Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

Resting his clasped hands on the office desk, Knox addressed all four sentinels as he said, “I’m hoping that at least one of you can tell me that your investigations into Sloan’s sentinels revealed something interesting about them or their abilities.”

“I spoke with my sources, some ex-members of Sloan’s lair, and even one of Sloan’s old girlfriends,” said Tanner, sprawled on the sofa. They hadn’t been alarmed by his questions; it wasn’t exactly uncommon for demons to try unearthing information on one another—it was that whole “knowledge is power” thing. “None could confirm if any of the sentinels had the ability to alter their scent or cause a heart attack.”

Beside him, Larkin blew out a breath. “Sadly, I got nothing.”

Keenan dug his flask out of his inner coat pocket. “Same here.”

Standing with his hip propped against the wall, Levi shook his head in the negative. “From what I did learn about their personalities, I’d say you could label the four sentinels Cocky, Surly, Dicey, and Robotic. The latter is Sloan’s most trusted sentinel, Colm. He’s also the one who’s typically sent to execute those who wrong the Prime. Very little is known about Colm, his roots, or his abilities.”

“Then it might be worth taking a much closer look at Colm just in case there’s something more interesting to find,” Knox mused. “Perhaps the demons that Sloan planted in our lair will have something noteworthy to tell me.”

“Do you still intend to spend some ‘quality time’ with them?” Levi asked the Prime.

“Yes, I do. Later tonight, in fact. And I plan to question them while I do.” Knox’s gaze danced from Larkin to Keenan. “After we’re done here, I want you to find and bring them both to my Chamber. There are plenty of delightfully torturous devices there that will get them talking.”

“Consider it done,” said the incubus. Larkin simply nodded.

Knox leaned back in his chair and turned his attention to Tanner. “Tell me what happened at the Damned last night.”

“I don’t have much to add to what I already told you,” said Tanner. He’d telepathed Knox and each of the sentinels the previous evening after his meeting with Maddox.

“I want all the finer details,” Knox told him.

“All right.” Once Tanner had finished recounting the events, he added, “I can’t say for sure whether Maddox was telling the truth that he didn’t broker the deal—he’s too good a liar—but I still think it’s wise to question Sheridan and Lockwood. Jolene and Ciaran are going to meet me at Urban Ink near closing time. The three of us and Devon will then go speak with Sheridan as he finishes work.”

“It’s possible that Maddox just gave you those names to divert the attention from him,” said Levi. “He’s usually not so cooperative. It makes me suspicious that he didn’t dance around your questions.”

“I wouldn’t call exchanging info for hellcat venom ‘cooperative.’” Larkin fiddled with the end her long braid. “But, yeah, I agree that he’s not normally so forthcoming.”

Keenan shrugged. “Maybe he just didn’t like the thought of having Knox and Jolene on his ass, so he didn’t bother with his usual games. Whatever the case, I agree it’s wise to speak with Sheridan and Lockwood.” His gaze cut to Tanner. “If it turns out that Maddox has you chasing shadows, it’ll become clear soon enough.”

“There’s something else,” Tanner said to Knox. “It turns out that Maddox is Raini’s anchor.”

Levi let out a low whistle. “Did they form the bond?”

“No,” replied Tanner. “She marched out of the club, and he didn’t try to stop her.”

“Do you think he’ll want to bond with her?” Levi asked no one in particular. “I mean, he rarely concerns himself with demons outside his own breed. She’s not a descendant.”

“I might have said no if I hadn’t felt the pull of the anchor bond myself,” said Knox. “It’s very strong, and his demon will no doubt be pushing him to seek her out—that’s not easy to ignore.”

Tanner rubbed at his nape. “I’m not certain he’d have much success convincing Raini to form the bond. She wasn’t whatsoever happy to learn that he was her anchor.”

“Well, if Raini and Khloë had just stayed at home like they should have, Raini might never have known about it,” clipped Keenan. “She could have lived with the bliss of ignorance. You should have sent them home, Tanner. Especially Khloë. She’s a magnet for trouble. Self-preservation is not a priority of hers at all. I don’t know how that imp has survived this long.” He took a long swig from his flask.

Larkin arched a brow at the incubus. “And just what exactly did she say when you telepathically yelled at her for turning up at the Damned?”

Keenan looked as if he’d deny having done so, but then he sighed. “She laughed and slammed a mental door on me.”

Larkin’s lips twitched. “She won’t reopen it, will she?”

“Nope.” Keenan took another long drink from his flask. “Someone needs to save her from herself.”

“Khloë’s like any imp: a law unto—”

“Can we stop talking about her?” Keenan complained. “I say we talk about Tanner—it’s obvious he got laid last night. It’s written all over him.”

Tanner shot the incubus a narrow-eyed glare.

Larkin huffed. “I’m offended that you think I’d be so easily distracted, Keenan.” But she was eyeing Tanner curiously. “Yeah, you got laid all right. Was it Eleanor?”

Mouth setting into a slash of distaste, Tanner replied, “No.”

“Well, you’d better warn whoever it was that Eleanor might confront them over it, since she won’t want someone affecting her plans for you,” the harpy advised.

Tanner stilled. “If she tries that shit, she’s dead.”

Larkin sat up straight, smiling. “Whoa, whoa, whoa … You’re protective of this mystery girl, huh? In that case, she must be part of our lair. The only female outside of our lair that you’re protective of is …” She trailed off, eyes widening. “Oh my God, you slept with Devon.”

Fuck.Hey, Tanner had no problem admitting it happened. He just had no wish to discuss it with anyone—it was between him and his hellcat.

Keenan snorted. “Their demons would fight to the death before they’d allow that to happen.” But when Tanner didn’t argue with Larkin’s claim, the incubus gaped. “Oh my God, you slept with Devon.”

Levi’s brow wrinkled. “But … your hound and her feline are natural enemies.”

“They have something in common, though—they’re both protective of Devon,” said Tanner. “Her feline sees me as an ally and senses that Devon’s safe with me.”

“Still, I wouldn’t have thought that—” Knox broke off as his phone rang. He fished the cell out of his pocket and frowned at the screen. “Well, this is a surprise.” Instead of elaborating, he answered the call.

Like the other sentinels, Tanner fell quiet as Knox—Larkin’s mind touched his. So, what’s next for you and Devon? I’m hoping you’re not going to say it was just a one-night stand.

And this was why Tanner hadn’t wanted to share what had happened with the sentinels; he’d known that at least one of them would stick their nose in. You usually don’t take an interest in my sex life.

Your sex life doesn’t usually include Devon, who I consider a friend. I just want to be sure you’re not going hurt her, that’s all.

Anger edged his words as he echoed, Hurt her?

Come on, Tanner, you have to admit that you don’t have a good track record with the female persuasion. You run at any sign of emotion. Kind of like mascara.

Tanner felt a muscle in his cheek jump.

Hey, I’m not judging,Larkin hurried to add. It’s not like you’re the only guy who avoids relationships—

Devon and I could neverhave a relationship, Tanner cut in. She’s a hellcat, I’m a hellhound; our demons would never take each other as mates. It wasn’t just that their kinds were mortal enemies, it was that the hound would never see a hellcat as its equal. And he strongly doubted that Devon’s feline would ever feel safe enough with a hellhound to accept it as a partner.

So, no, they didn’t have a future. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t enjoy the “now.” He wasn’t sure how easy it would be to convince Devon of that, though. She was skittish around him, and his dominant nature often rubbed her up the wrong way. But he could be patient when it came to hunting prey—it was what he did best.

Larkin’s sigh drifted into his head. I just want you to—

This isn’t your business, Lark, he clipped.

You’re like a brother to me, and Devon’s my friend.

Still not your business. This is between me and her.

Just then, Knox ended the call, his face hard, his eyes darkening with a growing anger. “That was Muriel Tipton.”

Tanner blinked. It had been a very long time since he’d heard that name. Muriel and her brother, Dale, had stayed at Ramsbrook House as children. “What did she want?”

Knox took in a long breath through his nose. “Dale’s dead.”

The news was like a bomb, and pure silence hit the room.

“She called to give me a heads-up because she didn’t want us to hear through the grapevine,” Knox added. “He was mutilated, like Harry. Exactly like Harry. His eyes, ears, and tongue were removed. He was even posed the same way—sitting against the wall, legs crossed, holding the parts of him that had been removed.”

Straightening, Tanner spat a vicious curse, his blood boiling with fury. “When did it happen?”

Knox placed his cell on the desk. “Last night.”

“Can we visit the scene?” asked Levi.

Knox shook his head. “It’s already been cleared up by her Prime.” He drummed his fingers hard on the desk. “That’s two people from Ramsbrook who’ve been killed, and both were killed in the exact same way. I’m not inclined to think that’s a coincidence.”

Neither was Tanner. He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his thighs. “We need to find out if Dale and Harry were in contact with each other—it’s possible that they reconnected and worked on something together that got them both killed. They were good friends at Ramsbrook.”

Knox pursed his lips. “It’s possible. Muriel might know if they were in touch.” He smoothly stood. “I think we need to pay her a visit.”

Tanner had half-expected Muriel to claim she wasn’t in the mood for visitors, but she didn’t object to them appearing at her home. Antonio, a member of their Force, teleported Knox, Tanner, and Levi to her hallway before then teleporting himself back to the Underground.

Muriel was waiting for them. He remembered her as a frumpy, shy little girl who’d trusted only her brother. A brother who’d fiercely protected her, particularly since she’d sat low on the power spectrum as a child. A brother she’d now tragically lost in the worst possible way.

She was no longer weak—Tanner could sense that easily enough. But then, psi-shields were rarely weak when fully grown. The problem for them was that their abilities were usually only defensive. Muriel was impervious to psychic attacks or intrusions, which was no small thing, since demons were predominantly psychic creatures. But that wouldn’t help her in a physical battle.

Face pale and puffy, eyes red-rimmed and raw, she invited them into a small but cozy living room. Although it was warm, she was wrapped up tight in a long, fleecy robe and thick socks. As if unable to ward off a chill.

Her wan smile flickered. “You all look well.” She gestured at the sofa. “Sit down. Please.”

Knox and Tanner sat, but Levi took up a position against the wall.

She twisted her fingers together. “Would you like coffee or something?”

“No, thank you, we’re good,” said Knox, flicking a look at the barely touched sandwich on the table that was set next to a mostly full cup of stale coffee.

Muriel sat gingerly in the armchair and slid her hands loosely onto her lap. “I’m afraid I’m not great company right now.”

“We won’t take up much of your time,” Knox assured her. “We’re sorry to hear about what happened to Dale.”

Drawing her arms closer to her body, she pressed her trembling lips together. “It still hasn’t quite sunk in. I guess I don’t really want it to.”

Shit, Tanner felt for her. He’d never experienced that sort of grief. Or, at least, he didn’t recall doing so. He’d been only two-years-old when his parents were killed; he had no memories of his life before being dumped at the home.

“I appreciate you telling me yourself rather than letting me hear it from someone else,” said Knox.

“You were always good to him,” she said. “I’ll need to call a few others to pass on the news. I’m not even sure where they all are. Dale didn’t stay in contact with many people.”

“Give me a list of people you’d like notified, and I’ll find out their contact information and pass on the news for you.”

She offered Knox a shaky smile. “Thank you. I heard you’re mated now; that you have a son. Dale almost mated a few years ago, but it didn’t work out. Not that I’m insinuating his ex-girlfriend had anything to do with his death,” she hastily added. “No, she would never have done such a thing.” Her dull eyes filled with tears. “He didn’t deserve what happened to him, Knox.”

“No, he didn’t.”

“No one deserves that.” Her whole posture seemed to crumple. She covered her mouth with her palm and bit back a sob. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

She tipped her head back and blinked hard, as if to fight off the tears. “I just can’t understand it. God, he must have been so afraid. And in so much pain.” A breath shuddered out of her, and she met Knox’s gaze again. “The things I told you the killer did to him … they did it before they killed him. Who would do something like that? Who could do such despicable things? And why Dale?”

“Your Prime has no suspects?”

She gave a sad shake of her head. “He had no enemies. No crazy exes. All I can think is that it was some sort of indirect attack on our Prime; a way to get at him. But why use Dale? He’s not a sentinel or even a member of our Force. He didn’t hold a position within the lair.”

Knox tilted his head. “Do you remember Harry Tomlinson? He was at Ramsbrook with us.”

Her brows flicked together. “Little Harry. Yes, I remember.”

“He was killed a few days ago. Killed in the exact same way as Dale.”

She stared at Knox, her face slack. “But that’s …Why? Why would someone do that?”

“That’s what we’re hoping to find out.” Knox leaned forward. “Was Dale in contact with Harry?”

She blinked. “No.”

“You’re certain?”

“Absolutely. He would have told me.”

Knox twisted his mouth. “Somebody felt they both needed to die, and my only theory is that they were being silenced; that they both knew something they weren’t meant to know.”

Muriel shook her head again. “They weren’t in contact recently, Knox. I’d have known if they were.” Her eyes filled again. “I don’t know why someone would hurt them like that.”

“Neither do I.” Knox straightened in his seat. “But I’ll find out who did it.”

“And you’ll kill them?”

Jaw set, he gave a slow nod. “And I’ll kill them.”

*

Devon’s eyes briefly darted to the clock that hung on the wall of what she called “the piercings room.” It was almost closing time, which meant Jolene, Ciaran, and Tanner would be meeting her in the reception area soon.

The guy perched on the edge of the bed in front of her had walked in, all arrogance and boldness, as he declared what he wanted. The more she briefed him on the piercing, the less inclined the gargoyle seemed to be on having it done.

“There are many kinds of penis piercings,” she told him. “Some are more painful than others. Some enhance sexual stimulation while others can make certain sex positions uncomfortable.”

He swallowed. “How uncomfortable?”

“It differs from person to person. Some piercings heal in a short space of time, others take between four to six months to heal.”

His eyes went wide. “Six months?”

“Yes. During that period, you can’t have sex, masturbate, or engage in any other form of sexual stimulation.”

His mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding. I didn’t—”

The door opened, and Tanner poked his big fat head inside like he had every right. Oh, he could not be believed.

She gave him a sickly sweet smile. “Can I help you with something?”

His eyes sliced to the male on the bed and then back to her. “I need a word, kitten.”

“I’m busy here, as you can see.”

The gargoyle practically jumped off the bed. “It’s fine, I can come back later.” Going by the way he scampered out of the room, Devon figured it was unlikely he’d be back.

Tanner strode inside and picked up the leaflet the gargoyle had left on the bed. His gaze snapped to hers and darkened with something that made her pulse quicken. “You are not piercing that guy’s cock.” It wasn’t an angry statement. It was flat. Calm. Resolute. Left no room for argument.

Devon’s brow hiked up. “Excuse me?”

Tanner slowly prowled into her personal space, oozing menace even as he said softly, “You heard me just fine.”

“Oh, I heard you, I’m just struggling to understand why you’re spouting shit.”

He put his face closer to hers. “I don’t want you touching some stranger’s cock, no matter the reason.” The dark, velvety whisper slithered down her spine, leaving a pleasant tingle in its wake. It also pissed her off, because it fairly vibrated with possessiveness.

“You do realize I’ve done this type of piercing before, right? It’s sort of my job.”

A muscle in his cheek ticked. “It’s not a type you’ll be doing again.”

“Do I venture down to the strip club on Friday nights and tell you how to swing on your pole? No. So don’t tell me how to do my job.”

Tanner almost laughed. Only she could make him switch from angry to amused so fast. Only her. And fuck if she wasn’t cute when she jutted out her chin and gave him that princess to peasant look.

His hound technically should have bristled at her attitude—particularly since said attitude came from what it viewed as a lesser demon—but the hound found her ballsy defiance somewhat entertaining. Not a lot amused the demon.

Holding her gaze, Tanner gently shackled her wrists and circled her pulse points with his thumbs. “The only cock these hands should be touching is mine.” She didn’t lift her chin defiantly. Didn’t snap at him. Didn’t even appear to bristle. She just looked back at him, as if utterly bored. It was a look that said, “Not sure why we’re having this conversation because no amount of dictating to me will ever get you what you want.” Yeah, he was beginning to realize that.

Devon sucked in a breath as he placed the palm he’d marked right over his dick. It was hard and throbbing within the confines of his jeans. And as he curled her fingers around the shaft as best he could, she felt an answering tingle in her clit.

Devon didn’t blush or snatch her hand back. She looked him dead in the eye, because fuck if she’d let him ruffle her. “You don’t want to push me too hard, pooch,” she warned, loading the latter word with condescension. She squeezed his cock just shy of pain.

He grunted, and a small smile curled his lips. “You can make that up to me later. With your mouth.”

She pulled her hands free and planted them on her hips. “Keep dreaming, asshole. Now don’t we have somewhere we need to be?”

“Yes,” he said, taking her hand again. “We do.”