Page 17 of Demon Bound

“Do not touch,” he growled again.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I won’t do it again.”

He released her, and she took a few steps back. The night seemed to be growing colder by the minute. She shivered.

The demon’s anger seemed to cool. “You want an alliance,” he said.

“Yes.”

“You are wise to make this offer.”

“Um… Thank you.”

“I agree to your terms.”

She was flooded with relief, and then dread. What kinds of things would she need to do to please him?

Perhaps she should start with the basics. “Will you tell me your name, then, since we’re allies?”

He gave her a disapproving look. “My name is Azreth.” He eyed her satchel. “Mortals must sleep every night and eat every day.”

She wasn’t sure whether that was a question. “Yes.”

“Then we must allow you time to rest, and then we must find you food to eat. Sleep now.”

“Now?”

“Yes. It is night.” He waved toward the dark sky.

Bewildered, she glanced around at the damp, frosty ground, and wrapped her arms around herself. “I need to find a safe, warm place before I can sleep. It’s too cold out here.”

Azreth took a breath, then let it out. Raiya interpreted it as thoughtful, rather than annoyed.

When he reached for her again, she was stiff but unresisting as he turned her around and pulled her against him. He sat down on the ground, putting his back against a rock and setting her in his lap. His long, dark limbs folded around her, enveloping her in warm skin and a smell like heated wood. Despite his near-nudity, the cold did not seem to affect him.

“You must stay with me. You will be warm enough,” he said.

“Oh.”

He gave her a long, inscrutable look. “Turn on me, and I will destroy you,” he reminded her matter-of-factly.

Raiya just nodded wearily.

“Now go to sleep.”

Easier said than done.

She tried to force herself to relax, reluctantly laying her head against his hot chest. His heart thumped loud and heavy beneath her ear, beating far slower than any human’s.

Chapter 7

She awoke to the light of dawn creeping over the horizon, and a large, warm mass against her side. The previous day came rushing back to her, and she stiffened.

There was a demon beneath her. She could feel his chest expanding, lifting her slightly with each slow, deep breath. She peered up at his face. He was looking back at her with his strange, hollow eyes.

“Have you slept enough?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said, her voice small.

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