Page 45 of The Demon's Fire
“I don’t remember.”
Rein’s mate sighed. “I need to join a different group. You guys are no fun.”
Kole, Jarek, and Nace exchanged puzzled frowns, settling on Rein for an explanation of Braelyn’s behavior.
“It’s a human thing. She likes to know what everyone is doing, who they are with, and so on. Gossip.”
“Why?” asked Jarek.
Braelyn slapped her forehead, spinning on a heel, hustling away.
“Did I insult her?” The djinn commander of the Southern Stronghold shook his head, his braids tapping his shoulders.
“I doubt it. That’s her frustrated look. I get it a lot. It’s best to ignore it.” Rein’s gaze fixed on the sway of Braelyn’s hips as she stomped off.
Kole glanced up to see Skyler enter the dining area. When she stumbled and grabbed onto Dolph to steady herself, he groaned. “Fuck. I’m on duty again. Excuse me.”
He powered across the room. “Justice, I need to speak with Chief Maxwell about our schedule.” His fingers biting into Skyler’s arm, he ushered her away from the warlock.
“Ow. You are hurting me.” Though Skyler tugged, Kole held on.
He sniffed the air. “How much have you had to drink?”
“Two’s my limit. Always. I know exactly how many whiskeys I can hold.” She pursed her lips. “But I’ve had no more than three.” When she reached toward the tray of drinks behind her, Kole captured her hand before she could snag a glass.
“This is Blue Legend. It’s a Special Reserve made on Scath for Aeternals. You’re drunk.”
“Oops. Big mistake, Commander.” She finger-poked Kole’s chest. “Nice. Hard. Oops.” Skyler blew a wisp of fallen hair out of her eyes.
“You’re smashed. We’re leaving.”
With a hand to each side of Kole’s face, she pulled him down to whisper. “I can’t. I’m the guest of honor.” Skyler spun around, but before she took a step, Kole nearly jerked her off her feet.
“Come on, Chief.”
“I am not drunk. My father would disapprove.”
“Congratulations. You broke your daddy’s heart.”
Skyler giggled. “You’re funny. My daddy’s heart. He didn’t have one.”
“Just nod and smile when we leave. Nobody will notice.”
Skyler yanked them both to an abrupt stop, wobbling on her high heels. She ran her hands along the sides of her gown. “How could anyone not notice me dressed in this?”
“Let’s go.”
“No. I’m not moving unless you answer a question. Am I noticeable?”
“You are definitely noticeable, but this might be a good time to fly under the radar.”
She put both palms on Kole’s temples, tugging him to her level again. “I have a confession. When I’m nervous, I eat and drink too much.”
“I’m aware.”
Once out the door, Kole lifted Skyler into his arms and tapped his D-chip to create a portal outside Aldkeep. Firebrands could generate their own gateways when they were in the open air, but they didn’t do it often because it drained their devices. This was an emergency. He transported them both to her quarters at Casa Purgatorio.
“Wow. That made me dizzy.” She swayed when Kole set her on her feet.
