“Sorry. But he’s the one most likely to kick Belial’s ass over this.”
Shadow scoffed. “Pity he’d never help his own sons.”
Thorn passed an irritated smirk at him. “Don’t expect sympathy here. Want to trade fathers?”
“Want to trade mothers?”
“Fuck. No. You keep that rabid bitch far away from me.”
They both turned to stare at her.
“What?” she asked innocently.
Shadow shook his head. “At least your sperm donor and mother were neglectful. Sad when that’s the choice we envy.”
It was indeed, and said it all about their respective childhoods and what had led them both to being who and what they were.
A breeze blew an odor toward Ariel and she stiffened, recognizing the stench.
No sooner had it infiltrated her nostrils than Belial appeared, walking from beside the manor as if he were on a leisurely stroll about the bailey.
As soon as he saw them gathered, he headed straight for them.
“Well, well. A confab of my least favorite people. To what do I owe this displeasure?”
Shadow grinned widely. “We’re planning your boot party. Would you prefer being kicked in the head or the crotch?”
Thorn laughed.
Belial, not so much. “Aren’t you bored yet? Why are you still here?”
“Mostly to irritate you. My favorite pastime.”
Thorn shrugged. “Free alcohol. Besides, I have nothing better to do, apparently.”
Wrinkling his nose, Shadow stepped forward and raked Belial with a flirtatious once-over. “Not to mention, I just love the way your ass jiggles when you walk. Shake it, baby. You give me a hard-on for days.”
Belial curled his lips in distaste. “You’re a sick fuck.”
“Not what I’ve been told. They actually cling to my groin for more. Just ask. The list of recommendations in that department is quite impressive.”
“He’s right.” Thorn laughed. “If he ever visits me, I can’t get good help for weeks. It takes them that long before they can walk straight again. His stamina is the stuff of legends.”
Looking sick to his stomach, Belial scurried away.
Ariel laughed. “I’m not sure if I should be scared or impressed that thetwo of you were able to scare away a high-ranking demon with so little effort.”
Shadow winked. “Bit of both.”
Thorn scoffed at him. “Neither, actually. It’s easy to scare something when you know what gets under their skin. Belial’s too stupid to not flaunt his aversions. It’s why he never wants to be on my father’s bad side. His torture would be tremendous.”
He looked at Shadow. “As would yours.”
“How so?”
“Keep you celibate and sober for a day. I think you’d spontaneously combust.”
Shadow considered that. “Let’s not put that to a test. You could be right.”
