Free Elixxir (The Brethren Series) by Deena Remiel

comments and propositions. And I’m different from him, how ? Oh right, at least I keep my depraved thoughts to myself ! He sighed and shook his head, carefully putting the food and drink on the narrow sidewalk. Cracking his knuckles and angling his neck from side to side, he lumbered over to the escalating scene.
    Callie’s fear had manifested itself into a flurry of colorful curses and a string of suggestions as to what would happen should the man even attempt to touch her, but he knew it was a cover. He sensed the terror she kept in check, and gave her bonus points for bravado. The derelict simply laughed and took a menacing step toward her. Nathanael’s shadow loomed large over the smelly, disheveled pig as he closed in as well. Showtime ….
    “All right, buddy, why don’t you move on now? The lady’s not interested.”
    “I’m just showing her my appreciation for her lusty appearance, is all. Can’t a man compliment a lady anymore these days? Jeee-zus! And who the hell are you to butt into our business anyways? She’s warming up to me, and you have to put your nose in it.”
    “I’m her guardian angel, shit-for-brains. So move on or I’m gonna have to get ugly on your ass.”
    “Ha! Right! Not likely when I have this.” Quick as a blink, he pulled out a Glock from his waistband and pointed it at Callie. “Now, you’re gonna leave us alone, boy, to finish our business. Understand?”
    She’d moved closer to him throughout the exchange, but not close enough to be shielded. Now frozen where she stood, her eyes widened and fear bloomed on her face. A thrum of energy coursed through his body as this imbecile ignited his anger, and he smelled the putrescence of evil wafting across the expanse between them. Vibrations of latent power shivered across his skin as the anticipation built.
    What a puny attempt at intimidation ! The thug would be no match for his angelic speed and skills. Besides, with security cameras watching their every move, he knew he had to dispatch him quickly. Like a rush of wind, Nathanael flew over and knocked the gun clear out of the man’s hand. He figured, from the man’s cries, he’d broken bones in the process. Then he punched him in the gut for good measure. Amidst shrieks, curses, and protests, he proceeded to pick him up, walk over to the Dumpster, and throw him in with a grunt and growl of his own. He collected the piece, winked at Callie, who blinked at him, speechless, and returned to the convenience store. By the time he reached the clerk, the initial adrenaline rush had receded a bit.
    “Miss, there’s a man in your Dumpster at the moment. I relieved him of this here weapon he chose to point at my lady friend.” He laid it down on the rubber mat by the cash register. “I suggest you call the police. Have a nice day.” He turned his back on the second woman he’d rendered speechless that day, and walked out. With food and drink back in his hands, he found Callie’d taken up residence on the back of his bike.
    “Water and the largest bag of Corn Nuts I could buy.” He extended the offerings to her. She looked at them and took them without comment. “You did real good back there, Red. Said some curses I didn’t even know.” He chuckled.
    “Can we go, please?” She frowned and took a long swig from her bottle of water.
    He gave her back a pat and she flinched. “Hey, you gotta shake it off, now. Nothing bad happened. I told you I’d protect you.”
    “Men are assholes, through and through. Present company not included. But there’s still time for you to fuck that up, too. I’m not hungry anymore. Can we please go?”
    “All righty, then. There’s my snarky girl!” He swallowed down the slice of pizza in three easy bites and took a long swig of his Coke.
    He got on his bike and started the engine. Not more than five minutes down the road, she tapped him on his shoulder and pointed for him to pull over onto the side of the road. He immediately did