I rolled my eyes and held up my arm, attempting to ignore the way it glinted in the sun. I should’ve been warned when it heated up and then went ominously silent after Samael discovered me missing.
“I promise not to die until after I’ve found out who’s killing his demons, okay?”
Vas shook his head and I ground my teeth, reaching into my back pocket for my phone.
I found Samael’s number and waited while it rang.
“Call off your bodyguard,” I ordered when he answered. Yes, I was much braver when I couldn’t actually see the scary demon. Sue me.
“He’s there to keep you safe.”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring the way Vas stared at me like I was some kind of endangered species he’d never seen before. “Agaliarept almost died, and you’re going to send this guy with me? No offense, but he looks like a puppy.”
Vas shook his head at me, but he didn’t seem offended. If anything, he seemed even more amused. That relaxed amusement meant he had nothing to prove, and I’d taken one look at his face and underestimated him. I filed that away to think about later.
“Agaliarept was unprepared for you to be targeted. Vassago has some of the best shields I’ve ever seen— something you need. Or have you forgotten?”
I scowled. “Look, I appreciate the thought, but I work best alone. I don’t want to have to worry about anyone else–”
“It’s happening. I expect you at my tower at five pm for your first ward lesson.”
This day sucked.
I opened my mouth to argue some more, but Samael’s tone changed to a low purr. “I missed my pillow last night.”
My cheeks heated as Vas’s eyes widened. Demons had superior hearing.
Samael’s bed had been overloaded with pillows. He was just messing with me.
When in doubt, go on the offensive.
“It’s mine now,” I said. “It’s the least you can do for all the crap you’ve put me through over the past week.”
He laughed, and I struggled to reconcile his teasing tone with theyou will do what I say or I will kill youvoice from a few moments ago.
“You don’t need my pillow to be reminded of me. All you need to do is let me know when you’re ready to come to my bed.”
I gaped, speechless. Distantly, I realized the demon was still talking.
“Did you do filthy things with my pillow, little witch? Did you think of me?”
I spluttered. “Absolutely not. Your pillow is more comfortable than mine. The end.”
I ended the call and barely resisted throwing my phone as I stalked down Selina’s steps.
Vas fell into step beside me. “Did you seriously just hang up on Samael?”
I glanced at him. “He deserved it.” And once I cooled down, I’d replay that conversation in my head and figure out how he got me mad enough to forget the reason I called him in the first place.
I sighed. “I really appreciate that you’re willing to put your ass on the line, but I really don’t want your death on my conscience.”
Vas narrowed his eyes at me and I finally figured out why he seemed so familiar. “You’re related to Agaliarept,” I blurted out. “His son?”
“Nephew. And he still hasn’t woken up. So believe me when I say I’m just as motivated as you are.”
I frowned at him, but the moment he’d talked vengeance, he’d begun speaking my language.
“Fine,” I said. “But don’t get in my way.”
