Demon by My Side(12)

“You touch them and I will carve out your heart.”

“Feel free to try.”

No hint of emotion crossed the demon’s face. She knew he’d make good on his threat. If she wanted to save everyone, there was only one choice.

“I will help you uncover the truth,” she said through gritted teeth. “But if you put mortal lives at risk I’ll come after you with everything I have.”

She appreciated his restraint from pointing out that even her A-game would be a measly showing against his powers.

“Deal.”

He stepped back, and the second his body left contact with hers Darcy realized how cold she was. Wrapping her arms around herself for warmth, she stared at the man she’d just joined forces with.

“Look in the warehouse three to the left,” he told her.

“And you know this how?”

He grinned, his humor obviously back. “I’m not just a pretty face. Check it.”

“Fine,” she grumbled. “How do I contact you if I find anything new?”

“You don’t. I contact you.”

“Convenient,” she said, her voice dry.

The demon moved past her, their shoulders grazing. When she tried to turn he brushed the hair away from her neck. Darcy froze.

“Convenient for me,” he murmured, his breath hot before he pressed his lips to her sensitive skin.

Darcy twirled in outrage but the warehouse was empty behind her.

“How did you do that?” she demanded, hand covering her nape.

“Darcy,” Cailin called from the front. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, knowing the words for the lie they were.

She scanned the shadows. Was he there somewhere, watching her? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Head held high, she turned and headed for Cailin, hoping she learned something interesting enough to keep the fire-happy demon satisfied.

* * *


Jaral shielded himself from human sight as he trailed his hunter. She walked with purpose. If she was shaken by their encounter, she didn’t let it show. A smile curved his mouth at the thought.

He’d half hoped when he saw her in the light of day she’d be nothing more interesting than a mortal who’d gotten in a lucky shot. Absently he rubbed his shoulder, the one her blade had pierced. It was healed now, of course. Still, he couldn’t remember the last time someone had made him bleed.

That this woman had accomplished what seasoned warriors had not intrigued him. Never before had he encountered such fire contained within a mortal body.

Mortal being the key word, he thought with disgust. She was a member of a race he despised. His father would have his head if he knew how much of Jaral’s thoughts were consumed with the woman. Mortals were to be used and tossed aside. They were not the object of such fascination.

His gaze ran down her body. Even the bulky coat couldn’t detract from her lithe grace. How would she be in bed? he wondered, following the hunter pair like a ghost. Would she yield in the most delicious of ways or force her lover to battle even there? For the first time in far longer than he cared to remember, he was captivated by a woman.

Jaral studied the hunter at her side. Though shorter than Darcy, the other hunter had far more curves to recommend her. Jaral paced closer, studying the pretty face. She did not ignite his blood the way her friend did. Returning to Darcy’s side, he wondered what it was about this human who drew him so.

Darcy stiffened when he neared. Without drawing her friend’s attention she scanned the area around them. Could she sense him? The thought brought a grin to his lips. Interesting.

They neared the warehouse where Kerilyn had fought her last battle. Darcy’s friend slowed.

“I think this is it,” she said.

Darcy’s attention shifted to her partner. “What do you sense?”

“Even a basic gift like mine can pick up the energy of this place. It feels—” she tilted her head to the side, “wrong.”

Jaral eyed the hunter. It was wrong. A portal never meant to exist. Bloody spirits.

“Let’s go.”

The hunters moved away and he watched them leave. Though he’d like to stay to observe them, especially his luscious hunter, he had work to do as well. Darcy would take care of the hunter side of things. He had more than a few demons to question.

Dragging a hand through his hair he sighed. Here’s hoping the lowlifes I’m about to knock around have information for me. The thought should have excited him but instead, he found himself curiously loath to leave Darcy’s side.

Weakness, he thought, seeing Liam’s mocking grin in his head. No woman would ever win a hold over him. Especially not a mortal woman.

He’d enjoy Darcy if he could seduce her into his bed, but once his mission was over, he’d walk away from her.