10. Flame

My beast growlsfrom deep within, not liking this Emissary one bit. He's an outsider. An intruder. A creature of unknown origin. And everything about him smells wrong.

Alina shifts slightly in my arms, her dark eyes showcasing a myriad of emotions.

She's not scared, but she's not comfortable either.

The bruise on her throat becomes more apparent as she stretches her neck in an attempt to see around Orcus and Reaper. I nearly growl at the sight, ready to turn around and rip her assailant's head from his body.

But that would require setting my little panther down and leaving her temporarily unguarded.

Not an option.

Not with the potential threat standing a mere ten feet away.

His green eyes blink, displaying a pair of double eyelids that are distinctly inhuman. Although, the rest of him is every bit mortal-esque. Two legs. Two arms. Standard torso. However, the green eyes paired with his dark skin is a striking combination. As is the shock of white hair on top of his head.

"Our Queen wishes to meet with you," Emissary Jones goes on, his odd gaze flicking to me before returning to Orcus. "She's arranged a suite for you in her tower, should you opt to remain in our realm for an extended visit."

My jaw ticks at the request. Mostly because this doesn't sound like a request at all. It's a veiled offer to play nice with the local politics. A way of saying, Yeah, we know you're here. We also know you don't belong here. But we'll let you stay, if you agree to our terms.

"And if we opt not to extend our visit?" Orcus asks, his tone bored. However, I can feel his power whirling around him, preparing to strike should the need arise.

Jones doesn't respond right away, his gaze instead choosing to take in the corridor—including both of the dead bodies and the bound human weeping a few feet to my right.

"It is actually illegal to kill humans in Monster City," Jones says conversationally, his focus shifting to Reaper.

The Death Fae merely shrugs. "Black souls are fair game in our realm."

Jones gives a short nod. "Yes, well, you're visiting our realm. The rules are different here."

"So the Queen wishes to bestow judgment upon us?" Orcus interjects, his tone telling me he has one eyebrow arched at the unknown supernatural. It's a challenge. And what? You think we'll just… cooperate? is what he really means.

However, Jones simply laughs in response. "Oceans, no. The circumstances are understandable."

Oceans?That's a new one. Maybe this guy is some sort of water creature.

"That said, understanding often requires a conversation," he goes on, his tone no longer amused. "So should your realm wish to maintain good status for future returns, I would very much recommend taking the Queen up on her offer."

And there it is—the political reason for this "request."

Orcus's jaw has to be clenching right now, something I can't see from behind him but know he's doing. Because he hates politics. That's why he leaves Hades to run the Netherworld. His brother has a natural knack for handling conversations like this one.

Meanwhile, Orcus is more of an enforcer type. Just like me and Reaper.

We don't dance around with fancy words and bullshit conversations. We act. We fight. We kill. Hence the reason Reaper delivered justice to those assholes without even blinking. And I would have done the same to the bastard on the floor had Orcus not pointed out Alina's right to choose her assailant's death.

"Where's the Queen's tower?" Orcus asks, his voice carefully controlled.

"Toward the center of the city," Jones replies with a smile. "I would be happy to escort you there."

Another demand veiled as an offer, I think, not liking this guy one bit.

But if our realm wants to maintain good status, we'll have to take him up on the offer. And given that our work here hasn't even begun, we need to play nice.

Plus, we have Alina to consider now. While she's currently content in my arms, I know it's the pheromones dulling her reactions. She was practically drunk on Orcus's Alpha scent, and now she's eagerly inhaling mine.

The poor sweetling has no idea what's happening to her.

I can't help my animal's reaction to her any more than she can help her reaction to me, but at least I understand this attraction thriving between us.

It's a natural response to a compatible mate, something I've never experienced before. However, I grew up witnessing it between others and have spent over a millennium searching for someone who calls to my beast the way Alina is doing now.

Orcus is different, yet similar. His Alpha soul requires an Omega, and apparently he's found that in this little human.

How that's possible, I don't know.

But the Omegas of his kind have all gone missing. Finding one in this realm only furthers the importance of following this world's rules.

"We would be honored to be the Queen's guests," Orcus says as though he's just come to the same conclusion as I have.

Jones grins like he's just won a prize. "I thought you might feel that way."

Reaper snorts, not bothering to hide his distrust or dislike of this creature. If it offends the other man, he doesn't show it.

Instead, he adds, "If you'll leave the human there, I'll see to it that he's properly contained. You can discuss your wishes for him with Queen Helia. Again, given the circumstances, I'm sure she'll understand your desire to rid our world of his black soul." Those last two words seem to be aimed at Reaper.

The Death Fae simply snorts again, clearly unimpressed.

"Fine," Orcus agrees. "Lead the way, Emissary Jones."

I readjust Alina in my arms, preparing to carry her to wherever we're going. Her corset seems a bit tight, making me concerned about her comfort. Her skirts are also rather bulky, but she appears to be too lost in her thoughts to focus on her physical condition.

If I were to guess, I would say she's trying to clear her head. Some part of her has to know that she's acquiescing a little too eagerly. It's very unlike the woman I observed through that portal window, the one who held her head high as she approached the stage.

She'd been practically daring fate to fuck with her.

Now, however, she's simply submitting to her future.

Unfortunately, the pheromones won't dissipate. If anything, they'll only intensify.

But there are ways to help her regain control of her own mind. Once we're alone, we'll help her voice her thoughts. Consent is vital in a mating. And while her body might be practically rolling over in acceptance right now, I'm certain the woman inside her is screaming in protest.

This is too fast.

Too foreign.

Too overwhelming.

She's not like me and Orcus. She hasn't spent her whole life searching for a compatible soul. Patience will be key here.

Patience and understanding. As well as a hint of seduction. And maybe some light petting.

My inner jaguar purrs in delight at that last bit, his desire to pet and lick an all-consuming need that has me tightening my grip on Alina. Her eyes find mine in response, those dark orbs full of confusion.

"I know this doesn't make sense to you," I tell her softly as we start walking down the hallway. "But I'll try to help you understand."

She swallows, her gaze slipping to my mouth before slowly traveling back upward. "H-how? How will you help?"

"By answering any questions you ask," I say. "And giving you time to adjust."

Because now that we have her, we won't want to let her go.

She's too unique. Too perfect. Too ours.

We'll do whatever we can to ensure she doesn't reject us. I don't even need to talk to Orcus to know he feels the same way.

Reaper, however, may feel differently. He would never force himself on Alina. But his mating instincts vary from mine and Orcus's. I'm not even sure if he feels a pull toward Alina. He might be completely indifferent.

Although, the way he went after those dark souls makes me wonder. He usually revels in his kills by drawing out the meal and prolonging the torture. However, he ended those assholes in a blink, then instantly shifted his focus to her.

Alina.

The gorgeous little rebel in my arms.

She's looking around in a daze, an adorable frown marring her brow. There are supernaturals everywhere, most of them smiling and talking animatedly to humans. There are a few mortals who appear frightened, their eyes darting from side to side as creatures of the night speak to them in gentle tones.

This certainly isn't the fuck fest I pictured when Orcus told me and Reaper about Monsters Night. The scene now reminds me of the bride mixers that Lucifer has hosted for his eligible Hell Fae. Everyone is being courteous, not pushy. Just chatting like one would on a date.

Only, this is no ordinary dating game. These creatures will claim their potential mates by the end of the night and drag them back to their home realms. Fortunately, most of the humans look accepting of that fate.

Unless they're drunk on pheromones, too,I think, glancing down at Alina. She probably wouldn't protest if we took her back to the Netherworld in this state.

But I suspect that once her sense of reasoning returned, she would very likely hate us for it.

Which makes prolonging our stay here a benefit.

Because I want a willing mate, not a resentful one.

Her pretty eyes dance around, taking in the unique scenery as we make our way back to the city center. Times Square, I recognize. Except it's nothing like the Times Square of our Human Realm. No billboards. No flashy lights. Just large tree-like buildings littered with glass windows.

Clean energy.

Clean streets.

Clean everything.

The tower Jones leads us to is no different. He's at the front of the group, giving Reaper and Orcus a grand tour, having explained the city layout while we walked. I've not listened to a word, but I start paying attention now as we move through a security checkpoint.

"This is just a precaution," he explains. "Queen Helia values the privacy of her guests, so only those invited into the Queen's tower may enter."

"And are those who enter also permitted to leave?" Reaper drawls, his tattoos whirling along his arms in clear agitation.

My panther paces inside, feeling that unease and forcing me to take in every angle of the lobby. Cameras. Everywhere. Guards, too.

Power hums through the three-story room, causing the hairs along the back of my neck to dance. I'm starting to understand why Hades insisted his brother take me and Reaper with him to this realm.

However, Orcus remains the epitome of nonchalance, his shoulders relaxed, his spine straight, his hands loose at his sides.

Of course, he has the ability to create a portal on a whim and take us home in a flash.

I suppose if I possessed that talent, I would also feel pretty at ease in this situation.

"You are allowed to come and go as you please," Jones answers Reaper, his grin displaying a pair of dimples as his double eyelids flicker strangely. "But you will be asked for an eye scan before you leave, just so security can identify you upon your return."

"Hmm," Reaper hums, taking in the men near the scanning machines.

I can already hear him saying, That's never going to happen.

Because I feel the same way.

But we'll jump that hurdle when it appears.

Jones doesn't seem to notice our resistance, instead opting to continue with his tour by pointing out the various tower amenities.

"There are five restaurants on the main level," he informs us, gesturing to an archway with inviting confetti decorating the metallic siding. "The menus are extensive and feature anything from traditional human fare to dehydrated bone to orc stew."

"What about dark souls?" Reaper asks, being his usual sarcastic self. "Is that on the menu? Or do I need to go retrieve the one we left tied up in that building?"

Jones blinks at him. "I will… talk to the chef about your needs and see what we can prepare."

A chuckle tickles my chest, causing Alina to look at me with her inquisitive gaze. "Dark souls can't be prepared," I whisper to her. "They can only be consumed during active death."

Her nose crinkles. "Oh."

"Stop scaring her, Flame," Orcus tells me.

"I'm not scaring her. I'm just explaining the situation and why I find it amusing that Jones here thinks his chef can properly meet Reaper's needs." I stare down at Alina once more. "It's impossible. He's insatiable and impossible to satisfy."

"Now that's just not true," Reaper interjects, a hand covering his heart. "I'm certain Alina would satisfy me just fine."

"Stop," Orcus cuts in before I can respond to that. "Take us to our room. We'll learn about your amenities later."

His authoritative tone has Jones swallowing, his vibrant eyes bouncing between the three of us before looking at Alina. "Consent is important in Monster City."

"Another rule?" Reaper drawls. "And what happens when one is taken without consent?"

"Reaper," Orcus warns.

"What?" he asks with false innocence. "Those dark souls were trying to take Alina without her consent. But this guy says it's illegal to kill humans. So what punishment should they have received for their actions?"

Death, I think. No other option.

"That's a conversation for Queen Helia," Jones says, his tone indicating his discomfort. But after a beat, he clears his throat and smiles. "I'll just show you to your room. She can tell you about our other amenities, like the rooftop recreation area, the underground pool, and our other dining establishments."

He wanders over to the elevator bay while Reaper smirks at his back. "More dehydrated bones and orc stew?"

Jones presses the button before replying, "Yes, actually. As well as lava drinks, catermines, and bulbas fruitas."

I have no idea what those things are, and I know Reaper doesn't either, yet he smiles widely and gives Jones an enthusiastic nod. "Can't wait to try them, old chap."

This time, my chuckle reaches my throat and escapes through my mouth. Reaper's take on an English accent—which Jones has—is atrocious.

But the old chap doesn't appear to care or notice. He simply escorts us into the elevator and peeks over at Alina again.

However, her gaze is on my lips, something I definitely don't mind. I smile down at her. "Comfortable, little panther?"

Her nose scrunches. "Why do you keep calling me that?" Her voice is like music to my ears, the raspy quality from earlier seeming to have diminished a bit. However, her wince tells me her throat still hurts.

Definitely deserved death,I think, recalling the assholes who tried to hurt her. If Helia disagrees about the main assailant, then we might have a problem during this future conversation.

But that's a problem for later.

Right now, I have a sweet little panther's question to answer. "Because you remind me of a panther."

"A big cat?"

"A lethal cat," I correct her. "Sly. Beautiful. Sleek. Strong."

Her brow furrows, providing me with a glimpse of that adorable little frown line again. "But you don't know me."

"Maybe not," I agree. "But my jaguar senses his equal in you."

"Jaguar?"

"Yes. My inner beast. My other half." I dip my head down so our faces are close as the elevator doors open on some unnamed floor. "I'm part Shifter Fae."

"Shifter Fae," she echoes. "I don't know what that means."

"It means I can shift into an animal," I explain. "Specifically, a black jaguar."

I give her a moment to digest that information as I step into the hallway.

Orcus gives me a disapproving look, likely because he thinks I've ignored his order not to scare her. But Alina needs to know these things about us to understand us. And I don't see any issue with revealing details about myself. That's my choice, not his.

"Shifter Fae," she says again, glancing at Orcus and Reaper.

"No, I'm the only Shifter Fae here," I tell her, not wanting her to think Orcus and Reaper are the same. "They're different types of fae."

"Fae." She seems to be tasting the word on her tongue.

"Yes. Fae," Reaper affirms. "Not monsters."

Jones glances at him with interest, but Orcus steps into his view. "Which room is ours?"

The Emissary clears his throat, obviously uncomfortable with Orcus's dominance. "This way, sir."

I swear the guy skips a little, like he's forcing himself to walk when all he really wants to do is run. Orcus often has that effect on others.

Alina studies the metallic walls as we wander down the corridor, her gaze occasionally drifting upward. I follow her glance to see what she's intrigued by and notice the vine-like lights decorating the ceiling. It's actually rather pretty.

The pattern continues all the way to the end and stops at a double door with a sign hanging above it that reads, Guest Suite 4747.

Jones gives us the code and steps aside for Orcus to key it in.

The Alpha doesn't hesitate, but I tighten my grip on Alina, ready to sprint away at the first inkling of trouble.

Except all that greets us inside is a stunning view of Monster City through a huge glass wall.

In front of it is a living area with tons of cushions and ornate furniture, the setup seeming to sink into the plush carpeted floor.

"There's a kitchen and dining area to the left," Jones says. "The main master suite is to the right. I believe the accommodations will suit your party size."

"Oh?" Reaper slips inside, his tattoos swirling menacingly along his arms as he disappears from my view.

Jones clears his throat once more. "There's information inside on how to ring for room service. I'm sure your human is hungry."

"Alina," Orcus says. "Our human is named Alina."

"Right. Yes. Of course, sir." Jones gives an awkward bow. "I'll just leave you all to be acquainted. Queen Helia will be in touch sometime tomorrow. Oh, and, if you need anything else, dial zero."

With that, he steps away.

And basically jogs down the hall.

"He started off so confident," I muse, my attention slowly returning to Orcus. "I wonder what scared him off." I pair the fake innocence in my tone with a batting of my eyelashes.

Orcus grunts. "Bring Alina inside and set her down. I need you to sniff out any bugs in the room."

He doesn't wait for me to agree, just follows Reaper's path and leaves me in the doorway with Alina.

"I realize this is all probably overwhelming, but you're safe with us," I promise her. "And if at any point you need a moment, just say it. We'll give you whatever you need. Okay?"

She swallows.

Then she nods.

But I can tell by the glimmer of uncertainty in her gaze that she doesn't believe me.

I don't blame her. If I were in her position, I wouldn't believe me either.

Trust takes time.

It's also best acquired through actions, not words.

Orcus's surveillance request is going to have to wait. Once Alina is settled, I'll sweep the room for listening devices.

First, I'll see to Alina's comfort.

We'll start with food.

Afterward, I'll help her remove this archaic dress.

And then, I'll brush her pretty hair. Because this tousled mess on her head looks very uncomfortable.

"Let's find the menus," I tell her. "I'm starving."