Page 141 of His Retribution

"You will have your chance in a minute. I want to speak to Joyce, want confirmation that she is ok, that you haven't hurt her yet."

"I would never." Her face contorts further. "I would never intentionally hurt my host, not when they are still useful to me."

What in the actual fuck is going on?

Cora narrows her eyes. "I will walk right out of this room without uttering another word if you don't let me speak to Joyce."

"As you wish, my queen." Maybe Joyce sways on her feet for a minute, that Cheshire grin slipping from her face, eyes rolling to the back of her head before they snap to my light in confusion. "Gypsy? What the hell are you doing here?"

Seriously? Now it is most definitely the plastic one’s voice I hear, the same disgusted tone. I'm a bit flabbergasted and completely confused. Or perhaps I have finally crossed the line and stepped into complete insanity.

"Are you ok, Joyce?"

She huffs. "I'd be better if I knew why the hell you think we're friends all of the sudden? Didn't I make myself clear? I want your man and I'm going to take him whether you like it or not. I—"

"Enough." Cora's voice grows harsh, harsher than I have ever heard. "I am done with the bitch. We can talk."

Joyce's body sags, her hands grip the iron bars for support as her eyes roll and flutter once again before the deep voice returns.

"If it is not too much to ask, my queen, do not make another request of that magnitude. I've been here far too long and the more attached I become, the more painful it is to leave." That evil grin is back in full force. "If I'm to stay and serve you then I will need my strength."

My light ignores this and takes one step forward. "Who sent you?"

"Who do you think?"

"You don't work for Nero directly, so don't pull that shit with me. Who sent you?"

"He who is not to be named shall have my head and damn you all."

Cora rolls her eyes. "How did you get on the property?"

"Turns out my host has a rather unhealthy obsession with your mate and his dragon brothers." Maybe Joyce grins wider. "May want to talk to the lion about a restraining order when I am through."

"That does not explain how you got on the property."

"Well, we walked, of course."

"Jesus..." Cora pinches the bridge of her nose and drops a hand to her hip. "If you hadn't stabbed me a week ago, I have a feeling we could have been friends."

The grin slips ever so slightly. "Not when you realize all that my purpose entails, my queen."

"Are you going to share any of that purpose with me now?"

"Are you willing to deal for it?"

Now that has my spine stiffening, my hackles raising. There is but one creature on Earth that speaks in circles and offers deals.

"Cora, my love, perhaps—"

She holds up a hand to stop me then takes another step forward. "What deal did you make with Joyce? How were you able to convince her to let you borrow her soul?"

Oh fuck me, it is a goddamn demon and my light obviously knows.

I need to stop this.

"I promised her she would get close to the men she so desperately wants, close to the love she covets so deeply that it has blinded her to what is truly important." Then Maybe Joyce lets out a low, menacing chuckle. "I just did not promise her she would obtain it."

Cora sighs. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"