Page 109 of Samhain Savior

I wasn’t even certain she knew she was doing it.

“It’s waiting,” she finished. “I think it’s waiting for me.”

For a moment, no one spoke, all of us turning her words over in our minds.

Could the Fallen Key know she was here? The first piece had seemed to call to her, the Infernal Energy infused in the stone filling her with its chaos until she finally laid her hands on it.

Would this piece be the same? Knowing which of the sins were infused into the remaining half, I selfishly almost hoped it would.

“So how do we see her?” Delilah asked, bouncing on her toes. My mate was far too excited for the prospect of meeting a vampire for my liking.

I was going to have to do something about that.

“You won’t be seeing her at all,” I announced, causing Delilah to flash me an angry scowl that matched the rush of hurt that flowed through out bond. “You’ll be staying with Vine and Mal at Mex’s club while Corson and I investigate. If the relic is here, we’ll collect it.”

“What?” Vine gasped as Delilah threw her hands in the air in exasperation.

“That’s not fair!” she screeched, her words ringing through the quiet street. “This is my mission as much as it’s yours. You won’t even know if you’ve got the right piece without me, seeing as how I’m the one it seems to call to. Samhain is in two days, Archer,” she reminded me needlessly. “Our time is running out. I’m coming with you and that’s final.” Staring me down, Delilah crossed herarms angrily, the effect somewhat ruined when she had to adjust them twice to accommodate the pouch with her hedgehog that hung across her chest.

“Now, you listen to me, witch,” I growled, but Mex cut me off.

“Let her go to the party, Archer.” Shooting her a glare, I snarled at the demoness who needed to learn to keep her unwanted opinions to herself. “The adorable little thing probably never gets to do anything fun.”

“There is nothing fun about entering a vampire nest and confronting the queen,” I hissed through gritted teeth.

“And besides, boss,” Vine cut in, wisely stepping out of my reach before he continued. “It’s not like anything will happen to her. Not with the four of us watching over her.”

“You just wanna get laid,” Corson muttered, and Vine shot him a wink. “I agree with Archer; there is no place for a vulnerable witch in a situation like this.”

“There will be five of us,” Mex put in, winking at Delilah. “I’ve grown fond of your spitfire of a mate, Archer. After all, us girls have to stick together.”

Delilah beamed at her, the grateful smile doing nothing to quash the annoyance I felt at even the possibility of my mate being in danger.

“Delilah,” I began, but she turned to me, her eyes so wide and hopeful, and I found my resolve melting beneath her pleading stare.

“Archer,” Corson said, his tone full of warning. “Don’t. She’ll be nothing but a liability.”

“I promise to behave,” she promised, sending Corson a wounded look which he pretended not to be affected by. “Please, Archer.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Alright, fine! You can come, but you will be by my side the entire time.”

“Of course,” she said, her agreement coming far too easily for my liking.

“I mean it, witch. These vampires are not to be trifled with. You may think you know what to expect from what you’ve seen in movies, but believe me when I tell you they are much worse than that. They use every one of their sick gifts to find an opportunity to feed. You will need to be vigilant.”

She nodded somberly, and I felt a little relief that she might do as I asked.

“You will also need to be dressed appropriately,” Mex said. “I don’t know where you got that dress, but it will never get you access to a Dubois Fête.”

“I don’t really have anything else,” Delilah answered, embarrassed.

“You’re perfect,” I snapped, and Vine snorted from behind me.

“Yeah,” Mex said, her tone mocking. “I’m gladyouthink so, but Genevieve insists on a very strict dress code for her events. She may have left France, but she never really got over her love of Rococo fashion. No one gets in unless they’re dressed the part.”

“Where the heck am I supposed to get a dress likethat?” Delilah asked, sounding defeated.

“Don’t worry,cher,” Mex said, her face twisting with a devious smile as she wrapped an arm around Delilah’s shoulders and pulled her away from me, heading back the way we’d come. “I’ve got you covered.”