Page 54 of Claiming the Dhampir

A moment later, the fae were gone, but the threat to my mate didn’t go with them. Lucifer never did favors without expecting something in return. I couldn’t begin to imagine what he would ask of me.

“That was the most fun I’ve had in decades,” Lucifer said, shedding his demon form and returning to the same human facade he’d arrived in. His aura also dimmed. “I could almost taste their hatred.”

It took a great deal of effort not to shake my head at his flippant comment. I also struggled not to rush to Lorna’s side. She and the others were nearly at the back door. I didn’t want to bring attention to their slow retreat.

But I should’ve known they couldn’t escape Lucifer’s notice.

“Don’t leave on my account,” he said, turning to face my friends. My family. “We have much to discuss, even though I must agree with the queens. This is not a suitable place to entertain royalty.” Lorna snorted, and Lucifer smiled. “She has a sense of humor, unlike Traz’damon.”

I knew that, but I didn’t want the Lord of the Underworld to know anything about her.

“What do I owe you for today’s assistance, my lord?” I asked, hoping to distract him from my mate.

Lucifer raised an eyebrow at me. I bowed, recognizing the admonition in his eyes. I ground my teeth with my effort to be silent. Lorna had no such concerns. She pulled herself free from Nathan and Kenrid and took a step forward.

“Don’t,” she warned. I heard the edge in her dhampir’s voice. Her black eyes narrowed as she spoke. “Damon is the most honorable, unselfish, and loyal individual I have ever met. He does not deserve to be treated like he is beneath you or anyone else.”

“Lorna,” I breathed, wishing she would be silent. She had no idea how powerful he was or his lack of compassion, mercy, and care toward anything unless it benefited him.

Lucifer laughed, and I moved toward Lorna. Nathan, Kenrid, and Elliott did the same, until we made a barrier between the Lord of the Underworld and our soulmate.

“My goodness,” Lucifer said, still chuckling. “I need to come to Earth more often. It’s refreshing to see such dedication. The fates chose wisely for her and you.”

Lorna squeezed between me and Nathan, pushing my wing aside so she could see.

“I’m grateful for your help,” she said. “Damon would’ve kicked their asses today, but it wouldn’t have stopped them from coming back.” She threaded her fingers with mine. I gently squeezed her hand in return. “We needed you to do that, but even I know favors like that aren’t free.”

Lucifer slid his hands into his pockets and considered us for a long moment. “Damon will be my eyes in this realm,” he said, enunciating the name I’d chosen when I reached Earth. “And you will be presented to my court as is required.”

I started to object—Lorna could not survive in the Underworld for the amount of time required for that—but Lucifer gave me another look. The one that said “Don’t you dare challenge me.”

He pulled his right hand from his pocket and strolled toward us. Our group closed the small amount of space between us, sandwiching Lorna even tighter. Lucifer stopped just out of reach and held out his hand, revealing a small pendant resting in his palm. A dark red ruby in the shape of a flame was centered in a pentagram. Faint magic surrounded it; I’d never seen this necklace before.

“This will keep her safe in the Underworld,” Lucifer said, his expression becoming less harsh. “Her demon blood would likely be enough, but I would not risk a demon’s mate. They are a gift to be treasured.” The pendant slid from his palm and hung from a delicate chain. “Please take this, Lorna.”

My mouth fell open. All demons shared the same opinion of their mates, but I never expected Lucifer to offer such a gift to mine. My family’s actions centuries ago caused their deaths and my exile. I hadn’t seen Lucifer or been to his court in hundreds of years.

My payment of being his spy wasn’t an imposition. Not really. I’d already felt obligated to report any real threats. Hence why I went to one of the few demons I thought I could trust with my request for aid. I was missing something in Lucifer’s intentions. He was never this nice.

Lorna extended her hand, and Lucifer gently lowered the pendant into her palm. The gem glowed faintly for just a moment before Lorna closed her fingers around it. She didn’t say anything, which surprised me.

“You have a month to present yourselves,” Lucifer said, stepping away and giving me his full attention. “Don’t be late.”

A cloud of portal magic enveloped the Lord of the Underworld. Then he was gone.

Lorna collapsed against me. Kenrid grabbed my other arm and slid to his knees. Nathan sat on the floor, leaning against Elliott’s wolf. Alarm raised all the hair on my body. I gripped Lorna’s arms and gently guided her to the floor.

“What’s wrong?” My gaze darted from Lorna to Kenrid, then Nathan. I knew Elliott was fine because he’d been with me.

“We’ll explain when we get home,” Nathan said. “There’s so much to talk about.”

I looked down at my friend and boss. Deep shadows bruised his eyes, like he hadn’t slept in a month. Lorna looked equally exhausted. Kenrid could barely keep his eyes open, and he swayed back and forth as if he were intoxicated—or completely worn out.

“Elliott, get the truck so we can take them home.”

The wolf huffed, then sprinted out the back door. I pulled Lorna into my arms and held her tight. She mumbled against my chest, but I couldn't understand anything she said. I suspected she’d be sleeping before we reached the truck.

Chapter 20

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