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Like Conn, they were members of the imperial caste, or “imps” as we called them.

I walked around my posse and up to the doormen. “Tell yer queen that the daughter of The Dagda wishes to have a word with her.”

They looked nervously over at Conn.

“Yer one and forever king is waiting to see how I’m received. Do as I ask and everything will be fine. We’re only seeking information... for now.”

“Our queen is refusing all visitors,” one finally said.

I looked his way. “I can understand why. Being so close to giving birth, though, I figured she’d want the father of her babe to be with her. If the rumors are true, she’s going to need him to prove the babe’s parentage.”

Their panicked gaze went to Conn again, but I stepped in front of my posse to block their view of him.

“Gentlemen, ya both know Connlander of the Fir Bolg is not the father. Lilith betrayed him and he hasn’t forgotten that nor forgiven her. Now, I’m losing patience with ya, so call her and tell her I’m here.” I nodded to them and pointed. “When ya get yer answer, I’ll be right there waiting.”

He was gone for three minutes and then came back. “You and the conflicted one can come in. The priestess and demon king must wait out here.” Then he turned on his heel and went back to his post at the door.

“She’s not a priestess,” I said, yelling at the doormen. “My friend is a Wu Shaman from China and a master at casting out demons. I would recommend ya act respectful around her.”

“Am I supposed to be the conflicted one?” Rasmus asked quietly.

I nodded. “Ya’re the only one left, so I think we can safely assume that, yes. On the plus side, if ya were the father of the queen’s babe, they probably would have used a more descriptive moniker for ya.”

“Is going in there safe?”

“No,” I admitted. “But if they attack us, Conn will transport in there before I could say his name. He’s tied to the armor I wear. I’m literally wearing his energy.”

Rasmus soberly nodded. I didn’t blame him for having reservations. I had them every time I dealt with demons, but this had to be done. There were too many secrets and I wanted to reveal all I could.

We walked to the doormen who nodded to us. I looked over my shoulder and nodded to Conn. He transformed into a demon, but a much larger one with a golden crown that went over his horns.

Mulan’s squeal of surprise was followed by a dancing fit punctuated with stream of that language she spoke when stressed. I snickered and waved at Conn.

I faced the guards. “Ya both should keep in mind that ya will ultimately answer to yer true king for yer actions. Since ya did what I asked, I have no fight with ya. In fact, I’m grateful for yer cooperation.”

Rasmus and I walked into the lobby with the doormen glaring at our backs. Inside, we ran into a crowd of demon hunters with glassy eyes. They noted our presence and stiffened. Maybe they sensed my magick. Or maybe it was Rasmus hissing in recognition beside me that snagged their attention.

I reached out to ground him with my grip. “Are these men the ones ya thought died?”

Rasmus’s eyes blazed with anger as he nodded. “Yes. Are they still living?”

“Yes, they’re being compelled to be our welcome committee. I’m sure this was intentional.”

Rasmus growled low. “Are they supposed to be a threat? Or are they a trap?”

I turned to stare up at him. “I know ya’re angry and I don’t blame ya but try to keep a cool head here. I’m choosing to see the presence of these missing men as a show of good faith. I suggest ya do the same. If ya lose yer temper, we lose our advantage.”

His tight nod was the only answer I got. The demon hunters lined up on either side of us forming a path that led only to the elevator. If we’d tried to go anywhere else, I’m sure it would have been a struggle to do so.

“Come on,” I said to him. “Let’s go talk to yer alleged baby momma. I’m guessing this is the last time I’ll be able to tease ya about it.”

“I pray you’re right,” Rasmus said as we stepped into the elevator.

ChapterTwenty-Two

The elevator opened directly in the middle of the top-floor suite. Suddenly, a large man—maybe one of the compelled demon hunters—wrenched Rasmus from my grasp and held him in a chokehold with a curved knife pressed to his throat.

My eyes blazed as I pulled on my magick. Conn’s demon form popped into existence beside me. The demons fell to the floor, but not the man holding Rasmus. He had a strange energy and his size was far too large to be a simple human.