Chapter Four
Partial Truths
Ravyn
Devlin parted the crowd as he moved to the dance floor. This time, it stayed parted, giving me a clear view. My once-innocent Kara didn’t look so innocent anymore. Wearing short khaki shorts, a white tank top, white belt and white two-inch strappy heels, she looked out of place yet amazingly sexy. Her honey-blonde hair was still long and wavy, and her tan skin glistened under the flashing lights. Though Kara was quite skinny now, she still held every ounce of my fascination.
She danced a very sensual number with Remy, Lilith, and a man, Dagan, who was one of the oldest full-blooded demons among my kind. They danced to the song as if they had performed it a hundred times. I wondered if they performed this sexy number every night here while I was away.
Kara swayed to the beat with an attitude I could only describe as sexually confident. Watching as she ground her hips against Dagan, I could not contain the growl that rumbled deep in my chest. The sudden need to rip Dagan''s throat out was overpowering my senses and would have come to fruition if not for Devlin and Remy hearing my growl.
Devlin glared at me before stepping onto the dance floor, beckoning Kara to him. She immediately strutted over and started dancing with him. Remy did her own little sexy dance, closing the distance between the two of us, stopping as she stood between my legs.
“Calm yourself, lover,” she urged with a light kiss. "I''m glad you’re back,” she whispered against my ear before getting back to work.
I cared little about Remy’s whispers of love in my ear. All of my senses were focused on my long lost Kara. I took note of how carefully Devlin moved with her. He was gentle with her, caring as if he had a brotherly love for her. Devlin whispered something in Kara''s ear while turning her to face me. When her blue eyes found mine, she visibly missed a beat in her rhythmic dancing.
My heart stopped, as did the world around me. The noise around me silenced and in that moment, she was the only thing capturing my vision. Staring into her eyes made everything go away, as if she had been painted onto a black canvas devoid of any further useless distractions; she was the life of the painting.
My heart raced to life, bringing the world roaring back with a thunderous cacophony. Kara stepped away from Devlin before pausing tentatively.
“Ravyn?” she breathed in barely a whisper, then sprinted toward me, yelling my name in relief and excitement.
Unable to stop the smile that claimed my lips, I rose to my feet to greet my long lost friend with open arms. She jumped into my arms, wrapping herself around me, squeezing as if I would suddenly disappear again. Her skin was warm and damp with sweat. Her familiar alluring scent of fresh baked sugar cookies encouraged me to inhale deeply.
After a long minute, she unwrapped her legs and slid to her feet, her hands clutching the sides of my shirt, still unwilling to let me go. Glancing over her shoulder, I found Devlin, Lilith, and Dagan staring at us nervously. Focusing on Kara again, I smiled and brushed the stray hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
“Hi,” I said stupidly, not knowing what else to say.
She returned the smile, though a nervous worry remained in her eyes. “Hi,” she replied.
Being near Kara was like coming home. You know you belong there in its comforting, welcoming embrace. You just love it for what it is. That is Kara in a nutshell.
Comfort, sadly, was not enough to bury the questions thundering through my mind at the moment, two in particular. One, what the fuck was she doing with Dagan? Two, how long had she been a regular at Devlin''s demon establishment?
Yes, humans came to have a good time, but it wasn’t a safe place to be. Demons often feed on the human clientele. Then there were my other concerns. I had just blown my cover, so step one in my plan just went to shit! New plan. Think, Ravyn, think!
Dagan swiftly stepped forward, slipping his hand around Kara''s waist and pulling her against him. "Who''s your friend, love?" he said.
Love? You know who I am you stupid fuck!
"Oh, Matt. This is Ravyn. We grew up together,” she replied somewhat nervously.
I glared at Matt, aka Dagan, as he proffered his hand, which I declined. Instead, I opted to sit and light a smoke, trying to contain the demon within, which was currently begging to be set free and rip Dagan''s fucking head off.
Kara looked up at Matt while giving me a sideways glance and to my surprise said, "Can you give me a minute so I can talk to Ravyn?"
He hesitated, glaring at me before nodding and disappearing into the crowd. My new plan had been conceived in that moment; never let Kara out of my sight again. Shitty plan number two was about to go into action.
"I was just getting ready to go. You need a lift home?" I asked as I motioned Devlin over.
“Yes! Um… I mean, yes please.” She tried to contain her excitement.
When Devlin approached Kara turned, scowling at him. “You knew and you didn’t tell me!”
“Surprises are meant to surprise, my dear,” he replied with a slight bow.
“Definitely surprised! Honestly, more like in shock,” she agreed, hugging me again.
“Devlin, I need to grab my things if you don’t mind?” I reminded him.
“Ah, of course.” He smiled and led the way.
When I noticed Kara not following us, I grabbed her hand, pulling her along.
“I need to tell Matt I’m leaving,” she said, worrying as we stepped onto the elevator.
Looking at her, I shook my head and said, “He’ll figure it out,” with a wink.
When the elevator began to head up, she gave Devlin an odd look. In return, he motioned for her to keep his secret quiet, getting a smile and a nod in agreement. The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. Kara was shocked to see Remy standing by the open door talking to Lilith, looking quite upset.
“Remy? What’s wrong?” Kara said as she stepped toward her.
“Nothing, just some asshole customer. I was just venting to Lilith,” Remy replied as she stared at me.
“Oh, Remy, this is Ravyn. Ravyn, Remy.” Kara introduced us with a huge smile, unaware we were very well acquainted.
“We know each other, Kara.” I broke the news.
Kara glared at Remy. “You know her?” she asked angrily.
“Yes. Please let me explain, Kara,” Remy pleaded.
“You all know Ravyn, don’t you?” she accused as she put the pieces together.
With a smile, I confirmed her questions. “Let’s go, Kara. This is not the place to have this discussion.”
“I thought you guys were my friends! Unbelievable!” Kara fumed as she stomped back to the elevator.
“Kara, please! I didn’t want to hurt you,” Remy said, begging Kara to understand.
“She’ll come around. Don’t worry,” I tried to assure Remy.
She looked at me like she wanted to kill me. Instead she turned, disappearing into Devlin’s place only to return with my gun belt, shoving it against my chest. “Fuck you, Ravyn! This is all your fucking fault! All you do is hurt the people around you!” Remy shouted as Devlin chuckled behind her.
Returning to the elevator, guns in hand, Kara scowled at me.
“I hope you''re going to explain that too!”
“Of course,” I replied. Silence took over on the ride down and remained until Lola returned with my car.
Kara eyed my Ferrari, then cautiously eyed me. "This is yours?" Her bewildered expression did little to hide her concern.
"Don''t worry, it''s not stolen," I assured her as I ushered her to the passenger door, opening it for her. Old habits die hard, I guess.
We sat in silence as the music played softly. I could tell she was trying to figure out what to ask first. I really just wanted her to just keep quiet, but I knew Kara couldn''t stay silent for long.
"Well, are you going to explain?” The anger and sadness rolled off of her in waves.
“Where should I start?” I asked with a grin, trying to soften her mood.
She reached over, tapping the holstered guns in my lap. “These, the car? Where the hell you’ve been? And why you left, would be a good start.” Her voice softened with sadness as she finished.
“I’m a detective. I travel the world and make a very good living doing so. Hence, the guns and the car.”
“What kind of detective makes this kind of money?”
“Very good ones,” I said with a wink.
She considered it for a moment, adjusting herself in the seat next to me so she could see me without turning her head. “Uh huh. Okay, how long have you been a detective?”
“Five years. I have also known your friends for almost six years.” My announcement had her dumbfounded as she silently thought it over for a few moments.
“Six years? Is that why you left? Why haven’t I seen you at the club before?”
“I left because my mother was murdered, Kara. Because I was too angry to be around anyone. At the time, if I had stayed, I’m afraid I would have hurt you and Emma, and not just emotionally.” I admitted a partial truth.
“But you would never hurt me,” she almost pleaded.
“At the time, I would have. I would have hated myself, but I would have hurt you anyway. I left to keep you safe.” My words seemed to strike at her very core.
"You should have said goodbye. We''ve been so worried about you,” Kara said softly.
"I can take care of myself,” I reminded her.
"Duh, but some of us didn''t have it so easy when you left. I caught a ton of grief in school when people noticed you weren''t coming back,” she replied acidly.
Again, I was struck by her pain and quickly changed the subject. "Are you dating this Matt?"
“Oh my God, no! He''s just a friend, Ravyn." She giggled as she eyed me. "Why? Are you jealous?" she teased.
I had to admit I was a bit jealous, but she didn''t need to know. "I have no reason to be jealous. You left with me, didn''t you?" I gave her a sideways grin.
When her eyes found mine her heart fluttered loudly. "I did,” she whispered as her hand wrapped around mine. "You''re colder than I remember." She smiled. “I can’t believe you’re really here. You know, I often wondered if you were even alive.”
“Here I am, alive and well, so you need not worry anymore,” I assured her.
“So you’re not going to disappear again?”
“No, I’m afraid you will be stuck with me for a while,” I joked, making her smile widen.
We rested into a comfortable silence as we drew closer to our destination; her hands stayed on my free one. Her fingers lightly glided over every inch of my fingers and palm, like she was trying to memorize every detail. Her warmth spread through my hand and up my arm, and her sweet scent filled the car, while her gentle heartbeat played like a relaxing symphony, fluttering wildly every time I moved my fingers against hers.
It was a moment I relished, a moment I wished could last a lifetime. But if life had taught me anything, it’s that great moments never last. As I pulled onto her street, I could feel the trouble stirring in the air, thanks to Nebiros and one of his many abilities. He was able to send his feelings out like little feelers and as long as I was close, I could feel what he was broadcasting. He was currently furious, his anger sprinkled with a hint of worry.
Looking at Kara, I wrapped my fingers around her hand and hit the button to roll up the dark tinted window on her side. “I need you to listen carefully,” I said calmly as I watched the smile fade from her lips.
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“Okay.”
“When we stop, you need to stay calm and trust that everything will be fine,” I instructed.
“Why wouldn’t I? Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Everything will be fine. I need you to focus on me. When I stop, you need to lean toward me. When you do, reach behind my seat and slowly take the item and hand it to me. Stay leaning toward me. Do you understand?” Panic and fear began to bubble within her, but she nodded.
“What’s happening, Ravyn?” she asked, worried.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” I smiled, doing my best to calm her.
When I parked on the street in front of the small white ranch house, her panic filled the air in the car. Kara’s eyes widened at the sight of the seven men guarding the front of the home and holding Emma hostage. They also had Nebiros.
Nebiros, my dear friend and mentor, looked like a Roman god. At six feet six inches and two hundred twenty-four pounds of solid muscle, he was spectacular. His short, sandy blond hair lay in a composed spiky mess; he had round grey eyes and a sculpted face that held his beauty in perfect proportion. His black jeans and snug white t-shirt revealed every sinew of muscle. If I had been attracted to the male species, I would have been in trouble living with Nebiros. Thankfully, he was more like a brother to me.
He was also much more powerful than me, which had me a little pissed off at his lack of fight against these half-breeds. Why the hell had he let this happen? Half-breeds are an easy kill. They are typically slower, weaker, and they have a beating heart.
Nebiros wanted this; it was clear as day as his feeling of pride washed over me. I wanted to drive off and leave Nebiros to fix this problem on his own. I had no doubt he would easily make it out alive. But it was too late; Nebiros had made the decision for me. All I could do now was what I do best.
Kara freaked as the scene came into view. She scrambled for the door handle, clawing at it trying to get out. Grabbing her arm, I jerked her away from the door handle, causing her to freeze.
“Kara, stop!" I ordered firmly. The jolt of my force shocked her, and the familiar look of fear filled her eyes. Her heart pounded frantically, reverberating through her body.
"Kara, you used to trust me long ago. I need you to trust me again. I promise your mom will be just fine, but you must do as I told you," I pleaded with her, all the while hating the fear I had caused.
Slowly she leaned in close, her lips almost touching mine as she reached behind the seat. "Good. I used to be pretty fast and strong, remember?" I asked with a smile as my hands worked my gun belt around my waist. She nodded and wiped her tears away. "You will hate me after this, but Emma will be safe and so will you,” I informed her as she passed me the shoulder harness equipped with two sheathed, twelve-inch curved daggers.
I carefully slid the harness on, letting the daggers rest at my sides. The soft leather handles angled down toward my belly button as they rested just below my breasts. The snug fit of the harness brought a feeling of instant comfort.
Ravyn? Kara’s worry entered silently into my mind.
Smiling at the long lost communication, I tucked her hair behind her ears. “Stay here,” I ordered as I kissed her forehead softly before stepping out of the car.
Glancing at the men, I noted their positions. “I don’t recognize any of you. Not from around here?” I spoke loudly so all the men, well, half-breeds, could hear me as I walked around the car, coming to a stop at the sidewalk.
“Nope. Here to collect the bounty sitting in your car,” the man on the stairs replied, his deep voice booming.
Just found the leader. Thanks dumbass. “You must be from down south,” I said, smirking.
“That’s right. Jacksonville, Florida,” he replied proudly.
“Nice down there?” I asked, acting interested.
“Yeah, better than this shit hole,” he chuckled, slowly resting his hand on the large Bowie knife strapped to his belt.
"This just happens to be my shit hole, boys. You southern fucks are all the same.” I smiled devilishly as I glanced back to see Kara watching intently.
What I was about to do would change what was left of our friendship forever. She would never look at me the same way; never have a kind word or soft touch. She would always fear me. Watching the tears spill down her cheeks, I couldn’t stall any longer. Fuck it! This line of thinking had gotten me through many tough moments in life.
Letting out a growl of anticipation, I turned suddenly and charged at the men. Running full force at the two men in front of the stairs, they stepped forward to meet me. Dropping to my knees, I pulled my two curved daggers as I slid through the soft grass between the two, slicing their thighs as I passed.
They howled in pain and fell to their knees. In mid-slide I braced my left leg in front of me as the leader prepared to strike; my foot caught the bottom stair, momentum and strength pushing me up. Slashing a dagger through the leader’s chest as I popped into the air, I spun my body around to face the men on their knees. I brought my daggers down into their backs, directly through their hearts, landing perfectly on my feet in one smooth motion.
The warm blood splattering across my arms, face and chest made me yearn for more as the remaining four attacked. Even with my “baby demon” still trapped in its cage, they were no match for me, and for the lack of fight their deaths were merciless. I stood motionless on the grassy knoll of beautifully maintained lawn, surrounded by mangled bodies. I couldn''t stop the satisfied grin that claimed my lips.
Brutal? Yes, I am. I never claimed to be anything less. I enjoy the kill, the sheer terror in my victim’s eyes, the warmth of their blood on my skin. Killing cures my anger and calms me, much like feeding from a human does, though unlike feeding, killing is a drug. The more I kill, the more I crave it.
Letting the calm satisfaction of the kill course through my veins, I abruptly remembered I had an audience. Kara was half in and half out of the car sobbing in horror, while Emma looked utterly shocked and Nebiros nodded proudly. Ignoring Kara, I cut Nebiros and Emma free. She immediately ran to Kara, collapsing by her side, embracing her daughter, trying desperately to calm her.
Turning my attention back to Nebiros, I shook my head. "You could have handled this with ease, why didn''t you fight? Why did you make me do this in front of them?"
Placing his hand on my shoulder, he squeezed tenderly. "They needed to understand the dangers."
"Not like this, Nebiros. This was not the way,” I growled angrily, pushing the body off the stairs with my foot before sitting on the top stair.
"Do not be angry at me, sister. Soon you will understand my intentions this night, and you will thank me,” he insisted softly.
"She will hate me. She will always fear me, Nebiros,” I replied. I could already feel her fear and sadness, like tiny shockwaves.
“She should fear you, should she not? You are as dangerous as those hunting her,” he stated.
I could only nod in agreement. I had left because I feared I would hurt her. Though I had more control over my thirst and power, she was still at risk around me.
Nebiros stepped off the porch and crouched in front of me. "You are angry with me, yes?"
"Very."
"Perhaps we should leave her fate to the Gods? I will not fight with you over this girl,” he said sternly.
“You have never steered me wrong, Nebiros. I trust you have a good reason for your actions here tonight. I just wasn''t expecting her to find out so soon,” I said, in my own way of apologizing for my anger toward him.
Nebiros smiled. "Truth is meant to be told, not disguised, sister. She is still unaware of your demon origins, but that is not my secret to tell. Now, she knows how dangerous you can be. She also knows you can and will always protect her. She knows this without a doubt now." He stood with a nod, revealing his reasons for his actions.
"Take them home. I''ll clean this mess,” I ordered as I lit a cigarette.
I sat staring at the blood on my hands while Nebiros tried to coax Emma and Kara into his SUV. Kara was putting up a hell of a fight. She finally broke free of her mother’s grasp and rushed to the porch, freezing midstride at the sight of blood on the stairs, or maybe it was the blood on me.
"Ravyn?" she whispered shakily.
"He is my friend, you will be safe with him. You must go now, Kara,” I said, refusing to look at her, unwilling to see the fear or hatred in her eyes.
"Why aren''t you coming? Where is he taking us?" Her voice was thick with the two emotions I didn''t want to see in her eyes.
"A very safe place, Kara. I will join you soon enough. Now go,” I said sternly. She began to back away, then paused.
"Safe from what? Who were these people, and why did they have my mom?" Kara asked desperately.
"From more men like this. I told you once I would always protect you. Do you think it’s a coincidence I show up on the same day men like these do?" I revealed yet another partial truth.
“What are you talking about, Ravyn?"
I leapt from the stairs to stand in front of her a little too quickly, causing her to flinch. "You will have your answers when you are safe. Now please go with Nebiros,” I urged.
She slowly moved back to the SUV in defeat. She stopped with her hand on the handle. Will I see you again?
Her thoughts entered my mind. "You will." I looked up, meeting her eyes.
"You will answer all of my questions?"
"Those that can be answered, yes."
Promise me, Ravyn, her thoughts begged.
"Promises mean nothing, Kara. You of all people should know this,” I reminded her coldly. With that, she got into the SUV and disappeared into the night. I had broken many of the promises I made to Kara long ago. Why she thought my promise would mean anything, I had no idea.
Feeling rather deflated I took my damn sweet time gathering the bodies, piling them in Emma''s back yard. Luckily, Emma had a bottle of lighter fluid sitting by her grill. Grabbing it, I dowsed the bodies. Tossing the empty jug into the pile, I lit the fire.
Looking at the small willow tree in the empty lot next to Emma''s, the loss of my mother cut deeply. "You made me what I am," I stated angrily, as if she were standing there judging my actions.
I locked my emotions down as I returned to the front porch. Finding the garden hose, I turned the water on and washed away the blood on the stairs before turning it to my arms and face. It felt good on my still-cool skin, so I bent over and held the hose over my head, letting the water cascade through my hair and down my neck. After cleaning my weapons and tucking them safely away, I got in my car.
The sun would be up soon. I was emotionally drained but still had business to tend to before I could rest. It was only three forty-five in the morning so Devlin''s would just be revving up with demon activities. There was one in particular I hoped to run into, especially after such a disappointing fight.
***
The atmosphere at Devlin''s club changed drastically after the official closing hour of three-thirty a.m. The red lighting remained on while the normal yellow and soft white lights were shut off, and the DJ replaced the dance music with dark seductive melodies.
The human clientele dispersed obediently. Those who were invited to remain would end up as unfortunate sex toys before becoming dinner. We demons are not shy about our bodies or discreet in our sexual activities. Most will take it where and when they can get it. I try to have more restraint than most, but I have failed on several occasions.
I stood in the dark entryway scanning the room for those with whom I had business. The scent of sex and blood was alluring, but the sight of a certain man only agitated my current mood. I glanced over to see Devlin was currently busy giving Lilith what she wanted in their corner booth while he fed from a young woman''s wrist. It was a scene that played out in several booths.
Returning my focus to the man, I strode toward the occupied booth next to the dance floor. Dagan was too busy enjoying the young woman''s oral performance while feeding from another woman sitting next to him. With a grin, I grabbed a fistful of the woman''s platinum blonde hair while she was mid-bob and yanked her to her feet. Glancing at Dagan''s large member I shoved the woman in the empty seat across from him.
"Dagan. I thought your interest lay with Kara. She''ll be so disappointed,” I said with my usual calm, cold demeanor. I had achieved my goal of pissing him off
Dagan discarded the woman he was feeding on like a rag doll. She leaned dazed in the corner of the booth. “Ravyn," he said, his hoarse voice sounding like a warning. "Your manners are still nonexistent, I see. Why are you interrupting my pleasant night?" He tucked himself back into his jeans as I calmed the platinum blonde with my pleasurable touch against her arm.
"What is your business with Kara?"
He leaned against the table, laughing at my question as he closed the gap between us. It was a statement in itself; he showed no fear of my presence. Dagan was very old and extremely powerful. Foolishly, I had never feared anyone, and I wasn''t about to start now.
"My business is none of your concern,” he replied in a long, drawn-out breath.
"Oh, but it is. Kara is under my protection. You will cease any further contact with her. You will stay far away from her, and you will keep your cronies away from her,” I warned.
Shaking his head his laughter grew loud, bellowing over the soft music. Suddenly his smile dropped to a serious scowl, and his eyes pierced mine. "You have no authority over me, baby demon. I would choose your words carefully from here on. My patience wears very thin with your intolerable arrogance. Now take your threat elsewhere." He shooed me away, eyeing me as he leaned back.
Baby fucking demon! Fucking ancient demons and their invincible attitude! "I''m not finished!" I shouted, slamming my hands onto the table, breaking it as I stood. "If I hear that you have attempted to seek her out, even tried to call her, I will end your long, miserable existence!" I threatened loudly.
I had just caught a glimpse of movement before he was on me; well, throwing me across the bar. I crashed into the array of bottles behind the bar before hitting the floor. Son of a bitch, he was fast. Oh, how I loved a good fight.
Standing, I brushed the broken glass from my hair and shoulder with a wicked smile. Dagan stood in the middle of the dance floor waiting for me to attack. Devlin quickly stepped between us, yelling at us to stop.
"Dagan, loser pays for all the damages?" I bargained, getting a happy smile in return.
“Absolutely,” he agreed.
Ready for a brawl, I hopped over the bar top, a low growl and the cracking sound of my body releasing the demon echoing in my ears.
"I will make it fair by staying in human form, baby demon." Dagan laughed as Devlin stepped out of the way, cursing my behavior not so silently.
Dagan rushed at me, but this time I was ready. Removing my coat as I spun to dodge his attack, I wrapped it around his neck as he slid past, then yanked back with all my might, pulling him off his feet. As he fell I pulled a small dagger, following his body down and plunging it into his chest as he hit the floor.
He growled as he ripped the dagger from his chest, tossing it aside with bellowing laughter that was so dark it gave me the chills. He was far from finished; my efforts had only angered him. We wrestled around the bar, punching, kicking, and clawing at each other, each of us trying to get the upper hand in the fight.
Both bloodied and battered, I finally got my claws around his neck, digging deep into his flesh as I straddled him, pinning him to the floor. He let out a muffled roar and began to shift as he released his demon. His blood ran extremely hot, almost boiling. His body grew wider and taller; his skin turned a steel-grey color.
Plunging my fingers into the girth of his neck, I was prepared to kill him if necessary. As my claws neared his spine, buried deep in his scalding hot flesh, his two long fangs gleamed in the red light. Black blood sputtered from his lips as his talon-like claws raked into the flesh of my arm, trying to break my hold. His claws ripped deeper with every pass. Feeling as though I would soon lose my arm, I jerked my hand from his neck, away from his talons.
He was on the attack immediately, kicking me off of him I slid across the floor. My ravaged arm left a trail of blood as I struggled to stop myself. Dagan rose to his feet; his neck wounds had healed completely. By the time he closed the distance between us, my own wounds were in the process and not far behind. I glared up at the towering demon who sneered at me in return.
Slowly I rose to meet his next challenge, smiling as my arm melded back together.
"Where is Kara, Halfling?"
“Safe, no thanks to you,” I retorted.
"Who do you think has been watching after her while you have been away? She belongs to me." His voice had changed; every word sounded like a hiss.
"She belongs to no one! What is it you want from her, Dagan?"
Devlin suddenly intervened before we could do any more damage. “Enough!” he roared, looking very ferocious. “Dagan, you have broken your word. Therefore, you will pay for the damages,” he ordered as Dagan returned to human form, bowing his head in agreement.
“And you!” Devlin turned, poking his finger at my chest. “I’ve had quite enough of your bullshit! You dare start another fight here again, and I will finish you myself!” he warned angrily
“Don’t you dare threaten me!” I snapped, smacking his hand away. “How could you hide this secret from me? Why didn’t you tell me Kara was a regular here? More importantly, how could you let her be a regular here!”
Devlin chuckled at my accusations as he turned his back on me. “Dagan, your time with Kara has come to an end. Now get out of my sight.” Without a single word in return, Dagan fled like a puppy with its tail tucked between its legs. I was amazed at Devlin’s power over the elder, but then again I myself had just survived the tenacious fight against him.
“You, baby demon, have the gall to be angry with me when it was you who left her to fend for herself. It was you who left her brokenhearted. You should be thanking us for picking up those shattered pieces and for watching her back when you were nowhere to be found!” Devlin said while he picked up overturned tables and chairs.
His words hit me head on like a freight train, banishing any further argument as I looked around the bar in silence. Seeing Lilith and Remy both staring at me in disbelief, my heart sank.
“Your true ability, my dear Ravyn, is to make people fall in love with you, then you destroy them for the love they feel for you,” Devlin added softly.
He had hit the nail on the head. I couldn’t even try to deny it as I looked around at the friends I had hurt in this room alone. I couldn’t bear to hear anymore from them, let alone see the hurt in their eyes, so I quickly turned and made a hasty exit.