Page 109 of Hybrid Heroics

I nodded. If she knew anything about Gustave Malin, he would have been dead long before this battle.

How Novak kept that from her, I’d never understand. She wouldn’t let him avoid it now, though. She would want to know, and then she’d be angry about not killing him herself.

I spied my mate once more, lying on the mended grass. She grinned when the exterior floodlight turned on, illuminating the yard as the sun finally dipped below the horizon.

Ruthless and tender. That oxymoron was my Princess.

I headed her way, slowing my pace as Hyde dropped beside her, silently passing her a bar of chocolate.

She gripped Hyde’s hand, flashing her a bright smile of thanks. Sloane didn’t vocalize her appreciation often, but it was always there in her actions.

In the way she protected.

In the way she touched.

In the way she loved.

“Thought it would help the maniac return from madness…” Hyde teased, moving so her head was beside Sloane’s, their hair mixing together in a sheet of silver and black. “But you had more control tonight than I’ve ever seen.”

“It was time, Hyde,” she replied simply.

The little succubus nodded. “They had to die.”

Lo snorted. “They fucked up my yard, so yeah. They had to die.”

“And your nose.”

“I hadn’t noticed.”

“Let me see, Princess,” I demanded, kneeling at her side.

“Can I eat some of my chocolate before I accidentally rage out?” she complained. “I need something to sweeten my mood.”

I furrowed my brows. “Is that why you—”

“Always wants candy when she’s ill?” Hyde finished for me. “Yep. I would bet money on D having a jolly rancher in one of his pockets.”

“Ohhh,” Lo sang, wiggling a little.

“Guys,” Hyde shouted through her chuckle, causing all the men in the yard to snap to attention. “Candy?”

“On my way,” Doyln called out.

I studied the little succubus for a moment, convinced she was the second most dangerous person I knew. “It still blows my mind how easily you can command.”

“It’s a gift and a curse,” she stated wistfully.

Dolyn trotted over, digging through the pockets on his tactical vest, but he pulled up short when he saw the girls smiling. “She looks fine.”

“She wants a Jolly Rancher,” Lo smarted. “Please.”

The incubus rolled his eyes, showering her with a handful of reds—Cherry. “You know… Hyde has a bag full of candy. She came prepared.”

“It’s not here.” Hyland glanced toward the house. “It’s over there.”

“Where I was standing?” Dolyn inquired, aggravation leaking into his tone.

“Yep,” his sister popped back.