Cynden Frasier (Cyn) is a member of a group of immortal warriors, the Protectors, assigned to protect humans in Atlanta, Georgia, the epicenter of a major uprising in demon activity. When Cyn is approached by a beautiful woman in a dirty alley, he is intrigued by the fact that she can see him for what he is, a terrifying demon slayer, and still dares to approach him.
Emma Blake, a half-demon, has to convince Cyn to help rescue her sister from powerful demons. Terrified that the Protector will kill her if he realizes what she is, she still goes against every instinct and approaches Cyn for help. Despite knowing that she is leading them both into territory so wrought with treachery, neither of them may survive.
Can Cyn and Emma overcome betrayal, the ancient rules that prevent Protectors from taking a wife, unless she is his one true mate? And if they do, will it even matter?
Emma had done some things in her life that she wasn't exactly proud of... and trying to lure one of the Protectors away from safety and into the clutches of the demons was one of them. But, the demons had her sister, Briana, and not just any demon, but their cruel leader, Gerard. Briana was the only family Emma had left. She couldn't leave her to the demons, not even if Briana didn't listen. Not even if she was turned herself, Emma wouldn't or couldn't leave Briana to her fate. But, why did it have to be Cynden?
Cynden has been a Protector for nearly as long as he can remember. When the change came upon him, he had little choice of refusal. His brother, Kieran, struggled against the change, finally giving in to the inevitable. But, it was a good life, Cyn had done well, and he was still alive, him and Blue, his adopted son. He enjoyed what he did, demons were the bad guys, and if he could protect the humans, that much better. Until his life starts to lose focus, all because some woman wanders into his path, Emma, and her captured sister. Roderick, a former Protector and friend, is missing and it's ripping his wife, Rachel, apart.
Now, Emma tells Cyn, she knows where Roderick is, and it just happens to be with the demons. The ones holding her sister.
Desperate Betrayal by Hildie McQueen is an enchanting tale from it's beginnings. Emma becomes a Cyn stalker and an unwilling demon pawn, showing up when he least expects it. Only, he finds himself drawn to the woman, her eyes, his fingers itch to touch her hair and her body, her very scent drives his need. And it sends his Protector senses into heightened response. Life mate screams in his mind, but Protectors aren't allowed to take mates, which is what cost Roderick his place in the fold. Now, Roderick was gone with little hope of finding him, especially alive, and he can't even think it unless he wants Rachel to see it in his thoughts and actions. When Cyn can't leave Emma at the scene of a demon attack, he blindfolds her, drags her to his home on the back of his massive bike. Blue is delighted, but Cyn can't trust Blue's safety to anyone, and now Emma can't be released, not with Protector and his son's security at risk. His brother, Kieran, doesn't understand his need, but Cyn finds he does need Emma, in his life and his bed. When Emma tells him Roderick is being held captive by the demons, he must risk the tentative trust he's willing to give her, only to find betrayal in her heart.
Desperate Betrayal is exactly what the name implies, a desperate betrayal, one not willingly made or easily found. But demons control Emma's actions and she'll do what she has to, not only for her sister, but for the one who has stolen her heart, Cyn. What he sees as betrayal, she knows is sacrifice because she's willing to sell her life for his, even if he can't see it. She has to put an unfeeling tone in her voice, has to let Gerard take her lips in a demanding painful kiss. She only wants Cyn, and he only sees betrayal. No matter what else happens, Cyn must survive, and he only sees it with her sacrifice for Blue. Hildie McQueen gives us an excellent first novel, a story told with passion, desire, and need. When Cyn and Emma come together, the heat pours from the pages. This is the first book, and debut novel, of the Protectors series, and I can't wait to read Kieran's story, and I feel Fallon's may come too. So many great Protectors, so many potential stories to tell. Paranormal romance lovers, urban fantasy fans, and supernatural hero lovers will all want to give this one a try. It's a wonderful read, on my recommend list. Five out of five fairy kisses for this happy reader.
I received my copy from the author, Hildie McQueen, for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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