Through a Crimson Veil Read Online Free PDF Page A

happened to come to me. That’s the part that’s too pat.”
    “Perhaps I opted to come to you because of the type of demon after me. Have you considered that? You’re not the only slayer out there, you know, and it would have been less risky for me to go to one of the others.”
    “Maybe, but I’m the best,” he said. There was no arrogance in his voice; he merely stated a fact.
    She wasn’t able to smother her smile. “I know you are,” she agreed.
    “That’s why this could be a setup. I’m too good.”
    “Oh, please,” she scoffed. “If this were some setup to kill you, you’d already be dead. You haven’t paid attention to anything but me since you leaped out of that alley.”
    And she hadn’t been aware of anything except him either. Idiotic, considering that she already knew there were other dangerous things out tonight. There always were in Crimson City. And there were any number of beings whowouldn’t mind both her and McCabe permanently out of the picture.
    McCabe scowled, the first strong reaction she’d had from him since he’d locked down his desire. “Why were you following me?” he asked again.
    “Instead of showing up on your doorstep? I did, but you were leaving as I arrived, so I followed. When it became clear what you were up to, I decided to see if you’re as skilled as your reputation. An audition, if you will.”
    His frown became fiercer; he hadn’t liked that. Amusement welled up in her again and Mika struggled to keep it under control. There was nothing quite like the male ego, no matter in which species of animal. When her laugh escaped despite her efforts, she received a heated glare. Then McCabe shook his head and reluctantly smiled. It transformed his face, made him look younger and much more approachable.
    “You’re a pain in the ass,” he said. “And I’d be insane to help you out if I’d have to put up with this shit.”
    “Maybe,” she conceded soberly, “but could you live with yourself if you turned me down and I ended up dead? I’m half human and my demon blood comes from a weak branch. You know as well as I do how powerful Kiverians are. Even if I hired another slayer, he could die with me. You’re my best hope of survival.”
    He sighed, looked away for a moment, then drilled her again with his gaze. Or at least she suspected he did. She was becoming damned sick of those sunglasses, and if she succeeded in nothing else tonight, she was getting them off his face.
    Mika crossed her arms over her chest, mimicking his stance, and waited. It was make-or-break time for her mission.
    “So…you want me to kill this demon for you,” he asked.
    She shook her head. “I want a bit more than that. I’ll need around-the-clock protection too.” Before she couldexplain, something strummed at her senses. She lost her relaxed pose and turned her head, trying to discern what it was that had intruded.
    McCabe stiffened too, and in an action that she found very telling, he moved in front of her. The position was purely protective; it was instinct, not thought, guiding him.
    “What did you pick up?” he asked, his voice lower than a whisper.
    “I’m not sure.” She was just as quiet. “I only caught a wisp, but whatever or whoever it is, he doesn’t like us.”
    “Your would-be killer?”
    “I don’t think so.”
    McCabe looked over his shoulder at her, and she read deep skepticism on his face. He thought this whole thing was a ruse, that she was putting on an act to convince him she was in danger. Then she felt it again. So did McCabe. He focused his attention in the same direction as she’d sensed the presence. Mika moved from behind his back to his side. She hadn’t picked up any intent to harm them, only curiosity and dislike. But not of the intensity that led to violence.
    “He’s cloaking—has to be a demon,” McCabe said. He didn’t look at her.
    “Only if he’s very young, a demon who doesn’t have practice holding the mask in place. It’s