Mortal Defiance by Nichole Chase

“They aren’t safe here.”
    “No one is safe, Ree.”
    “Yeah, but the Dark Ones are targeting certain people. The people with that little bit of extra are in way more danger and should be guarded.” Looking around the room at her friends, she could tell they were in agreement. “Are there Guardians that could help? Maybe they could find reasons to get the families out of town.”
    “Yeah, what about a sweepstakes? You know, ‘Congratulations! You’ve won a four-week stay at a Grecian villa!’” Weylin’s announcer voice filled the quiet room.
    “That might work! People love free stuff.” Rubbing his chin, Bryce leaned back in his chair. “I mean, money isn’t an object for the gods, right?”
    “I don’t think that’s an option.” Shaking her head, Sophie continued to check the weapons on her table.
    “Why not? I think it’s a great idea.” Ree frowned at the older woman and wondered why her mentor wasn’t trying to find a way to protect the humans.
    “It would risk alerting the humans to what is really happening. That is something the gods frown upon.”
    “Frown upon? We’re talking about their lives. Sorry to point this out, but they’re going to figure out something is pretty wrong when the person in the elevator next to them sprouts fangs and tears into their neck.” Standing up, Ree paced across the room. “Better for them to be warned ahead of time.”
    “I agree with you, Ree. But you have to consider what would happen if people started spreading the word. If anyone believed them, the entire world would be in a panic.”
    Spinning around on one foot, Ree looked at Sophie seriously. “They should be in a panic. They’re all on the verge of becoming a buffet.”
    Faster than lightning, Sophie jumped across the room, her hand over Ree’s mouth. Feeling her eyes widen, Ree tried to step away, but the Guardian held fast. “Do not say such things where the gods might hear you.” A thick accent mangled the words the Greek woman spoke. “The gods need you, but you cannot question their judgment. To some of them, you’re nothing but a tool. If you get out of line, they will not hesitate to bring you in line with their plans.”
    “Take your hands off of her.” Paden’s growl slid over Ree’s shoulder. “You’re scaring her, Sophie.” He placed a hand on Ree’s shoulder and gently pulled her back against his chest. Sophie let go, but the intensity remained in her eyes.
    “I’m sorry, Ree, but you have to understand—the gods do not want the humans to know about them. Their biggest goal is to win this war and let the world continue, oblivious.”
    “Wouldn’t they benefit from the general masses’ knowledge? I’ve read that the gods get their power from the people that worship them.” Sitting on the edge of his seat, Bryce looked torn between acting on Ree’s behalf and trusting Sophie.
    “Fiction. They have found other ways to retain their power, and I would rather not know the means.” Sophie stepped away from her and shook her head. “I will ask for help monitoring the area, but I can’t guarantee they will even allow that to happen.”
    Paden took a step backward, gently pulling Ree with him. “Okay, so you ask and we’ll do our best to keep them from getting anyone else.”
    Nodding her head, Sophie seemed lost in thought. “Yes. Tonight, however, we need to gather more information to present to the gods.”
    “And how are we going to do that?” Ree leaned into Paden’s chest, accepting the comfort she found there.
    “We watch. We need to know if they are still using the darkling’s club. If they have moved on or changed tactics, then we need to find out what else they are working on.”
    “What if we see them? Are we going to try and take the Dark One out?” Ree was surprised to see that Weylin had only been a few moments behind Paden in his attempt to get her away from Sophie.
    “Della was the last name I knew her by, and I would suspect she hasn’t