Page 127 of Blood that Burns
“Why are you with him?” the woman asks. “Not that I don’t see the appeal at first glance.”
“He’s my friend,” I snap, hating the way her eyes rake up Law’s body like a lollipop she wants to lick clean.
“You’re friends with a demon?” the girl says with a laugh. “How very dumb.”
“He’s not a demon,” I bark, drawing an eyebrow raise from the beautiful hunter.
She’s tall, with cinnamon-colored hair and bright green eyes. Her leather hugs her curves like a glove, and I’d be a liar if I didn’t say she makes me feel inadequate in every way.
“He’s a man that was cursed with a rare gene,” I continue, hoping to convey that Law isn’t a threat.
The men and woman laugh like I’ve said something hysterical.
“Using your vile tongue to whisper lies to a naive girl?” Blaine spits at Law. “Sweetheart, don’t be easily duped by a pretty face.”
“Fuck you,” I seethe.
I’m not even sure what tips me over the edge. The jealousy from being next to the exotic hunter? Or the insinuation I’m nothing more than a dumb girl? Either way, they’ve struck a nerve.
“Easy, sunshine,” Law chuckles, and it’s met with an elbow to the ribs.
He grunts.
“I like her,” the woman says. “She has spunk.”
“Maeve, you’re a feminist. If it has a vagina, you cheer for it.”
The woman snarls, and Law must see an opening to disarm Danny, the lone hunter in front of us.
It takes Law a matter of seconds to kick the sword out of the man’s hand and put him in a choke hold.
Maeve and Blaine ready their weapons, lowering to fighting stances, walking around us in circles. Law doesn’t follow them, remaining rooted to his spot, with his arms tightly wrapped around the hunter’s neck.
“Let him go and we won’t hurt the girl,” Blaine says through gritted teeth.
“You won’t fucking touch her if you value your life, human.” Law’s voice is stony, lethal. So violent, my body shudders.
That’s when all hell breaks loose.
The two hunters charge forward and Law throws Danny into them, leaping toward the sword at his feet.
Maeve cuts to the side, missing the collision, while Blaine catches Danny by the shoulder, pushing him behind his large form. Now that his weapon is in Law’s hands, I guess he isn’t such a tough guy after all.
“You want me? Come get me,” Law challenges, and the hunters answer without hesitation.
Swords clash and fists fly. I watch in utter shock and fascination as Law expertly dodges every single one of their attempts to reach him. The humans are no match for him. I’m hypnotized by the sight of his muscles straining beneath his shirt. Like some lovesick puppy, I completely forget about the fact that we’re in danger. I’m in danger. I’m too caught up in the way Law moves.
Law’s sword smashes into Maeve’s as they duel. His focus is entirely on her, and that gives the large guy—Blaine—the upper hand. Neither of us see it coming.
A large hand covers my mouth, quieting my scream as a dagger is placed at my throat. At the same time, Law manages to send Maeve’s sword sailing into the air, leaving her at his mercy.
When Law has her by the hair, he turns to find that I’ve been caught.
“Maggie.” My name comes out hoarse. Law’s eyes are wide, and I can taste the fear in the air.
“Let her go,” he demands, pulling harder on the woman’s hair.
To her credit, she doesn’t cry out.