The Demon's Song - By Kendra Leigh Castle Page 0,8

the heat in her eyes was one of the most erotic things he’d encountered in centuries.

The door to the bathroom thudded open, and Phenex felt relief flood him when Justin and two other vamps strode in. One was leading Sofia’s friend, who was obviously thralled. Her eyes were glazed, and she smiled vacantly at him. He had to admit, the thrall was a handy trick the vamps had. They’d needed an adaptation like mind control to survive here among the humans for so long. Unlike their kind, angels—fallen and otherwise—had never been meant to hide themselves, had always been meant to set themselves above the beings most of his dark brethren likened to talking monkeys.

So he had no thrall in his arsenal, just wings, fangs, and a big-ass sword. For now, it worked, but no one could accuse the Fallen of subtlety.

“What the hell happened?” Justin demanded, reddish eyes darting from Phenex to Sofia to the body in Phenex’s arms. “Most of the humans didn’t hear the screaming because of the music, but there isn’t a single vampire here who didn’t! If this is your idea of fun…” Then his gaze settled on the various pieces of vampire on the floor, and understanding dawned. He shoved a hand through his hair and closed his eyes. Phenex thought he looked as though he was praying for patience, and he smirked, amused.

“Oh. Great. One of these.”

“One of these? Does this happen a lot here?” Sofia’s voice fairly vibrated with outrage. Phenex looked down at her, enjoying the way she was glaring at the vampire king. Justin was far too nice, in his opinion, but he doubted many humans had looked at him this way and lived to tell the tale. Sofia didn’t seem to have any inkling of the danger she was surrounded by, though, even now. In fact, she seemed to be struggling to keep her patience with them.

“You know what? I don’t care,” she said. “I don’t know what you people are, or what this place is, but my friend is dying! The guy on the floor was…was…eating her! Sucking her blood! She needs help!”

Justin locked eyes with Phenex. “Well?”

Phenex shrugged. “Still alive. If you’re going to do something about it, better be now.”

Justin heaved a sigh, then gestured at one of the two vampires who’d come in with him. “Amir,” he said to the tall, dark-haired vamp, “if you would.”

Amir gave a short nod, then stepped forward. Phenex gladly gave Sara over into his arms. This turn of events wasn’t unexpected. Justin had too strong a sense of justice to let the human die if he had any say in it, and turning her wouldn’t take much at this point. Amir wouldn’t exactly be exerting himself. The man arranged her against him so that her bite mark didn’t show and left swiftly.

“Is she going to be okay? I want to go with her. Amy and I should go with her.”

Phenex looked down at Sofia. “Careful what you wish for.”

A flush stained her cheeks, but she didn’t look away from him.

Brave little human. You have no idea what I’m wishing for.

Justin cursed softly. “This is a mess. What happened?”

“These two came in tonight looking for their friend,” Phenex said. “They found her, plus some extra.”

One dark brow winged up. “And you showed up in here why?”

He’d be damned all over again if he answered that one truthfully. “I smelled blood. And I’m good at finding trouble.”

Justin seemed to accept that at face value, which was a relief. “True enough.” He shook his head. “I’m starting to think we have a problem.”

“You’ve got lots of problems.”

Justin laughed again, though there wasn’t much humor in it. “Add a couple more to the list. We’ll talk back at the, uh…home.” He eyed Sofia as he continued speaking to Phenex. “I’d been hoping I was being paranoid, but I should know better by now. I’ll need your help. You and the others.”

Phenex shifted his weight and hooked a thumb in one belt loop. “You usually do.”

Justin looked at the remaining vampire by his side, a sandy blond who looked as though he might have been a surfer in his mortal life.

“Trey, take Amy home. She should be able to tell you where to go.”

“As you wish,” Trey said, his formal manner completely at odds with the way he looked. He gave Justin a small bow, then led Amy from the bathroom. Sofia watched them go, her brows drawing together. Her tension was rising again.