Page 23 of House of Demons and Bones

“A demigod.” Jeffrey whistled. “First in the realm.”

“That lying son of a bitch,” Silas spat in envy.

“He didn’t lie,” Louis said. “Just omitted the truth.”

“What’s the difference?” Silas huffed.

“Let’s not argue at this hour,” Cade said. “Let’s take a deep breath and process this calmly and rationally.”

“Well, Barbie.” Silas fixed me with a sharp look. “Was it just the three of you on that rooftop?”

My heart skipped. He was fishing for information on Sy.

I shrugged. “That’s all I saw.” I raised a hand. “I can swear on a Bible if you want me to.” I dropped my hand to my side when he didn’t follow up. “I’m exhausted, and I have class tomorrow.”

I wasn’t physically tired. I’d gotten a good feeding from Sy and Rowan’s coupling. But mentally, I was drained. I just wanted to hit the pillow, and then I’d have more mental energy to process what being the chaos prince’s true mate meant. I turned to look at Cade hopefully, but he didn’t dismiss me.

“Where’s your friend Sy?” Silas asked, and Louis leaned forward.

Sy had left quite an impression.

Inside, Sy perked up.

I yawned, letting an eye droop shut, playing up my fatigue.

“No idea, sir,” I mumbled.

“She seemed close to you,” Silas pressed, watching my reaction. “Even called you Ugly Barbie.”

A muscle twitched under my eye at the insult, and Sy’s guilt rolled off her.

“I defended you,” Louis said. “Called you a fine lady.”

I let my other eye close, refusing the bait. No way was I getting tangled up in their games about Sy. Soon, I added a light snore for effect.

“Interview’s over,” Cade said. “Barbie’s had a rough few days. Let’s cut her some slack. Now, gentlemen, it’s time to leave.” He barked at me. “Barbie, quit snoring and get to your room.”

My eyes snapped open, and I jumped up, snatched the plate of cheese cubes, and bolted for the door. House magic swung it open before I reached it, and I vanished, leaving Jeffrey’s chuckles behind.

A third tapon the door came after I ignored the first two.

“You’re testing my patience, Matt,” I said, my throat still raw. “I haven’t forgiven you and Fred for skipping my breakfast in that jail cell.” Never mind that the cell was decked out like a five-star hotel room, complete with a magical fire in a marble hearth. “I’ve played nice, but you keep pushing it.”

I couldn’t believe how heartless these supernaturals were. I’d stopped a death duel between heirs and saved the day, but here they were, business as usual and expecting me to go to class.

The door creaked open, and Sy hissed.

Shit, I’d forgotten to lock it last night. But whoever entered was about to regret it.

“It’s me,” Bea called before I sent my dark wind to teach the invader a lesson.

I tossed my pillow aside and shot upright.

“Bea?” I rubbed my eyes, hoping I wasn’t dreaming.

Her blue hair billowed in the draft, and her hazel eyes remained warm. It was really her.

“Sorry to wake you, Barbie. It’s mid-morning, so?—”

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