Page 168 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

But we weren’t waiting any longer. Every hour wasted was another hour Kiarra could be suffering.

Two of Draven’s guards block the door to the room. My shifter senses pick up Draven’s voice inside. Once we have confirmation that he’s in there, we move toward them.

“You can move out of our way, or we can make you. Either way, we’re going in there,” I warn them, not playing the diplomatic leader anymore. My patience has reached its limits.

The guard narrows his eyes on me. “I’m afraid we can’t allow that. Draven will see you when he’s ready.”Is that so?

Before the guard spews out another word, I move, slamming him into the wall. The other guard comes up behind me. I grab him by his throat and throw him through the door, giving us an opening and one hell of an entrance.

Axel laughs, stepping over him as we walk into the room where Draven sits among a room full of supes. “Guess

we’re not playing it safe anymore.” No, we’re not.

The demons get up to fight when I call one of my hounds forward, slightly shifting so he’s revealed through my eyes. I know each of the demons, witches and warlocks sense his presence when they sit the fuck back down, growing quiet.

“So, it is true.”

Draven gives the warlock who spoke a nod, confirming whatever question he asked. I ignore them both, focusing on what we came here for.

“You said you had information about our mate. Tell us now or we’re leaving.”

Draven sighs, signaling to the room. “Leave us. All of you”

“But, sir?” One of Draven’s guards questions his order, but with one look from Draven, the guard bows and leaves with the rest of them.

“Forgive me. We’ve been overwhelmed with the nonstop attacks on the Island,” Draven says before standing.

“The old demons?” Rion asks him.

“Yes, it’s one of the reasons I’ve asked you here—”

“Tell us how you can help us find our mate first. Then we can move onto what you need from us.”

“There’s something I need to know first.” Draven leans against the table in an attempt to seem at ease, but I know better.

Demons know how to reel you in and keep you distracted while they get what they want. Dangling something in front of you, all while pulling the rug from beneath you.

But I’d play along… for now.

“Go on.” Crossing my arms, I give him a look that says not to waste my time.

Draven nods. “You have Jazmyn, yes?”

My eyes narrow on the demon lord. “We’re not trading her for Kiarra.” She’d have my balls if she knew I handed her over to him.

“I wasn’t suggesting it.”

Rion shares a look with me. He’s picking up on something Draven isn’t saying, but I continue to play along to see where he’s going with this.

“Then what would you need her for?”

Draven moves around the table with ease, trying to make it look like he’s the one in control here.

“I take it you know little about my family tree, or demons in general?”

Axel scoffs. “We know enough, but demons don’t like to share and prefer to keep to themselves.”

Draven tilts his head in an appeasing manner. “I meant no harm.”

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