Because Zebulon’s power resembled that of an Archdemon now. An extremely powerful one at that.
The male in question appeared with a slight smirk, yet he still bowed his head to me in reverence of my position before dipping his chin in respect for Ezra.
“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not,” Zebulon admitted. “But perhaps don’t mention that to him the next time you see him, hmm?”
“I’m sure he’s already aware,” I muttered, my mind starting to clear as my own aura protected me from the potent impact of his arrival.
“Yes,” he agreed, sounding solemn. “I imagine he is.”
Which meant there might be a challenge coming between them because Prince Ashmedai couldn’t afford to have such a powerful Demonic Lord beneath him. The chances of an imbalance were too great.
And demons weren’t known to tolerate threats to their thrones.
“I assume you’re looking for Daniel,” Zebulon continued. “He’s currently in Chicago with Guinevere. I can escort you there, if you like?”
His gaze met and held mine, some hidden message lurking in his dark chocolate depths.
I considered him for a long moment, evaluating whether or not to trust him. I didn’t know him well, and his influx of power didn’t make me keen on accepting his offer. But my cuff didn’t pick up on any signs of malice, something it would normally hum about if someone nearby possessed ill intentions toward me.
Of course, he could know that.
His new abilities might even render my little bracelet useless as well.
Which meant I needed to rely on my gut—a gut that had led me to this very home to meet with Evangeline. Except I’d met Zebulon’s mates, Zane and Guinevere, instead. They’d given me good vibes, especially the Succubus. And not just because they were both sexy as sin.
I nearly opened my mouth to reply, then shut it when I realized Ezra had remained silent behind me throughout the exchange.
Frowning, I glanced over my shoulder and up at him. His focus shifted from Zebulon to me, and he arched a brow. He seemed to be waiting on me to make a decision, which was… odd.
Maybe because this was a demon-related request?
Regardless, I shrugged and returned my attention to Zebulon. “Sure. Give us the address and we’ll meet you there.”
He shook his bald head, the sun glinting off his dark skin. “I’ll need to show you the way. There are certain security measures in place.”
My frown returned. “Security measures?”
“A lot has changed in the last few years,” he said, his voice holding an edge to it that sent a chill down my spine. “It seems the business with my daughter was only the beginning.”
Kalida, I recalled. She was his daughter and had served as his Ordinatum until she’d been killed. Except she wasn’t actually dead, something Evangeline had discovered since the demonic princess had framed the former assassin for the murder.
I hadn’t witnessed the theatrics, but I’d heard about it all through some notorious gossips down in Hell’s realms.
“I can tell you more at my estate,” he continued. “But I’ll need to teleport us there.”
I shared another look with Ezra.
He studied me for a moment before focusing on Zebulon. “Are you aware of what happened to my estate between the realms?” His deep voice reverberated from his chest into my back, his hands still clasping my hips to hold me against him.
“I heard about the attack, yes,” Zebulon replied. “However, the details of it have been scarce at best.”
“But you know I was injured,” Ezra hedged as I shifted my attention back to the Demonic Lord.
“Yes,” he confirmed.
“So you can understand why my ability to trust may be rather wounded at present.” Ezra’s palms shifted, his arms wrapping around me in a backward hug.
I frowned.Is he going to teleport us?