Page 56 of Wicked Little Tricks

“Did you not tell that elf you would do just that?”

My jaw fell open. “Well yeah, but that’s how threatswork, you know? I’ve never actually killed someone. And I’msureyou have.”

He sighed. “I had to agree to certain terms to be allowed in the city. I can make any bargains I choose, but the participants must be willing. And I cannot upset any of the larger factions. Ivan is not the Master of the City, but he is one of her lieutenants.”

I pinched my brow. “And what happens if you kill him?”

“I will be forced back to the hells, where I will not be able to aid you.”

I looked at him. “You do realize I’m aware you’re not actually helping me. You’re just using me.”

“If my actions help you, then I’m helping you. Intent is irrelevant.”

I shook my head, but let it go. “Okay, so we go to Crimson Kisses, try to reason with Ivan, and if we can’t, then what? I shove a stake through his heart?”

“You may use whatever means you prefer.”

My cheeks heated. “That’s not the point, dude. I’m not capable of killing a powerful vampire. I’m not capable of killinganyone. What about your threats of sending every devil in the city after him?”

“That would only happen if he truly interfered with our bargain, which would require him to either hold you prisoner, or kill you. I am assuming you would prefer it not come to that.”

I swiped a palm across my face. This was insane. I had a devil somewhat at my disposal, yet I was the onewho was supposed to potentially kill an ancient vampire?

He lightly gripped my chin and leaned close as he peered into my eyes. A spark of magic erupted between us, making goosebumps crawl across my skin. His voice lowered, “You will do what is necessary to survive, Eva. Unless you would like to abandon your roommate and hide in the Bogs forever. It seems Mistral has developed a fondness for you.”

My pulse fluttered in my throat at his continued grip on my chin. “How do you know him?” Gabriel had claimed they were old rivals, but that could mean a hundred different things.

Sebastian gave me a wicked smile, then released me. “Mortals are not the only ones who seek out bargains with devils.”

“And did my mom seek out a bargain with you as well?”

“No,” he said simply, then stood. “We have a few hours until nightfall. I will let you rest.”

I watched him walk out of my room, then threw myself back against my bed. Rest was the last thing I wanted. Waiting while Braxton was out there somewhere was torture.

I thought about what Sebastian had claimed, about my memories simply being locked away. If I could access them, I could learn why my mother took them to begin with. Someone had been after her. That’s whyshe went to Mistral. Even back then, she was on the run.

Was it from the same person who had now placed a bounty on her head? Fifteen years seemed like a long time to keep looking, but if her pursuer was another pure-blooded celestial, I knew they viewed time differently than the rest of us.

I sat up and looked down at my hands. None of it mattered if I couldn’t save Braxton tonight.

But could I really kill a powerful vampire to do it?

21

I worethe same long black coat I had worn to the Circus over my sweater and black jeans. My leather coat still wasn’t quite dry in the lining, and smelled distinctly like pond. I wasn’t sure how I was going to recover it. Maybe the smell would fade with time. I wore low heeled black boots to go with the coat. It seemed silly to put so much thought into my clothing, but it also felt like the only thing I could control about the night.

Even though Sebastian had warned me against seeking out Lucas, I had still called Dawn and left a message when she didn’t answer. She knew all the power players in the city. She might know the celestial woman who had accompanied Lucas. Or maybe she had even heard whispering about the Realm Breaker.

For now though, the only people we could deal with were the vampires. As we walked through the bustlingstreets of the Dark District, past antique lanterns and little twinkle lights, I wondered if Lilith would be at Crimson Kisses. I hadn’t gotten to speak with her since the night we met, but she knew something about my mother. I was sure of it.

I just had to get around Ivan to learn it.

Sebastian walked quietly at my side, his suit stiff and black. With a grim expression on his chiseled features, he could have almost passed for a vampire. I noticed a few women looking his way as we passed, and knew they were probably wondering the same thing.

We reached Crimson Kisses, and my eyes lifted to the swaying sign. This was it. Either I would have to reason with an ancient vampire, or I would have to kill him.

I was truly hoping for the former, because I probably wouldn’t survive the latter.

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