It was the longest two minutes in the entire history of the universe.

When the car finally pulled up in front of the tower block that hosted his casino, hotel, and private apartment, Kain was shaking from head to toe. His hands were clenched hard around two chunks of the now-demolished back seat.

“We're here, my Lord,” Thomren said, slipping into a more formal tone. The shift was undoubtedly linked with the man's personal experience of what it was like for an unmated demon to be around a Breeder in heat—and his understanding of what would happen if he accidentally pushed his Lord's temper right now. “Do you need… anything? For her?”

Kain knew what Thomren was asking, and thanks to the small reserve of reason he had left, he could appreciate the man's diplomacy and attempt at ensuring the girl's survival. Whether it was to preserve one of the rare mates or to attempt to save his master from the guilt of killing a Breeder, Kain wasn't sure, but in either case, he was thankful.

“I won't harm her,” he grunted, taking a few quick breaths when the girl sucked wetly at his Adam's apple and pressed against his thigh to alleviate a little of her need. “I swear it. Do not tell anybody about her. I will call you in the morning.”

“If you picked her up where you sent the crew to clean up, they'll be able to smell her all over it.”

Damn. He was clearly not thinking straight.

“Fine. Muzzle them. If one word gets out about her, tell them I'll have their heads, you hear? I'll decide… tomorrow... oh, fuck!”

He arched against the ruined back seat when Selma's aimlessly roaming hands finally found the bulge in his pants that was nearly tearing his zipper in its attempt at getting free.

“I will take care of it. You get inside and take care of her… They get real vicious if you let them get too wound up.” There was laughter, and sympathy, in his underling's voice.

Kain growled, more at the Breeder currently attempting to free his cock than at the other demon, and finally let go of the chunks of car seat so he could wrap his arms around her and push out of the car. His focus was solely on the private back entrance to his domain flanked by two armed guards—men Thomren would also need to keep quiet.

The two men went rigid when Selma’s intoxicating scent hit their nostrils.

Kain let out a deep snarl in their direction, clutching the girl tighter. She clung to him like a baby koala, causing him to feel every one of her curves as he carried her, but he was too far gone for it to make much of a difference.

“She is mine!” he hissed when one of the guards, Brethor, took a step toward them. “One more fucking step and I swear it'll be your last!”