Page 18 of Fallen

Alex flushed, glad that it was too dark for anyone in the car to notice—not that they were paying him any attention. Aidan was staring out the window, and William was in the passenger seat, playing a game on his phone. He hesitated for a moment, and then typed out a response.

Black demon with sharp teeth that can disappear into shadows. What’s it called?

Is this a pop quiz? What do I get if I pass?

Alex fought back a smile.

My gratitude. I can’t remember its name.

An arleth demon. Nasty bastards. Did you see one?

Killed one.

There was a pause, and Alex wondered if Talon would be offended by that. He was a demon. Would he dislike knowing Alex was out there killing other demons? His gaze wandered out the window while he waited for a response, watching the city sail past.

Impressive. Remind me not to get on your bad side.

Heat bloomed within him, and he pursed his lips to hide his smile. The last thing he needed was any of these guys noticing it and grilling him about who he was texting.

You’re not.

I’m glad to hear that, little bird.

Damn it. He put his phone away and returned his gaze to the window. Nothing good would come of letting Talon under his skin. He couldn’t like this demon. Hecouldn’t.

Chapter 7

Talon

The human was fascinating.Talon couldn’t remember the last timeanythinghad captivated him so thoroughly, especially a mortal. He’d promised him he would track down the mozgoran, but instead he found himself killing time in his apartment, waiting until the human was asleep so that he could enter his dreams and protect him from his own mind.

His anger, his stubborn desire for vengeance, was like an aphrodisiac. Going to the club would mean giving up the chance to slip inside his mind, where his walls were down. He thought Talon was a figment of his imagination there. He let himselfdothings there. Touching Alex there felt muted, but it was better than not touching him at all. Talon was addicted to the taste and feel of him. He longed to know what it felt like in reality, but pushing too hard would make his human pull away. He had to be patient. The reward would be all the sweeter when it was given willingly.

Alex’s mindwas an intoxicating place, filled with blood and fury. He waited as Alex drifted through the shallower pools of sleep. He was late tonight, because he’d patrolled with his squad. That was fine. When he was deep enough, Talon reached for him, and this time Alex reached back, as though he’d been searching for Talon, too.

“There you are,” Alex said, sounding relieved. His fingers sank into Talon’s leather jacket, as though anchoring himself.

Alex’s mind always conjured the VIP room around them. It was the only place he’d ever seen Talon, so it made sense. With effort, Talon could’ve manipulated it, but he’d rather ignore their surroundings and focus on the man before him.

“What a nice greeting, little bird. And here I thought you didn’t like me.”

Alex smiled, soft and dreamy. “You keep the monsters away.”

A surge of inexplicable protectiveness filled Talon. “I always will.”

Alex drew him closer, leaning back against the door. He didn’t seem to mind when Talon lined their bodies up. The sensation was muted, but he drank in the feel of Alex’s hard body against his own anyway.

“Why?”

“You tell me. It’s your dream.”

His brow furrowed adorably. “I don’t know. I don’t know why I see you. But I’m starting to like it.” He sighed sleepily. “And that scares me.” He was always so forthright in his dreams. It was endearing.

“Scares you why?”

“You’re a demon. It’s wrong.”

“Says who?”

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