The Dagonian’s dark, menacing scowl was even more frightening than Sara had remembered. Xanthus opened the door and there the demon stood—the Dagonian from the cafe, the one trying to ruin her life. His black eyes narrowed, burning with hate as he looked straight at her.
The intruder moved inside and shut the door. “Well, little brother. I can’t say I’m surprised to see you here with this half-human.” He spoke with a heavy accent.
Little brother? The Dagonian that loathed her was Xanthus’s brother? Looking at his sneer, she didn’t think he’d welcome her to the family.
Xanthus stepped back and growled. “What do you know of her, Gael?”
His brother’s grin broadened. “What would you say if I told you I’m her father?”
Sara gasped. Xanthus paled and said, “No.”
Gael’s laughter bellowed. “No, I’m not, but the look on your face almost makes me wish I were.”
Xanthus white face flushed red in anger. He stood his ground and waited.
Gael gestured toward Sara. “I must say, this foul creature is easier to look on than your bride was. It’s a shame you have to kill her.” Sara leaned away as he moved toward her. Lifting a lock of her hair, Gael pressed it to his nose and inhaled. “She smells nice too. Strange though, her scent is not nearly as compelling as a full Dagonian. Perhaps this is how humans smell when they’re fertile. I’ve never mated with a female during her time—didn’t want to deal with the consequences.” Gael shrugged. “But this half-human won’t live long enough for us to worry about that, will she, brother?” He darted a glace toward Xanthus.
“Get away from my daughter!” Nicole scrambled forward and pushed Gael hard in the chest. He moved back, caught off guard. His hand whipped out fast, striking Nicole across her face and sending her into the wall. At that moment, Xanthus was at Sara’s ear. “Don’t believe a word of what I say next,” he whispered.
Before Sara could even blink, Xanthus had grabbed his brother, lifted him by his coat, and slammed him into the wall. “This is my find and my kill, Gael. You will not interfere. I have special plans for them both before they die and you’re not part of those plans.
“But you, Gael,” Xanthus said. “What is your purpose here? You know wandering off on your own in the human world is strictly forbidden and I’ve a feeling this is not the first time. The council may turn a blind eye to your other crimes. But not this one. For this, you face death.”
The color washed from Gael’s face. “You wouldn’t. You couldn’t want me dead. I’m your brother.”
“That didn’t mean much to you when you ordered my death. And believe me when I say, I’ll kill you in a heartbeat if you give me any more reason. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.” Xanthus threw Gael to the floor as he issued the warning. Sara was shocked to see a fin peeking from under his long trench coat. Unlike Xanthus, Gael had no human legs.
“Leave now,” Xanthus said. “Return to the sea. And if I ever see you on dry land again, I’ll kill you on sight.”
“I’ll leave, little brother, but I warn you.” Gael turned and shot a glare at Sara. “If you don’t destroy these creatures soon, I’ll be back with my army at my side. Then we’ll see who destroys who.”
Gael rose from the floor, brushed himself off, and strode out the door. He moved like he had legs. Xanthus was right. This couldn’t be the first time Gael had been on land. Sara jumped when the door slammed shut. For a moment, she sat gaping at the wooden door. Then, she turned to look at Xanthus. With his feet braced apart, he scowled with barely leashed anger.
