The Demon’s Prince [Milson Valley 9] - Siren Publishing Classic ManLove

by Jo Penn

  “Then he probably shouldn’t be sitting there eating an orange,” Vinn grunted. “Is he not the one Archie Taunton raves over?”

  Eber smirked. “The vampire has what Tyler refers to as a ‘crush.’ I think perhaps it is more love, though the Sanchez’s, who consider Archie theirs now that his brother is mated to Dominic, are discouraging his infatuation. One or the other will end up mated to someone else, and the crush will lead to nothing more than crushed feelings.”

  “Oh my Lord! Lincoln Adam Sanchez! You get down from there right this instant!” Queen Lisette raced with supernatural speed over to her mountain lion cub and swiftly removed him from the balustrade. “You gave me such a fright, Lincoln! What were you doing?”

  Flushing, Linc worried his bottom lip. “I just…do you think a feline could jump from there to the lower part without breaking a bone?”

  Lisette’s eyes crossed. She hissed. “Diego! Where is that useless, good for nothing bodyguard?”

  Diego ambled over and glanced down. “Well, son, I believe an immortal feline may break a few bones, depending how they land. If they’re smart, they will use the sconces along the walls, the edge of the stairs, and chandelier as jumping points. They land on their feet, no bones broken.”

  Lincoln’s eyes followed where his father pointed, and you could practically see the cub working out just how to achieve the jump.

  “You’re encouraging him,” Lisette exclaimed loudly, Linc and Diego wincing. “How many times do I need to say do not encourage his curiosity in leaping and climbing?!”

  A few of the Sanchez’s had stuck their heads of out doorways. Some were grinning, others wincing. One creature was scrambling away toward the back exit. Vinn guessed that was the ‘useless, good for nothing bodyguard’ who had failed to keep one curious cub protected. Drake, Emile, and Trent were watching, Trent smiling and Drake rolling his eyes and walking over to join his parents and younger brother. Emile glanced over at Vinn.

  Going to join his mate, Vinn sniffed Emile, noting the man’s alert posture and the weariness in his body. Trent glanced up at Vinn and made eye contact, then flicked a look at Emile. Vinn had not had much to do with the Sanchez’s and the pride. He lived in Milson City, occasionally worked at a garage he owned, worked with Eber in keeping the Aston estate running smoothly, and their family protected, and also fulfilled assignments for the Alliance. When working with the Alliance, he usually had contact with the director and the organization's top two Enforcers, Lord Baron Sanchez, who was Trent’s triplet, and Lord Drax Charmers, a large, powerful wolf shifter. Both men he liked and respected. Now finding his mate amongst the pride, Vinn was discovering the felines were kind of interesting and enjoyable, each with their own ways. But he had no frigging idea what Trent was trying to tell him. He scowled at the tiger. Trent sighed and turned to his cousin.

  “I have a meeting. Get some rest, cousin.” Trent patted Emile’s shoulder and hurried away, almost running when the King called after him.

  “You will remain with me the rest of the day, Lincoln.” Lisette took Linc’s hand and tugged him along. “Rest, Emile, I will be by in an hour to check on you. Stefano, put up the climbing frame.”

  Linc was so excited he started purring. Vinn was about to ask what the climbing frame was but a shadow moved far back in the hall. Shadows did not move by themselves.

  “Stay with my mate, Eber, and get these felines away from here.”

  “What do you see, brother?” Eber demanded.

  “A shadow.”

  Chapter Five

  Eber Aston sighed heavily, which, to Emile, was rather like a boulder falling and crashing onto concrete, cracking the hard surface in a dozen places.

  “I think it best we follow Vinncent,” Emile commented.

  “As much as I would like to, he’s right, I need to protect you. Let’s go to your suite.”

  “Yes, we can do that, and you’re right, of course, if there is a problem, though it may dent my pride, you may have to protect me as the chemical has laid waste to my strength. But I am not useless, Eber.” Emile raised a brow when the gargoyle frowned at him. “I am a feline shifter, I still have stealth and as you are aware, no one should come between mates.”

  “Hell.” Eber rubbed the back of his head, looking to where Vinncent had rushed off down the hallway. “You’re going to tangle me up in mateship and High Council laws.”

  “I can easily do that if it helps make up your mind. But why waste time when Vinncent is alone and hunting?”

  “You’re deadly.” Eber looked Emile over. “On all fronts.”

  Emile smiled when Eber jerked a nod. Thankfully, the gargoyle didn’t attempt to lecture him about safety, rules of protecting, and other such nonsense. Emile was no cub in need of protection. He was a powerful paranormal currently recovering from a vicious chemical attack. He knew how to keep himself safe and had no desire to be caught unaware again.

  A vampire hurried over and joined them. Eber winced while Emile gave a tight smile. He needed to follow his mate and ensure Vinncent’s safety. Though they possessed a mate connection, it did not tell him accurately what he needed to know about how Vinncent was faring, Emile receiving only snippets of thoughts and feelings. It would take a little time to settle into the connection and learn how to navigate it fully.

  Prince Ryson Durand fixed light green eyes on Emile. “We must discuss the effects of the chemical upon you, Emile. I have cataloged the results for Valiant. They were astounding. You will wish to see them, and I will speak to Anton and Dareios later today. When do you have time?”

  Eber opened his mouth, but Emile held up a hand to the gargoyle, silencing him. The gargoyle shut his mouth with a snap of teeth. He smiled at Ryson and looped an arm through the vampire’s, urging him forward.

  “You’re right, I would very much like to see the results and the chemical breakdown. We must have a chemist work on an antidote immediately. You know of many scientists, perhaps you can recommend one to the Alliance.”

  “That is taken care of. Are we following your mate, Emile?”

  “We are. I am concerned as Vinncent sensed something myself and Eber did not. I do not want to place you in in the way of harm, but I must see that Vinncent has support in his hunt.”

  “After forty-eight hours of confinement with my brother and mate, taking a walk sounds blissful,” Ryson said with feeling.

  Surprised, since Ryson was well known for having limited emotions, Emile tugged the vampire closer and moved them along. Eber grumbled this was not a good idea, but the gargoyle was hurrying now, scenting the air, tracking his brother. As Emile’s scenting ability was faulty at present, he didn’t bother. Instead, he utilized the connection between himself and the demon, allowing it to guide him via feel. What he could tell at present was, Vinncent was not alarmed or worried, he was intrigued and curious, a little perplexed, Emile identified, and he really wished to discover the shadow he followed. At the end of the hall, they turned left toward what he knew to be the library where there was floor to ceiling shelves were filled with books, some old and valuable monetary wise, others new and valued for their information. Emile happily spent hours here perusing the shelves and reading. A lot of the pride was granted access, cubs would come here to study, others for research. The main pride library was very well stocked for entertainment, but this library held knowledge.

  He could feel his mate close. There was no concern, a lot of curiosity and the need to understand. Hurrying into the library, they came to a sudden stop, each shocked. Vinncent stood in the middle of the library facing a set of windows and speaking to a creature perched on the sill. Emile was fascinated. He had never seen anything like the shadowy creature.

  “A shadow demon.” Ryson held up his phone and snapped a picture. “Fascinating.”

  “Wait!” Vinncent rushed to the window, but it was too late, the shadow demon was gone, turning itself to full shadow and vanishing from sight. “Dammit!”

  “A shadow demon t
urns itself into what can be described as tiny particles. The creature vanishes from sight and is able to move with the wind. They are or were said to be, extinct. That one felt young, possibly only in his twenties,” Ryson said.

  “He?” Eber had joined Vinncent and was looking out the window. “Why can’t I scent him?”

  “He, yes. As for the scent, when they are in their shadow form, even partial, they contain no scent. My gift allowed me to see what was not available to the naked eye. I will research the shadow demons and see what the last known circle was.” Ryson frowned. “The creature may have sensed another demon close by and been drawn here. I am often told paranormals, and humans also, prefer to be with what they deem their family, whether that be pride, pack, or blood relations.” Ry waved a hand, face clearing. “I have researched this extensively yet have come to no accurate conclusion for the theory is based on emotions, and as we know, emotions are not always logical.”

  “They do not have to be logical, my beauty, just what we feel.” Dimitri walked up behind Ryson and wrapped a thick arm around the vampire’s waist. “We had an intruder?”

  “I guess he was, but I didn’t feel malice from him.” Vinncent closed the window and turned to them. He frowned at Emile. “You need to rest, mate.”

  “Yes, I believe I do. First, we inform the head of security here and consider how to apprehend the shadow demon.”

  “What? Why?” Eber demanded.

  “Because demons are high on the Renegades list of creatures they wish to eliminate or capture and steal gifts from. There is a High Court ruling that all demons and dragon shifters, as well as a few other paranormal types, must be registered and monitored. This is for their protection and others, for as we have seen during the struggle with Renegades, the vile group will use anyone against us.”

  “Fair enough.” Eber shrugged. “We only know of two other demons, a mated pair. They like to visit Vinnie, gives them all a sense of belonging and not being so alone. If there’s another demon out there, we’ll hunt and keep him protected.”

  “It will be a good idea.” Emile tiredly sat down. The excitement and concern for his mate had zapped his strength. “I heard another dragon shifter has been located, Dimitri.”

  “Yep. We’re closing in. Vinn, we’ll need you to lure the shadow demon out, but for now, you need to get your mate to his room to rest.” Dimitri turned Ryson around. “Let’s take a walk, mate.”

  “I can’t. There is much to do–”

  “Yep, we’ll get right on that. Maybe we can spot the shadow demon outside.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Dimitri…”

  Whatever else Ryson said was lost as the gargoyle moved his mate out of the library.

  “Why don’t you go search for the shadow demon, Vinncent. I would join you, but unfortunately, I appear to still be adversely affected by the chemical.”

  “Apologies, my mate.” Vinncent crouched in front of Emile, one hand very gently stroking over Emile’s hair, liquid silver eyes pained. “I have not taken good enough care of you. Let me, please?”

  The demon kept surprising him. Brusque at times, always alert, forceful and snappy, yet there was this moral quality that appealed to Emile. He liked a lot about the demon. He hoped…Emile looked away. There were things he needed to discuss with Vinncent, and for the first time, he found himself at a loss. So many had offered themselves up to Emile. Some with intelligence, others with passion. There were even some who had great love and admiration. He guessed everyone had their quirks and accepted that. He knew he did, and was often confounded by others’ idiosyncrasies. Would Vinncent find Emile too difficult, too unaffectionate and distant? Would he want more and interfere in everything Emile did? There were so many possibilities that could derail his mateship before it even began. And could Emile be what Vinncent needed?

  “Mate.” Vinncent cupped Emile’s face between his hands, features intense. “I’ll take you back to your room.”

  Perhaps it was merely tiredness that had Emile feeling unsure. It was certainly an unusual feeling for him, except in matters of the heart. And Emile could not truthfully say he had ever had his heart engaged by anyone but his family. Unlike Vinncent, who had known their deceased mate and experienced love.

  Rising, Emile nodded. “Yes, it would be best if I rested. Excuse me.”

  Vinncent walked with Emile to the suite, not touching, but close. Inside, he hovered. This would usually irritate Emile, he did not like others to hover, it was irritating to have someone underfoot waiting for something. Yet he did not find himself feeling that way toward Vinncent, in fact, and he would certainly deny it to others, but there was comfort in the demon’s presence and the hovering made Emile feel special.

  After changing into silk sleep pants and a matching top, Emile sighed tiredly as he lay down, and Vinncent closed the blinds.

  “You should eat something. Maybe some more of that broth you didn’t touch earlier.”

  “I do not require food, only rest.”

  “You need both to recover fully.” Vinncent sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Food does not sit well,” Emile admitted.

  “I will get a healer–”

  “No need.” Emile reached out and clasped Vinncent’s hand, admiring the man’s beautiful skin tone and the strength he felt beneath his fingers. “Creatures often want things from me…they have expectations. I find it difficult,” Emile met Vinncent’s troubled, unusual silver eyes, “to understand what is important from their expectations. Your other mate, I’m sure, had no such difficulty, as you have shown your love so openly, the pain you carry so deep. I…we can discuss this soon.”

  Leaning forward, the demon pressed his cheek to Emile’s and breathed deeply. “Marc had no difficulties in showing his emotions. He loved freely, he detested freely, but he could also be diplomatic when the situation called for it, and knew how to work others. Deep down, he was a good man with dreams cut short. I will always love and miss him, my heart sorrowful at Marc’s loss. But now I finally found you, my lion, and everything about you I want. I wish I could say I was sorry that my wanting you, my need of you, caused you problems, but I can’t. We are mates, and I know how very precious and special this is.

  “I am humbled that the fates matched us, Emile. You are beyond my every dream, and I worry…I worry,” the demon shuddered, “that what I begin to feel for you, what it will turn into, will not be enough to gain you attention and heart. But I will do everything needed to give you happiness, believe in this.”

  Emile sighed, eyes closing as he could no longer hold them open. Vinncent’s words touched him so very deeply, the sincerity he felt coming through their bond guiding and showing him he could believe. Maybe that is what it took for Emile to finally feel love, having a mate. His mate.

  “I believe you, mate, I feel you. You have all of my attention and interest…”

  “Rest, hardd cymar. You have my heart.”

  Sleep overtook Emile, but he held onto those words and the emotions pouring from his mate.

  * * * *

  “Yes, yes, it’ll help with the last of your healing and make sure the chemical is entirely from your system.” Davor Surkov pressed the glass of murky looking liquid toward Emile once more.

  Emile was very reluctant to take the concoction. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Davor, the gargoyle was renowned for his skills with medicines and mythical plants and had helped a great many thousands of creatures over the years. He was also a very skilled doctor.

  No, Emile simply did not wish to touch the nasty looking and smelling concoction, and the thought of actually drinking it made him feel like he was breaking out in hives. Valiant seemed to be having a similar reaction when Damir held out a glass to the vampire.

  “I’m not touching that shit. It smells disgusting.” Valiant could be brutally frank at times, it was a trait Emile enjoyed greatly in the surly vampire.

  Damir growled something under his breath and jabbed a finger at the vamp.
“Drink it, or I call your Mama, Val Baby.”

  Emile cast a discreet look around, making sure his own mother wasn’t here to brow beat him into drinking the foul smelling medicine. She wasn’t, but Vinncent had arrived in the large conference room attached to the compound’s operations room.

  “Call her, like I give a shit. I’m out of here. Did you arrange the private jet, Ryson?”

  “He did, I canceled it. Now drink, boys, and no more nonsense.” Emile’s mother swept into the room. “And your mother agrees with me, Valiant. A day to recoup then you may travel directly home to the New York coven.”

  Emile couldn’t hide the grimace as he took the glass from Davor. He immediately began scratching the arm attached to his hand holding the glass, sure he saw red spots appearing. Whatever was in this concoction was sure to give him hives.

  “Drink. It doesn’t smell too bad, and I know from experience it aids healing quicker,” Vinncent encouraged, though with his raspy, gravely voice, it sounded more like a grumbled command.

  Valiant whined a little, huffed, but downed the drink. He also choked a bit and got slapped on the back by Dimitri, which nearly knocked the vampire over. Emile sighed, knowing his fate was sealed. If Valiant could drink it, he was going to have to or deal with being teased and tormented by felines, gargoyles, and vampires alike. It was irritating.

  Holding his breath, he lifted the glass and caught sight of a red spot on his arm. “I was right! Hives!”

  “Where?” Vinncent grabbed hold of his arm and inspected. “I don’t see any hives.”

  “There are no hives, brother. I’m sure all the ingredients were properly sanitized before Davor mixed the medicine. Now drink.” Drake groused.

  Glaring at his triplet briefly, Emile fixed his gaze on the gargoyle responsible.

  “Sheesh, I cleaned it all thoroughly! And there’s nothing you’re allergic to in there because you’re not allergic to anything, Emile! Fuck, you try to help creatures, and they just give you shit and whine.”