“A demon like yourself? Yes, absolutely,” Freja said, as she tried to figure this demon out.
“You’re very suspicious of me, aren’t you?” Harley leaned forward and rested his head on his hands again.
“No offense. But you are a demon,” Freja said matter-of-factly.
He lifted his hand, pointing at Jin. “So is she.”
Freja smiled. “But she’s Jin. I’m convinced she’s one of the only demons of her kind.”
“She is dangerous if you have chocolate, though.” Harley frowned as he lifted his empty box of chocolate candy. “These were imported, you know.”
“And they were delicious,” Jin said, beaming back at him.
Freja’s gaze flicked between Jin and Harley, who were acting like good friends. Jin was treating him like he was a good guy. Harley, another original demon’s son … there had to be some sort of catch.
“I don’t understand. I thought you took her as a mate. What is it that you want?” Freja felt agitated. She hated when things didn’t add up, and this did not make sense. She definitely needed more information.
“It seems like you’re not what everyone thinks you are, either. Well, the same can be said for me as well. I knew your father, Gilbert, and Jin’s father, Jhett. I wouldn’t say we were friends, but we were on good terms. We’d heard that Jhett’s whole family had been killed, and that Gilbert’s daughter was the only survivor from his family. Had I known that the little wind demon had been captured, I would have freed her.”
“You would risk your neck just because you were on good terms with our fathers?” Freja quirked her brow at him. This didn’t make sense.
“No, because Leoric annoys me. She just would have been the perk of it. I had men always around keeping tabs on you, letting me know what you were up to, and your reputation—until recently, when you vanished.” He gave her a crooked smile. “When I saw the green-haired girl, I immediately knew who she was. Her unique green hair … plus, she has a similar scent to her father. So I claimed her as a mate. Something no one could refute. Not that they would.”
“Then he brought me here and we talked. He took the element-sealing cuffs off me, too. He was only keeping me here until you arrived. I told him you would definitely come for me. Either you or Chasen,” Jin said happily.
“He’s here, too.” Freja gave her a soft smile and could see Jin’s eyes water in response.
“How is he? Is he worried?” Jin asked with a small frown.
“Of course. He’s worried sick. He’ll be much better once he sees you’re okay, though.” Freja then looked back at Harley. “So, whose side are you on then?”
Harley scoffed. “I’m a true demon. I don’t do sides. I’m uninterested in the war. I do what I feel like doing and that’s it.” He grinned and looked at Freja. “I’m not for yin, yang, demon, or whatever.”
“And you felt like saving Jin?” Freja wasn’t sure how she felt about Harley yet.
“Have you ever thought it weird that I never retaliated against you for the men of mine that you’ve killed?”
“I assumed it was because you figured there was some use for me,” Freja answered honestly.
“I find you interesting. There is the element of you two being Jhett and Gilbert’s kids, but overall, it’s because there’s an interest there. With Jin, I didn’t know her, so I took her. I was curious about what she was like. And you, dhampir, you interest me. Of course, now I find you even more interesting, what with the werewolf blood coursing through your veins.” He smiled at her shocked face. “I’m not a low-level. I can smell what you are.”
“Okay, just so I’m understanding this correctly. You took Jin because you were curious, and you’ve left me alone because I interest you. Are you saying we’re free to leave, then?” Freja watched as his eyes flickered, and she began to prepare herself for whatever it was he was going to say next. He’d said it himself: he was a selfish demon that only did things that interested him. She had a feeling he was about to ask for something else. She just hoped it was something they could do.
CHAPTER SEVENTY
“You’re more clever than I gave you credit for,” Harley said, amusement in his voice and on his face.
Freja took a small step forward, making sure she placed herself between Harley and Jin. A smile crept up over his face.
“What is it that you really want?” Freja watched as the man stood up. He turned, briefly looking out the window.
“I want to be able to visit anytime I’d like without any problems.”
“Visit? As in visit where we live?” Freja asked, and Harley nodded slowly. “I can’t make that decision alone.”
“No … no, I figured you couldn’t. But …” He turned and grinned widely. “The Werewolf King out there, your MATE, can.” Freja’s eyes grew wide in shock. “Yes, I know about all that. I’m actually shocked he let you come in here without him. I thought wolves were more possessive than that. Or he must really trust you.”
“I don’t play games. I want to know what the deal is. You aren’t saying everything.” Freja looked at him defiantly.
