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“Where are we supposed to find it?” Julian hoped like fuck it wasn’t Hell. He’d already lost his spark and worried he’d lose his own ability to shift.
“If I were you, I’d go back to the house where they attempted to trap the chameleon. This sect. Find them. They may or may not have moved on.”
“Why would they leave the vessel there?”
“Secrets of Hell are sometimes meant to be found. They have their own life, their own will.”
“This doesn’t make any sense,” Greyson murmured.
“Perhaps there is a portal,” Thorn surmised. “If you find the portal, it may set you on the path.”
“Jesus Christ, this is some bullshit.” Greyson stood and began to pace.
“While I appreciate the information you’ve given us today, I have to agree with the vampire. Even if we find said portal, it could turn into some kind of wild goose chase,” Julian surmised.
“Ye have so little faith for ones of the Goddess.” Thorn smiled.
Julian summoned every ounce of patience left within him and continued pressing the demon for information. “I expect you have something else to tell us, so on with it, Thorn. We’re running out of time. The real hellhounds are coming for Cassia soon. The protection spell Samantha cast isn’t permanent.”
Thorn once again clapped his hands. “Dearest Sayuri, please fetch me a purse and notebook.”
His faithful hostess returned to his side with a small pad of paper. Thorn shot them a devious smile and lifted his finger into the air. Its tip glowed bright blue, a whisp of smoke curling into the air as he used it to scrawl out a message. Within seconds he’d ceremoniously folded the paper in three and inserted it into a black velvet pouch.
“I’m afraid our time together has come to an end,” Thorn announced as he stood and extended the item to Julian. “You have hellhounds on your heels, and I can’t risk another incident at one of my parties, or I’ll never have another dragon attend.”
As the Alpha reached for the pouch, Thorn held it up into the air out of reach. “There is a symbol inside that is for your eyes only. Should you find this symbol you will know you are in the presence of a vessel, a secret of Hell. Do not read the incantation aloud until you believe you have found the portal. You get one chance at this.”
Julian accepted the pouch and nodded. “I appreciate your help with this matter.”
“Like I said, you will do us all a favor if we can find out more about the sect. However, I suspect they will move on. Humans like these pass on their evil to the next generation and their secrets are well guarded. I sincerely hope that you and your mate are able to root out the demon who has created the hounds. Should you need assistance, I would like to offer Sayuri’s services.”
“Thank you but I’ve killed a few demons in my time. This won’t be my last.”
“Sayuri.” Thorn ignored the Alpha. “Please give him your calling card. I do not like that this demon is allowing a simple fae to run around with cambions. This will give us all a bad name. The last thing I need is for one of them to ruin my parties.”
Sayuri approached Julian. She reached into her kimono and retrieved a small object and extended it to him. “Alpha. I, too, am well versed in demon killing and would be happy to be of service. Please take this. When broken, I shall arrive to assist.”
Julian nodded as she placed a miniature porcelain blade into his palm. Soft to the touch, it buzzed with an energy he could not quite place. Neither of the Goddess nor Hell, it resonated pure power. “Arigato.”
The Alpha reached for Cassia’s hand and nodded to Greyson in silent agreement. It was time to flash.
A servant wrapped a long fur cape over Thorn’s shoulders as he stepped away. As he made to leave, he stopped and once again turned to Julian.
“If you see Kellan, please give him a message from me. His days in the earthly realm are numbered. He is no longer useful. He puts all of us at risk. He is on my list. He’ll be lucky to have you or your beta see to his end. Because if I find him, I will make sure he suffers an eternity in a way that only a demon would see fit.” A broad smile broke across his face. “And oh, I do hope you enjoyed the party. I certainly enjoyed the show.”
Julian didn’t allow for another word as he set his hand onto Rafe and dematerialized. With no time to waste, they’d move to find the portal, the vessel and kill the demon who’d set the hounds loose.
* * *
“Where are Greyson and Dominque?” Cassia asked as they materialized back into Greyson’s home in New York.
“He mentioned earlier about touching base with Kade. They’ll be back soon.”
Julian looked to Rafe, who appeared pale. His concern for the wolf escalated. From here on out, they’d all have to be available to fight whatever or whoever was creating hellhounds. If his wolf was weakened, there was a greater chance someone could use the dark magick on Rafe.
“Hey, you okay?” Cassia asked as she handed Rafe a throw blanket from the sofa. “You’re freezing. He’s shaking.”
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he protested. “You know I don’t do well with the flashing.”
