Blonde & Blue (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #4)(48)

She snapped her fingers as she approached, and a circle formed around the building. A wave of demon magic swept through me, throwing me off-balance. It left me feeling nauseous.

“Sorry about that. Better safe than sorry.” Lilah gestured for me to join her in the kitchen.

I followed her in, suddenly aware I hadn’t cleaned up the blood on my face or neck. Her gaze went to the vampire bite I wore, and I thought I saw her hide a smile. Could she tell it was Kale’s?

“No worries. What’s up? Jez is ok?” I sat down after she did though I would have preferred to stay on my feet.

“She was knocking on heaven’s door, but I was able to bring her back. She’ll be fine in time.” Her choice of words struck me as strange. Before I could respond she continued. “I wanted a chance to talk with you, one on one. I know we rarely get the opportunity. Things are changing. I thought it was time.”

I was uneasy. Lilah had never given me reason to fear her, but she was a demon. I didn’t know if I could trust her.

“Alright. What’s going on?”

Lilah sat casually in her chair, one leg crossed over the other. She regarded me with a serious expression. “You’ve spoken to Shya. He wants you to act as one of his personal assassins, a position that is not handed out to just anybody. I know you’re headstrong and temperamental. I believe you’re a perfect fit. But, what he’s asking of you is dangerous. More so than anything you’ve faced or done. I can guarantee it.”

“I haven’t had much time lately to consider it. There’s a lot I’m not sure of.”

“I’m not here to convince you either way. Your choice is your own. I will give you one word of advice though. Don’t agree to anything Shya asks of you unless you’re committed to it.” She blew a lock of hair out of her eyes and flashed me what was supposed to be a friendly smile. “You have power over vampires and werewolves. Naturally, Shya finds that appealing. I’m not sure he’s ever seen anyone like you. Be careful.”

When other creatures took an interest in me because of my power, it never seemed to go well. Shya was different, he wasn’t a power-hungry vampire seeking a fun toy to suck dry. He was a demon, and what he wanted from me was probably far worse.

“Easier said than done.” I picked up a sugar packet off the table and began to fidget with it. “I don’t trust anyone anymore, but the fact remains that I need to do more than I’ve been doing. Staking newborn vampires has lost its appeal.”

Lilah nodded, watching my nervous fidgeting. “I imagine. A challenge definitely does keep things exciting. As the decades pass, that’s essential to sanity.”

“Sanity,” I scoffed. “Who needs it?”

“Rough night?”

I searched her eyes, finding genuine interest. “You could say that.”

“Well, whoever he is, he’s not worth it.” A wry grin lit up her face, bringing an amused light to her eyes. Lilah was stunning in her own way. “Anyway, I have something for you.”

I couldn’t help but be curious when she left the room. I managed to keep my butt in the chair and wait. I heard a door open and close down the hall. What could Lilah possibly have for me? She re-entered the kitchen holding a long, thin box.

Placing it on the table between us, she reclaimed her seat and flipped the lid open. Inside was the most elaborately made, dangerous looking dagger I’d ever seen. The blade shone in the fluorescent lighting. It was longer than my forearm and designed in a gentle curve. Notches were cut out at the base of the blade, allowing it to cut through the air with little resistance. From where I sat, I could see the symbols etched into the metal. Whatever it said, it wasn’t in any human language. The handle consisted of a series of coils of what appeared to be black jade. It was a magnificent weapon.

I could feel the power that emanated from it. Like a kid presented with a shiny toy, I immediately wanted to touch it. Instead I stared in wonder, my curiosity growing.

“It’s called the Dragon Claw. I’m sure you can feel its power.” Lilah turned the box so I could get a better look at it but made no move to touch it herself. “It was created to destroy those with a physical demonic form. That means earth walking demons and vampires. It doesn’t even have to hit the heart. Once it pierces their flesh, it’s all over.”

“Wow.” I gazed from the dagger to Lilah in wonder. “That’s amazing. Where did it come from?”

“Would you be reluctant to take it if I told you it was forged in the fires of hell?” Her expression was dead serious. No joke there.

“Take it? Really? Me?” I sounded like a moron, but it was just so unexpected.

“You’re still mortal. And, I sure as hell can’t use it. One nick of that blade, and I’d be dead.” She shoved the box even closer. “Here. Check it out.”

My hands were surprisingly steady as I lifted the Dragon Claw from its velvet bed. It was solid and heavy, but it felt good in my grasp. The jade handle was smooth but easy to grip due to the raised coils. The dagger spoke to my power, molding its own as if to fit me. Warmth radiated up my arm, but it felt right.

“It feels like it was made for me.” I stared down at the gorgeous weapon in my hand, awestruck.

“It was.”

Lilah’s simple admission startled me, and I had to do a double take. “Seriously?”