Part Five

Azazel slumped against the steering wheel, unconscious. I grabbed the wheel, guiding the still-moving car to a smooth stop. My heart raced, adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was the part of the job I lived for.

I reached for Azazel's limp arm, ready to pyroport us both to my safehouse. But as I began to focus my energy, a cool hand gripped my shoulder.

"Fuck," I hissed, realizing Sebastian had followed me. Before I could shake him off, the world blurred around us.

We crashed onto the cold concrete floor of my basement, a tangle of limbs and curses. Sebastian's body pressed against mine, his unnecessary breath hot on my neck.

"Get. Off. Me," I growled, shoving him away. 

He rolled to his feet with infuriating grace, straightening his jacket. "My apologies," he said, not sounding sorry at all. "I couldn't resist tagging along."

I glared at him, torn between admiration for his audacity and fury at his interference. "This isn't a goddamn field trip," I snapped, leaving Azazel in the middle of the ground.

Sebastian leaned against the wall, watching me with those impossibly dark eyes. "No, it's not," he agreed, his voice low and serious. "It's a hunt. And you, my dear, are quite the fascinating predator."

I tried to ignore the way his words sent a shiver down my spine. "You don't know the first thing about me," I muttered.

He tilted his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Perhaps not. But I'd very much like to learn."

 I snorted, rolling my eyes. "That's never going to happen," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. 

In a blur of movement, Sebastian was suddenly right in front of me, his body caging me against the cold basement wall. My reflexes kicked in, and before I could even process it, I had my silver knife pressed against his throat.

"Back off, bloodsucker," I growled, my heart racing despite my best efforts to stay calm.

Sebastian didn't flinch, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. "Impressive," he murmured, seemingly unfazed by the deadly blade at his neck. "But unnecessary, I assure you."

I could feel the heat radiating off his body, smell the intoxicating scent of sandalwood and something uniquely him. It was infuriating how much I wanted to lean in closer.

"What the fuck do you want?" I demanded, tightening my grip on the knife.

He smiled, a slow, dangerous curve of his lips. "To understand you, of course. You're unlike any creature I've encountered in my considerable lifetime."

I snorted. "I'm not here for your entertainment, vampire. I've got a job to do, and you're in my way."

Sebastian's eyes flickered to Azazel's unconscious form, then back to me. "Ah yes, your... quarry. Tell me, what has this poor demon done to earn your wrath?"

"None of your damn business," I spat, fighting the urge to squirm under his intense scrutiny.

He leaned in closer, his lips nearly brushing my ear. "Everything about you is my business now, darling."

 I jerked my head back, slamming it against the wall in my haste to put some distance between us. "Fuck," I hissed, pain blooming at the back of my skull. "What gives you the right to -"

Before I could finish, Sebastian's fangs grazed my neck, sending an electric shock through my entire body. "Because you're utterly delectable," he purred, his cool breath fanning across my skin. "And fascinatingly unpredictable."

My grip on the knife faltered, and I cursed inwardly at my body's betrayal. The attraction I felt was like a living thing, clawing at my insides, demanding I give in. But I was Luella fucking Morningstar, and I didn't roll over for anyone, no matter how impossibly gorgeous they might be.

"Get. Off. Me," I snarled, summoning every ounce of hellfire in my veins to fuel my anger. It was easier to be pissed than to admit how much I wanted to close that final inch between us.

Sebastian chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. "Your pulse says you don’t want that, little demon."

I brought my knee up, aiming for his groin, but he anticipated the move, catching my leg and pressing closer. The bastard had the audacity to look amused.

"Feisty," he murmured appreciatively. "I do love a challenge."

My free hand curled into a fist, itching to punch that smug grin off his face. "I'm not a fucking puzzle for you to solve," I spat. "Now back off before I decide to redecorate this basement with your intestines."

 Sebastian's eyes flashed with a mix of amusement and desire. "I can feel how badly you want me," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. "Why fight it? We're both creatures of passion. There's no shame in giving in to our nature."

My body trembled with need, but I clenched my jaw, refusing to let him see how he affected me. "I'm working," I hissed, trying to inject venom into my voice. "And I don't mix business with pleasure. No matter what my traitorous body thinks it wants."

He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes searching mine. "Is that really all this is? Just your body betraying you?"

For a moment, I faltered. There was something in his gaze, a depth I hadn't expected. But I couldn't afford to dwell on it. I had a job to do, and a reputation to uphold.

"Listen, Nightshade," I growled, pressing the knife more firmly against his throat. "I don't care how fucking irresistible you think you are. I've got a demon to deal with. So unless you want to end up as collateral damage, I suggest you back the hell off."

Sebastian's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. "Oh, darling," he purred. "You have no idea how irresistible I can be." His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I cursed inwardly at my body's reaction. I could feel the heat radiating off him, smell the intoxicating mix of leather and something darker, more primal. It reminded me of the Underworld, of nights spent dancing in the lust sects, bodies writhing in ecstasy.

"Fuck off," I snarled, but even to my own ears, it lacked conviction.

Sebastian leaned in closer, his fangs grazing my neck. "You smell divine," he whispered. "I bet you taste even better. Why don't we find out?"

My breath hitched. Part of me wanted to give in, to let him sink those fangs into my flesh and lose myself in pleasure. But I couldn't. I had a job to do, a reputation to maintain. I was Luella fucking Morningstar, heir to Hell, not some swooning maiden.

"In your dreams, bloodsucker," I retorted, summoning every ounce of willpower I possessed. "Now back off before I decide to redecorate this room with your entrails."

Sebastian chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Such fire," he murmured appreciatively. "You truly are fascinating, Luella Morningstar."