"You want to lead another deity through my domain without my permission. I've slain demons for far less."
Deidre didn't know what to say. She leaned into him, breathing in his scent.
"Will you give him permission?" she ventured.
"Not unless he's willing to make a deal with me."
"But wouldn't you do whatever it took, too?"
"I would."
"How is this different?"
"If he wants access to my domain, he will deal with me directly, not prey on your weaknesses."
"Kindness and compassion aren't weaknesses," she countered.
"They are when dealing with deities."
She heard the firmness of his tone and understood he was drawing another boundary for her. This one left her saddened and frustrated. It was impossible to help Gabriel without Darkyn finding out.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I don't like it when you're angry." She nuzzled his neck, loving the scent of his blood.
Darkyn wrapped both arms around her and lowered his head. His bite was sharp enough to make tears spring into her eyes. The pain melted into hot pleasure once again, and she closed her eyes as he fed long and hard. Rather than incite her, it left her sleepy. She was dozing by the time he finished and nudged her awake.
"Leave the dealings of deities to the deities," he whispered.
"Okay," she murmured.
"Drink."
Rousing herself, she bit him and fed until revived.
"Zamon is waiting for you in the library." Darkyn released her and lifted his chin towards an awaiting portal.
Deidre stepped away, almost crossing into it before she realized he wasn't following.
"You aren't coming?" she asked, facing him again.
"I have matters to attend to."
"You're not going after Gabriel." She searched his hard face, unable to read him.
"Not your concern, love."
She rolled her eyes at him and marched into the shadow world, fed up with all the deities in her life.