Finally, Doc groaned and rolled off the mage, lying next to him in the relatively small bed.
"I need a shower," Doc muttered.
He grinned, pleased. "There is a spell for that." He waved his hand, and blue magic touched both of them.
Doc yelped in surprise as the magic washed over him.
It wasn't as satisfying as actually bathing, but keeping clean on military campaigns was difficult, and he didn't prefer to be dirty when he didn't have to be.
"Thanks," Doc said looking down at himself.
"Of course. I don't like to be dirty. It is not always easy to get a shower."
They shifted around until they were actually under the covers, and Doc rolled on his side.
He traced the rapidly fading scratches he'd left on Doc's back before curling up around other man.
"You don't mind?"
"I'm so used to sleeping with Ed and Allan that it feels weird to sleep alone. I don't mind."
"Good."
Chapter 23
Sofia
The guys worked out a rotation so that I wasn't alone in my mental prison very often. It was the only thing that kept me sane. If I wanted to, I could look out and see the world through my eyes, but it was as a passenger and it freaked me out.
After a while, I stopped looking.
The demon inhabiting me did its best to ignore me, and for about a week, the only thing it had to do was pretend to be me.
Then the Andersons decided they wanted to have a look at their new toy.
The demon's alarm roused me from my stupor and turned my attention from the warm energy Ed had wrapped me in. He and Allan weren't quite as good as Nikolai was at being able to project themselves into my mind through our shared pack bond. I could share emotions with them, but we couldn't actually talk.
To Nikolai, it was simply like the mental space he created when we shared spells.
Ed slipped away when I looked out into the world. Nikolai stood next to us, and Ash faced us. The view was disorienting because I couldn't control my body, or do anything, and my range of vision was much smaller than normal. I didn't like it, but I wanted to know what had worried the demon.
"The Andersons want you to come now," Ash ordered.
It was a Friday, I thought. We were on campus still. Maybe ready to go back to the cabin. The demon had flat out refused to sleep at the dorm. I didn't think Victoria minded not having me there, so we were going back and forth with the guys every night.
"I do not wish to go to the Andersons," the demon said. I shivered at the sound of my voice.
"You don't have a choice. They've given me control over you in this matter."
"You! You're a lesser…" Nikolai slapped a hand over my mouth, and the demon fell silent.
I flinched away from her anger. The knowledge that a lesser demon would rarely interact with a greater demon on its plane, let alone command one, leaked from it to me. In fact, I actually gained quite a bit of knowledge about their plane without intentionally trying. It would have been more interesting if I wasn't a prisoner in my own mind, but it did give me something to think about.
"Come." Ash sounded resigned.
The demon's horror as my body responded to Ash's command without either of us being willing chased me deeper into my small prison.
I wasn't sure how long I cowered before I felt a presence focused on me.
I should be angry with you.
"With me?" I studied the being standing before me. This must be how the demon saw itself. It—she?—had vaguely feminine curves on a humanoid body, but she was a being of pure golden energy instead of flesh.
It is your fault I am here.
"How is it my fault?"
You allowed yourself to remain untrained.
"That wasn't really my choice."
The demon's attention shifted outward for a minute before it came back to me.
Do you really think your men can free me?
"I hope so. If anyone can figure it out, they will."
I will try very hard not to shove you out. It is difficult.
"I'm sorry."
She seemed to accept this. I do not know what they will require of me, but with you here, I do not know that I can accomplish it. Stay hidden. Hopefully, the lesser demon is not commanded to speak of your presence.
"He's had a lot of practice using his words wisely."
The longer I am in your body, the harder it will be to leave it intact when I depart.
I shivered. "Let's hope this doesn't take long."
I do not like it here. I do not like being commanded. Your pack is pleasant enough, but obviously, they do not want me here, either.
"I don't think they'd have any problem with you at all if you weren't in my body."
The demon laughed. They do seem fairly accepting. They even tolerate the lesser demon.
"It's not his fault he has to do what the Andersons say."
No. She changed the subject. Your mage is close. I do not know what they intend, but I expect it will be painful. Perhaps he can shield you.
"Painful?"
I doubt I can do whatever it is they require of me. Your body is not fully mine, so my capabilities are limited.
I shuddered, fear tingling through me.
We have arrived. Be cautious.
She vanished, and shortly after, Nikolai replaced her. I melted into his arms.
"I was going to look for their library," he explained. "But your demon has good point. You will need protection."
"She's talking to you?" I didn't let go of him, burying my face in his chest.
"She knows I'm here and asked me to help."
"Invisible?" I guessed.
"Yes. I found a safe spot to hide. I will stay with you."
He held
