Page 87 of Evil Hearts

“The sooner you trust me, the better this will be.”

“Trust the man who stole my soul.” I snort.

“I saved you and gave you three more years with your family.”

When he puts it like that, it’s hard to doubt him. He’s been kind since he collected me from his father. I’ve not been given a reason not to trust him thus far. But there is no mistaking that he’s half demon and a son of the devil. His father is literally the ruler of the underworld, who tried to turn me into a tree and burn me for eternity.

“I know asking for your trust is asking for a lot. I’d never hurt you. You’re safe with me.”

I don’t want to believe him and yet part of me does. What other choice do I have? I won’t survive here on my own. If I can call it surviving. I guess this makes me undead.

Lacing his fingers with mine, he tugs me along and through the main entrance of the heavy metal door. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think we were walking into a regular bar. If it weren’t for the monsters sitting at the bar staring in our direction. Alternative music I’ve never heard before plays through the sound system.

I spot Aster immediately and try not to make eye contact. He’s at the end of the bar on his four legs. The head of a man and body of a bull. At least he has arms.

“Prez,” an Orc greets us, holding up a glass of something that looks like mud and worms as we move further inside.

My stomach turns at the thought of consuming bugs.

Don’t worry. Only mortal food and drinks for you, little wolf.

This isn’t so bad.

He squeezes my hand tighter.

The music cuts off and all eyes are on us. I try not to make eye contact with anyone, but it’s hard not to be curious. Some of the men here appear normal––human, but I know better than to trust appearances.

“I’ll make this short and sweet.” Ruthless says. I don’t know if he’s addressing them or me. Maybe both. “I want you to meet Daciana.” He smiles. “My Ol’ Lady.”

“Ready the claiming table,” someone calls out and everyone erupts in a chorus of cheers that thunder and echo throughout the large space.

“What’s the claiming table?”

Ruthless ignores my question, leading me toward the center of the bar as club members scramble to set up a table that has weird symbols carved in the wood while others are patting him on the back. Except for the few women hanging around. Theyall look at me like they want to rip me apart. Limb by limb. Especially the one with snakes for hair.

Is that Medusa?

No. Her granddaughter. Ignore her. Remember when I said you wouldn’t like what I must do, but you’d enjoy it?

You don’t mean…

I’ve gotta claim and mark you in front of them as my property. It’s for your protection.

By claim and mark, what do you mean?

I’m going to fuck you on this table and brand you with my mark.

No.

It’s for your protection. I’ll shield you as much as I can with my wings.

Your wings!?! You have wings?

So you’re more concerned that I have wings than you are worried that I’m about to claim and brand you?

Do I have a choice?

There’s always a choice, Daciana.

---