Page 27 of Where Exorcists Cannot Lie

“You both disgust me with all this lovey lovers in love crap, you realise that?” Xendra said, her warm tone contradicting her words.

I winked at her, noticing she must have taken the opportunity to have her hair done earlier.

“Love the updo,” I said.

“Why, thank you, Inuel.” Xendra inclined her head. “At least someone around here appreciates style and sophistication.”

“Yeah. Xen happens to believe the higher her hair, the closer she is to the gods,” Taz teased.

I chuckled, watching Xendra narrow her eyes at my beloved.

Upon figuring out Xendra’s role in our lucky reunion at the Noyau sanctuarium, Taz had forgiven her for withholding the circumstances of my disappearance back then. But he would still refer to it as her ultimate betrayal when it suited him, using it as a bargaining chip to wiggle his way out of paperwork and other tedious duties. It hardly ever worked because Xendra, well acquainted with his dramatic streak, had developed an immunity to his arsenal of manipulative tactics. He still tried it, though. Without his persistence, Taz wouldn’t be Taz.

“Don’t make me unleash Cyrid on you,” Xendra murmured.

“Ke-wick,” Cyrid chimed in at the mention of his name.

Xendra patted the top of the mountain owl’s head. “So, how's the slider?” Xendra asked.

“Still annoying as hell.” I shrugged. “I can't get through to him. I doubt he has any intention to vacate the body and release this woman voluntarily. I suspect she may be dead already.”

“Brilliant.” Taz grimaced and sighed. “Well, if so, he’ll get the Ultimate Rite. And her relatives will get the body to bury, at least.”

“Hm, I wouldn't be so sure about that.” Xendra took a few sips from her chicory coffee, appearing thoughtful. “I received a magicgram this morning. It's all very hush-hush for now, but it seems the Mages from the Emperor’s Army are very interested in our slider. I have a feeling the higher-ups in the Guild might decide to trade him off if the emperor’s people offer us something valuable enough. In which case, the woman being dead would actually be preferable.”

“What the fuck?” Taz gasped. “That’s just awful.”

Xendra gave a mirthless smile. “Politics, Taz. It’s rarely pretty. Or fair.”

While I sympathised with Taz’s idealistic indignation, I also understood the value a hostless slider represented to the military. In an intelligence context, his services would be deemed priceless, regardless of how unethical things could get in the process. Secondly, I wasn't one to bitch about the Guild's little side deal-making policies since it had saved my own arse not so long before. Hadn’t it been for that, I, most likely, would be lying dead in a ditch somewhere instead of living the high life at my soulmate’s side. And most importantly, I wanted the fucking slider out of our place. As soon as possible. The bastard made noise, stank the place up with tobacco and ate like a horse.

“So what’s the point of us having Docerh Conventis to begin with, then?” Taz stomped his foot. “Isn’t it a waste of time?”

“Well, nothing has been decided yet. Let’s just wait and see what happens.” Xendra regarded Taz with one eye closed. “Also, it gives you the perfect chance to brag and flaunt. Please don’t pretend for one moment you’re not dying to show off to the other Mages.” Xendra began finger counting. “Your lovely new house. Your legendary cooking skills. And, above all, your exotic Alpha Demon darling.”

My lips twitched. Yup, she had him all figured out. Taz really gagged for it. I waited for his response, curious if he would own up to it.

I heard Taz suck in a big breath as if to argue, but then he snapped his mouth closed. “Yeah, to be honest, I am. So what? Who can blame me, huh? This is my dream house. I am a damn good cook. And just look at him. Such a fine specimen.” Taz squeezed my bicep, pride ringing in his voice. I didn’t have to see his face to know he had a smug, adorable grin plastered all over it. “And every muscled, tattooed piece of him is nobody’s but mine.”

“Cannot argue with that. All correct.” I snorted and kissed the top of Taz’s head. I didn’t mind being objectified this way when Taz did the objectifying.

“Unbelievable,” Xendra chuckled. “You lads are beyond disgusting. Have I already mentioned that?”

“Once or twice.” Taz nodded. “So I suspect some of the Mages will start arriving tomorrow. We’ll have our hands full again.”

“For a change,” I added, my words dripping sarcasm.

“Well, tonight we should take this opportunity to relax in our private, little circle,” Taz said. “Before things get hectic.”

“Hear, hear.” Xendra downed her beverage and put the mug on the countertop. “The idea of having some good food alone with a few drinks and going to bed early sounds heavenly.”

At the mention of bed, I caressed Taz’s hip area, my mind already filling with all the filth I wanted to do to him when I got my big hands on him.

He shivered under my touch, ever so keen and responsive.

“Well, I guess we should start putting the food away. I’m going to get a start on the broth.” Taz unglued himself from me and stretched his arms above his head.

A knocking at the door sounded just about then—weak and hesitant but there, nonetheless.

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