“Yeah, and Mist looks like a cuddly puppy.”
“You’re right,” Lily said with a smile, and Iris snorted.
“I need to get out of here. No offense to your new mates, Lil, but I think it’ll be better if I try not to hang out with them much.”
“Bel said Meph isn’t here right now, so you don’t need to worry.”
Iris shrugged. “Dunno what you mean.”
“Sure, sure.”
“Are you coming? Do you want me to walk you home?”
“No. Mist is asleep, and I’m going to join him now that I’ve had some food. I’m still knackered.”
“Me too, but I want to sleep in my own bed.” Iris stood up and winced. “And I need to mix up a good healing draft.”
“Are you okay?”
“Just sore, and I’ve got a killer headache. Call me tomorrow?”
Lily stood too. “I will.”
“You sure you’re okay, Lil? You wrestled with a demon queen, for fuck’s sake.”
“I’m fine. Promise.” She was well aware she could have died falling into the Pit, or at least broken her spine, but she wasn’t even bruised.
The sisters stared at each other for a moment, and then Iris snorted. “God, it feels weird leaving you in the company of a bunch of bloody demons and not being scared about it.”
Lily grinned and snatched her twin up into a hug. “Thank you.”
“Careful of the ribs!”
She leapt back. “Oh, sorry!”
“And what are you thanking me for anyway?”
“For being my sister.”
Iris grumbled and looked away. “Whatever, cheeseball. Just be careful. They’re still demons.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure. Okay. Let’s meet up for brunch tomorrow at the diner by your place. I’ll bring Mist and show him how to eat eggs Benedict.” She grinned. “He’s going to hate it.”
“What? Why?”
“Because he’ll have to eat with a knife and fork in front of a bunch of humans in human form. He’ll be growling the whole time.” She couldn’t stop grinning at the thought.
“You have a weird sense of humor,” Iris said approvingly. “Call me when you’re up, and I’m there. Just don’t bring any of the other demons. I’ll make an exception for your guy, but I don’t think I’m ready for anyone else yet.” She cast a suspicious glance at the kitchen.
“Baby steps,” Lily replied.
They embraced again, and Iris left shortly after. After bidding Belial goodnight as he sifted almond flour, Lily finally crawled back into bed beside Mist. He snuggled into her, nuzzling her hair, and her whole body tingled with a sense of rightness. She fell asleep instantly.
A short time later, however, she jolted awake. Opening her eyes, she wondered what had woken her—
Oh.That was what.
“Lily?” Mist’s deep voice rumbled beside her ear. Her sudden tension must have woken him too.
