Page 5 of Demon Found

I hand my crumple of documents over and stare pointedly at the ground.

Please, please, please let this work.

“Oh. It’s the little line jumper. And that’s not the only scam you’re trying to pull, Missy. Says here you’re in foster care, not homeless.”

A rock forms in my stomach.

“For the love of the spirits . . . just let the girl emerge,” a voice growls behind me, and I shoot the guy a grateful glance.

“Look. I’m in a bind. My foster family—they’re not what you think. I’d be better off homeless. I need this. I need to be stronger. I need to emerge.” Swallowing my pride, I stare the official in the eye. “Please.”

“Rules are rules. What kind of example would I be setting?” The shrew of a man pauses, sniffing before sealing my fate. “No. I can’t allow it. Run along now.”

“You don’t get it. I need this. I have a chance to go to Fates Academy. I have to emerge now. Now, you hear me?!” My voice is growing shriller and my chest heaves with pent-up emotion, but the damn imp just stares at me gleefully, rubbing his hands together, then gesturing for his henchman again.

Snatching my papers from his grasp, I stumble away, escaping the hall. He doesn’t know what he’s done. He’s just wrecked my whole future. A muffled sob wrenches from my throat.

“Sounds like you’re in a bit of a tight spot,” says a deep baritone voice, breaking through my racing thoughts.

Without glancing up, I turn away. I don’t need sympathy from a stranger. Ineedto emerge. What kind of creep follows a crying girl anyway? A hand on my arm brings me to a stop. I glare down at it before staring venomously up at the owner.

“Let go. In case you didn’t notice, I’m having a bad day. Being manhandled by a brute is not on my to-do list.”

The boyish features that smirk back at me halt my tirade. Despite his voice, this guy can’t be much older than me. He’s obviously not homeless with that neatly ironed shirt, blazer, and shiny shoes. His chiseled cheekbones poke out from under a carefully messed head of russet curls. Hellfire, since when did they make them so handsome in Venez? His slate-blue eyes are calm and assessing as he inspects me.

“I said hands off!” I shrug my sleeve out his grasp, and he shakes his head with a wry smile.

“I was only going to offer to help.”

“Help?” I echo.

“Yeah. Are you deaf? Help. With your little imp problem.” He gestures back toward the hall. “Although, I’m less inclined if you’re as thick as you’re managing to appear.”

“Oh, piss off. How exactly could you help me? Run along now and find Daddy. I’m sure he’ll pay for your next toy. Some of us are just trying to survive here.”

He blinks and a bubble of laughter erupts from a guy standing at his shoulder. Jeez how did I not noticehim. They broke the mold making this one too. I’ve no time for romance but either of these men would make me reconsider, briefly. This second guy is long-haired, smooth-skinned hippy perfection. Except he’s a hippy in designer everything. He must be a model. Look at thatglow.

“Don’t you know who I am?!” The blustering of curly hair brings me back to my senses.

“Nope.” I let the ‘p’ pop cheekily. But shit, maybe I do know who he is. Surely, it’s his face I’ve been seeing all over town. He’s the son of the Virrey, the governor of Venez. The freaking son of my damn sponsor. Does he even know? This is either very good news, or very very bad news . . .

Schooling my face to remain completely blank, I watch for his reaction.

The mask of indifference he’s been wearing slips and he grins, revealing a dimple that makes him look fucking edible. He reaches out a hand.

“I’m Farrell, and this is Zephyr, and we can rock your world.”

I look pointedly between his face and his outstretched hand, then cross my arms.

“Uh-huh. And how do you figure that?”

“It’s customary to shake hands and introduce yourself at this point.” Zephyr’s silky voice matches his luxurious hair.

“I don’t shake hands unless I’m doing a deal.”

“We happened to overhear your little issue. I can make the officials play ball. But it’ll cost you.”

So, wait. He hasnoidea his father’s my sponsor? He just happens to be here? He grins briefly again. His serious-looking face lights the hell up and he tugs gently on his tie. I bet he has all the girls in his neighborhood swooning at his shiny shiny feet.

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