Page 62 of My Demon Neighbor
Turning my attention back to the worthless piece of shit, I dropped him to the ground as he gasped for breath, then used my magic to make sure he couldn't move.
"Is there anything you want to say to him?" I asked Codie, and he glanced up at me, eyes troubled. I gave him a nod, and he turned his gaze to the man who'd hurt him in the worst possible way, who'd haunted his nightmares and his every waking moment for months.
Codie stepped away from me, and while he was trying to be brave, I could see the tremble in his fingers.
Hella must have seen it too because she pressed into his side, sticking close as he stopped a foot away from the man.
Codie
I stared down at the face that had tormented me for what felt like eons. He looked so... pathetic now, crumpled on the floor and unable to move because I had a strong fucking mate.
I couldn't describe the fear I'd felt when I'd heard the footsteps and looked up to findhimin my safe space. I'd felt dizzy, nauseous, and terrified all at the same time.
He'd been so at ease as he strolled closer, as if he hadn't ruined my life, as if this was just another day for him, a casual visit to the park.
Hella had jumped between us instantly, barking up a storm as she warned him away, but I'd stopped her, sending her off to find Pythor because I knew I couldn't deal with this man on my own.
I hadn't even tried to run, because I'd known Pythor would get there in time, and he would make him pay. He'd promised, after all.
And now, here the bastard lay, completely at my mate's mercy, atmymercy. Because Pythor would do whatever I asked him to.
I stared down at the man who ruined my life so damned easily, and I felt too many things to name. I hated him for what he'd done, hated him more than I'd ever hated anyone or anything. I was also still so damned afraid of him, and I hated that more.
Releasing a shout that was more fear than anger, I brought up my foot and kicked him right in the stomach. I didn't have a knife to stab him with, but I hoped he felt a little of the pain I had that night.
He groaned, Pythor's magic not allowing him to curl to protect his stomach, and I kicked him again, and again until my leg hurt and my throat was hoarse from shouting.
"Please, stop," he begged, blood trailing down the corner of his lips in a thin line, and my eyes narrowed.
I leaned down, meeting those cold blue eyes of his. "Did you? Did you stop when I begged and pleaded with you to let me go?"
His face scrunched up in frustration, apparently the only part of his body he could still move. "I can pay you. You won't want for anything."
A hysterical laugh slipped from my lips as I stumbled back, pressing against a warm chest that instantly soothed me. God, I'd never be able to do this without Pythor.
The audacity of this bastard to think he could just pay me off... like everything he'd done to me would be made okay with some money.
People like him... they always thought money could fix everything. Well, today he was going to find out how wrong he was.
I turned into Pythor's chest, breathing in his smoke and leather scent to steady myself before glancing up at him.
"I'm done with him, but I still want him to suffer before he dies."
Pythor gazed into my eyes for a moment, then nodded. His eyes turned to the man still crumpled on the ground, and every bit of softness disappeared from his face. For the first time ever, I got a good look at the demon he must've been when he was still working in Underworld. Yet he didn't scare me. I felt safer than ever pressed up against him.
"I'm going to make you suffer and die the slowest, most painful death possible. You know what it is? The worst way to die?"
"Burning alive?" I suggested, sincehedidn't seem interested in answering, and Pythor shot me an amused look.
"That'll hurt for sure, but it's far too quick for the likes of him, Codie. My personal favorite is starvation," he said, and myeyes widened. "Of course, he'll die of thirst far before starvation gets him. What do you think?"
I glanced back at the bastard, and realized even now, so close to death, he hadn't once apologized. He still didn't think he'd done anything wrong.
"Do it," I said, then hesitated. "Wait."
Hurrying over to the man, I steeled myself, then dug through his pockets for his phone and wallet, using his face to unlock the phone.
"So we can find the others," I explained to Pythor once I was back at his side, and he nodded. "Do it."
