Darren moved to rejoin Amber along with Sky, Terrie, and Leah.
“I’ll explain what he means later,” Darren whispered for her benefit.
“We need to move before dusk in a little over two hours,” Neman said. “Demons are always stronger at night. If we take this to them now, they will be at their weakest. So, armour up and make preparations. We’ll move as one unit in twenty minutes. Once we’ve broken through the main mass, Slade, I want you to head through the portal and get word to your King. Hopefully, there will be no demons guarding the other side. The dragon army can mop up any stragglers trying to get back through your portal.”
Slade nodded. “Got it. Don’t get killed, don’t let any escape, and bring back some more ass kickers.”
Excitement throbbed through the group, making the air thick with tension and testosterone. Some of them vanished, including the twins, only to return a short time later wearing ancient-looking armour and weapons strapped over their bodies. It was way cooler than going to a renaissance fair where they played at medieval battle.
No, this was the real thing, and a tremor of fear ran through her. Her guts twisted, the realisation sinking in Brim could actually get killed.
Brim sense her fear and hugged her tighter. She wished they were alone, so she could voice her fear. She gazed up into his eyes.
“Don’t get killed, will you?”
A feral smile crossed his lips. “With you to come back to, baby, not a fucking chance.”
“Good, because if you die, then I’m going to come after you and beat you with your own tail if you do.”
Brimstone grunted, not caring if they were in a crowd surrounded by dragons, gods, and warriors. He staked his claim on her lips, kissing her with the hungry passion, she loved so much. “I’ve no doubt you would,” he whispered against her lips. “This is what I do best, baby, so try not to worry; you’ll be safe here with the others.”
“Always left behind when it comes to battles,” Darren sighed as Brim set Amber down onto her feet.
“Single missions are different. Big battles, no.” Slazzamar cocked his head to regard Brim and Amber before focusing on Darren.
“I’ve been training hard,” Darren whined. Slazzamar snagged his mate and planted a kiss on his lips. “I know, love, but you know I can’t risk you. Still human, remember.”
Darren rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll stay here and guard the women.”
“You need to tell me your story and catch me up on, well, everything,” Amber added, trying to help lift his spirits. She hated being left behind too, but what use was she against an army of demons?
“I’d be delighted.”
Darren brightened at her words, and then turned to his partner. “Go kick some demon arse. I know you’ll get cranky if you don’t get a good kill quota in.”
“You know me well, love,” Slazz smirked. Another brief kiss, and he slid away from Darren.
“Time, dragons and others.”
Neman raised his voice again. “Follow through my port on the mark of three.”
“Why does it always have to be three?” Jax queried. “Nothing wrong with a good three and three-quarters or four.”
“I’ll tear you into four quarters if you don’t shut the fuck up,” Brim growled at the talkative dragon.
Sky rolled her eyes again, and Dar folded his arms and glared at his brother. The way they goaded and made playful jibes at each other, one wouldn’t think they were about to face an army of eight hundred demons.
“Gee, Brim, I thought getting a mate would mellow you out.” Jax looked up at Brim.
“He’s more deadly now he has one.” Slade nodded, standing next to Jax.
“Save it for the battlefield,” growled Neman.
“Mark!”
Neman disappeared, and then so did everyone else, leaving the sighing women and Darren.
Amber jumped when Terrie put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, a dragon is worth twenty demons. They’ll be fine.”
“Sore, tired and hyped-up when they get back, so food, shower, and sex is in order,” Darren said, still staring at where they vanished from. They all turned to stare at the man. “What? You ladies haven’t been through a major battle before. All Slazz wanted to do after was—”
“We get the picture,” Terrie cut in, shaking her head with a smile.
“And I want to know all about the other things,” Amber said as they moved to sit around the couches. Darren flopped down on the larger sofa, and patted it for Amber to join him with a wide grin.
He leaned in, his hazel eyes gleaming with mischief, as if about to share a major conspiracy.