Shadow Kissed 03 - Shadowman

into step next to him. “Listen, I know you’ve got no love for the angels, but they’re an undeniable power that is at least somewhat accessible to us. I suggest you go to their headquarters, where information is more readily available. Maybe they can figure out what happened to you and give you some idea of how to reverse it.”
    â€œThey will not treat with me,” Shadowman said, boarding the elevator that would raise them to the surface. The angels had defied him at every turn, and as a mortal, he lacked the power now to force their compliance. They might even cut him down, if Ballard had his way. Shadowman had to try something else. A Diné ceremonial sandpainting, perhaps. Though that, too, would take so much time.
    â€œI bet they will,” Adam returned. “Word is you might just be one of them.”
    There was no way he was a mortal angel. The idea was preposterous.
    â€œTry Luca, Custo’s uncle. He’s a little more reasonable. I’m sure he’ll help in whatever way he can. And, they have their own access to Shadow.”
    Shadow.
    â€œHow do I get there?” New York City, the nearest locus of The Order’s power, was miles away. “The last vehicle went so slow.”
    Adam pulled half a smile. “I think I can move you quite a bit faster than that Hummer.”
    â€œOh, no,” Talia said, as they stepped out into the sunlight. “Here he goes.”
    Adam put a phone to his ear. “Kev, I’m going to need the Sikorsky five minutes ago.” He paused, then answered, “Make him as comfortable as you can. I’ll be there to speak with him shortly.”
    Talia rounded on her husband. “What now?”
    â€œOne Mr. Mickey Petty just arrived at the compound.” Adam turned to Shadowman. “Don’t worry about the devil. I’ll draw Rose out with her husband and end one bit of this nightmare. That bitch took out fifteen of my men. I mean to see her put down.”
    Layla would want the devil dealt with, Talia and the family safe.
    Shadowman gave a tight nod of assent. He should have stamped the devil out when he had the chance. Another mistake.
    At least . . . and how strange . . . he wasn’t alone in this. Adam must experience the same weakness and humility of the flesh, and yet, he fought even harder. Talia, just as strong, defended her children. The mean tip to her eyes said she was prepared for more.
    What about Layla? Solitary. Forsaken. Facing the worst of the threats upon this family.
    A racket sounded in the distance, and suddenly a helicopter burst over the trees. The white body was long, slim, like a dolphin, with twin-mounted rotors up top instead of one. It lowered a short distance away, and Talia used her body to shield the babies from the cold winter gusts it kicked up. Yes, this would go much faster than the box that had delivered him to Segue.
    This morning he’d been on the verge of war with the angels. Now he would throw himself on their mercy.

Chapter 17
    Layla racked her memory for her name. She couldn’t be that far gone. Could she?
    â€œNames have power,” Moira said, strolling her ashy circle and maintaining an almost demonic triangle with her sisters. “Which is the reason the fae have so many.”
    Layla could feel the word in her brain. It was the same maddening sensation that had dogged her since she’d first seen Shadowman. She’d known him yet couldn’t place him. Known Talia, too, but couldn’t make the connection. Now she was losing touch with herself.
    Hi, I’m . . .
    And she totally blanked. Damn it. The name was right there.
    Layla’s teeth chattered. She folded her arms for warmth. This couldn’t be the end, yet the trees and ash and cold gray sky attested otherwise. Was this really what she had left of him? The desolation was stealing color from her, too.
    He wouldn’t want that. She didn’t want that.
    â€œTake your man Death, for instance,” Moira continued. “How many names do you think he’s been given over the ages and by myriad peoples, yet his power was stolen by a silly girl now bumbling through these trees.” Moira paused in the circle, facing Layla with a question on her lovely features. “And how do you think you will fare if you have just the one name, and already cannot bring it to mind?” She started her leggy stroll again with an audible, and very pleased with herself,