His tone was mild but the small, undeniably ugly face hardened with offended pride.
"You believe I cannot protect Shay?"
"On the contrary, I believe you would prove to be a most dangerous adversary. Thankfully, there is no need for your concern this night. My guest is gone and the grounds are secured."
"You remain."
Viper gave a lift of his brows. There were few demons, no matter what their size that would dare confront him directly.
"I am no threat, my small warrior."
"You suggest she is safe in your hands?"
"I paid a great deal of money for Shay." He pointed out in reasonable tones. "I am a good enough businessman not to toss away a near fortune on something I intend to injure."
The gray eyes narrowed. "I asked if she would be safe."
Viper slowly smiled. For all his fussing Levet was male enough to sense the hunger that flowed through Viper's blood.
"She is under my protection. I would never offer her harm, nor allow anyone else to harm her as long as it is within my power to keep her safe."
The gargoyle considered his words a long moment, perhaps pondering whether he could force a more specific promise from Viper. At last he gave a slow nod.
"You would offer your pledge to that?"
His demand caught Viper off guard. "You would accept the pledge of a vampire?"
"I would accept the pledge of a clan chief."
Unconsciously, Viper touched the dragon tattooed across his chest. He had forgotten that gargoyles were so sensitive to demon marks.
"Then you have it."
"Good." The long tail gave a sharp twitch. "Then I shall leave her in your care and find myself something to eat."
"There is ample food in the kitchen."
"Bah." Levet grimaced in disgust. "I have had my fill of human food."
Viper regarded him steadily. "You intend to hunt?"
"Of course. It has been too long."
"I would suggest you remain near the estate until we can determine what is stalking Shay."
The gargoyle shrugged. "It is too close to dawn to go far."
"And no humans or vampires on the menu," Viper warned in stern tones.
The gray eyes widened. "Sacrebleu. Do I look like I often eat humans or vampires?"
Viper hid a smile as he glanced down at the tiny demon. "I prefer the rules to be clear."
With a flutter of his pretty wings, Levet turned on his heels and stomped toward the nearby stairs. Muttered curses floated behind him, most of them in French, but clear enough for Viper to realize he was being unflatteringly compared to a jackass.
Ah well.
He gave a shrug as he turned toward the door leading to Shay's rooms. He had been called worse, And probably would be again.