Page 119 of The Book Reader
“Hitch? You okay? You look like you’re in pain.” Mekhi says, faking concern with a cheeky grin.
Gaelan laughs. I roll my eyes at both and stand up, my cheeks burning. “No, I was… thinking about something…”
“Don’t worry, my Rose, you will get the hang of it. It can take time when you are not used to it.” Gaelan's lips twitch, trying not to laugh. I roll my eyes at him.
“You’re going to be in so much trouble when I get back.” I laugh.
Mekhi holds up his glass. “Get Mr. Hotty a drink, then we can all party!” He all but shouts at me. He starts to dance again. That man has so much energy, it blows my mind.
I dance a little in the kitchen, wiggling my hips. Gaelan's eyes are on my ass, a little payback for laughing at me.
I pour a glass of water as my gaze lifts to the window. It’s almost midnight; the moon is high in the sky, clear as day, with a scattering of stars around it. People walking around outside—some marching fast as if they have places to go, others meandering slowly, maybe out for an evening walk.
I stare at them, and a frown mars my face when they change direction, moving toward the front of my house as if they are looking for something. A few of them sniff the air, snappingat each other like animals fighting over prey. My eyes scan the immediate area, and slowly, each head turns, locking eyes with me. I stumble back and drop my glass on the floor; it smashes with a loud crash.
Daemons.
A shiver runs down my body, a tingle over my skin, making me look down at my arms; my markings flash bright gold. The burn of them crashes over me, like I’m a little too close to a fire.
Like a warning.
Lifting my head, I look back out the window. Hating the feeling that is running through me. Something bad is about to happen; I feel it, just as my heart beats in my chest. They won’t be able to come into the front gate because of the wards, but that doesn’t stop the streets from filling with evil.
“Rose? What is it?” Gaelan’s panicked voice hits me just as he comes to stand by my side; he must have felt my fear.
“Daemons,” I whisper, unable to say anymore. I stare, unable to tear my eyes away as each daemon pulls out a weapon.
Gaelan fists his hand on the counter, his markings darkening like his mood. “Fuck,” he says, exasperated.
He strides to the main door and pulls it open hard, almost ripping it off the hinges. It smashes against the wall as he walks past it. I rush out after him, not wanting him to have to face whatever nightmare this is going to be alone.
Gaelan pauses his steps, making me almost crash into his back.
“Rose,” he says in warning, making me look at where his murderous eyes are staring.
I knew Gaelan could be dangerous, the way he looks right now, and the dark energy that flows out of his body hits me like a bolt of lightning, striking me in the heart and making me lose my breath.
Slowly, each pair of eyes turns in our direction. It’s the first time I've noticed that each set of eyes is a different color.
Gaelan seems to grow as he shimmers into his body armor. The black leather wraps around him like a second skin, complementing his toned muscles.
If there wasn’t a threat, I would be climbing all over him.
“More people to party with, Hitch?” Mekhi’s drunken, playful voice makes me snap my head to him. He sways a little and holds up his glass with a massive smile on his face. He'll freak out if he finds out all these people are daemons. I also don’t want him to get hurt. I rush over to the door and push him back into the house. “Let’s get more drinks.” I urge.
“It’s party time, Hitchy, plus,” He looks past me and raises one eyebrow, flirting with lord only knows who. “I see ahottie,”he sings the last word, then blows a few kisses at whoever that is.
I pull in a frustrated breath then whisper, “Somnum.”Sleep.
His eyes roll back in his head before he slowly falls to the floor in the hallway, his ‘tini slipping from his hand.
“Sorry, Mekhi,” I kiss my finger, then place it on his cheek. “You will be safe here,” I whisper, even though he won’t be able to hear me. Standing back up, I rush through the door, letting it close behind me. No matter what happens, they won’t be able to get into the house.
I hurry over to Gaelan, pulling in a breath. “I’ve never been in a fight before.” My voice is fearful but full of purpose as I survey the daemons gathering around. This will be my first fight since killing those daemons after getting my book back. I’ve never used my powers for anything other than a few practice spells since then. This is going to be scary.
They say no time like the present, right?
Rolling my shoulders, a tingle of magic moves over my skin.
