Angelica was standing in the foyer, hands crossed in front of her. Dylan had given up trying to convince her to stay in her room. Paicy was at the top of the stairs, sticking her head in various doors. “You haven’t done anything with this place at all.”

“Someday,” Dylan replied.

“You always say that,” she chided. “So how do you like it here, Angie?”

“It’s fine I guess.” She glanced over at Dylan to see he was looking at her. She could not figure out what kind of a look he was giving her. Surprise? Confusion? Disapproval?

“So he’s treating you well and all that?”

“Yes.” Angelica nodded.

Then Dylan tensed, and looked toward the front door. Angelica was about to ask if his father had come when there was a huge booming knock on the door. Even though she had been expecting something, the loud noise still caught her by surprise. She hoped neither demon had seen her jump.

Dylan went to the door, pausing before reaching out and opening it. A tall humanoid demon stood in the doorway, towering over Dylan by at least a foot. He pushed the limits of still looking human with massive features and piercing yellow eyes that Angelica found herself silently praying would not come to rest on her. He had a large pair of horns that curled backward at the sides of his head and a rope like tail with a pointed end hanging down behind him.

“Answering your own door?” He asked in a deep, grating voice.

“Hello, Father,” Dylan replied with a bow. All earlier traces of nervousness were gone, as he stepped back with a gesture to allow the large demon access to the mansion.

“So this is where you’ve been all these years.” Dylan’s father looked around, his gaze shifting around the room before turning to the two women. The air seemed to grow thick, sticking in her throat as she took each breath.

“Hi Daddy,” Paicy said with a smile.

“Paicy.” He nodded as his eyes quickly moved to Angelica. Fear raced through her system as his eyes traced over her. This was how she had always imagined facing a humanoid demon would feel like. He was strong, powerful, and dangerous. How could the Choir ever protect humans from anything like this?”

“A human, Dylan? I’m surprised. I never would have assumed you to take a love slave.”

Angelica bristled angrily, but the thickness of the air kept her silent.

Dylan spoke like he had not heard the comment. “Would you like a tour of the mansion, Father?”

The gaze moved back to Dylan, much to Angelica’s relief. “Have you killed any humans, or are you just collecting them now?”

“This is the main hall.” Dylan motioned in front of him. “Upstairs there are several large party rooms, and on the third floor there are over two-dozen rooms, though most are not in use.”

Angelica remained where she was as Dylan moved toward the dining hall. His father followed after a moment.

“Are you okay?” Paicy asked. “You’re looking a bit pale.”

“Fine,” Angelica replied sharply. The pressure was alleviating now. She took several deep breaths of freely flowing air, and then stepped after Dylan.

Paicy laid a restraining hand on her arm. “Not a good idea.”

“I’m not scared of him. I-”

“It’s not a matter of bring scared or not, but eventually Dad’s going to wear down Dill’s patience, and it won’t be pretty. Probably safest if you’re not in the room at the time.”

“Why would it be dangerous? You mean they’ll fight?”

Paicy looked amused. “Don’t tell me you haven’t seen Dill’s temper.”

Memories of the intense look in Dylan’s eyes the night before floated in front of her mind’s eye. “I don’t care,” Angelica said in a sudden burst of confidence. “I told him I was not going to hide.” She pulled her arm free and went to the dining hall.

“Paicy has made a fabulous name for herself, promoting the family name in the process; all you can do is sit hidden in this dusty old house, while I become known as Naresrom, whose only son is stunted.” Dylan’s father was speaking as she entered the room.

Dylan stood with his back mostly to her, his hands were linked behind her back, his knuckles showing white. “The kitchen is well stocked, and I-”

“You have that human don’t you?” His father interrupted. “Kidnapping is one way to raise your standing. If you come back with me, I’ll help you start your own collection. Your first is not ugly as far as humans go.”

“She is not my love slave,” Dylan said firmly.

“Not your…then what possible use could you have for her?” The larger demon demanded.

“My reasons are no business of yours.”

“I am your father, and I have a right to know.”

“Why would you care when you think I’d be better off dead?” Dylan growled. “I’ve seen the postings, Father.”

“Oh crue.” Paicy reached for Angelica’s arm, but the Renegade Princess ran forward, ignoring the mounting pressure around her, and moved between the two demons.

“Get the hell out of here,” Angelica glared at the tall humanoid demon.

“Angelica?” Dylan asked.

Dylan’s father looked down at her with wild amusement. “Now you have a human fighting your battles for you?”

The pressure was intense, pressing down on her in an attempt to squeeze all of the breath from her lungs. “Listen here you old fart. You’re not wanted here, so get out. You don’t like Dylan as a son then disown him.”

Naresrom laughed and reached out his hand toward her. In the next instant Dylan wrapped one arm around her, pulling her to him, and the other hand held out in front of him. A shield shimmered in the air, and the heaviness evaporated immediately.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to defend this human from me after she insulted me?”

“She is under my protection, and you will not touch her,” Dylan said in a oddly deep voice. “You are infringing on my marked domain and if you do not leave now, I will kill you.”

She felt Dylan against her back. Had her idiocy condemned them to death? She wished she knew what Dylan was thinking.

“I accept your challenge.”

Dylan nodded, and pulled the shocked Angelica backward. “Dusty, come out here.”

The young man appeared in the doorway without any hesitation. “You called, Master?”

“She is not to come to any harm.”

“Yes, Master.” Dusty moved up.

Dylan turned back to his father. “Let’s take this outside then.”