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“Yeah, well, being old enough to vote and join the military is special for some people, but as far as Lena’s concerned I’m still a little kid.” Ben squirms again, and I let him down so he can go beg his demonic Grandpa for uppies. I don’t miss Asmodeus’s quick flick of the gaze from my cleavage back up to my eyes as I bend over. I grin at the Prince of Lust getting a little lustful watching me. Lena certainly never had that effect on Him! Feeling a bit full of myself, I toss my hair over my shoulder before I continue with my bitching. “She’s been hassling me about college lately. It doesn’t seem to matter to her that I’m old enough to make my own decisions about my life now.”
Az’s brows draw together, and the dude actually looks concerned. “That is not acceptable. You are an adult now; you are not beholden to Elena, nor anyone.”
I snort. “Lena hasn’t gotten that message, apparently.”
“Well, I shall have to relay it to her.” Before I can even try to stop Him, He plane shifts from in front of me to inside the house without so much as a “by your leave,” and I spin around to chase after Him.
“Wait!”
Too late, though. He’s already inside, yelling for Lena.
“Elena! Elena, where are you? I must have words.”
Remembering that I set Ben loose on the front porch, I whirl back and grab him before he can wander into the street. Lena has all kinds of wards around the house, but better to have a physical grip on him if he really wants to go explore. By the time I pick Ben back up and turn towards the house, Lena and Az are nose to nose, and Lena looks like she’s about to deck Him—even though she’s got her daughter, Niki, on her hip.
Oh, crap!
She’s already tearing into Him when I get to the living room, panting with the effort of chasing after Ben.
“Lena, I can explai—” She throws up a hand, cutting me off before I can even finish the word.
“And another thing: I didnotinvite You into my home, so if You don’t get the hell back to Hell in the next thirty seconds, I’ll bring Hell right to You!” Flames flicker at Lena’s fingertips as she readies a spell. All four of her boyfriends are gathered around, each as sexy as their demon Dad, but it seems like none of them are really interested in getting between Lena and the object of her ire.
This is a disaster! Lena’s pissed enough to wipe the floor with Az, and getting demon blood out of the carpet is a bitch. Trust me. I know from experience.
“Lena, please! Az just came to wish me happy birthday. Lay off Him already.”
Her blue eyes swivel in my direction, but she doesn’t get out of Az’s face. “Why the fuck is the Demon Prince of Lust coming to wish you happy birthday? That makes no Goddamn sense, Cal. He’s clearly up to something.”
It figures Lena would dismiss any chance that someone could be here for me. No,everythingis about Lena, her boyfriends, or her kids.Nobodycould possibly be here forme. Ugh.
Despite Lena’s fury, Az is playing things pretty cool. He’s not countering with any spells of His own that I can sense, and aside from the fact that He’s inches from her, His posture is relaxed. It’s like He’s really here just for a house call.
“Callie helped rescue My Grandson from My Brother’s grasp. She was integral in freeing him from Satan’s possession. Why would I not want to wish her a happy birthday? Why would I not congratulate her on reaching adulthood? This is a momentous occasion, and I very much wish to join in any celebrations that may be taking place.”
Lena leans in close to Az, poking Him in the chest for emphasis. “There aren’t any celebrations taking place, dude. She’s gonna sit in her room and read up on college classes and pick out her damn schedule. We’ll have a normal dinner, like always, andifI’m feeling generous—and she promises to enroll first thing Monday morning—I might allow a slice of cake. One. For her.” Her eyes narrow, but she finally stands back. “So, if you’re really here to wish her happy birthday, say it, give her a gift, and be on Your way.”
I should’ve known she wasn’t going to plan a party. Why would Lena bother? She hates parties, so why would it matter to her if I might have wanted one?
Az takes a step back and blinks in surprise. I don’t think He expected her to give, not even a little. “A gift? Is that a requirement?”
Lena smirks. “I figured You’d be deadbeat enough not to bring a gift. Yes, dumbass, gifts are required when dropping in unexpectedly on someone’s birthday. Especially if You’re not invited.”
He strokes His chin in contemplation. “Very well. I have no need for possessions in Hell, though, so I have nothing to give, save this: I grant you a favor, Callie. One favor of your choosing, given whenever you ask.”
It sounds kinda like a lame, last-minute gift, but I know that Az has power. He probably really could give me anything I want at any time. I feel my cheeks heat up again as I reply.
“Thank You, Az. I’ll remember that.”
He takes my hand again and gently kisses the back of it. A thrill chases down my spine as His lips touch my skin, and I’m actually grateful when He plane shifts away. I’m, like, ninety-nine percent sure I would have done something embarrassing if He’d stayed. Like jump His sexy bones or something.
With the Prince gone, Lena calms down. She lets the energy from her spell dissipate, and she gestures for Arman to take Ben from me. “All right, excitement’s over. Cal, go upstairs and look over those booklets. I know you don’t want to go to college, but I honestly think you’d benefit from their mythical studies program. They can teach you the basics that Mom and Dad never got the chance to, and then, when you’re ready, you can take up the family business.”
My shoulders slump, but despite my disappointment, I manage not to stomp my way up the stairs. No matter how much I want to, I know it’ll only piss her off more. Better not to rock the boat, especially since I have nowhere else to go.
Or do I …?
I lean over the banister at the top of the stairs and shout down to Lena.
