Page 71 of Their Demon

He nodded. “Father was just trying to appear ‘merciful’ to his people, but it gave me more time to ensure Lillian is ready for today.”

The whispering across from us stopped as the topic of today, the real reason we were all gathered around the table, was brought up. Though my eyes were trained on Ida and Keir, I didn’t miss the reassuring squeeze Mavis gave Lilly’s hand.

“I think I’m finished.” Lilly stood and dragged Mavis out of the room with her.

Keir went to stand up, but Ida put her hand on his arm. “Let them go, hun. Lilly will be okay. Mavis is good at this sort of thing. She’s got this.”

He nodded reluctantly and sat back down.

None of us ate much more, mostly pushing our food around on our plates.

Once Keir announced it was time for us to get ready and go, Ida and Mavis gave Lilly tight hugs and lots of encouragement before leaving.

Keir held out his hand to Lilly once the elevator closed. “Come with me. I’ve got your outfit in our room.”

Aiden and I exchanged glances as she took his hand, letting him lead her to his room. Before we could talk, he returned to the hall, holding the backpack she’d be using for her task.

“I had a set of flame-retardant clothes made up for her. Lightweight, of course, but they’ll give her some protection against the dragon. Might buy her a chance to get away should something go awry.”

“They won’t,” Aiden said quickly. “Don’t even think like that. She’s got this.”

“Never hurts to have added assurance,” I defended our older brother. He was clearly worried about her, showing his heart on his sleeve with this gesture. It didn’t hurt to have a little extra protection.

The door opened, and all three of us stood tall, watching as she stepped out.

My breath was knocked from me as she strutted down the hall toward us. She’d pulled her shiny auburn hair up into a messy ponytail, which swung with each step she took. The bodysuit hugged every delicious curve our girl had to offer, accentuating her sexy hips and round breasts.

The suit was mostly black, since Keir had it designed, but it had details of purple, her favorite color, swirled all around. My heart felt like it was being squeezed as I noticed the specific effort he’d put into this for her.

After noticing all of us drooling over her, she sauntered the rest of the way and did a spin, revealing a hood to complete her outfit—plus how fucking perfect her ass looked in the tight suit.

Aiden whistled.

“Damn, baby,” I purred as I strolled to her, spinning her once more so I could take a mental picture. “This is a good look for you.”

She blushed and shook her head, unconvinced, and laughed at my compliment. “Oh, stop it.” She looked at the other two. “You can pick your jaws up off the floor, boys. I’d hate to slip on your drool.”

“Oh shit.” I chuckled and brought my fist to my mouth, amused with the confidence our girl had found in herself.

Aiden took the chance to march over to her and sweep her up in his arms, peppering her face with kisses.

Keir stood still, conflicted about whether he should embrace her next or stay put. Unfortunately, he chose the latter as Aiden placed Lilly back on the floor. It didn’t seem to bother her, though, seeing as she shot him a cute smile he happily returned.

“Are you ready?” he asked her tenderly.

She shrugged. “Does it matter if I say no?”

He frowned, displeased with her response. “You’re ready,” he stated like his word was law. “I have no doubt about that.” He motioned to the elevator. “Let’s go. I’m ready to get this over with and get you back home.”

The gaze she gave him would’ve melted the coldest heart. His words clearly struck her exactly where she needed it.

Keir and Lillian stood side-by-side in the elevator while Aiden and I stood in front of them. Everyone in the lobby stopped and stared as we led our girl to the limo that awaited us.

I felt like part of a bodyguard squad, trying to protect her from prying eyes, the fucking nosey shits who couldn’t mind their own business. Everyone knew who she was now, thanks to our father. He’d been parading around, boasting about how he was showing ‘the human pet’ mercy by giving her the opportunity to become a demon instead of killing her.

We really thought he wouldn’t want word getting out that a human had gotten in, meaning a portal had been opened and shut. Instead, he’d twisted things, making it seem like he was a fair and just ruler, even when it came to humans.

There was an awkward stillness when we all got into the car. No one was really sure what to say. Lilly looked uncomfortable, her hands twisting around in her lap as she stared at them. Keir grabbed one of her hands, and she stopped fiddling to look at him, an obvious peace swiping across her face. He grounded her, and it wasn’t fair to her, but a tiny sliver of jealousy worked its way into my heart as I watched them stare at each other.

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