Page 49 of Siren’s Secret

Esserieh turned back to Wayla. “I thought you knew. The rumors…”

Wayla shook her head. “We never got to proper introductions,” she said. “What’s this about…” She paled. The hurt look she threw at Hellion cut deep, but she wasn’t talking to him when she spoke. “Just him or…?”

“Ulriche’s son had some feelers out too, but they are inept at best,” Esserieh replied. “They are taken care of, Wayla. Don’t worry.”

“Luci—” Wayla began, but when Esserieh narrowed his eyes, she closed her mouth and nodded quickly.

Esserieh’s gaze moved from her to Jarred, still cradling her hand, and back. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but then decided against it.

“I really have to go. Walk me to the portal, Wayla? Your Claimed can come too.”

“Of course,” Wayla immediately replied and curled her hand around Jarred’s arm before reaching for the arm Esserieh offered like he was escorting a lady around a garden back in the days. Together, the three of them walked out, leaving stunned silence behind.

Chapter 25 – Wave

There were way too many emotions swirling inside Wave. Her bond with Jarred hummed and purred, and when Esserieh had acknowledged Jarred as her Claimed, he’d been proud. Now there was worry in the mix too.

She wanted to reach out and reassure him but couldn’t. She didn’t know what was going on. Still, she stroked the bond a little and felt him respond. He was there, right by her side. Whatever this was, she wasn’t facing it alone.

He had claimed her.

Well, she had claimed him too, but really, how could she not? The feelings that echoed between them made her giddy. Like the risk had been worth it and so much more.

He was hers.

Jarred purred, and Wave glanced at Esserieh. He seemed tense, but his lips twitched a little at the sound.

Seeing Uncle Essi after all this time was amazing. She had missed the demon but understood why he hadn’t been to visit after Father’s death. While it had been Wave who first caught the demon’s eye, it had been her father who became friends with him.

She glanced at his hulking form but kept her mouth shut as they walked out of the house. If Esserieh said to stay silent, she would. He had taught her so much and was on the very—very—short list of beings she trusted with her life.

Unlike Lucifer. Or his son.

Fuck.

Hellion was Lucifer’s son. He was the prince of hell, not just an envoy. How had she missed that? If she’d known, she would have never allowed herself to be caught up with him.

A little snort escaped her and earned a glance from both Jarred and Uncle Essi.

Like she had allowed anything that had happened with Hellion. He had swept her off her feet and things had tumbled from there.

The air felt crisp despite the heat the males on both sides of her exuded. They made their way down the stairs and out of the yard just as Wave heard someone calling her name. She looked over and Irishen was jogging toward them with a worried expression on his face.

“Wayla! Justin texted me. Are you—” He ground to a halt when he realized who was on her other arm. A snarl broke free, and he took a threatening step forward, but Uncle Essi huffed.

“Calm down, Prince Irishen. I’m not here for your mate, nor you. Besides, the contract for your head was canceled.”

“What? You tried to kill Irishen?” Wave shrieked and pulled her arms free so she could spin to face Uncle Essi with a proper scowl.

“No. You know he would be dead if I had been sent,” he replied easily.

Wave knew it was true, but she still couldn’t let it drop. “But why—”

“Hell politics, droplet. He’s safe now.”

“What the hell?” Irishen growled.

Esserieh turned his focus to him and gave a chilling smile. “You are Wayla Stormwell’s mate. Consider yourself very well protected from Hell’s agents. Well, at least the ones following orders. Accidents do happen.”