Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(79)

A gust of ice cold air swirled around. What the hell? A ball of cool blue energy floated in the air. Growling, Rafe pulled himself from the embrace.

“W-what’s going on?” she mumbled, pulling her flimsy robe to her body. It did little to protect her from the biting cold. There was only one explanation. Senses now fully acute, she charged toward the table, letting her robe fly behind her. Reaching out, she palmed the dagger and spun around, ready to slice.





Chapter 22


“Lucy! No.” But it was too late. She spun around, eyes blazing as she gripped the dagger, ready to strike.

Materializing next to him, in a pile of ice shards and swirling fog, Dominic swiped icicles from his hair and shoulders. “Did I arrive at a bad time?”

“Turn and drop your weapons.”

Lucy stood firm, her voice commanding. It took Rafael’s breath away.

“I guess I did,” Dominic muttered. “Why on earth do I feel compelled to obey? What in the hell is going on?”

With a slow swivel, Dominic turned around, his eyes widening. “Whoa! Is this your succubus?” he asked, flipping his coat back and extracting his ceremonial Paladin sword. He plunked it to the floor and pulled two daggers from his belt, letting them clang on top of the sword.

“Enough chitchat.” Lucy kept her tone even. With a flourish of her dagger, she kept it trained on Dominic. “I sense another sword.” At that, she gasped, her mouth forming a perfect O.

Her royal powers had grown stronger. No doubt. “You’d do best to obey her, Nic.”

“Very well.” Reaching behind his back, inside his long black leather trench coat, Dominic pulled out a magnificent jade-sheathed katana. Trimmed with gold and encrusted with rubies, it was a treasure worthy of a king. How had Nic come across such an exquisite weapon? Kneeling down, with gentle care, he placed the weapon on the beige carpeted floor.

“Wow, someone’s watched one too many episodes of The Highlander.” Still gripping her dagger, Lucy glanced down at the katana. “Nice piece though.”

Rafael came to stand next to his friend and wrap his arm around his shoulder. “Lucy, it’s okay. He’s one of us. May I introduce Dominic Duvane, my commander?”

“Commander?” Dominic rolled his eyes. “I thought we were friends.” He took cautious steps toward Lucy and extended his hand in greeting. “So you’re the succubus?”

Lucy narrowed her eyes into a pensive gaze. “In the flesh, and you’re the one who’s supposed to rescue Rafe’s sister?”

Rafael winced at her biting tone. Poor Dominic didn’t know what he was getting into.

Dominic gulped. “Indeed, I am,” replied, extending his hand further.

Drawing her robe closed, Lucy gazed down at the proffered hand and back up at Dominic. “And why aren’t you out looking for her?”

“Oh, I do love your spark,” Dominic said with a friendly smile. “But I have news for Rafe and a gift for you.”

She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. “A gift?”

A sheepish smile curved Dominic’s lips. “Kalli mentioned you needed a weapon and since I needed to speak with Rafe, I decided to deliver it myself.” His gaze lowered to the katana.

“That? Is my sword?”

Ah, now it made sense. A weapon worthy of a king—or a princess. There wasn’t any better weapon for Lucy. It was perfect, just like her.

Dominic grinned. “Indeed, it is, blessed by the Angel Gabriel himself.” He leaned closer to Rafael. “Even I have yet to have a weapon blessed by an archangel. We’ve more than just your sister to discuss.”

“I suppose we do. But why not let Lucy try out her sword first.”

Dominic nodded. “Very well.” Reaching down he picked up the katana and handed it to Lucy. “Be careful, it’s—”

With elegance and precision, Lucy pulled out the sword. Gripping the carved jade hilt, she swung the sword in a graceful arc, the silver blade sparking.

“—sharp.” Dominic’s eyebrows quirked up, shock and bewilderment clear on his face.

Lucy drew her finger across the blade, a small drop of crimson pooling then instantly fading away. “Yep, it is.”

With a sly smile, she slid the blade back in. Setting the blade against the table, she pushed a strand of hair from her brow.

“Thank you, Rafe. For allowing me to fight.”

Rafael nodded, casting his gaze down to the floor. He couldn’t let Dominic see him like this. He wasn’t weak. “You should thank Dominic.”

“Of course!” She took Dominic’s hand in his, a friendly smile sweeping across her lips. “Thank you, Mr. Duvane.” Watching her fingers clasp his friend’s, he rolled his tongue against his lips. Did Nic feel the same heat? His jaw twitched and his blood boiled. For his sanity, he hoped not.

Dominic eyes glowed a soft gold, not the molten spark he’d seen when he was with Coby. Rafael breathed a sigh of relief. “Call me Nic; everyone else does.”

Her gaze warm, she withdrew her hand. “Thank you, Nic. The katana is perfect. I need to take that shower now.” Angling her gaze back to Rafael, her amber eyes sparked. The little temptress. The thought of Lucy naked in the shower sent all the blood in his body right down to his shaft.