Faith Revisited by Madelyn Ford Page B

He couldn't give a shit what Penny said about him, but he wouldn't allow anyone to speak of Faith in such a manner. He felt both Remy and Arak holding him back but only saw Penny through the red haze clouding his vision. When Levi stepped between them, he blinked in surprise.
    “Besmirching Bale's female will win you no points with anyone, Penny,” Levi said quietly.
    “And as much as it pains me to agree with Bale, Raym's disappearance hardly makes him look innocent.”
    “I don't care what any of you think,” she said, raising her chin defiantly. “Raym wouldn't align himself with demons. And he sure as hell wouldn't have hurt Zeke or Caym.” She took two steps backward before turning and striding toward the door. “And I'll prove it,” she hissed over her shoulder.
    Remy called her name, but she ignored him, stalking from the room. He glanced at Levi and motioned with his head in the direction Penny had fled. “Follow her,” he ordered.
    Levi gave a brisk nod, then trailed after Penny, moving quickly to catch up to the female.
    “I'll go with him.” At Remy's agreement, Kash followed Levi out the door.
    “Well, that was helpful,” Remy said as he released Bale.
    “Shit. I am sorry.” Bale ran his fingers through his hair in disgust. He had lost his temper when he shouldn't have, and he couldn't even defend his actions. It wasn't as if Penny had threatened Faith. Stepping away from Remy and Arak, he remembered Faith's words. She wanted to leave in the morning. While his body protested the thought, his mind recognized the need. He couldn't have the distraction, not when there was a war brewing, and with Raym, it seemed, at the helm.

    46
    Madelyn Ford

    Remy shook his head with a weary sigh. “I would not have reacted any differently if she were mine,” he replied, sinking back into his chair.
    “It will not happen again. Faith is leaving in the morning.”
    “Are you certain?” Remy asked carefully.
    Bale nodded. “It is for the best. Until we know what is going on, I can't guarantee her safety.”
    “So no more denials?” Arak asked from behind Bale.
    Bale poured himself two fingers of scotch, then winced as the amber liquid burned down the back of his throat. He couldn't continue lying to Remy or Arak, but he would not consider admitting this to any of the other males. Except maybe Zeke.
    “No. I'm not going to deny that in another time, another place, I would have cherished this gift I've been given. A heart mate. But what kind of life do I have to offer? A never-ending battle against demons where she will always be a target because she is with me? She deserves better.”
    “You know you would not be alone. We would all protect Faith as if she were our own.”
    “I know you would. But that wouldn't make her any less my responsibility.” It wasn't that Bale didn't appreciate Remy's words, and he expected nothing less from his brothers. But it still wouldn't lessen the need he would feel to keep her safe. “What are we going to about Raym?” he asked, making it clear he was done discussing Faith. He had made his decision, and nothing would change his mind.
    “Yes. We can't be certain it was Raym who was behind the attacks on Zeke and Bale,”
    Arak added.
    “No, we can't. That leaves Penny and Kash. I have requested a replacement for Caym. He should be here by the middle of the week.”
    “Who?” Bale asked in surprise. It usually took weeks, if not months, for Samyaza, the leader of the Grigori, to supplant a fallen warrior.
    “Jet. I told Sam I need someone I could trust implicitly. With Levi trailing Penny, and Jet, when he arrives, Kash, you and I will uncover whatever plot is afoot.”
    “And where do I fit into these plans?” Arak inquired.
    Remy focused his attention on their healer. “For now your job is to protect Zeke and the two females. If there is still a traitor under this roof, I do not want us caught unawares again.
    Bale will not be able to do his job if Faith is not