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CHAPTERNINETEEN
take the bait
ALEX
I madeit to the tenth floor fairly easily, which did not sit well with me.
I stepped out onto the floor, the one that belonged to me and Inferna, alone.
I was to be the bait— Inferna, Art, and Minni hiding and waiting for the signal. They were in the ceiling vents, having crawled around like spies.
The moment I opened my office, the air snapped with electricity.
Alfred was sitting at my desk, feet propped up and eyes already trained on me.
I met his gaze, not feeling a shred of fear.
No.
This meeting would be one from hell, but it was long overdue.
You’re not alone, I reminded myself.
Alfred’s nostrils flared, his eyes burning as he caught my scent. I could see the hunger, the rage, the moment of confusion.
“You’re mated,” he said.
I closed the door behind me, going to the chair across from him and taking a seat. “I am,” I said, my voice cold.
His teeth bared for a moment, a low growl leaving him. “The things I have done for you. All for you. And you dare sit here across from me, in heat but mated.”
“I was never yours, Alfred,” I said. “I never will be. You just refuse to accept the truth.”
Alfred snarled, his feet coming off the desk and hands slamming down. He leaned forward, his mouth shimmering with heat.
“Hundreds of years together and you act like I’m the monster!” he thundered.
I stayed seated, watching him. I wasn’t going to show him fear or give him the reaction that he wanted.
It had been a long time since I had sat in the same room with him.
It had been even longer since the two of us had spoken truthfully.
When was the last time I had told him no? Told him that he was wrong? I’d let him get away with so much.
It all would stop now.
“Alfred, you are the monster. All of the things you have done to people, and for what? All for me? I never asked you to do these things. The power has gone to your head. You’re corrupt.”
“This is exactly what you wanted,” he sneered. “Monsters and witches to be closer, for monsters to have magic and witches be more beastly. You got exactly what you set out to do when you summoned me. You’re just too weak to see it through.”
“I’ve never been weak,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “I summoned you. A powerful demon. Well, you were powerful. You were a lot more charming then too, and less of a fucking asshole.”
“I haven’t changed,” Alfred said, shaking his head. “No. No, I’m just seeing what I should have done long ago.”
“And what’s that?” I asked, feeling the tension rise.
“Take your magic,” he said. “And be done with you.”
