wolf doesn’t mean I won’t hurt you,” he said, calm, cool and oozing menace. “I’d love a reason to. Go ahead and give me one.”
My temper flared, and the power rose within me in response. “I’d love a reason to tell Shya that you’ve been fucking Lilah. Looks like you just gave me one.”
I didn’t know why the fallen angel wanted that tidbit of information kept from Shya. However, I was counting on Falon’s secret to give me an advantage that a straight up power struggle wouldn’t. I spun on my heel to go.
“Wait… bitch,” he conceded. “What’s it going to take to shut you up?”
I beamed a bright smile at him, confident in my victory. “Stay away from Gabriel.”
“Out of the question.”
“Fine.” I turned away again, and this time he grabbed my arm hard enough to bruise.
“Shya needs him to work a spell. What am I supposed to tell him? That you wouldn’t let me bring him?”
“Tell him the FPA was here looking for Gabriel, too, so you thought it best to lie low and wait.” I was keenly aware of Juliet’s eyes upon us. Watching me converse furiously with Falon wasn’t going to change her opinion of me. “You know what? I don’t care what you tell him. You owe me a favor. Leave Gabriel alone. Deal?”
Falon stared at me in disbelief. “I owe you a favor, and you want to call it in over some kid? You’re going to regret that. You’ll probably never get another chance like this.”
I considered this. “You’re right. I don’t need to call in a favor over this. I’ll just blackmail you. Stay away from Gabriel or I tell Shya you’ve been diddling the demon bitch. Works for me. Have a nice night, jackass.”
It wasn’t the most mature approach though it was effective. Falon let me go, watching me in silent fury. If he ever got his chance, I didn’t doubt he’d make me very sorry for this. I couldn’t afford to care just then; I’d made a vow to myself to do whatever I could to help people like Gabriel. People like me.
Neither the FPA nor Shya had our best interests in mind. They were in it for themselves. Lesser beings playing God, I wanted no part of it. Now, I had my own agenda, and it didn’t include trusting either of them.
I found Brogan outside trying unsuccessfully to convince Gabriel to go home. He was clearly inebriated if his bloodshot eyes and slurred speech were any indication. Brogan’s shoulders slumped in relief at my arrival.
“Listen to Alexa, Gabriel. She knows what she’s talking about.”
“Don’t bother.” He waved us off, reeking of liquor. “I can take care of myself. I’m here to have a good time with my friends. No big deal.”
He made as if to shove past us, and I blocked his path. He threw his hands up and jerked backwards. The power spilled from him. It felt like he had a leak that couldn’t be contained. Getting wasted had compromised his control. Been there, done that. Gabriel was bound to learn as I had, the hard way.
“Gabriel, you need to listen to us,” I said, trying to calm him with a subtle push of my power. “There are people in there looking for you. You do not want to be found. If you stay here, you’re putting yourself in danger.”
Peering through his mop of long black hair, Gabriel eyed me suspiciously. “Whatever you’re doing, please stop.”
Again he shoved by. This time I grabbed him by the shoulders and forced him to stop. He shook me off with a sudden desperate panic.
“Don’t touch me,” he shouted. “I don’t want to see that vision of you again.”
Brogan stepped in between us. “Take it easy, Gabriel. We’re here to protect you. What did you see?”
“Nothing. Forget it.” He shook his head, the hair falling to hide his face again. “You’ve always been real nice to me, Brogan. Thank you. But, I don’t want or need your help.”
We let him go. What choice did we have? Short of kidnapping, our options were limited.
“Well, shit.” I watched him disappear inside the club.
“I’m sorry, Alexa,” Brogan sighed. “I shouldn’t have dragged you into this.”
“No worries. I’m happy to help. If I can. Maybe we can’t make him leave, but he can’t make us leave either.”
There was no sign of Falon when we returned inside. That didn’t mean he wasn’t present. Crimson Sin had finished their set. An emcee shouted to the crowd, firing them up