Free Reluctant Hero (The Dunamis Covenant Book 1) by Ron Francis

contemplating landing on the roof to call it in to Devlin when five black SUV's exited the parking structure. The windows were tinted and they all left the premises traveling in different directions. She knew Thomas was in one of those vehicles, but had no idea which one and she could not follow them all. This light Mage was a careful one, whoever he was. Devlin was not going to be happy with this setback. It wasn't her fault, though. She had been told that Thomas had received no training, yet he was still able to dispatch the three Zdrada Devlin had sent, with relative ease. Lucas had helped as well, taking advantage of Thomas' distraction to surprise one of her men. She was certain she could have handled them both, but that would have required shifting into a Lion or maybe a gator in public and Devlin wasn't ready to have his people noticed yet. He wouldn't enact his plan until Thomas was either dark or dead.
    *****
    Once they were away from the hotel, Abby began to speak. She was no longer angry, but she had to make sure Thomas would remain under their protection. "TJ," she began as she rested her hand on his arm. The electricity was back and that made her happy. "I know you know this now, but I cannot stress enough, the importance of you staying with us. Your life depends on it. We will continue to explain everything you need to know until your training begins."
    ""I know it's serious, Abby, and I will try my best to stay with you guys and not ditch you again if I get mad." He placed his hand over hers for a moment. The touch sent a tingling sensation throughout her body and she wanted him. She knew she could not have him until they were married, she could only hope at this point that she could convince him to say the words as soon as possible. He seemed to almost be past her initial lies and manipulations. As she thought about TJ, her animalistic senses became heightened and her heightened senses picked up a smell she didn't like.
    "TJ, who were you with tonight?" She asked with an edge to her voice.
    "I told you, Lucas." He replied a little confused as to why she would be asking him that question.
    "What woman were you with?" She asked, with the same edge.
    "What? Do you think I got mad at you and just left to pick up the first girl that came my way? Is that what you think of me now? I'm sorry I didn't know about our ancient betrothal ceremony when I was an infant, Abby, but I'm won't keep apologizing for something that's not my fault."
    He had misunderstood her intention for the question and his answer brought the hurt rushing back in. It wasn't his fault, but she suspected it would take her some time to get over it. "I'm sorry, TJ, that is not what I meant. Were there any women present with you and Lucas, and did any of them touch you? Maybe a handshake or a hug, something of that nature. I did not mean to imply that you were with another woman tonight."
    He looked as though he was sorry for his overreaction. She knew it was all still pretty raw to him, too. "Actually, Lucas' date, Darcy was there and she gave me an awkward hug."
    "This is bad; my sense of smell picked her up on you. I believe she was marking you so she could follow later. Please take off your pants and your shirt, we need to dispose of them right away. You will also need to scrub your hands, arms, neck and face with an odorless soap as soon as we arrive at the next safe house. Asa, you will need to have someone spray down the back seat as well."
    "You're kidding right? I'm not taking off my clothes here in this car with you and Asa and some dude I don't even know." He looked at the other man and in an apologetic tone added, "No offense, bro." The other man just waved it off. He seemed to be enjoying the conversation.
    "TJ, you have to. After everything you've been through tonight, everything you've seen and learned, what makes you think I wouldn't be serious about this?"
    "I don't know Abby, I just keep expecting Ashton Kutcher to jump out from behind