Immortal Rider_ Lords of Deliverance Series_ - Larissa Ione [39]
Shade’s arm came protectively around Runa’s shoulders, and though Limos had never needed anyone’s protection, she experienced the oddest twinge of envy that Runa had a mate who kept her safe.
“How’s he doing?” Runa’s hands clenched together until Shade gently took them in his.
“Physically he’s fine,” Limos assured them. “But I’m having a hard time getting him to eat.”
Shade scowled. “Why’s that?”
“I think the demons tormented him with food.” She hesitated, because this wasn’t the kind of thing you wanted to know had been done to a loved one. “I’m assuming they put it out and then punished him when he tried to eat it.”
Horror flashed in Runa’s stunning champagne eyes. “Can I see him now?”
With a nod, Limos led them to the bedroom, but before she opened the door, she voiced her concerns. “I said that physically he’s fine. But mentally… he’s confused. He still believes he’s in Sheoul. He thinks demons are in his head and controlling what he’s seeing and who he’s talking to. I’m hoping you can convince him he’s free.”
They entered, and Arik, who had been standing at the patio door and gazing out at the ocean, swung around. He’d changed into a pair of black BDU pants and a black T-shirt that probably fit a little looser than it used to, but still emphasized his broad shoulders and thickly muscled arms. A neutral mask slipped over his expression, but his eyes sparked with anger when he saw his sister.
“Arik.” Runa started toward him, but Shade grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
“Don’t.” Tension rolled off the big demon in waves that scorched Limos’s skin. “I don’t trust him.”
“You’ve never trusted him.” Runa shook off her mate’s hold and moved toward her brother, who stiffened as she got closer. “Arik? It’s okay.”
“Yeah? Why don’t you tell me who the fuck you are? Okay?”
Her step faltered, but she kept moving forward. “It’s me,” she said softly. “Runa.”
“You do not get to say her name.” His mask of calm shattered into a million pieces, and in an instant, his face contorted with fury, and he let out a murderous, animal growl. “You are not my sister.”
k" woutHe struck, slamming his fist into Runa’s cheek and then driving a spin-kick into her gut. She flew across the room and landed in a heap on the floor.
And then the shit hit the fan.
As Limos darted toward Runa, Shade morphed into a massive black werewolf, his roar of rage joining Arik’s as they came together in a storm of fists, claws, and teeth.
“No!” Limos entered the fray, desperate to separate them before Shade killed Arik, and then there was another furry blur, as Runa, now a toffee-colored werewolf, took Shade to the ground, her mouth around his throat. What the hell? Werewolves were bound by the moon, unable to change at will. Mature Seminus demons could shapeshift, but what in God’s name was Runa?
It was a question for later. Right now, she had to subdue Arik, who was diving for Shade and Runa, his intentions as clear as a neon sign that flashed KILL.
Limos caught him around the waist and wrestled him onto the bed. A fist caught her in the side of the head, and his knee drove so viciously into her stomach that she grunted, but she managed to pin him. He was strong, much stronger than she would have guessed, and when he bucked, she had to put effort into staying on top of him and avoid being thrown. Maybe the blood exchange with Pestilence had given him an injection of Superman.
A big, tattooed hand came down on Arik’s shoulder, and Shade’s dermoire lit up with a bright glow. Almost instantly, Arik calmed, his eyelids drooping and his expression going slack. Within seconds, he was out like a light.
“What the fuck happened?” Shade snapped, as he stepped back. Runa was dabbing blood from her mouth with the back of one hand and holding her ribs with the other.
“I told you,” Limos said. “He thinks he’s in hell.