Page 148 of The Demon's Pet

Simon raised an eyebrow. “You can’tseewhat’s there in the mist. Look, wolf shifters are a rarity that no one has seen. The chosen creatures of the celestials. People here like things that are rare—”

“Then why—”

“They like to own them like toys and gut them like fish for potions,” he said. “Keep your blood safe and stay here with Sam.”

“How do I know you’re not working with him to convince me?” I asked.

Simon just started laughing. “You wouldn’t be here if Sam needed my help convincing you of anything.” He studied me, and I felt my cheeks heat. “So why did you go with him? Why did you leave your precious haven for this forsaken place?”

I swallowed. “This place is better for me than the haven was.”

“Ah, were you an omega?” Simon asked.

I nodded, surprised he knew about it.

“Hm, unlucky draw,” he said.

“How did you know?”

“Cayne spent some time in the celestial realms, and he’s told me stories about how backward some of the communities have gotten. Figures.”

“But you think it’s worse here?” I asked.

“Well, no vampires or demons or dark mages could have reached you there, so since you’re a sweet little fluff of fur, yes, it’s worse for you here. Stay with Sam, sweetheart. Till he gets sick of you.”

“Sick of me?”

“He’s not the type to stay, sweetie,” Simon said, giving me pitying eyes. “That man’s heart is as cold as that graveyard outside is in winter.”

“We’re not like that,” I said, though my cheeks gave me away. “He’s helping me, and I’m going to do him a favor later.”

Simon sat up slightly, his red eyes taking on a dark glow at the centers. “Interesting.” He glanced at my collar. “Doubly interesting.” He stood. “Well, since you won’t gossip, I’m off to find someone who will. Plus, based on your apparel, I’m assuming you’re going to see him?”

I nodded.

Simon grinned. “Good for you. You should help him heal after he fought that hard for you. Not to mention, it must have been hard for him to kill someone’s brother.”

“Why?” I asked.

Simon’s cheeks sucked in, and he frowned slightly. “No reason in particular. Anyway, go feed him. You won’t regret it, if you haven’t already tried it. That boy fucks as well as he slays, which is immaculate. You’ll enjoy it.”

Jealousy flooded me. “How do you know that?”

Simon laughed lightly. “I told you. I’ve known him and his brother a very long time. And he’s an incubus. It’s easy to infer.”

“Right,” I said weakly. “Anyway, I’m just going up to help him with whatever I can since he’s injured. I’m not even thinking about… you know.”

Simon walked to the door and opened it, then shot me a speculative glance. “But just for your information, an incubus does heal faster if well-fed. Something to think about.” Then he disappeared, leaving me gaping at what he’d just said.

A part of me would have loved for him to be right, to have an excuse to touch the only man I’d ever wanted.

But Sam’s health would come first. So I left my room, locked the door, and headed up to Sam’s chambers.

Who knew what the night would hold?

35

When I knocked on Sam’s door, Orpheus was the one who opened it, and his disapproval showed in the minute twitch of his white mustache before he showed me into the room.

---