The screaming invectives, a non-stop litany of things Brenda would shove into holes that never saw the sun, erupted in a steady stream. Some of them quite imaginative, and painful.

Sebastian couldn’t help but stare at the ceiling, a twinge of guilt making him wonder if they’d done the right thing. “Do you really think we needed to tie her up?” As far as he was concerned, the only time restraints should be used was in the presence of massage oil, dim lighting, and feathers.

“We didn’t have a choice. The brat is awfully feisty.” The almost admiring words came from Mike, which caused Dale to arch a brow.

“A compliment at last?”

The scowl quickly returned. “Just saying she’s no pushover. Doesn’t mean shit.”

“Holy shit, you think she’s hot,” Sebastian prodded.

“If you like bite-sized morsels.”

“I do believe that’s a yes.” Which kind of fucked with Sebastian’s plans to ask the girl out. He’d taken a shine to her, but if Mike had, too…that could cause friction.

“What Mike thinks doesn’t matter. We’re still on protective detail,” Dale reminded.

Protective and investigative. Before the call arrived for Dale and his crew to protect one delectable ass, they’d been assigned to help investigate a series of murders.

A bunch of dead witches usually wouldn’t bother the Lycan community, except the thing doing the killing wasn’t being subtle about it. There were certain rules the non-humans had to follow, and one of them was: don’t leave a mess.

But if a demon were doing it, then it probably hadn’t gotten that memo. Speaking of which, was it just Sebastian, or was there something inherently wrong about demons walking the earth?

“Can we stop focusing on the girl and try to get back to business? Did we ever get a report back on who blew up the warehouse?” Mike asked.

In the course of their secret investigation into the witch murders, a tip had come in, telling them to check out a certain derelict building down in the factory district.

Dale shook his head. “Nothing was found. The forensics the cops ran came up empty. The wizards who combed the spot didn’t find shit either.”

“I doubt a demon set an explosive charge,” Mike remarked. “If”—and his tone made it sound doubtful— “a demon is involved, he’d probably use magic.”

“If we assume the demon or whoever is killing those witches didn’t set it, then who did?” Sebastian asked.

Dale shrugged. “No idea. Nor can we ascertain a motive.”

“If there is an actual demon walking around, then the person that summoned it is probably the one fucking with us. But why?”

“Why else other than to ensure they can conquer the world?” Sebastian uttered an evil “muahahahaha” that his friends didn’t find funny at all.

He’d wager Brenda would have, though. She had a great sense of humor.

And a banging body.

“What I still don’t get is, why call a demon? I mean it’s not like you can exactly order them around. Or keep them as a pet.”

“Are you suddenly a demon expert?” Mike asked sarcastically.

“No, but I did do some research. By all indications, they are vicious killing machines with a thirst for blood.”

“Witch blood,” Mike corrected.

“And flesh.” Sebastian shuddered, recalling the crime scene photos of the murders. Even when he went full wolf and hunted, he drew the line at eating his kills raw. It was why he kept a camping stove and a box full of spices in the trunk of his car.

“Again, hypothetically speaking, if we are dealing with a demon, how do you kill it?” Mike asked.

Dale rolled his shoulders. “No idea. I imagine if it’s flesh and blood then decapitation will probably work.”

“Or will it just grow a new head?” Sebastian played devil’s advocate.

“I’m sure the wizards will know,” was Dale’s reply.

Knowing Pete, he’d probably already contacted them as soon as they found out about the creature.

“They might know, but it doesn’t mean they’ll tell anyone,” Mike said with a snort.

Wizards were the more learned version of witches. In other words, they went to a university for magic, whereas witches learned their craft in the kitchen using a plain old pot on a stove instead of a fancy cauldron. Only rarely did humans ever get invited to learn at their prestigious schools, mostly because pure-bred humans had no magic.

What did this mean? If a human had magic, then chances were someone in their family had banged an elf or someone else strong in power like a dryad or a djinn.

Also, contrary to popular belief, magic didn’t work with a simple wave of the hand like the stories claimed. A true witch’s or wizard’s power came from potions and incantations. Ritualistic mumbo jumbo that influenced forces they couldn’t see.

In other words, weird shit that people really shouldn’t meddle with.

The upstairs had grown silent, Brenda having given up cursing and pleading for them to let her go. Or had she managed to escape?

Sebastian wouldn’t put it past her. For a petite thing, she possessed a lot of gumption. Still, though, tying her up did seem rather harsh, but Dale did have a point. Short of sitting on her, how could they prevent her from leaving?

Locking her in a room wouldn’t work. The windows would provide escape to someone determined.

Sitting and staring at her would have driven them all bat-shit crazy. Mike might have tried to kill her if she started asking him more dog questions.

So, they’d tied her up.

Left her helpless, and alone. What if something came through the window?

Sebastian stood. “Maybe we should check on Brenda.”

“Good idea. I’ll go.” Dale strode to the stairs and took them two at a time. He didn’t come back down.

Sebastian’s plan to appear as the good guy having backfired, he paced the living room.

“Do you think we’ll get a chance to fight the demon or whatever it is hunting the witches?” he asked Mike.

“Are you that anxious to scar up that pretty face?”

“Look who’s calling who pretty. I saw the phone number that female cop shoved at you when you were checking shit out at that crime scene.”

Mike made a face. “Bloody humans looking to slum.” Mike really had little patience with non-Lycans.

Perhaps Sebastian wouldn’t have to worry about him chasing Brenda after all.

“What do you think Dale’s doing up there?” he asked, staring at the ceiling.

“Maybe he’s getting his balls handed to him.” Mike growled the words and clenched his fists.

“Maybe I should go help him.”

“Why not admit you just want to spy on the blonde?”

“Why spy when I can openly look? Unlike you and Dale, I’m not afraid to say I think she’s hot.”

“Until she opens her mouth.”

“She’s forthright.”

“Rude.”

“Gee, kind of reminds me of someone I know.” Sebastian’s pointed look at Mike only made him scowl.

“You’re an asshole.”

“I’m going to check on Dale.”

Taking the steps a pair at a time, Sebastian hit the second floor and stopped. Dale sat in front of the door to his bedroom, the room they’d stashed Brenda in.

“What’s up, boss? Is the girl all right?”

“She’s fine.”

“Then why do you look like someone gave you shitty news?”

Dale shrugged. “Guess I’m feeling a little guilty.”

“A little?” Sebastian slid down the wall to sit across from him.

“Maybe tying her to the bed was a bit harsh.”

“She did try to leave, as well as attempt to emasculate you and Mike.”

Dale shrugged. “Can you blame her?”

Not really. “What are we going to do about her?”

“Noth—” Dale stopped mid-word and pulled out his phone, which vibrated with fierce urgency.

Signaling to Sebastian, they headed away from the door before answering.

It was Pete with news about the demon.

And a warning.