“Follow my lead, Alexa,” Shya continued, “and everything should go off without a hitch. Then we shall both be free of the threat she poses.”
The doorbell rang and I jumped. My heart leapt into my throat. Shya clasped my left hand in his, trailing a warm finger over the dragon etched into my flesh. I shuddered, unable to repress the reaction to the snake-like slither of his power crawling over me.
“Trust me.” Then he was gone, striding through the house to the front door.
“Arys, I can’t do this,” I whispered. My hands trembled and I fidgeted anxiously.
He was at my side in an instant, watching Shya warily. “You can and you will. You have to. Remember, there is no other creature on earth like you. Show them why they fear you.”
His smooth as velvet voice was soothing, infusing me with confidence where before there had been fear. Our connection was as strong as ever. I focused on it humming through me until my fingers began to tingle.
An unnatural breeze bathed me in a cool wind seconds before Falon appeared beside me. It didn’t startle me this time. I was beginning to get used to the fallen angel’s sudden appearances.
He grabbed my arm and leaned in close. I could feel the urgency about him. “Keep my secret, and I’ll owe you a favor.” His breath was warm against my ear. He held firm, refusing to let me pull away until I responded.
We both looked up at the sound of Shya’s voice. He was heading back our way with Lilah in tow. She was dressed for a fight in cargo pants, a tank top and army boots. Her flame colored hair was tied back in a braid, and her eyes sparkled with devious delight.
Falon’s grip tightened painfully. For some reason, he was desperate to keep Shya from finding out about his sexcapades with Lilah. This might be a deal worth making.
“Fine,” I hissed, shaking him off. “I’ll keep your dirty little secret. For now. Don’t make me regret it.”
He quickly put distance between us, taking a seat on one of the comfy looking lounge chairs. His silver wings shifted to accommodate him. Leaning back, he feigned casual so well I almost bought it.
Shya oozed arrogant confidence when he stepped back onto the patio. He swept over to the small sofa adjacent to Falon and perched on the arm. Lilah stopped at the threshold, her orange eyes scrutinizing each one of us in turn.
“Alright, Shya, what are you up to?” With hands on her hips, Lilah glared daggers into the smirking demon. So, she didn’t trust him either. That was reassuring.
“I told you, my dear. I would deliver the wolf straight into your hands. Did I not make good on that promise?”
I felt Arys tense beside me. Somehow, I remained calm despite the bombshell that had just dropped. It was too soon to assume what was the truth and what was a lie. I had no choice but to give Shya the benefit of the doubt.
Lilah met my eyes briefly, and I saw uncertainty in her gaze. She refused to acknowledge either Falon or Arys. “What’s the catch? Last time we spoke you were adamant that I wasn’t even to look at her the wrong way. What could you possibly need so badly that you’d be willing to give up such a prized piece of your collection?”
I bristled at that but remained unaffected – I could take a few insults – I had bigger concerns.
“You know what I want.” Shya’s entire demeanor changed. He was suddenly the slick businessman.
The two demons shared a look, and something passed between them. A peal of laughter rippled from Lilah. “It’s never going to happen, Shya. Nothing in this world or the next could convince me to hand you that kind of power.”
“Not even if I have valuable information that could help you break the curse? Information that you will lose if you kill Alexa and turn your back on me.”
The yip of coyotes far off in the distance taunted my wolf. Demons weren’t part of my world; I didn’t belong here with them. Escape. That’s what the wolf cried out for. Release. I swallowed hard and tried taking a few calming breaths. I could do this; I was fine.
Lilah looked at me, and her eyes narrowed. I met her stare steadily, daring her to make a move. I’d be happy to tear her throat out. It might not kill her, but it would hurt like a bitch, and I would enjoy doing it.
“I’m here because you promised me a deal I couldn’t refuse,” Lilah’s voice grew thick with anger. She sauntered up to Shya, glowering down into his smug face. The air pulsed with the suffocating heat of demon power.
“And, I will give you one.” If Shya was anything but coolly amused, it didn’t show until he rose to face Lilah head on. Staring into her with a burning hatred in his red eyes, he grinned. “I have the key to breaking your curse.”
“Bullshit,” spat Lilah.
I held my breath. Watching the two of them attempt to stare one another down, I couldn’t help but feel that I wouldn’t like where this was going. I was right.
“It’s Alexa.”