Chapter Nine

Teach Me To Wolf-Out.

"Did you ever wake up and think to yourself, ‘Today I'm going to turn into a big, hairy beast and hunt down a chick who turns into a huge, slimy snake?' No? Well, why the hell not? Apparently, it's totally a thing." ~ Katy

Katy took a steadying breath and met Gage's intense emerald stare. "Okay, I'm ready. Teach me how to wolf-out."

They stood beneath a canopy of trees, sheltered from view. Gage had insisted she would shift easier her first time in nature, without walls or ceilings confining her.

His hands came to rest on her shoulders, the touch oddly grounding despite her racing heart. "You have the instinct within you already. The Dire Wolf's spirit recognizes itself. Trust your senses."

Easier said than done, but Katy nodded. Gage believed she could do this. She just had to silence her doubts and embrace her inner beast. Closing her eyes, Katy tried to picture her soul's wilder side. The part of her that howled in defiance whenever darkness pressed too near. Her fierce devotion that roared to life when others she cared for were threatened. That soul-deep wildness was her birthright as Gage's mate. She had to claim it fully.

"Let your instincts take over," Gage guided quietly. "The Wolf knows what to do. Simply surrender to its instincts."

Closing her eyes, Katy reached inward for her wolf spirit. She gasped as her nails lengthened painfully, claws erupting from each fingertip. It felt like her bones were breaking and reforming beneath her skin, which rippled as fur spread rapidly across her body.

"You can do this." Gage's gravelly voice was an anchor in the chaos. "Become what you were always meant to be, Beloved."

Her spine bowed forward, and Katy cried out as her legs reshaped into powerful haunches. She could feel her skull changing, elongating into a lupine muzzle lined with sharp teeth. Her ears shifted higher on her head as her senses exploded with sudden lupine acuity. Katy's palms hit the ground, her fingers now claws digging into the earth as the change overtook her. She panted, sides heaving from the effort, her limbs trembling. The scent of pine and loam filled her sensitive nose.

There was an ache deep in the marrow of her bones, as beast and woman found harmony in this new shape. Then it settled, the pain fading away. Katy took an experimental breath through her elongated snout, feeling power coiled tightly in the lithe wolf's body.

She could hear prey scurrying in the underbrush. She could smell the mineral tang of a nearby stream mingled with wolf musk. Gage's hands stroked through her thick pelt and Katy shuddered, fur rippling from head to tail. His touch kept her steady while her mind adjusted. She gave an experimental chuff, taking a few awkward steps on four legs. It was disorienting seeing the world from this lower vantage point and feeling such intense strength in the long body built for running down prey. But exhilaration also flooded her veins.

She was a wolf—wild, dangerous, and free. Lifting her muzzle, Katy let out a delighted howl. The call echoed through the forest, announcing the awakened Dire spirit within. Gage's answering rumbling growl vibrated through her, primal and possessive. Katy turned to nip his shoulder playfully, delighting in this powerful new form, and stumbled forward.

"Easy, Little Wolf." His proud smile held an Alpha's satisfaction at her success. "Let your mind catch up to your form."

With an indulgent shake of his head, Gage shifted into his own immense wolf form. He had midnight-colored fur speckled with gray. Katy thought he was even more impressive like this, his beast radiating Dire strength. Gage dipped his head, nudging her with unmistakable affection.

Unable to resist, Katy nipped his ear playfully. Then she was off, racing through the trees on nimble paws. She heard Gage's surprised bark before he gave chase, huge paws eating up the ground as he ran her down effortlessly.

Katy yipped her surrender as he cornered her against a large boulder, tail wagging. Gage licked her muzzle before stepping back. His emerald eyes glowed with desire, but he simply inclined his head back the way they'd come. Message clear. It was time to head out.

Falling into step beside his larger form, Katy brushed against him happily. Her entire body thrummed with rightness. However strange this shape still felt, her spirit recognized itself here. Wolf, woman, something somewhere in between—she was finally whole.

They departed the remote Montana cabin at midday. The summer sun felt good against Gage's fur. He was disappointed he couldn't play more with his mate in her wolf form, watching her experience everything for the first time. But time was of the essence. If they didn't find the snake queen, all of Katy's firsts as a wolf might also be her last.

Without Visata's input, he would have never considered Zeena as a potential ally. Next to Gage in her smaller wolf form, Katy looked especially small and delicate, with her lighter-colored brown and gray fur. But he could feel her resilient spirit burning as she embraced this new reality. Dire Wolves bowed to no challenge or darkness. And she'd shown those qualities when she sacrificed herself to Azure, hoping to get more information. She was bold, intelligent, and fierce. Even without Visata's decree, Gage would have been drawn to Katy.

They journeyed southwest, avoiding towns and major roads. Anxiety began to gnaw at Gage the farther they got from the Kingdom of Fang's territory. Being away from his home meant that he had to increase his vigilance. Some of his kind didn't respect the treaties formed when they came to the human realm. And while breaches were mostly rare occurrences, times were changing. He would not fully relax until Katy was truly free of the vile Serpent King's reach, and until they knew who was working with him.

When dusk fell, they stopped to rest and eat beneath a rocky overhang. Gage built a small fire, relishing the novelty of the flames' warmth and light after so long existing without either.

"This is weird." Katy sat close to the fire, holding her hands out to catch the warmth.

"How so?"

"I'm a New Yorker, and a poor one at that. I've never been camping. It's just something I've seen on television or movies." She watched the flames dance, and Gage enjoyed the way the light made her skin glow. "I like it," she finally said after a few minutes of silence. "I like the rich smells, the sounds of the forest, and the sky completely covered in stars. You can't see the stars in New York. The city is too busy trying to compete with the night sky."

Gage loved listening to her talk, hearing her point of view. Everything seemed brighter, more vivid, through Katy's eyes. He noticed details that would have escaped his attention before—the smell of fresh rain in the air, the texture of tree bark under his palm, the play of firelight over Katy's lovely features. His long-hardened heart soaked up these sensations like parched desert sands.

As he watched Katy now across the fire, he realized how pale she looked again, how drawn. The little color his blood had restored was fading as the strange magic continued leaching her life force. Gage moved to sit behind her, gently pulling her back to recline against his chest.

"You need to take more." He pulled out a pocketknife and, before she even had time to protest, sliced his wrist open.

Katy turned worried eyes up to him. "Does it weaken you each time?" She pressed her lips tentatively to the wound.

Gage stroked her hair soothingly as she fed. "Do not trouble yourself, Little Wolf. You take only what I gladly give."

It was true Gage experienced no fatigue or loss. Rather, he was overcome by an exhilarating rush as their spirits mingled and twined ever closer through the shared blood. Her pleasure and relief as strength seeped back into her body echoed within Gage's own mind, their emotions blending seamlessly.

When she had drunk her fill, Katy twisted to search his face anxiously. He knew she wouldn't find any distress. Desire? Most definitely. Her frame relaxed against him once more as she faced the fire. Gage wrapped both arms around her securely.

"Rest now," he murmured, dropping a kiss atop her head. "We still have far to go."

She snuggled into him and fell asleep in a matter of moments. Gage kept vigil as the moon traversed the night sky, holding his slumbering mate close and tossing what wood he could reach into the small fire as needed. This bizarre curse drained Katy's vitality during her waking hours, but it seemed unable to touch her while at rest. The only thing he felt from her was contentment. There was no pain or weakness.

Gage thanked Visata's mercy that the spell only stole from Katy a little at a time. It gave them a window to find answers before it claimed her life entirely. Watching the rise and fall of her chest, he swore that outcome would never come to pass.

Gage heard a soft beep and glanced down at his phone, which he'd laid on the ground next to them. He picked it up and saw that he had a text from Otto.

Otto: I fix this.

Gage frowned at the three words.

Gage: Fix what?

Otto: I bite, Katy. My fault she is in this. I fix it.

Gage considered the little lennser's words and what he could possibly mean. His mind ran in circles until it finally hit him like a ton of bricks.

Gage: Don't do it, Otto.

Otto: Mistress will not die. I fixes it. You not tell her. I bite you.

Gage: I won't die.

Otto: But you be sick and miserable.

The little butthead had him there. Even though Otto's bite wouldn't kill Gage, it didn't mean that he wouldn't suffer until his body expelled the poison.

Gage: Katy will be sad.

Otto: But alive.

Gage couldn't argue with him there. But he knew it would break Katy's heart if she found out that Otto killed the human women in order to save her life. Would she forgive the little lizard? Yes. She would. But it would still be a wound in their friendship that would take a long time to work through. But what could Gage do? Otto was a free Damarian now that he wasn't under the scales of Azure. He could do as he pleased, though he would learn the hard way the consequences of desperate actions. Gage prayed that Otto's attempts would be thwarted. He would just have to trust that Visata already knew the little lennser's heart and would deal with him. He didn't text Otto again. There was no point in arguing with him. He was a hard-headed little being.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Gage carefully extricated himself from Katy's sleepy grasp. He had one quick task to see to before she woke, one he preferred she not know about for now. Just a precaution, but his soul would rest easier for having taken it.

After ensuring Katy was still sleeping soundly, well back from the dying fire's edge, Gage slipped into the tree line. He did not go far, just out of earshot of their makeshift camp. Once sheltered by the forest, he pulled the phone back out. Gage selected Nox's name and typed out a quick message.

Gage: Headed to Chaos with my mate on Creator's command. Cannot risk Council interference since we don't know who is in the viper's nest with Azure. Will contact again soon.

Only seconds passed before Nox replied.

Nox: Understood. We will await word. Keep her safe, and yourself as well.

Relief lifted some weight from Gage's shoulders. No matter their differences, or past quarrels, Nox would ensure his absence raised no alarms for now. That was all he needed—time to follow Visata's urgings unhindered by politics.

Thumb hovering over the button, Gage added one more line before sending it.

Gage: If we do not return, know it was done to protect the innocent.

A dire pledge, but these were grievous times.

Returning the phone to his pocket, Gage headed back to camp just as Katy stirred. Her sleepy smile upon seeing him made his heart constrict. All that mattered in this moment was keeping her gaze free of shadows.

"Hey, you," she murmured, stretching like a cat. The rising sun gilded her skin and brought out rich chestnut highlights in her hair. Gage drank her in, letting the sight bolster him. As long as she was at his side, he could face anything.

Crouching beside her, Gage stroked back the silken strands from her face. "How are you feeling?"

Katy considered, then smiled. "Good. Strong again." Her eyes softened. "Thank you."

Instead of answering, Gage simply pulled her into a fierce embrace. Katy came willingly, arms twining around his neck. Over her shoulder, Gage's eyes shifted, scanning the woods around them. A solemn promise lingered on his lips, unspoken but etched into his soul.

No matter what they faced or who stood in the way, he would see his mate safe. Gage was no hero, merely a guardian sworn to protect one precious heart—Katy's, bound now to his own. For her, he would walk any path, even into the blackest abyss, becoming a monster himself. If that made him a fool in others' eyes, so be it. Her life was worth any price, any sacrifice. Let Visata's justice come. The Dire Wolf bowed only to the wildness within now. The man was slave to a higher claim—his vowed oath as mate.

Perhaps sensing his somber mood, Katy drew back to study his face with concern. But Gage merely touched his brow to hers, breathing her in. "Ready to continue on?"

"Yep," she said with a sharp nod. "Let's do this."

Zeena jolted awake from a fitful sleep, her heart racing inexplicably. She peered around the darkened motel room, senses straining. But no threat presented itself. Likely just another nightmare, though she couldn't recall it now.

With a tired sigh, she rose and moved to stand by the grimy window, peering out at the neon strip still bustling even at this late hour. She'd never spent time in the Kingdom of Chaos before Azure banned her from leaving Venom. Now she wandered its garish streets, cloaked in illusion magic, more lost than any face in the crowd.

"Poor Child, why do you linger in shadow?"

Zeena whirled with a gasp at the gentle voice. A figure etched in pure light stood across from her. She dropped to her knees instantly, not daring to look directly at Him.

"Forgive me, Visata," she whispered, trembling. "I am unworthy of your presence."

The air stirred around her, infinitely tender. "You are forgiven, Beloved Daughter. No darkness lingers upon your bright spirit now."

Tears slipped free as Zeena shook her head. "The things I have done…" Sobs choked her. "The things I didn't stop that I could have. I do not deserve your mercy."

"You may look at me for this moment. See and hear the truth."

Strong, gentle hands lifted Zeena's chin until she had no choice but to meet the Creator's radiant gaze. Forgiveness and sorrow shone in His ageless eyes.

"Your heart has been led astray, but the fault is not yours alone." Sadness weighed down the rich voice. "Another's cruelty dimmed your inner light, but it is not extinguished."

Zeena's voice hitched in desperate hope. "Can I be restored?" She clung to His hands as though they were her only tether from plunging into shadow.

Visata drew her close, and Zeena wept into His side like a lost child. He soothed her tenderly as the tide of anguish slowly released its grip.

When her tears finally ceased, the Creator drew back enough to tilt her chin up once more. "The light within can never be fully swallowed, only hidden for a time." His understanding eyes pinned her in place. "I have known you since before you were formed in your mother's womb, Child. Your life is no accident." His thumb brushed her cheek. "Sadly, fear led you down dark roads."

Shame flooded Zeena, making her turn away. Visata held her fast. "Yet you were but sheep led astray, never fully seeing the precipice before you." His luminous gaze poured strength back into her spirit. "By my grace, you will now walk in the light again."

"You would grant me such mercy?" Zeena asked brokenly. After centuries at Azure's side, witnessing evil while doing nothing, she felt stained beyond saving, unworthy of this gift.

Visata cupped her face in His hands, ancient eyes burning with compassion. "All have fallen short of my glory. But mine is the only judgment that carries weight." His smile held both sadness and understanding. "I know your heart was warped by cruelty not your own. Your sins are forgiven, Child, if you but choose to walk the right path once more."

Overwhelmed by the enormity of his pardon, Zeena could only nod wordlessly. How could He absolve her so easily after all she had condoned? The light within Visata was truth. Her battered spirit recognized that bone deep.

The Creator drew her close once more, into an embrace of forgiveness and belonging that Zeena had craved her entire existence. "Though darkness surrounds, hope remains," He whispered over her hair. "You will find your way again."

When He released her, resolve settled in Zeena's bones. She would spend the rest of her life proving worthy of this undeserved gift. "I will heed Your guidance in all things," she swore fervently.

Visata's brilliant aura filled the dingy room. "Then listen close, Beloved Daughter. My plan unfolds through your life anew."

He told her of two who would seek her out soon, led by His whisper, to help save an innocent in grave peril. "The Dire Wolf comes cloaked in shadow, but he brings light in his mate's heart," Visata revealed. "The three of you will bring change and, through that change, watch night recede before dawn's hope."

Though the counsel was cryptic, Zeena clung to every word. The Creator had given her a second chance. She would not fail Him again. Bowing her head, she swore, "I will watch for them and trust in Your wisdom, though the way seems dark to me."

Visata touched her shoulder, smile radiant. "You no longer walk alone. My spirit shall illuminate your every step."

As his image faded, Zeena cried out, "Will I see you again?" The thought of losing His presence devastated her now that she had found grace.

"I am always near, Child," Visata's voice echoed. "You only have to call out and listen, and I will answer. Only believe…"

Then He was gone, leaving Zeena on her knees in a rundown motel room once more. But she rose with joy, and her once empty heart was filled with joy. The Creator Himself had come to renew her life. She was no longer damned and alone, but delivered into destiny. Her heart ached for her mate. She thought him fully lost. Zeena honestly didn't know if there was anything good left in him. She remembered their early courtship. Azure had been so charismatic and charming. She'd been smitten from the first words. His father was King of KOV then, and Azure didn't bear the burden yet of a kingdom. Not to mention there was peace among the kingdoms. But then his father was poisoned, though the culprit never found. Azure had to take up the mantle of ruler, and it was from that moment forward that his transformation began.

"What happened to us?" she whispered. Her knees throbbed from the hard floor on which she had knelt. They'd lost their way, but Azure didn't seem to want to find it again. She was on her own.

Whatever came, she would cling to the plan Visata shared. Zeena would watch for the Dire Wolf and his mate, never doubting they were coming. Zeena had no idea how they would respond to her, considering she'd been unkind to both of them. She deserved their wrath, not their help. But the Creator had spoken, and she would listen. She had been granted another chance. This time, she refused to fail.

Lola awoke to dawn's first light creeping across her opulent room. No, it wasn't her room. It was their room—hers and Callon's. Which was still a weird thought, but she didn't have time to dwell on it.

Today, they would hopefully confront the voodoo priestess who held Katy's life in her hands. The twisting knot of anticipation in Lola's gut hadn't let her rest easily, and the fact that she'd been separated from Callon didn't help.

Slipping from bed, Lola dressed swiftly in the combat gear the KOC warriors had provided. She and Maddie would need the added protection of leather and light armor in the treacherous bayou. Lola truly appreciated the fact that she could shift from human to animal and back again and still have her clothes on once she was in her human form. She'd read so many books where the shifters were butt naked after a shift and had always wondered how they hadn't felt vulnerable. Did she think of her book characters as real people? Yes, yes, she did. Don't judge.

Lola's inner beast rumbled eagerly at the thought of the coming hunt and confrontation. They would find this voodoo priestess-witchy-chick and make her undo the sinister spell.

When Lola entered the mansion's vast kitchen, she was surprised to find Callon already there, shoveling down breakfast. Her mate's head jerked up, nostrils flaring as he caught her scent. Relief flashed in his golden eyes.

"There you are." He was across the room in three long strides, folding her into a fierce embrace. "I've been pacing like a caged animal waiting for you."

"Why didn't you just come to our suite?"

Callon's eyes narrowed on something behind Lola. She turned to find Otto sitting on the end of the counter, his little legs swinging back and forth and his tail swishing from side to side. He wasn't in his full-beast form, but neither could he pass for a human.

"Good morn, Lola. Sleep good?" The little lizard grinned and waved his clawed hand at them.

"He is the reason I didn't come to our room," Callon rumbled. Her mate was not pleased.

Lola's brow rose. "How did he"—she pointed at the small Damarian—"keep you"—now she pointed at Callon, motioning to his massive frame—"from coming to find me?"

"I bite him." Otto snickered.

"You what?" Lola snapped.

"He doesn't mean he already bit me," Callon soothed, running his fingers down her spine. "He means if I'd tried to go see you, he would have bitten me."

Lola's eyes widened. "But your bite is, like, mega-poisonous."

Otto nodded proudly. The little turd.

"That's why I'm sitting down here eating, and not with you, alone, in our room." Callon's voice grew rougher with each word. "Lennsers are fast," he explained. "He could bite me before I even realized he'd moved."

"Otto!" Lola scolded. "Why would you do that?"

"Mistress need rest," Otto said in his stilted way of talking. "Be alert with demon about."

Callon's chest rumbled with a growl. "That's the only reason I didn't call for backup to deal with this little troublemaker. Because he's right. You have to have your wits about you with a demon."

Lola walked over to Otto and pointed a finger at him. She stayed about a foot back, though she didn't think he'd bite her. "Do not ever threaten to bite my mate again. Not cool, lizard. Not. Cool."

Otto's legs kept swinging back and forth as he shrugged. "Otto protect what's important to Katy. You and the Maddie important to her."

"That's really freaking sweet." Some of her anger deflated. "Despite that, you can't go around biting people."

Callon's arm wrapped around her from behind, and then he turned her so that her face was pressed to his chest. He pulled her snuggly against him. "Shhh, Female. I'm fine."

Lola hugged him back just as tightly, the tension easing from her frame. "Wait," she said suddenly. "What are you doing here? Weren't you meeting with the Kingdom of Silk royals?"

Callon drew back enough to frame her face in his big hands. "You didn't really think I'd let you confront dark magic without me, did you?" His jaw clenched, and his gaze was intense. "Especially not with some questionable demon as your guide. But we did meet with them. They weren't exactly super hospitable. Which isn't strange, but I still got a vibe that they're hiding something. We couldn't stick around any longer without it looking suspicious." Callon ran a finger down her cheek. "But mostly I'm back because I don't like being separated from you. Not even for a night."

Warmth spread through Lola at his protectiveness, even as exasperation tugged her lips. "Callon, we've talked about this. I don't need a babysitter."

"Yes, you does," Otto supplied, oh so helpfully.

"A-B conversation, Lizard. C your way out of it," Lola said dryly.

Otto simply snickered. The cheeky twat.

Callon's brows lowered stubbornly. "Tough. Where you go, I go. That's the way it is for mates."

Lola sighed, knowing further argument was pointless. And if she was honest, having Callon's strength at her side brought a sense of security. She hadn't fully processed how dangerous this new world could become. Still, her independence balked at being coddled.

"Fine," she conceded grudgingly. "But you better pull your weight out there. No distracting heroics because you think I need rescuing."

Callon grinned unrepentantly and kissed her forehead. "As my lady commands. Besides, I don't think I'd have to do anything heroic with this one"—he motioned to Otto—"in tow."

Before she could elbow Callon in retribution, running footsteps drew their attention. Maddie careened into the kitchen, excitement lighting her pretty features. Her smile grew even bigger when she saw Callon.

"Bane's back, too," her friend gushed, practically bouncing on her toes. "Isn't that awesome? Now he and Callon can totally protect us from that demon creep while we save Katy and the other women." She frowned thoughtfully. "Shame Roan came, too. He keeps making weird jokes about cats and glaring at Bane. I think his sense of humor is broken. If he ever had one."

"He didn't," Callon offered.

Lola felt more of the weight that had been on her shoulders being lifted. "That's great that they're here. Considering you and I don't have a freaking clue what we're doing. Regardless of whether we like admitting that or not, it's true."

"Yeah, I guess," Maddie muttered as she grabbed a muffin out of a bowl on the counter. "But Roan seriously knows how to rain on someone's parade."

"I bite him?"

Maddie's eyes lit up with humor as she looked at the lizard. "As much as the image of you biting a screeching Roan makes me laugh, I do not wish him dead … yet. If I change my mind, I'll let you know."

"Maddie." Lola tsked. "You can't talk like that with Otto. He seems to take things pretty literally."

"Oh, I know. Me and the Ott-ster hung out last night and made friendship bracelets." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of string. The bracelets reminded Lola of their childhood when they used to spend summer days sitting at her dining room table making wrist and ankle friendship bracelets. "Here." She held out a green and blue one to her. "I made you this one."

Lola smiled. "Thanks, Mads."

"Don't thank me. I only managed to get one made. The super lizard over there can weave the strands of thread faster than a freaking machine. He made tons of them."

Lola looked at Otto. "Did you have fun?"

"I want my mistress to have many choices. I not sure favorite colors."

"I tried to tell him she'd like anything simply because he made it for her," Maddie explained. "But the little dude is hardheaded."

"My head supposed to be hard," Otto told her with a little frown. "Scales protect in battle."

Maddie rolled her eyes. "You're right. He is very literal."

Lola met Callon's amused golden eyes. "This is going to be a circus, isn't it?"

He laughed. "At least the chaos will keep that silver-tongued demon on his toes." His smile faded, replaced by solemn resolve. "But jesting aside, wherever you go this day, I go, too. I'll not have you facing such evil unprotected."

"Mistress Lola and the Maddie wear bracelets." Otto pointed at the stack of bracelets he'd pulled from his own pocket. "Wear ten."

"Ten?" Maddie and Lola said at the same time.

Lola narrowed her eyes at him. "Why so many?"

"We friends. I be hurt if you not like them." Otto's voice grew small.

He was up to something, or at least Lola thought he was. She didn't know him well enough to truly be certain. Maybe he just honestly would be hurt if they didn't wear something that he'd worked hard on specifically for them.

She walked over and counted out ten, then split them between both wrists, five on each. "There." She held out both arms. "Happy?"

"Yup." Otto nodded and then pointedly looked at Maddie.

She just chuckled and then picked out her own, also splitting them between her wrists.

"Well done on the bracelets," Callon told Otto. "You did good."

The lizard preened under Callon's approval. Lola felt sorry for the little guy. If he'd been Azure's servant, he'd probably been ridiculed and treated like crap.

Lola exhaled slowly, then lifted onto her tiptoes to press a light kiss to her mate's lips. His formidable powers of protection were useless against her heart. "Thank you," she told him simply. "Glad to have you with me."

Callon's eyes glowed with satisfaction. Hand in hand, the pair ventured out of the kitchen, following after Maddie and Otto, who'd apparently left while they'd had their moment.

They found Maddie and Roan squared off in the foyer, tension crackling. Bane leaned against the ornate wall, observing in silence while Otto stood next to Maddie, glaring daggers at Roan. Lola bit back a groan. "Let the circus begin," she muttered under her breath.

"I don't need you fighting my battles and getting your feathers ruffled like a damn mother hen," Maddie said crossly, hands on her hips. "Despite the lack of claws and fur on my part, I'm not made of glass."

Roan glowered, impatience in every hard line of his imposing frame. "Your safety is my duty, Nushawani."

"I keep the Maddie safe," Otto hissed. "And no Nushawani. Not for you."

Roan simply ignored the lizard, his eyes focused on Maddie. "The swamp is no place for?—"

"A weak, helpless female?" Maddie cut him off incredulously. "Wow, and here I was thinking maybe you actually respected me as an equal. I must have lost my damn mind for a second there."

Bane's lips twitched, though he diplomatically kept any comments to himself. Lola had to admire his restraint, since she was tempted to place bets on this clash of wills. Before the arguing could escalate further, Lola decided it was time to intervene. Clapping sharply, she fixed them both with a quelling stare. "All right, that's enough growling from both of you."

She pinned Roan with her gaze. "Maddie might be human, but she's smart and resourceful. With Callon, Bane, Otto, and you as backup, we'll be fine."

Then she turned her stare on Maddie. "And you need to cut Roan some slack. The man is clearly worried about you. His intentions are good here."

Maddie deflated slightly, though her eyes still flashed defiantly. "I know that. But I won't be coddled and dismissed." Her chin lifted challengingly. "I can handle myself."

Roan's stern expression softened marginally. He took a slow breath. "Perhaps you can at that, Nushawani." He shot Otto a sharp look after saying the strange word, which Lola was totally going to get the details on. "But the bayou is perilous for those unfamiliar and, comparatively speaking, as a human, you lack the same advantages that a Damarian has. Allow me to … advise you, if nothing else."

It was as near to a compromise as Lola suspected they would get at the moment. She glanced between the two stubborn individuals, hoping the tentative peace would hold.

Maddie frowned but gave Roan a jerky nod after a moment. "Fine. Advise away." Her lips pursed. "But no getting grabby with your protection. Hands off."

Bane made a strangled sound that might have been a laugh before schooling his face. Roan leveled a quelling look at his friend before focusing on Maddie again, his jaw tight.

"You have my word, unless circumstances warrant it," he bit out.

His eyes dared her to argue, but Maddie simply lifted her chin again defiantly. Lola hid a smile. Her friend was definitely meeting her match in the gruff KOC shaman. Perhaps opposites did attract.

"Just out of curiosity" Lola kept her tone conversational—"what does Nushawani mean?"

"No!" Otto practically growled like a dog.

"It's not yet time for that to be made known," Roan answered.

"Could you be any more cryptic?" Maddie asked dryly. "Would you like some Yoda with your scoop of backasswards speak?"

Roan simply shook his head as his silver orbs bore into Maddie.

Whatever awkwardness remained dispersed with the arrival of Lyra and Taras, with Raphael in tow. Callon went rigid beside Lola as the incubus strolled through the doors, flashing his dimples at the room.

"Good morning, lovely ladies." Raphael's violet gaze lingered on Maddie and Lola in turn. "I see your prickly guardian beasts have returned. Fantastic. The more warriors, the better."

Roan's lip curled back in the beginnings of a snarl, but Lyra spoke up before he could go alpha male on their guide. "Yes, we'll be one big, happy tour group traipsing through the bayou." She smiled brightly. "More formidable when confronting voodoo priestesses and fallen snake kings, right?"

Raphael inclined his head, though his sharp eyes held a calculating gleam. "Indeed. We shall be quite the force to be reckoned with."

He turned his assessing look on the others. "Do you require time to prepare for our journey? Or shall we be off promptly?"

Before anyone could answer, hurried steps drew their attention to Nico striding through the arched doorway. The wild-eyed shaman seemed in good spirits, with a broad smile stretched across his pierced face. Lola couldn't help but wonder if it hurt to smile when you had a lip piercing. It seemed like it would hurt. She clamped her mouth closed, attempting to quell her inner curious cat.

"Heard I was missing quite the party," he called in greeting. His grin faded as he took in the occupants of the room, his gaze landing on Raphael.

"Raphy, you old horn dog, what trouble have you started now?" Nico's words held an unspoken warning as he moved to stand beside his demon friend.

"No trouble from me. It seems our new friends have trust issues where my kind are concerned." Raphael slanted a look at Roan and Callon. "Though given our history, I suppose the suspicion is justified."

Nico clapped a hand on Raphael's shoulder companionably. "You always were one to play with fire, demon." His gravelly voice softened a fraction. "But in this matter, your aid is appreciated."

Raphael's smug expression faltered briefly at Nico's defense. He inclined his head in acknowledgment. Lola's curiosity deepened at this new layer revealed between the unlikely friends.

Before she could ponder further, Taras spoke up. "If I might offer a solution to the Maddie problem?"

"The Maddie problem?" Her friend said the words as if they were spoken around a particularly sour lemon. "When did I become a problem?"

"He doesn't mean it the way it sounded," Lyra assured her. "But you are human, and that makes you more fragile. Nothing personal. It's just biology."

Maddie looked at Lola, who simply shrugged. "It's true, babe, no offense. I've got three-inch claws and a mouth full of sharp teeth now."

"But earlier you said—" Maddie started, but Lola interrupted.

"I know what I said, but I'm not about to argue with the queen of the Kingdom of Claws, are you?" Lola gave Maddie a pointed look.

"Point taken." Maddie huffed.

"What were you going to suggest?" There was a hint of warning in Roan's voice.

Taras looked at the shaman, and his eyes went from human to lion in a flash before returning to normal. "You're dancing around the issue, and there's no reason for it. Both of her friends are mated to Damarians. She's not going anywhere. Just go ahead and yank out the lodged arrow."

"First, I'm a problem, and now I have an arrow stuck in me?" Maddie folded her arms in front of her and popped out her hip. "Forgive my tone, Taras, but what the hell are you talking about?"

"I'll tolerate your tone because I understand dealing with Roan can be taxing."

"Understatement," Maddie muttered.

"But he needs to be the one to explain things to you," Taras said.

"Do we have to do this now?" Raphael frowned. "I thought we were hunting down Azure and his witch."

"I bite him." Otto grumbled as he fisted his small hands and bared his little sharp teeth.

"Pipe down, Little Warrior." Bane's voice was calm and smooth.

Lola turned her attention back to Roan, who was currently staring at Taras with his swirling, silver eyes that looked as if a hurricane was building inside. It felt like an hour passed before Roan finally responded.

"I can see where you're coming from." Roan fixed his eyes on Taras. "And I can see how we could be better utilized."

"Better than going and hunting Azure?" Maddie quickly interjected. "How? What if you need Roan's wizard powers?"

"I'm not a wizard." Roan pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Says the supernatural being who can make people believe they're hearing something that they're not," she challenged, bringing up how he'd made Lola's parents think a wreck had been causing all the noise which was, in fact, a freaking lion.

"Roan will explain everything to you." Lyra gave a warm smile. "Just know that we trust him, and he will protect you with his life."

Maddie glanced at Lola. "This just got serious really fast."

Lola smiled at her friend. "I don't think they do much around here that isn't serious."

Maddie shrugged. "True." She then looked at Roan. "So hit me with it. What's this arrow you need to yank out."

Roan ran a hand over his face and then stood up straighter as he met Maddie's gaze. "Nushawani means new shaman," Roan said. "You have magic in you that calls to mine and the other shaman. It's that call that lets us know who is supposed to join our ranks."

"He's not lying," Nico piped up. "It calls to me, too, but not in quite the same way, I don't think." He winked at her, and Roan's eyes shifted to the Kingdom of Chaos Shaman.

"Keep your winking to yourself."

"See?" Nico said with a grin. "Told ya."

Maddie stared silently at Roan and then looked at Lola, then Lyra, and then back to Roan. "I'm sorry. What did you just say?"