Demon Moon by Meljean Brook Page A

who forced the issue eight years ago because of my connection to you. We’ve learned enough about Lucifer’s foray into different federal agencies to know that one of his demons might have had that power—it’s probable they did. But I’m not going to risk it by asking them to let me go.” She leveled a dark look at Lilith. “You understand that.”
    â€œMaking a bargain with Lucifer is completely different than working covertly for the government,” Lilith said.
    Silence fell for a moment, then Hugh lowered his face into his hands and his shoulders began shaking. Unable to contain her own laughter, Savi sat down and bent forward, holding her sides.
    â€œLilith,” he said finally, wiping his eyes. “That’s a lie.”
    A smile pulled at her mouth, but she didn’t glance away from Savi. “We’ll get you out, if you want out.”
    Savi sighed. “It’s not about me, but Nani. If she’s deported, or even detained while I sort things out, it will be unbearably humiliating for her. She’ll lose all izzat . And not just her honor, but the restaurant, everything she’s accomplished here. Forty years ago she came with nothing but my mother, and worked like crazy to put her through medical school. Then she raised me when my other grandparents wouldn’t have anything to do with a little brown girl. She took in Hugh.” Pulling her hand through her short hair, she added, “There’s embarrassment, and then there’s humiliation. I won’t subject her to the second. Won’t even risk it.”
    Hugh crouched in front of her. “You know I would not, either. And last year, I would not have been in a position to help you, even if you had come to me. But I am now. Transfer to SI, and let us offer you our protection. Perhaps immediate escape isn’t possible, but we can remove you from this, at least.” He smiled. “And you’ll be able to ask plenty of questions.”
    â€œI don’t want to let you down,” she said quietly. “It’s true that I can’t hold a job for a long time.”
    Lilith snorted with laughter. “Oh, you won’t get bored. Identification for people who’ve been dead for decades, electronics to play with—garrotes to make. I’ll use the hell out of someone like you.” She shrugged. “And it’ll give us time to make certain that if you want out, you can get out. I’ll make inquiries, find out who we need to threaten—and if it was a demon. We won’t trap you there if you eventually want to go.”
    The matrimonials seemed to stare up at her. “It might be soon.”
    â€œThat’s fine.” Lilith slid down from her perch. “Are you making dinner tonight? It’s been months since we’ve had your pulao . Hugh tries, but his doesn’t compare.”
    Surprised by the change of subject, Savi blinked, then reluctantly smiled. She’d never had a chance against the two of them. “Yes.”
    Hugh walked past her to the door. Sir Pup followed him.
    â€œGood. Colin will be coming after; he just got back from England.” Lilith was watching her carefully. “You can finally thank him for helping to provide your alibi.”
    Her smile froze in place. “Great.” She hadn’t seen the vampire since the night at the club, a month ago. He’d flown out the next day, when she’d still been in the hospital, out of her mind with fever. Two weeks, it had burned through her, had her hanging on a thread between life and death.
    And he’d left.
    Sense told her he’d been under no obligation to stay. Experience reminded her he’d done the same before. Reason stated his response had been a result of the venom and nosferatu blood.
    And the only conclusion to be drawn from the anticipation, dread, and hurt filling her in equal parts was that she must be a stupid, shallow