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Well, she has me there. I might not be able to resist. “You’re afraid that you’ll be the one begging me, my warrior. But, there is another way that we all get what we want.”

Lifting her glass, she sips a swallow of her water, studying my face. “And that is?”

“You allow me to stay at the firehouse with the lot of you, of course. Give me a chance to show you what you truly desire.” I sit back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest, smirking.

“You want to stay with us?” Her face pales at the thought. “That could never work. I don’t trust that you won’t hurt the others.”

“I’ll include it in our deal. No harm will come to Damien, Storm, or River. You have my word.” It will be tough not to blast them away, but I know that this will all fall apart if I don’t pick my battles and compromise.

“Body, mind, or soul. You are not to touch them, even if they come after you. That’s the only way this will work. You can have time with me but it will not take from them. Understand?” Riella’s violet eyes flash with hellfire, her true form begging to break free.

“I understand. But you must be willing to give me an equal amount. I’ll not take anything less. With this deal, I’ll give you answers in regard to my bargain with Humanity’s Watcher.” I straighten my back and get to my feet.

“You will help me confront him as well,” Riella says, rising to her feet, refusing to let me tower over her.

“In time.” This is turning out far better than I could ever imagine. I have the power to bring her bowing at my feet as queen. Her resistance will weaken. Soon, she’ll be mine.

Riella offers me her hand. “Within a week. I need to contact him immediately.”

“Fine,” I mutter, relenting once more. She makes it easier with every flutter of her long eyelashes.

“Then we have a deal.” Something familiar crosses her face with her words. Desire? Perhaps. Whatever it is, I want more.

“We have a deal, my queen.” I lace my fingers around hers. “Now we must seal it with a kiss.”

“A kiss?” Her words turn breathy, her eyes darting to my mouth.

“It’s the only way to ensure I keep my word.” My body ignites at the thought of her mouth on mine, striking a deep ache in my balls.

Eyeing me suspiciously, she bobs her head, letting me pull her around the table. I pull her in close, wrapping my fingers around her waist. She automatically drapes her arms over my shoulders, tilting her head and closing her eyes.

I don’t move from my spot. She must be the one willing to kiss me.

Releasing a breath, Riella closes the space, brushing her lips against mine, the sensation sizzling hot and surprisingly overwhelming. I expect her to jerk away, but she slides her hands into my hair, pulling me close. I part my lips, allowing her control, and she glides her tongue over mine, deepening our kiss in a way that steals my breath. Heat explodes around us as hellfire bursts from Riella, startling her. She pulls away with wide eyes, but she’s not afraid. I can taste her lust lingering on my lips. She craves more.

I hum in contentment, smiling. “The deal is done, my queen. Now, how about you lead the way? I can’t wait to finally go home.”

It’s all I suddenly desire.

31

Home, Sweet Home

Riella

“Stayhere.Ineedto talk to the others.” I ruffle my wings and glare at Dagan, holding my finger up to ensure he doesn’t try to just follow me in, acting as if this place now belongs to him. He seems like the type. Actually, I know he is the type. And this is Storm and River’s home. I will ensure that doesn’t change.

“Of course, my warrior. I’m not going anywhere. You must have them alter the wards, so I can go in.” Dagan crosses his arms over his broad chest, offering me a cocky smile. And with his smile, I can’t help remembering the kiss that sealed this deal. As much as I know I shouldn’t have made a deal with a demon, I know it was the right decision. Dagan can get me in contact with Adriel. I can use him to my advantage, and I know the others will reluctantly be on board. It’s important to me. It’s important to humanity. This is a sacrifice we must all make. Getting close to our enemy will better prepare us for what is to come.

I tighten my jaw, forcing my mouth to remain pursed instead of returning his expression. I enter the firehouse and quickly close the door in his face. No one hangs out in the living area, but I hear River and Damien arguing in the kitchen. Storm groans and yells at both of them. They are talking about me.

“She’s taking too long. It’s been hours. We need to look for her,” Damien says, worry lining his words, softening his voice.

“She’s strong. We need to let her return in her own time. I had a vision that proves she hasn’t abandoned us. So, chill the fuck out. We need to prepare for the deal she made. I saw it. That fucker is coming here.” Storm lowers his voice, and I can sense it’s because his nerves get the best of him.

It’s in this moment that I realize how much I wish he didn’t have premonitions.

“If he even steps a foot within our home, I’ll send him to Hell. I didn’t agree to this bullshit. She should’ve asked us.” River growls the words, and I peek into the kitchen, seeing him stab a knife into a cutting board so hard that it splintering the wood.

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