Page 14 of Blood and Reign

“How do you know my name?” I ask, but he ignores my question, his smirk growing as he continues.

“It seems the rumors are true.” The guy continues to stare at me, or through me. A look that tells me he knows a lot more than he’s letting on.

“Rumors?” I ask again, with no reply.

“I can’t wait to see what else you can do,” he tells me, looking awfully happy.

“You won’t be going anywhere near her to find out,” Axel tells him.

“I’m afraid that’s going to make things between us a little difficult then.” The guy steps forward just as flames travel up Axel’s arm, instantly burning away his jacket as his eyes pulse gold. “More like difficult, foryou.”

The new guy laughs, taking a step closer. “I’m Soren, your guide to the Underworld.”

The guys don’t ease up one bit, still tense and ready to attack. Axel’s flames grow, his eyes like flaming orbs.

“Why would you be following us instead of just coming out and introducing yourself?” Rion asks.

Soren turns to Rion, looking him over before answering. “I wanted to see what type of people I’d be risking my life for.”

Risking his life? Was it really that bad in the Underworld, even for those that live there?

“Draven said you grew up in the Underworld,” I say, drawing his attention back to me.

“The Underworld isn’t a place any would call…home. I’d avoid going back if I could. But thanks to your little friend, that isn’t an option.” Soren sighs as if put out.

It’s not like the world is at risk with the threat of demons destroying it. Demons from a placehewas born.

“King isnotmy friend. He’s a sadistic psycho.” He ignores my statement and continues to stare at me. Another knowing smirk on his face.

His stare is apparently a bit too long for Axel’s liking, as he raises his flamed hand at Soren. The flames pour out of Axel and head straight for him

Soren’s smile grows, a sparkle of delight in his eyes. Just before the flames touch him, he disappears and reappears behind me.

“A tad bit over dramatic, don’t you think?” Soren reaches out and grabs my arm before the guys get a chance to turn around.

Complete darkness surrounds me before light quickly filters back in. Soren drops my arm and quickly takes a step away.

I glance around to find us inside a cave, the guys nowhere to be found.

“Where did you take me?” I demand as my powers bubble beneath my skin.

“Calm down. We’re just inside the cave, near the entrance to the Underworld.” Soren leans against one of the walls, his smirk still on his face.

I take a step away from him and closer to the entrance.

“And you couldn’t have waited for the guys?” They were going to be mad as hell. A few minutes into this, and I’ve already unintentionally broken one of Kai’s rules. I cringe, thinking about it.

Soren shrugs, unaffected by the guys and what they’ll do to him when they find him. “I wanted a minute with you without the possessive alphas hovering over you.”

“Anything you tell me will be shared with them, so your little plan is pointless.”

Soren narrows his eyes before nodding his head. “Fine. Tell your mates. I agreed to do this because Draven asked, but I want something from you in return.”

I narrow my eyes on the demon. “I’m not in the business of making deals with demons.”

Soren smirks. “I’m not a demon. But good to know. Make sure you don’t forget that when you’re in the Underworld. Demons never play by the rules.”

“Noted. But what are you then, if not a demon?”

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