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Cormac leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. When he spoke, his voice was low and deep. “The next time you need a cover story, come see me. Duncan’s excuse sucks.”
Orion wasn’t sure he’d heard Cormac correctly. “How do you know it was Duncan’s story?”
“Because it sucks.”
Orion blinked several times, still expecting a lecture. “You’re not mad?”
“I’m mad that you didn’t come to me before seeing your mom,” he said. “I could have given you a way better excuse. Now I’m going to have to fake migraines when I visit her for some more of this delicious food.”
Orion was grateful that Cormac hadn’t blown a gasket. “I don’t know what Duncan is talking about. You’re not a pissy guy with a stick up your ass.”
Too late Orion realized he’d said that out loud. Duncan was going to kill him.
Cormac threw his head back and laughed. The sound was rich and beautiful. The guy needed to laugh more often. “To my brothers, I’m their worst nightmare. It keeps them in line.”
“But to us mates?”
Cormac leaned in close. “You guys have nothing to worry about when it comes to me. I’m actually a big softie, but if you repeat that, I’ll deny it.”
“Really?” Orion asked. “To be completely truthful, you’re intimidating as hell. I was terrified to approach you.”
“Your mom’s cooking softened me up to you.” Cormac grabbed his plate. “Never be afraid to talk to me, Orion. I’m an asshole to my siblings, and I’m a huge grump, but I would never take my surliness out on any of the mates.”
“That’s good to know.” Orion stood, relieved at the way the conversation had gone. “I’ll grab you some more paella and churros tomorrow when I go to my mom’s.”
“I’ll suffer through my migraines as I eat her cooking.” Cormac grabbed his juice, which was Orion’s cue to go upstairs.
“Thanks for not lecturing me,” Orion said.
“But I’m going to have so much fun with Duncan about this,” Cormac said. “And as far as your problem with the Slayer is concerned, we all have your backs. We’re not going to let you guys go down without a fight. You’re family now, Orion. We take care of our own.”
That was sweet of Cormac to say, but there was nothing he or his siblings could do if Orion was yanked away. “I really appreciate that.”
With a nod, Cormac went back to eating as Orion headed for the stairs. He had to warn Duncan that Cormac knew about the lie. Duncan might get pissed at Orion for saying anything to Cormac, but at least Orion’s conscience was clear.
He would just have to make it up to Duncan, and he was pretty sure he knew how.
“No!” Orion screamed when he felt himself being yanked backward. Right before he was sucked away, he saw Cormac leap over the couch and race toward him, but Cormac wasn’t going to make it to him in time.
* * * *
Orion landed on all fours, pain exploding in his knees and hands. He stayed that way, afraid to even breathe. How had the Slayer gotten past Jaden’s shields? Orion hadn’t left town, and it had only been a day since Jaden had cast the shield around them.
The sound of birds chirping felt ominous now that Orion knew what the forest really was and what it held. Maybe if he stayed low and didn’t move, the Slayer wouldn’t be able to detect him.
“Rise, human.”
Orion’s heart went into overdrive at the deep, commanding voice. He was surprised he still knew how to breathe. Even though everything in him wanted to obey, he was too out of his mind with fear to move.
The sound of grass rustling behind him made Orion dizzy. The Slayer was approaching, and Orion didn’t want to see what the creature looked like. He had a feeling that he would have nightmares about the thing’s face for years to come, if he survived that long.
Feet swaddled in leather entered his view. The creature crouched, tucking a finger under Orion’s chin, forcing him to look up.
Stunned didn’t even cover it. Orion had expected something made of nightmares, but the Slayer was breathtaking, so beautiful that it almost hurt to look at him.
His hair cascaded in shimmering waves, a mane of pure sunlight that seemed to glow with its own radiance. His skin was a tawny, rich shade that glistened like a warm embrace. His eyes were like pools of crystal, clear and bright as if reflecting the blue sky above.
Satan was also charming and handsome. Don’t fall for anything this guy says to you. If Orion could call the Slayer a guy. He looked like one, but looks could be deceiving.
