A gap in the buildings led to the sidewalk, one free of flashing red-and-blue lights. I picked up my pace. As I did, I heard the unmistakable clatter of footsteps behind me.

13

I didn’t dare glance behind me. Terror shook my thighs, transforming them into jelly. All I could do was put one foot in front of each other and focus on the gap. Only a few more steps stood between me and freedom. Surely someone would be out on those sidewalks. A taxi would drive by or a couple would stumble home from a bar. There would be someone.

And whoever followed me would not strike.

As I drew closer to the sidewalk, the trailing footsteps suddenly thundered to life. My breath caught in my throat as I finally whirled to face whoever followed me. A large figure loomed out of the darkness, clad in black from head to toe. A mask covered his face, hiding every feature except for his slate grey eyes.

I sucked in a sharp breath and stumbled back just as he reached a meaty hand toward my arm. Blood roared in my ears. With a cry of alarm, I spun on my feet and raced toward the opening.

A strong hand landed on my shoulder, dragging me back into the darkness. I dropped my chin to scream, but his other hand clamped over my mouth. My cry came out as nothing but a muffled whimper.

I thrashed against him as adrenaline surged through my veins. Serena’s whispered warnings echoed in my head like a death knell.

Don’t walk home alone. Get to safety. Wait for me.

I’d done none of those things, ignoring every single thing she’d said. If I died here tonight, she would kill me.

“Stop fighting me,” a deep voice growled into my ear, the sound of thunder cracking through the sky. “You won’t get away from me, and you’re only making this harder on yourself.”

Tears sprang into my eyes as the taste of his skin melted against my mouth. Ash, oranges, and bitter herbs. What the hell?

“Let go of me,” I said, my words muffled. “I will sic my demon on you if you don’t.”

He stilled. That had certainly caught his attention. Based on his presence at the party, I’d come to the conclusion that the friendly neighborhood serial killer was supernatural in origin. If he wasn’t one himself, he certainly knew about them, which meant he wouldn’t be shocked by the mention of a demon. Or, at the very least, he wouldn’t think I was totally insane for talking about one.

“What did you say about a demon?” he asked in a dangerously calm voice.

I swallowed hard. “Take your hand away, and I’ll tell you.”

“No way in hell. You’ll scream.”