Page 17 of Immortal Throne

Not the most ideal situation.

I set the phone aside and drew my knees up to my chest, staring through them to where Chupey sat. His head still cocked to the side as he watched me.

“I’m freaking out for a good reason,” I told him. “Right? I think it’s perfectly rational to not want to work for a guy like that.”

I expected a bark for an answer. Maybe a doggy groan or a huff.

I didnotexpect him to open his mouth and tell me in a way too fucking human voice, “Of course not.”

My pulsing heart lurched right into my throat along with a killing dose of adrenaline. Screeching, I backed up like the door would suddenly absorb me before scrambling to my feet.

“What the hell?” I screamed.

“Now, don’t freak out.”

Don’t freak out?

Don’t freak out?

“I’m definitely freaking out.”

My dog sounded way too calm for this situation. Or maybe my disease had gone to my brain and this whole thing was just one last ditch effort cast by my dying neurons.

It was entirely possible.

“Calm down,” he said.

“I can’t calm down,” I snapped. My lungs seized and at once I went lightheaded, black dots dancing in front of my eyes. Was it hot in here? It felt hot in here.

“What am I even doing? Having a conversation with a dog? Like it’s a normal, totally not insane thing.”

At least my hindsight wasn’t tingling. That was a good sign, right?

“It’s possible, Sloane. I’m sorry.” His lips pulled back in a fangy smile. “I’m your demonic familiar. Your father sent me ten years ago to watch over you.”

This was the end.

I’m dying right now. At this very moment.It was the only explanation.

“Nope. No way.”

Sweat clung to my brow as my temper rose. Why was I so damn hot? Like I’d suddenly been dipped in hot oil and fried like a goddamn donut. I tugged at my shirt, desperate for relief, and ended up popping the buttons open at the top instead. It didn’t do much to relieve the prickling heat clinging to me except ruin the only dress shirt I owned.

Forcing my body into action, I reached back to the door, grasping for the knob. Although, there was no way I’d be able to outrun the dog if I decided to make a break for freedom. His long, lanky limbs would help him catch up to me in no time, and then he’d use those fangs to take me down.

“I don’t even know my father,” I said. None of this made sense.

“Sloane.”

Why did I get the sense that Chupey was really disappointed in me because of my reaction? I only spoke the truth. My father had exited my life before I made any core memories of him.

“I’ve always watched over you. From the start,” he insisted. “This is not as weird as it seems. Okay?”

“Nope. Sorry. Totally weird.” I shook my head. A thought slammed into my brain, and, through the fear and confusion, anger boiled to the surface. “You let me pick up your shit!”

He did huff then, a very dog-like sound, and rose to slink toward me with his nails clicking.I should really trim them, I thought as I stared at him, then nearly burst out laughing.

From the top puff of hair to his whip-like tail, this dog was far from what I’d expect from a demon familiar. Then again, what did I know?

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