Burn

The flight to Manhattan felt a lot longer than it probably was. A short drive later they arrived at a high-rise, black glass building. Tanner and Levi flanked Harper and Knox as they strolled through the foyer. Recognition flickered across the faces of the staff as they spotted Knox, quickly followed by a dose of fear.

A demon nervously directed Knox, Harper, and the two sentinels to a room at the rear of the building. As they entered, Harper’s brows flew up at the size of the long, square boardroom table that looked like it would fit better at a wedding reception. Many demons were seated while others were standing in small groups as they chatted quietly. Every single one of them had the same reaction to Knox – their eyes flashed with respect, awe, and blind fear.

It was easy for Harper to forget just how much of a threat to their kind he truly presented, because she felt safe with him; had that instinctual knowledge that he would never hurt her, his anchor. Oh, she still found him unnerving and she never forgot she was in the presence of a powerful predator, but she also never felt threatened by him like these demons here did.

Her inner demon didn’t like being in the company of all these Primes, didn’t like their curious, assessing looks as they noticed Harper. Knox must not have liked it either, because his hand slipped around her nape as he guided her to the table, broadcasting that she was under his protection. Tanner stood on guard behind her chair while Levi took position behind Knox’s seat.

“Jolene’s not here yet,” she noted with disappointment. She whispered, “Which one is Isla?”

Knox glanced around the room. “She hasn’t arrived yet.”

Hearing the empty chair beside her scrape along the floor, Harper turned her head to – oh joy – see a familiar male. Malden Lester had an alliance, though it was tenuous at best, with Jolene. He flashed Harper a wide charming smile, like they were good friends. Sure, she’d met him a few times, but they were barely even acquaintances.

“Hello, Harper,” he drawled. Why he seemed to think he was suave and charismatic, she had yet to figure out. In reality, he was sly, smarmy, and bursting with a sense of self-importance. He had to sit pretty high on the power spectrum, but she suspected he wasn’t quite as powerful as he liked to believe.

Harper forced a smile. “Hi, Malcolm.”

“Malden,” he corrected; a muscle in his cheek ticked – just as it always did when she called him that, knowing he hated it.

“Sorry, I’m not good with names.”

Draping an arm over the back of her chair, Knox looked at Malden. “I see you’ve met my anchor.” Knox also saw that Malden was trying to charm her, and he didn’t like it.

Malden’s gaze danced from him to Harper. “Yes, I have. I know Jolene quite well. Here she is now.”

Harper couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her grandmother, aunt, and Beck. Harper rose to her feet, immediately gaining their attention, and they headed straight for her. Jolene had a very confident walk – shoulders back, spine straight, chin up, and her stride purposeful. No one walked better in high heels than Jolene Wallis. A smile spread across her face as she reached Harper and gave her a one-armed hug. “Harper, I’ve missed you.”

Stepping back, Harper said, “Grams, you look smart.” Jolene had a very natural veneer of elegance, her clothes always sleek skirts and blouses.

“As do you. I’m guessing you’re uncomfortable like that, though.”

“So true.” Harper nodded at the burly guy who was Jolene’s anchor. “Hey, Beck.”

He winked at her. The guy was like an annoying yet amusing uncle.

As her aunt pulled her in for a hug, Harper had to force a smile, wondering why the hell Jolene would bring her to something like this. Martina Wallis was fun, high-spirited, and so beautiful she could bewitch any male. She also liked to set shit on fire.

“Aw, it’s so good to see you.” Martina kissed Harper on the cheek.

No fear in her eyes, Jolene turned to Knox, who was also standing. Not much rattled Jolene. And if something did, she destroyed it – problem solved, in her opinion. “Knox Thorne, it’s always a pleasure.”

He nodded, a slight smile curving his mouth. “Jolene.”

“I expect you to be a good anchor to my granddaughter.”

“I expect you wouldn’t allow anything else.”

Jolene cackled, clearly quite happy with his answer. “I didn’t realize you had a sense of humor. You’ll need one if you have Harper in your life. Let’s sit.” She looked down at Malden. “You don’t mind shuffling along, do you um…?” She clicked her fingers, as if struggling to recall his name, but she knew damn well what it was.

“Malcolm,” Harper helpfully supplied.

“Malden,” he instantly amended, the tick in his cheek going crazy, though he did shuffle along. Jolene and Martina then sat on Harper’s left while Beck stood behind Jolene.

Jolene leaned into Harper. “And you criticize me for messing with people.” She patted Harper’s hand. “I taught you well.”

“You brought Martina?” Harper whispered.

“She distracts people, it makes them easier to read.” It was true that many of the males were drooling over the woman already. “The security here isn’t all that good, which concerns me.”

“You snuck inside, didn’t you?” Not that Harper would expect anything different from an imp, particularly a Wallis.