Lucian doesn’t flinch. He stops at the base of the dais where the golden throne is located, looking up at the demon lounging above him.
“And what if I told the Magistrate about the Flesh Peddlers’ little side business? The forbidden exports that slip from your gates under shadow and make their way to the Human Realm?” His smile is thin but razor-sharp. “We both know whose head would roll first.”
Kael’s grin falters for just a moment before he bares his teeth.
“I see your point—neither of us wins if we speak. We both burn in the Magistrate’s wrath.”
“Then let’s not waste time.” Lucian’s tone is clipped, every word deliberate. “You want profit, Kael? Name your price. I’ll pay it. Just give her back.”
Kael tilts his head, intrigued.
“I never thought I’d see the day the Don of the Crimson Syndicate stooped to bargain with a lowly demon.”
Lucian’s eyes flare scarlet.
“Call yourself what you like. But do not think for a moment I will leave without her. Julia is my Fated Mate—she is mine.”
For a long, tense moment there is only silence while the two of them stare at each other. My heart hammers against my ribs, the heat from Kael’s lust magic still clawing at me, making me shiver and squirm.
Lucian’s gaze flicks to me, and something dark and possessive flickers in his eyes—he can see what Kael has done, how close I am to breaking—to coming.
Kael drums his clawed fingers on the arm of his throne, considering. Then his smile returns, wicked and sly.
“Very well. Payment, then. I want no coins, no jewels. Give me one vial of your blood, Lucian. Pure, untainted—straight from your vein. Thirstborn blood is priceless. With it, my Flesh Peddlers can brew pleasures even your kind would kill to taste.”
Lucian’s jaw tightens.
“You’re asking a fucking lot.”
Kael spreads his hands.
“The Curvy Queen is worth a lot…isn’t she?” His molten gaze sears me, making my skin crawl.
Lucian nods shortly.
“Done—I’ll give you a vial of my blood. But Julia walks free with me—untouched from this moment, including by your magic.”
“Agreed.”
Kael chuckles in anticipation as a demon with a needle and a vial rushes forward to take the payment. Lucian slips off his expensive suit jacket and rolls up a sleeve. The transaction takes almost no time and before I know it, he’s putting his jacket back on. To my surprise, the Demon Don hands the golden signet ring back to the guard who brought me in, and he gives it to Lucian, who slips it into his pocket without comment.
“We’re leaving now,” he says and it’s not a question.
The Demon Don nods.
“Fine—you may go. You’re free to leave the Carnal Bazaar.” He leans forward, eyes glinting. “If you can get past my gates.”
The room gets suddenly hotter, the torches flickering like they’re laughing with him.
“That won’t be a problem,” Lucian says coolly.
He turns his gaze back to me. In two strides he’s at my side. His arms slide under me—one beneath my knees, one at my back—and he lifts me as though I weigh nothing—which I promise you, is not the case.
I gasp, clutching at his shoulders, the lust spell still making my skin burn. His scent surrounds me—dark spice, smoke, clean masculine skin—and I want to bury my face in his neck and just breathe him in. Somehow, I resist.
“I…I can walk,” I point out in a faltering voice.
“I don’t think so. Hold on, my Queen,” he murmurs, his voice pitched low for me alone. His eyes blaze red as he glares back at Kael. “This bargain is done.”
