“Yeah, I can’t, I remembered something I have to do.” That would be not killing you.
Thank the gods, Noah sighed as he rounded the corner onto his street. It had taken him forever to get rid of the tail Ryan Winslow had put on him. Another one of the goons that followed Eden around. That was the sixth time one of them had followed Noah. Ryan was growing suspicious of his daughter’s friend. That wasn’t good. Neither was Eden’s increasing hunger. Clearly, it was getting worse. He shuddered, thinking about the look in her eye at the lake. It wasn’t the first time a soul eater had tried to take his soul. It was the first time one he liked and maybe even trusted had tried to. God, he never thought he’d hear himself think that sentence. He thought of the look of horror on Eden’s face when she realized what she had almost done. Noah exhaled, brushing his hair back off his forehead. He was worried. Cyrus had been right about Eden all along. There was part of Merrit inside her. She was a good kid but her soul eater nature was determined to destroy that part of her, as was her family. Not to mention that sleazy cousin of hers. Noah’s fists clenched just thinking about it.
His head was throbbing as he ascended the metal stairs up to his apartment. Perhaps there was still time. No, there is still time, dammit. He shook his head, fumbling for his keys. He’d never expected that he would need to save Eden as much as he did. But he had to.
Noah blinked as he opened the door, light filtering in behind him to illuminate the girl on his bed. He frowned, taken aback to see her there. Quickly, he stepped inside and locked the door.
“Hey, Noah.” She stood up, tall and lithe and completely mortal. She wound her arms around his neck, her long blonde hair brushing his arms as they encircled her waist.
“Romany.” He managed a smile just before she kissed him, long, slow and deep. When she finally allowed him up for air, he squeezed her a little closer. “What are you doing here?”
“Can’t a girl visit her boyfriend every now and then?”
Noah pulled back, throwing her a look as he dumped his keys on the sideboard and headed for the mini fridge for a Coke. “Not when he’s on assignment.”
Romany pouted at him, her hands sliding onto her hips. She wore a sleeveless tank with tight fitting jeans. Comfortable clothes that outlined her toned and strong physique. Under those jeans would be a dagger or two. Just in case. “It’s been a while, Noah. I wanted to see you. I’ve missed you.”
He smiled at her but didn’t say it back. Romany was a Warrior of Neith and one of many mortal warrior girls Noah had fooled around with over the years. Sure, he and Romany had been together a few years, since she was eighteen years old in fact, but he’d never bored of the relationship because she wasn’t clingy. Or so he’d thought.
She seemed to read his mind and snorted. “Oh get your head out of your ass, Noah. I’m here because Cyrus sent me to warn you.”
Instantly his body hardened and he froze with the can inches from his mouth. His eyes said, ‘well?’
Suddenly Romany grew serious and cool. “Word is out on you and Cyrus’ little half-blood. Despite our best efforts, there’s a faction out there who believe she’s an abomination.”
Noah’s heart began to pound. Abomination was never a good word to throw around. “They’re coming for her?”
Romany nodded. “They don’t know where she is yet… but you better watch your back, Noah. I happen to like it.”
Chapter Five
The Monster Within
“What are you doing, Stellan?” Eden asked quietly, her eyes flitting between him and the pretty girl on his bed.
After she’d fled from Noah, Eden had wandered around for a while, trying to gain control over herself, trying not to cry in public. She couldn’t believe she’d almost hurt Noah. Noah. She’d taken her frustrations out on a guy who’d pulled out on her as she was trying to leave the parking lot. Her horn nearly broke under extreme use and the poor guy was bright red with embarrassment from the blasting she gave him. She told herself she didn’t feel guilty for being a bitch.
She thought about driving around for a while, despite the check engine light, and then she’d gotten a text message from Noah.
Things will work out. Promise. N.
Eden had just been about to smile in relief when her phone buzzed again.
Haul ur ass back to the house, Paradise. It’s show and tell time.
At Stellan’s text, her stomach had roiled with nerves, but she knew she wouldn’t ignore him. When she’d gotten home, Celine had been on her way out for one of her own ‘dates’ and had told Eden to stand by for Stellan who had something important to share with her.
“I think it’s a good idea, so would Ryan. While I’m out, listen to your brother.” The elegant blonde had nodded briskly at her as she passed, reeking of Chanel and evil. Eden watched the door close softly behind her, smirking. That could almost have passed for a normal conversation. I’m going out for a while, darling. Be a good girl and listen to your big brother while I’m gone.
The young girl on Stellan’s bed, probably a college freshman by the worshipping eyes she cast Stellan’s way, looked up in confusion at Eden standing in the doorway to his bedroom.
“Good, you’re here.” Stellan grinned up at her and then patted the freshman girl’s hand. “This is Lana.”
Lana frowned at him. “Why is your little sister here?”
Yeah, Stellan, why is your little sister here?
Eden had a feeling she already knew the answer to that. Great, it was like he had a sixth sense or something, cornering her when she was at her weakest.