Page 7 of House of Demons and Bones

He smirked. “Are you sure?

“You think you know me, but you don’t,” I said to Killian before I turned to Rowan at Sy’s urging. She was growing anxious. “Don’t worry. Sy wants you to know you’re her only client, and she’ll keep it that way. Well, as long as those pink diamonds keep coming.”

“You don’t need his diamonds,” Killian snapped. “Whatever you need, I’ll provide.”

“You’re still holding my jewels hostage,” I said.

“Then come get them. I told Sy you needed to pick them up yourself. You heard every word.”

“We need to fix this,” Rowan said tensely and zoned in on me. “Can you two be separated?”

“We’ve never been apart,” I said. “If there’s a way, I’ll find it.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Sy wants her own life. She longs to spend some nights with you.”

“Can you blame her?” Rowan growled, concern for Sy flashing in his silver eyes. “I want to spend every night with her.”

Sy’s eyes misted over.

“So, where should we go from here, now that you two know our trade secret?” I asked, holding my breath, bracing for the worst.

“The realm isn’t ready for this.” Killian studied me before locking his eyes on Rowan. “This stays between us.”

I blinked. “You’ll really keep our secret?”

“Of course,” they answered in unison.

“We’ll protect you both,” Killian said.

Rowan nodded. “No one shall harm you. Not without getting through us first.”

“And you don’t think we’re an abomination?” I needed to be certain.

Killian’s growl rumbled deep, more dragon than man.

“Anyone who dares call you and Sy an abomination will answer to me,” Rowan snarled.

I slumped into the chair in relief. “Thanks, guys. Now, mind if I eat while you talk? I’m feeding two here.”

“Eat, little scorpion,” Killian said softly, passing me a plate of mixed smoked meat. “Now I understand why you’re always hungry.”

If only he knew that I was born a devourer of worlds and magic. But food kept me from draining everything around me. When hungry, I was more dangerous.

Rowan kept loading my plate. “I don’t like my little monster hungry.”

Stop that,I told Sy before she turned weepy. Her getting so emotional was ruining my appetite.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” Killian said. “The four of us are bound now. We’ll each share our deepest secret to seal a pact. We’ll guard each other’s truths, making betrayal impossible.”

I knew his game. The chaos prince had shattered my trust. Now he wanted a path back.

“You realize some secrets can destroy us?” Rowan asked cautiously.

“Yes,” Killian said. “That’s exactly why we’re doing this. If one falls, we all fall. I’m ready for that kind of commitment. Areyou?”

“I’ve been committed to Sy ever since we met,” Rowan said.

Joyful tears streamed down Sy’s face, and she dabbed her eyes with her claws.

“A pact of trust then,” Killian said. “You start, Rowan.”

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