Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 58321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
There isn’t a sliver of fear present in her energy either. Just the burnt orange of irritation. I don’t know if that’s a relief or something to worry about. To the best of my knowledge, these humans are new to this realm and have been kept mostly isolated from the bargainer demons. She should be shocked or scared or something to be faced with all of us. There must be some reasonable explanation. “Are you a witch?”
She snorts. “Hardly.”
I should stop talking, should wait for Azazel to arrive. Until the contract is signed, there’s every chance that the whole deal can be called off. But I find myself shifting so she’ll look at me again. “You’re taking this whole thing rather well.”
“I made a deal with a demon. Compared to Azazel, you’re just a dude with bat wings. Nothing to write home about.” She smirks. “Cute horns, though. Really adorable.”
My horns are not adorable.
I have to fight the instinctive urge to touch them. She’s gotten under my skin in a matter of seconds, which doesn’t bode well for the next seven years. I may not have wanted this, but I vowed to myself that I would be charming and kind. The contract allows for me to do my best to seduce my new human partner into giving me the one thing I need above all else. A child.
But I’m already fighting the urge to snarl instead of smile, to snap instead of seduce. I am well and truly fucked.
Before I can do something foolish, the door opens and Azazel walks in. He pauses for the briefest moment, almost as if he expected to find bloodshed, and then moves to a desk that appeared the second the door opened. I feel the magic of the castle gather to provide what he needs, but I’m intrigued that the human doesn’t seem surprised by it.
Again, I’m certain she’s had exposure to magic before.
Again, I wonder if this is all an elaborate trap.
I have no illusions about my position. I’m the weakest of the current leaders. The others may not realize how precarious my position is in this moment, but Azazel does. His knowledge was there in his carefully worded invitation. He knew I couldn’t say no, and he knew why.
He folds his giant hands and stares at us over his black claws. “I have reservations about this pairing. I would like to give each of you this opportunity to change your mind, with the understanding that if neither of you does change your mind, you’ll be signing a contract that will attach the two of you for the next seven years.” Before I can cut in and say things are fine, he pins her with a severe look. “There is no wiggle room. You are safe from harm, but that clause extends to your harming others. I won’t have you going on a rampage in my realm.”
Curiosity flares, but I can’t let that comment stand. “It’s not your realm, Azazel.”
“No,” he agrees easily. Too easily. “But if any of the territory leaders abuses my gift, that could change rather quickly. Which leads me to my next point.” He studies me far too intently. Bargainer demons hold their powers close, keeping their secrets, but I’m nearly 100 percent certain they don’t hold the same magic that my people do. Which means he can’t see my emotions swirling around me. Not like I can see his.
Which is right around the moment that I realize he’s being . . . genuine? There’s no calculation there. Only the neutral gray of worry.
“I’m listening.”
“I am aware of your history and the complications that this sort of circumstance will bring you. I extended this offer as a courtesy so you weren’t the only one left out of negotiations, but I want your word that your history will not factor into how you treat my human.”
“Oh, fuck off with that noise.” The human in question props her hands on her hips and glares. It’s honestly impressive that she doesn’t seem scared of him in the least. Especially when he’s three times her size and she barely comes up to his shoulder. “You know damned well that I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”
“That’s not the point.” He turns that severe expression on her, and it’s a testament to her strength that she doesn’t wilt in the least. A hint of exasperation feathers through him, and it’s almost like she can see it too, because her lips quirk just a little.
I don’t know if I should step in or just watch this play out. There’s something going on here beyond what I expected. Bargainer demons are notoriously protective of their humans, so I expected Azazel to threaten me to ensure my good behavior. It’s not necessary, though. I need this human, unexpected or not.