“Okay. When we’re successful and we shut down the portal,” Dez began again. “That leaves Gabriel to be dealt with.”

“That’s me.” I raised a hand. “And Zayne,” I tacked on before he could say it. “You guys can’t be anywhere near him. Not to be a downer, but he would kill any Warden in a heartbeat.”

“She’s right again.” Zayne caught my arm again, but this time stopping me. He guided me over to a bar stool. “You’re wearing me out, and I’m just watching you.”

“Not to doubt the awesomeness of a Trueborn and Fallen combined,” Nicolai said as I sat in the bar stool. “But are you two going to be enough?”

“Apparently it won’t be just...” Zayne’s hands landed on my shoulders. “Wait. They don’t know, do they?”

I pursed my lips as I tipped my head back.

“Know about what?” Dez asked.

Zayne met my gaze as he stared down at me. “You didn’t tell them?”

“Didn’t exactly seem like a wise thing to do.” My eyes narrowed. “And it’s probably still not the greatest idea to share, Zayne.”

“Tell us what?” Nicolai demanded.

One side of Zayne’s lips curved up, and he had the same air of wicked anticipation as Cayman had when the demon told him about our plans. He drew his lower lip between his teeth.

“Zayne,” I warned.

“Too late.” He dropped a quick kiss on my lips before I could say another word. “Trin, along with Roth and Layla, came up with the spectacular idea to get backup.”

“Backup doesn’t sound bad.” Dez sounded confused.

“Oh, wait until you hear who it is,” Zayne replied. “And just so you know, I had nothing to do with it. This was when I was presumed dead.”

I shoved my elbow back, but Zayne easily avoided the blow with a laugh. “I don’t know what you think is so funny.”

“I’m starting to get concerned,” Nicolai remarked.

Zayne squeezed my shoulders. “Tell them.”

“I’m going to punch you,” I warned. “Later, when we’re not in front of people, so they don’t think I have an anger problem.”

“Looking forward to it,” he replied, thick lashes lowering halfway. “Later, when we’re alone, so no one thinks I’m perverse when I get turned on by you attempting to kick my ass.”

My eyes widened as a sweet hot flush moved through me—wait. Attempting to kick his ass?

“Just FYI,” Nicolai interrupted. “You’re not alone right now, so...”

Dragging my gaze from Zayne’s, I exhaled loudly. “Roth and Layla are currently trying to recruit Lucifer to help us fight Gabriel.”

The three Wardens stared at us in blank silence...or abject horror. One or the other.

Then Dez pushed off the wall. “You don’t mean the Lucifer. Right?”