Free shaede assassin 05 - shadows at midnight by amanda bonilla Page A

ear. “You’re too much like your brother.”
    His gaze softened for the barest of moments and his lips quirked at the corners. “Then bring him home,” Raif said. “And relieve me of the burden.”
    My heart clenched in my chest. “That’s the plan.”
    The front door opened and the four remaining members of my team poured out. The last time I’d worked with this group of Shaedes, we’d been protecting Anya from Kade. I had to admit, I missed the camaraderie and was excited to be working with them again. Decked out like Asher with heavy packs strapped to their backs, they were as fierce as I remembered. The anxiety that swirled in my stomach was replaced with a thrill I hadn’t felt in a long damned time. A battle lust that I needed in order to survive returning to that dark, horrible prison.
    “Take care, Darian.” Raif gripped my arm and pulled me close. “Remember, fear is what keeps a warrior alive in battle.”
    It was as true as the first time he’d told me that. But he’d never gone toe to toe with Padma before. At least, I didn’t think he had. “Rakshasa feed off of fear,” I replied. “In this instance, I think fear might just kill me.”
    “Padma’s arrogance is her weakness,” Raif murmured. His grip tightened on my arm, his worry and tension vibrating through me. “As is her lack of fear. Make her afraid, Darian, and you will bring her to her knees .”
    The woman ate the flesh from her enemies’ bones, drank their blood like it was an aged merlot. “What could she possibly be afraid of?”
    “That which she cannot control,” Raif said in response to my doubtful expression.
    Cryptic, but not entirely unhelpful. “Any suggestions on how I can get that upper hand in a place where the only magic that works is hers?”
    “You’re capable, Darian.” His gaze flitted toward Tyler. “And not entirely without protection. You have an inner strength unlike any I’ve ever known. Don’t doubt that, and you’ll be successful.”
    His unwavering faith in me caused a lump the size of an ostrich egg to form in my throat. Damn him. “I don’t feel very strong.”
    “You are an assassin. A Guardian of the faery realm. You are death , Darian. Show your enemies what it means to dishonor you.”
    A better pep-talk, I’d never heard. “I’ll be back before you know it.” Raif released my arm and I took a step back. “Hold down the fort, okay?”
    He gave me a rueful smile. “That, I can do.”
    “Alright gang, let’s get the hell out of here.” Time was wasting and I wanted to hit Goblin Valley before I lost my pluck.
    “So, where are we going and how are we getting there?” Julian led the way down the driveway toward where Ash and Tyler waited. Louella, Myles, and Liam followed, each one of their faces marked with serious expressions. The rescue of a king was no small matter. If they failed, they’d have to answer to Raif. Not an exciting prospect.
    “We’re going to Goblin Valley. Utah. And we’re traveling by Jinn.”
    Ty flashed a superior smile and Ash’s eyes lit up. “Awesome,” he said as he bounced on the balls of his feet.
    Talk about no fear. Nothing fazed Asher and I was damned glad Raif had let him come along. “I’m warning you all right now, nothing about this mission is going to be pleasant. I’ve seen what we’re up against firsthand. You can’t trust anything you see or feel. You’re going to be tested. If any of you feel like you’re not ready for this, stay behind and protect Raif.”
    “We’re ready.” Myles puffed out his chest and his jaw flexed. He raked a hand through the strands of his bright red hair. “No one’s staying behind.”
    The rest of the group nodded and I let out a quick gust of breath. “Good. Time to go.”
    We gathered around Tyler and I turned toward Raif. He raised his hand in parting, his sapphire gaze as fierce as I’d ever seen it. Don’t come back without him , it said.
    “I’ll see you soon, Raif.” I hoped that