had been friends since their abduction, he should be able to Leap to him without his express permission. It took a few minutes to get a lock on him. He felt his body transport and prepared for whatever would be at his destination.
Which turned out to be a gated entrance in a high-end neighborhood. The property had several buildings set way back from the road, hidden by vegetation. Hayden stayed to the side of the ornate gate, out of view of the camera and passersby. He assessed the borders of the property, figuring out the best way to get inside. The yard, with banyans and oaks, was surrounded by a fence camouflaged by hedges. In the distance, a man kicked something on the ground. Vicious kicks.
Hayden Leaped into the yard but bounced off a barrier. He felt along the edge of it, which went to the property line, sneaking closer to the Caido who was outside the barrier. What Hayden saw tightened his lungs. Lying on the ground was a bloodied Kasabian being pummeled by a Caido who had been on the receiving end of a similar beating, judging by the blood and torn clothing.
Hayden quickly assessed the situation. No other enemies in sight. The attacking Caido was too preoccupied to notice his presence. Yet. Hayden wasnât about to let him have that chance before he got the upper hand.
He shot him with a Light beam that threw him several yards away. Hayden Leaped to that location before the guy could gain his footing. He was fast, though, rolling with Haydenâs punch and landing on his feet again. Hayden used his Light to slice across the Caidoâs chest, but it only caused a flesh wound. The Caido sent a concussive beam at Hayden, throwing him back. He landed hard on the ground, twigs scratching his back. The Caido jumped, ready to obliterate him.
Hayden took the brunt of the manâs weight, but grabbed hold of him and shot him with Light. The Caido kicked as his body convulsed, breaking contact. He fell to the ground, still convulsing.
Hayden jumped to his feet and ran to Kasabianâs still form. He was in bad shape, unconscious, a gash above his eye, his mouth a wreck. And blood on the ground around him. Hell. Why wasnât he in angel form? Hayden ducked as a beam of Light shot toward him, searing the tree to his right. He didnât have time to deal with this moron. He had to get Kasabian out of here now. Hayden put his hand on Kasabianâs chest and Leaped them back to his apartment.
Chapter 7
K ye held herself back from pounding on Kasabianâs door. No need to attract attention, but the desperation to see if he was all right screamed through her. The worst of the pain had subsided, but she knew something was terribly wrong. The door opened, and a tense-looking Hayden stepped aside so she could come in.
Kasabian lay on the floor, curled up on his side. The sight of him sank her stomach. She took inventory as she rushed to him. He was bruised, his lip torn and bloody, face swollen.
She looked into his eyes. They were open, but he stared at nothing. His body trembled. âKasabian, talk to me.â His nonresponsiveness scared her. She was afraid to touch him. âKasabian, please. Say something.â
âChildren there,â he said on a hoarse whisper. âHave toâ¦go back.â
Hayden knelt down beside him, and it was only then that she saw him. Really saw him. He was in full wing, the beautiful silver essence spread out majestically from his shoulder blades. She had never seen a Caido in wing before, and it should have mesmerized her. But her gaze returned to Kasabian, bloody and broken on the floor. And all he cared about, even now, were the children.
âAre you crazy? You canât go back,â she said. âYou have to heal.â
Haydenâs hand glowed as he waved it over Kasabianâs face. The bruises and gashes miraculously healed, leaving only blood and dirt.
âI felt his pain here, too,â she said, pointing to her ribs. âI
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