“What is the meaning of this?” I grumbled. And then the scent hit me.

Strawberries.

Barely daring to breathe, I shoved my way violently through the sea of horny demons. I heard my father before I saw him.

“No tail? That’s exotic!” he slurred.

“Oh, yes, well, that’s … uh … a funny story, actually! My, um … my father … docked me, when I was five. He liked us to really remember when we were being punished, you know?” She let out a little, sultry giggle. I swallowed back a proprietary roar, surging ever closer.

“So … you’re well versed in pain.” Father’s voice was suddenly an octave lower. “We are going to have so much fun, little one.”

I shoved a particularly enormous brute of a demon out of my way, and there they were. My father, one arm propped against a stalagmite, pinning her against it. His other hand trailed dangerously close to the mounds of exposed breast spilling from a truly delectable corset.

Red tinged my vision. And it wasn’t from whatever she had stained her skin with to disguise herself.

“You!” I rumbled, startling Father enough that he stumbled backwards a step, his palm dropping from her.

Her eyes darted to mine, and the tightness in her face immediately eased. Which only made me angrier.

What the Home was she doing here? And dressed like that? Expecting to see me? To … to drive me utterly insane?

“Son!” Father rallied, coming to clap me on the shoulder. “Have you met …” He squinted at Jemma, swaying slightly. How much Demonade had he consumed?

Enough to make him want to fuck a female.

To fuck my female.

“I’m Je-Jessica! Yes, that’s my name!” Jemma’s breaths were rapid, which was only making her breasts jiggle in a way that was practically demanding someone grab them.

“Jessica … an uncommon name, for an uncommon beauty.” Father elbowed me in the ribs. “Wouldn’t you agree, Junior? She’s⁠—”

“Not for you,” I snarled, hot, possessive rage bubbling up inside me at the mere thought of Father touching her. Of any male touching her.

Father chuckled drunkenly. “Well, I’m not about to get into a brawl over a mere female with my son and heir. Have at her, Junior!” He made a sweeping gesture towards Jemma.

I didn’t need any further encouragement. With a low growl, I surged forwards, scooping her up and tossing her over my shoulder. She squeaked.

Father guffawed.

She squirmed against my shoulder until I tightened my arm around her thighs, pinning her to me.

“Be still. Until we are out of this room.”

“And then what?” she barely breathed the words, but I heard her crystal clearly. My chest was vibrating with more emotions than I had ever experienced all at once.

“And then I’ve got half a mind to bend you over and tan that pert backside until you beg me for forgiveness.”