Colton’s foot hit the door just as Grayson crashed in, obliterating the front entrance. Malik barreled through right after him, the room erupting in shouting.
The first demon reached for Grayson but got his arm twisted around until the shoulder popped. Reese came in from the side, claws out, and took out the next before any powers were used. A gun fired. The report nearly deafened Malik.
A gun skittered across the floor.
Malik stopped it with his foot just as someone landed a blow to his ribs. Shouting in pain, Malik punched the son of a bitch, snarling when he heard the snap of bones. He didn’t stick around once the body dropped.
He had to find his mate. Spinning, he glanced toward the stairs. As his team fought the demons, Malik took off toward them. “Indy!”
Something upstairs crashed then his mate shouted for him.
Images of what Samir might be doing had Malik taking the steps three at a time. He hit the second floor, veering left as he heard loud cursing.
“Indy!” The desperation in his voice echoed down the hallway. “I’m coming, baby!”
“In here!” Indy shouted, his voice carrying from behind the closet door to his left.
With a feral growl, Malik hurled himself at the door. The impact reverberated through his shoulder as the wood splintered inward. He hit it again, and the frame disintegrated in an explosion of fragments.
Malik stalked into the room, canines and claws extended.
Samir had Indy by the throat. His mate hung in the demon’s grip, fighting and kicking.
Malik lunged.
When his boot connected with the side of Samir’s leg, he heard cartilage fold before the demon hit the floor screaming. Indy dropped as well, but his little fox landed on all fours, gasping for air.
“Stay by the door, baby. I might owe him money, but he touched my mate.” Malik turned to Samir, but was still talking to Indy. “He’ll get his money. He won’t get mercy for hurting you.”
Knuckles connected with Samir’s cheekbone, and the split that followed was more than skin. There was a hollow crack beneath it.
Samir smashed his palm against the floor, and Malik braced for the cage.
Nothing happened.
Hondo. Malik wanted to kiss the bastard.
“Impossible!” Samir struck the floor again.
“Performance problems?” Malik’s punch landed just under the ear, and the demon’s skull thudded against the wall with a whack that sounded painful.
A low chuckle escaped Samir, the kind that carried too much satisfaction. “You were so easy to manipulate, cat. One whisper was all it took.” He turned his head and spat a crimson streak onto the floor. “The debt remains. And I will collect... piece by piece if necessary.”
Fury burned so hot Malik’s skin felt tight. “You fucked with my mind? Made me wrack up a debt?”
“You underhanded slimeball!” Indy yelled. “Do you know what you put my kitty cat through? I will end your whole existence, and trust me, this face?” He gestured dramatically to himself. “It’s the last thing you’ll see before you meet your maker.”
Malik was so turned on, he wanted to fuck his mate right there in the doorway.
Indy grew still, panic in his blue-violet eyes.
One strike to Samir’s chest with his claws, then Malik yanked his arm back, holding the demon’s heart in his hand.
Indy made retching sounds as Malik dropped the heart next to Samir’s head, then wiped his bloody hand on the demon’s crisp, white shirt.
“Don’t you dare come near me with that hand,” Indy squeaked. “There’s a bathroom right behind you!”
Chuckling, Malik washed his hands in the adjoining bathroom, making sure to scrub under his nails. As soon as he exited, Indy jumped into his arms. “No more excitement. My ticker can’t take it.”
