by G. K. DeRosa
“Shut it, Hayden,” Talon snarled, his face still buried in his pillow.
For once, I agreed with the big Neanderthal.
Chapter Fourteen
I didn’t leave my cell for the rest of the day, which was pretty much torture. I’d made a move toward the door when the dinner bell rang, but Talon had leveled me with such a glare my legs stopped functioning.
So here I was twiddling my thumbs as my stomach ate itself, and my bastard roomies gorged on delectable prison slop. Squeezing my eyes shut, I leaned against the wall and sighed. It was only a matter of time until Logan heard what happened and came to check on me. Worst case scenario, I’d go see him tomorrow during happy hour. Talon would have to chain me to the bed to stop me.
My insides clenched at the visual my overactive imagination dreamed up. Boredom, that’s all it was. I wasn’t actually attracted to the dragon dick. I laughed out loud at my own joke. I’m totally losing it.
“Hey, new girl.” A familiar voice drew my attention to the glass door.
“Flix!” I jumped out of bed and rushed over to the friendly pixie. Besides the three amigos, my tour guide had been the only other inmate to give me the time of day. Maybe it was just his job, but I appreciated it.
He waved his hand over the scanner and the door my bunkies had shut behind them, locking me in, slid open. “I was looking for you in the mess hall,” he said as he sauntered in.
“Yeah, I’m kind of on lockdown after what happened this morning.”
His light brows knitted as he swept a lock of hot pink hair behind his pointy ear. “What happened?”
“You didn’t hear about the caracara demon?”
“Sweetie, I know everything that goes on in this joint, and I didn’t hear a thing.”
I paused and chewed on the inside of my cheek. There was no way no one heard that scuffle. Had the brothers covered it up somehow?
“So?”
“I was attacked,” I finally blurted. If Talon and Hayden had wanted to keep this a secret, they should’ve kept me in the loop.
“What?” His mossy green eyes widened into emerald orbs. He pulled out his tablet and scanned a few pages. “Wait, we don’t have any of those in residence. And what do you mean by attacked?”
“Hmm… weird.” I shrugged. “It came after me in the shower. Not sure what it wanted besides my head on a platter.”
He cursed. “Man, kid. I’m so sorry. How’d you get out of there alive?”
That was a good question. I still couldn’t explain the foreign words that had popped out of my mouth. The weird thing was that as strange as the experience had been, there was something familiar about it. I’d seen my mom and grandpa, Garrix, both use magic, but only a handful of times.
And yet when the words flowed from my mouth, it had seemed so natural. But it couldn’t be magic. Not only did I not have any, this cute little bangle would prevent me from accessing it.
“Hello? Earth to Azara?” Flix waved his hand in front of my face, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Sorry. I’m not sure what happened exactly—one minute he was there and then he was gone.” Good vague answer.
“Well, I’m glad you’re okay. You’re too cute to end up as some caracara’s breakfast.” His long finger poked my nose. “Anywho, the reason I was looking for you is that I’ve got your work assignment lined up.”
“Awesome!” How sad is it that I wasn’t even being sarcastic? “So what’s my job?”
A megawatt grin spread the cute pixie’s lips. “You’re going to be my apprentice. The warden handpicked the job for you.”
A swirl of hope kindled in my chest. Flix seemed to have a lot of freedom around this place. Best of all, he had a cuff that allowed him access into areas I didn’t. Thank you, Logan. “That sounds great, Flix. When do we get started?”
“Probably tomorrow, but I’ll doublecheck with the warden when he gets back.”
“When’s that?”
“Should be by tonight, but I’m not sure.”
My chest deflated. I’d have to wait until tomorrow to talk to him and get a hold of Lucifer. My stomach growled, the insides churning. I wasn’t sure I’d last until tomorrow morning. Stupid, Delacroix.
“Hey, Flix…”
“Yup?”
“Did you have to choose a side when you got here?”
His pink lips pursed, and he shook his head. “I’ve been here for a long time, kid. Even longer than Delacroix. That demon’s old school; he respects the hierarchy of things. I was lucky I never had to officially bend the knee. I keep my head down and mind my business, and he doesn’t mess with me. But that’s not the way things are typically run here.” He stared down at his tablet for a minute before returning his gaze. “Have you decided your path?”
I shook my head. “That’s kind of why I’m hiding out.”
“Gotcha… I hate to be the pixie of bad news, but there’s no hiding out from Delacroix and his goons.”
“Yeah, I’m starting to see that.”
Flix squeezed my shoulder and smiled. “You’re in the best possible place you could be right now, kid.” He ticked his head toward the door as the deep rumble of my bunkies’ voices filled the hallway.
A second later, Hayden barreled in and jumped on my bed, nearly sending me scrambling to the floor. Flix leapt up as gracefully as a well, faery, avoiding the angel’s overeager assault all together. “See what I mean?” He smirked and headed toward the door.
“Yeah, super safe,” I muttered as I regained my balance and scooted further up the mattress.
Talon stomped in next, carrying a white styrofoam container. He dropped it on the foot of my bed with a scowl. “Dallas sent this for you.”
Saliva pooled in my mouth as the scent of roasted meat swirled in the air. “Food?” I couldn’t help the excitement from leaking into my tone.
“We couldn’t let you starve, pumpkin.” He plopped down on the floor and motioned to the white box. “My luck, you’d lose the weight in your boobs and then what would I look at all day?”
I cuffed the idiot on the back of the head before zipping my jumper a few inches higher. Just my luck, I’d end up in a cell with a horny fallen angel.
“And that’s my cue to leave…” Flix spun toward the door, wiggling his fingers at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow or whenever I get your training scheduled.”
“Great, thanks, Flix. I’m really excited for the opportunity.” I flipped the to-go box open and picked at a limp French fry.
“Don’t thank me yet, cutie. You haven’t seen me in the morning before my first cup of coffee.” He stuck his tongue out and winked. “Later, boys.” With a quick wave over his shoulder, my new pixie friend sauntered out.
Talon leaned against the dark wall, his jet-black hair melting into the obsidian stone. “What opportunity?”
It was unfair how ridiculously good looking he was, even in a formless gray jumpsuit. Standing against the wall with his dark brows knitted, an irritating scowl on his pouty lips and thick arms crossed over his chest, his scrutinizing gaze lanced over me, and ignited nerve-endings in my body I didn’t know existed.
Forcing my brain to focus on his words instead of his corded arms, I cleared my throat. “I’m going to be Flix’s protégé.”
“Aw cute, pumpkin. You’re going to learn to be a pixie?” Hayden chuckled at his own joke.
My hand darted out again, but this time he ducked before I could make contact.
Talon grunted and rolled his eyes, his arms stiffening against him. I didn’t think it was possible for the stick to lodge any further up his butt, but apparently, I was wrong. “Is that a problem, oh cranky one?”
Hayden snorted on a laugh and buried his head between his long legs.
Talon stomped closer, closing ranks around his friend and my bed. “Maybe you could use that smart mouth of yours for something more productive.” He flexed his back and somehow his impossibly broad shoulders expanded as he towered over me. “Having such
a public position will only give Delacroix more access to you.”
I stood, rising to my tiptoes so I didn’t have to tilt my head back so far and popped my hands on my hips. “Or having VIP access to the place could make me safer.”
He shrugged and leaned back, the fire in his eyes waning. “Whatever, demon. It’s your funeral.”
I opened my mouth with a whole string of rebuttals on the tip of my tongue, but the click of the door lock sent my head spinning toward the glass entrance. “Logan!” Tears burned my eyes at the sight of our warden, and all the fear from the attack this morning flooded my insides.
“What the hell happened? I just ran into Flix in the hall, and he told me you were attacked.” His pale gray eyes darted from me to Talon, Hayden and back. “Are you all right?”
I blinked back the tears, refusing to let my roomies see my impending meltdown. “I’m okay now,” I blubbered.
“Thanks to this guy.” Hayden pointed over his shoulder at the broody dragon.
Talon shook his head and waved a dismissive hand.
It took all my self-control not to blab about the magical words that spilled from my lips while I was trapped in there. I didn’t care what Talon thought; I’d opened that door somehow. I just had no idea how I did it.
Logan drummed his fingers on his scruffy chin, and I could almost see the gears grinding in his head. “I need to speak to the three of you in my office, now.”
I eyed my uneaten dinner, and my stomach growled. So hungry.
Hayden unfolded his large frame and stood. “No can do, Warden. I’m meeting Actaeon in five for a special assignment.”
“Another one?” I quirked a brow. With everything that had happened, I’d forgotten to ask my roommates about where they’d been today. And how they’d gotten back in time to slay that monster and save my butt—not that I’d admit that part.
“The C.O.’s a slave driver.”
“Fine.” Logan shooed the angel toward the door. “You better get going then. Earlier, he mentioned something big was brewing.”
Hayden saluted our warden then shot me a playful wink. “See you later, pumpkin. Try to stay out of trouble while I’m gone, huh?”
“Riiight.” I swiped another fry and shoved it in my mouth before turning to Logan. “How come these two get all these special assignments?” I mumbled around a mouthful of food.
Logan’s lips parted for a second before his jaw clenched tight. His eyebrows did a little dance and then his gaze finally returned to mine. “You’re not missing out on anything if that’s what you’re worried about, Azara. Shadowing Flix will be a much more suitable job for you.”
I knew he was trying to be kind, but I couldn’t help the pang of annoyance streaking through my insides. Like he didn’t think I could handle myself enough to play with the big boys?
Talon dipped his head toward the door, a scowl marring his handsome face. “You wanted to talk to us about something?”
“Yes, but not here.” Logan patted my shoulder and I got up, eyeing my barely touched dinner. Guess I’d have to eat it cold when I got back.
We trudged through the halls to Logan’s office in silence, passing through the half-empty cells in Block One. A few of the angel inmates shot us side-long glares as we passed, but most were in their beds preparing for lights out. It must have been nearly eight already.
When we finally reached the second floor, the tension boring into my shoulder blades simmered down a notch. This time, when I crossed the threshold into the warden’s office, a tingle of energy wafted over my skin.
“Just give me a sec.” Logan headed straight for his desk and fired up the old computer. I hovered by the chairs, my gaze intent on the towering bookshelf to my right as he scanned the screen. Maybe he’d let me borrow some books to keep me entertained.
Talon exhaled a breathy sigh as he sank into the leather couch opposite Logan’s desk. Stretching out his long body, he folded his hands into a cushion under his head. I’d barely noticed the cozy sitting area nestled in the corner by a massive stone fireplace last time I’d come.
“There’s no footage of the attack.” Logan glanced up from the screen and met my surprised expression.
“Cameras were off when it happened,” Talon muttered without looking up.
How did he know that?
Logan’s jaw nearly unhinged. “So it was definitely planned?”
“Looks that way, Warden.”
My gargoyle guardian muttered a curse through clenched teeth. “Azara, this isn’t good.”
“I figured that much.” I slumped down into the chair beside his desk.
“Only a warlock can summon a caracara demon and it’s no easy feat, especially inside a supposed magicless fortress.”
Great, now I had to worry about warlocks too.
“Or a weapon imbued with their magic,” Talon supplied.
“Sandrene?” Logan’s eyes flicked to my moody roommate.
“It’s not impossible.”
Why did I feel like I was missing something? “Um, guys? I’d like to be included in this conversation too.”
“This is beyond your paygrade, one thirty-eight.”
“Seriously?” I side-eyed the jackass and spun to my friend. “Looogaaan?” I couldn’t help the whiney twinge. Talon’s lips curved into a sneer, and of course I regretted my tone the moment it was out. I sounded like a bratty toddler telling on my big brother.
Logan rounded his desk and placed his hands on my shoulders. I could feel Talon’s glare searing into the back of my head as the warden whispered, “Talon and Hayden sometimes do favors for the administration. I’ve recently been brought up to speed on their roles. As you know, I’m new to all of this, but they both have extensive files. Actaeon assures me they can be trusted and therefore, I’ve decided to do so as well.” He craned his neck back and stared at Talon. “Until they prove otherwise.”
The big dragon sat up and scooted to the edge of the couch cushion. “And what about her, Warden? Why does she get special treatment?” His voice was like icy shards digging into me.
“I already told you, inmate. I know her and her family. We go back a long way.”
“So, you’re going to dismiss what she did to Van—?” His growl cut off mid-syllable as his silver wings snapped out.
“What I did to who?” I exclaimed, injecting steel into my voice despite the surprise appearance of his leathery appendages.
“Nothing.” He jumped up and paced the length of the fireplace, folding his massive wings behind his back. His fingers clenched and unclenched at his sides with each step. Silver scales crept across his forearms, and my eyes darted up to meet his. Narrowed slits replaced his pupils, brilliant silver eclipsing those mesmerizing orbs.
“Talon.” Logan’s voice oozed authority, the rumbly quality sending a shudder down my back. “Talon, can you handle this?”
“Yes,” he snarled.
“Are you sure?”
“I said yes.” He loosed a breath and turned to the gargoyle, the fury rolling off him lessening a notch.
“Good.” Our warden pivoted back to me and squeezed my shoulder. His eyes pinned to mine, he continued, “Because you’re going to be in charge of keeping Azara alive.”
My jaw unlocked and nearly hit the floor. I was sure my dragon bunkie wore a matching expression, but all I caught was the four-letter word that spewed from grinding teeth.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” I blurted.
“It is necessary.” Logan’s hold on my shoulder tightened. “Until I can figure out how Delacroix is smuggling weapons in here, bribing the guards, and terrorizing all the inmates, Talon here is going to be your personal bodyguard.”
“I can take care of myself, Logan.”
The big stupid dragon grunted. “Because you’ve done so well with that so far.”
I stomped across the room and seared him with my own fiery glare. “Do you really want to be stuck to me like glue? I thought you hated the sight of me.
Work with me here…”
The corner of his jaw twitched and for a second I thought he’d smile, but instead his lips twisted into a frown. “No, she’s right, Logan. Azara can handle herself just fine. Go ahead and ask her how she almost got stuck in Block Eight the other night.”
“Traitor,” I hissed.
Logan moved between the two of us, cleaving the mounting energy. “Enough. I am still the warden here.” He dragged his hand through his silvery hair and released a breath. “Until I can get Azara out of here, you will watch her, Talon. And you will keep her alive, regardless of whatever this is.” He pointed back and forth between us.
“How are you going to get her off a dime sentence for murdering a few dozen Fae?”
“Don’t worry about it. That’s above your paygrade.” Logan smirked, and I resisted the urge to throw my arms around the gargoyle. Regardless of the fact that Logan seemed to trust the surly dragon, I didn’t. He seemed more likely to murder me in my sleep than keep my alive. I chased away the dismal thoughts reminding myself he had saved me—twice now.
Talon stalked over to Logan, his towering frame a few inches taller than the equally giant gargoyle. “Is that all, Warden?”
“For now, yes.”
He stomped toward the door and paused at the threshold when I didn’t follow him.
“Logan, I need to talk to Luci—my grandfather.”
“That’s a good idea, Azara. Tell me how I can get in touch with him, and I’ll do whatever I can.”
I snagged my lower lip between my teeth. I’d hoped he would have an idea how to get in touch with the prince of hell. I’d never had to contact him directly—either Emi or Dad had always done that.
“Maybe Uncle Cillian can help.” My dad’s uncle was an angel. He’d been the head of all the angels of Celestia for a while, but now he was pretty much retired. Lucifer was his brother, and though they weren’t close, he could usually get a hold of him when necessary.
“I’ll try him then.”
“Thanks so much, Logan.”