“We need to talk,” he said.
I should’ve known. Cozy never lasted.
I closed my laptop. “What is it?”
“Until now, Lucifer has been very careful to keep his high demons out of my territory. They use other portals when they wish to visit this realm, as they know my people will kill them on sight if they dare arrive here without invitation.”
“I’m guessing that’s no longer the case.”
He slowly shook his head. “One of Lucifer’s people crossed several nights ago. He killed two of my demons. Unfortunately, they were ill prepared for his attack.” Samael’s mouth twisted.
“Do I know the demons?”
He shook his head. “We believe the demon who crossed was Daimonion.”
I frowned. “I know that name. How do I know that name?”
Lilith closed her magazine. “Daimonion is the man who killed Vassago’s parents.”
“Fuck. Does he know?”
Samael shook his head. “I will tell him later today.”
If Lucifer hadn’t allowed his demons to enter Samael’s territory during the past seventy years, and he was allowing it now…
“He knows I’m here.”
Samael’s jaw tightened. “Yes. We believe he was merely testing the waters.” His arm squeezed me to his side. “My people were unprepared. Next time, we will be ready for him.”
I could feel the blood draining from my face. My hands shook enough that I linked them together. I’d known Lucifer would find me, but I hadn’t expected it to be this fast.
“I will keep you safe,” Samael said, reaching out and taking my hand.
I needed to keep myself safe. “I guess we need to start that training sooner rather than later.”
We were silent for a long moment. Lilith went back to her magazine, and I stared into space, my mind racing.
“Samael…”
“Yes?”
I blew out a breath. “If something happens to me… if Lucifer or one of his people take me out… I need you to promise you’ll protect Evie.”
Samael went very quiet. And when he looked at me, there was nothing even remotely human in his gaze. I watched him, refusing to look away.
“I’m asking you to do this for me,” I said quietly.
“If I was a better man, I would tell you I would protect everyone you loved. Everyone who loves you.”
“You can do that.”
His eyes were pure ice. “I suggest, bounty hunter, that if you want your friends and family to stay safe, you concentrate on staying unharmed.”
I stared at him. He wanted me, but every now and then, he hated me for it. Because I made him vulnerable in a way he hadn’t been for a long, long time.
He got to his feet, turned and walked away.
My chest burned and I realized I’d been holding my breath.
