He scrambles to his feet and spits in disgust. “Human.”
“A human who won’t think twice about castrating you before the next full moon. Beat it or I’ll show you what it feels like to get your ass kicked by a human.”
“I’m not scared of you,” he growls. “I could tear your throat out—”
A flash of purple fury explodes forward, slamming the shifter into the wall. He struggles and gasps, fighting against her.
Violet.
This is most definitely my demon.
“We both require an apology now,” Violet says, her voice cruel and unyielding.
“Fuck you,” he snarls.
I walk right up to him, pulling my stake from my leather vest. He whines like a kicked puppy when I press it against his ribs. Violet’s eyebrow arches up, clearly amused by my presence.
“Say you’re sorry,” I bark out. “We’re waiting.”
“Lesbian cunts,” the shifter snaps.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words are just pissing me off.” I narrow my eyes at him.
“Is that how the saying goes?” Violet asks, smirking.
“I’m improvising.” I glower at him. “Just like I’ll improvise on killing a shifter. You see, I know how to correctly kill you. Took that class last year. Pretty easy. However, I’ve never tried to kill one with one of my ruby stakes.” As though being summoned, the red lightning glows in the dark hallway, zapping into his body as a warning. The scent of piss permeates the air. “I could kill you I’m certain with the same stakes that have killed hundreds of vampires, but, dog, I think it’ll be much more satisfying to watch you have to go back into that club with piss running down your leg.”
Violet wrenches him away from me and shoves him. “Go, dog, go.”
He scampers away, cursing under his breath. Pussy.
“You must be Violet,” I say as I shove my stake back into my vest. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“Have you, now?” Her purple eyes seem to glow brighter.
“My boss, Jude, head of E.V.I.E. has requested I bring you in.”
“You’re not going to detain me and drag me in?” she challenges, her body seeming to thrum with the idea.
“I’m more of a killer than hired muscle,” I say, motioning at my body. “It’ll be much easier if you just come along and hear what Jude has to say.”
“Hmph,” she says, studying me in a way that feels all too invasive. “I was expecting a fight.”
“I mean, we could knock each other around a bit if you want, but I’d much rather finish my night without a busted lip. It’s been a long day.”
She laughs. “Straight shooter. I like that. Let’s go then. Take me to your leader.”
“He’s a good guy and an excellent strategist. Be nice to him, demon.”
A snort escapes her. “Nice? All I can promise is to let you escort me there. Once I meet with him, it’ll be up to him whether I’m nice or not.”
“Fair enough. I must warn you, though. He has a dog and if he feels like his master is threatened in any way, he’ll make a demon doggie snack out of you.”
“Dogs love me,” she assures me. “Men…that’s a little more complicated.” She motions ahead of us. “Lead the way, slayer.”
The Uber drops me off on the corner between my building and the one next door. It’s dark tonight, the moon and stars hidden by the heavy cloud cover. The one sole light that illuminates the alleyway is out again, which means kids probably threw rocks at it to knock it out. I’m irritated that it’s one more thing I have on my to-do list. Tell the building manager to change the bulb. I’m bristling with annoyance when I feel it.
Another presence.
I pause, angling my head to listen for any unusual sounds. Slowly, I withdraw my ruby stakes, one in each hand, and continue my way down the alley with caution.
The closer I get to the door that leads into my building, the hairs on my arms stand on end. My heart rate speeds up and a slick, oily feeling washes over me.
“Castilla.”
The voice—deep and growly—has me frozen in equal parts fear and confusion. I’ve heard it every night in my dreams, so I can’t be sure if I’m imagining it or not. The only person who calls me by my full name is—
My thoughts are knocked out of my head as something strong and powerful leaps out of the shadows, pouncing on me. I cry out in surprise and then anger as I’m pinned to the brick wall, my arms in the grip of…him.
Laurent.
Not the one from the park or the one from the past.
The one from my dreams.
Same crimson eyes. Same hairstyle. Same intensity.
I can’t control the whimper that claws up my throat. I’m struggling against his hold, but he’s too strong.
“Let me go,” I command, my voice a harsh whisper.