She's totally going to try to use me to blast you to smithereens, I warned Alec.
He laughed. Perhaps, but we will not allow that.
Hrmph. He might not be concerned, but I made a mental note to keep a close watch on Eleanor for signs she would try to use me against him.
"That's a good question. Is there anyone else who can protect Cora if Alec is banished?"
"Like Alec," I said, straightening up from where I was slumped against him, "I can take care of myself."
"Can you?" Kristoff asked. "Can you protect yourself against a wrath demon?"
"Well . . ."
"Leave it, Kris," Alec said, his fingers once again stroking gently down my side.
"Can you protect yourself against the Ilargi who captured Ulfur?"
"If I had to, I might," I said hesitantly, thinking about the gun de Marco had wielded. My leg had healed, but even so . . .
"Kristoff," Alec said with a distinct note of warning in his voice.
"What about Bael himself? He makes frequent appearances in the mortal world," Kristoff said, pounding home the point. "How will you protect yourself against him?"
"Bael . . . he's . . ." I stopped, knowing it would do no good to lie to myself and the others. "He's pretty bad."
"That's an understatement," Kristoff said drily.
"Stop trying to pressure her," Alec told his friend, a frown between his brows.
"Yes, god forbid someone should actually want to save you. It's far better to force that on a person, instead," Eleanor said acidly.
Kristoff ignored the comment. "I'm simply trying to point out the obvious. Her life is tied to yours now. You need each other."
I was about to protest, but Kristoff's words resonated in my head in a way that made a warm glow kindle. Alec did need me. I'd never before been vital to anyone's life, and yet here was the answer to everything I'd ever wanted - someone who truly did need me.
He's a vampire, my devil pointed out, just to see what I would say to that.
But he's not a bad vampire! I answered her. I knew now that the pain that had driven him almost past sanity would have been enough to excuse all his actions, but despite that, he still carried guilt about it. He had committed sins, but had paid his penance a thousandfold.
He needed me.
Do not let Kristoff make you feel you must do something that is personally repugnant.
You need me.
I want you, yes. I desire you above all women. But I could not live with making you feel as if you had no choice. I will find the means to hide you away, with a protector other than me to guard you.
You need me.
He sighed into my head, the words coming reluctantly. Yes, I need you.
"I think - " I started to say, but a bell pealed from the courtyard.
"Hold that thought," Pia said, hurrying to see who was at the door. "I won't be but a - ack!"
Pia backed into the room as Kristoff, with a growl that sounded downright feral, leaped across the room, skidding to a halt when a man lunged forward, grabbed Pia, and pressed a wickedly long, slightly curved dagger against her neck.
"Do not make a move, or your Beloved will be without a head."