“What’s worse is that there are too many demons too,” said Alexi.
“And they keep coming,” added Kain.
“So we can’t do anything until the Spring Celebration,” concluded Sophie. “If we do, we lose our chance to catch all of them. We have to wait until all Casimir’s guests gather at the mansion, and then strike. Otherwise, the job will be only half done.”
“You’re right,” said Alexi. “But I’ve been thinking… there’s no way the three of us can take on so many high ranked demons. It would be a suicide mission.”
Sophie thought for a moment, then nodded. He was right, of course. Even with Irvene and the shaman on their side, they were still greatly outnumbered. “What do you suggest?”
“We should ask for reinforcements.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Kain. “I could find Tengu and tell him to bring more cambions, maybe some of the members of the Pantheon and some Spprigans.”
Alexi looked at Kain, and for a second he was distracted by his gorgeous body. “I’ll go. I need to get out of here for a few hours, clear my mind. Knowing he’s… he’s somewhere in this huge house… It’s driving me insane.”
Kain agreed silently. Alexi had refused to talk about Gremory since the night before, and the blond knew he had to respect his choice. It wasn’t easy for his partner. One day, maybe after Gremory was caught and tucked away in a cell, where he belonged, Alexi’s wound would heal and they’d be able to discuss it freely and put everything behind them. But right now, Sophie and Kain had to be patient.
CHAPTER THREE
The Count tucked a strand of hair behind Sophie’s ear, and she shuddered at the feel of his cold hands on her skin. She was sitting in her favorite armchair near the window, pretending she was reading.
“How are, my lovely?”
He knelt beside her and his lips grazed the roundness of her shoulder. She closed the book and took a deep breath. She could already feel his overwhelming aura envelop her completely, sucking her into a void where all her coherent thoughts dissipated. She fought to keep her head clear without letting her own cambion aura come to the surface.
“I’ve been reading all day. How about you? You’ve been gone for so long… I missed you.” She turned to face him, blocking his access to her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left you alone. Two of my guests, Marquis Leraje and Marquis Andras invited me and Berith to lunch. They surprised me, actually. They went as far as to ask the cook to prepare a delicious Moroccan dish, and then they told me all about their adventures in Morocco a couple of years ago. You know I don’t travel much, my lovely Sophie. I couldn’t refuse this little treat.”
Sophie pouted. “Yes, but lunch was hours ago…” She wasn’t sure how to make him talk about his visit in the cellar, but she decided to up her game and do her best. Her fingers caressed his cheek then started playing with the silver strands which had escaped his low ponytail. He gave her a sweet smile that could have melted any woman’s knees. Sophie tried to resist him. Yes, he was a handsome man, but he was evil.
“I had to attend to some business.”
“What business? You said you’d spend all your time with me.”
“Oh, I won’t leave your side again, my love.” He turned his head to kiss her palm.
A jolt of electricity ran up Sophie’s arm, leaving her muscles weak in its wake. She had to stay focused. Casimir rose to his feet and pulled her up with him, then his hands found the softness of her hips. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her lips. He didn’t claim her mouth, though, and Sophie almost sighed in relief. He was consuming her energy as it was. A kiss would have probably rendered her unconscious.
“You have no idea how hard it is for me to hold back.” He closed his eyes while he let his demon aura chip away at her sanity. Her energy was so young and delicious, so fulfilling.
“Then don’t,” she whispered.
“The wait will only make it sweeter.”
“I don’t understand what you’re waiting for… I’m here, I’m yours, take me.”
“I’d be breaking one of my own rules, lovely Sophie. I’ve already gone too far by tasting your energy every day while my guests have to wait until the Spring Celebration.”
“Why do they have to wait?” She made sure her words came out slurred. If she wanted him to talk, then she needed to convince him she was totally unaware of what was happening.
“It’s a surprise. This year, Berith and I have come up with a brilliant idea. Everyone’s going to love it!”
She refrained from asking more questions, as the last thing she wanted was to raise suspicion. She let her head fall back when he buried his face in the crook of her neck, and let out a weak, needy moan.
“I’ve told you before, but you forgot. We’re organizing a hunt. This time, instead of bringing the humans to the mansion and letting my friends choose the ones they want, we’re setting them free in the woods. They’ll think they have a chance to escape, of course, and they’ll start running, but it’s all a trick.” He planted a soft kiss on her collarbone, then looked straight into her eyes. “They will never get out of these woods, my love. They won’t even reach t
he fences we’ve put up for security, because my friends will chase them down. Oh, they’re going to have so much fun!”