If his wing was working, he’d carry her off and dare her father to say a word.
But that would probably scare her and then she’d have no desire to be with him.
Or be kind.
If she were a demon, she’d kill him for even thinking such a thought. Involuntarily, he rubbed at the scar over his heart Lyseah had given him during one of their more amorous encounters. Pain and pleasure were synonymous to demons.
Does it have to be?
Malphas had never asked that question before. He’d taken pain as his birthright. Even though his father was a primal god, there had never been any sympathy for him. His mother had seen to that when she’d duped his father into impregnating her. It was a betrayal his primal god father had never forgiven and one he’d taken out on Malphas as if Malphas had a hand in his own conception.
Likewise, his demon mother had resented him for not causing an automatic bond between her and his father. Again, as if he were to blame for the fact that his father had no intention of being trapped by a demon out to use Jaden for all of his powers and influence.
That was the only thing Malphas didn’t blame his father for. He more than understood his father’s resistance to being controlled and used by those Jaden hated.
What he held against his father was Jaden’s cold brutality where Malphas was concerned. Malphas hadn’t asked to be conceived and he damn sure hadn’t asked to be born. In truth, he’d have been better off had his father fried him the moment his mother had taken Malphas to him.
Instead, the entire world had spent the rest of his life making him pay for his parents’ mistake.
Except for Lilliana. She knew nothing of his parentage. Nothing of his real tendencies.
To her, he was someone in need. A wounded beast to care for.
That still stunned him.
But like his father, he wasn’t about to be used or tamed. Not by anyone.
He’d rest tonight. Tomorrow, he’d be gone before she returned. Back to his army.
Back to his war.
2
“Where are you going?”
Lilliana paused as she heard her father’s strict demand that he framed as a question. Biting her lip, she quickly covered the items in her basket with a cloth and turned to face him. “I was going to gather herbs. Is there something you need?”
“You to stay home. They said in town that there was a demon spotted nearby. They’re searching, but so far none have found him.”
“When did they see it?”
“Yesterday.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Then I’m sure the demon’s long gone by now. Why would it stay?”
“You do have a point. They said it’d been wounded.”
“Surely, it wouldn’t stay here in such shape.”
Her father scratched at his gray beard. “Perhaps not.”
“Then there’s nothing to fear. I shall return soon.”
He growled at her. “One day I fear I shall come to regret indulging you so.”
“You said that yesterday and the day before.”
“Impudent child! Go. Gather your herbs, but if you’re not back within an hour, I’ll fetch you back myself.”
