Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 110802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
As they stepped into the open entryway, she was hit by the scents of polish and potpourri. With the crystal chandelier, painted high ceilings, and stone flooring, the interior was just as impressive on the inside. It was also just as soulless.
“Our home is better,” she whispered to Knox, who gave her a lopsided grin that made her body perk up in all the right places.
The butler escorted them to a formal dining hall that was fit for royalty and seemed completely over-the-top. Still, Harper smiled as Jonas came forward, crystal tumbler in hand.
“Ah, Knox,” greeted Jonas. “Glad you could make it. Harper, it’s indeed a pleasure to see you again.” He exchanged nods with both Tanner and Levi.
“Thanks,” said Harper. She kind of liked Jonas. He seemed genuine and friendly, despite his apparent need for his home to be unnecessarily extravagant. Maybe he was compensating for something.
“We were so hoping you would come,” said a voice that made Harper’s demon sneer. And then Alethea sidled up to her brother, wearing that cloying rose perfume again.
“Were you now?” said Knox, expression hard.
Alethea’s eyes cut to Harper and then hardened. “Sphinx.”
“Dolphin,” returned Harper. Her demon wanted her to smack the bitch who coveted its mate. Maybe later.
Jonas cleared his throat. “We’ll be getting started soon. Please have a seat.” He swept his hand toward the eternally long table. “I believe your designated seats are at the center.”
Placing his hand on Harper’s lower back, Knox guided her toward the table. The other demons nodded respectfully, fear and respect shimmering in their eyes. The fear pleased his demon, who hadn’t wanted to come; it had no interest in politics.
“I see you’ve been seated near me, Knox,” said Raul, a Prime who Knox respected. “And we’re right near the floral centerpiece that smells so strong I’m getting a headache. Hi there, Harper.”
Harper gave Raul a smile, but she ignored his anchor – the uptight she-demon had flirted with Knox in the past. Not at all cool.
Finding his name card, Knox growled when he saw that Harper hadn’t been seated next to him. Alethea had. He glanced around, searching for Harper’s spot.
“Oh, she’s been placed opposite you,” announced a male demon on the other side of the table, holding up the name card near his.
Just as Knox had expected, Harper gave the demon a winning smile; she loved to toy with the guy because, well, that was what imps lived to do: fuck with people.
“Malcolm, hi,” she greeted pleasantly.
As usual, a muscle in his cheek ticked. “It’s Malden.”
Harper blinked. “Isn’t that what I said?”
Hiding his amusement, Knox reached over and grabbed her name card.
“You should swap mine with the dolphin’s. Better yet…” Harper tore up Alethea’s card and threw the tattered pieces under the table.
“Could you stop referring to her as a mammal?” asked Knox with a reluctant smile as they took their seats. The sentinels stood behind them, on guard.
Harper pursed her lips. “I suppose I could instead call her ‘that lying, skanky, soulless bitch.’”
“It has a nice ring to it,” Tanner said.
Harper thought so too.
A server appeared with a trolley of bottles and then offered Knox and Harper a choice out of a variety of mostly foreign-sounding drinks. She only recognized scotch, brandy, and wine. She left the ordering to Knox.
“I like that you do that,” said Knox when the server walked away.
Harper frowned. “What?”
“Let me choose your drink.” It was a simple thing, really, but Knox liked that she trusted him with it; trusted he’d know what she’d like.
“Oh. Good.”
“Jonas, it’s always a pleasure,” said a familiar voice that made Harper smile. Jolene. Behind her were Martina and Beck, staring at the furnishings and ornaments; most likely wondering what would be worth stealing.
“The three of you have been seated at the far end,” Alethea told her.
Jolene frowned. “I can see my granddaughter in the center. We’ll sit with her.”
“There’s no room for you there,” said Alethea.
“There’s an empty seat opposite Knox.”
“That’s Harper’s chair.”
“Really? Odd. Because she’s sitting right next to Knox.” Jolene walked to Harper, who stood and gladly accepted her one-armed hug. “Hello, sweetheart.”
Harper patted her back. “Hey, Grams.”
Pulling back, Jolene eyed the brand on Harper’s throat and sighed. “Really, Knox, you need to get that demon of yours to ease up on the possessiveness before it writes your name on her forehead.”
“Don’t give it any ideas,” Harper muttered.
Martina kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry, I won’t set any fires,” she whispered.
Not sure she believed that, Harper nodded at Jolene’s anchor. “Hey, Beck.”
He winked. “Sweetheart, how are —”
Alethea shrugged past him and stopped in front of Harper. “That’s my seat.”
Blinking, Harper said, “I’m not sure why you’d think that.”
“My name card is…” Alethea’s voice trailed off as she read the name card she was pointing at. “It was here.”
“I can’t imagine why it would be here,” said Harper. “I mean, the only she-demon that should be at his side is his mate. And that’s just not you.” Knox, I can’t promise I won’t kill her at some point. Both Harper and her demon felt it was only fair that he knew.