Caleb smirked at Nick’s automatic response for most things. Mostly because of his mom, who said it could cure anything, quell anything, and give guidance through the darkest night.
“Anything better?” Caleb asked.
Itzal bristled. “I might know something. Maybe.”
“Don’t play with me, Itzal.”
He gave Caleb a smile that resembled the one Nick always tried to use to get himself out of trouble. “What can I say? I like to see you sweat.”
Aeron came up and clapped him on the back. “While I respect the fact you like to see your brother sweat, boyo, I’d rather not bleed. What say you find this something before I turn me mates loose on you?” He glanced over to Kaziel. “They love themselves some demon meat.”
Fear actually entered Itzal’s eyes. “How many of you can fly?”
Caleb looked around their group. “Three of us have wings. Five don’t.”
Those words caused Xev to flinch. Caleb had forgotten about the fact that his brother’s wings had been severed as punishment. It was something that always haunted Xev.
“Well, that just sucks!” Itzal let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. Follow me.”
Nick wasn’t so sure about this. He cut a curious glance to Xev, who shrugged.Do you know this guy?He sent his thought to Xev.
I do. He was Caleb’s second-in-command.
Huh. That was interesting. Again, something Nick should have thought about, but never had.Did you ever fight him?
Xev didn’t answer at first. Rather, he sent an evil glare toward Itzal.Want to see the scars? He’s the one who turned Caleb in for being with Lilliana.
Nick stumbled at that. “What the …”
Itzal, Kody, Caleb, and Bubba looked at him.
“Sorry. Tripped. You know me, clumsy Cajun. No idea where my limbs are at any given time.”
Once they were on their way again, he glanced sideways at Xev.Then why are we following him?
Caleb’s an idiot.
While it definitely seemed that way, Nick knew the truth. Caleb wasn’t stupid. Nor was he trusting. It practically took an act of Congress to get the beast to agree to pizza. Why was he following someone who’d betrayed him?
Caleb? What are you doing?
Keeping my enemies close.
That almost made Nick trip again.You think he’s leading us into a trap?
No, but I’massumingit’s a trap.
Any particular reason you’re leading us there if you suspect he’s got something planned?
For the fun of it.
In that moment, Nick wished he was close enough to kick his demon. Walking into a trap wasn’t exactly his idea of fun, but Caleb was a different beast.
As Nick ducked to go under a branch, Kody let out a scream.
He turned to see her being cradled by a tree. Literally. The limbs were wrapped around her waist, throat, and arms as it lifted her off her feet.
Nick’s nostrils flared. Fury went through him so ferociously that he felt his body shift into his Malachai form. “Let her go!” His voice was low and gravelly.
