“You’re making me dizzy,” Ahm said.
“I don’t like waiting,” Winter replied. “I want to be—”
“The knight and shining armor in Dasani’s eyes,” Ahm finished for him.
“Yes.” Winter nodded. “So you do understand.”
“Perfectly,” Ahm said. “I always want Bryce to look at me that way and vice versa.”
“Then why are we waiting in his office? Why aren’t we going after Dasani ourselves?”
Ahm studied him for a long moment before he spoke. His tone was filled with something close to rebellion. “Going after Dasani could start a war between the Shadow elves and the shifters. Are you willing to take that chance?” It was as though Ahm wanted Winter to say yes.
“No,” Winter said sardonically. “I just came here for the tourist attractions. I’m really hoping to get a selfie with Mickey Mouse.”
A smile lifted one side of Ahm’s mouth. He hopped off the couch and grabbed Winter’s arm. He really hated this shimmering thing. Why couldn’t the elves travel like everyone else, on foot? They appeared behind a one-story house. Ahm released Winter and moved to the back door. Winter followed. His heart began to beat faster as Ahm opened the door and eased inside.
When Winter entered, his world tilted on its axis. His mind refused to believe what it was seeing. His legs shook violently as he pushed past Ahm and walked into the kitchen. Rakeym was crouched over Dasani. Winter growled and shifted, leaping toward the Shadow elf. Rakeym shimmered out of reach before he reappeared on the other side of the table.
“Calm yourself!” the leader barked. “I was not the one to do this to your mate.”
Winter stood over Dasani, who was curled into the fetal position. He snarled at both Rakeym and Ahm. His protective instincts had kicked into high gear when he saw Dasani’s long hair had been shorn off. There were dark bruises on Dasani’s back, and there was no telling what was on his front, but no one was getting anywhere near Dasani ever again.
“We have to get him medical attention,” Ahm argued. “If you won’t let me shimmer him to Doctor Sheehan, he just might die. We have no idea what injuries he’s sustained.”
“I’ll send my sentinels to look for Egbar.”
Ahm turned, and Winter saw the murderous glare in the elf’s eyes. “No. Egbar clearly prevented his son from going to Winter. I’ll stake my life on that. This is now an Ultionem matter. We’ll find Egbar and bring him to justice.”
“But this is my territory, and have you forgotten that I am a part of the Ultionem?” Rakeym stated with venom. “I will handle Egbar and bring him before the council to pay for what he’s done. But I won’t have anyone trampling through my village.”
Winter shifted and knelt beside Dasani as the two leaders argued. His hands shook as he turned his mate over. Red-hot anger exploded inside of him when he saw the bruising on Dasani’s face and the gashes across the man’s chest. “Oh, little bluebird. What has he done to you?”
Dasani’s eyelids fluttered open. He locked gazes with Winter, and then tears began to fall from his mate’s beautiful green eyes. Dasani curled into a tighter ball, covering his head with one of his slim arms.
“Please,” his whispered roughly, “you can’t be here. If he finds you, there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
Winter wasn’t having any of this. He wasn’t leaving Dasani. Instead, he gently scooped his mate into his arms and cradled Dasani against his bare chest.
“Dasani,” Ahm said as he moved closer. “Did your father do this? Did he stop you from going to your mate?”
“Sheba,” Dasani said softly. “I have to find Sheba.”
“I’ll search for her,” Rakeym said as he joined Ahm at his side. “I promise. Now tell us, is Egbar responsible for your injuries? Did he interfere in your mating?”
Dasani curled tighter into Winter’s arms as the man began to softly cry. Winter clenched his jaw as he glared at the two men. “My mate has been through enough already. Take me home. He can answer your questions later.”
Neither man seemed pleased that Winter wouldn’t allow them to question Dasani any further. Too bad. Winter’s only concern at the moment was getting Dasani out of here. He wanted the doctor to look his mate over to ensure Dasani didn’t have any internal injuries. The gashes on his chest were nasty, and Winter wasn’t sure how deep they went.
“I’ll take you home and then bring Doctor Sheehan to you,” Ahm said. “But I can’t wait for Dasani’s answers. If we’re to deal with Egbar, I need all the facts.”