AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What if my mom’s stories were true too?
Sure, it struck me as odd that Lily had lived so long, but it wasn’t any weirder than growing up fighting demons in city parks and back alleys. It was just life.
“Is that important?” I didn’t see how it could be, but I felt like I was grasping at straws for anything that could help me get Matty home safe.
The two men shared another look, and I had to swallow down the sudden urge to kick them both in the shins. I hated being the odd one out around people who had known each other forever. It was like being a third wheel, all shiny and new, when the other two had worn and weathered together.
They were hiding something, though for the life of me, I couldn’t see how Lily connected to any of it. Except maybe for the look in her eyes when the pendant first glowed to life. And the way she’d backed out of the room like she knew exactly what was happening.
Okay, yeah, that was strange and super suspicious, but it didn’t mean it was connected to anything happening in that cramped room that seemed to be overflowing with rolled papers. They were propped against walls and stacked on top of cabinets.
“I can’t say whether it’s significant or not,” Hook finally offered, pulling my focus with the way he ran his hand through his tousled hair.
For one fleeting moment, I saw the man I’d shared my body with not more than a few hours earlier. The longing in his eyes made my breath catch, but it was gone in a flash, replaced by a stone wall and an unreadable expression.
“Are you going to give me the necklace or not?” I asked, feeling more exposed than when I was sprawled on his bed, naked and at his mercy.
I also wanted an explanation as to whyhewas pissed atmefor having it. And it would be nice to know what the magical, glowy rock actually was. Better yet, how it worked. If he wanted it so badly, he had to know those things, right?
Instead of answering, he ignored me completely, turning his attention to Leo. “I assume the demon is planning on coming here, rather than trying to lure us to the island?”
“Yes,” Leo said, falling back into his leather chair with a manly harumph. “And you can count on her showing up with an army of her lost boys.”
Hook’s lips quirked up in the first hint of a smile. “That’s fine by me. My men haven’t seen a proper battle in ages and they’re itching for a little action.”
“Will she bring Matty with her?” I asked. It was the only thing I cared about. I’d steal the fucking pendant back if I had to, but I still needed to get my hands on my brother so we could get the hell out of dodge.
“I’ll see what I can do on that front,” Leo said. “But this will only work if she thinks she can use you against your brother. So, you’re going to have to—”
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. “I’m his big sister. He’s young and immature, and kind of a little prick sometimes, but he wouldn’t let anyone hurt me if he had a way to stop it.” And I would take his place if it came to that. A soul was a soul.
Hook stood and moved around the desk, keeping his eyes on Leo. “We’ll work out a plan to separate her brother from the others and get them clear of the fight. It’s probably better if you don’t know the details.”
Leo nodded his agreement but said nothing. When he turned to look at me, tilting his head, I could see the question forming in his mind. “How’s your ankle?”
Oh, right. That. The memory of my ankle led my mind directly back to Hook’s hands on my skin and his breath in my ear. The hard slide of his cock plundering my pussy.
“Better.” My voice cracked on the word. The heat that was just starting to stretch across my cheeks bloomed into a scorching blush, but I refused to break eye contact. I had nothing to be ashamed of. “Won’t stop me from getting a few shots in if it comes to a fight.”
He eyed Hook knowingly, then stood and moved past me to the door. Over his shoulder he said, “She plans to make her move at sunset. Be ready.” And with that, he disappeared into the darkness.
40
NEVER
“He’s not going back to the island right now, is he?” I asked, turning to stare at the empty doorway.
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“The sirens? You know, the creepy looking mermaid zombie things. Won’t they eat him alive?”
His chuckle was soothing and vaguely condescending, which made it entirely frustrating. “He’s killed enough of them that they know to steer clear. That might change if he ended up in the water, but as long as he stays in his skiff, he’ll be fine.” He moved back and sat on the edge of the desk, motioning to the chair Leo vacated.
I shook my head. “I’m not really in the mood to sit and chat with you.”
“Still angry, I take it,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You caught that, did you?” I shook my head again, gritting my teeth against the anger and frustration bubbling back to the surface now that it was just us.
