Page 14 of Grimoire Omens

A tic jumped in his cheek. “Pack your bag.”

“Or what?”

“Or I will put you over my knee and teach you the obedience you lack,” he snapped.

“Kinky. If you wanted me naked, you just had to say so.”

Rather than reply, he turned on his heel and left the kitchen. I smirked. Bossy elf kept thinking he could order me around. Then again, in this case, he might have a point. Two demons made it inside my house with barely any effort. What would I do if a swarm of them attacked next?

Flo must have come to the same conclusion. “Maybe we should find another spot to spend the night.”

I glanced at Cedric. “Are there more demons coming?”

“If the dark prince claims there are, then you should listen and stop wasting time before it’s too late.”

“Fine. I’ll pack a bag and we’ll go but not because His Bossiness is ordering me to. I obviously can’t stay here with a broken kitchen door.”

I headed to my room with one of the flickering candles and dragged out a duffel, debating what I should pack. One day’s worth of clothes? Two? Lingerie in case I ran into the other prince and he turned out to be charming and not an asshole?

Apparently, I didn’t struggle alone. “I can’t decide what to bring.” Flo popped her head in and held up two outfits. “Sexy gothic slut or sultry vixen?” She held up a leather skirt, which she usually paired with fishnet stockings and a red bustier, alongside a slinky and sparkly mauve dress with a slit that flashed goodies if not careful.

“Who are you trying to seduce?”

“That hunter ain’t hard on the eyes,” she murmured, rousing a little green monster in me. Weird since I didn’t want the rude elf prince. I just enjoyed yanking his chain.

“I get the impression he’s all business, no fun. But you never know. Pack both.”

Me, I went for hot biker chick rather than hippie witch. I changed into snug jeans with strategically places holes and an off-the-shoulder top before packing skintight, leather pants, another pair of denim, a few tank tops, and my cutest undies. My hair and makeup products took a bit longer, as I hemmed and hawed over what I might need.

“What are you doing?” His Majesty abruptly intruded, as abrasive as before.

I held out two lipsticks. “I can’t decide between Cocksucking Perfect and Harlot’s Crimson.”

“They’re both red.”

“Men. Elves. All the same. Women can see the difference,” I grumbled as I packed both.

“Let’s go. We’ve dallied too long. I swear it’s like you want to be trapped here.”

“I’m coming,” I huffed, heaving my heavy duffel since he obviously wouldn’t be a gentleman and offer to carry it.

As I hit the living room, where Flo straddled her own bulging bag, I noted Grams’ Grimoire on the living room chest table and, despite the extra weight, snared it as well before we headed out the door. Cedric led the way with this tail held high.

“If I remember correctly, your world no longer uses horses and carriages for transport,” the princely elf remarked.

“Not for a century. Say hello to modern conveniences.” I swept my hand in the direction of my car. A 2009 Toyota Camry with a half-million clicks to the motor, but it still ran like a dream. Most of the time. As for the rusty spots? I liked to think of them as car-thief deterrents.

His Highness didn’t look impressed as we tossed our gear in the trunk but said nothing.

Cedric suddenly growled. “I smell a demon.”

I didn’t, but I did notice a glow in the distance. The electricity remained out, the houses on my street showing few signs of life, given most windows remained dark instead of candlelit. Then again, it was rather late for most folk to be up. After midnight last time I checked.

“What is making that light?” Flo asked, standing on the sidewalk staring.

“An augue demon. We have to go now!” Ulseere barked.

Before I could tell him to chill, the distant glow suddenly grew bigger and brighter as it rapidly approached. A fireball hit Mrs. Jenson’s front yard and ignited the grass.