But then Cyrus spoke. “Well, if it isn't Silas's lapdog.”
Ace blinked.
I thought it was kind of amusing that a hound was calling another man a dog, but I was too shocked to say anything. I mean, sure, we knew that Ace knew they weren't human, but hethought they were monsters. Acting this way would only confirm that for him.
Ace scowled at Cyrus. “Excuse me? Do I know you?”
“Can the act, Romeo,” Lex said. “We know he got to you. What did he tell you? That we're demons from hell?”
Ace looked from the men to me.
I stared back at him. “They can tell when someone's been brought back by Silas.”
Ace blinked. Then, suddenly, his whole demeanor changed. “Do you know what these men are, Salina?” he hissed.
“Yes. They're the Hounds of Hades. They're here to protect humans. They hunt down escaped souls and pull them out of possessed people. They clear haunted houses and they even guide confused souls to the Underworld when necessary. They keep the balance. They're the good guys.”
“Is that what they've told you?”
“No, that's what I know. I've met Hades, and I've been to the Underworld, Ace. So, I know exactly who they are. I've seen them in action. Hell, I've been their target.”
“What?” Ace gaped at me.
“I'm unique, baby.” I smirked. “I remember my past lives. I even remember the time I escaped the Underworld and possessed someone. It was a Cerberus who took me out of Wren and sent me back to where I belonged.”
“You're insane.”
“Really? You're going that route? Well, listen to this—in one of my past lives, we were lovers. That's why you feel such a strong connection to me.”
“You remember that?” Ace whispered.
I blinked. My jaw went slack. Then I shot to my feet. “Youremember that?”
Ace cleared his throat and glanced at the hounds. “I have dreams. Salina, you—”
“What happened to me?” I interrupted. “Was I murdered?”
Ace drew back, his expression horrified.
“Ace, in your dreams,was I murdered?”
“Yes,” he whispered.
“There.” I waved my hands at him. “Now, do you believe me?”
Ace looked at the hounds again. Back at me. “Silas says you're their mate. That you're evil too.”
I snorted a laugh. “I can be a real piece of work, I'll give you that. But I think calling me evil is a bit extreme.”
Jake grunted.
I lifted a brow at him.
He stood up and took my hand. “You're good.”
My lips acted all on their own, curving up into a goofy grin.
“Dear God, they've seduced you,” Ace said.
