Free Demon's Kiss by Laura Hawks Page B

smiled and threaded his fingers through hers as he led her to the feasting room. Once there, he pulled out her chair and motioned for the staff to begin serving them. After the drinks were poured, the judge saluted the wolf, “To safely getting out of that hellhole jungle and to finding Xon quickly.”
    Clarissa smiled sweetly and held her glass out to clink with his. “May we succeed when we do meet up with Xon.” She sniffed, putting her nose lightly in the air.
    “It smells divine.” She picked up her fork and started to eat. “So what do you have in mind for guiding me? Have you prepared others before?”
    Mel started eating and nodded. “More than I can remember, love. I am very, very old as I think you have ascertained.” He chuckled. “I have a training room here that would give us the space and equipment we shall utilize. You are welcome to stay here while we practice.”
    “Other than maybe gathering a few personal items, no one will miss me.” She immediately wondered if she should have told him that but shrugged off her apprehensions. “Thank you for the offer of your hospitality.”
    He raised a brow at the former comment but made the choice to ignore it after feeling her palatable discomfort. “I will take you to get what you need or you can just ask Shara. She will provide you with everything you require.”
    “I would prefer my own items please.” She took a bite of her meal, chewing thoughtfully. “This is very good.” Clarissa looked up at him as she paused in her eating. “Has Shara been with you long?”
    “Seems like forever. Yes. We can get your things after dinner and whatever else you might require.”
    “That will be acceptable. I will even buy you dessert for your trouble.” Clarissa frowned slightly, picking her food with her fork. “I wonder where that demon, Xon is with my stone.”
    Mel took her one hand in his. “Eat, get your belongings then we will work on your abilities. He is not going anywhere.”
    Her haunted eyes looked up at him, his hand still closed around hers. “What damage has he done?”
    He released her hand and let her finish her food. “I don’t know, I would suggest you try to track him but we saw what happened the last time we tried that. We need to stabilize your powers first. I have my demon chasers out there and if he moves out of line, I will know about it. When you are ready, we can go get your things.”
    Clarissa nodded and pushed her plate away, suddenly losing her appetite. “I am ready as soon as you are. Thank you.” She dabbed her mouth daintily with her napkin, set it on the side and sipped her drink while she waited for him to finish.
    Azamel set his glass down and stood. He moved quickly to pull her chair out for her and held his hand for her to take so she could rise. “Let us be on our way then.”
    Again, she was mildly surprised at his gentlemanly manners. Lightly, she placed her fingers into his hand and stood. He flashed them back to her apartment in New Orleans. She released her hand from his as she moved to the closet to grab a bag for the items she planned on taking with her. Her focus was to gather some personal effects, some additional weapons, her sword and a couple of exercise outfits. Once completed, she turned back to him.
    “I am ready.” Then she stopped and thought for a moment. “Oh Wait.” Clarissa quickly jotted a note to her employers so they would not worry overtly. She grabbed the only picture she had of her family from the dresser adding it to the items already in her bag. “I am ready now.”
    Azamel silently watched her gather her belongings and the thoughtfulness of leaving a note. ‘Family. I had that once.’ He shook his head to clear the melancholic thought, nodded and took her hand. He transported them to her quarters within his home. “Once you are ready, meet me in the training room. Down the hall, five doors down to your left” Mel then dematerialized from her