My chest tightens at the image of his broken body in my clutches, but it’s just the high left over from the orgasm or his lingering pheromones making me feel that way. That’s all. I don’t feel anything for that asshole. No way.
After shaking off whatever that was, I manage to find my clothes and my phone and get dressed, with a brief stop at the front desk.
“Can I have an envelope please?”
The young man at the desk nods and smiles, sliding it across the desk to me. Opening my wallet, I toss a few thousand dollars into the envelope and my key card. They’ll figure out what room it’s for soon enough.
“Give it to your management.”
“Sir…?”
I turn and walk off before he can ask me anything else. I’m in no mood for explanations. I head back across the street and find my car, tearing off into the night to get home. I press the Bluetooth for Lord as soon as I hit the freeway.
“Did you find something?” Lord asks as he answers.
“I need a family meeting. I’m on my way back.”
“You sound distraught.”
“That’s putting it mildly. See you soon.” I hit the end call button and press down on the gas pedal, speeding towards home and trying to shake the scent of Montrose—Xazedose—still lingering in my nose. I can still taste the earthy sweet flavor of his flesh, which only infuriates me more that he used me like he did and I fell for it.
I make it home in record time, spitting gravel from under my tires as I tear into the compound and impatiently waiting forthe gates to open before coming to a screeching stop in front of Lord’s house.
When I enter, the family is gathered. Lord’s brow is creased with worry while Mac looks terrified. Lake is poised with a notebook in his hand. Arson’s nose wrinkles, reminding me that they can all no doubt smell sex all over me. My jaw ticks and my dragon thrashes under the surface.
“I found Mac’s demon,” I announce through gritted teeth, pacing a short path in Lord’s living room. “He’s in the demon realm, I assume.”
“You assume?” Nico asks.
“He was here, took his ring, and did that disappearing shit demons do. I can only assume he went to his realm.”
“Why would you assume that?” Arson asks, a grin already playing on his lips, while Draydon looks confused.
“Because he knows I’m pissed.”
“I feel like you’re leaving some important parts out,” Arson pushes. “Why were you pissed, Tino?”
I growl and narrow my eyes at my brother, but Lord steps in.
“If it’s not relevant then you don’t need to share. If the demon has his ring, is it settled?”
“No, it’s not settled,” I reply tightly. “He threatened Mac and he…” I pause, dragging a hand through my ruffled hair as I choose my words. “He offended me. It’s about honor now.”
“Oh crap,” Mac mutters.
“I see,” Lord says. “Are you proposing a trip to the demon realm? I don’t have to tell you how dangerous a journey that is.”
“I don’t give a fuck.” I spit the words. “I’m gonna find that demon and when I do, I’m gonna tear him limb from limb. I’m gonna kill—” My voice breaks and I cough before I can finish my threats.
My dragon thrashes and my chest tightens, my beast threatening to push itself out. Instead, my skin ripples with scales and smoke billows from my nose.
“How interesting,” Dempsey whispers.
“Very,” Hemingway agrees. “Seems your dragon disagrees with your plans.”
“My dragon has no idea what’s good for him.”
Arson chuckles and I roar, sending a burst of flames in his direction. He leans out of the way casually. “Just admit what we all know,” Arson says. “You fucked the demon. You stillwantto fuck the demon.”
