Page 38 of Stalked By Pestilence
I could’ve sworn I heard Zelus’s laugh, but after looking around the room, I didn’t find him anywhere.
“Leave,” was all the voice commanded, and I’d never seen Steven or Tyson move as fast as they did to that one demand.
Who was this guy?
The door snicked behind me, then it was just me and phone dude. I sighed, preparing myself for a rich-bro’s speech on how important and extremely well off he was, how he’d find my price, how everyone had one.
It wasn’t new. I’d seen it with my father and his gross friends. Always talking money. Always convinced they ran the world. Always treating women like they’d take whatever they could for the promise of luxury.
Fucking douches.
“Emily,” the voice started.
I couldn’t help how my spine straightened the second I heard the husky baritone coming through the speaker. Even garbled by the connection, it was delectable. I could only imagine how it sounded in person.
“Aren’t you even a little bit curious about what brought demons to your doorstep? Don’t you want to know who that man parading as your protector really is?”
My eyes widened, having not expected that. “Excuse me?”
“If you’re curious—”
A snarl echoed out of nowhere, and my head whipped around to seewhat caused it.
Zelus was already next to me, glaring down at the phone as if he could kill the guy on the other side with a mere look. “Who are you?”
“Ah,” the voice said as if Zelus’s growling didn’t bother him. “Hello, Zelus.”
Shock struck me, and I cut a sharp look up at him. “Do you know this dude?”
“I know Zelus, but I seriously doubt he knowsme,” the voice answered before the beast next to me could.
“Name yourself, demon,” Zelus demanded.
“I don’t think I will. Emily, I’ll be in touch soon.” Then without another word, the call dropped out.
I stared at the phone for another beat before getting to my feet. “How did you know he’s a demon? What are you not telling me, Zelus?”
Finally, he looked at me. His skin swelled with scales and his eyes beamed an eerie glow. I shifted back a step with how much rage passed through his face, but that small movement seemed to snap him out of it.
He walked closer, his large hands taking hold of my face. Something in his expression made it impossible to slap them away. He didn’t wait. His mouth was on mine for a hot few seconds where I forgot where I was and what I’d been angry about. I might’ve let him fuck me right on the desk if he’d tried, but it was him who pulled away first.
“Let’s get you back to your flat.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but he interrupted.
“Then I’ll tell you what you need to know.”
As if it was his home and not mine, Zelus made two cups of coffee with his shirt off and pants hanging low on his hips.
This man—beast—was a tall drink of water, and I’d never get tired of looking at him. It turned me into a woman I never wanted to be, but the more I was around him, the more I wondered if that side of myself might be worth exploring.
I had my legs crossed on the cushion after switching to a comfy pair of shorts and black tank top. I’d tossed my hair into a messy bun and watched him move around my kitchen like he’d spent the last month living here. It was weird how much he fit into my life in almost no time at all. No guy had felt right inside my house, but somehow, Zelus did.
It didn’t bother me that he’d helped himself to what was in my fridge or cabinets. It didn’t bother me that he knew exactly where to find our cups and coffee. It didn’t even bother me that he insisted I sit and wait for him. Not even after how angry I’d been coming home.
I stared at the gorgeous jerk as he wandered over and offered me a steamy cup. Taking it, I prepared myself for more evasive tactics, but the eyes that landed on me were the most serious yet. I was going to get answers, and I wasn’t sure if I’d like them.
“I still don’t know who’s put the mark on you. My contact is looking into it, but I suspect the demon after you is powerful. Enough that he can’t cross over to the mortal world without starting a war,” he told me.