The door burst open, and a large group of crimsons and a few reds filed in. This was the premium division of the realm’s army. There was likely a fancy term for them, but I didn’t know it. These were the demons sent forth when Carmine wanted a job done right, and I could tell they were gearing up for something big. There was an intensity to their trainings that never existedthree years ago on the few occasions where Carmine had convinced me to train here.
Tygrio bowed, still frowning, and retreated to join the group. The crimsons fell into line as Carmine’s army general, a crimson female named Sota who idolized the royal family and therefore hated me, barked out orders.
They were training to wage war on other supernaturals.
I joined at the end of the back row, allowing my body to move in sync with theirs.
Carmine was willing to riskhislife by putting me in the games to keep me close. I smiled. I wouldn’t hesitate to use his desperation against him.
8
I snapped the portal closed in my bed chamber, whirling to find Carmine behind me. I’d been about to leave for home.
Carmine dragged his gaze from where the portal had been. Did he send any smoke through? He wouldn’t find anything there, but now I’d need to portal elsewhere before heading to the desert in case his smoke followed me.
Great.
I crossed my arms. “What do you want?”
Carmine’s gaze cut to me. “Why do you protect him so?”
My heart pounded before I reminded myself that Carmine referred to my grandfather. “He protected me until I could protect myself. I owe him.”
“You owe him nothing. He chose to give his protection. For motives of his own.”
Demons, seriously.“You asked a question, and I answered it.”
“Loyalty,” Carmine said in distaste. “The human notion.”
“And most supernaturals.” Luther packs were mega loyal. Magus held great loyalty to their covens and family. Vissimo had loyalty to their immediate family and their clan, though theywere closest in a lot of ways to how demons viewed strength and cunning.
“You feel loyalty to your mother and sister,” I reminded him. “You know what loyalty is.”
“I know that my mother and sister understand their role. That is not loyalty. That is a mutual agreement that we survive better together.” Carmine inspected my outfit.
Looking for clues?
Someone was shitty since their dream didn’t go well. I, on the other hand, had trained for three and a half hours, then slept like a baby until half an hour ago. While here, there was no reason for me to be awake at certain times. Perhaps I should look at my time here as a holiday. “Yes, I am just a naive human. Was there anything else, wise demon king? I’ve got somewhere to be.”
“Naive.” Carmine entered the room to circle behind me. “Once, yes. But that part of you is lost. You are still ignorant in ways, but that will fade in time. You will be a powerful mate indeed.”
He believed in me. That was nice.
I shook my head. “There’s no more mating ritual.”
From behind, Carmine brushed my hair off one shoulder.
I whirled and slapped his hand away. “Don’t.”
Ice glinted in his eyes. “You will be mine, enamai, even if it takes eternity to convince you away from these... notions filling your head.”
That was the hilarious thing about his plan to finish the mating ritual; the ritual required twowillingdemons.
He really would need to convince me.“You killed my family, Carmine. That’s not a notion filling my head. You’ll need more than eternity to make me forget what you did.”
I didn’t turn my face away as he stepped closer. I wouldn’t show this bastard any fear.
“I did kill them.” His chilled gaze roamed my face. “I enjoyed it too. And still you will be mine in time. You will weaken more and more to my body, and smell, and voice. And when you are trembling with it, and begging for my touch, then I will be merciful and give you all that you need.”
