Blessed by a Demon’s Mark by E. S. Moore Read Free Book Online Page A

whisper.
    “Yes.”
    “No.”
    Ethan and I spoke at the same time.
    “Kat, he’s here because you weren’t. I sort of gave him the spare room.”
    I turned, anger flaring. “You what?” I took a step forward that was a little too threatening for Ethan’s liking. He quickly stood and stepped around the side of the couch.
    “He needed a place to stay. I wasn’t going to force him to sleep on the couch or give him your room or anything. It was the right thing to do.”
    “Ethan,” I growled, growing angrier by the second. “You are letting a fucking werewolf live with you? In my house?”
    “It’s no different than when I was living with a vampire,” he said, moving behind the couch. “He hasn’t threatened me or looked at me like he wanted to eat me or anything.”
    I froze, realization creeping in. I was stalking him, threatening him. I looked down at myself, at my closed fists, at my stance, and hated myself for what I’d become. I was letting my emotions get the better of me.
    I knew I’d never hurt him. I’m sure he knew that too. But that didn’t make my actions right. I was pissed at him because of what I’d done, of decisions I’d made. I couldn’t fault him for wanting someone else around while I was gone. I was the one in the wrong here.
    “Shit,” I said under my breath. “I’m sorry.” I forced my fingers open. I had a feeling I was going to be saying that a lot over the next few days.
    “Maybe you should take some time to settle in,” Ethan said. “It’s going to be morning before long. I was just about to head to bed myself.” He brandished his toothbrush as if for proof.
    I nodded, too upset to speak.
    “I will need to talk to you about something tomorrow night,” he said. “Something important.” Ethan’s face grew serious.
    I groaned. “What’s happened?”
    “Not tonight,” he said. “It can wait. There’s nothing you can do about it until tomorrow anyway.”
    “Ethan,” I warned, some of my anger flaring back.
    He shook his head. “Sorry,” he said. “Having you back is a lot to absorb right now and I don’t want to get into anything else.” He gave a weak laugh. “Some night, eh?”
    I started to protest again but knew it was pointless. Ethan was right. It was too late for me to do anything. I could use a day to rest, to get reacquainted with being home before he dumped something else on me. I wasn’t even sure I really wanted to know, especially if it meant I would have to stick around longer than I’d originally planned.
    “Okay,” I said. “You’re right.”
    “Get some rest,” he said. “I’ll explain everything tomorrow night.”
    “I’ve got to get my bike,” I said, resigned. I didn’t look at either of the two men as I turned and walked out of the house.
    The cold air hit me hard and I shivered. I sulked all the way down to my Honda and began pushing it up the drive, thankful no one had bothered it. If Jeremy was there, who knew who else might be lurking somewhere in the dark.
    I pressed the button to open the garage and walked the bike inside. The beat-up car sat in my space, and I had half a mind to make Jeremy move it since I was pretty sure it was his.
    I parked my motorcycle beside the station wagon and grabbed my bag before trudging my way back into the house.
    I almost didn’t make it inside. I just about turned around, got back on my bike, and drove off. I wasn’t wanted anymore. Ethan had replaced me. Why should I stick around if someone else had already taken my place?
    I wasn’t sure where the thoughts were coming from, and they only served to piss me off. Blaming Ethan for this was about as effective as running away again. I couldn’t do that to him. He deserved to know where I was going this time.
    Besides, I still needed to talk to his demon.
    I went the rest of the way inside, bag thrown over my shoulder. I glanced in on Ethan and Jeremy as I made my way to the stairs. They were both sitting on the edge of the couch,