Page 129 of Mortis

Punishment.

“You abandoned your duties, Kael,” Mammon said.

I wanted to argue. To remind him that the chains binding me to my summoner had broken. But he was right. Once a summoning was complete, we beasts were expected to return to our master’s side in Hell. Not hide in the woods for sixty years or masquerade as a human, building a life of our own.

We were slaves to Mammon.

Nothing more.

Until I wasn’t.

Teddy opened his mouth, but I gripped the back of his thigh, silently pleading with him to stay quiet.

“Yet you continued sending me souls,” Mammon continued.

“Yes, Master.”

He tilted his head. “Why?”

My gaze immediately found Teddy. The mortal who had fed me. Who had taught me I could survive without killing. Who had offered me the souls of those in his care so I could continue fulfilling my duty to Mammon. Who I’d pledged my heart to before I’d even understood what love was.

Teddy had taught me that being a demon didn’t have to define me. That I could choose what I wanted to be.

And I chose him.

Mammon followed my gaze. When those molten-gold eyes landed on Teddy, every muscle in my body tensed. Teddy shifted awkwardly beneath his scrutiny before eventually raising one hand in a small wave.

Mammon narrowed his eyes. “What is that?”

Teddy’s hand slowly dropped. His eyebrows shot up, and his lips parted in unmistakable offence. “That?” He pointed at his own chest. “I’m a person, thanks.”

Mammon stared blankly at him, and Teddy stared back.

“Teddy,” he added eventually.

“That didn’t answer my question.” Mammon flicked a dismissive hand. “No matter. I’m taking Kael home.”

Everything inside me stopped.

Arlo immediately began to protest, but Teddy was louder.

“No.”

Everything fell silent, and Mammon slowly raised one eyebrow. “I’m sorry?”

“You can’t take him.” Teddy lifted his chin defiantly.

“I assure you, little mortal, I very much can.”

Teddy stepped forward, and my heart slammed against my ribs.

Had he learned nothing from the bloody remains currently decorating the cemetery?

I grabbed the back of his thigh, trying to stop him, but Teddy batted my hand away without even looking at me. He marched straight up to a Prince of Hell and planted his hands on his hips.

“I want to make a deal.”

He opened his mouth to continue, but my master shut him down. “No.”