Page 35 of Bad Demon

“This deal made in blood is binding until death,” he repeated, his voice nothing but a growl now.

“You don’t need to repeat this next bit,” I said. “In exchange for your protection, I will allow you to remain by my side.” My heart humped heavily in my chest. “The deal is done,” I finished as sparks, little zaps, shot down my arm and through my body from where we touched.

I released his hand and stepped back, feeling breathless, my belly all weird and swirly—and, yeah, between my thighs was hot and slick and achy. I had no idea how it felt to claim a soul, no point of reference. I didn’t know what to expect, but I had to admit, this felt really freaking good.

ChapterEight

FERN

“Can I come in now?”Relic asked.

I chewed my lip. “You understand what just happened? You know I own you, and you have to do what I say?”

“I understand what just happened perfectly, Tinker Bell.”

Owning his soul obviously hadn’t stopped him from being a smart-ass.

I tugged at my sleeves, nerves running wild inside me.

You did it. He’s yours. Now, you need to lead. You need to take charge.

I motioned to the stairs. “Let’s go then.”

He stepped over the threshold, and I led him upstairs and into my apartment.

“You can sit down on the couch,” I said, trying to insert as much authority in my voice as I could.

He tilted his head back and scented the air. Then, his eyes darkened when he looked around the small living room and kitchen area, taking in everything before walking to the couch and sitting, doing as I’d said.

I rushed to the window, yanking the curtains closed. Then strode to the small island that separated the lounge from the kitchen, like that would protect me from Relic if this thing hadn’t worked.

“How are you feeling?”

He looked around the room again, this time blinking several times before he frowned. “What did you put in my drink, demon?”

My pulse fluttered wildly. “Nothing that’ll cause any permanent damage.” I straightened my spine. I was a deal maker, a soul collector, and I needed to act like one. “You can growl and yell all you’d like, but you belong to me now.”

His nostrils flared, and he released another of those growls with his next exhale. “That was a fucking devious move, even for you.”

“Make me a cup of tea,” I said, forcing myself to stare him in the eyes.

Yes, I needed to assert my authority—quickly. The sooner he came to terms with his new situation, the better.

He bared his teeth but stood and walked to the kitchen. He filled the kettle, turned it on, then opened cupboards until he found a cup and the tea.

“I take it with milk and sugar.”

His gaze sliced to me, and the muscle in his jaw jumped several times, but he made the tea. When he was done, he handed me my drink, then went back to the couch and sat. “I thought you wanted me here for protection. Not to fetch you fucking tea.”

“Put the tea away,” I said, fighting back the nerves zipping wildly through my belly, but I had to be sure I had control over this male.

He narrowed his eyes, but he stood, stalked back into the kitchen, put the tea back in the cupboard, then turned to me, brow raised.

“Move that pillow.” I pointed to the pink one on the end of the couch. “Put it on the chair.”

“Are you fucking serious?” he said, but he was already moving to do it because he had to, because I had control over him. I had all the control.

When he put the cushion in the chair and sat back on the couch, I walked around the island, my heart pounding, but I was feeling a little bolder now and sat across from him. Placing my cup on the small table beside me, I crossed my legs. “Take off my boots, hound.”

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