Page 43 of Mortal Guardian (Shadow Shifter)

Riley sucked in a breath. “I didn’t understand why demon souls would turn on their own. It’s because you discarded them.”

Deruthel nodded. “The demon souls that merge with the shadows are from worlds we abandoned. They were left to die of starvation, as is necessary for our survival. I was irritated by this development at first, but I welcome the challenge. I now believe the shadows are a necessary development to bridge the gap between Human and demon DNA. Besides, they are stronger than humans. It’s been many eons since I’ve had a decent fight, let alone an extended war. I hope you don’t fall too quickly.”

“Women, demons, worlds. You infect them and discard them,” she whispered.

Deruthel shrugged. “They are simply resources. Women are the means to procreate. The men are soldiers to take control of a new realm. Both are treated with decency until they are of no use to us.”

“Of use?”

“The men die in battle and the women are protected until they can no longer produce.”

Riley glanced at Leah. She was rubbing her face against Deruthel’s leg like a cat might do to its owner. “You’re despicable. You make me want to throw up.”

“It is common when pregnant, so you’re likely right. You’re throwing up, is inevitable.”

Riley gagged. “I would rather die.”

Deruthel sneered. “You speak as if you have a choice. You don’t.”

“You can’t keep me chained forever.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He pointed to the iron pin that the cuffs were affixed to. “I installed that just for you. The empty one is for Dannika. You will be my personal breeders, and I will only share you with soldiers who please me.”

“You won’t get near Dannika.”

Deruthel laughed. “Your confidence in your pathetic excuse for a species is admirable. Misplaced, but amusing. She will bow at my feet and produce strong sons.”

“She will die before doing your bidding.”

Deruthel extended one of his claws before making a small incision on his wrist. He held the dripping wound out to Leah. She latched on immediately, grasping his arm with her hand. The loud sucking noises and moans of ecstasy had Riley covering her mouth with her dirty hand.

“Gross,” she whispered.

Deruthel pulled his arm away from Leah. “Dannika will do anything I ask, as will you.”

Riley realized that during her entire conversation with the demon general, he had never lied. His confidence was absolute, and that was scary. “How?”

He tapped his wrist. “My blood is unique even among my kind. It’s an addiction. One you can’t break.”

Her eyes widened. “You gave your blood to Breck.”

Deruthel nodded. “I did. He will bow at my feet until he takes his last breath. He is just now beginning to realize the magnitude of his commitment.”

“He’s sacrificing the reapers in your war.”

“Not just the ones who followed him. Every reaper. Every shadow will fall at my feet.”

She forced the next question from her lips. “What did you do to Colton?”

“I bit him, but you already know that.”

“It’s had an adverse effect. He’s been infected with something.”

Deruthel nodded. “In truth, I’m surprised he isn’t dead. I have poison in my fangs, but can disperse it at my discretion. I use it on my enemies, but never the women. It takes time to replenish, so he should consider it a privilege.”

“What does it do?”

Deruthel smiled. “It kills a demon slowly. Painfully.”

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