Deidre's Death

The thought of the Dark One reminded Gabriel that he lost three death-dealers to him in the course of a week, not to mention the deal Deidre made.

"If it makes you feel better, I've got another traitor," Gabriel said in cold anger, motioning to the soul compass the demon's had obtained.

"Morale is low. The dealers think we'll never get home," Landon supplied.

Gabriel and Rhyn eyed him. Gabriel bristled at the reminder that his own underworld had shut him out.

"I'll check in with the lake," Landon muttered.

"Take these," Gabriel said, handing him the souls he took from the bowl. "Then call everyone in. Looks like I'll be conducting mind checks morning and night."

"Got it." Landon pocketed the souls before calling a portal.

"I need to move Deidre," Gabriel said when the death-dealer was gone.

"Something happen?" Rhyn asked.

"Yeah. She got attacked by demons today."

"Drop her off at my place," he said, referring to the Immortal's stronghold in the French Alps.

"I thought being in Atlanta might help her. It won't work," Gabriel said. He shook his head. "I need Wynn, but he's nowhere to be found this morning."

"Haven't seen the fucker," Rhyn said, tone hard.

Gabriel knew how much Rhyn hated his father. Not many people thought differently of the first Ancient Immortal, who had led the Council with six of his sons for many years before being killed. Wynn was a brilliant surgeon, the only person Gabriel knew to bring in and evaluate Deidre's claim that she was healed.

Not that he didn't believe her. But, well he didn't. He pushed aside the nagging instincts he'd been ignoring since seeing her earlier.

"Hey, boss," one of the dealers approached. "We got everyone."

"Drop them at the lake and hang out for a bit," Gabriel said.

"Go get your woman. I'll see you at the castle," Rhyn said, calling a portal.

Gabriel nodded. He looked around, furious at Darkyn for earning the trust of people who didn't trust him in his new role as Death. With some dread, he returned to Deidre's apartment.

It was past dark, and she was dozing on the couch. Cora waved from the kitchen. Gabriel sat down across from his mate, studying her. It was hard for him to remain detached around the beautiful woman with silver-white hair. She slept peacefully, her delicate features and shapely body at ease as she slept on her stomach. His eyes went over her perfect legs and lingered on her ass. Their history made him want to touch her, to feel the softness of her skin before waking her to gaze into the huge blue-green eyes that were able to stop him in his tracks.