Page 65 of Higher Demon

“Ian gets airsick,” Tasha explains.

I look at my human lover. “That’s the problem? You’re going to make me sit in your unhygienic vehicle, listening to the tripe you call music, fortwo daysbecause you don’t want to feel nauseated for a few hours?”

“I think it’s a little more than?—”

Ian cuts Tasha off. “Don’t forget the cheap motel we’re going to stay at,” he taunts. “I bet I can find one that hasn’t been renovated since the seventies. How does fifty-year-old plumbing sound? Oooh! Tash, see if we can find one that rents rooms by the hour. Marc wouldlovethe ambiance there.”

I force myself not to shudder. A motel that rents by the hour? I doubt they’re meticulous about changing the linens.

“As fun as that sounds,” Tasha interjects, “the Collective has corporate accounts at several reputable chains, and you’re required to use one of those.”

“You’ve joined the nonexistent list of humans I like,” I inform her, and she laughs.

“I like you too, Marc. Wow, there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say.”

I ignore that, turning back to Ian. “You truly refuse to fly?”

“I really and truly do. Believe me, you’re grateful for that. Just ask Matt.”

Unlikely. Since he learned about us—which was a surprise—he’s been avoiding me even more than usual. Ian assured me that he took it well and was supportive, but I fail to see any evidence of that.

“May I suggest an alternative, then?”

“The train? It’ll take longer than driving, and trust me, you’d be even less comfortable.” Ian smirks.

“Not the train.”

“Then wh— Oh.” His eyes widen. “You can do that? Carry me with you, I mean.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Yes.”

“Wait, are we talking about what I think we’re talking about?” Tasha asks, and I take a moment to flick dust from my trousers before I turn my head to look at her. She’s a trifle paler than usual.

“I’m suggesting that I transport myself to Illinois in my usual manner and bring Ian with me.”

“What about luggage?” Ian asks while Tasha’s mouth moves soundlessly. “Can you bring the luggage too? Or would you need two trips?”

Tasha and I both stare at him. She recovers her voice first. “Is luggage really your first concern right now, Ian?”

He shrugs. “Well… yeah. Despite what Marc thinks, I do like to change my underwear regularly. Plus I need my kit.”

“Oh, yes. How could you possibly travel without the giant sword?” I murmur, but it goes unnoticed as Tasha leans halfway across her desk to hiss at him. I can hear every word, of course, but it’s amusing that she’s trying to preserve my feelings.

“What about the fact that you’d be at the mercy of a higher demon?”

Ian levels her with a disbelieving look and answers at a regular volume. “Be serious, Tash. I’m already at his mercy. So are you and everyone else on this planet. He hasn’t hurt any of us in six years, and you think he’s going to… what? Steal me? What for?”

“You’re not exactly a tradeable commodity,” I agree. “You talk too much.”

“But…” Tasha looks from him to me and back, her face flushing. “I’m so sorry, Marc, I don’t mean to be insulting, but it’s just difficult to let go of so many years of…” She shakes her head.

A few months ago, I would have made a remark suggesting that if dogs are able to learn new behaviors, humans should too, but apparently, my feelings for Ian have made me soft, because instead I say, “I understand.”

“I think we should do it,” Ian declares. I eye him skeptically. A human might not notice the way his scent has shifted, but I do. He’s putting up a solid front to hide his nerves.

“Seriously?” Tasha asks. “I agree that it’s unlikely anyone would want to stealyou, but… do we even know how this kind of travel affects humans?”

“Marc wouldn’t suggest it if it wasn’t safe,” Ian says breezily, but I hear his heartbeat speed up slightly. “Besides, think of what a great show of unity this is for the truce.”

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