Cambion Lord (Dark Warrior Alliance #23) - Brenda Trim

Chapter 1

“You want to rethink that decision, asshole.” Chloe punctuated her threat to the fire demon by shoving her blade deeper into his side.

Her kind weren’t born with the red eyes of a demon, so it wasn’t as easy to distinguish when they were pissed off. Of course, any being that bothered to look around would know something was up when her brown irises turned an orangish-brown.

Color change in supernatural beings always meant something. Usually it indicated they were furious about something. Their world was a violent place with lots of sex, so if the tension in the air didn’t hint at an impending, or active, fight then the being was horny.

The fire demon didn’t move an inch as he continued to snarl at the gargoyle. “You’ll regret stopping me, bitch.” Fucking idiot.

The gargoyle sucked in a breath and pinched his mouth closed. Smart male. He winced and backed away when the smell of burning flesh filled the space between them.

Shaking her head, Chloe shoved the sharp implement further into his flesh. “Get the fuck out of the bar now unless you want your balls burned like your kidney.” She narrowed her eyes and twisted her weapon until the fire demon finally lifted his hands and walked away.

The female the two had been fighting over shot Chloe a dirty look and followed the fire demon. She didn’t know why she intervened anymore. If this female wanted to play with fire, who was she to interfere?

Sometimes people had no idea the danger they courted. From the bits and pieces Chloe overheard the female was tired of being ignored and taken for granted and was trying to make her boyfriend jealous while having a bit of fun.

In all her centuries of existence, Chloe had learned one basic thing about humans and supernaturals alike. Everyone wanted a partner to go through life with. Someone with whom they could share the adventures and hard times. Unfortunately, she discovered very quickly that those relationships were never what one hoped for.

More often than not the other person wanted something from you and had no problem doing whatever it took to get it. Even if it meant hurting the one, they supposedly loved.

“You’re good for the health of my bar.” The rumble of Joe’s voice brought a smile to her lips.

Turning, she smiled at him. Joe was given Seven Lively Sinz recently. The change in ownership is the only reason she decided to come work at the place. It had been too dangerous to work for Zakara before, given their history. That shit was better left in the past.

Chloe shrugged her shoulders. “I’d rather keep the violence to a minimum. Chelsea will no doubt appreciate not having to come in every night and clean up big fucking messes.”

Joe waved a hand through the air. “I think she enjoys seeing the devastation. It’s like crack for her kind.” Chloe knew he was right. It was one of the quirks for Melcom demons. They lived for destruction and if they didn’t encounter enough, they started causing it.

Speaking of Melcom demons, Serin sauntered through the door at that second with a scowl on his face. He stood tall, emphasizing his slim stature and looked around the place. His weasel-like face didn’t detract from the pheromones he was throwing off.

His kind could attract victims as adeptly as an incubus or succubus. To emphasize that skill, Serin crooked his finger at a djinn that jumped to her feet and rushed to his side.

Demons made Chloe shiver. She hated their kind. But they were easy to understand. They killed and thrived on fear, blood and gore. If you assumed that they were out to hurt you, you could better protect yourself and wouldn’t be taken by surprise.

Many creatures let the good looks of other species fool them. You can’t judge a book by its cover. The most attractive could kill you while they fucked you, while the ugliest could give you the shirt off their back if you gave them a piece of trash.

“Last call.” Joe pounded the handle of a dark blade on the wooden bar. The black metal held a chilling glow. His weapon was forged in the Underworld and was one of the few weapons that could end their existence. The other being a weapon of light forged in Heaven.

Chloe turned and got ready to grab the mop and bucket. She wanted to get the fuck home. It had been a long night. “Watch it. Dammit.” She lunged forward and came