Page 224 of Knight’s Retribution

Rocco shook harder, but he didn’t say anything. Instead he hooked her around the back of the neck and held her to him, his mouth going to her ear. “Baby, if it comes to that, I’m not going to ask you to suffer with that monster. But promise me, if we end up back down there, you’ll come and find me. I’ll wait for you at Lucifer’s quarters. That bastard owes us one.”

She nodded against him. “I’ll find you.”

Rocco pulled back and looked into her eyes. “But I plan on being in this bed with you again tomorrow night, and I want you to think about that when we’re out there fighting. We’re fighting for this, to come back to this.”

She nodded, and he brushed his thumb over her cheek, swiping away the tear that escaped.

Then he kissed her hard and lifted his head. “Right, let’s go fuck up that piece of shit.”

She clutched the sides of his face. “I want his screams of pain ringing in my ears.”

“That’s my girl,” Rocco growled and kissed her again.

Chapter 31

The lot in front of the compound was crowded.

Kyler looked around at the demi gathered. So many were there, all eager to help, to fight. Chaos was talking to them, making sure they understood their roles tonight. All the knights were struggling with it, putting their demi at risk. They’d spent their lives protecting them.

They were family.

A car pulled up at the gates. Silas was driving. Kryos jogged over and opened them, and he drove in. Someone sat beside him. The car pulled to a stop, and the massive dark fallen angel climbed out, his gaze slicing to Gunner and Luna as the other door opened and a tall, lean but muscled male climbed out as well. He was wearing black trousers and a button-down shirt; his dark hair was combed back.

And his eyes were deep violet, just like Luna’s.

Luna’s hand flew to her mouth, then she was running across the lot, Gunner right with her. The other male’s brows lowered, and he fell back a step as Luna launched herself at him, hugging him tight. The male who Kyler was now positive was Ronan, Luna’s brother, stood there, his arms at his sides, looking down at her with surprise and confusion.

Then slowly, he lifted his arms, hugging her back, patting her awkwardly like he didn’t know what to do.

Luna had explained how dhampir struggled with emotion, that she hadn’t understood it, hadn’t felt it until she met Gunner, and Kyler had to assume Ronan hadn’t gotten to where Luna was yet. Luna released her brother and smiled up at him, and again, he seemed almost baffled. And the pain that flashed through Luna’s eyes said she knew it too.

They headed to the group gathered and Chaos strode over.

Silas locked eyes with him and nodded, something passing between them. “Ronan is here to help us. I think we all remember how impressive his powers were, yes?”

“You’re willing to fight?” Chaos asked, all business.

Ronan’s lavender gaze moved to Luna. “Yes.”

Chaos studied him for several long seconds. “If Silas wasn’t vouching for you, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. If you turn on us, I will take your head.”

Ronan’s expression didn’t change. “I’m here for Luna and Luna alone. I have no allegiance to anyone but her.”

“Fair enough,” Chaos said.

Ronan slid his hands into his pockets. “I can create an alternate battleground. The human world would move around us, through us, the fight could be brought out of the alley and into the street, which would mean your powers wouldn’t be bound and you’d have the ability to shift into your demon forms.”

“Fuck,” Laz said. “That’s a serious game changer right there.”

Chaos held out his hand, and Ronan took it. “We’ll take you up on that offer.”

Ronan dipped his chin.

Then Chaos moved to the front of the large group assembled. “Okay, listen up.” He quickly filled everyone in on Ronan’s role. “Remember, if we stick to the plan, we can win this thing.” He clapped his hands. “Let’s move out.”

Rocco gave Kyler’s hand a squeeze.

She squeezed his back.