Page 36 of Hell Fae Captive

He tsked. “With more force, Cami.”

“Somnum Dameonis,” I said.

“Excellent.” He shot me one of those alarmingly beautiful smiles, then dropped his gaze back to the book. “Ah, but you are missing something quite important. Hmm, however…” He trailed off as he patted down his pockets. “Ah, yes, this will do just fine.” He held out his hand. “Don’t waste time, Cami. Not anymore. Take it, please.”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but I reached out to take the chain from his fingertips and jolted when his skin brushed mine. The contact didn’t even last for half a breath, but I felt it all the way to my toes.

This being is powerful, I realized with a tremble.Very powerful.

I wasn’t sure how I knew that or why it sent a chill through my insides, but my instincts flared with warning.

While my stomach heated at the thought of him touching me again.

An intoxicating conundrum that left me trembling in deep-seated confusion. Swallowing, I strove for a distraction, the pizza no longer holding my interest. So I cast my attention to the necklace in my hand, and the item hanging from the center.

“What do you think?” Melek asked softly, his voice reminding me of warm honey on an autumn day.Succulent, addictive, natural.

Focus, Cami, I told myself.Ignore the godlike fae and his sensual presence, andfocus.

The diamond-like rock glistened in the low lighting of my room as I moved the pendant around to evaluate the edges. It was shaped like a star, but with an extra edge that protruded from the center.

“What is it?” I asked him.

“A conduit of sorts,” he replied vaguely. “I would be careful what you say while wearing it.”

I blinked at him. “What? Why would I wear it?”

“Because it’s a gift and gifts are meant to be worn. I think you’ll find it matches your initiation wardrobe quite nicely.”

“Initiation wardrobe?” I repeated.

“For the opening ceremonies,” he replied. “They’re tomorrow, in case you were wondering.”

“Tomorrow?” I searched for a clock to check the time and noted the afternoon hour signifying I was near curfew again. “I slept maybe six hours.” If my math was right, anyway.

I did feel pretty rested, so that number of hours felt adequate, even if that was a bit indulgent. Given that I’d been up for over two days, though, it didn’t surprise me. Between going to classes, partying with my friends, and then fighting to stay alive in Hell, it made sense that I would be exhausted.

“Try thirty-six hours,” he corrected. “You must have had one of Ajax’s infamous desserts.”

My brow came down, then furrowed. “Acupcake.”

“Ah.” He smiled. “After your curfew snafu? Yes, that sounds like a trademark Ajax punishment—the loss of time to prepare. Good thing you have me in your corner, yes?”

My teeth ground together, my desire to throttle Ajax settling heavily in my gut. But I supposed it could have been worse; he could have given me back to that creature in the courtyard.

I shuddered at the thought, causing Melek’s gaze to roam over me once more before flipping the page again. “Ah, now here’s a fun bit of information. A powerful talisman—such as the one in your hand—can be used to protect from afar. How fascinating is that?”

“Are you saying this is a protection charm?”

His expression turned innocent. “Oh, darling angel, no. I’m not saying anything. I’m merely reading from the book. You really should study these chapters. They areilluminating.”

The stone in my palm flickered with his word, catching the light at a weird angle. I frowned at it, trying to replicate the glimmer, and failing.

“Well, I must be going. There are preparations to make, but I’ll stop by again tomorrow with more sustenance, should you desire it?” He phrased it as a question, but his expression was knowing.

“More pizza and beer?”

“If that is your desire.”