Calan dropped her. She stumbled. He didn’t steady her. He stepped away and ran a hand through his shaggy hair.
“Well, I did. I experienced the stabbing to your heart. He’ll create more, using you to shield them from me.” Calan roughly tipped up her chin. “Do you know what that will do to me?”
She tried to shake her head but couldn’t. He held her too firmly.
“No.” Except she did know. It would destroy him.
“It’ll break me, my mate. The fury will grow each day, knowing there are sluaghs roaming the earth the Huntsmen can’t see, sluaghs who are killing innocent humans.”
The brush of cloth and the familiar scent of her brother warned her of Ian’s approach. Calan tensed but didn’t let her go.
“Cynthia wasn’t among them.” Ian’s growled words sounded deeper and rougher than she’d ever heard. He stepped into her line of sight. “Where is she, Harley?”
How would she know?
“Well?” Calan leaned close. “Answer your brother’s question. Do you feel any more of Raul’s sluaghs nearby?”
She shoved hard against Calan’s chest. He released her, and she fell on her ass. “I didn’t know what Raul was doing!”
A long moment passed before Calan knelt in front of her. He squeezed his eyes shut, and a shudder visibly shook his body. Finally, he tugged her against his chest. “Of course not. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” That was supposed to make her feel better? She shoved at his arms. “Let me go.”
“No.” He ran his hands over her back.
His warmth seeped into her, and her tight muscles loosened. No, dammit! She fought the comfort he offered. She growled and twisted in his hold. Butterfly wings teased her mind. He tugged at her emotions.
Harley slammed a metaphysical door in his face and glared at him. “Maybe I shouldn’t have stopped you from killing Raul, but Allie’s life does matter to me. Every life matters.” She leaned close. “I am not a god or a rider of the Hunt. I do not get to decide whose life is more valuable. I will try to save everyone if I can.”
“You’re right. Allie’s life does matter, but so does yours.” He brushed his lips over her cheek. “Forgive me. Let me in so I can help us.”
Us. Of course. She was making things worse by welcoming her anger.
She focused on his hands caressing her back and the gentle kisses he pressed to her neck. The anger eased. She reached for him, mentally and physically, and clung to him.
“I’m sorry.” She offered the words he’d given to her.
“We’ll deal with him.”
A snap of a twig reached her ears, followed by the scent of leather—Trevor. “You’re damn lucky half the cops are related to me. Care to explain what the hell happened? That was some crazy shit.”
Calan didn’t respond to Trevor’s question. He leaned back and settled his gaze on Ian.
Ian nodded and faced Trevor. “No explanation tonight. There isn’t time. What did you tell them?”
Trevor snorted. “That the serial killer was here with a bunch of dogs. We fought him, but he got away.”
“Dogs?” Ian cursed. “Couldn’t you think of anything else?”
Trevor stiffened. “What did you—”
“Enough.” Calan stepped forward, pulling her with him. “The hounds will be fine. If they feel threatened, they’ll fade into the Underworld.” He faced Ian. “Take Harley back to the house and watch over her while I transport the souls we’ve collected to Hell.”
“But Cynthia’s out there. I need to—”
“You need to follow my commands.” Calan stepped close and glared at him. “Hunter Ian.”
Ian jumped back. He pressed a hand over his chest, the same spot where Calan’s dual-faced tattoo labeled him as a Huntsman. No doubt Ian had the same living tattoo.
Ian inclined his head. “Fine.”
“Good.” Calan faced her. “And Harley?”
“What?”
“Stay in the house and call me home if you have need for me. Do not engage the redcap again. He lies.”
“But Allie—”
“We will discuss the female and what we can do for her once I return. Understand?”
She nodded, knowing it was the best she’d likely get.
He bent and brushed his lips over hers. “Be safe, Harley. I have given up my future, my soul, and my hope for you. I love you. Do not forget that.”
Calan pivoted on his heel and stormed away before she could say anything in return. The portal to the Underworld opened. He disappeared in it, along with his horse. The shimmering wall faded with a wash of hot air laden with the stench of sulfur.
She studied the spot where the doorway had been and couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d never get the chance to say those words back to him. Time was against them. It had been since the moment they’d met.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Calan leaned against the rough-cut wall of the tunnel leading to the Huntsmen’s home in the Underworld. Their small piece of Hell was a private retreat only the Huntsmen or Arawn could enter. It was also where their hounds and horses took shelter when not with their masters.
He’d always found peace here, but not today. The anger and anxiety he’d brought with him didn’t fade in the face of the comforting scents of his sanctuary. He’d left his mate in the human world with only a newbie Hunter to protect her. Granted, Ian had taken to his new role with a ferocity and dedication Calan hadn’t expected from the modern male who’d never used a sword before. The human Huntsman would protect Harley with all he had. Plus, she could reach for Calan, yet when danger had presented itself…she hadn’t.
Calan roared and slammed a balled fist against the wall. His knuckles cracked. He punched it a second time, and the bones splintered. A third, and his hand hung useless for a heartbeat before the healing process began. He savored the pain while it lasted. It did nothing to alleviate his guilt and frustration, however.
He’d had the perfect opportunity to kill Raul. Harley had stopped him from taking
