Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

AH, IT'S ANOTHER DAY FULL OF POTENTIAL FOR CHAOS AND DESTRUCTION.

I stomped forward and shoved my finger into his chest. "One of these days you're going to fling your alpha attitude too far and I'm going to lose my shit. It's one thing to actively try to protect me… it's another to keep me in the dark and claim it's for protection."

Trux cupped the back of my head and crushed his lips against mine. The kiss was brutal… devastating as he simultaneously claimed me while marking me as his. He didn't relent until my knees were trembling and my head floated into the clouds. "I'm sure you'll try to make me regret it, but remember this mate… you're ours to protect. Until then, we have to go save your idiot mate before he does something neither Seph nor I can fix."

I wanted to ask what he meant, but I knew he wouldn't answer. Panic swirled in my chest as I watched Trux's jaw clench, his eyes cold and focused. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number without breaking eye contact.

"Listen," he growled into the phone, "we need to talk. I've got Parker here with me, but I won't bring her to you unless we come to an agreement."

My heart pounded in my ears as I stared at him, trying to gauge what he was about to do. Rhiot had slipped back into the room at some point and stood nearby, his eyes filled with concern. I clenched my fists, feeling the terrifying burn of my demonic powers stirring beneath my skin. Forcing my lungs to expand, I took a breath to try to prevent the demonic chaos that might erupt from me.

"Absolutely not," Trux barked, his voice like gravel. "You don't get to dictate the terms of her return. She comes back on our conditions, or you'll never see any of us again."

The person on the other end must have suggested something Trux didn't like because his eyes narrowed dangerously. The room's temperature dropped a few degrees.

"Unacceptable," he spat. "She stays with us, protected by our team, and we continue our mission together. That's the only way this goes down."

Tension filled the air, thick and suffocating. A sliver of panic slid through my nerves, eliciting a reaction from Cerbie. He wriggled on my skin, making me itch. With a deep breath, I mentally chanted that everything would be fine and there was no reason for Cerbie to pop out and ruin the moment. Between the demonic tattoos and my own demonic power, I felt like a ticking time bomb.

"Trust me," Trux continued, his voice low and threatening. "You don't want to do that. Especially when it comes to my team or our mate. You know what I'm capable of."

As I listened to Trux fight for me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude mixed with fear. Was he putting himself in danger for my sake? What if they retaliated against him? I caught Rhiot's gaze, and he offered a small reassuring smile, though his eyes never left Trux.

"Fine," Trux finally said, his voice heavy with satisfaction. "We'll see you soon."

"What did you agree to?" I whispered, frustrated that my voice was shaking.

He hung up the phone and turned to me, his icy eyes now filled with warmth. "You're staying with us, Parker. No one's going to hurt you or force you away from our team."

A wave of relief washed over me, but it was quickly followed by a nagging worry. What had he done? What would the consequences be?

Rhiot appeared behind me, his arms wrapping around me and giving me the strength I didn't realize I needed. He nuzzled my neck while his fingers stroked my arm reassuringly.

"Thank you." I murmured to Rhiot before turning my attention back to Trux. "I don't know what that means."

"It means we will do whatever it takes to keep you safe," Trux replied, his voice dark and determined. "And if they try anything, they'll have to deal with me and the rest of the team."

Rhiot murmured in my ear. "They won't stand a chance."

Fear battled with desire in my chest as I looked into Trux's fierce, protective gaze. How could someone so dangerous make me feel so secure? I mean, sure, the incessant possessiveness irritated me beyond belief, but deep down I felt he didn't do it to be controlling. He wanted to make sure I was safe.

"Thank you," I breathed, feeling the weight of their promise settle over me like a warm embrace.

"Don't thank me yet," Trux warned, his voice tinged with foreboding. "Nothing about what happens next will be easy."

My heart hammered in my chest as I raised my hand, calling my demonic power to summon one of my demons currently in tattoo form. The dark ink of Cerbie's tattoo form pulsated against my skin, begging for release. Mephistral's presence lurked within me, not as strong as the hellhound. They both felt my surge of power and awaited my command. "I summon you, Mephistral."

A puff of acrid smoke filled the air, and the tiny demon materialized before us, a grotesque blend of shadows and malevolence. The scent of sulfur and decay clung to him like a shroud, burning my nose while somehow also comforting me. He felt like distant kin. His glowing red eyes gleamed with mischief as he looked around, clearly pleased to have been called upon. There was a twinge of sadness that slid through me from Cerbie as he felt unnecessary.

"Ah, it's another day full of potential for chaos and destruction." Mephistral crooned, his voice dripping with honeyed venom. "What can I destroy for you today?"

My stomach churned at the sound of his voice, but I forced myself to meet his gaze. "We need to get closer to the training facility, quickly."

"Is that all?"

"Yep. Just snap your fingers and transport us there, please. I've been there before." Despite that I knew he'd pledged his fealty to me and bonded himself to me as his demon lord, I couldn't help but suspect he was up to something mischievous… or worse.

Mephistral asked, feigning innocence as a wicked grin spread across his face. "Very well, gather round, everyone."

Trux and Rhiot exchanged wary glances before reluctantly stepping closer to the demon. I felt Trux's strong arm wrap around my waist, pulling me against him, and the tension between us was palpable. His breath tickled my ear, sending shivers down my spine, and I tried to focus on anything other than the heat radiating from his body.

Then Rhiot boxed me in, his body sandwiching me between him and Trux. Their scents engulfed me, setting my body on fire. Every time they did this, I couldn't stop myself from imagining the same particular fantasy… what it would be like to have them both at the same time. It was scandalous, but also enticing. Maybe when we weren't on the verge of something disastrous, I could mention it to them. See how they felt about it? Until then, I needed to stay focused. Besides, I wouldn't risk messing up the mate bond with Rhiot like I had with Ryker.

"Ready?" Mephistral asked, his tone mocking. My attention snapped back to reality. Grayson and Kearan were standing close as well.

"Get on with it." Trux growled, his grip tightening around me.

With a malevolent cackle, Mephistral snapped his fingers, and the world around us warped and twisted. My stomach lurched, and I clenched my teeth to keep from vomiting. As we reappeared, I blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to our new surroundings.

"Here we are," Mephistral announced, smirking as he surveyed the area. "Well, as close as I could get you, anyway."

"Close as you could get us?" Trux snarled, releasing my waist and stepping forward to confront the demon. Since Mephistral had taken demon form as only two feet tall, the sight of Trux growling down at the demon was almost comical. "What do you mean?"

"Anti-demon wards," Mephistral explained with a shrug, his eyes flicking over to me. "Seems like they're not a fan of demons."