Page 66 of Viper

Mia’s lips parted, her eyes widening. “You could be right. People do that. Information is an important currency in the demon world.”

It was, and it was sometimes used as blackmail material.

“And you know something, I always thought it was weird that Maxine befriended our aunt. I mean, they have nothing in common.”

Ella dipped her chin. “So maybe she just hoped to get info on our lair … or maybe even on Luka, come to think of it.” It was more likely the latter, since their lair wasn’t in Vegas or at all influential. “Nothing’s been going on in our lives over the past few months that would make Maxine inclined to send a spy our way.”

“If Dionne resents being made a plant, it would explain why she ensures she gets herself fired,” said Mia. “It would also explain why Maxine’s now pushing for her to get her job back. Damn, I’d better warn Jocelyn to be even more careful than usual in what she says in front of Maxine.”

“Do we pass on our suspicions to Knox? He’s Maxine’s Prime, but would he even want to know?”

Mia twisted her mouth. “You could tell Harper just in case. If she feels it’s noteworthy, she’ll mention it to her mate.”

Ella nodded again. “I’ll head over to her tattoo shop on my lunch break.”

Arriving at Urban Ink, she pushed open the front door. The place was trendy and bright but with an edgy vibe. Customers loungedon the leather recliners at four almost identical stations. Beyond them were doors to various rooms, along with a tracing table and other equipment.

Waiting clients could hang here in the very neat reception area on the comfy-looking sofas while watching TV or flicking through the tattoo portfolios on the table in front of them. There was also a vending machine for anyone who might be feeling peckish.

Ella smiled at the imp who stood behind the reception desk. “Hi, trouble.”

Khloë saluted her. “Yo, demon witch.”

Snickering, Ella walked to the desk. “I was hoping to speak to Harper. I only need a minute.”

Khloë briefly glanced at the sphinx over her shoulder. “She’s with a client right now, but she’ll be done soon.”

Noting that Harper had set down her tattoo gun and seemed to be giving her client aftercare advice, Ella said, “I’ll wait. No Piper today?” She couldn’t see her anywhere.

“She left early—had to go somewhere with her mom.”

Shame. Ella loved chatting with her. She was about to take a seat on the sofa, but Khloë held up a staying hand.

“No, don’t go sit,” the imp pled. “Stay here with me.” She leaned forward, propped her elbows on the desk, and gave Ella a huge smile. “Tell me how life’s treating you these days. I’m interested.”

“No, you’re not. You want something.” It was easy to sense.

The imp scratched her cheek. “Well, now that you mention it, there is something you could do for me.”

“I’m not going to convince Luka to let your family into Infernal.”

Khloë frowned. “Oh, come on, they’d behave themselves.”

Ella snorted. “Imps have no concept of what that means.”

“That’s not true. We learn. We evolve. We—”

“Do as you please,” Ella finished. “And it mostly pleases you to disregard warnings, ethics, rules, and your own damn safety. I have no clue why.”

Khloë stared off into the distance, a pensive look on her face. “No, neither do we.”

“Hey there, Ella,” cut in Raini as she sidled up to the imp. A succubae, the tattooist was positively stunning, but she often tried toning down her looks—which didn’t work well. “Lovethe earrings.”

Fingering one of the dragonflies, Ella smiled. “Aw, thanks.”

“You here about a tattoo?”

“No, I just want to speak to Harper about something.”

---