"We can spar," Darian said. "I have my honor to regain."
Yully smiled and shook her head again. "I think I'll go see Bianca's horse," she said, more interested in the animal than being under the intent scrutiny of the Guardians.
"I'll catch up with you," Jule promised. He kissed her forehead and released her.
Yully left the gym, feeling as if she'd entered a new world. She drew a deep breath, stilling her nerves, and crossed to the paddock. Bianca was gone, and the horse dozed next to the fence. Curious about the great animal, Yully approached the fence. The horse's eyes opened, and it lifted its muzzle over the top of the railing. She rubbed its forehead and leaned forward to touch its neck, marveling at how soft its hair was. Absorbed by the horse, she didn't feel the hair on the back of her neck rise.
"Found you."
She turned to face the small man and gasped. He looked like her father, only his eyes glowed green where her father's had been purple. She took a step back, uncertain what the man was but aware her instincts were at a scream.
"The Other had you hidden well," the man said. "This is the first time I've been able to find you."
"Got him." The low growl drew her attention behind her, where the red-eyed man materialized beside Damian. She pressed her back to the railing.
"It'll be the last, Watcher." The White God's golden eyes were liquid and swirling as his mate's had. His power sizzled around him.
"She is too powerful for this realm, Damian," the green-eyed man said.
"Bullshit. You want to use her as you have the rest of us," Damian said. He stepped forward and motioned her behind him. "You can have her over my dead body."
"And mine," Jule said and materialized with two others. He held out his hand, and Yully went to him.
"And mine," Dusty said.
"Mine, too," Darian echoed.
Yully listened, breathless, to the strangers who vowed to protect her from a threat similar to her father. After a lifetime of rejection, she'd found a home with the very people her father warned her against.
"This has been a long time coming, Watcher, but don't come back," Damian said.
"And if you come near my mate again, I will show no mercy," Jule added in a quiet tone that promised action. The Watcher frowned, his gaze going from Damian to Jule.