Chapter Four

The espresso machine hissed and gurgled, punctuating the low hum of chatter in the dimly lit café. I sipped my third double shot, eyes fixed on the demon across the street. Azazel Thorne, the sly bastard, strolled along the neon-drenched strip of Eclipse City like he didn't have a care in the world.

I snorted. If he only knew.

My fingers twitched, itching to wrap around his throat. But no, I had to play this smart. Daddy dearest wanted this one taken care of quietly, and I'd be damned if I let my temper fuck up a job.

A whiff of something delicious hit my nose – crisp pine and dark chocolate, with an underlying hint of danger. Vampire. My eyes narrowed as I scanned the room, landing on a tall, devastatingly handsome creature leaning against the far wall. His gaze was fixed on Azazel too.

"Well, shit," I muttered. "Looks like I've got competition."

The vampire's eyes suddenly locked with mine, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. I raised an eyebrow, refusing to look away. Two could play this game.

Hours ticked by. Azazel wandered, the vampire loitered, and I nursed enough caffeine to kill a mortal. Finally, Azazel started heading towards his building.

"Showtime," I whispered, a grin spreading across my face as I spotted the perfect kill zone. The parking garage beneath his building had a lovely little CCTV blind spot. How convenient.

I stood, tossing some bills on the table. As I headed for the door, that intoxicating scent hit me again. The vampire was on the move too.

"Fuck my life," I growled. This job just got a whole lot more interesting.

The frigid night air hit me as I stepped onto the street, but I barely felt it. Perks of being hellspawn, I guess. Still, I tugged my coat tighter around me. Sticking out like a sore thumb wasn't on tonight's agenda.

I was halfway to the parking garage when that scent tickled my nose again. Vampire boy was tailing me. Clever bastard.

My boots echoed off the grimy walls as I strode deeper into the shadows, having ducked into an alley. At the far end, I paused, listening. Nothing. Perfect.

With a smirk, I focused on the parking garage and felt the familiar surge of heat. In a blink, I pyroported, materialising behind a concrete pillar.

I crouched low, scanning for Azazel. The garage was quiet, save for the hum of fluorescent lights. Then I caught it – the faintest whiff of brimstone. My target was close.

But so was something else. That damn vampire scent hit me like a freight train.

"I know you're there, little demon," a velvety voice called out. "No use hiding. I can smell you."

"Fuck," I hissed. This night was going spectacularly sideways.

I stepped out from behind the pillar, coming face-to-face with the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen. Dark eyes, chiselled jaw, an air of old-world nobility. He had sex on legs, and he knew it.

"Sebastian Nightshade," he purred, extending a hand. "And you are?"

I crossed my arms, ignoring his outstretched palm. "None of your damn business, bloodsucker."

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Feisty. I like that in a woman."

"Yeah? Well, I like my neck bite-free, so back off."

Sebastian's eyes glittered with amusement. "Oh darling, I assure you, I only bite when asked nicely."

I couldn't help the snort that escaped me. "Keep dreaming, Dracula."

I kept my eyes fixed on the garage entrance, hyper-aware of Sebastian's proximity. His scent was intoxicating - a mix of aged whiskey and cedar that made my head swim.

"You're waiting for someone," he observed, leaning casually against the pillar.

"Brilliant deduction, Sherlock," I muttered, fighting the urge to look at him. "Now buzz off. I'm working."

He chuckled again, the sound sending an unwelcome tingle down my spine. "Perhaps we're after the same quarry. Care to join forces?"

I finally turned to face him, arching an eyebrow. "What makes you think I need help?"

Sebastian's gaze roamed over me, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "Oh, I don't doubt your capabilities. But two hunters are better than one, wouldn't you agree?"

The air between us crackled with tension. Part of me wanted to grab him by that perfectly tailored shirt and kiss that smug look off his face. The other part wanted to set him on fire.

"I work alone," I growled, tearing my eyes away from his mouth.

Just then, the screech of tires echoed through the garage. Azazel's sleek black car pulled into view.

"Showtime," I whispered, my body coiling with anticipation.

Sebastian leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear. "Last chance to team up, little demon."

I shoved him away, my skin burning where he'd touched me. "Not a chance in hell, vampire."

With a wink and a smirk, I pyroported, materialising in the passenger seat of Azazel's car. The demon's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening to shout. I didn't give him the chance. My fist connected with his jaw, the satisfying crunch of bone reverberating through the vehicle.