Lord of Chaos (The Dragon Demigods #7) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,13
help me.”
He looks at me pointedly. “Don’t get too used to it.”
I can see he means it. Rage plans on taking me to the station first thing in the morning. “Thank you,” I say.
“Go and sleep. No fucking around.”
I nod.
“I mean it!”
“So do I.”
“I have excellent hearing. I’ll—” His eyes narrow. “Why are you smiling?”
“If your hearing is so excellent, how did I sneak up on you earlier?”
He frowns. “I have no idea.” He takes a small step forward. I think I see him sniff the air. “Don’t try it again. I’m ready for you this time.”
I smile and then turn and walk away. Maybe there’s some way I’ll be able to convince him to let me stay longer in the morning. Somehow, I doubt it.
I don’t want to give everything away just yet. If I come clean too soon, he’ll treat me like I’m a hot potato. I need him invested first. Right now, that seems impossible. I stretch out on the sofa and close my eyes. I need a good night’s sleep. Maybe the morning will bring new ideas and possibilities. I wish I was more skilled at seducing a man.
6
Rage
There is a knock on the door. It’s only six-thirty. Who the hell is at my door at this time of the morning? I’m yawning as I open up.
It’s Death.
I frown at him. Then I turn and walk back into my house. I know he will follow, and he does.
“Where is it?” Death says as he closes the door.
“It? What it are you referring to?” I ask as I fire up the coffee machine.
“The dog,” Death says, looking around my place.
I mutter a curse as I see Death’s nose twitch. “I smell a woman.” He sniffs the air again.
I can’t believe I forgot about the girl. I curse again as I look around the space. The blanket is crumpled on the sofa. I think she did sleep here. Where is she now? The bathroom door is open. I double-check inside anyway. Then I check my bedroom and bathroom. My cabin is small. I like it this way. Neat, tidy, and uncomplicated. It’s home. I’m at relative peace here. I frown when I get done searching.
She’s gone.
I should feel relief, but I don’t. I’m not sure what I feel. Where did she go? When did she leave? Why did she go? It seemed like she wanted to stay.
“So there was a woman here?” Death folds his arms. “You had a woman over?” He sniffs the air again, frowning hard.
“It’s a long story,” I mumble. “It was nothing, and not like that.” I shake my head. My mind wanders to thoughts of her naked body.
Fuck!
I knew she was drop-dead gorgeous, but I hadn’t been prepared for all of her nakedness. Not even close. Not like that! Hell, I very nearly took her up on her offer of sex. My body was all in. I’m glad I refrained. I would never take advantage of someone in a bad situation. Besides, she isn’t all there mentally. She followed me home. That’s stalking.
Pity.
Such a waste of a beautiful woman.
I try to bring my focus back to the conversation. “Why are you here, and what do you want to know about the dog? I already took her to the pound, if you want to give her a home.”
“That’s no ordinary dog,” Death says.
It’s my turn to sniff the air. Has Death been drinking? Wine and nectar can be a lethal combination. I can’t scent either on him. “Don’t look at me like that,” Death says. “I haven’t lost my mind. There’s something off about the dog. You must have noticed.”
I shake my head again. “I haven’t noticed anything. You need to say whatever it is you came to tell me. Or you need to leave.”
The coffee is finally brewed. I pour myself a cup, taking a big sip.
“Mmmmm…yes…” Death nods. “Thanks for the offer. A cup of coffee sounds great. You’re a great host, Rage.”
I scowl at him for a few moments before grabbing another cup and filling it. I hand the beverage to Death. He smiles as he takes the cup. “No cream or sugar; exactly how I like my coffee in the morning.” He takes a sip. I get the distinct impression he’s being sarcastic. It’s wasted on me. I ignore the fuck out of his sarcasm.
“What the fuck is going on?” I ask.
“I just came from the Underworld. Hades isn’t happy because his Head Hunter isn’t happy.”