Charm City (The Demon Whisperer Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

reason."
    Mack pushed off from the wall and approached them. As he stepped into the dim light near the bar, the shadows seemed to cling to him, shadows taking the shape of long wings along his back. He laced his fingers and tented his thumbs, cupping his hands over his dantian , that focal point of energy that lay just below the navel—did angels even have navels?
    Simon shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. One of those ethereal mysteries he hoped would always remain that way.
    Mack spared Chiara only a quick wary glance before shaking his head. "I'm feeling a little bit like a third wheel."
    Simon frowned at him. "That's usually a sign that your company isn't welcome."
    "We have to talk, Simon." His voice had the quality of a bell, metallic and hollow.
    "Can't it wait? I'm on a bit of a date and, angel or no angel, you're being incredibly rude to the lady here."
    The angel stood taller, his shadow-wings swelling in billows as if he flexed his muscles. "I'm sure I'm not the most offensive one here."
    Chiara cleared her throat. "And what would you know, bright one?"
    The angel whipped a stinging look at her, his bright blue eyes flashing with challenge. "I know that someone has no shame taking payouts from the wrong side."
    She faced him, undaunted. "And I know that some beings are bitter about being left out of the whole freewill scheme so take your issues and shove them where the feathers don't reach."
    The angel narrowed his eyes, his mouth tilting with a cocky slant, and leaned his elbow on the bar. Dipping his face close to hers, he murmured, half seductive, half threatening. "How do you know they don't?"
    She seemed to breathe deep and rear back, ready with a reply, but was interrupted when the door opened, a blade of sunlight slicing in from the street. A newcomer entered, glancing their way, lifting a chin to the bartender.
    "Enough, enough." Simon hooked his arm around the angel's chest and gently pressed him back a few steps. "I really didn't figure on mediating a pissing contest so speak your piece, pal, and flutter off."
    "Don't get distracted, Simon." The angel straightened his tunic. "That's all I have to say to you right now. And to you…"
    Facing Chiara, he bowed. "My regards to your sire."
    Chiara smirked, seeming to enjoying the farce. "And my regards to yours."
    "That's the trouble with angels, isn't it?" Mack heaved a melodramatic sigh. "Always the messenger."
    The newcomer walked around their side of the bar and straight into the angel, who vanished like a puff of incense.
    Chiara rolled her eyes and finished her drink. "Your friend is charming."
    "Not half as much as me. Just wait ‘til you see me in action."
    "If it's all the same, I'll pass." Chiara pulled her purse off the bar and swung her legs to the side, hopping down. "You have way too many tricks up your sleeve for my comfort."
    She was leaving. His heart lobbed with sudden alarm.
    No. Not yet. She couldn't leave yet. He reached out to stop her without thinking.
    Her reflexes were electric. She was off the stool and an arm's length away before he could utter his protest, her eyes flashing like lightning.
    Never even saw her move.
    Maybe not such a good idea to grab her. He put his hands up, hoping to placate her. "No tricks. Just—want to talk. Please."
    She paused, eyeing him. "I'm not good at talking. I usually go it alone."
    "And I'm sure you're more than capable. Please. Just talk. And I take back that part about a date."
    Reluctantly, she sat back down. "That's a start."
    "I don't meet too many people who can see him, or any angel, for that matter. Why does he know you?"
    "He doesn't know me, personally. Angels can see what you are inside. He just stereotyped me, is all."
    "And that whole bit about free will?" He rubbed his mouth and laughed. "Hafta admit, I rather liked seeing him choke on his feathers for once, the righteous jackass."
    "Don't say that. He probably is a jackass but, then again, most angels are. It's the