Night Angel (Angel Haven) (24 page)

He pulled her close. “I’m ready. The time has come to close this thing once and for all.”

She checked his bandage. “It won’t be too much on you, will it? I don’t want you over doing it.”

“Thanks to you, I’m almost completely healed. Now, hold tight to me.”

She put her arms around his neck. “Like that’ll be a problem.”

He gathered her in his arms, stretched his wings, and took to the air.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The gargoyles landed near the trees, silently watching a figure move in the low light of the drawing room. The curtains on the french doors twitched, and the guardians faded into the shadows, becoming part of the woods that surrounded them.

Marshall turned to Randall. “How do you want to handle this, little brother?”

He flexed his fingers, staring at the house. “Wait out here.”

Karen frowned, the tone of his gravelly voice making her shiver. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to ask him nicely to come with us.” He turned to her, the look in his eyes not easing her fears. “Don’t worry. The pack wouldn’t forgive me if I took their revenge from them.” He ripped off the bandage and silently stalked toward the house.

****

Troyington crossed to the french doors, rattling them to make sure they were locked, then headed straight for the cabinet holding the whiskey he needed for dire occasions. His hand shook as he poured a generous amount of amber liquid in a glass. The alcohol burned his throat as he tossed it back and poured another.

His men’s deaths shook him more than he wanted to admit. Maybe he
had
bitten off more than he could chew on this venture. The blackness beyond concealed magical creatures who wanted his blood, and Cray and Harmon had been no challenge to them.

“How much longer before they come for me?” he asked the night.

“Not long at all,” a voice rumbled behind him.

Troyington whirled around, his chest growing cold. “Dupré?” he whispered, his voice shaking. “You’re alive? How’d you get in here? Everything’s locked.”

“I’m harder to kill than you think.” Randall stepped toward him, the claws on his toes digging into the rich carpet. “For two long months, I was kept here. Did you think I wouldn’t learn how to get in and out whether or not the doors were locked?”

Troyington backed away, his knees hitting the desk, his hand shaking as he held his drink. “So now what?” He took another gulp, trying to stop his voice from quavering. “You can’t hand me over to the authorities. Who would believe you?” He smiled. “You must be here to kill me.”

Randall narrowed his eyes. “As much as I want to, no, I’m not here to kill you.”

“That’s right,” Troyington snorted. “As a hero and protector, murder just isn’t an option for you. You can’t touch me, Guardian, and you know it.”

Randall grabbed the front of Troyington’s shirt, lifting him off the desk. The glass fell to the floor, landing with a dull thud on the deep carpet. Randall held his hand close to Troyington’s face and extended his claws. “You
will
answer for your crimes, but not to me. It’s Caledon’s right as pack leader to decide your fate.”

Troyington’s eyes widened as he finally saw Randall’s claws up close. They were longer than he thought, and he could clearly see in his mind them ripping into his flesh. He trembled harder, pushing against Randall, trying to get away. The harder he squirmed, the tighter Randall held him.

“Let me go and I’ll make it worth your while,” Troyington pleaded.

A deep growl rose in Randall’s chest and spilled through clenched teeth as he shook Troyington as though he was no more than a rag doll.

Randall shoved him over to the french doors, the glass shattering as he kicked them open. He dragged Troyington to Liam and Marshall, dropping him at their feet. “Take him to Caledon. Karen and I will be there tomorrow.”

The two gargoyles grabbed Troyington’s arms, carrying him into the night sky.

****

Karen woke in bed alone with sunlight forcing her to open her eyes. She groaned and rolled over, realizing she’d been up with the sun on this entire adventure.

Randall came in and sat on the bed, his hair mussed. He grinned, making her want to throw him down right there. “It’s time to go, sweetheart.”

She ran a hand down his chest. “I know.”

He caught her hand, lifting it to his lips. “Only a little bit more and then our time together truly begins.”

She shivered with delight as goose bumps ran down her body. “Do we have a few minutes?”

His gaze traveled the length of her body under the covers. “I wish we did, but we have to get to Caledon’s pack before sunset.”

She gave a dramatic sigh. “All right. Let me get dressed.” She threw the covers back and stood, gathering her clothes. She felt his eyes on her and turned. “What?”

He walked around the bed and pulled her into his arms. “I’ll be glad when this is over.”

Her arms tightened around his waist. “I know what you mean.”

He nodded, kissing her lightly. “I need to see Troyington pays for what he’s done. Then, we’re finished with all of this.”

****

The sky faded from the light lavender of twilight to the indigo blue of night, and the moon’s silver light highlighted the glow from the wall sconces. Karen stood with the two Louisiana guardians on the floor of the Great Hall as Caledon’s pack gathered to give judgment on Troyington.

Karen studied the pack leader as he stood on the low stage. His eyes were hard as he stared at Troyington, but there were lines at the corners that suggested he did have another side. His brown hair was swept back from his face, the light highlighting the few silver strands. His shoulders were broad, and his chest was wide. There was no paunch around his waist, and Karen felt if he was this imposing as a man, his wolf form would probably scare the bejeezus out of people.

Karen’s skin tingled as the pack leader’s power rolled over her. She looked up at the rows of seats, saw every one filled, and felt the pack’s anger hum in the air. Standing behind the wolves were guardians, their wings folded tight against their backs, their eyes constantly moving.

Troyington knelt before the pack leader, the heavy chains around his wrists fed through an iron ring on the floor. His perfect hair was tangled and dirty, his clothes grimy with mud and blood. His outward appearance may have changed, but he still maintained his arrogant attitude as he glared at Caledon.

“You don’t dare kill me,” Troyington spat. “I’m too well known, too well connected.”

Caledon’s eyes glowed in the low light of the hall, and a deep growl rumbled from his chest, echoing off the walls, quieting the crowd. “Do not test me, human,” he said, his booming voice echoing around the hall. “Count yourself lucky I do not gut you right here, right now.”

Randall stepped forward, bowing before the pack leader. “Troyington has a point. An investigation could bring potential harm to the pack. His punishment bears careful consideration.”

Caledon nodded. “Your words have merit.” He glowered at Troyington. “But something must be done about him.” He turned to the High Mother. “Bring your Oracle and captain to my private study. James, come with me.”

Karen turned to Randall. “How long will they be?”

He watched the werewolves as they stared at Troyington, some growling deep in their throats. “As long as it takes. He asked for the Oracle. This means he’s going to make his decision based on what she sees in the future.”

She nodded toward the man on the floor. “Troyington’s not getting out of this alive. I could
feel
Caledon’s anger.”

He folded his wings around her. “Caledon’s furious, but he won’t take a reckless course of action. He’ll do what’s best for the pack. He’s the best leader they’ve ever had.”

Karen glanced in the direction Caledon had disappeared. “I can believe it.”

She leaned against Randall, sighing when he held her tighter. She stared at Troyington. “I know he’s done terrible things, but I can’t help feeling sorry for him.”

“You’ve got a kind heart.” Randall raised her face to his. “Unlike the human world, though, fairy justice is absolute. There’s no probation, no second chances. If you break our laws, you pay the price.”

Karen nodded. As she stared at the gathering, she knew Troyington was doomed, no matter what Caledon decided. A door opened, and Caledon led his council back to the Great Hall. A decision had been made quicker than she would’ve thought.

“Randall Dupré, come forth,” the pack leader commanded. Randall made his way down to stand in front of the werewolf leader. “Bradford Troyington, rise and hear your sentence.”

When Troyington remained where he was, two guardians hauled him to his feet. He moved away from Randall, glaring at him.

Caledon stared at the southern guardian and Troyington. “The Oracle has seen the outcomes for the different sentences I could deliver. Guardian, I apologize for the mistreatment you suffered at the hands of this human in my service.”

Randall bowed. “I would do so again to save the lives of the pack children.”

“And for that, you have the eternal gratitude of the northeast pack. Every realm will know you have my favor.” Murmurs filled the room, many heads nodding approval at Caledon’s words.

Marshall stood behind Karen, his eyes wide. “Holy crap,” he whispered.

She glanced over her shoulder at him. He looked like he was in shock. “What’s wrong?” she whispered.

“No guardian has ever gotten a pack leader’s favor,” he replied. “Ever!”

Caledon raised his hand, quieting the assembly. “Bradford Troyington, your sentence is this. You will suffer every torment you bestowed on the Guardian, after which you will have an ‘accident.’ This course will draw the least amount of suspicion to my pack. Sentence to be carried out immediately.”

Thunderous applause filled the chamber. Karen’s knees went weak and she staggered, glancing up gratefully at Marshall when he stopped her from falling. They watched Randall make his way back to them. This was it. It was truly over. Randall swept her up in his arms, and she buried her face in his neck as Troyington was dragged from the room, screaming curses at them at the top of his lungs.

Chapter Twenty-Three

“What exactly does it mean to have Caledon’s favor?” Karen asked, not sure of the entire implication.

Randall pulled her close to him. “Every being in the fairy realm knows Caledon. He’s brought peace to a lot of disputes between races. He even has the respect of the vampire lords. Having his favor means that no paranormal creature in its right mind will hurt me. Basically, I now have the protection of one of the strongest packs in the world, and because you’re my soul mate, it extends to you, too.”

“Wow!”

“The sun will be rising soon,” Marshall said. “What are your plans?”

Karen’s grip tightened on Randall’s arm. “I’ve got to go back to Troyington’s estate and get my stuff. When there’s an investigation into his disappearance, I don’t want the police to find anything of mine in that house.”

Randall looked at her for a moment. “You do realize he brought this on himself.”

She nodded. “I know.” She held him tight, sighing when he kissed the top of her head.

“Angel!” a small voice cried.

Karen turned just as Ari ran into her. She knelt and pulled the girl to her. “Hello, Ari. I bet you’re glad to be home.”

“You weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?”

Karen ruffled her hair. “Of course not. I just didn’t know where to find you.”

“She was with me and our dad,” James said. “We told him about your martial arts school, and he says he’ll consider sending some of us.”

“That’s great, James. You can get in touch with me at the school. I’ll leave the name and phone number with Liam.”

James smiled and nodded. “I’ll let my dad know.” He grabbed Karen in a tight hug. “I hope I see you soon.”

“Me, too, James,” she whispered. “Me, too.”

****

Randall reverted to human by the time they reached the car. He grabbed his clothes off the backseat and was quiet as they returned to the mansion. Karen kept stealing glances at him. She smiled.

Randall caught her looking and grinned. “You’re a special lady, Karen.”

She turned to look out the window, watching the scenery blur by. “I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.”

He took her hand and squeezed it. “There’s only ever been you.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, running her thumb over the back of his hand.

“In all my long life, I’ve never been surer of anything else.”

Karen hesitated, then cleared her throat. “How long have you been around?”

He stared at the road. “I don’t really have to answer that, do I?”

“Yes,” she said, pretending to look worried. “You do.”

“I’m one hundred and twenty-four.”

She punched him lightly on the arm. “You’re kidding, right?”

He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I told you my race was long lived.”

“So, now that I carry part of you with me, will I live that long?” She did some mental figuring.

“You should. My mother’s human, and she’s still alive.” He slowed down, turning down the narrow drive to Troyington’s driveway. She was silent as he pulled up in front of the house. He shut the car off, and they sat there. “This is something else I should’ve mentioned, right?”

She turned, grinning at him. “I’d say that would be a yes.” She got out, gazing at him across the roof of the car. “Cradle robber.”

He slowly stalked toward her, then pulled her into his arms. “Says you.”

“Yeah,” she murmured. “Says me.”

He held her tightly for another minute, then stared at the mansion looming in front of them. “I’m going to see if Jeffries is still here.”

Karen nodded and watched as he approached the front door and disappeared inside. She listened to him call for the butler, then nothing. Glancing over her shoulder, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up as a chill worked its way down her spine. She rubbed her arms, wishing Randall would hurry.

“The butler’s gone,” Marshall said, appearing from nowhere behind her.

Karen jumped, her heart pounding in her chest. “You scared the life out of me. Where did you come from?” She blew out a breath. “Where’s Jeffries?”