She frowned.
"I owe you an apology for not telling you sooner," he added. "I wasn't prepared for what that meant, just like I wasn't prepared for my new duties. I'm taking steps to remedy those issues. If I hurt you, I'm sorry."
Harmony was quiet for a long moment. Gabriel sensed her emotions, even if she tried to keep her face impassive.
"I understand," she said at last. "You have a duty to your mate. I would never interfere." She turned away, issuing silent orders to the death-dealers.
Gabriel watched her, not at all satisfied with the exchange. She was hurt; he was an ass. He'd fucked over both the women in his life, and neither deserved it.
The assassins lined up obediently. He went one-by-one, checking the minds of each with the occasional glance across to Rhyn and Andre, who were speaking quietly.
An hour later, Gabriel reached the last of the death-dealers in line, relieved yet troubled not to have found another traitor. The assassin he'd killed earlier had a handler, one that acted as a messenger between him and Darkyn. While the dead man hadn't known who the handler was, he'd suspected it was another death-dealer. Gabe checked all of those in the mortal realm, except for …
He turned, realizing Harmony hadn't been in the lineup. In fact, she wasn't anywhere.
Harmony, he called over their internal channel.
No response.
Gabriel felt something heavier than dread in his stomach. He'd just told Harmony he had a mate. It wasn't going to take much for her to put together who, especially with the ultra-secret assignments protecting Deidre.
Landon.
The death-dealer appeared at once. Second to Harmony on Gabriel's list of the most effective, Landon was her back-up when it came to organizing the missions and personnel.
"The protective assignment," Gabriel started. "Double it. Move them closer to their ward. I also need accountability on all of these." Gabe handed him the soul compass he'd found on the demon's body.
"Sure, boss." Landon's response was chipper despite his severe features.
"Send Tymkyn to find Harmony," Gabriel said, referring to the top tracker among his death-dealers. "Tell him to bring her in. Alive, preferably."
Landon absorbed Gabe's word choice, recognizing the gravity of the situation without further explanation.
"Find me when you're done," Gabriel added.
"Alright, boss." Landon disappeared through a portal.
Gabe watched him, rubbing his rough jaw. He'd never thought twice about trusting Harmony or any other death-dealer. Or about the Code. Or about pushing Deidre away when she needed to be by his side to keep her safe. Fate was right; the only thing in his way was him.