Desmund nodded. “Tristan has mentioned him.”

“After my illness, my Fae power got a lot stronger, and I couldn’t use it without destroying something. Eldeorin’s been training me to use my new power.”

“And what is wrong with that if it is helping you? Moreover, why would it upset Nikolas? Is he jealous of the faerie?”

“He doesn’t like Eldeorin, but he knows he’s just my friend.” I swallowed. “He wouldn’t be happy if he knew what my training with Eldeorin was really like.”

Jordan snorted. “There’s the understatement of the year. Do the words ‘DEFCON 1 mean anything to you?”

Desmund’s brows drew together. “Sara?”

“I’ve been using my power to kill vampires,” I blurted.

Jordan stretched a leg over the arm of her chair. “Among other things.”

“Explain.” Desmund’s tone did not change so it was impossible to know what he was thinking. I started by telling him about my liannan. I explained how out of control my power had been and how terrified I’d been of losing control around Nikolas and the others. And then Eldeorin had shown me how to release all that pent-up energy.

Once I got started, the whole story poured out of me, and I spent the next hour filling him in on all my training sessions with Eldeorin. A mixture of shock, concern, and even pride showed on his face, until I got to the part about the vampire nest in New Jersey. I wasn’t surprised that one angered him. I didn’t want to think about how Nikolas was going to react when I finally told him – if Desmund didn’t tell him first.

“I know how bad it sounds, but Eldeorin is always there with me, and I don’t think he’d let me get seriously hurt. And I’m getting really good at using my power. I still need to work on my fighting, but I’m getting better every day.”

Desmund leaned back and stared at me for a long moment until I couldn’t take the silence anymore.

“Say something.”

He shook his head. “Your friend, Jordan, is right. Nikolas is going to explode when he hears of this.”

I sagged against the couch. “Are you going to tell him?”

He responded by laughing. “I consider myself a brave male, but even I am not brave enough to be the one to tell your mate what you have been up to.”

I hugged him. “Thank you.”

“That does not mean I agree with you keeping this from him. Nikolas and I have had our differences, but he is a good man and he cares for you.”

I pulled back. “I’m going to tell him; I want to tell him. I just don’t know how. He’ll want me to stop, but I don’t want to. I like helping people, and I’m really good at this.”

I stared at Desmund as my words sank in. I had complained and yelled at Eldeorin every time I finished one of his training sessions. But the truth was, I felt completely alive and free every time I saved a life and rid the world of one more evil. And I wanted to do it again.

He let out a slow breath. “So you are the vigilante everyone has been talking about these last few weeks?”

“Yes.”

He stood and held his hand out to me. I took it automatically, and he pulled me to my feet.

“Where are we going?” I asked when he started for the door, taking me with him.

“If you are intent on saving the world, we need to get you in fighting shape.” A smirk curved his lips. “If nothing else, it will help you restrain your mate when he goes into a rage over this.”

“You’re going to train me?”

He laughed arrogantly. “It’s been a while, but I do remember how to train someone. I’m sure I can show you some tricks that even Nikolas does not know.”

We went to the gym with Jordan trailing behind us, probably hoping to learn some of those tricks Desmund had mentioned. She leaned against the wall as Desmund and I faced each other in the center of the room.

“Before we begin, I need to see what you’ve learned so far. Proceed.”

“You want me to attack you?”

Amusement lit his eyes. “I want you to try.”

I went through every kick and strike Nikolas had taught me, and Desmund deflected each one so fast he barely appeared to move. I knew my form was perfect, but there was no way to get past the defenses of someone as fast as him.

“Your technique is good, but where are your strength and your speed?”

I paused to catch my breath. “I still have trouble with that part.”

His brow furrowed. “Then that is what we need to work on. It is no wonder Nikolas refused to let you accompany him.”

It was my turn to scowl. “I have other strengths.”

“Yes, you do, but they are not enough. You were fortunate when you entered that nest that you did not encounter all those vampires together. Your power may be strong, but can you kill that many vampires at once?”

“No, but neither can a warrior.” Except maybe Nikolas. And Desmund.

“A warrior would not have attempted that on his own unless he had a death wish.” He thought for a moment. “Can you not use your Mori strength at all?”

“A little, but not for long. It feels... strange to me.”

“Strange?”

“I don’t connect with my Mori the way you guys do, and it’s uncomfortable sharing my mind with someone else. Whenever we join, it’s a bit overwhelming and I can’t keep it up for long.”