“We need to talk, Danica. Now that you know about the prophecy–”
“I don’t believe in fate. And I don’t have to attempt to kill Lucifer if I don’t want to. The prophecy says only one of us will live. Which– let’s be real– means thatI’llbe the one to die. I’m not going anywhere near the guy.”
“You can’t bury your pretty head in the sand over this. The moment you opened that book, Lucifer learned all he needed to know. He’ll send his people after you. You’re a threat to his power. To hislife. He’ll never let that stand.”
Bitterness flooded my mouth. “Oh,nowyou care what happens to me? Maybe you shouldn’t have left me ignorant then. Maybe if I’d known about what would happen if I read the prophecy, I would’ve been on the lookout for glowing books.”
Samael’s voice was a blade coated in sweet poison. “Be very careful, bounty hunter. I have given you freedom I have never given anyone else. If I wanted to, I could make you do anything I wished. Everything I’ve done was to prevent you from reading that prophecy. You may thank me whenever you please.”
He turned and walked away. My eyes burned and I blinked furiously. I wouldn’t cry over him. Not again.
Thank him my ass.
I ordered a Lyft and waited on the corner of the street.
Samael had gotten through my wards while I was sleeping and left the keys to the car I’d borrowed on the counter. I’d dropped the car back at his tower and left the keys at the front desk.
He’d simply walked back through my wards and left them on my counter again, the overbearing jackass. Later today, I’d be replacing my Toyota.
But first, I had a meeting. I was done being Samael’s toy. By now, it was evident that he wasn’t removing the bond and getting the hell out of my life unless I made him.
The Lyft pulled up and I got in. The human driver realized I didn’t want to chat and hummed quietly along to a song on the radio. I stared out the window. Samael’s tower shot into the sky in the distance and I forced my gaze away. No matter what happened, that tower would always stand as a reminder of the demon who lied to me at every turn.
I closed my eyes. Samael had already enjoyed centuries of life. I’d had less than thirty years. The writing had been on the wall since the moment we met. One day soon it would come down to me or him. And I was choosing me.
Meredith nodded at me from behind the bar as I walked in. I waved at her, turning toward the corner where I’d met the bladesmith last time. He was waiting, his eyes sharp.
I sat. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
“You’re welcome. I was intrigued by your message.” The bladesmith tilted his head. “What is it that you need?”
I took a deep breath and handed him the arrowhead Cara had given me. The pointy end was still wrapped in soft cloth. I didn’t know how much it would affect me, but I definitely needed to find a way to protect myself from the arrow. The last thing I needed was to fall and impale myself on something that could kill demons.
But I finally had a weapon that would protect me from ending up as Samael’s toy.
“I need you to make this appear invisible to demons. Even the most powerful high demons. And if possible, I’d like to be able to clip it under my lanyard.”
He let out a low whistle. “You don’t ask for much, do you? I love a challenge, but that has Rowan in it.”
“I’m aware. That’s why I need it hidden.”
David shook his head. “Hiding rowan wood from a demon would require demon blood for the spell.”
I gave him a slow smile. “Would half-demon blood work?”
“Well, now that’s an intriguing prospect. I’d need to ask the witch I work with.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “It will be expensive. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I’m sure.” Thanks to the money Mariam had wired into my account, I could afford to work with the bladesmith. Besides, at this point in my life, I couldn’t affordnotto work with him.
David reached for his phone and murmured into it while I signaled for a drink. He hung up and looked at me. “The witch happened to be just around the corner. She agreed to come meet us.”
Mere brought me my drink, gave the bladesmith a wary look and hurried away to a group of unseelie near the door.
“Where is your friend who likes to watch the pretty barmaid?”
I gaped at David. “Who are you talking about?”
“The demon who’s always here sitting at that table and flirting with everyone who moves while keeping his gaze fixed to the woman who just brought you that drink.”
