Page 34 of The Demon's Fire
She broke the silence. “I felt tension between you and your uncle. In fact, quite a few demons seemed angry at your presence. Why?”
“It’s a long story.”
“We have all night.”
Kole considered not sharing the painful history with Skyler, but what the hell. “The Demon Insurrection was a war between my breed and Scath’s government. A few, my parents among them, remained loyal Firebrands. Because they believed the rebels were wrong, they fought against their own, bringing them to justice. An unforgiving lot, many demons blame me because I’m their son. You know, the old sins-of-the-father crap.”
“When was this war?”
“About four hundred years ago.”
“It’s a long time to hold a grudge.” Skyler took a bite of chicken, washing it down with a sip of wine, her slender, pale throat bobbling with each swallow.
Kole wanted to kiss it, figuring the oil was still messing with his mind. And dick. He reminded himself she was off limits for many reasons. A fiancé. Human. CLO of the Alliance. A stick up her frigid ass. Unlikable. “My breed has long memories and does not forgive.”
“What caused the war?” Skyler eyed a piece of apple pie.
“Demons wanted to form an independent country, unfettered by Scath’s laws. They saw themselves as freedom fighters. My parents saw them as traitors. It was your Civil War. Only longer. Bloodier.”
Skyler rested her fork across her plate and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. She rose from the floor, yawning, stretching, generally avoiding Kole. “I’m exhausted. I think I’ll head off to bed. We’ll put all of this behind us and move forward. As if none of it happened. Agreed?”
Icy words froze on her lips.Sad. For a moment earlier, Kole had felt their warmth. Likely because of the oil. Of course, her response to his kiss in the arena had been unexpected.No. The female was cold, haughty, off the menu.
“Sure.” He had to feed tonight. His fist wouldn’t do the job. A self-applied hand was satisfying for a bit. Eventually, a male demon needed more than an orgasm. He needed to shoot swimmers. That happened for Kole only with a female. Could be different for others which was okay by him. If he didn’t satisfy his hunger soon, he feared he’d toss Skyler onto the bed, part her thighs, and fill her with his seed. He’d regret it. But the deed would be done.
With the corner of the coverlet in her hand, she spun toward Kole, her shoulders steeled. “I will listen more closely to your warnings in the future. I am sorry I prepared for this trip so poorly.”
Kole read her eyes. Apologies were difficult for her. “I’m going for a run.”
Yep. I need relief before I do something stupid. If the beast takes over, he thinks with the wrong head.
He stomped from the room, rushing from the Tribal Coliseum into the desert where he lifted his gaze toward the stars. Comfortable to be home, he smiled, breathing the night air. His chest expanded as he inhaled the scents of his childhood, some sweet, some bitter like his memories. Then, sadness crossed his face as a cloud passed in front of the moon.
Kole jogged a good five miles before he came to a familiar house. When he knocked on the door, a companion he had once bedded opened it. Her waist-length black hair was slung over her shoulder, resting on one breast, and her dark eyes sparkled when she recognized him.
No blue-eyed blondes here. No icy females. No humans.
“I need to feed.” He was matter-of-fact.
“I’m glad you chose me.” While she took Kole’s hand to lead him into the bedroom, her musical voice stroked his ache and his conscience.
He stayed most of the night, returning to his and Skyler’s shared chamber just before the sun creeped over the horizon.
****
Thenext morning, Skyler was pleased Kole kept his word. No mention of the Genesis Rite, her ignorance of Scath’s culture, or the kisses. They dressed, ate a late breakfast, and took a portal to the Scion Firebrand Southern Stronghold.
Waiting for them was a savage-looking, square-jawed man with long dark hair, a braid hanging at each temple. Slabs of muscle showed beneath his open, sleeveless leather vest while soft flowing black pants were tucked into his scuffed boots. Pale glyphs covered his skin, only slightly darker than the desert sand hue of his complexion. His colorful Phoenix brand stood out on his arm. Unknowingly, Skyler leaned into the safety of Kole’s body.
Spotting the commander, the fearsome warrior’s eyes morphed from a squint to crinkled amusement. “Freron.” He and Kole greeted each other, fist clasped to elbow. “I have not seen you since we shared drinks after I saved your ass.”
“We had already wiped out the berserkers. You showed for the glory and photo op.” Kole laughed as he pressed a hand to Skyler’s shoulder. “May I introduce Chief Legal Officer Maxwell? Chief, this is Jarek, commander of this stronghold and one tough sonofabitch.”
Jarek bowed, his build like Kole’s. Tall, muscular. It was a toss-up for who looked more brutal. “It is my pleasure to meet you. The berserkers in my region say their lumber industry is booming because of you. The Amazons are buying health clubs across Earth at your recommendation. They all sing your praises. I thought the Phoenicians were clever making trade agreements. It would seem their blood runs through your veins. Come greet my warriors.”
Jarek placed a war-hardened palm on Skyler’s lower back to guide her from the stronghold’s portal toward the center field of what appeared to be a tented encampment surrounded by high walls.
“Thank you, Commander.” As they walked, Skyler glanced from Kole to Jarek, feeling small between the two gigantic males.
