Sweet Reckoning (The Sweet Trilogy, #3)(80)

I felt Kaidan stiffen next to me when Pharzuph and Astaroth looked our way. Then Astaroth gave a shake of his head and they went back to drinking. Marna inclined her face toward me and Kaidan, leaning forward enough to check our bond. She gave a small nod. We were good. Kai relaxed again. It made me wonder how long his buzz would last and hide the bond. Probably not long. All of our secrets would be revealed soon.

Watching the Dukes socialize, unconcerned about a so-called mercenary Neph girl, gave me a strange sense of resolve. They believed they were untouchable. They saw their enemy tonight as just one girl. One stupid girl who might be working with someone, but their complete lack of concern showed their weakest flaw.

Foolish pride. We would use it against them.

Though my resolve fueled me, my body still behaved with traitorous nerves when I thought about how I no longer had the sword, and no clue how else to physically get rid of these demons. Kaidan bumped his leg against mine when I started chewing my thumbnail. I dropped my hand. Okay. Nobody was going to try to kill us this very minute. I sat up straighter.

A young Asian man walked in with a green badge, looking like he could be a Chinese model—Melchom, the Duke of Envy. His shiny black hair was a few inches long and he styled it much like Blake’s. I glanced at Blake, who was staring at his father’s new body with awestruck horror. He quickly schooled his facial expression when Melchom looked over and inclined his head. Blake returned the gesture.

While the Dukes warmed up, drinking and laughing, we all stared blankly around the room, doing our best not to draw any attention to ourselves. I counted ten of the twelve Dukes.

Then Duke Rahab entered with his deep purple badge, and a hush settled. I swear a chill swept the room as the Duke of Pride’s eyes scanned us, flashing bright red for a whole second when he saw me until he composed himself. He turned to his comrades and smiled tightly. Someone turned off the music. Marek came through the doors behind Rahab and closed them, locking them from the inside and standing guard. The momentary silence was deafening.

Rahab nodded to the Dukes at the bar, and they all filed into the lounge, sitting at the small tables that circled the dance floor. Rahab made his way to the center of the black circle and stood with his hands clasped behind his back like a dictator. He seemed to have aged since I’d seen him a year and a half ago—his face looking gaunt and too dour to be handsome. He was tall and elegant, but too thin. I was surprised he hadn’t opted for a new body yet. Maybe his overabundance of pride caused him to hold out longer than the others.

He began speaking in his rich, loud, French-accented voice.

“Good evening, Brothers . . . and Sister,” he said. “Thank you for your presence on such short notice. We hope to resolve a delicate issue as quickly as possible so that we can all move on to more pleasant things. Our favorite city awaits.” There were chuckles and smiles. “We begin by calling forth the messenger Azael to oversee this summit and report back to our Lord Lucifer at the conclusion of our events.”

I braced myself as an incredibly frightening hissing filled the air. Azael with his lionlike features ascended up through the shining black floor right in front of Rahab. His wings spread wide for one moment before closing tight to his hazy back. The sight was jarring, but I was so glad to have Azael present.

“Thank you for joining us, Azael,” Rahab said. “We hope not to keep you long.”

The demon spirit inclined his head in a nod.

To the Dukes, Rahab said, “Let us summon the Legionnaires.”

Again with the horrible cacophony of hisses. On cue, the black walls began to spew smoky spirits into the lounge from all directions. I couldn’t wait for them to be gone. Forever.

The room dimmed as it filled with the spirits, and I turned my night vision on full.

When everyone was still, Rahab looked toward the doors.

“Son of Shax,” he said to Marek. “You are in charge of listening for interferences during these proceedings. Tonight’s events will require the full attention of the Dukes. Understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Marek said, with a slight bow at the waist.

Regret filled me as I thought about our lost ally, Flynn, and how the door watch would have been his job. It would have been a huge advantage.

Rahab looked over the crowd, a scowl on his face as he surveyed the hundred-plus Nephilim. When his eyes stopped on me, they turned a vivid red.

“Truly,” he said, “I never believed this summit would be called. But alas . . . the great prophecy is upon us. We can thank Brother Pharzuph for his quick work in bringing a traitor to justice this night.”

Murmurs erupted around the room, Dukes and Nephilim alike. Rahab motioned for Pharzuph to join him.

Instead of going to Rahab’s side, Pharzuph bypassed the dance floor, strolling toward me with a cocky grin.

Here we go. My insides fell to my feet.

I sat up straight, not moving, keeping my eyes locked on Pharzuph’s as he approached. When he got to me and saw that I wasn’t going to cower, he grabbed my arm and yanked me to my feet.

“Think you’re brave even without your weapon, huh?” He eyed me with disgust. “We’ll see.”

I kept up with him as he pulled me to the center of the room. My chest and face heated, but I worked not to show any fear. Pharzuph let me go, wiping his hand down his dress shirt and leaving me between the two of them. Rahab peered at me with sheer loathing.