When Hunter Meets Seeker: (An Arcane Society Novel - Paranormal Demon Romance)

by Betty Shreffler

  “Did you change your mind?”

  “Nope, came here looking for my friends. They’ve been spending a little too much time getting the VIP treatment.”

  Dex nodded, leaning against the bar in front of her. “I can help you find them if you’d like.” He pointed to the camera above the bar.

  She contemplated the options of being alone with him in a hallway again and what might come of that, but more importantly she needed to find Jackson and get him away from the succubus.

  “All right, lead the way.”

  Dex guided her through a group of dancers to another metal door, this one on the right side of the club. She walked through it as he held it open for her.

  “Is there a reason you were upset after our time together?” he asked as they ventured down a narrow, dimly lit hall.

  She glanced over at his smooth angelic face and his dark eyes. Arousal stirred in her belly, trickling over her skin.

  “It’s complicated.”

  He stopped walking and stared at her. “Explain it to me.”

  “I can’t.”

  His eyes flickered and his expression developed that same look he had the last time, just before he pounced on her and made her brain melt from his kiss. She lurched forward, motivating them into a walk.

  “Where’s the security office?”

  “Not far. Around the corner. Afraid to be alone with me? Concerned we might have a go at it again?”

  She smiled at his playful undertone. “You sure are cocky, Dex. You seem to think that I’m dying to let you back in my pants.”

  “You are, aren’t you? I know I’d like to be.”

  They turned the corner and he glanced over at her, giving her a wickedly charming smile.

  She shook her head at his handsome grin. The corner of her mouth raised. He eyed her with his possessive stare as he opened the door for her to enter his security office. She walked into a room and her demon alarm went off like a siren. Two more incubi sat in front of a wall of screens, keyboards and a controller.

  They glanced at her briefly with surprised expressions and then went back to the screens. Dex brought her over to what looked like his station, neat and tidy, which she expected.

  “The screens change gradually. If you watch them, your friend will show up on it. You may not like what you see.”

  Her attention remained fixed on the screens, watching and waiting for Jackson to appear. As she watched, shock swept over her at what all was happening in this massive club. Images showed up on the screens equivalent to watching porn and not the soft kind. Her cheeks warmed and she glanced at Dex, who watched her with a satisfied expression.

  His attention drifted from her to one of the screens. He moved closer, hitting the keyboard and zooming in on the problem. A bar fight had ensued and a glass bottle had just been slammed onto someone’s head.

  “Damn it. I’ll be back.”

  Dex rushed out the door without a word about her having to leave since he had to, so she kept watching the screen images change. As they did, she started to understand the layout of the club. The maze didn’t seem quite as complicated. There was a pattern to it and she carefully stored it to memory.

  One of the guys glanced back at her. His pretty, baby-blue eyes seemed interested in who she was and the reason for her presence.

  “I’m looking for a friend,” she replied to the question in his eyes.

  “Dex has never brought anyone up here before. He must really like you.”

  The comment caused a flutter of butterflies to flap through her belly.

  “When did you two meet?” the other guy asked, never taking his eyes off the screens.

  “A couple nights ago.”

  The guy stopped looking at the screens and glanced at his baby-blue-eyed co-worker, silently exchanging words with their expressions.

  “Dex is a real good guy,” Baby-blue told her. “He’s a catch.”

  She saw Dex appear on a screen that was fixed on the bar. The demon could move fast and fight like a bear. He took down two guys in a matter of seconds. He dragged another toward the exit. Seeing him move and fight like that had those butterflies flapping with a little more excitement. She turned back to the main screens as Dex disappeared from the bar screen.

  The image she’d been waiting for popped on the screen to the right of her. Her stomach coiled as nausea swam through her belly. Serena straddled Jackson over a bed, bouncing up and down on him. Her eyes a demon green and a wicked, pleasured smile over her face. Jackson appeared physically drained yet still enjoying a state of euphoria. The disgust rose up her throat. She swallowed it back down. She silently stepped backward, slipping out the door as the friendly blue-eyed incubus started to ask her another question.

  Dex returned to the office after throwing one guy out and threatening another. Al and Greg glanced at him and then back to the screens.

  “Where’d she go?” Dex asked, concerned.

  “Don’t know. She was here one minute and then gone the next.”

  “Find her,” Dex demanded. His tone growing in irritation.

  The three of them quickly flipped through the screens.

  “There.” Greg pointed. “She’s on the other side of the dance floor, heading toward the VIP door.”

  As she neared the door her body passed under a black light above the door. Dex tensed as her skin developed dark markings across her upper arms and the visible part of her back. Tattoos that could only be seen by a light like that.

  Greg looked up at him in shock. “You let an Arcane Hunter in here? What the hell were you thinking, man?”

  “Damn it. I didn’t know. Arcane Hunters don’t have sex with demons.”

  “You had sex with her?” Greg asked again, with even more shock in his voice.

  Dex rubbed his hand through his hair. “I’ll fix it. I’ll get her out.”

  “You better hurry. She had enough time to study the layout. She’s headed right to Serena’s room.”

  A knot caught in his throat. He bolted out the door.

  Anya turned the corner into the red and black waiting room. She eyed the door she needed and headed right to it. The door was conveniently locked. She quickly left the waiting room, finding the hallway that led to the back entrance of the room. The door knob turned and she opened it to find Jackson shirtless, staggering and trying to put pants back on. Serena’s expression darkened, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Anya.

  “What are you doing in here? You’re not supposed to be back here.”

  “I know. I came for him.” She pointed to Jackson. “I know what you are, Serena. You shouldn’t have had sex with him this much. Look at him. He’s barely able to stand and he doesn’t even know what’s going on.”

  “I don’t turn down clients. It was his choice to come back.”

  “You’re a succubus demon. He doesn’t have a choice! Once he’s hooked he’ll keep coming back until you drain him dry and he dies from sickness! He’s my best friend. I’m not going to let you kill him because you’re a greedy, disgusting demon.”

  Her lip curled and Anya caught the shift in her body language. She was preparing for a standoff.

  “Get out, before I call security.”

  “I’m sure they’re already on their way, which is why I have to move fast.”

  Anya gripped the wooden clip and yanked. The gold wire swam through the air. Anya caught the other end and sprinted across the room. Serena’s demon eyes flashed green as Anya slid across the floor, slicing the gold wire through her neck. Her body dropped, leaving behind her demon residue on the floor.

  Anya grabbed Jackson’s t-shirt and shoved it into his chest. “We have to go, now.”

  He wobbled as he lifted his shirt over his head, his eyes in a glossy daze with dark purple bags under them.

  Anya put her arm around him and dragged him toward another room at the end of the hall. She slipped them inside it, sitting him on the bed. She reached into her pocket.

  “Here, eat
this. It’s butterscotch. It will give you some energy back.”

  Jackson smirked. “You’re giving me candy after you just killed a demon in front of me?”

  She looked at his eyes. Clarity was coming back to them. “Yeah, I just saved your ass. Another day with that succubus and you’d need hospital care or worse, you’d die. Now be quiet. I need to get us out of here without anyone finding us.”

  He unwrapped the candy and popped it into his mouth. She listened to footsteps pass the door. When she heard a door close at the other end, she rushed over, lifting Jackson and pushing him into a brisk walk down the hall. She got them back to the dance floor and quickly made it along the outside of the crowd.

  “Did Joe come with you?” she asked as they neared the exit.

  “No, I came alone.”

  Relief filled her that she didn’t have to go back for him.

  “We’ll leave your car here and come back for it tomorrow.”

  “Fine,” Jackson grumbled.

  Anya glanced over at the scowl on his face. “You really don’t realize how caught up in her seduction you were, do you?”

  “I’m a little pissed you killed her. I liked her.”

  “I’m sure you did. That’s how she kept you coming back. She didn’t care about you, Jacks. She was using you. She didn’t care how sick you got or if you died. Who knows how many others are in your state or have died from her greedy needs.”

  Anya helped him into her passenger seat. She jumped into the driver’s seat and gunned it. In her rearview mirror she saw Dex come out the entrance. Guilt knotted in her stomach.

  Chapter 8

  After stuffing Jackson with protein-rich food and vitamin-induced water she left him snuggled in his bed. She drove back home, ignoring the guilty feeling that clawed at her every time she thought of Dex.

  She pulled into the driveway of her small apartment building and went inside. She turned on the hot shower and stripped. She stepped into it, the heat soothing her tense muscles. Her hands braced the wall as she leaned forward, letting the water run over her face and back.

  She’d really killed her, walked right in and killed her. She was a fool for thinking she could walk away from being an Arcane Hunter. It’s what she was, down to her distaste for cruel demons that preyed on the weak and innocent. Maybe she could stop taking orders, but she’d never stop finding demons in the world. She’d never stop being suspicious of them. She’d never stop killing them when they stepped out of line.

  Any thought of Dex needed to go. She needed to forget about him. She was a danger to him and now after what she’d done tonight he might be a danger to her. He probably knew what she was now. A sullen feeling settled into her chest. She stepped out of the shower and donned her comfortable shorts and tank. She crawled into bed and turned on the TV. She didn’t watch it. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, wondering what she was doing. Her attempt at a normal life had quickly sent her world into a downward spiral.

  A forceful, pounding knock on her door caused her to jump in surprise. She grabbed the knife from under her pillow and held it behind her as she opened the door. Dex shoved the door open wide and forced his way into her house. With his hand still on the door, he swung it closed, slamming it behind him as he stalked toward her. His possessive eyes were dark and deadly.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you’re an Arcane Hunter?” His voice sounded threatening.

  She took a step back. He moved closer, grabbing her in his hands. His fingers pressed a little too firmly into her skin. She tapped the knife just above his package. He glanced down at the knife. He released her arms.

  “The same reason you didn’t tell me you’re an incubus. It’s a secret that both of us can’t share.”

  “Why did you sleep with me if you’re meant to kill me? Do you like to play sick games with your prey?”

  Her lip curled. “No more than you do, demon. Did you enjoy sneaking into my house, my bed, making me think I dreamt of you, all the while you were really here?”

  Surprise crept into his expression.

  “Yeah, your charms don’t exactly work on me. I’m fully aware of your incubus tricks with dreams.”

  His head tilted. “You were already dreaming about me when I got here. I just gave you what you really wanted.”

  Her body warmed at the thoughts invading her mind.

  “Even now you want me. I can smell your desire. You reek with it.”

  “Ouch, was that meant to be an insult? Suddenly you’re disgusted with me? Because if I’m remembering correctly, which I am, it was you who pounced on me in the hallway, not the other way around.”

  “I wish I hadn’t.”

  “So, you came all the way here to tell me that having sex with me was a mistake because I’m an Arcane Hunter?”

  “I came to confront you. To find out what exactly your plans are. Are you planning on killing me too? If you are, we might as well get the fight over with now.” His muscles tensed and his eyes darkened. Her stomach knotted at the disgust in his eyes. She didn’t want to hurt him and honestly his apparent hatred for what she was bothered her more than it should.

  “No, I never had any intention of hurting you, nor do I now. The night I came to Donatello’s I was trying out what normal life felt like. Serena’s actions is what got her killed. She’d been seducing a human to the point of sickness. Anymore and he’d be in danger of dying. She didn’t have any intentions of stopping. I had to. I’m sorry. It’s what I am.” The last words trailed off with a feeling of desolation.

  “What do you mean you were trying out what normal life felt like?”

  Anya set the knife on the counter now that Dex’s tense shoulders finally relaxed. “I wanted to quit. I wanted to stop being an Arcane Hunter. I wanted to know what it was like to have a relationship, a job, a normal life.”

  Dex glanced at the knife and then back at her. His eyes still dark and questioning. “The demon you killed. She was a friend. More than a friend. She was my ex.”

  Anya’s stomach dropped. Her eyes widened. “I’m so sorry. I mean it. She crossed the line, Dex. I wouldn’t have killed her if she hadn’t crossed the line.”

  Dex’s head lowered. He gnawed on his lip a moment and then released it. “She didn’t deserve to be killed. I could’ve stopped her.”

  “I didn’t know that. All I know how to be is an Arcane Hunter.”

  Dex’s shoulders tensed and she saw the idea in his head. He lunged for the knife on the counter. She kicked high with force, contacting his abdomen. His body fell backward, just missing the blade. She grabbed it off the counter and swung, holding it against his neck.

  “Do it. Get it over with, hunter.”

  Her stomach twisted. Sadness filled her eyes. She dropped the knife to the ground. “I don’t want to kill you.”

  His eyes flickered green, hungrily looking over hers. He grabbed her in his arms and kissed her with fierce desire. His hands lifted her behind, wrapping her legs around him. Taking the few steps to her bed, he threw her onto it. He lifted his shirt over his head, grabbed her legs, and pulled her right to him. He yanked her shorts and underwear from her hips, then unbuttoned his jeans. She could see the top of his erection as the fabric fell open. It stirred the fire in her belly. Excitement danced across her skin.

  “Take ’em off,” he told her.

  She leaned forward, grabbing for his jeans. His hand fisted her hair as she pulled him out of them. His dark possessive eyes watched her. His tongue grazed along his lips as he strummed his fingers through her wavy hair. He glanced down at her shirt. Slid his hands under it, lifting it over her head. His gaze roamed over her body. Demon green flashed in his eyes. He leaned over her, his bold gaze locking on hers, seemingly reading her thoughts.

  “Don’t look at me like that.”

  She defiantly stared back at him. Intense desire filled his eyes as he grabbed her hip, pulling her against him. She wrapped a leg around him as he plunged himself inside her. His rhythm wasn�
�t like last time. He moved fast and hard, squeezing her hip firmly in his grasp. His other hand fisted her hair, tugging at it as he plunged deeper.

  His hot, intoxicating lips came down on hers, pulling her own heat to the surface of her skin. His tongue found hers and swirled, flicked and caressed hers. A moan escaped her as he broke away, driving her to her climax. He didn’t slow, he moved against her, his hips slamming into hers. The sound of them coming together drove her arousal wild. She clung to his back, her fingers digging into his muscles, leaving her prints in his skin.

  As her orgasm climbed, taking her on a temporary high, a moan escaped her lips. Dex inhaled deeply, his head rolling back as he absorbed her arousal. His demon eyes brightened and glossed over.

  Her orgasm waned and he slowed his movements, coming down on her, kissing her before pulling away.

  “I have to go.”

  Her heart sank at the disgust that returned to his eyes. Had he just used her? She didn’t say anything, just watched him dress. When his back turned to her she saw the black phoenix tattoo across his upper back and left shoulder. The left wing spread into his shoulder and part of his arm. The tattoo was beautiful and intricate. She wanted to touch it, run her fingers across it. She wanted to touch him, but he’d suddenly gone cold and distant. He didn’t say a word to her or even look back. He silently walked out her door. The tears welled in her eyes and then slowly trickled down her cheek.

  Chapter 9

  Dex sat on the patio of the bar, holding his beer, watching the humans pass by, oblivious to what lived among them. Having been adopted he used to be just like them. Naïve to the existence of demons. Unfortunately he didn’t have anyone to educate him on what he was. It started with an intense desire for sex. Well, being a teenage boy, that didn’t set off any alarms, but then he found himself easily seducing the girls around him. They practically jumped him with one look in their direction.