“Do you mind if I join you?”
Lire waved toward the seat as if inviting Jonathan to stay. “It’s your house.”
Since Jonathan didn’t feel that was true, he let the comment pass without response. After snagging the empty chair, he carried it to the table where the bucket of water sat. He set up his laptop. Jonathan opened a blank document and started a research list, treating this demon issue the way he would any story. He needed to concentrate on anything at all other than the mess his life had become, so he typed a list that wouldn’t mean anything to anyone other than him.
Spawn
Demons
Lilin-demon
Young women
Tourist towns: Tortola, Bahamas, research others.
Common factors: age
Not dead: supposedly
“May I ask you a question?”
Jonathan glanced up from his list and focused on Lire at the demon’s inquiry. “Sure.”
“Why are you here, hanging out with me—a demon, the same creature as the one responsible for your turn—instead of spending time with your abundance of men?”
A knot formed in Jonathan’s gut. “How do you know a demon was responsible for my turn?”
A line appeared between Lire’s eyes, as if he didn’t know what to make of Jonathan. “I was there when you were attacked. Why do you think your dark prince spent months tracking me? He wasn’t about to let me slip away. I’m the only link he has to capturing the one responsible for hurting you.”
Jonathan dropped his gaze to the computer screen, hoping to hide his reaction to Lire’s words. It seemed everyone knew Niall was a prince, except for Jonathan—his mate. “You’re not the one responsible, are you?” Jonathan asked, even though he knew Lire wasn’t. That day, as he’d slid to the floor, Jonathan had looked into the eyes of evil. He’d never forget the face of the demon who’d stolen his life—never.
“You know I am not,” Lire said, as if he could read Jonathan’s thoughts.
Jonathan flashed Lire a quick grin. “Then what does it matter if I sit with you? You must be bored to tears. Not to mention, I wanted to make sure you’d gotten the food and clothes I promised.”
Lire’s eyes changed colors while his face remained clear of all emotion. “You should go back inside, Jonathan.”
“I don’t want to, Lire,” Jonathan said. Two could play at the game of intentional name usage.
“Your clan intends to kill me. There’s no circumstance where I walk away from here. As soon as they have the information they seek, my life will come to an end. You’re not like them. The more time you spend with me, the more my death will haunt you. Please go back inside and forget I exist.”
“No.”
Lire’s eyes stopped changing, settling on blue. “Do you think I’m lying?”
Despite the heavy topic, Jonathan smiled. “No, but going back inside is a real inconvenience for me. I’ve already got my laptop all set up and everything. So, really, it would just be easier for me if you wouldn’t tell them anything they want to know until I can figure out how to save you.”
A smile exploded across Lire’s face. “You’re an odd man. Even though there’s no hope of my life being spared, I’m grateful you’d think to try.” Lire straightened in his seat. “You never answered my question. Why are you hiding out here?”
Jonathan set his elbows on the table before resting his chin on his fists. He held Lire’s stare as he tried to decide what or how much to say. Finally, he chose to be vague. “I guess, in a way, I’m a prisoner here too.”
Lire nodded, looking unfazed by the confession. “As the prince’s mate, your clan would keep you sheltered from harm, I imagine. I’m sure it gets quite tiresome.”
The more Lire spoke, the more Jonathan wanted to know. He’d always possessed an insatiable need for information. “How do you know I’m the prince’s mate?” Jonathan stopped short of admitting even he hadn’t known before that morning.
Lire motioned toward the designs painting the room. “All this is meant to keep me prisoner, but this doesn’t do much to bind my powers.”
Instead of looking like an idiot, Jonathan minimized his document and opened his web browser.
Lire’s laughter filled the room. “Google can’t tell you what powers I have, Jonathan. Each demon is unique, and that’s a man-made system.”
Jonathan’s cheeks burned.
Lire’s expression went from amused to heated in an instant. “You’re not very good at keeping your innocence hidden.”
“You’re not very good at keeping your nice hidden.”
Lire’s expression hardened. “I’m not nice.”
“I’m not innocent,” Jonathan shot back.
Lire sat forward in his seat, holding Jonathan captivated by his ever-changing eye color. “Touch my hand, and I’ll show you everything.”
A snort escaped Jonathan before he could call it back. “I’m sure. Right before you kill me.”
Lire’s expression never changed. “No games. I won’t hurt you. Touch my hand,” he repeated, cajoling Jonathan with his voice.
Some ridiculous form of fuck-it-all rose inside Jonathan. Dougal had sworn Jonathan would be safe thanks to their ancient symbols. He might not trust Lire, but he did trust his clan. They wouldn’t have asked for his help if they weren’t one hundred percent certain Lire couldn’t harm him. Of course, they’d also been just as sure Jonathan had enough sense to stay out of the circle drawn around Lire’s chair. Shows what they know about my level of good sense, Jonathan thought as he came to his feet.
Before he could change his mind, Jonathan crossed the room. Lire watched his every move—like a lion stalking its prey. Still, Jonathan didn’t slow. As he stepped across the lines drawn on the floor, the air rippled, as if he’d walked through an invisible wall. Lire stood. There wasn’t an ounce of triumph written on his face. Yet the first hint of real fear still settled on Jonathan’s shoulders. Slumped in his seat, Lire hadn’t looked anywhere near as imposing as he did now, towering over Jonathan.
Too late, Jonathan questioned his judgment. Even his late-to-the-game common sense didn’t stop Jonathan from accepting Lire’s outstretched hand. Their palms met. The demon’s skin was even hotter than Jonathan imagined it would be. Lire lightly squeezed Jonathan’s hand, and nothing happened. A wicked glint lit Lire’s eyes. A single red rose appeared in Lire’s free hand. He passed it Jonathan’s way.
“You’re right,” Lire said as Jonathan accepted his gift. “Innocence isn’t your issue. You’re touched in the head.”
“Possibly,” Jonathan said as he brought the flower to his nose. “But this encounter has told me more than you intended, I believe.”
Lire’s lips turned up in the corners, becoming almost as wicked as his eyes. “Do tell.”
Before Jonathan could decide how much he should admit, the door opened. Panic overtook Jonathan. He glanced around, hoping for an exit to save him. It didn’t matter who it was, Jonathan was doomed. If anyone found him inside Lire’s demon trap, today would be the day he’d end up locked in his room and wrapped in cellophane. Lire squeezed his hand, pulling Jonathan’s attention his way. The demon touched his finger to his lips, gesturing for Jonathan to be quiet.
Jonathan nodded.
Lire leaned close and touched his lips to the shell of Jonathan’s ear. He whispered something in Latin. Jonathan’s skin tingled—like ants crawled over his body. “Head for the door,” Lire said. His lips brushed Jonathan’s ear with each word. “I promise no one will see you.”
Dougal stepped into the room.
Lire sat.
Jonathan did as Lire said and moved for the door.
Dougal’s eyes never wavered from Lire’s. Jonathan didn’t understand what Lire had done, but Dougal couldn’t see him. He slowed as he passed Dougal, half expecting to be caught. Dougal turned his head as if he felt a shift in the air. Jonathan held his breath and froze.
Dougal motioned toward the table. Jonathan
had to jump back to keep from getting hit. “I see you’ve had company.”
Jonathan glanced over. His gaze landed on his laptop. He tilted his chin toward the ceiling and threw a silent fit. He was such an idiot. In his panic to not get caught with Lire, he’d completely forgotten about his computer.
“Your friend has been full of questions for me today,” Lire said, sounding bored by it all.
Dougal took a step toward the laptop. “Let’s see what the genius in our bunch has to say about you.”
Jonathan glanced Lire’s way. Panic owned him. He couldn’t let Dougal see his notes. Lire wasn’t good. Jonathan had felt the man’s darkness the moment their hands met, but neither was Lire evil. Jonathan couldn’t let his clan kill Lire. If they saw his notes and realized how much Jonathan had learned, Lire might not make it until Jonathan could find a way to save him.
Lire met his gaze and winked. “Don’t be tiresome, Blondy,” Lire said, snapping his fingers. The computer popped, and the screen went black. “If you have questions, ask them yourself.”
Jonathan’s shoulders sagged with relief. He inched toward the door once more. Once he reached it, another problem arose. There was no way he could open it without drawing attention to himself. He glanced Lire’s way again, searching for help. He didn’t know how Lire could save him this time, but he knew the demon had magic. Jonathan would venture to say Lire was more powerful than anyone realized. Lire’s gaze flickered in Jonathan’s direction. He covered his mouth as if hiding a yawn. Jonathan’s skin tingled again.
“Here’s your genius now,” Lire said. “You can question him on our chat.”
Dougal glanced behind him, looking more than a little surprised Jonathan had gotten the drop on him. “You’re back.”
“Just long enough to grab my laptop,” Jonathan said, motioning toward the device as if Dougal might not have seen it sitting there.
The huge vamp’s eyebrows rose. “Is there a reason you’re carrying a rose around?”
Jonathan glanced down and blinked. He’d never been a good liar. He was a journalist at heart and dealt in facts. “I forgot I had it,” Jonathan said, deciding to go with his strength—honesty.
Dougal shook his head. “You’re a verra odd man.”
Lire snorted.
Jonathan’s shoulders fell. “That seems to be the general consensus,” Jonathan said as he moved to gather his laptop.
“Be careful,” Dougal said, nodding toward the computer. “Our guest did something to it. You shouldn’t leave anything alone with him.”
He didn’t meet Dougal’s gaze. It was best for everyone if he got out of there as quickly as possible before he gave himself away. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. If not, it’s old and needs replacing anyhow.”
Lire chuckled. It was as sexy as it was evil sounding. “I gave it an update.”
Dougal snorted. “More likely, he gave it a virus.”
“I only give viruses the fun way,” Lire said, keeping Dougal engaged.
“There’s literally nothing sexy about what you just said.”
Jonathan made a break for it while they were distracted. He didn’t breathe an easy breath until the door closed behind him. The moment it did, the rose transformed into a slip of paper. For a full minute, Jonathan stared it—transfixed. It was a bit frightening how powerful Lire was, even with safeguards in place.
He tucked the laptop under his arm and unfolded the paper. There was one piece of information scratched inside, and it meant everything.
Port of Southern Louisiana.
Jonathan now held Lire’s life in his hands.
6
Cin found Jonathan sitting quietly in the shadows on the back patio. He wouldn’t have spotted him if not for the glow of the man’s laptop.
Jonathan glanced up when Cin came to stand over him. “Hey, baby.”
The tension in Cin’s shoulders slipped away at Jonathan’s greeting. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Jonathan’s forehead furrowed in the sexy way Cin couldn’t resist. “I thought you’d be out searching the docks.”
Cin shrugged. “One night off won’t change anything. Besides, I’d rather be with you.” After urging Jonathan forward in the lounge chair, Cin climbed in behind him and wrapped both arms around Jonathan’s waist. “What are you working on?” Jonathan tilted his screen so Cin could see it. Cin rested his chin on Jonathan’s shoulder and read. “Port of Southern Louisiana. Are you on to something?”
“Yes and no,” Jonathan said with a shrug. “I had a chat with our guest today.”
“I don’t like you going near him,” Cin said, cutting Jonathan off without thought. He’d told himself he would let Jonathan in, but questioning a demon—even a spawn—was more than Cin could take.
“Too bad,” Jonathan shot back, showing the fire Cin had never been able to resist. He glanced over his shoulder, meeting Cin’s gaze. “No one owns me, Cin. My choices might be to stay here or starve, but those are still choices.”
Cin heard what Jonathan didn’t say. The man might very well choose to starve if pushed. The first wave of hope Cin had experienced in ages rose inside him at Jonathan’s defiance. This rolling over and hating himself that Jonathan had been showing was slowly killing Cin. He wanted his Jonathan back. His hold tightened on Jonathan’s waist. He pressed his lips to the man’s cheek and chuckled.
“Point taken. So, why Louisiana?”
“Because that’s the info I got from our guest today.”
Surprise had Cin blinking like an idiot at Jonathan’s answer. “Seriously? Is that all he said?”
“The only thing of consequence,” Jonathan said, sounding distracted. “The problem is, we can’t find anything here, and we only have twenty-two miles to search. Port of Southern Louisiana is one hundred and seventy-two miles on both banks of the Mississippi river. It’s impossible.”
Getting sucked in, Cin added his thoughts. “Try searching for places with a high missing persons count.”
Jonathan snorted. “You do realize, New Orleans is part of that one-hundred-and-seventy-two-mile stretch. Countless people have gone missing from that area, and that doesn’t include the homeless population. There’s no way to keep track of their whereabouts.”
The passion and drive was back in Jonathan’s voice. He was on the case now. Too late, Cin realized this was what he’d been stealing from Jonathan by keeping him secluded. All the qualities he’d fallen for when he’d fallen in love with Jonathan were showing themselves once more, making Cin realize the depth of his mistakes.
“You know I love you, right?” Cin asked, incapable of letting Jonathan continue to believe otherwise for another second.
“Yes.”
Cin winced. Jonathan’s agreement sounded more like a question than an affirmation. Cin grabbed the laptop from Jonathan’s hands and set it aside before pulling Jonathan tighter against his chest. Sometimes, Cin thought, if he held Jonathan tight enough, the man would finally understand how much he meant.
“I keep hoping we’ll find this pack, and then you and I can get lost for a little while. Maybe even talk Niall into going with us somewhere away from everything.”
“Is that really what you want or are you saying what you think I want to hear?”
A derisive-sounding snort left Cin before he could call it back. “Since the turn, I couldn’t even begin to guess what you want any longer.”
He felt Jonathan take a deep breath. Instead of flying into a rage, as Cin expected, he relaxed into Cin’s hold. “I can’t tell when I’m hiding my thoughts.” Relief washed over Cin at the confession. He’d thought Jonathan was keeping him out on purpose. It would make sense he couldn’t control it. “If I concentrate hard, I can put up a wall. Otherwise, whatever happens in there is out of my control.” Jonathan laughed as if he thought he sounded ridiculous. “I didn’t realize how much all of you depend on hearing my thoughts. None of you would ever make it as a human. No one ever knows what anyone’s thinking. You have to t
ake things on trust and faith.”
“I trust you,” Cin said without missing a beat.
The humor in Jonathan’s voice died away. “Maybe you shouldn’t.”
Cin shook his head before touching his lips to Jonathan’s nape. “You’re so young. There’s a great big gray area out there you haven’t been introduced to yet.”
Jonathan snorted. “I don’t even know what that’s supposed to mean.”
Niall appeared beside the chair. He seemed wary of his welcome. “May I join you?”
Jonathan moved his legs and Niall sat on the end of the lounge chair. Once he was settled, he urged Jonathan’s feet into his lap. Still, the cautious glint didn’t leave his eyes.
“Did you finish your sword?” Jonathan asked.
Niall’s shoulders relaxed.
Cin hid his smile. Jonathan always seemed to know exactly what to say to set Niall at ease.
“I did. Maybe you can check it out tomorrow?”
“I’d like that.”
Cin held his breath. The three of them were together. They weren’t fighting or feeding. All he could do now was hope neither man stormed off.
“Jonathan got some info out of our reluctant guest,” Cin said, hoping to keep things heading in the right direction.
Niall’s eyebrows rose. “Really?”
Jonathan nodded. “It’s not much, considering, but the pack is somewhere near Port of Southern Louisiana.”
“Damn. That’s a huge area to search.”
“I’d like to keep questioning him.” Jonathan’s words came out rushed, as if he expected to be denied.
“Of course,” Niall said, sounding like it was a given. “You’ve gotten more out of him in one day than we have in over a month. As long as you don’t cross the circle surrounding him, you should be safe.”
He felt Jonathan tense. Cin automatically tried to read his thoughts at the move. Before he made any headway, Jonathan let his feelings fly. “I’d like to be the only one questioning him. No more torture. Today has proven that method won’t work on him, and he might decide not to tell me anything else if you four are taking turns hurting him after I leave.”
Devour (Hellish Book 2) Page 6