Addict (Hunter #2)(80)

“Was I supposed to bring a friend?”

Matthew sighed. “Oh, aren’t you a sarcastic one? You know sarcasm really is a low form of humor.” He finally stepped out on to the porch, his eyes searching the grounds. When he was satisfied I hadn’t brought along an escort, he nodded. “I simply wanted to make sure the king hadn’t sent along a spy. He’s a damn tricky fellow.”

I was actually starting to warm up to the king. I’d spent the early afternoon holed up with the king and the academics going over the game plan. I was to keep my mouth shut, gather as much intelligence as I could, and get back out of Jack Frost’s house alive. Jamie was already set up. Frost was in a McMansion in North Dallas. The grounds were extensive, but Jamie had some good equipment. Even from the park across the street, he could cover parts of the place. I wouldn’t be allowed to bring in weapons, but I was hopeful that if I needed it, my shiny new demon hand would make an appearance.

“Are you going to let me in or are we going to stand out here freezing all night?” My toes were already going numb because I’d been told I had to wear stupid sex shoes. Why couldn’t men find Uggs more attractive?

The demon stared out as though not completely convinced we were alone. After a moment he seemed to remember his manners. “Of course, love. Come along. We have to do something about your appearance.”

I followed Matt inside. I hadn’t been in Gray’s home for months, but I couldn’t tell that he’d changed anything. “What’s wrong with my appearance?”

I looked fine. I was sure of it because I totally hadn’t dressed myself or done my own hair and makeup. I’d gone to the experts. It made me long for the days when my job consisted of hanging around outside of strip clubs and roach motels trying to catch cheating spouses. No one gave a shit what I wore there. I’d also been able to drink beer on the job.

Liv had picked out the black cocktail dress from the closet of clothes Marcus had ordered for me. The queen and her bestie, a werewolf named Neil, had come down to help prepare me for my evening out with a duke of Hell and a captain of industry. The wolf was insistent that my hair needed help. I’d sat patiently as he painstakingly straightened it. He and the queen had been perfectly pleasant companions, but it was easier for them to talk to Liv than me. I didn’t know a lot about court gossip, and even less about kids. I stayed quiet and thought about the upcoming night. Though it hurt me to admit it, I thought about Gray.

Marcus was staying at my side, but I had to wonder for how long. He was looking for something I could never give him. Marcus might care deeply for me, but he would always long for that elusive woman who would complete his life. And yet, I couldn’t bring myself to let him go. I would have to eventually, but I needed him so badly now.

Marcus and I had an expiration date. I didn’t believe him about the whole “I would want a wolf one day” thing. I would be alone again.

“You look like you’re going to an elegant restaurant.” The demon eyed me critically. “You look quite the lady. I’m sure my brother will be thrilled. Unfortunately, you’re not going as my brother’s fiancée. You’re going as his love slave. This won’t do.”

I leaned forward, frowning at him the whole time. “I am not parading around Dallas again in a thong.”

“Of course not, darling. Little love slaves aren’t allowed to wear panties.” He smiled brightly as though I’d told a terrific joke. “Come along. I, of course, am prepared for the situation.”

I followed the demon through the hallway and toward the back bedroom. He stopped suddenly in the middle of the hall.

“Where have you been today?” The demon breathed deeply.

“Home,” I replied. The demon stood close and leaned over. He picked up a section of my hair and smelled it. “Stop that.”

He was insistent. He pulled my hand into his and brought it to his nose. I allowed the intimacy because this was something I worried about. If demons could smell vampire on me, I was in trouble. That first night at the club, I’d kept my distance from Winter. I wouldn’t be able to do that tonight. “I stayed away from Marcus. I took a long shower and then he didn’t touch me. He hasn’t even fed today. There’s no way you can smell him.”

The demon ran his nose along my hands and then back to my hair. “It’s not the vampire, love. Hush. I want to enjoy this. You spent time with a werewolf.”

He could smell Neil Roberts on me? “Damn it. Does that mean I have to shower again? Do you have any idea how long it took to straighten my hair?”

I did not want to go through that again. If they shoved me in a shower for smelling too wolfie, they would have to deal with my waves.

“Dear, I wasn’t complaining. You smell delightful. It makes me wish we didn’t have to do what we have to do. My brother’s scent will overwhelm this sweetness in a heartbeat.”

Gray chose that moment to walk out of his den. He was dressed in cutoff sweat pants, track shoes, and nothing else. A fine sheen of sweat covered his utterly perfect body, and I had to stop myself from drooling. He’d obviously just gotten off his treadmill. Usually Gray liked to run outside. I was sure the snow on the ground made it hard. He pulled the earbuds out of his ears and smiled brightly. He looked even hotter than he had months ago. The military cut he’d had then made him look tougher, but there was something about the way his hair curled now that made me sigh.