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edge and didn’t have the energy to delve too deeply into it.

    But another thought occurred to me during the lesson. If it had been my ilius that had consumed Brian’s essence, then I was looking at an isolated event, since the demon would have been drawn back to its own sphere at sunrise. I despised the thought that I could be at fault, but it was better than thinking that there was some other essence-eating creature on the loose.

    The demon gave an approving nod. “You grasp the concepts quickly. Very well, I will remain here and work.”

    “I’ll secure the house and close all the curtains and stuff,” I said. “If anyone comes to the house … just stay away from the door.”

    The reyza rumbled again. I figured this time it was the demon version of No shit, Sherlock . “I will place an aversion on the door after you depart,” he said instead. “And I should be able to sense anyone approaching in sufficient time to hide my presence.”

    How the hell an eight-foot-tall demon with wings and horns and a tail would hide himself was beyond me, but Idecided it was best not to worry about it. I quickly went through the house and locked all the doors and windows, making sure the curtains were all drawn, then gave Kehlirik quick instructions on how to use the phone in the kitchen in case he needed to contact me. Again, he seemed utterly delighted, and I could see he was restraining himself from trying it out at that instant.

    “All right, I’ll check on you during the day, then,” I said. The demon merely snorted softly, already engrossed in untangling the wards. I jerked my head at Ryan and headed toward the door to the garage. I half-expected him to give the demon the finger again, but he managed to control himself and followed me out.

    “I’ve changed my mind,” he said, after we’d shut the garage door and were in the truck.

    “About what?”

    “That demon. I don’t think he’s my best bro anymore. He is so not getting an invite to my next Super Bowl party.”

    I shook my head and started the truck. “And people say I’m weird.”

    “YOU ARE WORRIED.”

    I nestled against Rhyzkahl’s chest, the weight of his arm around me a comfort. The sun pierced the broad canopy of the tree we sat beneath, casting a shifting lace of light across us. I could feel the warmth of his breath on the top of my head and I closed my eyes, relishing the exquisite peace of the moment. I didn’t want to respond to him, and besides, it didn’t feel like a question .

    But he straightened, ignoring my little whine of protest as he pulled his arm away from me, and stood. I scowled up at him. “I was comfortable.”

    “Comfort is a trap,” he responded .

    I stood and brushed leaves from my dress. It was a lovely creation of dark-blue brocaded silk, with a scattering of jewels sewn onto a plunging bodice. I felt as if it was a favorite, though there was a faint part of me that knew I’d never seen it before. “Of course I’m worried. I miss my aunt, and something’s eating essence.”

    “And I would be pleased to give you such aid as to ease your worry.”

    I gave him a sour look. “Give? You don’t just give anything. You’re a demon.”

    “Not all prices are onerous.” As if to prove his point, he moved to me, pushing me back against the tree and capturing my mouth in a kiss. His hands braceleted my wrists over my head as his lips shifted from my mouth to my throat. I dropped my head back, groaning as heat flushed through me .

    “I do not ask for more than you can give, dear one,” he murmured against my skin. He continued to hold my wrists, tightening very slightly when I tried to shift his hold. His teeth grazed my neck, and a shiver raced through me. “I can show you what you are truly capable of.”

    “Yes,” I whispered. “Show me.”

    He lifted his head, triumph flashing in his eyes, then abruptly released me and straightened. “The sun is rising,” he said, which made no sense, since