Einarr Read online

  Demon Warriors 7

  Einarr

  Kendrick Walsh is smitten with Einarr the moment he lays eyes on the demon. They spend weeks getting to know one another. And then trouble strikes and Einarr tries to push Kendrick away, but Kendrick isn’t a man to give up so easily.

  Einarr grew up in the worst city the demon realm has to offer. Abandoned by his parents, Einarr is raised by his sadistic uncle. He knows nothing of love and can't understand why Kendrick refuses to walk away.

  As Einarr desperately tries to shield Kendrick from his violent and chaotic life, he finds himself falling for the human in ways he never dreamed possible. Unfortunately, Einarr's past refuses to release its nightmarish grip. Einarr must go through hell in order to find heaven. But will Kendrick still look at him the same when Einarr has to kill in order to save the one man who just might show him what love truly means?

  Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Contemporary, Fantasy

  Length: 28,456 words

  EINARR

  Demon Warriors 7

  Lynn Hagen

  THE LYNN HAGEN

  MANLOVE COLLECTION

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

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  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  IMPRINT: The Lynn Hagen ManLove Collection

  EINARR

  Copyright © 2015 by Lynn Hagen

  E-book ISBN: 978-1-63258-804-3

  First E-book Publication: February 2015

  Cover design by Emma Nicole

  All art and logo copyright © 2015 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  Letter to Readers

  Dear Readers,

  If you have purchased this copy of Einarr by Lynn Hagen from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

  Regarding E-book Piracy

  This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book.

  The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment.

  This is Lynn Hagen’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Lynn Hagen’s right to earn a living from her work.

  Amanda Hilton, Publisher

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  www.BookStrand.com

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  About the Author

  EINARR

  Demon Warriors 7

  LYNN HAGEN

  Copyright © 2015

  Chapter One

  “Are you serious?” Kendrick Walsh asked as he stared at a creature that both fascinated and scared him in the same measure. “The last time I went to the demon realm, my nephew was attacked.”

  “That was a freak occurrence,” Einarr said. “We were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  Kendrick paced his office as he considered Einarr’s offer to show him around Serenity City. He and the demon had been friends and hanging out for weeks now. Kendrick had to admit that Einarr was a charming man, but he didn’t want to get zapped with electricity. When his nephew, Dylan, had been attacked, Kendrick thought he would lose his mind. Some random demon had walked into the coffee shop where Kendrick and his nephews were getting something to drink when the demon demanded to know where Jake was. Kendrick didn’t even know who Jake was. And then the demon had shot an electricity ball into Dylan’s chest.

  “And what if that freak occurrence happens again?” Kendrick asked. “Although the demon realm intrigues me, I’m not going to put myself in harm’s way. Besides, it’s late, and Omar has school tomorrow.”

  Einarr twisted his lips to the side. “You know good and well that Dylan takes him. There is no excuse for you not to go.”

  “I have work I have to catch up on.” He tried for another excuse. “Those computer programs aren’t going to write themselves.”

  “Okay, fine.” Einarr held up his hands. “I’m not going to force you. I can see you’ve made your mind up, and there’s nothing I can do to change it.”

  Kendrick didn’t want any static between them. He didn’t like to argue. As a matter of fact, he was allergic to conflict. He broke out in hives. “I can see you’re upset with me.”

  “Not upset,” Einarr corrected. “Just disappointed.”

  That was worse in Kendrick’s opinion. They’d been getting along so well, and now he felt as if he’d let the man down. He’d say that Einarr was just his friend, but Kendrick wasn’t young and naïve. He tried his best to be honest with himself. His feelings toward the man were growing, and every time the demon came around, Kendrick became flustered, his heart rate rising and his palms becoming wet. He didn’t like the disappointed look in the man’s eyes.

  “And what are we going to do there?” he asked.

  Einarr’s pretty blue eyes lit up. “I planned on showing you around. The city never sleeps, and there is plenty to do there.” He crossed the office and nudged Kendrick with his elbow. “Come on. You know you want to go.”

  Kendrick did. He really did. But his resistance wasn’t just about the demon realm. He was growing a little too fond of Einarr. The man hadn’t made one move to show he wanted to be more than friends. They’d watched movies, sat in the living room in front of the roaring fire as they talked, and hung out almost every night.

  But the man hadn’t made one dang move.

  And now he wanted to go hang out in the demon realm. But Kendrick wasn’t going to ruin their friendship because he wanted more and Einarr didn’t. The man was fun to be around. Kendrick enjoyed his company immensely.

  He pointed a finger at Einarr and hid his smile when triumph gleamed in the demon’s eyes. “Fine, but nothing better happen, and I need to be back here early enough to get some work done.”

  “Deal
,” Einarr said.

  He held his hand out, and Kendrick moved closer, entwining their fingers. The man was much taller than him and wide as hell. Einarr’s body was built as if he spent his entire day in a gym while Kendrick was slim, with a swimmer’s body. The contrast was noticeable as they stood next to each other.

  Einarr gave his hand a light squeeze and then turned the lights off in Kendrick’s office. The room blinked into darkness, and Kendrick was acutely aware of the demon standing next to him. Somehow, with the lights off, it seemed more intimate.

  “Ready?” Einarr’s voice was deep and sent a shiver over Kendrick.

  “Yes.”

  They took two steps, and then Kendrick blinked, trying his best to adjust to the change of scenery. He was a bit lightheaded and stood on the streets of Serenity City for a moment as he swayed slightly.

  Einarr’s husky chuckle was light. “Feeling okay?”

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that mode of transportation. Don’t you guys have a railway system or something between the realms?” He ran a hand over his stomach as the slight nausea eased, and he started to take in his surroundings. They were once again in front of the apartment building they’d visited the last time Kendrick was here. He could see Jake’s Java Hut from here, and the memory of his nephew being injured flashed in his mind.

  Einarr released Kendrick’s hand and then ran it down Kendrick’s back. “Steady enough to walk?”

  Kendrick wanted to curl into the man’s touch. “I’m fine. Now show me this great city of yours.”

  As they walked, Kendrick was reminded of the city Batman lived in. Gotham. The streets were dark, hardly lit by streetlamps. There was steam rising up from manhole covers. Cars passed, and he was fascinated that they had those here. The air was still and heavy, thick clouds blotting out most of the stars. As they passed alleyways, Kendrick peered down them and shivered at how truly dark they were.

  “Stop it.”

  Kendrick turned to Einarr. “Stop what?”

  “You’re acting as though trouble is going to jump out at you at any second,” Einarr said. “Just relax and enjoy yourself.”

  Kendrick nodded and released his breath, allowing the tension to drain. He let his worries fade and decided to enjoy the experience. And if a demon jumped out with electricity zapping between his hands, then he was throwing Einarr in front of the guy.

  * * * *

  Einarr was tempted like a mofo to reach out and grab Kendrick’s hand. He really was. He was used to taking what he wanted and fucking men he found interesting. But Kendrick was different. Einarr found himself wanting to please the human, wanting to impress. He didn’t want to treat Kendrick like he treated other males. Einarr wanted to take things slow. He wanted to get to know the guy first.

  A small part of his mind told him not to get Kendrick involved in his sordid life. In all honesty, Serenity City wasn’t the safest place. But Einarr had been hanging around Kendrick in the human realm for weeks now, and he wanted to show the human his side of life. Before the Keeper had been made judge and jury, criminals caused havoc and mayhem throughout the city. The Demon Warriors were born from those dark times and the need for the criminals to be reined in.

  And he’d brought Kendrick here. But Serenity City wasn’t all bad. Einarr loved the place. It had been his home for as long as he could remember, and as dysfunctional as it was, Serenity City was a hell of a lot better than most cities in the realm.

  “Hungry?”

  Kendrick smiled up at him, and Einarr felt himself falling into those gorgeous green eyes. He cleared his throat and looked away. He wasn’t sure why he wanted to spend all his free time with Kendrick. It wasn’t like him to get involved with anyone. As most demons who hadn’t found their mate, Einarr usually fucked on the first meeting and then moved on. Yet he lingered when it came to Kendrick. Einarr found excuse after excuse to be around the man. He was drawn in by the man’s eyes, fascinated with his stylish blond hair, in lust with his slim physique. Everything about the human made Einarr want to learn more.

  “I could use a bite,” Kendrick said.

  Einarr led the human to Malcor’s Melting Pot. It was an elegant restaurant where most took dates or clientele they wanted to impress. The proprietor, Malcor, stood by the door as the two entered. The distinguished-looking man was extremely tall, well cut, and his dark eyes held a world of intelligence. But they widened slightly when he caught sight of Einarr.

  The owner appeared startled that Einarr was not only here, but had someone with him. It was very rare that Einarr dined here. “Hello, Einarr.”

  Einarr dipped his head in a slight nod. “Malcor.”

  “Will it just be the two of you?” Malcor asked as he showed them deeper into the dimly lit restaurant.

  “Just two,” Einarr said.

  “Swank,” Kendrick whispered to him. “Do you guys use American money?”

  “No, we give up a piece of our soul as currency,” Einarr said, although he was only teasing Kendrick. That was another thing that perplexed Einarr. He found himself wanting to see Kendrick smile as often as possible.

  “Seriously?” Kendrick’s steps faltered as he stared wide-eyed at Einarr. “I don’t think I’m hungry anymore.”

  Einarr tried his best to hold back his smile and then grinned. Kendrick narrowed his eyes and slapped Einarr in the gut with the back of his hand. “Not funny.”

  “I thought it was,” Einarr said. “All human currency is accepted in this realm, even credit cards.”

  Kendrick blinked at him. “I would love to see the statement. What name comes up on the bill?”

  “Well, tonight, my statement will show that I’ve dined at Malcor’s Melting Pot,” he answered as Malcor seated them. “I’ve never really paid attention to any of that.”

  Kendrick took a seat, his gaze bouncing from one thing to another. Einarr was pleased that the human seemed delighted. It was a better experience than the last time they were in this realm. “Do they have exotic food here?” Kendrick asked.

  As if speaking his wishes into existence, Malcor handed them each a menu. Kendrick opened it and studied the damn thing for what felt like an eternity. Einarr glanced around and then cursed when he spotted some of Marino Malone’s old cronies. Although Marino was dead, killed by an escaped shadow god from hell, his men still caused havoc wherever they were. Malcor didn’t turn anyone away, not even criminals.

  Einarr just prayed that the cronies behaved themselves. It had taken too much convincing for Kendrick to return. If anything happened while they were here, the human would never come back.

  One of them looked Einarr’s way, and a lecherous smile surfaced. He nodded and held up his glass before taking a drink. Einarr’s entire body went on alert. He wasn’t sure what that gesture meant, but he hoped like hell the guy wasn’t planning anything.

  “What is Calypso Craving?” Kendrick asked as he glanced up at Einarr. “The description has me puzzled.”

  Einarr gave Kendrick his attention, although he remained fully aware of the cronies a few tables over. “Unless you have a lead-lined stomach, I’d advise against it.”

  “That hot?”

  “Nuclear,” Einarr said. “It’s a demon delicacy.”

  Kendrick smiled, and Einarr forgot everything around him. “Then I think I’ll pick something else. Pepper is too hot for me.”

  Einarr tapped a section of Kendrick’s menu. “Look these dishes over. They don’t have a kick to them.” His hand lingered close to the human’s before he pulled it away.

  Kendrick chuckled. “It seems that burgers are popular, not only in the human realm but here as well.”

  “They’re good,” Einarr said.

  “Then I think I’ll stick to the familiar. I don’t need to end up with heartburn from hell.” Kendrick set the menu aside and then looked over at the table with the cronies. “Is something wrong?”

  “No, why do you ask?”

  “You keep looking over at that t
able,” Kendrick pointed out. “Should I be worried or do you spot an old flame?”

  Kendrick sounded jealous. Einarr wasn’t sure why that pleased him. He tapped his knee against Kendrick’s leg. “No old flame and there’s nothing to worry about.” He hated lying to the man, but it was sort of the truth. So far those men hadn’t done anything wrong.

  And Einarr planned on keeping it that way.

  When their waiter appeared, Einarr and Kendrick ordered.

  Kendrick glanced around. “Bathroom?”

  Einarr nodded toward the back of the restaurant, and Kendrick excused himself. As soon as the human was out of sight, the one who had saluted him with a drink walked over.

  He sat in Kendrick’s seat and relaxed as if he owned the place. “Nice looking guy.”

  Einarr curled his hands into fists and set them on the table. He kept his voice low and steady. “I’m not sure what you plan, but go near him, and I’ll eviscerate you.”

  The guy chuckled as if the threat meant nothing to him. “I wouldn’t dream of hurting your little friend. But it was my brother that you hauled off to the underworld.”

  Frowning, Einarr shook his head. He hauled many men to the underworld. “You’ll have to be a little more specific.”

  “Tjan. He was the one in Jake’s.”

  “Then he shouldn’t have attacked the human,” Einarr answered. So it was this man’s brother who’d attacked Dylan.

  “He had a score to settle with Jake. The human got in the way. Either release my brother from the underworld or your little friend—”

  Einarr reached across the table so fast that this guy hadn’t had time to blink. He wrapped his hand around the demon’s throat. “Go near him, and I’ll make sure I peel your skin from your body very slowly and very painfully.”