Page 76 of Death and Desire

He turned and growled at the intruder.

“It’s just a cat.” Violet laughed, nudging him aside. “Besides, I must dress. They’re waiting for me.”

“Thatis not a cat.”

“It’s the one my brother’s been coddling.” Violet stood, ignoring the cat’s curious gaze as she moved to the wardrobe. She pulled on undergarments, followed by a simple mint green linen dress. Bustling to the vanity, she snatched up her brush. “She must have taken a liking to him.”

“Violet.” Khalid’s stern tone made her pause midreach. “That is Bast.”

A chill wracked her at his mention of the ancient deity. Violet turned, catching Khalid’s stoic expression before she allowed her attention to focus on the cat. The black feline’s whiskers twitched as she inclined her head.

“Bast?” The brush slipped from Violet’s grip.

The balcony doors swung open, and the uninvited guest prowled across the threshold. The moment her paw touched the floor, a cloud of shimmering gold surrounded her. Violet gripped the back of her chair as a woman stepped out of the fading glitter.

Long black hair swept over her shoulders, and dark eyes settled on Violet as the woman leaned on the doorway. “I wondered how long it would take you to reveal the truth, Ani.” Bast tapped her long nails on her jaw.

“No one invited you to interfere, Bast.” He growled from where he sat on the bed, his lower half draped with the cotton sheet. He seemed completely unperturbed by his state of undress, more irate at her presence in general.

Bast’s svelte figure swayed beneath a glimmering golden gown as she stepped close to Violet. “I should apologize for leading you on that merry chase.” Her feline smile widened. “But I had to see if he was sincere in his quest.”

“You sent those men to attack me?” Violet’s rage returned with vehemence.

“Of course not, darling.” Bast waved a dismissive hand. “They would have found you regardless.”

“I don’t understand.” Violet pinched the bridge of her nose, irritated by this revelation.

“We have an agreement,” Khalid growled as he stood, revealing every glorified part of his human form. “No interference in another immortal’s affairs.”

“True.” Bast purred in appreciation, her gaze raking over him. Her lips pursed when he snapped his fingers and his black suit appeared, blocking her view. Disappointment laced her tone. “But it didn’t stop Seth from taking what he wanted, did it?”

“Seth failed to take what he coveted.” Khalid came alongside Violet, putting his arm protectively around her waist.

“He took your locket.” Bast traced the bare spot at the base of Violet’s throat with a manicured nail.

“A trinket with sentimental value only,” Khalid clarified. “One I fully intend to retrieve.”

“Careful, Ani.” A smirk curved Bast’s lips. “He knows how much you favor this human. He’s already crossed the line by cornering her in that club and attempting to seduce her by using a form very similar to yours.” She gestured to his handsome face.

Violet stiffened at the reminder of the seductive stranger at the club. The man who had lulled her into a sense of ease before stealing her locket. He’d used her attraction to Khalid as a weapon, as a way to distract her.

“Why didn’t he capture me then?” Violet asked as unease grew. “He had opportunity to do so. Why take the locket and not me?”

“It was a test.” Bast fixed her eyes on Violet, their dark depths sparkling with mischief. “He enjoys the chase. Much like a cat toying with its prey.”

“Before devouring it.” Violet swayed, but Khalid stood steady beside her, his hand resting on her hip.

“If he touches you, he will feel the full power of my wrath.” Khalid’s eyes glowed with retribution.

I will end this now.He spoke directly into her mind.

“How do you propose to do that?”

Bast glanced between them, her brow arched in curious surprise, but she said nothing.

“You know where he is.” Khalid addressed Bast, his posture rigid. “Tell me, and I will forgive your intrusion.”

Violet’s face warmed at the memory of the interruption. How close Khalid had been to making love to her when she’d spied the cat through the glass with those golden, all-knowing eyes fixed on their intimate display of affection.

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