Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“True and true. But what displeases me is that Maxton came all this way and refuses to do my evil bidding. This will not stand.” Cimil made a fist and slammed it down on the coffee table.
“Well, I got him to LA,” Willa said. “I’m sure I can get him to do whatever else you like. Just as soon as Damien announces he has chosen me—”
“Oh, no, pumpkin. That is where you’re mistaken. Your brainwashing failed. Damien removed all your handiwork before Maxton even landed in LA.”
How the hell did he remove her spell?
Cimil continued, “I think you overestimate the hold you have over others, including Damien. In fact, if I were to place a bet, I’d say he’s going to choose Sky tonight.”
No. Not possible. “Well, well, I’m sure you’re wrong. He and I go way back. He loves me and always has.”
“Ah, but what if someone were to tell him that he never really loved you because you put a spell on him? What would he say then?” Cimil flashed a wicked smile.
Willa started to fume. Who did this goddess think she was? “Damien would have fallen for me anyway. I merely tinkered with the timeline.”
“Bwap!” Cimil made an X with her arms. “Wrong answer. But here is what I’m willing to do. I won’t tell Damien the truth, and in exchange, you’ll do a favor for me.”
“What do you want?” Willa narrowed her eyes.
“I want you to turn Maxton into a mortal—remove his vampirism.”
“You—you want to make him mortal? Why?”
“That is my bologna to roll. Yes or no, Willa?” Cimil pushed.
Willa wasn’t certain she could make him human again. Generally, syphoning off someone’s supernatural energy and powers involved transferring them to someone else. Guess I’ll have to make it work. “So you promise to let Damien choose me then?”
“I promise not to tell Damien that he never loved you and it was all an illusion. But he still gets to choose on his own. Deal?”
Willa’s mind tripped on something. Why would Cimil want to change Maxton after all that trouble getting him here to LA? It wasn’t adding up.
A light bulb went off.
Cimil just said a few moments ago that Maxton didn’t want to do Cimil’s evil bidding. Unless he can be persuaded! Maxton wants to be human again.
Willa smiled. “I’ll turn your vampire back to human, but what I want in return is something else. I want the beast.” Willa raised her chin. “Get rid of Damien.”
Cimil stared in shock. “You are one backstabbing viper. I like it! But no can do. I need Damien.”
“Why? So he can do your dirty work? I’ll be a thousand times better at it. Especially with the beast by my side. He’s merciless.”
“But if you’re wrong, I’m stuck without my sheriff.” Cimil scratched her chin. “How about this? I can give the beast an SBP body, and you can have a trial. If you make me happy, we’ll talk.”
“There are more bodies?” Willa had heard that the lab responsible for making her and Sky’s bodies burned down.
Cimil winked. “I have a few in my basement for emergencies. Never know when you’ll need a spare.”
Odd, but maybe Willa could work with this. She was certain she could win over Cimil. Better to have her in my corner than working against me. Such a powerful goddess could be an asset.
“All right.” Willa stood and held out her hand. “I agree. I’ll turn your vampire human, and you’ll give the beast his own body. From there, we’ll start doing whatever you need.”
Cimil smiled, and they shook. “I’ll be in touch in a few days.”
Cimil left, and Willa went to the magic box. “Hello, I would like some spirits. Have anything with bubbles? I’m in the mood to celebrate.”
Once she had the beast, she could take Damien out herself. Bastard left me to die.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
MF and Maxton had arrived last night at her apartment with the two demons in tow. She’d microwaved a mac-n-cheese bowl and put on the TV for Maxton while she went to shower. She’d gone with a documentary on sharks, thinking he might enjoy all the chum scenes. But when she’d come out of the bathroom, Maxton was already passed out on the bed with the two demons.
“Bonbon! Gorgonzolina! What did I say about draining guests?”
“You said no customers from the store. He’s not a customer,” Bonbon had replied.
Gorgonzolina had licked her chops. “He tastes pretty dry anyway. Not much love inside him.”
“I know you guys are tired after draining him on the plane. Swallowing down all that nasty witch’s magic probably wasn’t easy. But like I said before, if you guys are really hungry, you just have to ask. I’m happy to cuddle.” MF had lain down next to Maxton and patted the side of the bed away from him. The two demons had hopped up, and she curled around them, stroking their soft little ears.