“And demons like the kalmach?” That one had looked human when it first attacked HQ and then transformed into something horrifying during the battle. It had looked like a pale gargoyle with wings and wicked black eyes.
Shadrach shrugged. “Another type of demon. Sentient, sure, but kalmachs are shapeshifters. They have a monstrous form and a human one. Kalmachs aren’t animalistic, though. I’ve known some. That one was just particularly bloodthirsty.”
“Are there monstrous-looking demons who are also sentient? Or are all of the sentient demons the human-looking ones?”
“No, there are some who are still demonic-looking. Wings, horns, and what have you. You don’t see them topside quite as much. It’s harder for them to blend in around humans, obviously. Behemoths come to mind.”
“They’re monstrous?”
“They’re… unique. No wings or horns, but they have these black markings all over their bodies that they can draw on, and their eyes glow. I can’t imagine one blending in with a crowd of people.”
“Draw on how?”
“It’s a shadow… power, basically. They can manipulate them, turn them into solid things in the air. It’s very powerful.”
“That sounds cool.”
Shadrach scowled. “Sure, if you like that sort of thing.”
“I like cool powers,” Isaac teased.
“Behemoths are big brutes, you know. They aren’t as refined as some of us.”
“I do love a challenge.”
“I will bite you,” Shadrach warned, and Isaac laughed.
“Relax, I’m joking. You’re the only demon worth knowing.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way. Besides, behemoths are far too loyal to Hell. They guard the paths to and from Hell, acting as watchers for Lucifer.”
“Yes,” Isaac replied, threading his fingers into Shadrach’s hair. “I’d much rather have someone who’s loyal tome.”
Shadrach purred, closing the distance between them with heavy-lidded eyes. “I’m definitely that. How are you feeling now, killer? All better?”
“Yeah. Thank you for taking care of me.” It was a novel feeling to let someone hold him while he was vulnerable. He could get used to it.
“I’ll always be here, killer. Whether you like it or not.” His dark eyes glittered with mirth. It sounded like a threat, but Isaac only felt reassured.
Chapter 18
Shadrach
The following night,Isaac prepared to report to the Rink for his very first patrol as a sentinel. Shadrach watched him dress in tactical khakis that hugged his thighs and an olive green shirt that brought out the green in his eyes.
“Stop looking at me like you want to eat me,” Isaac said as he tied his hair into a bun on the back of his head.
“Never,” Shadrach swore. “Ready?”
“Mm-hm.” Isaac’s fingers threaded through Shadrach’s, but then he remarked, “Y’know, I’m starting to think this apartment exists on a separate plane or something.”
Shadrach snorted. “What? Why?”
“Because I have no idea how to get here. You always just teleport us wherever we want to go.”
He blinked in surprise. That wouldn’t do. Isaac needed to know how to get to and from the apartment. They’d probably have to separate atsomepoint, though Shadrach was loath to part from him for any reason, and it would reassure him to know Isaac could find his way back.
“I do, don’t I? Would you like to see the building? I’ll even let you drive my car. I gave you a key; you should use it. It’s very fancy. So?”
