“And yet, the prophecy stated I would be his demise, with the help of an unknown entity. Presumably, you.” He rose a brow. “Aren’t you the least bit intrigued by that?”

She chewed her cheek, considering. “This prophecy—what were the words exactly?”

“Ezekiel didn’t repeat it verbatim, but I intend to ask him at my earliest opportunity.” Which would be tricky given Sethios’s father’s involvement. “What do you say to working together until we know more?” He’d be keeping her regardless of her answer, but he’d try this approach first.

Caro narrowed her eyes. “You want my blood so you can remain anonymous.”

Lying to her earned him nothing. “Yes.”

Her glower lessened slightly at his honesty. “And what do I get in return?”

“Potentially, the opportunity to destroy Osiris.” Something she seemed to crave.

“Seraphim cannot die.” So practical.

“True, but he can be incapacitated. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve seen it done to others of your kind.” Another reminder that seeking out Sethios’s father was not the brightest of ideas. “I say we learn more about the prophecy and go from there. In the interim, I will require more of your blood.”

“And if I do not wish to give it?” she countered, an eyebrow raised.

He grinned, loving her defiance. “We both know that wasn’t a request.” He stepped closer, backing her into the wall. “Just as we both know you won’t mind.”

She glared up at him. “I do mind.”

“Do you?” He grabbed her hips to hold her in place when she tried to move to the side. “Because your moans earlier suggested otherwise.”

“That…” She trailed off as his lips brushed her throat.

His leg moved just in time to block her intended knee to his groin.

He chuckled darkly against her neck. “Tease.”

She tried again to kick him. He lifted her off the ground and used his thighs to pin hers to the wall, then caught her hands before she could hit him.

“This foreplay is turning me on, angel.” He placed her wrists against the hard surface on either side of her head and fully aligned his torso with hers. “I really hope you’re right about your blood, because I’m about to waste a hell of a lot of time convincing you to work with me.”

He circled her pulse with his tongue and smiled at her soft gasp.

Compelling her would be easier, but he fancied challenge over ease.

Besides, his time on Earth might be limited. Might as well enjoy himself a little.

He pressed an open-mouthed kiss below her ear before nibbling her earlobe. “You’re trembling, Caro.” And it certainly wasn’t in rage. “Tell me why.”

Her hands fisted in his as her thighs flexed. Not the reaction of a woman trying to fight him, but one seeking friction. Whether she realized it or not, her body enjoyed his attentions.

“You want my blood and my compliance,” she surmised, tone admirably flat. “What do I gain?”

“Opportunity,” he replied softly. “You hate that your council hasn’t stopped Osiris yet, and together, we might be able to take him down.”