Soulbound

15. Dani

“You've got to be kidding me.”

I stare up at the same burly bartender from that nightclub from what feels like forever ago. His chestnut hair was unkempt, wavy locks framing his face like the untamed mane of a lion, and his mustache drooped as his thin lips twist into a displeased scowl. Clearly, he didn't like this idea any more than I did. Nor did it seem like he enjoyed being called to Ashe's apartment so early in the morning.

On that, I could sympathize. Today was my day off. I should be sleeping in, not helping plot my own disappearance. Though, truth be told, I didn't really sleep much at all last night.

“I don't need a babysitter,” I growl, crossing my arms as I sweep my gaze back to the redhead. “And this is the worst plan I've ever heard of.”

Ashe shrugs, indifferent to my objections. “You've drawn unwanted attention, so now you need to direct that attention out of town. No one knows who you are yet so if they think you've left then what's the problem?”

“I can't just pack up my whole life and throw it in a few bags!” Hot air whistles through my nose as I let out a frustrated groan. “I can't just disappear, Ashe.”

“It's either that or I burn your place down. Unless you want death to find you faster, I suggest you make it work.”

Does she really expect me to be a willing accomplice in my own kidnapping? Exasperated, I turn my attention back to the bartender. “And you agree with this madness?” Who even is this guy to her? A bodyguard? Another demon? He can't seriously be okay with this!

The man hasn't moved from the door since he arrived in the apartment half an hour ago, his thick arms crossed over his chest and his scowl deepening with each new revelation of Ashe's plan. His furrowed brow narrows even more, a feat that I didn't think was possible, as he looks past me.

“Ashe, a word.”

His voice is low, guttural, with a dangerous undertone akin to a cornered animal ready to lash out, but Ashe hardly seems phased. Wordlessly, she motions to the bedroom and the two of them disappear behind closed doors.

Unbelievable. If they were going to plot out my kidnapping, the least they could do is loop me in on the details.

Why am I still here?

To be honest, I couldn't even begin to answer that question. Or give a good enough explanation as to why I stayed the night. But with every logical reason my mind would conjure up as to why I should just run out the door and never look back, my gut would counter them with feelings of reassurance and security.

What exactly is she keeping me safe from, anyway? Her stupid ring? Other demons? Witches, which apparently also exist in this crazy delusional world I somehow stumbled upon? Her?

So far the only thing I've seen that's remotely dangerous here is Ashe. I'm not safe in my own apartment according to her, but I'm safe in the home of a stranger. A sexy stranger who can punch holes through walls, moves insanely fast and glows when she's angry.

She's also a demon. Everything about that sentence would make a saner person run for the hills. Or to a church. But despite knowing that, despite what my head is telling me, deep down I know she won't hurt me.

Even though she claims it's not true, I feel like a prisoner in her home. Not allowed to leave out of an abundance of caution against alleged dangers—at least, not without a babysitter of her choosing, apparently. But still, that nagging little voice echoes in the back of my mind assuring me that I'm safe with her. I don't know how I know this, but I feel it in my bones. An invisible force, for lack of a better word, rooting me in place and quelling any thoughts of walking out and leaving this madness behind.