Page 23 of Kiss of a Hellish Prince

“We also fought together in many campaigns battling everything from a fleet of obnoxious Kobalt to taking down legendary dragons. We are kind of a big deal,” Evie added.

“And Mrs. Fletcher’s weekend workbooks,” Vivi added, making both of the girls shudder.

I had no idea what any of that meant. Thankfully neither did anyone else.

“So how do you two actually know each other, and what’s with the weird nicknames?” Murmur asked.

“Oh my god, you are thick. School. We are in a lot of the same classes, and we have a raiding party in Dungeons and Dragons. Our characters are”—Evie pointed to Vivi—“She Nan,” a very sexy Tiefling warlock.” Then she pointed to herself. “And Annie Gains, a clever and cunning dragon-born cleric. Our characters have bonded.”

“Fucking Muggles.” Vivi rolled her eyes.

“Then why don’t you two hang while the Muggles get dinner ordered,” Rune offered, “and we’ll call you when food is here.”

“Sounds like a plan, but Rune, you should know the dads are back, and they aren’t happy.” Evie took Vivi by the hand, and they ran off somewhere.

“It’s not just me, but that was weird, right?” Murmur asked.

“Out of everything tonight, it’s probably the least confusing thing to happen,” Sarah said.

She had a point.

“Have a seat, ladies. I just got a message. The dads are incoming,” Rune said, looking at his phone.

“Who are ‘the dads?’” I asked, sitting on a classic red leather loveseat.

Sarah sat next to me, taking the seat Rune was heading to and forcing him to sit in a wingback chair across from us.

“Mine and Rune’s fathers,” Murmur answered, taking his own seat. “Technically, they’re in charge while trainingusto be in charge.”

“How are we planning on explaining all of this to them?” Rune asked Murmur.

“I’m just going to blame you. You brought the human girl home last night. You were talking to her when she was attacked. I’m just along for the ride. What are you going to say? I have NO idea.” He opened the drawer in the table next to his chair taking out a pack of Oreos then sat back with a smug grin. “You better figure it out now.”

The door behind us opened again. Two very handsome middle-aged men walked in. One was heavily muscled with deep-tanned skin, shoulder-length black hair, and what looked like a tattoo peeking out of the collar of his T-shirt. The other was very fit too, but with a leaner build, bright blue eyes, lighter skin, a square jaw, and his hair was artfully combed back. He had a much cooler and more casual presence. It was easy to tell whose father was whose.

“Ladies, excuse the interruption,” the leaner man said. “I am Murmur’s father, Darrius. This is Rune’s father, Ulric. I understand you have had quite a night.”

“You could say that,” I said.

Sarah seemed to shrink in her seat a bit more, which was not usually her style. Something was seriously up with her.

“I’m Tori, and this is Sarah. Our sister Vivi is with Evie.”

“Why do you have Evie babysitting?” Darrius asked Murmur as he sat on the arm of the chair Murmur was in. Then he stole Murmur’s Oreos.

“We don’t,” Rune answered. “She and Evie know each other. They are the same age and they go to school together.”

“Really. That is interesting,” Darrius said. Then he turned to Sarah. “Aren’t you the girl who works for Cole at the tattoo parlor?”

She nodded and sank a bit more into the couch.

“And none of you know why some rogue demons would be after you?” Ulric said.

“We don’t know,” I confirmed, reaching out for Sarah’s hand.

“We need to get them tested. Now,” Ulric said.

“You are right. I’ll make the arrangements.” Darrius grabbed his phone and started tapping on the screen. “Ladies, you are welcome here. The boys will see you are taken care of.”

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