Mark of the Sylph (Demons of Infernum, #2)

by Rosalie Lario

  As if he sensed her extreme discomfort, Taeg pulled her closer to his body. “Relax. You’re safe with me.”

  Safe. Funny, he didn’t feel safe at all. He felt dangerous. Exciting.

  She did some scanning of her own, but didn’t see anyone resembling those two demons from so long ago, whose faces were forever burned into her memory.

  “Taeg,” a melodic voice called out from somewhere ahead. Maya looked up to see a gorgeous blond woman slinking toward them. She wore a tiny strip of black cloth that could barely be called a dress and a wide smile on her perfect face. Her long, flowing locks gave a seductive sway as she walked.

  Maya tensed when the woman stopped in front of them, sparing her no more than a quick, dismissive glance before she turned her attention to Taeg.

  “I missed you, darling,” she hummed in that heavenly voice.

  A face that could be carved from marble. A to-die-for voice. Just like Dagan.

  Siren.

  Maya glared at Taeg. “Why am I not surprised?”

  He gave her a wide-eyed, innocent look before turning to the woman. “Hello, Nadia. I’d like to introduce you to my date, Maya.”

  Nadia ignored that, sliding her hands up his chest. “Why haven’t you called?” she asked with a pout.

  The nerve of the woman, to put her hands on him when she knew he was with someone else. Even if she wasn’t technically a “date” date, Nadia didn’t know that.

  Maya bristled, about to snap at her when Taeg grabbed Nadia’s wrist and removed her hands from his body. His reply was ice-cold. “I told you I’m with somebody.”

  Nadia’s face scrunched in anger. “But—”

  “Good night,” Taeg said firmly before taking hold of Maya’s waist and leading them in the other direction.

  She had to admit, that felt good. Resisting the urge to shoot Nadia a triumphant glance, Maya said, “I’m surprised you turned her away.”

  “Come on, Maya. I’m not so bad.”

  Those soft-spoken words made her feel ashamed of her cattiness. Just his intent, no doubt.

  Taeg stopped in front of the large bar, which was far less crowded than she would have thought considering the sheer number of people in the place. The bartender was a tall man with golden skin, piercing blue eyes, and long, brown hair that failed to hide the pointy tops of his ears. An elf?

  When the bartender made his way to them, Taeg said, “Hey, Crull, can we get two house lagers?”

  He wanted to drink? Now?

  “What are you doing?” she hissed.

  “Don’t want to look like I’m working.” Taeg shrugged. “Might make some people nervous.”

  Huh. She hadn’t thought of that. “Does everyone here know what you do for a living?”

  “Not everyone. But enough that the word could easily spread if people start to get anxious.” He motioned toward two empty barstools, then sat down on one.

  She thought about that as she took a seat. “Doesn’t that make your job dangerous?”

  He let out a husky laugh. “Most Otherworlders want to avoid the Council. They mean serious business, and fucking with one of their employees would piss them off.”

  The bartender plopped the beers down in front of them.

  “Thanks, man,” Taeg said to him. “How’s it going?”

  “Slow.” The bartender flashed him an easy smile. “Business or pleasure tonight?”

  “A bit of both.”

  Crull looked her up and down, then gave Taeg a knowing wink before sauntering off.

  She flushed at his obvious reference. Lifting her glass to her mouth, she took a sip. The cool liquid slid down her throat, leaving behind the taste of honey and spice. “Wow, this is delicious.”

  “You should know it’s way more potent than regular beer.”

  She stared at the seemingly innocuous amber liquid in her glass. “But it tastes so good.”

  “That’s what gets you into trouble. If I were you, I’d drink no more than half that glass.”

  Hard to do, when it tasted like nectar of the gods. She took another deep sip, licking her lips to get every last drop, not considering how that might look until she saw his indrawn breath and the narrowing of his eyes.

  “Careful,” he whispered into her ear. “Too many moves like that and you may start a brawl.”

  His gruff words, combined with the heat of his breath on her neck, sent a tremor of lust coursing through her body. Lord, he knew what to say to make her go weak. Maya saved herself the trouble of having to respond by lifting the glass for another deep sip.

  Taeg noted it, arching a brow. “Brownies do make the best beer.”

  “Brownies?” The mere word caused an unpleasant twist in her guts. She plunked her glass down onto the countertop.

  He laughed. “So predictable, sweetheart.”

  Busted.

  After a minute she was glad she’d set the liquid down, because a wave of heat crept down her throat to the pit of her stomach, warming her from the inside out. “Wow, this stuff is potent.”

  “Warned you.” He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and glanced at the screen, then glanced around the room once again. “Where is he?”

  “What about over there?” She pointed to an area farther back, separated from the main part of the club by a gauzy curtain that was so sheer it was almost see-through.

  Taeg stiffened, looking uncomfortable. “He’s probably not back there.”

  “Don’t you think we should check?” When he hesitated she rose up from her barstool and grasped his hand. “Come on.”

  “Maya, I don’t think—”

  “You want to find this guy, don’t you?” She rolled her eyes and made her way through the crowd of people, carefully avoiding goat-man while she dragged Taeg behind her. The tiniest wave of dizziness speared her vision. Lord, was she buzzed already, from a few sips of that stuff? It didn’t bother her right now, though. She felt looser than usual, and that wasn’t so bad. She could use a little loosening.

  They neared the far end of the club and she drew back the curtain, then came to an abrupt standstill. “Oh,” she said in a small voice.

  So this was why Taeg had been hesitant about coming to the back. This area of the club seemed to be reserved for couples in various stages of undress. Unless she missed her guess, and she didn’t care to look closely enough to confirm it, a fair number of them were getting it on right here.

  When she made no further move forward, he muttered, “Might as well look for him while we’re back here.” Taking the lead, he dragged her behind him.

  Everywhere she looked provided a new reason to blush. In one corner a vampire stood with his arms around a woman whose blouse was unbuttoned and half off her body. He bit into her, right above one breast, cupping the other, her bra pushed aside. On another spot along the wall, a second goat-man was doing things she didn’t dare contemplate to a human woman who had her back turned to him. Yuck.

  Maya swallowed hard and looked away. “What exactly do you do when you come here?”

  Taeg at least had the grace to look embarrassed. He grimaced, focusing on the opposite end of the room. “I sit at the bar. This place has good beer.”

  “Uh-huh.” She didn’t quite believe him. He seemed all too familiar with this part of the club, quickly steering her through the crowd while scanning the patrons’ faces. She kept her focus anchored on him, careful to avoid witnessing more peep shows.

  “He’s not back here,” Taeg finally stated.

  She breathed a sigh of relief when he turned and led them back toward the main part of the club. Funny how much more manageable it seemed now that she’d seen what was in the back.

  The loud, pumping bass from the music cut out and a slower song started up. All around her couples pulled each other into embraces and swayed to the rhythm. Some didn’t stop there. She saw plenty of wandering hands.

  Truthfully, this part of the club wasn’t that much better than the back.

  A little dev
il on her shoulder prompted her to turn to Taeg. “Let’s dance.”

  He stopped in midstride with an expression of disbelief. “Are you serious?”

  Okay, maybe she never would have suggested it if she wasn’t slightly buzzed, but right now she didn’t care. “Why not? Your contact isn’t here yet. Might as well do something until he arrives.”

  The look in his eyes made it clear he was about to refuse. “Maya—”

  “Come on,” she insisted, lifting her hands to his chest. “It’s just a dance. It won’t kill you.”

  “It might.” But in the end he sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist, giving a sensual sway of his hips.

  She loved a man who could dance. And Taeg could dance. The natural rhythm he exhibited made her wonder what else he did exceptionally well. Closing her eyes, she gave herself over to the feel of his body against hers. The hard ridge of his chest beneath her palms. He was so hot. Like a campfire, heating her entire body until even her skimpy dress seemed like too much fabric.

  What would it be like to have his naked flesh pressed against hers? To have him cover her with his warmth while he drove into her again and again? She could practically imagine the feel of his heated and hardened arousal against her. Just the thought of it was mouthwatering.

  Lord, where was this coming from? She shouldn’t be enjoying his body against hers so much, or fantasizing about him in bed. Inside her.

  “Stop it.” His voice was tight. Strangled.

  Her eyes flew open. “What do you mean?”

  He stared down at her, his eyes blazing with lust and some other emotion she couldn’t identify. “Unless you want me to take you right here, stop rolling your hips into me. I’m not a fucking saint.”

  Her mouth dropped open. She hadn’t been, had she?

  Oh hell. She might have been rubbing up against him like a cat in heat without even noticing it. The demon turned her on that much. She dreamed about him most every night, for chrissake.

  She licked her lips, opened her mouth to apologize. What came out instead was an obvious dare. “You wouldn’t.”

  Taeg’s expression hardened, lust pouring off him in palpable waves. “You love to challenge me, don’t you, little slayer?”

  He was right. She did, especially when it was obvious how much he enjoyed it.

  Her thighs clenched and answering moisture gathered. He closed his eyes and took a deep inhale before opening them on a grin. Could he smell how turned on she was right now?

  Taeg sobered. “You know, I’ve never wanted anyone half as badly as I want you. Even if most of the time you’re trying to kick my ass. I’ve tried to deny what I feel for you, but I can’t.”

  Wait, this wasn’t what she’d expected. Declarations of lust, maybe. But this sounded far more serious.

  “I know you want me, too,” he continued hoarsely, “despite the fact you keep trying to deny it.”

  “I... ” When she realized she couldn’t disagree, she trailed off. Much as it frightened her, she did want him.

  “Maya, I’ve told myself over and over again it’s not a good idea to complicate things between us, but I’m starting to wonder what the hell we’re fighting this attraction for.”

  He wasn’t the only one. She’d never been nearly as attracted to anyone else before. And despite what he was, she had the feeling they might be astonishingly well-suited. After all, what mere human would ever understand about her past?

  Taeg had not only listened to her sordid confessions, but he’d helped her to see that she couldn’t continue blaming herself for her actions as a child. He accepted her for who she was, bad attitude, stashed weapons, and all. What was more, he actually liked those things about her.

  Holy crap, he might just be perfect for her.

  That realization steeled her spine. What else could she be waiting for?

  Oh jeez. Was she actually going to do this? Make love to a demon?

  Not a demon, Maya. Taeg.

  “Taeg.” She took a fortifying breath. “I—”

  “Shit.” He stiffened, focused on something behind her.

  “What?” She stopped abruptly and tried to turn, but Taeg wouldn’t let her.

  “I think I saw... shit.”

  “What? What is it?”

  “The fugitive I’ve been searching for. The one Benny was supposed to give me information on tonight. The fucker is actually here.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Maya tried to turn around again, but Taeg held her still. He forced himself to continue swaying back and forth with her while keeping his eyes on the demon. “Keep dancing. I don’t want to call attention to myself.”

  What the hell to do? He wanted to get the creep. The guy was a scumbag drug dealer, and this job was worth a lot of money. But he was with Maya.

  “Aren’t you going to bust him?”

  “Apprehending him could be dangerous, and I don’t want to leave you here alone.”

  She stepped out of his arms. “I’m pretty sure I can keep up. Now go get his ass.”

  He should have known she’d react that way. She was so predictable when it came to capturing demons.

  At that moment, the fugitive looked up and his eyes widened in recognition. He immediately turned and ran for the door.

  “Son of a bitch.” Taeg tightened his hold on Maya and raced after the demon, shoving people left and right to clear the path.

  “What’s happening?” she shouted over the din of the crowd.

  “He spotted me. He’s running.”

  If only Maya wasn’t here. He could flash right in front of the guy. But he didn’t dare do that now. No way was he leaving her behind in this crowd to fend for herself, not even for five minutes.

  They reached the carpeted staircase and started down it when Vinnie called out to him from behind. “Taeg, if you’re looking for the guy who raced out of here, he went upstairs. Toward the roof.”

  “Thanks.” He immediately switched directions and headed up, freeing Maya’s hand only when they’d reached the roof.

  There. The demon sped toward the edge of the building, clearly planning to leap the five-foot distance separating this roof from the next.

  “Stay here,” Taeg ordered. He shifted his focus and in the span of one instant flashed directly in front of the creep.

  “Shit,” the demon yelled.

  Taeg braced his weight as the demon barreled into him at full speed. He went down hard but quickly rolled over, gaining the top position. He swung his fist at the demon, catching him square on the cheek.

  The demon’s head snapped to the side. He spat out blood with a harsh, grating laugh. “You’ll pay for that.”

  He held up one of his hands and, with an audible pop, his retractable claws broke the flesh on his knuckles. The ivory-colored bone claws on vestag demons had always reminded him of the comic-book hero Wolverine. Not only were they sharp as hell, but they were a little frightening. He’d die before admitting it, though.

  “Ooh, I’m so scare—”

  The claws sliced into him before he could finish his taunt. They ripped through his shirt, tearing long gouges in his side.

  “Son of a bitch.” Rolling off the demon, he sprang up and glanced down to where searing pain tore through his stomach. Thankfully the wounds weren’t that deep. “This is my brother’s shirt, asshole. He’s gonna be so pissed.”

  He backpedaled when the demon jumped to his feet, releasing the claws in his other hand. Damn it. Reaching behind him, he freed the dagger he kept strapped in a hidden sheath at his back. “Hey, Betty, wanna play?”

  The rhythmic click of booted heels running along the rooftop preceded Maya’s arrival. But even the vestag demon’s mouth dropped open in shock when she hopped into place next to Taeg, a dagger in each hand.

  “What the devil are you doing?”

  “Helping you,” she said without taking her eyes off the demon.

  Helping him? Was she insane?

  “I do this for a living, you know
. I think I can handle one measly vestag demon on my own,” Taeg said.

  “Yeah, he doesn’t need any help from a little girl.” The demon sneered at her. Then, as if just realizing what Taeg had said, he glowered. “Hey!”

  The demon lunged at him, slicing his claws in a long arc. Taeg jumped back, then jabbed the dagger up and into his guts. With a muffled oomph, the demon stopped cold, but then he groaned in pain, his whole body twitching as something rammed into him from behind. The demon lifted his head to shoot Taeg a bewildered glance.

  What the fuck?

  He released his grip on the knife and walked around the demon, letting out a barking laugh when he saw Maya with her dagger jammed into the demon’s back.

  “Good thing demons are hard to kill. Otherwise I’d be out a quarter of a mil right now.”

  “What?” she gasped, her eyes going wide. “That’s how much you get paid to bring him in?”

  “Yeah, but only if he’s still alive.”

  She stepped back, a look of shock on her face, but when the demon tried to stagger forward she twisted her dagger in his back and pushed down hard, dropping him to the ground.

  Taeg observed all this while trying to figure out if he should laugh or be pissed off. “You know, you’d make a damn good addition to our team.”

  Her eyes widened and a pleased smile crept to her face. “Really?”

  He took a good look at the demon. With a knife in his stomach and another buried in his back, he wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Normally he’d escort him to the Council, but that wasn’t going to happen with Maya around.

  Taeg dug his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed Ronin. “Yo, bro, I’m on the rooftop of Opiate. I’ve got the mark bagged and tagged, ready to go.”

  “No shit,” Ronin replied with a hint of interest. “I thought you were meeting with Benny tonight?”

  “Benny didn’t show, but the mark did. Go figure.”

  Ronin whistled. “That’s some good luck.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  Maya circled the demon, staring down at him like he was some freak attraction in a sideshow circus. “Now I need someone to escort him to the Council. Can you do it?”