CHAPTER 16
I was on review and advised that I did not have permission to execute any warrants. Instead, requests from the media poured in. This was unexpected, but what surprised me even more was the emotion coming from Ezra. It wasn't extreme by any means, but it was for Ezra. Regardless of the lack of healthy sleep, every morning I had the opportunity to smile because of Ezra's joy. I'm sure otherwise I would have been a grouch. Sometimes I woke up from a nightmare thinking that my heart would stop beating. Other times it was my own scream that made me wake. This was not the way to feel refreshed and ready to start a new day. I was thankful for Ezra in a way I had never been before.
He personally talked to each reporter to find out their exact angle for the interview. His decision was already made though. I never thought to ask him if he had favorite reporters from all those magazines he read, he did. He already set up the deal and all the particulars before he approached me. I just laughed and laughed when he told me what was going to happen before I even agreed. We were going to Chicago. Taurin, of course, was going with us since he rarely missed the opportunity to piss off more people.
The morning was brisk as we appeared just outside the building. There was a crowd on the street that immediately started calling our names. I blinked as my gaze slid over t-shirts that declared love for Oldavai. I was so astonished at their naiveté I was speechless. My gaze then turned to a small number of protesters grouped across the street. The age old slogans on cardboard stating the wrath of God, sinners beware and the like bobbed in their tight grips. Their voices were just as loud as the demon enthusiasts, but nothing I hadn't encountered before. Neither demons or their hunters are a loved society among the religious fanatics.
Ezra's quiet laugh in my ear sounded scornful. Taurin beamed and immediately weaved into the adoring crowd. I stayed tuned to Taurin's teasing voice as Ezra and I made our way silently through the reaching hands and pushing bodies. I felt a small hand thrust a piece of paper in mine, but when I turned to look I caught only a glimpse of a child weaving through the crowd. I tucked the paper into the top of my boot and resolved to deal with one event at a time.
Windows lined most of the walls and the hustle of the first floor offices could be seen from outside. A woman as tall as my companion opened the door and ushered us inside. Brown wisps falling out of her braid matched soft brown eyes regarding us in sincere apology.
"We are so sorry. We had no idea there would be such a following with the demon society when this interview was leaked out."
"Is there a similar reaction to other interviews?" I asked.
"Well... Usually we don't leak out who and when our interviews are for this reason. Unfortunately, the consensus was that it wouldn't happen with you and it would be good publicity. Especially with all the news already published about Oldavai." She ducked her head abashedly.
Ezra and I both stilled in astonishment.
She regarded us in embarrassment, "Did I say something wrong?"
I laughed, not like it was funny though.
"You are Sable Valentine?" Ezra's voice was no nonsense, haughty even.
"Yes. You're Ezra?"
"I am. This is Dove Hawthorne. Your company's assumption of our society is typical. Did you assume the same, Sable?"
There was no way she couldn't feel hidden meaning in Ezra's question. She was one of his favorite reporters and I knew he had high expectations of her. If she didn't give the answer he wanted to hear I could sense he'd have no problem making his pique known. The weight of his hands on my shoulders felt heavier. I turned around quick and only the flash of fire in his eyes betrayed shock at my unplanned motion. I slammed my body into his and kissed him as passionately as I could to get his focus. His full attention wouldn't be on me, but I knew I'd get some. The shutter of a camera went off in the relative silence of the room. His arms wrapped around me at the same time Sable answered.
"No. I know my audience and warned the editors. At best, this," she gestured out the window and shook her head, "at worst, attacks from fanatics putting you in danger."
Ezra smiled on my lips and I felt his body relax. My ears registered the quiet attention of the workers around us. Most probably had no idea what a pissed off demon was capable of. Subtlety is not a word commonly used for them. Although Ezra was usually an exception. I guess not today.
The hum of his magic vibrated in me and the small dragon's wings inside me flared out at the same time Ezra's did. The camouflage of his clothes made room for them as he flexed them closer to himself. His eyes were dark walls of reflected flames and they stayed fixed on my own. Everything else human looking stayed in place. I narrowed my eyes at him and quirked my lips in agitation.
'You're playing with them.'
'Yes.'
'Well your wings definitely look the part of a typical biblical demon. Where's the tail?' I provoked.
Ezra only smiled as another voice entered our thoughts, 'Are we playing games?'
I peaked around the his wings to see Taurin strut into the office. He was looking his professional best and showing off. An icy breeze entered with him and fluttered papers off of desks. His eyes were completely glacier blue and were riveted on the woman with us. The heavy hush of the office lightened from his smiling, playboy countenance. I turned my body to follow his swagger past us and watched as he brought Sable's fingers to his lips.
"You must be Ms. Valentine."
"Mrs, actually." She deftly pulled her hand out of his grasp and gave him a tight lipped smile. Her right hand pulled a necklace out from her white shirt to promptly display a gold ring and cross. The sounds of a photographer working continued to carry in the air.
"A challenge," was Taurin's reply.
My agitation was aimed at Taurin this time, "Mrs. Valentine, may we begin."
I got the authentic smile, "Call me Sable."
Taurin opened his mouth, but she interrupted him before he could speak, "Not you."
He smiled even wider, "As you wish."
Her look of irritation almost matched mine as she turned around and guided us to an open room in back. She distractedly waved to the photography set up on the left, "We'll finish with pictures last." She turned her head slightly, "I'm too impatient to wait."
I arched my eyebrow and directed my thoughts to Ezra, 'We're getting our pictures taken? Is that why you insisted I wear this dress.' I felt the drape of the red material on my leg as I kicked out with my combat boots. Those, I insisted on.
He caught my hand mid swing, but kept his eyes forward as he said, 'I like it on you.'
We reached a set of comfortable looking chairs where Sable directed us to sit. Taurin entered into the conversation while leering at me, 'I like the dress too. Those knives strapped to your thighs invite me put my hands under your skirt to disarm you. That has to be the reason you wear them.'
Old habits die hard I thought, instead I said out loud, "God, Taurin, you're such a pain in the ass!"
