Maxon by Christina Bauer Page A

walls.
    I try to keep a straight face. Inside, I’m more a little shocked. When I see the thrax on Earth, they’re always tricked out with the latest demon-fighting armor and gizmos. Down here, they’re definitely stuck in the middle ages. I heard about this from my parents but I figured they were exaggerating.
    They weren’t.
    We pause before a huge set of golden doors. Guards stand on either side, both wearing silver armor. In unison, they flip up their visors and stare at me like I came from another planet.
    Subtle, guys. Really subtle.
    â€œYour Highness,” says the first guard.
    â€œYou’re home,” says the second.
    â€œAnd you have someone with you,” adds the first.
    â€œListen carefully.” Maxon’s voice comes out all low and serious. “You don’t see me, you don’t see her. Got it?”
    They both flip their visors down. “Yes, Your Highness.”
    Maxon pushes open the door. Together, we step inside, straight into another time warp. Instead of the middle ages, I’ve now returned to the modern era. Everything’s done up in some combination of black, white, granite, steel, or leather. There’s recessed lighting, funky abstract art, and a huge home theater system. Plus, the kitchen’s got every gadget I can think of, and a few that I didn’t even know existed.
    Whoa.
    â€œWhy are you the only one here with electricity?” I ask.
    Maxon grins. More dimples. More yum.
    â€œNoticed that, did you?” he asks.
    â€œHard to miss.”
    Maxon steps into the kitchen. “I’m a special exception to the middle ages rule. Ty charges a generator for me. Built me some other goodies, too.” He opens a huge industrial-grade fridge. “Want something to drink?”
    â€œWater, thanks.”
    Maxon pulls out a beer and hands me a bottle of water. He leans against the counter, flips off the cap with his tail, and takes a long sip. “I was thirteen when I stopped joining demon patrols. Only Class C jobs wait around for thrax to pick them off. Trouble is, the Class A demons are always the real killers, and they hide out in human cities. I decided to go after them. That means spending months undercover, and nothing says ‘I’m really a thrax’ like not knowing how to use a cell phone or some shit like that. So, I get every new gadget sent here and practice between missions.”
    â€œYour family good with that?”
    â€œSure. Since I started doing this, demon kills against humans have dropped in half.”
    An unwanted memory appears in my mind. The only demon I ever met up close and personal. Silas. His rasping voice echoes through my memories as he calls me ‘his girl’ over and over. I wince, my eyes stinging with remembered pain.
    â€œHey, you okay?” Maxon step closer. With gentle motions, he rubs his hands up and down my arms. “You said you just came into your powers. Do you need a healer or something?”
    â€œNo, it’s not that.”
    He leans in closer. “The politics of ruling, maybe? I suck at that stuff, but I know some experts.”
    â€œThanks, I might take you up on that later.” I stare at the floor, my body trembling. I hate that he’s seeing me like this. “I’ve had a big day. Maybe I should get some sleep.”
    â€œSure, you must be beat.” Maxon takes my hand again. “Take your pick of bedrooms. I think I have twelve here or something.” He pushes open a nearby door. “How’s this one?”
    I can’t focus on much except for the massive white bed against the far wall. All of a sudden, I can’t keep eyes open. I’m vaguely aware of stumbling over to the mattress and curling up on top of the covers. I mumble something while Maxon takes off my boots and wraps me in fresh blankets. For the first time in I don’t know how long, I feel safe and warm.
    My body wants to sleep, but my mind decides