Page 39 of Their Lethal Pet
I take a step back and grab my nape.This realm is fucking with my head.
“Reaper?” Flame growls. “You have five seconds before I kill this asshole myself.”
“No,” Orcus interjects, his tone soft despite the growling purr rumbling in his chest. “Alina has the first right of kill. He hurt her. She chooses his death.”
I hear Orcus’s words and understand them. Hell, I evenagreewith them.
But all I can focus on is the fact that he knows her name.
Alina.
It’s beautiful, just like her. Soft, yet strong. Short, while packing a punch.
I can see the evidence of her fight, the scratch marks practically engraved in her assailant’s face.
“You’re right,” Flame says without releasing the human he has pinned to the wall. “How would you like him to die, little panther?”
I blink at him.
First, Orcus knows her name.
Second, Flame has already given the girl a nickname.
And I… I have nothing.
No. That’s not true. I have weapons.Thousandsof weapons.
I grin, my tattoos already unfurling again as I move toward Orcus. He doesn’t take his eyes off the female. I can’t blame him. She’s hypnotizing.
She’s also gaping right back at him.
And now at me.
I don’t sense fear from her, just confusion.
“Who are you?” she asks, looking between us, then focusing on my inky strands. “Whatare you?” She shifts her attention to Flame. “And what…? What do you mean…? How would I want him todie?”
“He hurt you, little panther. He doesn’t deserve to live,” Flame explains with a shrug.
“No, he deserves pain,” I add.
“A great deal of pain,” Orcus agrees gruffly. “But it’s your choice, Alina. Do you want to kill him?”
“And if you do, can I interest you in any weapons?” Iask her, already forming several within my strands in hopes of impressing her. “A hand knife to slit his throat, perhaps? Or a sword to sever his head completely?”
Her eyes widen.
“I can also create a gun,” I tell her. “If you prefer a longer-range method.”
“Too quick,” Flame mutters.
“While I agree, it’s her decision,” I reply, smiling at her. “So what it’ll be, pet? What’s your weapon of choice?”
CHAPTER NINE
ALINA
I…I must be dead.
