Demon Hunting with a Dixie Deb by Lexi George

absolute certainty, refute it.
    On the positive side, though her bruised ribs ached, Monster Evan hadn’t ripped her in two like a toy in the hands of a destructive child. And she hadn’t been eaten by a witch with an insatiable craving for fairy funk . . . yet.
    On the not-so-positive side, she was still on top of the roof and she was pretty sure her ankle was broken, because it hurt.
    The shoenapper with the golden eyes bent over her. Somehow, he’d climbed up without making a sound. Probably, he didn’t climb at all, Sassy mused, gazing at him through a daze of pain and shock. Probably he beamed himself up, or sprouted wings and flew. Nothing would surprise her at this point.
    Except, maybe, if the guy smiled ; he was a study in solemnity, for goodness’ sake.
    Better for her peace of mind if he didn’t smile, she decided. He was too handsome by far—strong jaw, firm-lipped mouth, and eyes like warm honey.
    His brows drew together in disapproval. “Why are you here? I remember with utmost clarity telling you to stay on the bridge.”
    Stay on the bridge? Stay on the bridge? Oh, no, he didn’t.
    Sassy balled up her fist and punched him in the nose.

Chapter Six
    S assy’s small fist connected with Grim’s nose, sending a shaft of pain through his head. The blow was surprisingly solid. Sassy appeared dainty and feminine, but she punched like a tavern brawler.
    He rubbed his nose and glared down at her, welcoming the hurt. Pain was familiar. Infinitely preferable to the uncomfortable sensations he’d experienced during his frantic race through the woods, dread stalking his every step that he would stumble across Sassy’s dead body. What mischief had she been up to? She was dirty and bruised, every visible inch of her porcelain skin covered with scratches, and she radiated light, as if she had swallowed the moon.
    Instead of doing as she was told, the chit had run off and gotten herself in trouble, but she was alive. He had found her in time. The ball of fury in his gut eased a little, though not entirely. Tracking her for the better part of an hour, he’d found her in the clutches of not one, but two monsters, a circumstance that did little to improve his temper.
    â€œYou have led me a merry chase,” he said, not bothering to hide his annoyance. “Is it your habit to gambol through the woods without regard for safety or the vexation you cause others?”
    Sassy sat up, eyes blazing. She was angry, and it showed in a most interesting way. A rainbow of lights warmed her skin. Her hair shimmered and curled around her head in wild, waving tendrils, like shoots of clover reaching for the spring sun.
    â€œI didn’t ask you to follow me.”
    â€œThe entire exercise would have been unnecessary had you done what you were told.”
    â€œYou left me.”
    â€œI was hunting. I told you I would return.”
    â€œIf I’d waited around for you, I’d be dead.” She looked him up and down, her eyes narrowing. “What happened to you? What is that smell and why is your shirt torn? Is that blood on your chest?”
    â€œIt is nothing. A skirmish with one of the djegrali.” She looked confused, and Grim added, “You would call it a demon. I told you I am a demon hunter.”
    â€œAnd you thought I believed you?”
    â€œWhy would you not when it is the truth?”
    â€œBecause demon hunters aren’t real. Ghosts, witches, and fairies don’t exist.” Sparks of light flew from Sassy’s body and darted around her like fireflies. “At least, they didn’t when I left the house this morning. Now I don’t know anymore.”
    â€œYou are perturbed and small wonder,” Grim said, relenting. He was finding it hard to stay angry with Sassy when she was so delightfully whole . “You are right. I should not have left you. I am much alone. Prolonged solitude has made me insensitive to the needs of