stall more threats. As a Valkyrie, Tris was driven by aggression. Her kind were notoriously bloodthirsty and the best assassins. Each are forced to serve a century doing the dirty work of the Guild. It was less than five years ago that Tris completed her time, but she was still the most lethal being Chloe knew. All she had to do was say the word and Dante would be dead before he knew Tris was in the room.
“It’s not like that at all. They actually saved me from a Daeva demon that had other ideas. The fucker kidnapped me for God only knows what purpose.”
Tris set the shaker and glasses down and grabbed the bag of alcohol. “We’re going to need a drink for this one. Before you leave, I want to know which Daeva and where so I can take the bastard out. No one hurts one of my friends.”
Chloe’s heart lightened with Tris’s words and was reminded she wasn’t completely alone. She was right to come here. “You’ll have to fight Dante for the right to kill the demon. He’s probably out there right now hunting the asshole down.”
Tris paused in pouring vodka over the ice in the shaker and pinned Chloe with a hard stare. “Why in the world would the Cambion Lord hunt a demon that attacked a fallen angel?”
Heat filled Chloe’s cheeks and she lowered her gaze. “Probably because I’m his Fated Mate, or so he claims.”
“What? When the fuck did this happen? How?!” Tris’s shrill voice was loud as she leaned forward. Chloe swore if the Valkyrie could pull the information from her, she would.
“After he rescued me from a subway tunnel and took me back to the warrior’s mansion, we kinda had sex and he told me after that I was his mate. He’s probably lying. Although I have no idea why he would. It’s not like he can get anything from me by making that up.”
“It’ll be pretty easy to tell if he’s telling the truth or not. A mating brand would have appeared when he climaxed. You can’t mistake the…oh my God, it’s true. Holy shit.” Tris was shaking her head as she finished adding the apple liqueur then shook the container. She poured Chloe a drink and handed it to her.
Chloe took a sip and enjoyed the tart taste and burn as the alcohol went down. “Yeah. This tribal dagger with wings appeared on his right shoulder blade. It was red and blistered like he’d been burned. I had no idea what to think, so I took off and came here.”
Tris swallowed then licked her lips. “I’m sure he didn’t like that very much. I’ve heard they become possessive when they find their mate. I can’t believe this. What’s he like?”
“You say that like this is a good thing. I don’t want a mate.” And she didn’t. Although she did reject the idea of completely walking away. She had to find a way to help Dante, so he didn’t suffer.
“Well, you don’t have to accept him, but for Dante you’re it. This is a blessing, Chloe. Imagine not having to go through life alone anymore. I can’t wait until I find mine. According to Tori, who found her other half a few years ago, Dante will love you and protect you with his life.”
Chloe downed her drink in a couple gulps. She needed more alcohol. “I didn’t know your kind were given mates. Who did Tori mate? I haven’t seen her in over ten years.”
Tris nodded her head. “Not many talk about it. We aren’t easy females to be with. We’re dominant and aggressive. But there’s nothing like finding your other half. That person completes you and compliments you like no one else can. Tori mated a Dark Warrior in Seattle. A shifter and I’ve never seen her happier. He’s beyond devoted to her and would do anything for her. Just don’t dismiss Dante before getting to know him. You might find you want to spend your life with him after all.”
Chloe couldn’t imagine feeling like that. Love brought heartache and disappointment with it. “I’m not guaranteeing anything. Let’s drink. I just want to forget all this for a while. At least until I get back and have to face him again.”
Tris nodded her head and taped the screen of her phone. “Dance party! That’ll make you feel better.”
Chloe laughed with her and poured vodka straight into her cup before jumping to her feet and swaying to the song. This