Omens (The Dark in You #6) - Suzanne Wright Page 0,13
last night’s near-choking incident.
As she had no wish to share that with Keenan, she turned back to Harper. “I don’t know how Enoch couldn’t have found what he did wrong,” she said, using the straw to stir her smoothie, “but he’d fully justified it in his head.”
Devon blew over rim of her steaming mug. “A part of me feels bad for the guy—no parent should have to bury their own kid. But there are lines you don’t cross.”
Tanner nodded. “Reanimating the body of his daughter was bad enough. Resurrecting the others so she’d have friends to play with … that’s just fucked up, no matter what way you look at it.”
Oh, Khloé couldn’t agree more.
Keenan’s knee knocked hers beneath the table—such a small thing, but it was enough to make her pulse jump. “You need to be careful. Jolene didn’t say exactly what you did last night, only that you helped her defeat Enoch. That means you played a part in him losing his daughter all over again—that’s how he’s likely to see it. I doubt he’ll thank you for it.”
“He’s not dumb, he’ll lay low,” said Khloé.
“He doesn’t seem to be operating on all cylinders right now, so there’s no knowing what he’ll do.”
“Keenan’s right, Khloé,” Harper cut in. “And I’m annoyed that I didn’t think of it myself. The guy may confront you or Grams. Maybe even both of you. You could probably kick his ass on your worst day, but he’s a Lazarus demon—they’re practically impossible to permanently kill. Just be careful.”
“I always am,” said Khloé.
Keenan snorted. “No, you’re not.”
“Well, we can pretend I am.”
His eyes narrowed again. “Why did Jolene need your help with Enoch? You’re not one of her sentinels or a member of her Force. Why call on you?”
Khloé shrugged one shoulder, nonchalant. “You’ll have to ask her.”
“I’m asking you.”
“I know. I heard you.”
He muttered a curse. “Do you have any idea how exasperating you can be?”
“Where’d you learn that big word?”
He ground his teeth so hard she almost snickered. Oh, he was just too easy.
“I feel all warm and squishy inside when you get this way.” She lifted her cell phone from the table and aimed it at him, as if she’d snap a picture.
“Don’t you dare,” he all but barked.
She rolled her eyes. He positively despised having his picture taken. She’d asked him about it once, and he’d said, “You take photos to record memories. People take them of me because they like what they see—that’s all. After centuries of that shit, it gets fucking old.”
She’d have branded him dramatic if she hadn’t seen how many people—humans and demons alike—covertly took photos of him in passing, just as they might any incredibly hot guy. It seemed harmless enough, but Khloé had to admit that she wouldn’t whatsoever like perfect strangers snapping pictures of her.
“You’re no fun, Keenan.” She looked away, dismissing him. “I really should have stolen a donut.”
Watching as the imp closed her mouth around her straw and then sucked in her cheeks, Keenan felt his dick twitch. Jesus, the woman could make him hard without even trying.
After hearing from Harper what went down with Enoch, he’d wanted to see for himself that Khloé was fine. He also wanted to understand why Jolene would call on her for aid, but it was clear that Khloé had no intention of telling him shit.
No surprise there. Nothing could ever be that simple with Khloé Wallis.
He’d seen her fight in the Underground’s combat ring a few times, so he knew she was strong. But he’d seen nothing to suggest she was a power in her own right. The fact that she wasn’t part of Jolene’s ranks only supported that idea.
Many demons, including himself, kept some of their abilities quiet just to keep others guessing. He knew she had wings, could control most minds, was wicked fast, and possessed the standard ability to conjure hellfire. He wondered what other gifts his little imp possessed.
His demon studied her carefully, trying to sense just where she sat on the power spectrum. It wasn’t easy to gauge a person’s strength, but his demon had always been good at that. With Khloé, however, it was stumped.
It was also pissed that she hadn’t called Keenan about the Enoch matter. But then, why would she? She might be under his protection, but she didn’t accept said protection. And she’d never share lair business with outsiders unless cleared by Jolene to do so. His inner demon understood that, but it didn’t care