Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
PAISLEY
Something is wrong.
The warmth of Laithog’s feelings in my chest cooled several minutes ago. Just about the time Mayor Hawkins stepped up to the podium to give his yearly Christmas Speech before he flicks the switch to light the tree. Waiting as patiently as I can, I watch Laithog’s glamoured face until his bright green eyes look over at me and actually see me. “ What the hell is going on, Laithog ?”
My discreet question makes his shoulders sag almost imperceptibly.
Inclining his head towards me, like he’s sharing a secret in my ear, he replies in a low voice. “ We are being watched by at least four demons. Rulzik has been very busy indeed. They’ve been testing the wards at home since shortly after our run in with Rulzik . They will not do anything with so many humans present, as I’ve told you, but when we get up to leave, and you are no longer in contact with your conveyance, you will be vulnerable. That is what they are waiting for.”
Irritation wars with fear. Why didn’t he tell me the wards were being tested?!
“ Little flame, do not be cross with me. I did not want your season’s celebration to be dampened any further that it already is. This is not something I intended to hide from you. I …just wanted you to have some peace and joy instead of more stress and sadness.”
His low, somewhat remorseful words cool my ire instantly. “ I have performed a sunlight spell.”
At my quizzical look, he continues explaining. “ I have essentially created a flash of sunlight that will blast across the crowd present when the tree is lit. It will buy us some time to get you and the vexations within the confines of the vehicle . If I am lucky, it will temporarily blind some of them…”
My attention sharpens as his words trail off. Like he is hesitant to say something. Elbowing him gently in the side, I prompt him to finish. “ Okay , what else? I know there is something you didn’t say.”
Glancing up, I note that Mayor Hawkins is almost at the end of his speech. We don’t have much time before the lights come on.
“ I used too much magick to create the sunlight and me being at less than full strength is not something either of us can afford.”
Realization dawns on me. He needs to drink. Right here. Right now.
Fuck .
“ Okay , okay, okay. Shit . Uhm . I understand. Mayor Hawkins is at the tail end of his speech, so we have about two minutes to get this done. Where do you want to feed from? My wrist or my neck?”
Chuckling softly, he says. “ I think your wrist would be the safer of the two. I do not think you would let me rut you in public.”
“ No ! I . Will . Not . Letyourutmeinpublic ! ” I whisper yell.
Extending my right wrist to him, I feel a small ripple in the surrounding air. “ I’ve semi cloaked us. Others can still see us, but the details will be blurry.” Are the words I hear right before his teeth sink deep into my wrist.