by Karen Lynch
“Eldeorin, what a pleasure.” She seemed genuinely pleased to see the faerie.
He steered me toward a couch on the other side of the room, keeping his distance from her. “Adele, you are as lovely as ever.”
Her gaze shifted to me, and I saw a spark of interest. “And who is this pretty thing you have on your arm tonight? She doesn’t seem like your type.”
“You should know by now that all beautiful people are my type,” he replied with a soft laugh. “This is my little cousin, Sara. Sara, meet Adele.”
“Hello,” I said.
“Sara? That is a human name.” A slow smile spread across her face. “Cousin indeed. Are you playing with me, Eldeorin? Did you bring a present for me?”
A present? Indignation rose in me. How dare she talk about humans like they were toys for her pleasure? Blue sparks played over the bare skin of my arms, making the hairs stand on end.
Eldeorin laid a hand on my arm. “Now, Cousin, Adele meant no insult.”
“What kind of demon are you?” I asked her.
That earned a throaty laugh from her. She set down her glass and sat up. “Oh my, you are an innocent. I’m shocked Eldeorin even brought you to my club.”
“Adele is a succubus,” Eldeorin informed me.
I inhaled sharply. Succubi survived by feeding off sexual energy, sometimes killing their victims when they were done with them. Their power allowed them to enthrall and arouse people to the point where they were helpless to defend themselves. Not that any male caught in a succubus’s hold would want to be freed. Women were not immune to their power either, although most Succubi preferred men.
A horrifying thought struck me. “All those people downstairs, you’re feeding off them.”
“Yes,” she said, as if it was no big deal. “Don’t look so shocked. I provide a place where they can let go and explore their sexuality. In return, I feed off all their excess energy. It does not harm them, and most of them are aware of what I do. It also keeps me sated so I don’t have to look for someone to feed off. It is a good arrangement for everyone.”
The thought of someone feeding off my energy made bile rise in my throat. I couldn’t believe people willingly subjected themselves to that. Yes, it was better than Adele finding some unsuspecting victim, but it still felt wrong.
She picked up her glass again and took a sip of wine. “I’m surprised Eldeorin didn’t tell you about me before he brought you here.”
“That is because I didn’t know she was coming here tonight,” he said in mock aggravation.
Adele gave me a knowing smile. “Spreading your little faerie wings, hmm?”
“I came to talk to you actually.”
“Is that so?” A perfectly shaped eyebrow shot up. “You have my undivided attention.”
“A warlock named Orias told me to come see you. I’m looking for someone, and he said you can find anyone in LA.”
“Orias? I haven’t seen him in ages. Is he still living at that ghastly place out in the desert?”
“Yes.”
She shook her head. “Why anyone with his power would choose to live like that is beyond my comprehension. So tell me, who are you looking for?”
“Her name is Madeline Croix, but you might know her by another –”
“Madeline?” Adele’s eyes narrowed. “Why would a faerie youngling be looking for a Mohiri?”
My heart began to thump against my ribs. “You know Madeline?”
“I know her well enough.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“You have to answer my question first. Why are you looking for her?”
“I’m looking for her for her daughter.”
Adele’s eyebrows shot up again. “I did not know Madeline had a daughter.”
Wow, what a shocker. “She does, and it’s very important that her daughter finds her. Only I’m not sure Madeline will want to talk to her. She left when her daughter was only two and hasn’t seen her since.”
Adele tapped a finger against her lips. “That explains why I have never heard of the child. Madeline does not like to talk about her past.”
“You sound like you’ve known her a while. Are you friends?”
The succubus paused before answering. “She saved my life a few years ago, and I guess you could say we are friends now, as much as anyone can be friends with her. She visits once or twice a year when she’s in town.”
“She saved your life?” It was hard to imagine Madeline doing a kindness for anyone.
“A vampire decided he liked my club and wanted it for himself. Madeline was in the right place at the right time.” She smoothed the fabric of her dress over her thighs. “After that I hired new security. No one gets past my men, not even vampires.”
I swallowed, trying to hide my excitement. If Adele was telling the truth, then Madeline would come to see her when she got to Los Angeles – if she wasn’t here already.”
“Orias told me Madeline was on her way to LA. Have you seen her?”
“I haven’t seen her in over a year, and I don’t know when she plans to visit again.”
Something in her tone told me she wasn’t being honest. If they really were friends, I couldn’t fault her for trying to protect Madeline. But I hadn’t come this far only to let Madeline slip through my fingers. “Would you tell me if she does come to see you? I promise I just want to talk to her.”
Adele studied me for a long moment. “I’ll consider your request. I make no promises, though.”
“Thank you.” I made a mental note to call David as soon as we got back to the hotel and ask him to find out everything he could on Adele. I should have done that before I came to see her. I didn’t believe she would really let me know when Madeline arrived, so we were going to have to watch her.
“On that note, I think it is time to get you home, Cousin.” Eldeorin stood and extended his hand to me. “Adele knows how to contact me if she needs to reach you.” He inclined his head toward the succubus. “It’s been a pleasure as always, Adele.”
Adele didn’t bother to rise from her couch to see us out. “It was wonderful to see you and to meet your young cousin. Are you calling it a night then?”
Eldeorin laughed as he gently tugged me to the door. “You should know me better than that. I’ll be back after I see Sara home.”
Roland, Peter, and Jordan were standing right where I’d left them, and their anxious expressions softened when they saw me. Roland reached my side first. “Are you okay?”
“Did you find out anything?” Jordan asked impatiently.
“Yes, I’m fine, and I’ll tell you everything in the car,” I said in a low voice. “I’m so ready to get out of here.” I smiled at Roland. “Unless you want to stay?”
Roland shook his head vigorously. “I’ve seen enough, thanks.”
“Come then, and I’ll see you out.” Eldeorin took my hand and laid it on his arm. It reminded me of Desmund, and I suddenly wished I was back in the library with him instead of in this hot, noisy club that reeked of magic and something dark and wanton that made my stomach churn.
Movement by the main door caught my eye as we made our way around the dance floor. Two tall young men walked through the door and slowly perused the room. They were both dark-haired and good looking, but that wasn’t what drew my attention. There was something about the way they moved that was familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
A third man appeared behind them, and the bottom fell out of my stomach. “Oh shit!” I grabbed Jordan’s arm and pulled her down to sit on a couch.
Roland, Peter, and Eldeorin crowded around us. “What is it?” Peter asked.
“Trouble.”
Jordan’s eyes lit up. “Vampires?”
“Worse. It’s Chris, and he’s not alone.”
Roland swore softly. “Nikolas and Chris are here? We’re so screwed.”
“I don’t... I don’t think Nikolas is here.” At least I couldn’t sense him nearby, but that didn’t
mean he wouldn’t arrive any minute.
“They’re spreading out,” Roland said in a frantic tone. “Chris is still by the door, but the other two are definitely looking for someone.”
“Who is Chris?” Concern colored Eldeorin’s tone. “Are you in danger?”
I shook my head. “He’s my Mohiri cousin, and he’s looking for Jordan and me. If he catches us, he’s going to drag us home, and I can’t go yet. I have to find Madeline first.”
“We kind of left home without permission,” Jordan explained. She peered around Peter. “I don’t know the two with him. They look foreign.”
How the hell had they found us? There was no way Chris showing up here tonight was a coincidence. Not with my luck. “We have to get out of here before they see us. Is there a back door to this place, Eldeorin?”
“Um, guys.” Peter nodded toward the back of the club. “I think they thought of that, too.”
Jordan turned to look behind us. “Fuck! There’re two more of them back there.” Her eyes were resigned when they met mine.
I wasn’t ready to throw in the towel yet. I reached up and tugged on Eldeorin’s arm, and he sat beside me.
“Will you help us?” I’d only met him an hour ago, but it felt like I’d known him for a lot longer than that. I couldn’t explain it, but I trusted him like I trusted Aine.
“I am not sure you are ready to be out in the world, little Cousin,” he replied, taking one of my hands in his. “The Mohiri are strong warriors. Perhaps it would be best if they took you home where it is safe.”
“No place is safe for me.” I shook my head at his puzzled expression. “It’s a long story, and I’ll tell it to you later. But first, we need to get out of here. Please.”
“If he’s going to do something, he’d better do it soon,” Roland whispered urgently. “They are closing fast.”
My fingers tightened on Eldeorin’s arm. “Please.”
Eldeorin’s blue eyes stared intently into mine. Behind me Jordan made a sound of dismay and my heart sank. I broke away from his gaze and looked up at the warrior who stood several feet away. His brown eyes passed over my friends and settled on me. I swallowed hard. And then he smiled.
It was not a “gotcha” smile, which was what I expected. It was sensual and inviting, the kind of smile a man gives a woman he wants, and it made heat invade my face. I looked down after a few seconds, waiting for him to call out to Chris. Disappointment burned in my throat like bile. I had been so close to finding Madeline, and now it was all over.
Jordan’s gasp brought my head up again in time to see the warrior continuing his slow trek through the crowded club. “What the hell?” she whispered. She looked at me and her mouth fell open. “Oh, this is priceless.”
“What?” I asked.
Eldeorin leaned toward me. “I pray I am not doing you a disservice, Cousin.”
“What the...?” Roland sputtered. He looked down at himself and then at Peter.
Jordan let out a short laugh. “You two look good as elves. I think it might be an improvement.”
“Speak for yourself, pixie,” he retorted.
“What?” Jordan rounded on Eldeorin. “You made me look like a pixie?”
It took me a few seconds to realize what they were all going on about. Eldeorin had cast glamours over us. I could see through them, so everyone looked the same to me. “What am I?”
Roland grinned. “You are the hottest nymph I’ve ever seen.”
“What?” I pictured the almost naked nymph I’d seen dancing earlier. “I’d better be wearing real clothes.”
Jordan stood and pulled me to my feet. “It’s probably best that you can’t see it. As long as it gets us out of here, right?”
“Ugh! Let’s go.” I glowered at Roland and Peter who were staring at me, as was every other male around us. “Stop that.”
“Sorry,” my friends said sheepishly, and turned away.
“If it makes you feel any better, it doesn’t look like you,” Roland said without looking at me.
Eldeorin led us to the main entrance, right past Chris, who was scanning the room. I tried to look straight ahead, but I couldn’t help myself. I glanced at Chris and found him watching me. Oh, crap, he knows it’s me. But then he gave me a slow smile. Okay, this is beyond awkward. I wanted to run out of there, but I looked away and forced myself to walk at a normal pace.
The moment the heavy outside door shut behind us, I released the breath I was holding and smacked Eldeorin on the arm. “A freaking nymph? Really? I think my cousin was about to hit on me. Do you know how gross that is?”
His smile was pure mischief. “It got you out of there, didn’t it? And we are all cousins in one way or another.”
I didn’t examine that statement too deeply. I had a feeling Eldeorin had no boundaries when it came to cousins, species, or gender. “Thank you for helping us,” I said instead. “Can you take the glamours off us now?”
“There may be more warriors around. Once you are safely inside your vehicle, I will remove them.”
“Good idea,” Roland said with a smirk as we walked to our car. “In fact, maybe Sara should keep hers for a few days. It’s the perfect disguise.”
“Careful, Roland,” I told him sweetly. “I don’t know how to create glamours yet, but I might someday. How would you like to spend a day walking around in a bikini?”
He winced and raised his hands. “Point taken.”
When we reached the car, Eldeorin hugged me before I could open the door. It was a good thing I had gotten used to hugging, because faeries were an affectionate bunch.
“Stay safe, Cousin. I will check on you soon.”
“How will you find me? Do you have some kind of radar for finding other faeries?”
He laughed softly as he released me. “Something like that. Now get out of here. It won’t take those warriors long to see that you aren’t in the club.”
Jordan started the car, and I climbed into the front passenger seat. By the time I closed the door and buckled my seat belt, Eldeorin had vanished. I really wish I knew how to do that. After meeting Eldeorin, I saw there were a lot more advantages to Fae magic than being able to kill vampires.
I rolled down my window a few inches for some air and sank back against my seat. What a night.
Roland let out a deep breath. “Damn, that was close.”
“If we hadn’t met the faerie, they would have had us for sure,” Peter added.
I nodded. “And I’m not sure I would have gotten in to see Adele without him. After meeting her, I’m really glad he was with me.”
Jordan glanced at me as she started driving us back to the hotel. “Why? What happened?”
I told them about meeting Adele and what I had learned about Madeline.
“A succubus?” Jordan made a face. “Madeline has strange taste in friends.”
“If Madeline really is in LA, I think she’ll visit her soon. We just have to watch Adele.”
Roland laid his hand on my shoulder. “I hate to put a crimp in your plans, but the Mohiri were all over that place. We can’t exactly do a stakeout with all those warriors nosing around.”
“Not to mention we have no idea where Adele lives,” Jordan said, stopping at a red light.
“That’s why I’m going to ask David to –” I broke off and looked around the intersection. “Did you guys hear that?”
Jordan looked over at me. “Hear what?”
I rolled the window all the way dawn. “I thought I heard –”
A girl’s terrified scream split the air.
I gasped, not because of the scream, but because of the cold spot forming in my chest. We’d been in Los Angeles for two days and I was surprised it had taken this long to come across one of them. “Vampire.”
Roland slapped the back of Jordan’s seat. “Drive, Jordan!”
“We have to do something,” I told them.
“We have to get out of here,” Roland argued. “We can’t go looking for troub
le.”
“I’m not looking for trouble, but I can’t stand by while one of those things murders someone.” My statement was punctuated by another scream.
Jordan jerked the wheel to the right and sped down a less busy side street. The cold spot in my chest grew until I knew we were there. I motioned to her, and she parked in front of a closed drycleaner and jumped out. I followed her to the trunk where we began pulling weapons from the duffle bag we had stored there earlier. I armed myself with a long dagger and the mini crossbow, and Jordan grabbed her new sword.
I held a knife out to Roland, but he shook his head. He and Peter ran into the darkened loading dock between the drycleaner and a laundromat. Less than thirty seconds later, I heard the scratch of claws on pavement.
“No!” a girl cried. It came from the alley across the street. The terror in her voice spurred me forward, and I was halfway across the street before Roland let out a soft growl and started after me.
The alley was lit by the streetlight, and I came up short at the sight before me. The blue-haired girl from the club was backed against a dumpster with her hands held in front of her. Flames flew from her fingertips, holding off the blond vampire advancing on her. At her feet lay her vrell demon friend from the club. He was unconscious and blood ran down one side of his face.
A few feet away from them, two vampires were feeding on a female mox demon. Their noisy slurping and the sight of the ravaged body made my stomach revolt. All I could see was Olivia and Mark lying on the snow that was soaked with their blood.
Rage burned through me. Before I knew what I was doing, I had the crossbow cocked and aimed at one of the vampires kneeling over the mox demon. He jerked and screamed when the silver-coated arrow pierced his back. It wasn’t close enough to hit his heart, but he screeched when he grabbed the arrow and tried to pull it out.
The other two vampires turned their attention to us. “What have we here?” the blond drawled, and then his eyes widened at something behind me. I didn’t have to look to know Roland and Peter were flanking me.
Jordan came to stand beside me. “Vampires eating demons? That’s like cannibalism, isn’t it?”
