Page 47 of Haunting the Hunter

The room is still. Maybe it worked?

I say his name in my mind—and instantly regret it.

The air tightens. Darkness blooms in the farthest corner. I see his eyes first.

I freeze.

“Playing with knives, pretty girl?” he asks, voice curling around the room.

“Stay away from me,” I snap, trying to sound braver than I feel.

He steps closer and crouches. Dips a finger into the circle—blood, salt, cinnamon. Brings it to his mouth, licking it. His tongue is long and inhuman.

And yet my stomach tightens.

Heat.

Shame.

Confusion.

“Leave me alone,” I say, anger laced in my tone. “You put me in this position. I won’t let you hurt the people I care about.”

“I have no intention of hurting anyone… Not yet.” He grins, my blood on his teeth. “I just don’t like anyone touching my things.”

“I am not athing.”

“Cute. Very cute. But you’ll need something stronger to keep me away.”

“Maybe you can enlighten me. I’m not exactly well-versed in being haunted by a demon.”

He pulls his finger from his mouth, seeming to savor the flavor. “Your blood tastes almost as good as your pussy.”

And he’s suddenly in front of me. Hovering.

His presence is overwhelming. The air around him warms, and the warmth of his body isn’t comforting… it’s invasive. My skin reacts before I do, prickling.

I hate it. I hate that I’m not pulling away.

His hand on my chin isn’t rough, but it’s sure.

My breath catches. I don’t want to inhale him, but my lungs betray me as I breathe him in.

He tilts my head like he’s inspecting prey, something to be catalogued before it’s devoured.

Then his voice, velvet and jagged, is right against my lips.

“I never said I was a demon, pretty girl.”

CHAPTER 17

CADE

My eyes are fixed on the yellow lines of the road, focused on my next destination. Allen is nearly in hand; we are one step closer.

“Back there you said I reminded you of your sister. What’s she like?” Andrea asks casually.

“Stubborn. Always in trouble, and with a special talent of testing my patience,” I say flatly.