Page 110 of Demons In My Head: Exposing the Exiled
But what really made me do a double-take was the two king-sized mattresses placed dead center in the room. They were draped in black silk sheets that practically begged to be touched, and piled high with what looked like every blanket known to mankind. Faux fur, velvet, cotton, silk, a pile of textures upon textures, creating the most inviting bed I'd ever seen.
"Are those... decorative pillows?" I asked incredulously, counting at least twenty scattered across the beds in various sizes and shapes. "You demons have decorative pillows?"
Ashland's chest rumbled with amusement behind me. "Talon insisted. Something about 'setting the mood' and 'proper feng shui,' whatever the fuck that means."
I snorted, imagining my chaos demon carefully arranging throw pillows. "And the buffet? Expecting to work up an appetite?"
Because yes, there was actually a full spread of food and drinks set up along one wall—fruits, cheeses, chocolates, andwhat looked suspiciously like several bottles of very expensive champagne on ice.
"You'll need to keep your strength up," Ashland purred in my ear, making me shiver. "This isn't going to be quick."
As if I could get any more turned on, but somehow, his words did it.Focus.I forced myself to take in the rest of the room. The runes were fascinating, unlike any I'd seen before. "These markings... they're for protection?"
"Among other things." His hands settled on my hips, warm through the thin robe. "The room is warded against outside interference, and the crystals help channel and amplify power."
"For the mating ritual," I breathed, watching the blue light pulse stronger, almost in time with my heartbeat. "And... for bringing Jasper back?"
"Yes." His grip tightened slightly. "It's never been done before, combining a demon claiming with resurrection magic. The power required..."
I turned in his arms, meeting those impossible ice-blue eyes. "I can handle it. We can handle it."
His expression softened for just a moment before that wicked smirk I loved took over. "Oh, we know you can handle it, little rabbit. The question is..." His hand slid up my back to fist in my hair, tilting my head back. "Can you handle us?"
My breath caught at the possessive heat in his voice. "I think you know damn well that I can."
"Mmm." He released me suddenly, stepping back. "The others will be here soon. Last chance to back out."
I rolled my eyes, already missing his touch. "If you say that to me ever again, I swear to gods, I will summon every spirit in a ten-mile radius just to kick your ass."
His laugh echoed off the crystal walls. "There's our fierce little witch." His eyes raked over me, making my skin tingle. "ThoughI have to admit, I'm looking forward to seeing just how fierce you can be."
"Keep talking like that," I warned, fighting a smile, "and we might not wait for the others."
The air crackled with tension between us, and for a moment, I thought he might actually take me up on that threat. But then the familiar sensation of a portal opening rippled through the room, and I knew our private moment was over.
Time to see what these demons really had planned for their little rabbit.
The air shifted as my demons materialized one by one, each arrival making the crystals pulse brighter. Felix appeared first, his hands already stained with what looked like ritual ink. Then came Talon, practically vibrating with excited energy while holding two large shopping bags, followed by Rhodes, who was carrying an ancient-looking tome. Misha's massive form took shape last, various ceremonial items clutched carefully in his huge hands.
"Where's Jasper?" I asked, noting our spirit's absence.
"Here." His voice whispered through the chamber as his form shimmered into view, more solid than I'd ever seen him.
"Now that we're all present," Rhodes began, his scholarly tone making me smile, "we should discuss the procedure—"
"Boring!" Talon interrupted, earning himself several glares. "Before we do all of that, I have some items here I’d like to present to my mate.” He grinned widely as he ushered me over to an empty table, placing both bags on top. Taking my hands in his, his face fell.
“What’s wrong, Talon?” I asked, suddenly concerned.
He squeezed my hands and met my eyes. “Normally, for an event such as this, I would’ve put in a lot more planning and work. Now I fear I might’ve rushed things, and I really, really wanted this throw pillow that matches that dark purple oneover there, but in hot pink.” He dropped my hands and stormed over to the purple pillow in question. He held it up as though it was the most offensive thing he’d ever come across, and then chucked it over his shoulder. “We don’t make that in hot pink, sir.” He bounced his head back and forth while using the most mocking tone possible.
“Fucking hell, he’s crashing out,” Jasper stated but without an ounce of worry in our bond, so I wasn’t too concerned. But still, Talon needed to be comfortable.
“I love dark purple.” He threw an incredulous look my way and stood stiller than I’d seen him in a while. He was stressed. For as much as he loved chaos and spontaneity, he loved doing his best to impress more. “And I love all of this, Tal. Now,” I said, reaching for the bags, “show me what you got me.”
His eyes lit up immediately, that manic energy returning as he snatched the bags before I could peek inside. "Close your eyes, Bun-Bun!"
I rolled my eyes but complied, listening to the rustle of paper and Talon's excited breathing. Someone, I’m guessing Rhodes, let out a long-suffering sigh.
