within her, and she was hauled once again to her feet.

"Sofia," Dusty said in a tone he knew conveyed his displeasure. He slammed the Yukon's door closed as he slid into the back seat beside her and pinned her with a look she refused to meet.

"I know," she murmured.

"Pierre, if you let her do that again, you'll go straight to behavior modification," he warned her assigned bodyguard.

"I swear I'll stop her even if it costs me my life," Pierre replied.

"Dammit, Pierre!" Sofia snapped.

"Sorry, mon amour, but I fear him more."

Dusty looked at his adopted sister again. She was the ikira, the Guardians' queen, and a Seer, the mate of the White God, Damian. While the White God was off fighting the vamp infestation in Europe, he'd left his mate and brother in Dusty's protection. With their similar looks and cool reserve, he and Sofia were often mistaken for brother and sister by other Guardians, a convenient cover they exploited when she moved to Miami.

"You've done many foolish things, kiri, but stepping between me and a vamp is a first."

"I told you. I saw something," she insisted. "I am an Oracle, Dusty."

"What did you see?"

"Don't look at me like that!" she growled. "I'm sorry, Dusty, but I had to do it and I can't tell you why. You'll understand someday! In fact, you'll thank me!"

He sensed she wasn't going to budge this time and relented. She'd been pissy for a couple of weeks, and he had an idea why.

"How far along is she, Pierre?" he asked.

"Dusty!" she exclaimed. "Don't you dare, Pierre!"