Page 61 of Demon Kissed
“Which is?” I ask.
“To convince you that Hell is better than Heaven.”
I laugh.
But when Raz and Kastros both turn disapproving looks on Zolroth, I realize that the posh demon is serious.
“Wait. What?”
“Why do you think a summons is so utterly important? Why do you think we can’t just drop you like a sack of potatoes and leave?”
A strange, guttural growl erupts from Kastros when Zolroth says this, and the giant demon takes a threatening step toward the British one.
“It’s because, with a summons, we have the opportunity to prove to you that human rules are arbitrary, structure is empty, that the straight and narrow path is meant to quash your spirit and leave you hollow. We’re here to convince you that the only beliefs that matter are those in here.” He taps his heart. “What does your heart believe, Kat?”
Damn him for taking my rant and turning it into this philosophical quest that’s somewhat fascinating. I fill up with a million questions, each battling for priority. I can’t even sort through my answer to his question because, honestly, right at this moment, my heart’s more tangled than a ball of yarn entrusted to a cat.
But Raz does what he does best—ruins the moment by giving orders. “She needs to get home.”
I laugh. “Seriously? Curfew? So much for ‘rules are arbitrary.’”
Raz glares at me. “No. I’m more worried about the fact that you left Adam with a babysitter, and I don’t want your brother to be all alone, because I don’t think you would want that.”
Oh.
Dammit. Why is everything the demons are saying right now sounding thoughtful? I must be tired.
Raz holds out a hand, and I automatically take it. The feel of his palm on mine gives me the strangest, most wonderful feeling of déjà vu. But, suddenly, I’m yanked backwards.
“I was her date for the evening, so I should be the one to return her.” Zolroth grips my shoulders hard.
“Look, after that attack on you and Akor, I’m not taking any chances—”
“It’s my job to return her—”
“And it’smyjob to ensure all of you and Kat are safe.” Raz’s hand tightens around mine possessively, and he pulls me back towards him.
I stumble into his chest. Is it wrong that I take a moment to luxuriate in how muscular it is? Or that I take a mental snapshot of both of them fighting over me so that I can girlishly squeal later? Not that they’re fighting over melike that, but the fact that they’re arguing at all. Over me.
Oh, man. This means I should pull on my big girl pants and stop the fight, doesn’t it? I take a deep breath and turn to Zolroth as Raz’s body heat warms my back. “He’s right,” I say to Zolroth. “I don’t want anyone to attack you.” I bat my eyes prettily at my date. “Ifhegets hurt,” I slide my gaze purposefully towards Raz, “no big deal.”
The demons’ laughter is the last thing I hear as Raz scoops me up and flies out of the room.
20
Haveyou ever driven in a van with a demon, staring in the rearview mirror at the backseat where your dead classmate—but now zombie dog—had once lain? No? Just me?
Goodie.
You know…I always wanted to be special, but this takes the fucking cake.
“Katrina…” Raz’s growly voice interrupts the tranquility we’ve established. Well, as tranquil as we can fucking be with a zombiefied Jason at the demons’ townhouse, probably humping Akor’s leg and demanding tummy rubs from Kastros.
“Just drive, Raz.” I turn towards the passenger window and stare at the landscape rolling by. I can see the exact moment we emerge from the poverty-stricken section of town and into the wealthy one—derelict buildings covered in graffiti transform into modest-sized bungalows and farmhouses. Andthosebuildings turn into sprawling mansions interspersed between fields of corn and the occasional forest.
When we turn onto my street, and the metal gates for my house appear in the distance, Raz slows the car to an idle crawl, almost as if he’s as reluctant as me to end things the way they are.
And how are things? Well, I don’t really know how to answer that.
