BURN (8 page)

“You should. Your grandmother is strong and a good Prime.” He took a swig of his gin and tonic.

“So…you can crash right through people’s mental shields and invade their minds.”

He could see that it concerned her. “Even if your shields weren’t impenetrable, it’s not something I would ever have done to you. You never have to fear that I’ll harm you.”

“Because you’re one big, cuddly bear, right?”

“Cuddly? Definitely not. But you’re my anchor, you’re safe with me.” He took another drink of his gin and tonic. “Have you thought any more about attending the conference with me in New York?”

“So you can introduce me to all the other Primes as your anchor?”

“The sooner your importance to me is well-known, the sooner you’ll be considered untouchable.” And the sooner people like Silas and his friends would think twice about bothering her to ‘test’ him.

“I don’t see the point in you introducing me to everyone.”

“I’ve already told you, whether we bond or not won’t change anything. I’ll still be in your life. I have rights to you that no one else will ever have.”

At the sound of approaching footsteps, Knox turned his head to see three of his sentinels striding into the room. He knew them well enough to sense something was wrong. Rising, he asked, “What is it?” When Keenan slanted a glance at Harper, Knox assured him, “You can talk freely in front of her.” One way to get Harper to trust him would be to show her that he was willing to give her that same trust. “Harper, you already know Levi. This is Keenan and Larkin, two of my sentinels. Keenan, Larkin – this is my anchor, as I’m sure you’ve already guessed.”

The moment Keenan’s hooded, blue eyes met hers, waves of need assailed Harper, bringing her senses to life.
Incubus
, she knew. Like succubae, they oozed sex and stirred a person’s lust with a mere look. Still, it was nothing compared to the effect that Knox had on her body.

Keenan was what someone might call cutely hot with his boyish face, adorable smile, and tall, defined body. Larkin was, in a word, stunning. She had a warrior-type figure, and her wide eyes were an unusual blend of gray and green. She was also the female who, with Tanner, had escorted Harper to Knox’s office in the Underground. Harper wasn’t sure what breed she was.

“A whole building of strays has gone missing,” revealed Keenan. “You know how they sometimes group together for protection, right? Well, every single stray in that building has gone.”

“Where did this happen?” asked Knox.

“In a neighborhood close to where Harper lives.”

Knox stiffened. “No witnesses? No sign of foul play?”

“None,” said Larkin, lounging on one of the sofas. “They just disappeared.”

Harper spoke. “Strays have been going missing?” Knox merely nodded, his gaze suddenly burning with intensity as it focused on her. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Your current address isn’t a safe place. It’s in a high crime area.”

“I’m aware of this. But you say it like this makes me a special case. Lots of people live in that area and similar areas.”

“Their lives aren’t important to me. Yours is.”

As understanding hit her, she shook her head. “Hell no, you are
not
setting me up in another apartment.”

“You heard what’s happening. Strays near
you
were taken. I know you’re not a stray, but you can’t deny that it would be better for you to be in a more secure building in a safer area.”

“You installed a security system at my building, remember?”

Keenan suddenly spoke to Harper, wonder in his voice. “You’re not an imp, are you? I figured you were the same breed as the rest of your family.” He studied her closely as he and the other male sentinels took a seat. “What are you?”

Harper didn’t answer, too intent on making Knox see reason. “A better apartment doesn’t equal safety. People from all walks of life are targeted by criminals.”

“Moving away from there would dramatically reduce your chances of being targeted. If you’re worried about rent, don’t. I own the building I have in mind for you.”

“Of course you do,” she muttered. “I’m not accepting any grand shit from you.”

“Is this about pride? Pride won’t keep you safe, Harper.”

“Come on, tell me, what are you?” Keenan begged her as he pulled a flask out of his jacket.

Again, she ignored him. “I can protect myself just fine. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

The reminder that she’d pretty much raised herself didn’t lessen Knox’s frustration. Just as agitated, his demon pushed to the surface – making Knox’s eyes bleed to black for a second. Knox pushed it back down. “I don’t doubt that you’re capable of protecting yourself. But those strays were probably capable of it too. Yet, they were all taken.”

Keenan interrupted, “
Seriously
,
what are you?”

She sighed at him. “I’m a sphinx.” Seeing that Knox was about to speak again, she held up her hand. “I appreciate the gesture, but no. I don’t want expensive things from you, and I don’t want to move away from my lair. It’s not going to happen.”

“So damn stubborn.”

“I believe I did warn you about that.”

“She did,” Levi verified, smiling.

It took supreme effort to make Knox stop grinding his teeth. The she-demon drove him insane. It was a wise person who acknowledged their strengths and their weaknesses, and Knox was smart about many things. He was good at reading people and what they wanted, at predicting how people would react to situations, and at figuring how to get what he wanted from them – and then at getting it. Harper, however…she left him stumped. “Then we find a compromise.”

“What kind of compromise?”

“Something that enables me to ensure your protection without requiring you to change address. You can come with me to the conference.”

Taking a swig from his flask, Keenan’s brow furrowed. “It might not be a good idea for Harper to be there.”

“Why?” asked Larkin.

“Isla might be offended by Harper’s presence,” Keenan pointed out. “Might even try to harm her.”

“Isla Ross?” Harper turned to Knox. “Is she some kind of jealous ex? Did you two shake the sheets in the past?”

Knox frowned. “No.”

“Then why would she have an issue with me?” When Knox didn’t respond, she sighed. “Fine, you don’t have to tell me.” Harper refused to believe that it was disappointment that hit her on the realization that he didn’t trust her.

If he hadn’t spent the past week studying Harper so intently, he might have missed the hurt in her tone. “It’s not that I don’t trust you with this information. But much like you, I don’t like sharing details about my personal life.” Especially anything related to his past. Seeing that she looked mollified, he relaxed. “But…I won’t have you walk into a situation blind, and as I fully intend to take you to the conference, I will trust you with the facts.”

“I won’t repeat them,” she promised.

“I know you won’t. When I was twelve and my parents died, I was placed in a sanctuary for stray demon children. That’s where I met my sentinels. Isla was also there. We all watched out for each other.”

“So, you’re all kind of close?”

“Yes.”

“Then why would she wish to harm your anchor?” At his shifty expression, she narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“Isla convinced herself I was her anchor. I knew she was wrong, but she refused to listen to me. She was angry with me because she believed I was rejecting her. So she left us and joined the lair that she was made Prime of only a decade later.” Knox shrugged. “It could be that she’s realized she was wrong. We’ve come across each other over the years and she never mentioned it. Hoping that it could be forgotten, I never raised the subject. Maybe it has been forgotten. After all, it’s been a long time.”

That made Harper wonder how old he was. Once demons reached their late twenties, the aging process slowed to a crawl. She couldn’t guess his age based on how he dressed or how he spoke. Demons adapted and changed with the world around them – it was how they blended.

“But if she does still believe I’m her anchor, she’ll have some serious anger toward the person she thinks has taken her place.”

“Then announcing I’m your anchor isn’t the wisest thing to do.”

Knox pinned her gaze with his. “I’m not going to keep you a secret just to placate one person who may or may not still be deluded about something. You’re in more danger if people
don’t
know who you are to me.”

“He’s right,” Levi told her.

Harper sniffed at the sentinel. “I don’t believe I asked for a glass of your unimportant opinion.”

The guy just smiled. “Knox, can I bite her?”

“No.” If anyone would take a bite of that ivory skin, it would be Knox. His demon was in full agreement with that. “Although I don’t like the idea of you being in the same room as Isla when there’s a possibility that she could resent you, I think it would be better for you both to be introduced in a safe environment while I’m at your side.”

“Otherwise Isla, if she is still convinced you’re her anchor, would track down Harper and you might not be there to intervene,” said Levi, correctly guessing where Knox’s thoughts had taken him.

“It’s best to get it over with and find out for sure,” agreed Larkin.

Keenan looked at Harper, seemingly concerned. “Unless you’d rather not go. We’d understand if you were reluctant to be in a dangerous situation like that, if you’re scared.”

Knowing full well that the incubus was using reverse psychology, Harper scowled. “Are you always such an annoying motherfucker?”

Keenan laughed. “It makes life more interesting.”

Hearing his cell phone ringing, Knox retrieved it from his pocket.
Tanner
. “Tell me.”

“Did you know Silas can travel using shadows?” It was a form of teleportation.

“I’m guessing this means you lost him.”

“He went down an alley, I followed him and watched him blend into the shadows. Then he just disappeared.”

Knox sighed heavily.

“I don’t think whoever sent him will risk pissing you off again. They were just testing the waters. They have their answer now, so there’s no need to do anything else.”

“Maybe so. We’ll just have to be extra vigilant about her protection.” Hanging up, Knox updated the others.

“He
tested
you? Some people are just fucking clueless.” Larkin flipped her braid over her shoulder. “You should have at least dismembered him.”

Keenan chuckled. “Tanner’s probably right; they won’t try it again. That would be a death sentence, and they have to know that.”

After they talked a little more about it, Knox gestured for the sentinels to leave the room. Turning to Harper, he said, “I won’t coerce you into attending the conference. You can say no.” He wanted her to understand that although he’d be interfering and controlling, he wouldn’t try to make her into a puppet. He liked that she was strong minded and stood up to him.

Feeling at a disadvantage while she was sitting and he was towering over her, she rose to her feet. “I want to go with you.” She was curious about Isla, and this would be one way to stop him from repeatedly moaning about her living situation.

“Fair enough.”

“I still think it would be better for you to walk away from me.”

He threaded his hand through her hair, marveling at how soft it was. “That won’t happen.” It was so very tempting to take advantage of the need pulsing between them and seduce her into his bed. But he wanted her to come to him, willing in body, mind, and soul. He decided not to question why that was so important to him.

“I told you, I don’t get involved with our kind.”

“This was always going to happen, Harper.” From the moment he’d first seen her in the combat circle, when she’d pierced the numbness settling over him, it had been inevitable. “It’s too late to fight it.”

Considering how much her body craved his and how badly her demon wanted him, Harper feared that he might just be right.

“Now come on, let’s eat.”

CHAPTER FIVE

“Of course you have a private jet,” Harper said dryly. Didn’t everybody?

As Knox guided her inside, she saw that the interior of the sleek black jet was just as impressive as the outside. She should have guessed the rich bastard would have his own plane. Sinking into a gray leather reclining seat that seemed to mold itself to her body, she happily accepted some refreshments from the animated stewardess.

Opening a can of Coke, she said, “Okay, I’ll admit, this is seriously cool.”

Sitting opposite her with only a walnut table between them, Knox briefly peered up from his phone. “Glad you think so.”

Tanner and Levi had taken seats in a separate cabin at the other end of the jet, giving Knox and Harper plenty of privacy. Watching as Knox’s fingers moved furiously over the screen while his face was set into a mask of concentration, she said, “A bit of a workaholic, aren’t you?”

“There are worse things to be obsessive about.” He’d no sooner put his phone away than the aircraft began to move. “Why didn’t Jolene want to travel with us?”

“She thinks you and I should have plenty of ‘alone time’ to get to know each other the way anchors should.”

“She’s right.” Knox twisted his mouth. “So…if you don’t date demons, does this mean you’re celibate or that you stick to humans?”

He had a way of totally throwing her by shooting random questions. She had a feeling that was exactly why he did it. “What does it matter?”

“I want to know.” As her mouth set into an involuntary pout, he smiled. “You really do hate personal questions, don’t you?”

“It’s something we have in common.”

He inclined his head. “All right. How about an exchange? You answer my questions honestly, and I’ll do the same for you. Nothing too invasive.” The latter words were both an assurance and a warning.

If he was anyone else, the offer wouldn’t have at all appealed to her. But the guy was such an enigma that he had her curiosity well and truly roused. It was frustrating that he had the very same effect on her libido. While she believed it was better not to know what he was, she couldn’t help but
want
to know. “Fine. To answer your earlier question, no I’m not celibate. I only date humans.” He narrowed his gaze at that. “Now it’s your turn to answer a question.”

Her eyes were daring him to back down. Knox didn’t. “Ask.”

“Does anyone know what you are?” He was silent for so long she didn’t think he was going to respond.

“Only my sentinels,” he finally replied. “Do humans totally satisfy you and your demon?” He didn’t expect her to answer that, but she surprised him – as always.

“No,” she reluctantly admitted. “Are you really as brutal and unforgiving as everybody says?”

“Yes.” If that answer scared her, she didn’t show it. “Are you at all afraid of me?”

“Sometimes.” She was afraid of her body’s response to him, and she would be dumb if she wasn’t at least a little unnerved by something so dangerous. “Why are you secretive about what you are?” Because that could give her a clue as to just what he was.

“Our kind fears me enough as it is. They don’t need an additional reason.” He drummed his fingers on the armrest. “What do you think I am?”

“When I was coming up with a worst-case scenario, it crossed my mind that you could be one of Lucifer’s offspring.”

He laughed. “Lucifer keeps his offspring close; you should know that.” He tilted his head. “That’s the best theory you have?” If so, he was disappointed.

“That’s another question. I haven’t had a chance to ask mine yet. Are you a hybrid?”

He frowned. “There are no hybrids in the demon world.” Even cambions – demons that were half-human – were still classed as a demonic breed in their own right.

“I know, but stranger things have happened.” Like the fact that she was even answering personal questions.

He deliberately nudged her knee with his beneath the table. “No other theories?”

“None. Some think you’re some kind of super incubus. Don’t act like you don’t know the effect you have on people.”

“I’m not a…super incubus.” He smiled at her irritated look. She clearly didn’t like being in the dark about anything. “Why don’t you get involved with our kind?”

She arched a reproachful brow. “That’s a little invasive.”

“Asking me what breed of demon I am isn’t invasive?”

“Ah, but I didn’t ask you what breed you are. I asked questions that might hint at the answer. That’s different.”

“Okay, I’ll rephrase. Do you avoid getting involved with demons because one once hurt you?”

“No. How old are you?” She could tell he wanted to pursue his own line of questioning, but he didn’t push.

“Much, much older than you.”

She narrowed her eyes at his evasive response. “Can you really call on the flames of hell?”

“Maybe. Do you expect me to leave you, abandon you?”

That question demonstrated a perceptiveness she didn’t like. “Maybe.”

“I won’t.”

He didn’t say anything else, and she knew that was as much as both of them were prepared to reveal for now.

The flight to Manhattan felt a lot longer than it probably was. A short drive later they arrived at a high-rise, black glass building. Tanner and Levi flanked Harper and Knox as they strolled through the foyer. Recognition flickered across the faces of the staff as they spotted Knox, quickly followed by a dose of fear.

A demon nervously directed Knox, Harper, and the two sentinels to a room at the rear of the building. As they entered, Harper’s brows flew up at the size of the long, square boardroom table that looked like it would fit better at a wedding reception. Many demons were seated while others were standing in small groups as they chatted quietly. Every single one of them had the same reaction to Knox – their eyes flashed with respect, awe, and blind fear.

It was easy for Harper to forget just how much of a threat to their kind he truly presented, because she felt safe with him; had that instinctual knowledge that he would never hurt her, his anchor. Oh, she still found him unnerving and she never forgot she was in the presence of a powerful predator, but she also never felt threatened by him like these demons here did.

Her inner demon didn’t like being in the company of all these Primes, didn’t like their curious, assessing looks as they noticed Harper. Knox must not have liked it either, because his hand slipped around her nape as he guided her to the table, broadcasting that she was under his protection. Tanner stood on guard behind her chair while Levi took position behind Knox’s seat.

“Jolene’s not here yet,” she noted with disappointment. She whispered, “Which one is Isla?”

Knox glanced around the room. “She hasn’t arrived yet.”

Hearing the empty chair beside her scrape along the floor, Harper turned her head to –
oh joy
– see a familiar male. Malden Lester had an alliance, though it was tenuous at best, with Jolene. He flashed Harper a wide charming smile, like they were good friends. Sure, she’d met him a few times, but they were barely even acquaintances.

“Hello, Harper,” he drawled. Why he seemed to think he was suave and charismatic, she had yet to figure out. In reality, he was sly, smarmy, and bursting with a sense of self-importance. He had to sit pretty high on the power spectrum, but she suspected he wasn’t quite as powerful as he liked to believe.

Harper forced a smile. “Hi, Malcolm.”

“Malden,” he corrected; a muscle in his cheek ticked – just as it always did when she called him that, knowing he hated it.

“Sorry, I’m not good with names.”

Draping an arm over the back of her chair, Knox looked at Malden. “I see you’ve met my anchor.” Knox also saw that Malden was trying to charm her, and he didn’t like it.

Malden’s gaze danced from him to Harper. “Yes, I have. I know Jolene quite well. Here she is now.”

Harper couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her grandmother, aunt, and Beck. Harper rose to her feet, immediately gaining their attention, and they headed straight for her. Jolene had a very confident walk – shoulders back, spine straight, chin up, and her stride purposeful. No one walked better in high heels than Jolene Wallis. A smile spread across her face as she reached Harper and gave her a one-armed hug. “Harper, I’ve missed you.”

Stepping back, Harper said, “Grams, you look smart.” Jolene had a very natural veneer of elegance, her clothes always sleek skirts and blouses.

“As do you. I’m guessing you’re uncomfortable like that, though.”

“So true.” Harper nodded at the burly guy who was Jolene’s anchor. “Hey, Beck.”

He winked at her. The guy was like an annoying yet amusing uncle.

As her aunt pulled her in for a hug, Harper had to force a smile, wondering why the hell Jolene would bring her to something like this. Martina Wallis was fun, high-spirited, and so beautiful she could bewitch any male. She also liked to set shit on fire.

“Aw, it’s so good to see you.” Martina kissed Harper on the cheek.

No fear in her eyes, Jolene turned to Knox, who was also standing. Not much rattled Jolene. And if something did, she destroyed it – problem solved, in her opinion. “Knox Thorne, it’s always a pleasure.”

He nodded, a slight smile curving his mouth. “Jolene.”

“I expect you to be a good anchor to my granddaughter.”

“I expect you wouldn’t allow anything else.”

Jolene cackled, clearly quite happy with his answer. “I didn’t realize you had a sense of humor. You’ll need one if you have Harper in your life. Let’s sit.” She looked down at Malden. “You don’t mind shuffling along, do you um…?” She clicked her fingers, as if struggling to recall his name, but she knew damn well what it was.

“Malcolm,” Harper helpfully supplied.

“
Malden
,” he instantly amended, the tick in his cheek going crazy, though he did shuffle along. Jolene and Martina then sat on Harper’s left while Beck stood behind Jolene.

Jolene leaned into Harper. “And
you
criticize
me
for messing with people.” She patted Harper’s hand. “I taught you well.”

“You brought Martina?” Harper whispered.

“She distracts people, it makes them easier to read.” It was true that many of the males were drooling over the woman already. “The security here isn’t all that good, which concerns me.”

“You snuck inside, didn’t you?” Not that Harper would expect anything different from an imp, particularly a Wallis.

“Of course.” Glancing at the doorway, she said, “That’s Isla Ross.”

The woman was amazingly beautiful, her features were eerily perfect, and her skin was flawless…but there was something almost robotic about her as she slowly crossed the room. It was odd.

When Knox tensed ever so slightly, Harper knew he’d spotted her. “Here goes,” she said. His hand squeezed her thigh gently, almost soothingly.

Isla was searching for an empty chair when she finally glimpsed Knox. She came towards him with a half-smile. “Knox, it’s been a while.”

He stood, not speaking until she’d exchanged greetings with Tanner and Levi. “Isla, you look well.”

Her smile brightened a little. “Thank you. We should talk before you leave.” Then she walked on past, not even acknowledging Harper.

“That was easy,” Tanner said quietly.

“I don’t think she realized Harper was with us,” said Knox, retaking his seat. “I usually come to these events with only two sentinels as company.”

“Is there a problem I should know about?” Jolene quietly asked Harper.

Harper leaned into her. “In sum, there’s a possibility that Isla believes that Knox is her anchor, which means…”

“She might not be so happy to meet you,” finished Jolene. Then she shrugged. “You can take her.”

When a blond, smartly dressed male with an air of authority waltzed inside, all the demons standing then immediately took their seats. He settled in the chair at the head of the table. “Afternoon, everyone. For those of you who haven’t met me before, I’m Raul Harlan. As you all know, we’re here to discuss…well, the fact that Isla’s making a lot of noise about things that don’t interest me. But her noise is getting louder, and it’s time to get the whole thing settled.”

Harper liked his no-bullshit manner. 

“Isla, maybe you’d like to explain to us why you wanted this meeting.”

The she-demon straightened in her seat opposite Malden. “In short, I’m proposing that a pyramid hierarchy be put in place in the U.S. as opposed to our lairs all existing around each other.”

“With you as the ruler,” said Raul, to which she nodded. “Why? Why fix what isn’t broken?”

“But it
is
broken. The small lairs have no protection from larger lairs, strays are easy targets because they have absolutely no one to turn to, and we are so divided that we are vulnerable to dark practitioners. If we worked together against them, they wouldn’t have a chance. But because we all cling so tightly to the idea of power and refuse to answer to each other, we’re making our kind easy to prey on.”