Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(25)

“So?”

“It’s like an addiction. All these strange magical items. Worse than clothes shopping.”

“Pardon?”

“How do you think I came across a damned chest? It just landed in my lap?”

“Deleon told me the story.” With that, he hauled her across the walkway, toward the shop.

Of course Rafe would fill him in on all the sordid details. “Do you think anyone in their normal mind would buy something as creepy as that?”

“In my centuries as a demon, nothing surprises me.”

“I’m afraid I might accidentally buy the Necronomicon next.”

“It’s time to face your inner—uhh—demons.” He left no chance of refusal and shoved her inside the shop. “And, FYI—the Necronomicon isn’t real.”

“But other books are bad, if not worse. Right?”

“Bloody hell.” He scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder. “It’s just a store, damn it.”

Serah pummeled his back and shoulders, watching the ground fly by. “You are the most infuriating and demanding ass I have had the misfortune of meeting.” Matthias’s body tensed, and he exhaled deeply. The buildings continued to rattle around them. “Save for him.”

“Well, I’m glad I’m not the worst,” he said, slamming the door shut with his foot. He helped her to her feet and backed away.

The aromas of sandalwood and patchouli wafted through the air, erasing any remaining trace of demon body odor. It soothed and calmed her fraying nerves. Slumping against the door, she sighed.

It always amazed her how the simplest of scents could calm her, even in the most stressful situations. She angled a glance out the window.

Balthazar paced back and forth outside, pounding the windows and growling. His face contorted in a primal scowl. This was definitely one of those stressful times.

“Whew. That was a close call.” The rich, thick, feminine voice echoed through the shop. Firm, yet ethereal. Definitely not a demon, but was she human?

The zing of metal scraping metal echoed through the room. Matthias’s gaze remained alert as he readied his dagger. “What the hell are you?”

“Not a demon, so put that silly dagger away.”

Matthias kept his dagger poised. He stood stony and alert. “Show yourself first.”

“Very well.” With a snap of her fingers, the shop filled with light. She leaned against one of the counters, spinning one of the jewelry displays. Despite the aura of secrecy that radiated from her, her smile remained friendly. Peace and tranquility wafted toward them with her every move. Her dark hair was wound in a severe bun, and she pushed a pair of reading glasses back up the bridge of her nose—not what one would expect of the proprietress of a pagan store.

She smoothed the wrinkles of her knee-length, gray pinstripe skirt. “Are you both done gawking?”

Matthias’s gaze narrowed, yet he sheathed the dagger. To Serah’s utter disappointment, he wrapped his arm around her and drew her closer. He took this protection thing way too seriously.

Then there was that naughty side, the side that enjoyed his corded muscles rippling against her body. And it seemed that part of her began calling the shots. How could she concentrate?

“Well, what are you then?” Serah managed in a short breath.

“Demons aren’t the only things with powers that rove the world, you know.” She threw Matthias a knowing glance and snickered. “Seriously, you’re going to suffocate her, Matthias. Believe what you want, but I am here to help.”

Matthias grumbled and loosened his protective hold. Serah’s naughty side pouted. Her sensible side blew out a huge gust of relief. “What are you?”

Serah glanced around the shop. She sighed in contentment. The store had everything of the unusual variety. Incense sticks, cones, and scented oils. Potions and spell books and grimoires filled its spacious walls and shelves. Statues, medallions, and stones of every kind were intricately placed on several tables. She ran her fingers across a bowl of rose quartz, peace surrounding her.

“When’d you reopen? I thought this store was closed for good.”

“The man that ran the store before wasn’t selling authentic merchandise.” The woman clucked her tongue. “I hate when people try to capitalize on religion.”

She motioned them toward a seating area in the back. “Now, only those who are at peace with their spiritual side are allowed in. You’re getting there, slowly but surely.”

“So that’s why Balthazar couldn’t enter?”

“Exactly.”

Matthias shrugged. “How did I get in?”

“You’re the Pure-Blood’s protector.”

“And what exactly are you?”

“Someone who wants to help. Does it matter?”

“In my line of work, I’ve learned to trust very few people.”

“And that will be your downfall.”

“So I guess you are some sort of sorceress?” Serah turned to Matthias. “Do they exist?”

“Only in fairy tales and fantasy.”

“For deities sake, Matthias. I thought you would recognize me.”

With that she spun around, her pinstripe skirt and cardigan sweater swirling into a long, flowing, gauzy fabric, her dark brown bun loosening and cascading down her back in rivulets of blonde. A gold circlet was wrapped around her head, and beautiful beads and pearls framed her face. Eyes, the most vibrant shade of green, sparkled mischievously. This woman, whatever she was, was hotter than hell, yet no steamy sensuality radiated from her.