Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
“That was mostly your demon.”
“Yeah, I remember it got high on the power. It would love another try at it.” Just the thought had it fairly rubbing its hands with glee.
“But if you don’t learn how to call and direct the flames, you could call them by accident – I don’t think you want that.”
She sighed, knowing and resenting that he was right. “Fine, I’ll learn.”
“Right decision.” He kissed her palm. “Are you sure you won’t take at least one day off work?”
“Not happening, Thorne. You know me well enough to know that I can’t sit around the house doing nothing – I’ll go crazy.”
Yes, Knox did know that. He even understood it, but he’d still rather have her at home. Still, Knox knew better than to browbeat her on anything – she’d object just to be contrary. Her obstinateness was typical of both imps and sphinxes. She had many sphinx qualities, despite being more of an imp by nature. Her breed was much like a bird and a lion rolled into one. In addition to being graceful and difficult to pin down, Harper was fierce and strong.
“All right,” he said. “I’ll trust you to call me if the day catches up with you.” He’d also tell Tanner to keep a close watch on her and ensure that she ate well through the day to build up her strength.
A short time later, Levi parked the Bentley outside a small, detached house. As he opened the rear door, he said, “I think it’s best if I wait in the car.” He tipped his chin toward the group of teens who were staring at the Bentley with covetous eyes.
“We won’t be long,” said Knox. He took Harper’s hand and led her up the narrow, cobbled path. She pressed the doorbell and stood back.
Within moments, Wyatt opened the door. He nodded in deference. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Wallis.” He stepped aside, inviting them to enter.
A redhead stood behind him, gray eyes bright, smile strained. Her face was narrow and pale, rather unlike her mate’s – he had an almost square face that was as tanned as the rest of him. It was easy enough to sense that Wyatt was a cop, Harper thought. It was in his stance, his expression, and the authoritative air about him.
“We haven’t met before,” she told Harper. “I’m Linda. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face, Miss Wallis.”
Harper gave her a quick smile. “It’s good to meet both of you. Call me Harper – the Miss Wallis stuff makes me feel awkward.”
Rather than leading them further into the house, Wyatt lowered his voice as he spoke. “The clean-up crew you sent to the hospital to destroy the boy’s hospital record and blood samples were almost done when I left.”
Knox nodded his approval. “How is he?”
Wyatt jiggled his head from side to side, but his tousled peanut-brown hair didn’t move, thanks to whatever gel he was using. “He seems all right, which I didn’t expect. His mother didn’t just try to burn him in the oven, she tried to burn the house down – as if to be sure he died. McCauley told the police that he managed to get out of the oven before she switched it on and then he scrambled out of the house. Since he has no burns, they believe him.” Demons were impervious to normal fire, so the oven would have done him absolutely no harm. “Danielle Riley” – another demon from their lair – “was his appointed social worker; she’s going to log in her file that he was placed with relatives and make it all look official.”
“Who do you think his biological parents are?” Linda asked Knox, folding her arms.
“I’m not sure yet,” replied Knox. “But I’ll find them.”
“He’s welcome to stay here until then,” Linda offered, sounding overly casual. “I mean, if that’s okay with you?”
“If you’d like to take care of him temporarily, that’s fine,” said Knox. Linda’s relief was clear to see on her face. Wyatt didn’t look so delighted, Knox noticed. “Where is he?”
“The living room,” said Linda.
“Lead us to him.”
With a nod, Wyatt headed down the thin hallway and into a homey room with apricot walls, a lush beige carpet, and a cream leather sofa. In front of the large T.V. sat a little dark-haired boy, eyes locked on the cartoon that was playing.
“McCauley,” said Wyatt, “these are the friends I was telling you about.”
The boy turned to look at them, his face surprisingly blank. Being part of a large family, Harper was used to being around kids. Used to their nervous energy, their tendency to hop from one thing to another, and their boundless curiosity. But this boy’s big brown eyes held no curiosity. No interest, no wariness, no happiness, nothing. And something about that raised her hackles.