Finding Amber (Book 5) Jacobs Broken Mercenaries

chapter 19

Estevan

We exit in the mountains just outside of the city in the cave where we rescued Celeste. I open my cell, and I’m relieved when I see a signal. Two rings and Jacob answers, sounding whole, reassuring me he’s alright.
“I’ve got her. I’m at the caves where we found Celeste.”
He asks me if I need a pickup, and I tell him no looking over at Amber. She’s investigating the cave, looking pleased were finally on earth. Jacob brings me back to the conversation, asking if I need a ride.
“No, it’s not safe. I’ll tell you everything when I get there. Keep an eye on Celeste. Mica’s out for blood, and I don’t think he cares who’s it is.” I hang up and place my hand on Amber’s shoulder.
“We have to sift. It’s much too dangerous to drive.”
She looks up at me with a nod, looking stronger than ever. It’s a big switch from the first time I saw her; frightened and suicidal. Right now, she looks like she can take on the world. Her shoulders are squared, her head high, and a determined look pasted on her face. My warrior goddess… She’ll fit in just fine. If she stays. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life. I will always remember Devlin, but Amber has my heart.
“What does it feel like, sifting? Will I be able to do it, too?” She asks.
I laugh, assuring her she will eventually. 
“I’m not going to lie. Shifting feels odd; like being pulled in the stomach and not existing in the mind. It only lasts a fraction of a second… you’ll get used to it.”
Her determination reappears, and she leans in, rewarding me with another sweet kiss. 
“I’m ready for anything if I’m with you. Besides, if we end up in the wrong place, it couldn’t be worse than Chenoo’s.” she jokes, and I don’t correct her. I’m hoping she’ll never know there’s far worse; baby steps.
We materialize in the kitchen as per usual, Jacob is at the table reading a paper like nothing happened while I was away. Elliot clears his throat behind me. 
“Glad to have you back, my man, but you killed my toast.”
I look down to where his eyes are focused and realize I’m standing on a piece of peanut butter smeared bread. I remove it from my shoe, tossing it in the trash. Amber snorts at the mishap.
“Does that happen often?” she asks? I shake my head, offering a lopsided grin.
“No, fortunately.” I say in utter disgust at the foul-smelling spread while shooting an apology Elliot’s way. He shrugs his shoulders and points to Amber.
“Is this Celeste’s sister?” I nod in agreement, moving to the side of her.
“Amber, this is Elliot. He’s a Nephilim demon.”  She holds out her hand with her head cocked.
“You don’t look like a demon.” Elliot pulls his hair back, exposing his horns. 
“Tricks of the trade sweetheart, you’ll learn em.” He says while choking down a freshly made God’s awful sandwich. I direct her across the table.
“And that’s Jacob. he… is the head of our organization.” Ever the gentleman, Jacob gets up to take her hand. 
“Glad to have you. Would you like a tour of the place?” he asks. She hesitates, fidgeting. “Actually, I’d like to see my sister. Is he here?” he glances at me a fraction of a second before shifting back to Amber.
“She’s on her way and should be here within the hour.” Amber beams that beautiful smile and offers Jacob her arm. 
“A tour would be wonderful.” 
Just like that, she adjusts like it’s second nature. I stare after her as Jacob leads her away. I get to the threshold before I realize I’m following, and a loud whistle interrupts my path. 
“You got it bad, man. I didn’t think you vamps had mates, but you’ve got that strung out - I’m addicted look down pat.”
I choose to ignore the statement even though I know it to be true. Separating from her is harder than I thought possible, and I need a distraction. 
“What did I miss?”
Elliot swallows his last bite and sits across from me.
“I’m guessing a lot, but I don’t have all the details yet. Jacobs is going to call a meeting real soon. What about you? What happened out there, did you?”
He makes a circle with one hand and drives a finger through it with the other. I assume he means coupling. I roll my eyes at his lack of maturity, but my twitching lips give my amusement away. 
“Oh, you sly son of a bitch! You did, didn’t you?”
I shake my head at him, cracking a smile before turning serious.
“Mica’s going to be trouble.  I faced him a couple of times and just his physical strength was astounding. If he ever figures out, he has deadly power at his fingertips...   Let’s just say it’s better for everyone that his feet touch hell’s soil before that happens.”