Page 78 of The Slayer Seduction

“This is quite the hideout, little fox.”

“Thank you,” I reply, knowing damn well my den is amazing. I jump on to my favorite rock and give him a pointed look. “So, how did things go?”

The Slayer then tells me in probably too explicit detail of everything that happened, along with the good news that one slayer is dead and that we have the book that could bring him back.

“I think she might return all my affections. She’s afraid of what faces us. It’s clear. How do I comfort her, protect her, but also trust that she can hold her own?”

“Oh Slayer, I think you need to read The Feminine Mystique again.”

He gives me a sharp nod of agreement.

“Affection to someone outside of the coven is a brand new thing for Iris. It’s going to take time. You must continue to be patient and make sure that you don’t act like she’s helpless. She’s incredibly far from it.”

“I know this. She’s the whole reason we’re here today. I just wish she didn’t have to fight a battle that I caused. The thought of her being hurt because of me makes me sick. I want to shield her from all this.”

“Sit down and pet me,” I tell the Slayer, which he does, plopping his ass on the ground as I climb into his lap, and he pets me the way I taught him. “This is comforting to me. Is it comforting to you?”

“Yes,” the Slayer says.

“Then think of what would make you feel easier about all this and give it to Iris. The last thing you should do is pull away right now. Be there for her, show her how much you care, and no more of this macho bullshit. You’re to be partners in everything.”

“You’re so wise,” he tells me.

“Obviously,” I say, hearing the snap of a twig, and my nose twitches with anticipation. “Now watch me hunt.”

The Slayer watches as I hunt, a dark appreciation in his eyes as I swallow down my kill. It’s late and I’m sure Iris is getting worried.

“Don’t tell anyone about my den,” I tell him, scratching his leg to pick me up.

“Best friends keep each other’s secrets,” he assures me.

I’ve trained him right, and as soon as all this messy business with slayers is over, we’re going to be one big happy family—even Adam.

Chapter 36

The Slayer

When we arrive back at the apartment, Iris is downstairs in her brewing area. Her gaze is hyper focused and I just watch her work.

It takes several minutes before she realizes Scarlett and I are back home.

“You’re back. Good. I need another set of hands. Come here,” she orders, and I’m eager to please as she puts me in front of a cauldron.

“The second this turns pink, you tell me.”

She’s slightly frantic as she works, far from the calm witch I’ve seen in this room before.

“Is something bothering you, Iris?”

“Yes. That we weren’t prepared before. We went into that place with nothing, no plan, no defenses. We won’t do that again.”

I glance down at Scarlett, and she gives me a nudge to keep asking Iris questions.

“What do these potions do?”

“The one you’re waiting to turn pink. Keep your eyes on it,” she scolds, and I look away from her to stare at the potion. “It’s quick sleep. I’ll mix it with sand so it isn’t liquid. You blow that in someone's face it should knock them right out. Then we have fire blood.”

I glance over at her and she glares at me. Right, watch the potion.