Page 84 of The Slayer Seduction

The Slayer shakes his head, not wanting me to approach, but when I look at Jesse, I can see relief there.

“The man, your vessel. What of him?” I question, it’s the only thing holding me back.

“He’s been gone a very long time,” Jesse admits and my heart stills, because I can’t let that happen to Adam. “Please. Mercy.”

I give him a small smile, blowing the sand into his face, watching as he falls into a peaceful sleep.

“Do what you need to do,” I whisper softly, leaving the slayers in the shelter as I walk out. The hot air hits my face as a tear drips down my cheek.

It was the right thing; it was what he wanted, but it still doesn’t make this any easier. I should be elated that today went well, but it’s far easier to take out an enemy when they’re attacking you.

He won’t feel any pain. I can just hope that maybe I’m right and as soon as we destroy the books that they’ll be completely free of the void and finally reach eternal peace.

I wrap my arms around myself, squeezing myself tight as the Slayer’s presence wraps around me. He’s holding a worn satchel and hands it over to me.

“His book,” he says softly.

“Are you alright?” I ask him. He gives me a firm nod, but he’s hard to read.

There’s one Slayer left and then we’ll be safe, well, as safe as we’ll ever be.

“I can teleport us home,” the Slayer says and I take his hand in mine as he easily transports us back to our apartment.

It’s no surprise he lets Adam take control of the body the moment we get back home, and I’m kind of grateful for it. While the Slayer makes me feel safe and would protect me with his very last breath, Adam is a huge comfort to me.

If there’s anyone who can wash away the sadness of tonight, I think it just might be him.

Chapter 38

Adam

The Slayer’s emotional regulation is shit. He seriously needs a fucking therapist and I absolutely do not volunteer.

What he did to that other slayer was a kindness, yet in his mind he feels it was cowardice on his end. Almost like he was killing a defenseless creature.

“Is he okay?” Iris asks me softly as I release her from my arms.

“He’ll be fine. He just needs to work through his feelings.”

She sighs, taking the satchel from my hands and opening the book on the tabletop. I remove the gloves with my teeth, tossing them on the counter.

“Is there anything different about this book?” she asks me.

I lean over a safe distance to read but not touch.

“A few things are different. Of course, the signature of his name to summon him is different in all of them.”

“Wait, you know the Slayer’s true name?”

I clear my throat and nod. “That is something he’ll need to tell you himself.”

Iris doesn’t push it, accepting that answer as she closes the book and summons Scarlett to take it away somewhere safe with the others.

“What about you? Are you okay?” I ask her, instinctively grabbing her shoulder and squeezing.

She gives me a watery smile and shakes her head. I tug her into my chest, holding her close to my body. She doesn’t cry, but it’s clear that today wasn’t easy.

“You gave him what he wanted with kindness.”