Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly by Valerie Twombly Page A

breath to keep from retching. She had been right. He held no desire to know what the drink consisted of.
    “How long before it takes effect?”
    “Maybe an hour. Is there anything else I can do for you while you’re here?”
    Odage considered for a moment. “Yes, now that you mention it. I need to find a particular amulet. Can you locate it for me if I show you the other half?”
    Sidara pushed her chin in the air. “I’m afraid you need a memory ghoul for that task. Oroumea might be able to help you, for a price.”
    Ah yes, why had he not thought of Oroumea? “Thank you, how much do I owe you?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny diamond, at least five karats in weight. “This enough?”
    Sidara eyed the piece he held, traipsing closer. She reached out and snatched it from his grasp. “I always love doing business with you, Odage.” Then in one swift movement, her lips touched his, her body pressed against him. There would be time to seek Oroumea later, right now he might as well enjoy the woman unzipping his pants.
    * * * *
    “Marcus, I had a terrific time tonight. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much,” she said as they exited the club.
    He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I’m happy to hear that. I must admit I haven’t had this much fun myself in…a very long time.” He planted a kiss on the top of her head. Spiced honey caressed his senses and went straight to his groin. Christ, I wish I could tell you all about us and the bond we share. Somehow, he had to get her home and then walk away. She wasn’t ready for him yet.
    Her body grew stiff, and she turned her head to look behind them. He flared out his senses but picked up nothing unusual. “What’s wrong, love?”
    “I feel like we’re being watched.” She snuggled into his chest. “I’m sure it’s my overactive imagination.”
    He squeezed her tighter as if to reassure her safety then reached for his link to the king. Aidyn!
    Yes?
    I sense nothing, but Cassie feels like we are being watched.
    Then we should trust her instinct. Lucan and I are right behind you. We’ll check it out.
    Thank you.
    Marcus ushered her down the street and toward the car.
    * * * *
    Lucan!
    Yes, my lord, I am across the street.
    Follow them. Something tells me to trust Marcus’s female.
    Aidyn slid into the darkness, his senses flared. Something wasn’t right, evil crawled across his skin, but he couldn’t place it. Lucan, do you sense it?
    I sense two minions, but nothing more.
    No, there is someone else. He brushed off the evil that touched him. He continued to follow Marcus, keeping to the shadows.
    Marcus, Lucan is going after the minions. I will continue to follow you. I can’t find Odage, but I know he’s here.
    Thank you, I feel better knowing you are watching over my mate.
    Aidyn chuckled. So now you refer to her as your mate? The date must be going well. She is a beautiful woman, Marcus. Count yourself a lucky man.
    Perhaps you are right.
    I’m always right. Garin has joined me. He will follow you, and I will go help Lucan. Hopefully, I will get some answers from the minions before he kills them. Aidyn flashed behind Lucan.
    “Where did they pick up the women?” Aidyn asked.
    “They left Roxie’s with them then followed Marcus for a bit before veering off. Perhaps that is what his female sensed?”
    “No, Odage is here. I can sense him but where?” He looked around, still no sign of the Draki. “We will follow these two. Perhaps they will lead us to him. In any case, we must protect the females.”
    “Of course, my lord.” Lucan wrapped the darkness around them, and they slipped closer behind the minions undetected.
    Aidyn was thankful to have Lucan with him. There was a side to the vampire that lived in the shadows. His manipulation of the darkness frightened even the gods at times. His loyalty, however, was never in question.
    They followed the minions for several blocks as they headed to