“If you keep antagonizing them, I might let something slip about your winged problem.” That veiled threat obviously hits its mark because the nightmare swings his head around, glaring down at her.
“I told you that under the best friend confidentiality clause. It's a binding contract, in case you were unaware,” he insists, making a laugh bubble out of her. It's rich, throaty, and entirely too sensual for a woman wearing dirty hiking boots.
“I don't remember signing anything.” She taps her chin with her pointer finger. “You also never said it was a secret.”
“Oh my shit, Sheena. It was implied. Like the time you told me about what Gideon can do with his tongue.”
The djinn cringes, but the shifter seems amused. “My mom is right there, man,” he says.
Sarah laughs at that. She's been a quiet but shrewd observer up until this point, much like myself.
“It's okay, dear. It's comforting for me to know my son isn't a selfish lover.” She pats him on the back and beams down at the djinn.
“Umm. Nothing to worry about there, Sarah,” the djinn says. Her face is so red now her blush is visible even in the dimly lit corridor. She looks like she'd rather be anywhere else.
As soon as Sarah turns back to lead the group on, the three of them converge on the blonde troublemaker, hissing and swatting at him. He has the nerve to look aggrieved, and I'm surprised to find myself genuinely amused by their scuffle.
Unfortunately, I've learned almost nothing helpful, except that two of the males are sharing her physically. That is not uncommon in the supernatural world, hardly worth even noting, but the variable does interest me. Perhaps she will have a better chance of survival if she collects a powerful group of lovers.
“Sheena, my son tells me you've had some trouble recently. Are you feeling better?” At the question, I immediately perk up, eager to hear her answer.
“Yes, it's been a hard few years,” she says. A shiver rolls down her spine. “I do feel better, though. Thank you for asking.” The big shifter steps closer to her, rubbing his chest and looking pained by her reaction.
I smell fear in the air.
“We're hoping you might have information that could help us keep Sheena safe, mom.” The shifter wraps a protective arm around her. Sarah promises to do whatever she can, her curiosity bleeding through her polite tone.
I watch them disappear into the Casanell’s private residence and consider my next move. If they have questions for the leaders of the enclave, that includes me now.
It seems tonight is the perfect time to take the demons up on their standing dinner invitation.
CHAPTER
SIXTEEN
GIDEON
Ifeel like we’re at the highest point of a roller coaster, dangling over the edge, waiting to drop into complete chaos. Sheena’s nerves are obvious, and Callum’s tension gets worse with each step we take toward his childhood home.
My parents expect a lot from me, but they also make it clear their priority is my happiness. Instead of support, Cal learned at the most difficult time of his life that his parents’ favor was conditional and out of his control.
We warned Sheena that his parents are assholes, so she’s prepared, but if they make her or Callum uncomfortable, I’m going to lose my shit. Dimitri may be one of the leaders of this enclave, but I’m next in line, and I won’t put up with any disrespect.
Glancing around at the dark living space, I repress a shiver. I hate spending time here. It’s just so godsdamn Halloween. Dark fabrics, dark wallpaper, dark art. Seriously, turn a light on or something. I’m no interior designer, but what does it say aboutyou when your coziest room screams ‘the crushing weight of existential dread?’
“Psst, Sheena,” I whisper as I walk past the familiar stone gargoyle and its large talons. When she looks back at me, I partially shift my hand to add claws and recreate the iconic scene from E.T. Callum rolls his eyes at me, but Sheena’s giggle is exactly what I was looking for. My girl is wound too tight.
“Good evening.”
“Shitfuck.” I gasp as Mallory materializes out of the shadows like a fucking ghost.
She startles me so badly my claw jerks across the statue causing an ear-piercing scraping sound. We all wince. I mutter an apology, and Sheena’s face turns tomato red from holding in her laugh.
“Is there a problem with the art, Gideon?” Mallory’s tone is dry enough to send the whole state into a drought.
I immediately shake my head. “Oh no, ma’am. This little guy just reminded me of E.T. You know, the alien from that movie? ‘E.T., phone home.’” I mimic the voice pretty fucking well, but Cal’s mom doesn’t even crack a smile.
“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of viewing that film,” she says coolly.
