Page 74 of A Bond in Flames

He chuckled, low and rough. “Of course, can’t you see how evolved I’ve become? My emotional education is coming along nicely. I’m almost like areal boy.”

“Jesus.”

He winked. “So what are we doing here?”

This street was kind of a no-man’s-land. Humans avoided it because, even though they didn’t know demons existed, their flight instincts kept them away; they sensed there were predators nearby and avoided this part of the city all on their own, but as soon as we rounded the corner, we were in demon central. These demons could pass as human, though—that was one of the main prerequisites to live here. You also needed to know how to follow rules and not hurt humans. The forest-dwelling demons had none of those things. “I need some ingredients for a job I’m doing today.”

The demons looked our way as we passed, but as soon as they saw Relic, they averted their eyes. Demons were naturally afraid of hellhounds. Lucifer used them to control the demons in Hell, and the fear was built into their DNA.

“Yeah? You found that job quick,” he said, his gaze sliding to me. “Must be some kind of a record.”

He knew I was up to something, or he at least suspected it. That’s what you get for hanging out with a hound. “My client made the booking before I went to Limbo,” I said, adding another lie to the list that day.

“Right,” he said, making it obvious he didn’t believe a word.

“Just up here,” I said, relieved when I saw a sign withMalicious Brewscrawled on it swinging above the door.

I pushed open the door and walked in. I’d never smelled anything like it—not bad, just… busy. So many scents of herbs, plants, elixirs that I wasn’t used to.

Relic looked around, tilted back his head, and sniffed the air. “This shit is burning my fucking nostrils.” He scowled. “I don’t like this, Zinny. It’s too much. I can’t smell anything else. No nose, no idea what the fuck’s coming…”

The beads hanging in front of a door at the back of the room made a musical sound as they were drawn back, and a small female walked out. The demon was short and curvy and had bloodred hair that hung down her back in waves. Her face was humanoid and utterly stunning. She had a slightly upturned nose and full pink lips. She took several steps out, then slammed on the brakes, her unusual peridot eyes widening when she saw Relic. Her gaze sliced to the patch on his leather vest and the Devil Dogs MC emblem.

“I didn’t do anything,” she said. “Whatever they told you, I’m innocent.” She lifted her hands and backed up a step like she was going to bolt. “I didn’t do anything. Don’t take me back… please… don’t…”

“Not here to take you back to Hell, demon,” Relic said. “So slow your roll and take a fucking breath.”

She blinked up at him several times. “You’re not?”

“Nope.”

“He’s just keeping me company,” I said quickly because she still looked ready to turn and run. “I’m here for a couple of ingredients, that’s all.”

She kind of slumped in relief, then scowled. “What the fuck is wrong with you, witch? You brought a freaking hellhound into my shop? I almost pissed myself.” She turned her scowl on Relic. “And you should know better.” She shook her head. “Hounds, man. Meatheads, the lot of you.”

Relic’s head jerked back. “What did you call me, demon?”

“You heard me.” She straightened her spine. “Lucifer didn’t send you for me. You can’t do shit, so save the intimidation bullshit for the next demon you drag back to Hell.”

“Well, this has gotten off to a great start,” I said as Relic strode past me and up to the little female.

She tried to step back, but he grabbed her arm and held her still while she squirmed to get away. He dipped lower, sniffing her head.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, mutt?” she yelled, and I saw she had fangs, short but sharp. “Let me the hell go.”

“You’re not just demon.”

Her fight stopped instantly, and she blinked up at him. “How do you know that?”

“I can smell it.” He smirked down at her. “Can’t quite make out what else you are, but looking at you, I’d say a gremlin or maybe a troll.”

She shrieked and slammed her knee up, aiming for Relic’s nuts but only managing to get him midthigh. She was far too short to reach, but I doubted many beings could reach a hound’s nuts that way, honestly. I respected her for trying, though. He deserved it.

“Okay, back up,” I said to Relic.

He ignored me, wholly focused on the little demon in his grip.

“Meathead,” she muttered again and started tapping her fingers against the side of her thigh, one after the other, over and over again.

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