Page 61 of The Music Demon

“It will be in your best interest and mine to persuade them that they are in danger of upsetting a fragile ecosystem by overpopulating one species.”

“When you put it that way… Black Swan is nothing if not responsible. If not for the fact that they have a large division of vampire slayers, their motto might be ‘Harm None’.”

“Silver lining all around. A mighty sigh of relief will be felt throughout the Earth planes.”

“Glad to be of service.”

“By the way, on the subject of hunters. I know you visit Halcyon Angel.”

Rosie wondered if the change of subject was a distraction, but decided to humor him. For a minute or two. “First. That is not his name.”

“And yet you know who I mean.”

“Second, so what?”

“I’m just letting you know that I know.”

Rosie nodded. “Again. So what?”

“Alright,” he replied without hesitation.

She didn’t need to give further explanation. But she did.

“Angel was around when I was growing up. My dad couldn’t help the fact that somebody else was there to read me stories when I was little and tell me not to dress too provocatively when I went through the teeny tude phase. Angel made an effort to stand in.”

“And what? Won your affection?”

She wiggled her head Deliverance-style. “Yes. And my respect. Why is this your business?”

“You are my business.”

“That is not only a ridiculous answer, it’s a non-answer.”

“I have to go.”

“You do not have to go.”

“I want to go?”

“If I’m your business, it seems like you’d want to stay.”

“I can keep up without being your shadow.”

“Thank the gods for that.”

CHAPTER NINE –Living in the Past

“So. Rosie wants to know if you’d join her for a friendly little chat,” Shivaun said while they waited for Doo Darby to join them for breakfast.

“What for? Is this like a meet-the-parents thing?”

“No. She’s my boss. No’ my parent.” She glanced at the mug, teabag, and stainless pot of hot water that had just been set in front of her and thought wistfully about the gorgeous tea service she’d conjured a little earlier. “Did you want to meet my parents? Occasionally outsiders are allowed into the New Forest, but I’m fairly certain that does no’ apply to demons. At least no’ that I’m aware.”

“Do your parents know about your… transformation?”

She shook her head. “And then there’s that.”

“I don’t know what sort of impression I’d make. So it’s just as well. And I’m not old-fashioned about chattel courtesies. I think modern females are mistresses of their own destinies.”