Page 22 of Paramour of Sin

It came out as more of a statement than a question, causing me to arch a brow. “By killing a handful of humans?”

“By framing a female you clearly care about,” he corrected. “You’re here in my realm after I clearly dismissed you what, a Hell year ago? Two? That’s quite a risk to take, Zebulon.” He smiled. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood.” He collapsed into a throne-like chair that accommodated his massive wings, then gestured for me to follow suit.

I unbuttoned my jacket and took a seat on the couch across from him. “You think someone is trying to distract me via Guinevere,” I said, lifting my ankle to rest over my opposite knee.

“Or she’s lying,” he offered. “But you seem to believe in her innocence. So I’m more inclined to assume someone wants you distracted for a reason. Otherwise, why bother? Unless Guinevere has enemies?”

A laugh escaped me, although it lacked humor. “Not likely. She’s too genuine and kind.” I scratched the stubble dotting my jaw and shook my head. “It could be related to Evangeline. She has enemies and just returned this week.”

He dipped his chin in acknowledgment. “Regardless, you need to address it.”

“I intend to, but I need some time.”

He considered me a moment. “How much time would you like?”

“Two Earth weeks,” I asked, aware that he wouldn’t accept it.

His grunt confirmed my expectation. “I’ll give you seven Earth days.”

“Ten,” I countered.

His blond brow winged upward, his feathers ruffling. “You want me to wait ten Hell years for an update?”

“You’ve mentioned that this might all be a distraction. I’m going to need time to discern who is behind it and why.” Because I suspected his assumption was right.

Framing Guinevere yielded very little reward other than subjecting her to punishment. And to what purpose? To boost an ego? There were no succubi or incubi vying for entry into my realm, so it couldn’t be a competitor. Which meant it had something to do with those around her. Someone like me or Evangeline.

“You’re aware of the power shifting in our realms,” Ashmedai said, his comment causing me to arch my brow again. The Archdemon often switched topics with a purpose, and I suspected this one would link back to my request fortimein some shape or form.

“Yes,” I replied. While he hadn’t phrased it as a question, I knew he desired my confirmation nonetheless.

“Demons are gaining powers they shouldn’t. Others are losing them at random. You yourself can now ascend and descend at will, a talent typically reserved for Archdemons and Archangels. It makes me wonder if you’ll soon sprout wings and try to challenge me for my kingdom.” His grin belied the seriousness of his words. “Not a route I’d recommend, Zebulon.”

“Nor one I intend to follow,” I replied, slipping my ankle off my knee and leaning forward to brace my forearms on my thighs. “But you have my attention.”

“Do I?” Amusement danced in his expression. “Good. Because if you’re climbing to new heights, perhaps others are following in your wake. And who knows what sort of power they’ve inherited. I mean, if a Demonic Lord can suddenly descend at will, perhaps a medium-level demon can grow into a Demonic Lord.” He shrugged. “Maybe you should conduct an audit of your territory. That would certainly take you some time.”

“Are you thinking ten Hell years?” I guessed.

“Hmm, yes, that sounds adequate to me.”

Of course it does,I thought. “As you wish, my prince.” An audit of power would help me vet all the demons in my domain and search all their energy signatures, so it was a reasonable request that should help me exonerate Guinevere in the process.

“I’ll afford you two more Hell years if you add the Nephilim to your audit,” he said, his gaze intense. “I would love to know which angels have been dallying on Earth.”

“Azrael might object, but I’ll enjoy pursuing the issue.” Mostly because it would give me cause to enlist Evangeline’s help, and I so adored finding ways to coax her into helping me. “Twelve Hell years, then?”

He held out his hand, a line of blood already drawn across his palm.

Telekinesis was not a power I possessed, but Ashmedai did. He could also read minds, so there was no point in saying anything more.

I merely held out my hand and allowed him to use his power to slice my skin.

Then we shook, sealing the blood deal.

“Don’t disappoint me, Zebulon.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, my prince.”