Steal the Night (Thieves #5)(37)

And then an incredibly attractive young man was walking in the door. He was six foot and lanky, with a killer face and bright blue eyes. He was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans and had probably been carrying a skateboard before Stewart had taken over. The Rolex on his wrist looked odd since the rest of the young man’s accessories were chains.

“I’m ready to go, Your Highness.” Stewart’s accent seemed lighter, his voice younger in his borrowed body. “Sorry about the quick change. I needed a body to go with my lovely new watch.”

I got off Dev’s lap and stood with Daniel. It was always startling to realize the demon could just switch bodies like that. “Stewart, you can’t bring civilians into this.”

Daniel and Dev were both looking at me, staring like I’d said something really dumb.

“Baby,” Daniel started, holding his hands up in the universal sign for “what the f*ck.” He shook his head at me. “Were you expecting to run around England with a big red demon? We might have to answer some questions when we try to get him through security at the airport. How would we explain the horns?”

“Don’t feel bad, companion. This one is an awful person,” Stewart offered with a bright smile. “He’s a bully and tells girls he’s going to call and then he doesn’t, but only after he has used them sexually.” He turned to Neil again. “I know what it feels like to be rejected so I try to be a very conscientious lover. I always call the very next day.”

I shook my head. I hated compromising but we had to find Merlin and Danny was right. We really couldn’t go anywhere with Stewart if he wasn’t nicely hidden inside a host body.

Dev ran his hands soothingly up and down my arms. “If it helps, I’ll set up a monetary fund for his mental health care after Stewart’s done with him.”

Stewart laughed at that. “Oh, how silly, Fae creature. He won’t need mental health care. I seriously doubt he’ll survive the experience.” He showed off his new body to Neil. “So do you like my suit? I thought he would look good with you. Our eyes match now. I’ll have to get a haircut and certainly some new clothes. He’s dressed atrociously, and I believe I reek of marijuana. Really, I prefer something designer. Calvin Klein’s Obsession will do.”

Neil rolled his eyes and walked out of the room.

Stewart looked over at me. “Was it something I said?”

“Is it over then?” My father strode into the room. His eyes found Christine. “Are you happy now, dear?”

She smiled brilliantly. “Yes, it was wonderful, Harry.”

“It will be even more wonderful when we get the blood up off the hardwoods,” he said, inspecting the circle on his walnut floors. “Those grandkids better be worth it, my darlin’ daughter. I’ve had to replace those floors twice now because you like to play around with demons.”

Lee followed my father. He took one look at the new guy and growled, his senses telling him exactly who he was.

“Why are all wolves so unfriendly?” Stewart asked, pouting. He regarded Lee seriously. “Well, you can’t help it, can you? Poor loner. Always so alone. You’re rather happy right now, but you’re waiting for it to all fall apart.”

“What’s he talking about?” Lee asked.

“He’s an empath,” Nim explained with a wave of her hand. She was already putting things to rights. “He can’t help it. Let him get it out of his system.”

Stewart moved in on Zack. “What’s wrong with this wolf?”

We all turned and looked toward Zack, who seemed a little confused. “I think I’m fine,” the werewolf said.

“I’m getting nothing off him.” Stewart walked around the chair Zack sat in, contemplating the wolf. “He’s completely content. Oh, there’s a worry. What did you just think, wolf?”

“I was just worried that Lee ate the last of the ham I saw in the fridge earlier. I was thinking about making a sandwich,” Zack answered. “I’m hungry.”

“It was pretty good,” Lee answered and Zack’s stomach grumbled.

Stewart shook his head. “The rest of you are filled with worries and small miseries. This idiot is completely content.”

Zack shrugged. “I have a nice place and a hot girl who always buys my favorite beer. My master is awesome and I trust him completely. My brother’s with me. What do I have to be worried about? I’m upset about that sandwich, though.”

Stewart shuddered. “It’s just wrong.” He turned and sighed contentedly as he caught sight of Dev. “Thank you, Fae creature. I feel so much better now. He just sent out the most delicious wave of hurt. Zack’s brother cares for him but you can’t please yours, can you? He can’t stand the sight of you. You’re never going to have that family you want. You’ll never be able to pull it off.” He brightened and turned toward Daniel. “Yes, yes. You worry that when those two kids with the fully functional sex organs start popping out babies there won’t be any place for a vampire in their suburban paradise. Why would anyone want a death machine around their precious little ones? He’ll win in the end because you can never give her those children. And you, companion, are terrified you’re going to be the reason they both die. You’re probably right, you know.”