Page 37 of House of Demons and Bones

11

Barbie

Something bothered me as the invisible bond between Killian and me pulled taut, flaring. It felt like an invasion was going on, a violation waiting to happen.

This feels fucking wrong,I told Sy, worrying my bottom lip.And I don’t know what it is.

Like ice in our chest,Sy agreed, biting her claws in worry.Go check on your man so he won’t fuck another. Guard what’s yours.

I’m not going to him,I said.He’ll think I’m desperate. Men don’t want what comes too easily.

You’re a dumbass,she snapped.You know Killian isn’t just any man. He’s almost as good as my sugar, and they’re cut from the same cloth.

Killian and Rowan don’t have much in common except their titles,I said.Killian never apologizes for being an asshole. Rowan just pretends he’s not one.

Sy huffed in disagreement. I paced the room, unease coiling in my gut.

Fuck it, I’m going to the House of Chaos.I caved in.

Sy’s face lit up.

Not to check on Killian,I said, and her smile vanished fast enough to crack her fangs.I’m making sure my treasure’s safe. Anyone who touches that shoebox will have to answer to me.

Check the treasure, then fuck Killian,she said, fingering the pink diamond necklace she got from Rowan. She’d nearly bitten my head off for offering to store it for her.

I just want you to understand that this visit won’t be about having sex with Killian,I said.I just want to say hello to the house magic.

Keep lying to yourself,she said.But better hurry then.

I was already running, urgency coursing in my veins. But when the violet steel-and-glass House of Chaos loomed into view, I slowed.

Killian had called me his mate, but what if he changed his mind again? I didn’t have Sy’s thick skin.

Get going,Sy urged, giddy at the thought of meeting him.

I paused instead and drew a ragged breath, still torn between need and doubt. Was wanting Killian this much a weakness? And what if he wasn’t there—or worse, what if he was with her? As far as the rumors went, their engagement still stood.

Sy groaned.

I won’t make a fool of myself again,I protested.

Even if Killian was my addiction, or poison, I was getting tired of fighting.

We can take any poison,Sy hissed.

Have you forgotten how the Seed of Heaven nearly did us in?I retorted.

Before I knew it, I’d started moving again. My feet carried me past the House of Chaos’s perimeter as another wave of urgencyswept through my veins. None of the patrolling warriors stopped me, but a few stared as if they’d seen a ghost.

Whatever. If they tried to stop me, they’d have a taste of extreme rudeness.

The main door flew open before I reached the top step, house magic spilling out in a riot of wild colors, ready to drag me inside if I dared to retreat.

“Hello, hello,” I said. “Missed you too. Let’s go check on our treasure, shall we?”

I’d considered sneaking in—clambering up to the roof, then swinging down through a window to the penthouse hallway. The house magic would open any window for me, letting me spy on Killian without anyone knowing.

But no. I’d stroll through the front door like I belonged. I was no thief.

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