Page 129 of Hell Fae Warden

His words reminded me why I was here, causing my smile to slip a little.

“It’s okay,” I lied, shrugging and then wincing when the motion tugged at my sensitive area. “Let’s just get this over with.” I looked at the busy street. “I thought a car was supposed to be waiting for us?”

Ajax pointed toward the front of the building beside us, indicating that we were at valet parking.

The royal “parking spot,” if one could call it that, took up three car lengths. It was completely unnecessary, given that Lucifer could teleport.

“That’s… excessive,” I said as I stared at the limo-like automobile.

Although, I supposed it was the kind of car one would imagine for the King of Hell.

It gleamed as if made from black steel, and embellishments of skulls and feathers decorated the sides. The design was stylish and made it clear who owned this car. The darkened windows wouldn’t allow any peek inside, either.

Hell Fae wearing black suits waited for us, reminding me of the Secret Service.If the Secret Service had blazing red eyes and sharp teeth, that is.

One opened the door to the back when we approached.

Clutching my coat to ensure it didn’t open, I hurried into the back seat.

Ajax entered from the other side, and I glanced at the dark glass that blocked my view of the driver.

“Why didn’t we just”—I waved my hands and made apoofsound—“to the club, you know?”

Ajax chuckled. “Maybe Lucifer wanted you to see where you’ll be living.” He kept his mouth open as if he was going to add to that, then shut it.

Tension seeped back into the air as he glanced out the window.

I didn’t have to read his mind to finish that sentence—Assuming you survive…

Or maybe he just wants to make a show of something special traveling to the club,I thought.

A sinking feeling settled into my gut as the city rolled by. The buildings were beautiful in architecture. Somewhat modern, but also stylish with a European-like flair.So, definitely not Chicago, then,I decided.A mix of, well, everything.

Several Hell Fae stopped to observe the car along the way, but I knew when we were about to reach the club because the attire quickly changed from casual toexpensive.

It occurred to me that not all Hell Fae would be able to sponsor a bride. Even with an original six hundred and sixty-six candidates, there wasn’t enough for everyone.

Which meant those who would be at the club were the upper echelon of Hell Fae. Those going past roped areas wore suits and diamond-studded boots. Some had multiple piercings along their brows, and others boasted Hellish tattoos that were more a mark of power than artistic preference.

I was grateful for the tinted windows as the leering looks became more prevalent.

That sinking feeling turned my stomach sour, because these Hell Fae lookedhungry.

“What’s Lucifer going to do?” I asked.

I couldn’t stand the various possibilities rolling around in my head. I was starting to think he’d had us go in the car to torment me with the what-ifs just because he knew it would drive me nuts.

“I don’t know,” Ajax said softly. His hand rested on my thigh, forcing me to turn to him. “Whatever happens, Cami, I’m going to be with you every step of the way. Okay?”

He was trying to be comforting, but it wasn’t a promise that he would stand up for me if things went too far.

What if Lucifer planned to unwrap me for himself? Would Ajax allow it? He didn’t strike me as possessive, especially since he’d shared me with Az, but would he let me go so easily?

What if Lucifer plans to do something worse than that?I wondered, swallowing.What if he plans to kill me? Will Ajax help me then?

Or would he watch with cold acceptance?

There’s one way to find out, I guess…“Will you please give me a weapon?” I asked Ajax. “So I can defend myself?”