Page 50 of The Prince of Demons

“Why is your honor at risk?”

“Because my father expects this of me.”

My eyes widened in surprise. He had a father? I thought he was immortal and created out of energy, not descended from another being.

“You owe me three truths,” he instructed, holding up three long, elegant fingers. “But I am a kind and generous god, so I will start with just one. What is your greatest fear?”

I swayed with surprise. Shadows immobilized me; I couldn’t step back or fall. That was why he restrained me. Because he was so desperate for this answer. How invested was he in frightening me?

I should have never invited him here. Demons were exactly what I was warned about: deceptively calm and innocent until they waited to strike you with your worst nightmare.

I inhaled. Could he tell if I lied? I supposed it didn’t matter.

“Demons like to trade in secrets,”my mother had warned me.

“And they feed on lies, growing stronger every time. Lies, deceit, crime… all of those are hallmarks of demons at play.”

“I’m afraid of never being enough.”

There. Boring. Honest. Truthful. Something he could never possibly care about when he was busy doing whatever demons did all day.

“To who?” he asked.

“My mother,” I said first. The shadows compressed me like a vise, urging me to continue. I wasn’t going anywhere. “The Houses. My friends. Myself. I feel like I keep chasing the best because I’ve convinced myself I belong there, but I’m wondering whether I really belong anywhere.” The shadows relaxed, letting me breathe.

A pregnant pause entered the room. For once, it seemed like Reaper was struck silent, not purposefully quiet.

“What does she think of you engaging in a demonic bargain?” he said after an eternity.

“That’s your last question,” I pointed out. “And she’s furious.”

For the best, too. If it would work, she would perform an exorcism to get rid of him, even if it nearly killed me in the process.

“Well, then.” He brushed a speck of dust off his shoulder. “Perhaps you should inform her how often we communicate.”

Bzz Bzz. My phone vibrated. Caller ID:Mother

“You little snitch!”

The green light pressed without me.

“Evil bastard!”

“I’m the firstborn, actually,” he bemoaned as he departed, “much like yourself.”

I glimpsed his sarcastic smile last.

“Tell mother dearest I send my regards.” He faded out, so only his voice remained.

“Unlike you, I am not afraid of her.”

ChapterFourteen

THE ORACLE MUSINGS

Who pissed off our ice queen? Our favorite queen bee, Flora, will spend tonight thawing out the four sophomores of Fae House she froze solid in her rage. As the only sophomore serving as House leader, is the pressure of her responsibilities finally getting to her?

Speaking of pressure: Xavier, junior Beta of Wolf House, will be initiated as Alpha tonight. Anyone invited to witness the spectacle will be able to watch how this wolf handles his pack: will they grow as one mighty pack should, or flop like a group of motherless puppies?

---