“Is that shifty little mage planning world domination?” Cassius muses.
“No,” Atlas replies softly, shaking his head. “His magic isn’t evil. Can’t you smell it?”
The three of us shake our heads, and Atlas frowns.
“What does it smell like to you?” Roman perches on the edge of the table. “Describe it to me.”
“It’s sweet, but not like candy or cake. More like jasmine and vanilla. Like…” He tilts his head. “The tea from my village in France.”
I raise an eyebrow. Well, isn’t that interesting?
Roman scratches his beard. “Yeah, maybe that’s what it smelled like when I was closer to it.”
I can tell from his tone that’s not at all true.
“Is there anything else?” I prod. “Anything about how to deal with him?”
Atlas looks down again. “Barter. He’s usually willing to barter. We need something appealing to him. Something he’ll take in exchange for Mac.”
I huff, folding my arms over my chest. “But we need the amulet he took. Auri needs it.”
The four of us sit quietly, completely stumped. I send another wave of reassurance through the bond, hoping Mac gets it, and when I receive his answering vibration, I’m somewhat soothed.
“I’ll have to get something from Auri,” I announce. “It’s the only way.”
Cassius gives me a hard look. “He won’t give you anything. You know that.”
“I have to do something. I’m not letting my mate rot in a mage’s prison. What would you do if it were your mate?”
Cassius shudders. “Gods, I hope I never find out. This mate bond stuff is inconvenient.”
“I would do whatever is necessary,” Atlas says. “Even if I had to anger Auri.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. “I’m going to see the boss.”
“We’re right beside you,” Roman says, standing and shoving Cassius’s arm.
“Yes, of course.” Cassius gives me a tight smile.
The four of us walk down the hall toward Auri’s office, finding the door already open and the demon boss sitting behind his imposing desk.
“Yes, yes, come in. I heard my name on all your lips. What is it?”
“I need an artifact for trade, Master.”
He looks up, tilting his head and gazing at me with large, unblinking eyes that shimmer lilac. “Whatever for?”
“A mage is holding Mac. We read that he likes to barter for things. I was thinking if I could get something from you, he would take it and give Mac back to us. Then we can figure out what he did with the amulet.”
Auri taps a long finger against his chin. “What a dilemma. Let me see if I understand this. My newest pet has been captured, and now I am to give up a treasure in order to regain my pet from the person who has treasure I also want. Is that correct?”
I cringe, scrunching my nose. “Yes.”
Auri rises from his seat slowly, growing to an imposing height. “Leave us,” he bellows, and the other three disappear quickly from the room.
Auri approaches me, and I stand firm in spite of his display of power over me. He could tap a finger on my forehead and send me to the depths of hell if he wanted to. I would never see Mac, or anyone else, again.
“Sweet Drax, you’ve always been such a loyal pet, but now your loyalties are divided. You’ve gone and mated yourself.”
