Death Wish (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #5)(92)

After the thrill of climax subsided, rationale began to creep back in. I collapsed against him, my head resting on his shoulder. Reaching out a shaky hand, I drew a crooked heart in the fog on the back window.

“Why can’t we stay this way forever?” I asked, expecting no answer. “It isn’t fair.”

“Nothing is fair, beautiful wolf.” Arys stroked my tousled hair. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking that means it isn’t worth it.”

We sat there for what felt like just seconds but was sadly much longer. I was racked with guilt over what I’d done to the prostitute. I could have killed her. Or turned her. Acknowledging that Arys was right about his darkness consuming me was hard. I didn’t want it to be true.

Chapter Twenty-Four

“You brought your other half. How nice.” Shya was less than impressed to see Arys at my side. “I expected as much.”

“Did you really think I’d let her come here alone?” Arys sized up the demon with blatant scorn. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but I do know you can’t be trusted.”

Shya waved us into his large, open, modern home. “Please join me in the back. It’s far too nice a night to stay inside.”

He led us through the living room and adjoined kitchen, out the large double doors that opened onto the backyard. I was relieved to be outside, preferring it to the suffocating confines of the house. Though it was open and large, Shya’s house was so white washed that it was hard on the eyes. Besides, being indoors on a full moon night felt like being caged, so I gratefully drank in the sight of the impressive backyard.

The patio was adorned with a black and white furniture set. The upper floor of the house extended out above the patio, giving it a protective cover from the elements. A glass-topped table sat in the center, laden with food and drinks. Right away, my gaze was drawn to the scarlet-filled champagne flutes.

A stretch of fragrant, green grass separated the patio from the pool. It was inviting with its crystal clear water shimmering beneath the silver glow of moonlight. Beyond the pool, the vibrant lawn stretched as far as the eye could see. Shya certainly had a fine piece of property. It was trendy and luxurious. Perfect for hosting a party, which he seemed to feel he was doing.

“Help yourselves to anything you like.” The demon indicated the display on the table. “Lilah should be here before long. We need to time the binding just right. It must be done at midnight.”

Arys picked up a champagne glass, sniffing its contents before returning it to the table. “Blood?”

“I aim to please.”

The yip of coyotes broke the quiet. They were far away though their voices carried. It caused the animal within to stir restlessly. I needed to be furry, and I needed it now. The bloodlust’s reprieve earlier had been brief. Much too brief.

I ignored the elaborate table display. “So what’s the plan? I’ve got to warn you, I’m not feeling entirely confident that I can hold the wolf back.”

“You have no choice.” Shya’s smile vanished. His crimson eyes were ice cold. “Hold yourself together until I bind her or else we fail, and you will likely die. How’s that for incentive?”

Arys frowned but said nothing. He walked a slow circle around the pool. His gaze traveled around the entire backyard as well as every entry into it. I was so happy to have him with me; I was a nervous wreck and was sure it was obvious.

“Follow my lead, Alexa,” Shya continued, “and everything should go off without a hitch. Then we shall both be free of the threat she poses.”

The doorbell rang and I jumped. My heart leapt into my throat. Shya clasped my left hand in his, trailing a warm finger over the dragon etched into my flesh. I shuddered, unable to repress the reaction to the snake-like slither of his power crawling over me.

“Trust me.” Then he was gone, striding through the house to the front door.

“Arys, I can’t do this,” I whispered. My hands trembled and I fidgeted anxiously.

He was at my side in an instant, watching Shya warily. “You can and you will. You have to. Remember, there is no other creature on earth like you. Show them why they fear you.”

His smooth as velvet voice was soothing, infusing me with confidence where before there had been fear. Our connection was as strong as ever. I focused on it humming through me until my fingers began to tingle.

An unnatural breeze bathed me in a cool wind seconds before Falon appeared beside me. It didn’t startle me this time. I was beginning to get used to the fallen angel’s sudden appearances.

He grabbed my arm and leaned in close. I could feel the urgency about him. “Keep my secret, and I’ll owe you a favor.” His breath was warm against my ear. He held firm, refusing to let me pull away until I responded.

We both looked up at the sound of Shya’s voice. He was heading back our way with Lilah in tow. She was dressed for a fight in cargo pants, a tank top and army boots. Her flame colored hair was tied back in a braid, and her eyes sparkled with devious delight.

Falon’s grip tightened painfully. For some reason, he was desperate to keep Shya from finding out about his sexcapades with Lilah. This might be a deal worth making.

“Fine,” I hissed, shaking him off. “I’ll keep your dirty little secret. For now. Don’t make me regret it.”

He quickly put distance between us, taking a seat on one of the comfy looking lounge chairs. His silver wings shifted to accommodate him. Leaning back, he feigned casual so well I almost bought it.