Blood of the Demon (37 page)

“Do not make idle threats,” the Councilman hissed. “We know you would not abandon your fellow Earth dwellers to a fate such as this.”

Brynn fought a tendril of fear. “You don’t know anything,” she said coldly. “I don’t have any family left on Earth. I don’t care what happens there. The only way I’ll call the zombies off is if you honor my requests.”

“You insolent—”

The Councilman broke off, and his eyes darted sideways. The chorus of whispers grew to a loud crescendo as his eyes grew wider. “Councilwoman,” he stuttered. “What an unexpected surprise.”

“Give it a rest.” The voice was unmistakably feminine, angry, and strangely familiar. Out of nowhere, another pair of eyes appeared next to the Councilman’s, but these were human-looking. “Council members, you dared try to keep this incident a secret from me?”

The whispers erupted.

Keegan chuckled. He leaned toward Brynn. “It appears that Earth’s Grand Council member has just discovered what’s been going on behind her back.”

Brynn gave him an incredulous look. “You mean they never told her?”

“Silence,” the Councilwoman spat, her tone brooking no argument. The chorus fell silent. Her gaze moved to Brynn. There was something so familiar about it. Almost like she’d seen those eyes on television before. Wait, was that... could that be—?

“Speak, madam,” the Councilwoman said to her. Her tone, far kinder that that of the Councilman’s, filled Brynn with hope. “What requests must be honored in order for you to call off the army?”

Brynn tried to calm her racing heart. “I want your word that I won’t be harmed.”

“Done,” the Councilwoman said.

“I also want Keegan and his brothers to live on Earth.”

Keegan sucked in his breath, and Brynn clasped his hand. He held on tight, as if every nerve in his body was tightly wound in anticipation of what the Council would say.

The Councilwoman’s eyes twinkled, possibly with amusement. She glanced back and forth at the invisible Council members until finally, she turned back to Brynn. “Keegan and his brothers are valued employees of the Council. Would they be willing to continue as
Detainors
here on Earth?”

Keegan gulped. “We would be honored to do so.”

The Councilwoman nodded. “Then it’s done.”

“One more thing,” Brynn said. Maybe she was pushing her luck, but she was going for it.

“Yes?” the Councilwoman asked, definite amusement in her tone now.

“They get to keep the New York apartment.”

The Councilwoman answered with a hearty laugh. “Agreed. Now, the counterspell.”

Trying not to smile, Brynn lifted the
Book
and read from it.

When the counterspell was complete, the Councilwoman nodded. “You may go.”

“Thank—”

Keegan grabbed her hand and abruptly dragged her to the portal. Once inside, he pulled her into his arms. “You really have balls of steel, don’t you?”

Brynn stared at him, a mass of emotions overwhelming her. They hadn’t discussed what would happen between them if he stayed on Earth. He’d never told her he loved her. But maybe, just maybe...

She shot him a flirtatious glance. “What are you going to do about it?”

“I’m going to love you. Forever and always.” He gave her a kiss that stole her breath.

Her heart nearly burst with pride, with happiness. Keegan was hers. He was totally hers now, and she would never let him go.

“That’s a really long time,” she teased. “Are you sure?”

“Oh, I’m sure,” he said. And from the sincerity in his eyes, she didn’t doubt it.

She laughed, unable to stop the happy sound from bubbling forth.

“I love you, too.” She yanked his head down for another kiss, then broke away long enough to say, “You know, that Councilwoman, I think she was—”

“Shush.” Keegan laughed, placing a finger to her lips. “Don’t say it. They depend on anonymity.”

Before Brynn could protest, Keegan kissed her again. Then again, until she completely forgot what she had been about to say.

Epilogue

“You’re insatiable,” Brynn murmured.

Keegan ran his hand down the milky-white flesh of her thigh. “Look who’s talking, love.”

“True, I think I could do that all day.”

He laughed and buried his face in her neck. “Let’s try it and see.”

“Mmm... how much longer before your brothers come back?”

“Hopefully another week at least,” he said, the sound muffled against her skin.

“Stop,” she giggled. “This apartment is more than big enough for all of us.”

“True, but it becomes much harder to make love in every room when they’re here.” He pressed a kiss to her breast, and she arched up to meet him. “Besides, we
are
on our honeymoon.”

“Yeah, it was nice of them to give us some time to ourselves.”

“Mmm.” Keegan traced his tongue around her nipple, delighting in the way it puckered at his touch. It was sweeter than any berry. “I’m sure they’re off having fun.”

Brynn sighed. “Except for Taeg.”

“Hmm?” he said absently.

“Taeg.” She pushed on his shoulders, and he reared back. “I know he’s out there looking for Leviathos.”

“As he should. The man is insane and dangerous.”

“I know, but I’m afraid it’s becoming an obsession to him.”

Keegan didn’t say anything. What could he say? That Taeg was convinced Leviathos would try to come after her? That he thought it might happen, too? No, she deserved to live happily, without fear. That was why Taeg worked so hard to find Leviathos. And Keegan loved him for it.

“He’ll be fine,” he finally said.

“I know. I just worry about him.”

“Well,” he said, “I know of a way to take all your worries away.”

His hand drifted between her thighs until he found her warm center and stroked inward, reveling in the way she shuddered beneath him. She let out a little gasp and moved under his fingers.

Before Brynn could do more than utter a laughing protest, Keegan slid down and showed her just how adept he could be at making her forget.

Acknowledgments

First I must thank my family, for putting up with my countless late nights of writing, excessive pizza ordering, and general brain fogginess as I’ve mapped out this series. You inspire me to be a better person, and that makes you all heroes in my book!

My deepest gratitude to publisher extraordinaire, Liz Pelletier, for believing in and taking a chance on my story.

To Heather Howland and Libby Murphy, you ladies rock! What more can I say? And to Suzanne Johnson, who is utterly amazing *wink*. I couldn’t ask for a better editing team than this.

And much appreciation to my critique partner and friend, Mary Abshire, for supporting my vision, even through those craptastic first drafts.

About the Author

Rosalie Lario practiced real estate law for several years before finally admitting to herself negotiating contracts wasn’t nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son in their home state of Florida, as well as searching out things that go bump in the night. You can learn more about Rosalie at her website at
www.rosalielario.com
.