I grinned at her. “See you tomorrow.”
Virtus politely waited for me to unlock the door. Orin would be here soon, but I wanted to get a head start on opening. A human guy advanced until he was only a few feet away, and I turned my head.
“Back up,” I ordered him.
He ignored me, still recording with his phone, and Virtus slowly turned his head.
Gone was the wise, kind griffin. He opened his mouth, baring his lion teeth, a sudden breeze ruffling his mane.
The human backed up several steps and fell on his ass.
I grinned at the griffin. “You’re handy to have around.” I led him into my bar, switching on the lights. “You want something to eat? Drink?”
He looked at me, and I grinned, suddenly knowing that he didn’t care for most human food, other than Doritos. Doritos were delicious.
“I don’t think I have any of them,” I said. “But I’ll run out and grab you some.”
No, he didn’t want that. I was to go ahead with my routine while he rested. Tonight, he would hunt with the wolves.
I got to work, going through the motions that were automatic at this point. My mind wandered toward Ilayda while I prepared the bar for opening.
Had someone caught her talking to us? Had they hurt her in retaliation? Nausea swept through me at the thought, and Virtus slid me a glance.
“I’m worried about her,” I admitted.
The door opened, and Virtus gave it an unconcerned glance. Obviously, he knew whoever was on the way in.
Vas stepped inside, glancing approvingly at Virtus. The griffin slowly got to his feet and wandered over, allowing Vas to scratch beneath his jaw.
“Hey,” I said, my mouth suddenly dry. It wasn’t fair that Vas looked so damn good. That he made me want him so bad.
He stalked toward me like a wet dream, and I took a sharp breath.
“Orin will be here soon,” I warned him.
“We’ll be quick.”
My core clenched. He gave me a slow grin. I knew he was kidding—he wouldn’t want to have sex in front of Virtus. But I was still instantly ready for him every time he gave me that wicked grin, his dreamy eyes staring at me in that…wayhe did.
“Any luck?” I asked him.
“You tell me.” He gave me a lewd wink, and I burst out laughing.
“With Daimonion.”
The amusement drained from his expression, and I was sorry to see it go.
“No. I’m not the only one hunting him. Samael has put a team on him.”
I winced. Vas had always wanted to be the one to find him. “I’m sorry.”
He sighed. “I can’t blame him. He gave me months. He’s decreed that I am still the only one allowed to kill him, unless innocents are directly at risk.”
His phone beeped, and he pulled it from his pocket with a frown. He cursed. “Bael needs me. Something’s going down at the tower.”
Vas shoved his phone back into his pocket and leaned over the bar, sliding one hand behind my neck and pulling me close.
My mind went blank as his warm lips caressed mine, a promise for later.
