"We cannot simply leave Levet here. He has been cast out of the Guild by the other gargoyles."
His hands slowly lifted until he could place them on the tree on either side of her head.
"Are you requesting that I take him under my protection? That I offer him shelter?"
She ignored the unsteady beat of her heart. "Yes."
A worrisome smile curved his lips. "And what is to be my reward for such generosity?"
"Shay, no," Levet hissed.
She ignored his warning, her gaze remaining locked with Viper's dark eyes.
"What would you have of me?"
"Now that is not a question to be answered in haste. There is so much that I want of you," he murmured, leaning ever closer. "Perhaps I should simply require a boon to be given when I have considered more carefully."
Shay licked her dry lips. "You mean I will owe you a favor?"
"You will be in my debt. A debt that 1 can call due whenever I feel the moment is ... ripe."
"Don't do it, Shay," Levet commanded. "Never bargain with a vampire."
Shay was well aware of the risks. Every demon knew that a vampire could twist words until they screamed in agony.
But what did she have to lose?
She was already Viper's slave and at his mercy. If he truly wanted to force her to do something, no matter how awful, she had little choice but to comply. After all, the amulet made certain she could not escape.
Why not attempt to make the bargain and keep Levet safe?
Of course, there was nothing to say that she couldn't try and get the better of any deal.
"Can the terms be negotiated?"
"Negotiated?" His gaze drifted to her lips. "That depends. Tell me your offer."
"The debt cannot include blood or sex.*'
He gave a soft laugh as he lowered his head to bury his face in the curve of her throat When he spoke, his lips brushed her skin and sent a disturbing rash of shivers down her spine.
"You have just taken away my two deepest desires. What else can you offer?"
She battled to keep her eyes from rolling to the back of her head. "I am a trained fighter."
"I possess many warriors."
"Warriors that can walk in the day?"
"A few."His tongue drew a warm, wet line to the edge of her collarbone. "What else do you offer?"
Her knees felt weak. "I learned to prepare a number of potions while with the witches."
His tongue stroked her racing pulse. "Intriguing, but hardly worthy of a boon"
She paused, her hands unconsciously gripping the rough bark of the tree behind her. It was that or gripping the vampire in front of her.
Perhaps sensing why she hesitated, Levet gave a low hiss.