Dead After Dark (Companion #6.5)(88)
Batuk could not see much difference in where they lived now with the exception of eternal fires and becoming sex slaves to Fene’s perverted creatures. However, he’d rather slice off his own manhood than submit to those beings.
“Vyan is one of my best strategists. He has a plan, no doubt. If he is successful in killing the Belador leader Brina, we will be liberated. Ravana swore if we were lured into battle and produced the head of the army’s leader, he would return us aboveground and force the Celtic goddess Macha to prove her honor by sending the Beladors to their fate beneath Mount Meru for breaking the truce.”
Ekkbar’s thin lips gaped open. “I don’t understand.”
“You said a witch called to you.” Batuk stared off into the distance, calculating.
“Not exactly,” Ekkbar murmured.
“That proves we did not incur this problem. You told me the last time you dreamed of the outside world the Beladors now inhabit all continents. Vyan will find a clever way to provoke one into battle and draw out their leader. If he is successful, we will finally breathe air into our lungs again, breed children, prosper and live as a powerful civilization again.” Batuk lowered his glare to his manservant. “And if Vyan fails, I will tell Ravana how you tricked my soldier since he burdened me with you. The demon god would no doubt show his displeasure for the mistake of allowing you to live.”
Batuk leaned back, feeling a sense of calm he hadn’t enjoyed in centuries.
Once they were freed from this curse, Batuk owed his fealty to no one but his people. He would unleash terror on the new world like it had never seen before.
2
Trey parked his 1974 Bronco at the curb in front of Sasha’s house. His plan had holes—like relying on her cooperation—but it was the best he could come up with this quick. He climbed out and bounded up the porch steps to knock on her door.
The faint sound of approaching footsteps inside reached his ears just before the door yawned open. Sasha wore a faded T-shirt that looked suspiciously like one he used to own and a scowl. Her eyes were puffy with exhaustion and her hair tousled as if she hadn’t slept well.
But damn what a vision for first thing in the morning.
“I wake you up?” he asked, forcing himself back on task.
“No, I just haven’t showered. Why are you here?” she grumbled then ran her fingers through her hair.
“I want to hire you.”
“Hire me for what?” she snapped.
“To find someone.”
“I’m booked.” She tried to close the door, but Trey blocked it with his hand. “Can’t we talk for a minute?”
“Like I said, I’m booked, which means I’m too busy for a new case.” Her gaze broke from his, flitting around as if she searched for a thought. “Got a ton of paperwork to do today.”
He doubted that was the reason. She probably needed to sleep during the day since her client had likely informed her that Ekkbar preferred to move at nighttime. Trey wanted her client’s name first . . . and head next.
“Come on, Sasha. I need some help.”
“No.” She smiled in an evil way that let him know she enjoyed the chance to use that word. He deserved the rejection, but guilt wouldn’t deter him from his plan. Trey stepped forward, his foot now also blocking the door’s path. When he leaned his head down, she bent her neck backward to face him. She smelled the way he always thought of her—soft and flowery with a touch of wildness that kept him on his toes.
“I just want to talk for a minute,” he pressed, hoping he hadn’t completely destroyed everything between them.
“Should have tried in the last nine years.”
Trey stifled a flinch, wishing on one of his trips home he could have repaired the damage his leaving had caused. What would he have said? “Sorry, Sasha, but I’ve committed my life to fighting unnatural beings.” Better to suffer in silence than to expose her to his world. Besides, he’d cut off his arm before he broke her heart a second time and he was leaving again.
“I’m asking as a friend for a few minutes,” Trey implored. He’d camp out on her porch if she still refused him after hearing his full proposal. He needed her help to keep her safe.
“Fine,” she huffed then took a step forward, forcing him to retreat. She closed the door and shuffled over to the swing that held too many visions of times past.
But he couldn’t be choosy right now.
Trey sat down on the worn oak slats. Like memory cells springing to life, his body reacted with Sasha so close, shifting his heartbeat into high gear. What he wouldn’t give to hold her in his arms and taste her lips just once more.
“So what can I possibly do that your secret hoo-doo agency can’t?” she wanted to know.
He’d anticipated that question. “I need to find an informant for a personal objective. Can’t involve my agency.”
“Why not use a better established PI firm? I’m just getting started in this business.” She toed the wood porch floor, giving the swing a little shove. The gentle movement fanned loose hairs across her face.
He fought the urge to reach over and brush them back. Instead, he answered, “I trust you.”
She stopped moving the swing. Her eyes narrowed.
Trey didn’t need telepathic powers to figure out she sure as hell didn’t trust him after he’d broken up with her.