She could do it, because she had to do it.
If not for her father, then for Roke.
The same surge of adrenaline that had released her powers against Brandel pumped through her blood, allowing the magic to expand through her.
“That’s all I can do,” she managed from between clenched teeth.
Her father’s magic began to weave through her, intruding in a way that made her stiffen before he gave a startled hiss.
“You’ve actually mated with the vampire?” he demanded. “Unacceptable.”
Her teeth were gritted against the need to shove out the unfamiliar invasion.
“Is it really important right now?”
“His claim on you is interfering,” Sariel complained, his tone almost . . . peevish. “Can you convince him to release you?”
She grimaced.
Not only was it an impossible request, but she was fairly certain in Roke’s current mood he’d kill her father before he’d release his claim on her.
“No.”
The magic continued to weave with hers, a slow and surprisingly painful process.
“You are making this more difficult than it needs be,” her father accused.
There was another groan from Roke and Sally banged her hand against the invisible barrier.
“I’m going to make it impossible if you don’t hurry up,” she warned.
The glow around her father spread outward, his hair floating as if on a breeze she couldn’t feel.
“You lived too long as a mortal.” The disgust in Sariel’s tone assured Sally that wasn’t a compliment. “It is why I discouraged our people to mate with lesser beings.”
Anger exploded through her.
Was he kidding? She’d risked Roke’s life, not to mention her own, to try to rescue him. A man who was nothing more than a stranger. And all he could do was complain?
Jackass.
“And yet you were quick enough to mate with a mere human when it suited your purpose,” she rasped.
“My other children are not nearly so quarrelsome,” Sariel complained. “They understand that I am to be given the proper respect.”
All thoughts halted as her world tilted to an unexpected angle.
His words shouldn’t have been unexpected.
The fey had the same low birthrate of most demons, but when you had an eternity of sex, there were bound to be a few children.
But after a lifetime alone, the casual mention that she had brothers and sisters had thrown her seriously off-balance.
“I have siblings?” she asked, hating the yearning she couldn’t keep from her voice.
“Of course.”
There was a grunt as Roke landed only inches from her feet, his face covered with blood and his skin ashen.
“Sally, I’m running out of tricks,” he growled, flowing back to his feet and launching himself back at the Nebule who was desperately trying to get his hands on her.
Dammit, dammit, dammit.
She was going to get Roke killed if she didn’t get Sariel out of his prison.
“Father, finish this,” she hissed.
“Press your hands against the barrier,” he commanded, the glow around him becoming a blinding light as he slowly began to levitate off the ground.
Sally pushed her palms flat against the invisible wall, silently urging Sariel to hurry.
It was taking too long. Too long.
The vibrations that seemed to be the Nebule’s most lethal weapon was filling the portal, sending Roke to his knees and making Sally cry out as the destructive jolts of pain slammed into her.
Feeling blood trickle down her cheeks, she grimly kept her hands pressed to the barrier, averting her face against the brilliant light that threatened to sear her eyeballs.
The scent of fermenting wine filled the air as the barrier trembled beneath her hands. Then, with a blast that sent her tumbling backward, the wall shattered and the light blasted through the tunnel.
“At last,” her father said aloud, his voice triumphant as he allowed the light to fade and he revealed his physical form.
He was once again the godlike creature from the meadow.
His golden hair flowed over his shoulders, held back by the silver band that was no longer tarnished. His face was chiseled perfection and his amber eyes shimmered with shards of jade. Even his robe had returned to its flawless white satin.
With a low groan, Sally was on her feet and glancing toward her mate who had his arms wrapped around the Nebule as it continued to pummel him with waves of deadly vibrations.
“Roke.”
She started forward only to be halted when her father grabbed her shoulder.
“Do not be a fool. You’ve been weakened,” he chided, his voice so rich and compelling she had to battle against the urge to gaze at him in dazzled wonder. “The Nebule could hurt you.”
He was right, damn him.
She hadn’t even noticed how much energy Sariel had drained from her to destroy the barrier. Not until she realized her knees were threatening to buckle and her eyes weren’t entirely focused.
“Then help him,” she commanded.
“Why?” Sariel demanded in genuine confusion. “The Nebule can rid us of the pesky vampire and then I can put an end to the Nebule. Far more efficient.”
“I don’t want to be rid of the vampire,” she snapped. “If you won’t help, then I will.”
Meeting her death glare he gave an impatient click of his tongue. “Very well.” With a liquid grace, the Chatri moved forward, stepping around Roke as he directly confronted the Nebule. “Stay out my way, leech. Raith and I have unfinished business.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Sariel reveled in his freedom as he moved forward, his power flowing through him.
For years he’d been held prisoner by the lowest scum of a demon.
Him. The King of the Chatri. The leader of the ancient fey who had been feared and respected by all.
It was a disgrace that he would be forced to bear for the rest of his very long life. But he could help to ease the shame by destroying the Nebule as slowly and painfully as possible.
“Stand aside, leech,” he commanded, his gaze locked on the bastard who’d dared to hold him captive. “Raith and I have unfinished business.”
The vampire peeled back his lips to reveal his fangs as Sariel swept past him.
“Happy to fucking meet you, too,” he growled, forcing himself back to his feet. “And you’re welcome.”
Sariel glanced over his shoulder. “For what?”
“For coming to your rescue.”
Sariel waved a dismissive hand. Did the leech actually expect him to appreciate his presence?