Chapter Seven

Moments after collapsing toward the mattress, Nate was on his knees, dragging his fingers over his temples like he had the worst migraine. Concerned, Ryker sat up and took over the massage.

“I guess releasing a hundred-year build-up has its drawbacks,”

he teased, moving his fingers in a circular motion.

“I normally don’t have headaches, so I can’t remember if they usually hit this suddenly.”

Nate curled his fingers around Ryker’s wrists, holding on as he breathed out slowly.

It had been a while since Ryker had had a headache and couldn’t recall either. It sucked Nate was suffering from one. There were other items in Ryker’s go-bag besides a change of clothes, but aspirin wasn’t something he packed.

“Come here.”

He placed his mate on his lap, back to chest, then resumed rubbing Nate’s temples. “It’s probably the dumbest question ever to be asked, but is there anything around this place you can take to help ease the pain?”

Although preternatural were pretty much immune to diseases, headaches, toothaches, and sore bodies weren’t uncommon, and Ryker hated to see his mate hurting.

Nate rested his hands on Ryker’s thighs, playfully squeezing one. “My uncle doesn’t exactly bring supplies with him when he drops in. He only returns with Otis and a sparkling personality.”

Grunting, Ryker was still unable to forget how Diobno had dragged Nate away when they’d been trying to escape, the uncle’s expression a mix of rage and excitement. Ryker wanted to punch his fist right through the guy’s face.

Trapping his nephew in a limbo motel over a joke was beyond messed up. Unable to take some ribbing was a clear sign of how thin the man’s skin was. Ryker had lost count of how many times he’d been the butt of a joke by his siblings, especially Killian.

But their father was known for getting a shot in here and there. It was the love and closeness of his family that eliminated any kind of hurt feelings.

That wasn’t the case with Nate and his uncle.

“Something…”

Nate shoved Ryker’s hands away from his head, crawling forward as if trying to outrun the pain. He flopped onto his back and then curled onto his side in a tight ball.

“Nate!”

This wasn’t a simple headache. Something else was going on, and whatever it was, it was only getting worse. Nate twisted to his knees, rocking back and forth, his fingers rubbing his temples so hard he should have carved out skin. “Baby, tell me what’s wrong.”

The feeling of helplessness only exacerbated Ryker’s panic. They were stuck in limbo, unable to reach out for help. Although he’d known a few demons in his lifetime, Ryker had no idea what to do for one in this type of situation.

If his mate had been a shifter, he could have shifted into his animal form to heal. If he’d been a vampire, Ryker would have fed him some blood. What did demons require to heal? Souls of the damned?

A strange buzzing started in the air, a subtle vibration that made the hair on the back of Ryker’s neck stand up. His bear, which had been inwardly pacing because of Nate’s condition, began to snarl.

Ryker frowned, his senses sharpening. He wasn’t sure what it was, but there was something—He glanced at his mate. “You’re the one making the room buzz?”

“I think so.”

Nate held up his fingers. “There’s a tingling sensation spreading through my entire body. It feels like…I don’t know. A surge I haven’t felt in forever.” His eyes widened. “My powers…they’re being fully restored! I think our bonding—” He shook his head, his face pinched once more. “I don’t know, maybe our bonding retrieved them from Diobno and gave them back to me?”

“You’re telling me the snowstorm that brought me here was only you at half-power?”

Ryker’s brows shot up. “What can you do at full power, create an ice age?”

Nate panted heavily, his limbs shaking. Ryker was about to tell his mate to lie down and rest when the air around them began to change. The room grew darker, shadows pooling unnaturally along the walls. Ryker glanced around, his gut telling him Nate wasn’t causing whatever this was.

“God, no,”

Nate whispered, his fingers lingering at his temples, his eyes wide with fright.

Unable to rip his gaze away, Ryker watched as the shadows merged, and then a tall, dark figure solidified before them. Diobno. The demon’s black hair blended seamlessly with the surrounding shadows, his dark blue eyes glinting with malice.

Ryker was on his feet, his instinct moving faster than his thoughts. The chill of the floor beneath his feet was nothing compared to the fury coursing through him. Instinctively, he moved until he blocked his mate from view.

Diobno’s gaze hardened as it landed on Ryker, taking in the sight of him defiantly shielding Nate. “You are one determined furball.”

A growl rumbled in Ryker’s chest. Only his family was allowed to insult him. Diobno’s eyes flicked to Nate, turning glacial.

“Eyes on me.”

Ryker rolled his shoulders, hearing his vertebra crack. “Nate is no longer your concern.” He took a menacing step forward, using his size to intimidate the demon.

Fury lashed through Diobno like a thunderstorm as his gaze slid over Ryker, a disgusted sneer curling his lip. When he spoke, his words were deliberate. “Nate will always be of my concern. Isn’t that right, dear nephew?”

“You talk to me, not him.”

Ryker’s tone carried a razor-sharp edge. He already hated the guy for what he’d done to Nate, and wanted the chance to beat the brakes off the demon.

The air felt heavier, the power radiating from Diobno almost suffocating. With a wave of his hand, a ripple of energy swept through the room. In an instant, clothes materialized on both Nate and Ryker—simple, dark fabric that seemed like a mockery of their situation.

“Shifters should learn a little modesty.”

Diobno scoffed, appearing offended he’d had to witness Ryker in the buff. Ryker wasn’t exactly thrilled about it either.

“I’m not taking advice from a guy who throws century-long temper tantrums.”

A slow, sinister smile curved the demon’s lips as his gaze slid toward Nate, clearly ignoring Ryker’s insult. “I see you’ve been quite the chatterbox. Too bad you still haven’t learned to shut your mouth.”

His eyes narrowed to slits. “Maybe I’ll permanently close it for you.”

Anger whipped through Ryker, but Nate’s words drew his focus.

“Sealing my bond with my mate restored what you stole from me.”

His voice was fierce, his power sparking at his fingertips as he faced his uncle.

Ryker’s little honey bear had grown figurative claws. Nice.

Diobno’s eyebrow arched, his tone dripping with derision. “Oh, really?”

He gestured with his hand. “Then show me, Nathan. Show me how powerful you’ve become.”

Oh yeah. Ryker was going to take great pleasure in killing the smug jackass. “You don’t have to prove anything to this manbaby. Even my three-year-old nephew acts more mature than him.”

“What’re you doing?”

Nate whispered for some reason considering Diobno stood a few feet away. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

“You have your full powers, baby. Use them,”

Ryker replied, wondering why Diobno was letting them have a conversation. In fact, the demon just stood there, his head tilted, studying Ryker. His close scrutiny was downright unnerving.

Nate took a deep breath and extended his hands. The air rapidly chilled, making the room even colder. Moisture condensed close to the ceiling, forming dozens of glistening icicles. The deadly spikes spiraled in place before shooting toward their target.

Diobno barely spared the icicles a glance, almost yawning as he flicked his fingers at the frozen missiles. They instantly dissolved into water droplets that fell like a gentle rain toward the floor.

“Is that your best?”

the demon scoffed, the shadows snaking around the man’s body. Dark tendrils extended outward then shot toward Nate.

“Oh, no you don’t!”

Ryker’s instincts blazed into action. He lunged forward, intercepting the shadows, his muscular body colliding with Diobno’s in a powerful crash, causing the shadows to scatter. The two hit the floor, Diobno’s form shifting like smoke, slipping away as mirthless laughter echoed, grating on Ryker’s last nerve. The demon reappeared near the door to the room, his dark blue eyes as frigid as the air around them.

Glancing over his shoulder, Ryker saw Nate staring at his hands, like he was trying to figure out why they weren’t working the way he wanted them to.

“You think brute strength will be enough to defeat me?”

Diobno hurled a blast of energy toward Ryker. The impact struck like a wrecking ball, throwing him across the room. He crashed into the wall, the collision jarring his bones as pain flared through his back.

Fuck, that hurt. Disoriented, Ryker forced himself to his feet.

“Leave him alone!”

Nate’s voice rang out, edged with panic.

Diobno shot across the room, his speed belying his size. His form shifted like a dark mirage as he lunged toward Nate, grabbing his nephew by the throat then lifting him off the bed. Nate struggled, clawing at his uncle’s grip, his eyes wide with fear.

“You think you can stand against me ?”

Diobno’s voice was sharp with indignation, his rage making the air feel heavier with each breath. “Not a chance in limbo will I allow you to be happy for even a second.”

“Drop him!”

Ryker roared, his voice a guttural mix of human and beast, his fury lashing through him. Closing the distance, he tackled the demon. Nate hit the bed, clawing at his neck, wheezing heavily.

“Get off of me, you dimwitted bear!”

Diobno spat, another surge of power gathering in his hands. Ryker felt the pulse of it, but couldn’t get out of the way before a blast once again sent him flying. He slammed into the dresser, the wood splintering beneath his weight, but he was on his feet in an instant, his vision narrowing on Diobno.

“Stop throwing me around, asshole,”

Ryker growled just as a thick, cold mist began to fill the room.

It seemed his mate had finally figured his hands out.

“You think you can escape me, Nathan?”

Diobno’s voice dripped with venom, every word a sneer as the shadows sliced through the mist. “You pissant. Do I need to remind you who holds the real power?”

Ryker took advantage of the distraction, rushing forward and delivering a heavy blow to Diobno’s side, smiling at the sound of ribs cracking. The demon staggered backward, a look of genuine shock crossing his features.

“You dare—”

Ryker didn’t give him the chance to finish. With his teeth bared, he grabbed the demon around his neck and slammed him against the floor, pinning him. “I’m about to do more than dare,”

he growled, his voice a low, deadly promise.

“Nate will never leave this motel, and neither will you.”

Unable to get out of the way, all Ryker could do was brace himself as the blast struck, for the millionth time hurling him into the wall.

He’d been thrown so many times his body was too battered to feel any more pain.

“You might have dark powers, but your daddy should’ve shown you a few more tricks other them pushing people around.”

Ryker staggered to his feet like he was three sheets to the wind, punch-drunk and unsteady. “One way or another, we’re getting out of here.”

“I would think you’ve had enough,”

Diobno taunted, his voice pure scorn.

Ryker’s lips curled into a grim smile. “Not even close.”

Nate started pelting his uncle with huge ice balls, one cracking the guy in his head. A heavy downpour of rain—only above Diobno’s head—caused his powers to flicker when he raised his hands.

A demonic scream bellowed out of Diobno’s chest. He launched himself at Nate with a murderous gleam in his eyes.

Ryker’s bear burst free, his mouth nearly unhinging as he roared. Charging forward, he barreled into Diobno, catapulting the demon away from Nate. Within seconds, Ryker was on him, trapping Diobno under his massive weight. Using his razor-sharp claws and teeth, he ripped into the demon, punishing him for what he’d done to Nate.

The taste of Diobno’s blood and the crush of bones wasn’t nearly enough to make up for the cruelty the demon had inflicted on his nephew.

But before Ryker could deal the final blow, the demon dissolved into smoke and fled the room. Ryker spun, making sure the dark souls hadn’t attacked his mate.

“That was…”

Nate stared slack-jawed at him, wonderment in his dark blue eyes. “The most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.”

Ryker shifted back into his human form, grabbing the clothes he’d discarded when he’d claimed his mate. “It would’ve been even more impressive if I’d killed him,”

he grumbled.

Since he hadn’t been in his bear form long, Ryker didn’t have a chance to heal. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest as he used the bedding to wipe away as much blood as he could, then dressed.

Taking a hit to his pride, Ryker inwardly admitted the demon wiped the floor with him. It’d been decades since he’d had his ass handed to him, and he didn’t like it any more now than he had the last time it happened.

“I hate to say it, but this is far from over.”

Nate wrung his hands, his nervous gaze bouncing around the room. “You critically wounded Diobno. If my uncle imprisoned me for making fun of him, he’s going to come after you with a scorched-earth vengeance.”

“Then we need the homecourt advantage.”

He yanked on his boots then tied them. “Now that your battery has been juiced, can you get us out of here?”

Although Ryker wasn’t foolish enough to dismiss the threat Diobno posed, he was more worried about what the demon would do to Nate for joining the fight.

That only made Ryker even more determined to protect his mate.

“Out of here?”

Nate focused on the closet, taking a few steps back.

“Honey bear?”

Why had his mate paled? “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that…”

Nate licked his lips, moisture gathering in his eyes. “All I’ve thought about since being trapped in this motel is escaping, but now…”

Ah, now Ryker saw what the problem was. He cupped his mate’s face, gazing tenderly at him. “And now that freedom is within your reach, the thought of rejoining the outside world scares you.”

Nate stood rigid, releasing a quick exhale, a sea of terror awash in his blue eyes. “I desperately want to leave, Ryker, b-but I can’t get my feet to move.”

The helpless look in Nate’s eyes broke Ryker’s damn heart. His mate glanced at the closet again, his body shaking slightly.

Demons traveled by shadows. It only made sense the closet would be their best chance at getting the fuck out of the motel.

“What if I carried you?”

They needed to bounce, not only because Nate had been a prisoner for too long but Ryker wasn’t in any condition for another round of throw-the-bear. He was not only battered and bruised, but his hunger pains were also a stark reminder that he hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning.

With his hearty appetite, Ryker was ready to demolish some food, but he refused to rush Nate, further traumatizing the man by forcing him into the closet.

It had to be his choice.

A noise from somewhere in the motel had them glancing at the open door to Ryker’s room. His gut told him Diobno was still somewhere in the motel, probably too weak to leave.

Nate looked up at him as if coming to the same conclusion. “I’m-I’m t-trying.”

The threatening tears finally fell, his mate’s trembles worsening.

It was the most heart-wrenching vision Ryker had ever seen. “I’ll be with you every step of the way, honey bear.”

He hugged Nate, inhaling his peppermint scent while trying his best to give the man comfort. “I know you’re afraid. The world is big and sometimes terrifying, and you’ve been kept from it for so long. Whatever you need to cope, you’ll have, but, baby, you can’t let your fear stop you from taking the most important step of your life.”

Another, louder noise echoed through the motel.

The sounds were getting closer. Ryker’s gaze darted from the door to Nate, watching as the guy blew out a long breath, and then he gave a single nod. “I can do this.”

He gripped Nate’s hand, grinning as pride swelled inside of him. “Damn right you can.”

Only, Nate didn’t move. He just stood there staring at the closet.

As much as he didn’t want to rush Nate, Ryker had no choice. He kissed Nate’s temple, the man’s skin warm under his lips, his scent intoxicating. Nate groaned, his body slightly relaxing.

Get your ass out of here before you pull him toward the bed. His cock twitching, Ryker headed for the closet. “Just so you know, I’ve never traveled this way before, so you’re gonna have to tell me how to do it.”

“We just—”

Nate slammed his eyes closed. “Does the offer to carry me still stand?”

“Always,”

Ryker softly growled, sweeping his mate into his arms and cradling him close. His blond hair was soft against Ryker’s cheek, a few strands tickling his skin. His bear gently huffed, a reminder there was still an enemy nearby.

“Just walk inside.”

Nate waved his hand toward the closet, his face crushed against Ryker’s chest.

That didn’t sound so hard, until he flung open the door and saw how cramped the space was. There was no way his bulky frame would fit in there. “We might have a problem.”

Nate unburied his face and glanced over his shoulder. “We just need enough room to close the door. It’s the darkness we’re after, not space.”

“The only way that’s possible is if I put you down.”

With a smirk, Ryker bounced his brows. “Think you can stand to be away from my body long enough for that, handsome?”

“You’re so weird.”

Nate looked at him as if the fight with Diobno had knocked more than a few screws loose. The side of his mouth twitched, and then a full-blown smile appeared. “But I do like your body.”

A low, throaty growl rumbled through Ryker’s chest. He nuzzled Nate, licking at his throat. “Once we’re out of here, feel free to cling to me however you want, honey bear.”

Nate’s head lulled to the side. “Go ahead and put me down,”

he groaned.

That wasn’t what Ryker wanted to do, once again tempted by the bed a mere fifteen feet away. Knowing they couldn’t make any more use of it, Ryker wanted to hunt Diobno down and finish him off.

Reluctantly, he set Nate down but held his hands out like the guy would fall over, though he wasn’t sure why.

“Really?”

Nate batted his hands away. “I’m scared, not an invalid.”

For the first time since Ryker could remember, heat scorched his face. Was he really blushing? Jeez.

“Sorry.”

He cleared his throat. “I guess I’m taking this whole ‘protecting you’ thing too far.”

“I kind of like it.”

Nate’s smile boarded on shy, the kind that caused a light pink blush to spread and send Ryker’s heart racing.

Don’t even think about the bed! Have a blushing contest after you get out of this fucking place.

Right. Escape.

Lacing his fingers with Nate’s, they stepped inside the closet. A bad joke came to mind, but Ryker kept it to himself, unsure Nate would get the “closet”

joke anyway.

Now they stood there like strangers on an elevator, Nate’s eyes forward, his lips pressed together.

Did his mate regret flirting with him? It seemed ridiculous considering they’d just had sex not even an hour ago.

A demonic roar echoed through the deserted motel. Nate slammed the door closed, cutting off the hellish sound.

“I think your uncle is a little more than pissed off.”

Ignoring his statement, Nate patted Ryker’s face, his chest, and then down his arm before he latched onto Ryker’s hand.

“I can do this,”

Nate whispered repeatedly, his voice strained.

Ryker forced himself not to pick up his mate, allowing him to navigate through his fears. If Nate couldn’t, only then would Ryker step in.

“Now what?”

Preternatural had excellent night vision, but Ryker couldn’t see anything. The closet shouldn’t have been this dark considering the space under the door was a good three inches and they’d left the light on in the motel room.

He was astonished when he swept out his arm and felt nothing but emptiness all around him. That shouldn’t have been possible in the tight confines they’d been crammed into.

“We, uh, walk forward,”

Nate replied, his voice comforting in the darkness. But he didn’t just have Ryker’s hand. The guy had a death grip on his arm. Nate’s breathing was coming out too fast and hard, his limbs shaking.

With a soft curse, Ryker placed his hand over Nate’s, pulling the frightened man in front of him, then scooped his mate into his arms. Again, Nate buried his face in Ryker’s chest.

“Just walk forward, right?”

He kept his voice casual, like asking for directions in a space that shouldn’t exist was something he did all the time.

“And think of where you want to go,”

Nate added. “That’s very important.”

A hundred different places popped into Ryker’s head. His SUV was still parked in front of the motel, but fuck going back for it. Then his family came to mind, and although Ryker wanted to let them know he was okay, that the two of them had made it out, only one destination stood out among the rest.

As soon as the thought fully formed, he found himself walking down the side of Deep Dish Diner. Fresh, crisp air filled his lungs as snow crunched under his boots.

Amazing.

Slowing to a stop, he inhaled the delicious aroma of Roman’s cooking, letting out a deep, happy sigh. He was back in Midnight Falls.

God, yes. His gaze darted over the familiar surroundings, astonished he hadn’t even felt the transition from one place to another, from darkness to the predawn light.

A chuckle bubbled up. Hot damn! Ryker had popped his shadow-traveling cherry. Killian was going to be so jealous. “That has to be the freakiest shit I’ve ever experienced. I want to do it again.”

Ryker turned and saw the alley behind the diner. Just that quickly, the rising sun had encompassed everything around them, its warm rays vanquishing the shadows.

“Ow!”

Nate yanked his arms around his stomach, causing Ryker to nearly drop him.

“What’s wrong?”

He tightened his hold, his heart thundering at Nate’s pained expression. All kinds of thoughts raced through Ryker’s mind. What if taking Nate from the motel had some unintended consequences? That hadn’t occurred to him before now.

“The spell must’ve broken as soon as we escaped the motel.”

Nate panted heavily, staring up at him with a grimace. “My stomach…I feel like I’m starving to death.”

“Oh thank god.”

Ryker let out a hard breath, his fears put to rest. “I thought it was going to be something serious.”

“Starving is serious!”

Nate argued.

Keeping one arm locked around his mate, Ryker gestured toward the brick building with his other. “Not when we’re right next to a diner with some of the best food around.”

Just thinking about what he wanted to order had Ryker’s mouth watering like crazy.

“I wouldn’t know since we’re standing here talking about food instead of eating it.”

Nate stared daggers at him.

“Someone’s a little pissy when they’re famished.”

Ryker chuckled. “Honey bear, there’s no need to worry. I’m about to easily fix our hunger issue.”

Heading toward the front of the diner, Ryker was positive he and Nate were about to eat Roman’s entire inventory of food.