Page 83 of Corrupt Shadows

The bat hisses at my implication, but I push on.

“But I like your thirst for violence to protect our girl.” I raise an eyebrow at him, waiting for some kind of snarky expression, but none come. “As I was saying, you went to battle for Evie and you survived; therefore, it disgusts me to say that you can be trusted within reason.”

His little toes dig deeper, and he stretches out his wings before wrapping them over his little body, leaving only his fluffy head poking out.

I roll my eyes and let out an exasperated breath. Why is it so fucking taxing to have a conversation with a bat? If I do not form some kind of truce with this tenacious creature, he will continue to be the bane of my existence, his cute little flaps and squeaks the soundtrack driving me back to insanity. “You know those people who tried to harm her. They won’t stop coming, and she needs my help in order to realize that she is capable of protecting herself. Does all of that make sense to you?”

He tilts his head to the other side and brings up a claw to scratch the underside of his jaw. His eyes focus on me and he blinks twice.

I’ve had enough of his presence. “It’s the only way either of us is going to survive each other and keep her happy. Help me sweep the grounds for my brother first, and I will show you where in the manor she is.”

THIRTY-FIVE

Evie

Lorcan strides into the living room, his rain-tousled hair woven in shades of dark brown as he walks in from outside.

“Find anything?” I light a cigarette, gazing out at the afternoon, dove-gray sky.

Since finding his stash, I’ve ensured to load up on packets in case he tries to withhold them from me again. Ever since we fucked, he’s barely said two words to me.

I avert my eyes to the window and blow out a puff of smoke. His wet shirt clings to his tattooed muscles, and I have to stop myself from turning and looking at him. I can’t believe I couldn’t tell before that he’s lust. Everything about him is inviting—his appearance, stance, expressions, and scent.

“If my brother has been here, he hasn’t left any sign since those snakes,” he replies casually, hesitating in the doorway. Since we’ve arrived, nightly perimeter checks have become routine for him. I’ve yet to leave the manor, mostly because I’m not stupid enough to think I can fight a demon. I mean, I’d try, but like he said, I’m only safe in the manor so why risk being out there?

Especially when his brother is on the loose, another son of Lucifer.

My chest tightens. Son. Of. Lucifer. I turn slowly, reminded of the terror in front of me. He’s ruled in Hell, and his father is the fallen angel the world cowers from. I should be more afraid. Perhaps if I were smarter, I’d have never taunted him in the first place. But I was tired of running from things that scare me, and Lorcan reminds me of a part of myself that I’ve kept hidden. With him, I can be my truest self, but I’m not sure if that makes me just as bad as he is.

Lorcan sighs, pressing his hands to his temples, and his mask shifts slightly. “Stop thinking so much.”

My brows pinch downward, and I grab the bracelet I’d created last night using herbs listed in the Fallenmoore grimoire. He shouldn’t be able to hear a damn thing. “You can hear me?”

“No.” He scowls as his gaze drifts to my wrist. “I can sense the wheels turning in your head.”

I bite the inside of my lip. We stand in silence, listening to the pattering of the rain against the window. I wonder if he finds solace in the sound as I do. When I catch him staring, he’s not admiring the rain, but me.

He points at the mirror. “You should take a look in there.”

“Why?” I turn my head to face the heavy mirror hanging over the fireplace, its ornate, silver frame carved in a wavy pattern.

“I’ll leave you alone,” he says as a non-answer and walks away.

I drop the butt of my cigarette into an ashtray and hurry to the mirror. I grip the stone mantel and stare into the Human Realm version of the manor. Everything’s more vibrant, and the flowers in the vases are fresh instead of dead, like the ones here. I blink twice as the unmistakable flapping of wings reaches my ears. My heart balloons when I see him.

Gomez flies to the mirror with his mouth open, his fangs showing as his mouth pulls into something of a smile. Rosa thinks I’m crazy for it, but I swear Gomez can smile, despite being a bat.

“Gomey!” My hands shoot toward the glass. I press my palms to the mirror as Gomez flaps against the other side, his body squishing against where my fingers are. Tears blur my vision, and for the first time since being in this realm, I feel a semblance of peace. “Are you okay? How did you find me? Where’s Rosa? Is she okay?” Questions tumble one after the other, and Gomez squeaks in response, then flies back a foot. I move my hands, staring at him, examining his small body for damage, but he seems healthy.

I blow out a tense breath. “Rosa,” I say quickly, giving him one question at a time. “Is she okay?”

He flaps his wings twice and tilts his head.

I smile. “Good. What about the Order? Are they hunting me?”

His wings flap maniacally, and he bears his fangs.

“I expected as much,” I reply, sighing. They’re still trying to find a way in. “Did they hurt you?” I ask, grimacing.

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