Spellbound (Otherworld 12)

"What's that for?" I said, jerking my chin at the circle.

"Did I mention you were about to receive a very generous offer?" Sierra said.

I stared at the circle. "From a demon?"

"You're a lucky girl."

Severin stood. "My sister's given you a little taste of our powers, Savannah. I'd suggest you don't mention that incident to our employer. He may be powerful, but he won't be able to protect you all the time. Just remember our offer. We'll be making it again after you've gotten yours. I'd suggest you consider it."

"Strongly consider it," Sierra said.

Severin stepped into the circle and began reciting the incantation. I tugged and writhed against my bonds, but I wasn't going anywhere. Not until this was over.

I didn't need to wait long. The last words had barely left Severin's mouth before he teetered, then jerked upright. Then he looked at me and his eyes glowed a green so bright I blinked.

"Savannah." His voice was pitched low, silky, musical. He seemed to glide across the room toward me. I could feel the heat radiating off him. Sweat trickled down my face as I stared into those piercing green eyes. Not just any demon. A lord demon.

I struggled not to shrink as he came closer. I'm not sure I didn't anyway. Sierra stepped back fast, her gaze averted, cheeks flushing, lips pursing, as if annoyed by her reaction.

The demon stopped right in front of me, those waves of heat making sweat spring from every pore. Then he lowered himself to a crouch. When he reached to touch my face, I had to grit my teeth to stay still, and even then, I couldn't maintain eye contact.

He cupped my chin in his fingers and rubbed his thumb along my jaw. I knew the incredible heat of his touch should burn, but it was like a hot-water bottle on a winter's night. I leaned into his hand, in spite of myself.

"As perfect as any mortal could be," he said. "Such power. Such incredible power."

Not anymore.

I didn't say the words aloud, but his grip tightened and I looked up to see his eyes flash with an anger that should have terrified me, but I drank it in and I felt . . . pleased. Satisfied.

"Someone took your powers," he said. "I had heard the rumor, but I didn't believe it. I didn't think anyone would dare."

So it wasn't you? Again, I only thought it, but his grip tightened and that anger flared once more.

"Never," he said. "When I find out who did . . ."

A blast of heat sent every scrap of paper in the room whirling. Sierra yelped and fell back. To me, it felt like a sauna door opening, and I basked in the heat of the demon's rage.

"Whoever did this will pay for his trespass," he said. "Now that I have confirmation, I'll set a legion of demi-demons on the task. You'll get your powers back, Savannah."

I shook my head. "I'm not making any bargains. I don't care who you are--"

"No?" He tilted my face up. "I think you know who I am, and if you do, you know that I'd never try to bargain with you. I'll give you what you need. Freely. That is your birthright."

When I didn't answer, he lowered his face to mine. "You do know, Savannah. I know you do. Who am I?"

"Balaam."

"Yes." He kissed my forehead and when he pulled back, I felt the burn like a brand on my skin. He crouched before me, his face level with mine. "I'm not here to make bargains, Savannah. But I am here to ask for something. I need your assistance in helping you achieve your birthright. The kind of life you deserve. Which is not a life spent hiding. All supernaturals are superior to mere humans. You know that."

We have gifts. So do many humans--intelligence, wealth, strength. It's what you do with them that counts.

"True," Balaam said. "But what do you plan to do with your gift, Savannah? Hide it? One of the most powerful supernaturals in the world, working as a receptionist? How does that feel?" He leaned closer. "They've made you think it's a worthy calling. But you know it isn't. You know you should be more."

And I will be. Someday. When I've earned it.

"They really have brainwashed you, haven't they? You have earned it, Savannah. By your very birthright, you've earned it. Now it's time to seize it. You understand what I'm talking about, don't you?"

I spoke aloud now. "This supernatural liberation movement. You want me to join it."