Page 130 of The Demon's Fire
“Unlikely. Could have been your mother’s side. Maybe another Aeternal in your father’s tree. Small world.”
Skyler leaned back, drew a deep breath, and let it hiss out past her lips. “So, not only am I the descendant of the despicable renegade who killed your family but also of a Blood Coven mage.”
“Yes.”
“Shouldn’t I show some signs of witchcraft?”
“Ever since you came onto Scath you’ve shown signs. Your eyes shifted from blue to lilac. So gradually I thought nothing of it. You had nightmares or dreams which proved true. You were right about Dermott, and Chay was imprisoned with a redhead.”
Skyler’s gaze drifted around the room as she evaluated Kole’s message. “But I don’t always have these dreams or hallucinations.”
“No scryers do. You need training.”
Skyler nodded. “Hmm. Why didn’t any of my ancestors exhibit powers?”
“We don’t know yet. We’re thinking Scath might be the catalyst. Maybe your father wasn’t on the realm long enough to power up. But we have two descendants at my stronghold now. Margo, the redhead you saw with Chay and your guy, Nico Abello. Your boy’s a pain in the ass, by the way.”
“Lead Agent Abello’s a descendant? He was part of the rescue team who came to your cave. I heard he was on loan to the Firebrands for a while.”
“He worked a deal with Rein. Part of why he’s an ass-pain. Anyway, we’ll go to your place, pack your stuff, and move you into the stronghold.”
“Whoa. Slow down. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yes, you are.” He rose to his full intimidating height, fists on his hips. “You want the easy way or the hard way?”
Skyler’s eyes narrowed. “We aren’t doing this any way. I’m the CLO here. I’ll say what I’m doing.”
“No problem. As long as you say stronghold.” Kole leaned forward over Skyler’s desk, his fingers pressing the wood, his arm muscles bunching. “Cerberus has shown how desperate he is by kidnapping humans with a drop of mage blood. What would he do with you? A true offspring.”
Skyler tightened her lips. “Are you thinking Cerberus hired Dermott and arranged the attack on my office?” When Kole nodded, she continued, “How did he know about me?”
The demon frowned. “We are the only ones who’ve tested your blood. Right?”
Skyler cocked her head to the side. “Not exactly. When I was pushed from the L platform, I went to the ER where they took a sample.”
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. That’s why. Get up.”
“I told you. I’m not leaving. Alliance agents will protect me.”
Kole snorted. “Sure they will. They couldn’t even defend you against Cal the weasel.” Before she could blink, Kole was around her desk, swooping her onto his shoulder. “The hard way it is.”
He locked an arm around Skyler’s knees, her straight skirt held down but one Gucci shoe falling to the floor.
Umpff.
Skyler pounded on his back. “Put me down. This is unacceptable. My shoe, Kole.”
“Grab it.” He crouched, popping upright again after she snagged her missing heel. He threw open the door and marched through with Skyler squirming in his grasp.
“Anna,” she shouted, “call agents. Do not let this ape take me out of here.”
The commander twisted his head around to glance over his shoulder. His voice was rough. “Don’t do it, Anna. She’ll call to let you know what’s going on later.”
The assistant stood by smiling. “I’ll wait for your call, boss. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Yes. Armed agents. A handgun. A large knife. Preferably with an iron blade. Put me down right now, Kole! Commander! Right now! I demand it. I’m your superior.”
“Yeah. Yeah. Now would be a good time to zip those gorgeous lips, Frisca.” Kole slapped her on the ass.
