hope kindled in my chest. Flix seemed to have a lot of freedom around this place. Best of all, he had a cuff that allowed him access into areas I didn’t. Thank you, Logan. “That sounds great, Flix. When do we get started?”
“Probably tomorrow, but I’ll doublecheck with the warden when he gets back.”
“When’s that?”
“Should be by tonight, but I’m not sure.”
My chest deflated. I’d have to wait until tomorrow to talk to him and get a hold of Lucifer. My stomach growled, the insides churning. I wasn’t sure I’d last until tomorrow morning. Stupid, Delacroix.
“Hey, Flix…”
“Yup?”
“Did you have to choose a side when you got here?”
His pink lips pursed, and he shook his head. “I’ve been here for a long time, kid. Even longer than Delacroix. That demon’s old school; he respects the hierarchy of things. I was lucky I never had to officially bend the knee. I keep my head down and mind my business, and he doesn’t mess with me. But that’s not the way things are typically run here.” He stared down at his tablet for a minute before returning his gaze. “Have you decided your path?”
I shook my head. “That’s kind of why I’m hiding out.”
“Gotcha… I hate to be the pixie of bad news, but there’s no hiding out from Delacroix and his goons.”
“Yeah, I’m starting to see that.”
Flix squeezed my shoulder and smiled. “You’re in the best possible place you could be right now, kid.” He ticked his head toward the door as the deep rumble of my bunkies’ voices filled the hallway.
A second later, Hayden barreled in and jumped on my bed, nearly sending me scrambling to the floor. Flix leapt up as gracefully as a well, faery, avoiding the angel’s overeager assault all together. “See what I mean?” He smirked and headed toward the door.
“Yeah, super safe,” I muttered as I regained my balance and scooted further up the mattress.
Talon stomped in next, carrying a white styrofoam container. He dropped it on the foot of my bed with a scowl. “Dallas sent this for you.”
Saliva pooled in my mouth as the scent of roasted meat swirled in the air. “Food?” I couldn’t help the excitement from leaking into my tone.
“We couldn’t let you starve, pumpkin.” He plopped down on the floor and motioned to the white box. “My luck, you’d lose the weight in your boobs and then what would I look at all day?”
I cuffed the idiot on the back of the head before zipping my jumper a few inches higher. Just my luck, I’d end up in a cell with a horny fallen angel.
“And that’s my cue to leave…” Flix spun toward the door, wiggling his fingers at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow or whenever I get your training scheduled.”
“Great, thanks, Flix. I’m really excited for the opportunity.” I flipped the to-go box open and picked at a limp French fry.
“Don’t thank me yet, cutie. You haven’t seen me in the morning before my first cup of coffee.” He stuck his tongue out and winked. “Later, boys.” With a quick wave over his shoulder, my new pixie friend sauntered out.
Talon leaned against the dark wall, his jet-black hair melting into the obsidian stone. “What opportunity?”
It was unfair how ridiculously good looking he was, even in a formless gray jumpsuit. Standing against the wall with his dark brows knitted, an irritating scowl on his pouty lips and thick arms crossed over his chest, his scrutinizing gaze lanced over me, and ignited nerve-endings in my body I didn’t know existed.
Forcing my brain to focus on his words instead of his corded arms, I cleared my throat. “I’m going to be Flix’s protégé.”
“Aw cute, pumpkin. You’re going to learn to be a pixie?” Hayden chuckled at his own joke.
My hand darted out again, but this time he ducked before I could make contact.
Talon grunted and rolled his eyes, his arms stiffening against him. I didn’t think it was possible for the stick to lodge any further up his butt, but apparently, I was wrong. “Is that a problem, oh cranky one?”
Hayden snorted on a laugh and buried his head between his long legs.
Talon stomped closer, closing ranks around his friend and my bed. “Maybe you could use that smart mouth of yours for something more productive.” He flexed his back and somehow his impossibly broad shoulders expanded as he towered over me. “Having such a public position will only give Delacroix more access to you.”
I stood, rising to my tiptoes so I