Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Romance Anthology

by Colleen Gleason

  “Okay, so the Lesser Key tells you how to summon them. Does it tell you how to send them back too?” Please say yes, please say yes.

  “They both do.” Graive ran a hand over the book, almost caressing the page.

  “They both do,” I repeated. “So why use the big scary book that makes Amalie look like she wants to run and hide and not just the Key?”

  “We thought that it was important to know the hierarchy.” Graive’s finger traced a few stanzas on the page.

  Something told me I was not going to like what they had to say. Amalie looked like she was about to bolt, Aidan hadn’t said a word yet, and Mahalia looked exhausted. Some of her glamour had slipped away, and it looked as if life had caught up with her all at once.

  “All right, enough of the history lesson. Let’s hear the plan.” Despite his calm exterior, I could tell Aidan was mad as hell. His accent gave him away. The hotter his emotions ran, the thicker his accent became.

  “It takes a demon to catch a demon.” Graive didn’t even bat an eyelash when she said it.

  “What? That doesn’t make any—Oh! No, no, no, no, no, no!” Waving my hands, I looked around the room in disbelief.

  “It’s not as bad as you think, Maurin. We’ll summon the demon and send it after the Afrit. Once it’s captured, we send them both back.” Oberon acted like it was no big deal, like summoning a demon was an everyday occurrence.

  “Oberon, this is crazy. We can’t do this!” Amalie jumped to her feet.

  “Well it’s not like we know the true name of the Afrit. And we can’t summon or banish him without it Sit down and stop acting like a child.” Graive rolled her eyes, clearly tired of dealing with us and our petty questions.

  “It’s dark magic, Oberon. I can’t believe that you’re suggesting this. Mahalia? You’re sanctioning this?” Amalie seemed devastated, like a child learning for the first time that Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy weren’t real. Mahalia had just fallen from the ivory tower Amalie kept her in.

  “Do you remember what I asked you back at Toil and Trouble, Mahalia? Is this what you meant by shamanic? I’m with Amalie on this one.” At least there was still one person in the coven I could agree with.

  “It’s not always black and white. I have never permitted the use of the Lesser Key in all of my years as High Priestess, but it seems that this is the only way we will be rid of the beast.” Mahalia sounded as tired as she looked.

  “Who will take it? You or Graive?” Amalie’s face crumpled with disappointment and fear.

  “Take what?” I really needed to study up on this magic shit.

  “When you use dark magic, it throws off the natural balance of everything. It is different from earth magic, which is in tune with everything around it and leaves the natural order in place. Someone has to absorb the disruption, or it will permanently alter something on this plane. It’s like soot on your soul.” Amalie folded her arms around herself hugging her middle.

  “Graive’s not a witch, she’s a necromancer. Zombies and demons don’t affect her. She’s done it before. She knows what she’s doing,” Oberon’s confidence was annoying as hell.

  There were too many variables for me to be that self-assured.

  “I bet that’s what the Inquisitors thought too, right up until the Afrit tore them to pieces and splattered them all over the walls of that warehouse.”

  “Trust me, she can do this.” Oberon rested a hand on Graive’s thigh, giving it a little squeeze.

  “I’m a long way from trusting you. And we are not unleashing another demon. We can’t stop the one already running around.

  Their plan was insanity.

  “The High Priestess has agreed. We can do this without you.”

  “Is that a threat? Are you threatening me?”

  Mahalia grabbed Oberon’s arm. He’d overstepped his bounds. The High Priestess may have agreed to using dark magic to stop dark magic, but not without all of us. She wanted, no needed, a united front if something went wrong and we had to stand before the rest of the Council to explain our actions.

  “You could do that, Oberon, but it would be seen as a rogue act. The coven would be viewed as a threat to the Council and the Treaty of Races. Your seat on the Council would be forfeited, and the Fey would take your place automatically.” Aidan’s words commanded attention, the whole room turned to look at him when he spoke.

  Anan awkward silence in filled the room as Oberon abandoned his argument and admitted that Aidan was right with his silence.

  “Any other ideas?” I asked, in an effort to get things moving again.

  “Your only other option is to take off the amulet, let the Afrit come for you, and if we’re lucky, we can catch it in a circle and complete the banishing spell.”

  Graive had probably been hoping I’d pick what was behind door number two the whole time.

  “Absolutely not. No. I can’t believe you actually came here with this shit. That’s the best you’ve got? Conjure up another demon or offer up Maurin?” Aidan had had enough. Removing his arm from around my shoulder, he leaned forward, ready to pounce.

  “It’s not up to you, bloodsucker.” Graive was ready to accept the challenge, a little wave of her magic hummed through the room.

  “Watch yourself, grave robber. You’re the real reason I’m in Salem. I warned you once already. Step out of line again, and I’ll reduce the necro population by one.” Aidan cracked his knuckles, flexed his fingers.

  “Let’s say for argument’s sake that I decide to do this. How confident are you that you can hold him in a circle?”

  Everyone froze, holding a collective breath.

  “Normally I wouldn’t dignify that with an answer, but I am quite confident that we can contain him.” Mahalia sighed, her shoulders relaxing

  “Can you hold both of us in the same circle?”

  In one of those surreal, seemingly slow motion moments, everyone stared at me. A small smile crept across Graive’s face. I knew that smile. I had given it a few times myself. It was a ‘damn you’re one crazy son of a bitch, but you’ve got some serious balls’ smile.

  Amalie just dropped her head in her hands. She knew there wasn’t any point in arguing with me, no matter how dumb she thought the idea was.

  Aidan and Oberon actually had similar scowls on their faces, but I was betting it was for two totally different reasons. In fact, if I was a betting girl, I would have wagered my nonexistent paycheck from the Council that Aidan’s was a scowl of concern and disappointment that I would put my life on the line once again, while Oberon wore his scowl because I didn’t let his girlfriend read from her great big book of demon things.

  “Maurin, can I have a word with you? In private.” Aidan stood, waiting for me to do the same.

  “We’ll talk after.” I waved him off.

  “What did you have in mind?” Mahalia leaned forward, clearly eager to hear my plan.

  “I really need to talk to you now.” Aidan walked away from the group, lingering in the hallway between my kitchen and bedroom, hoping I’d follow.

  I didn’t.

  “I won’t be able to hurt, never mind kill the Afrit from outside the circle, but what if I’m inside with the Retaliator?”

  My idea wasn’t well received by anybody. Well, except for Graive. Surprise, surprise.

  “That’s crazy. Tell her how crazy that is, Mahalia.” Amalie threw her hands up in exasperation.

  Mahalia didn’t say a word. I could see her spinning the idea around in her head.

  “No, that might actually work.” Graive chimed in.

  “Maurin?” I could tell from his tone I wasn’t going to be able to put off a private conversation with Aidan any longer. excusing myself from the conversation, I followed him to my bedroom. He started in on me before I had even closed the door.

  “Are you insane?”

  “Keep your voice down. It sounds like you’re yelling at me."

  “I am yelling at you. It’s the only way to penetrate you
r unbelievably thick skull!"

  “I think that this will give us the best chance at getting rid of the Afrit.” I wanted him to understand, but seriously doubted I had the energy to convince him.

  “You’re not doing this."

  “It’s not up to you.”

  “Well it shouldn’t be up to you either. You obviously have no regard for your own life."

  “I’m doing this.” I turned to leave.

  “Maurin, wait.” Aidan grabbed my arm.

  Stopping, I tugged my arm free-only because he let me-, but didn’t say anything. I didn’t want him to talk me out of this. The Afrit had to be stopped, and I was becoming clear I had to be the one to do it.

  “Why won’t you even consider other options?”

  “What other options, Aidan? The only other option presented was summoning another demon, and that is not happening. Do you have any ideas?”

  “No, not yet.” He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. “But you’re rushing into this. You haven’t thought it through."

  “If I think it through, then I won’t do it."

  “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. This is madness. Just give it till morning. Sleep on it. That’s all I’m asking.”

  “If by sleep on it you mean sleep with you, it won’t change my mind."

  “Is that a challenge?” Aidan backed me up against the door, leaning in with his palms flat on the door like he was about to do a push up. He kissed behind my ear. “If so, I accept.”

  I started to protest, but his lips found mine preventing any further objections. The kiss was long and deep and full of passion. It was by far the best kiss of my entire life. He stopped to let me catch my breath, and I made my escape.

  I slid down the wall and out from under his arms. “That’s not fair.”

  He just laughed. “According to whose rules?”

  “Aidan, I have to do this.”

  “Someone else could. It doesn’t always have to be you.”

  “I really wish that were true.”

  Chapter 19

  Aidan had finally conceded defeat. We were back in my living room going over the details of our plan when there was a knock at the door.

  “Maurin, open up! It’s Masarelli!” I guess he figured there was no one to disturb with Ms. Costa, my only neighbor, currently MIA.

  This was the last thing I needed. Sighing, I got up and caught an “I told you so” look from Aidan. I didn’t know what he thought he had told me. It’s not like I asked Masarelli to check on Ms. Costa’s apartment personally, and I certainly didn’t invite him over.

  “Don’t let him in.”

  “What? You mean you don’t want me to ask him to join the team?” I sent a glare to Oberon, before I slid the chain lock in place and opened the door.

  I did my best to block Masarelli’s view of my visitors.

  “What’s up, Masarelli?” I asked as casually as one can with a vampire, two witches, and a necromancer sitting in her living room.

  “I’m checking on the old lady’s apartment. Like you asked. That’s what’s up.” Masarelli didn’t take kindly to threats and was obviously still pissed off at me.

  “Still no sign of her?” Still refusing to accept reality, I hoped for better news.

  “That’s what I came up here to ask you. You’re the one who lives above her.”

  There was more to say, more to be done for the sweet old woman but I couldn’t. Not while company was over.

  “I haven’t heard a peep from downstairs. Well, thanks for checking, Masarelli” I started to shut the door.

  “What the hell, Maurin? Why are you acting so weird?” Suspicious, Masarelli put a hand on the door.

  “Real smooth.” Graive mumbled from her perch on the couch.

  I tried not to grimace. “Who’s acting?” The joke fell flat.

  “You’re hiding something. Or someone. Who’s in there with you?” He tried to peer over my head. Masarelli jumped when Aidan suddenly appeared behind me.

  “Can I help you with something, Detective?”

  “So that’s it? You didn’t want me to see the vampire in your apartment? Worried that I’d tell the magic man you’re running around on him? What the hell do I care?” Masarelli just shook his head.

  “You don’t have to tell me anything!”

  Masarelli’s eyes widened at the sound of Oberon’s voice. There was no hiding the grimace on my face. If looks could kill, then the look I gave Oberon would have stopped his heart.

  “They’re both here?” Masarelli didn’t bother hiding his shock or disgust.

  “Yes, and as you can imagine, I’ve got my hands full right now.” I tried not to sound mortified.

  “I’ll bet you do” Masarelli raised an eyebrow.

  Heat of embarrassment flushed my face. I didn’t want to know what Masarelli was thinking. And I definitely didn’t want to know what he would tell the guys at SPTF. Damn it. I’d never be able to show my face there again.

  “Well, I guess I’ll let you get back to your little party.” Masarelli said.

  I didn’t have anything else to say, so I just shut the door in his face. Embarrassment was quickly replaced with anger. I turned and started walking very slowly toward Oberon.

  He just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “Oh, come on. I couldn’t resist.”

  “I didn’t think it was possible to hate you any more than I already did.”

  I was about to leap across the room and smash his face in when Aidan opened the door and called after the detective.

  Masarelli said something about wanting no part of whatever was going on in my apartment.

  Aidan assured him that he did.

  “What are you doing? He was leaving.” Graive said what everyone else was thinking.

  “He wasn’t going anywhere but out to his car to sit and wait. Besides, we may have a use for him,” Aidan justified his actions with simple logic and held the door for Masarelli.

  I knew Aidan had no use for Masarelli. He thought he was an idiot and totally inept when it came to being a detective, but he saw how upset I was.

  Masarelli’s eyes were opened again as he walked into my apartment. His eyes moved from face to face, trying to figure out the game and all the players.

  “I thought the idea was to get rid of him. No offense.” Amalie nodded in Masarelli’s direction.

  “If I cared what you thought, I might have actually been offended.” Masarelli crossed his arms over his chest and rocked back on his heels.

  “Watch it, cop. We could just wipe your memory and send you packing.” Graive’s evil grin more than confirmed she meant what she said.

  “If your boyfriend had just kept his mouth shut, then we wouldn’t have to consider that. Long story.” Waving off Masarelli’s sideways glance, I gave the necro my best death stare.

  “Would someone explain just what in the hell is going on in this insane asylum?” Masarelli’s cop voice commanded attention. He’d been practicing.

  “I’m going to need more coffee.” I headed for the kitchen, wanting to be as far away from the cluster fuck in my living room as possible.

  “I’ll take something stronger if you’ve got it,” Masarelli called over his shoulder, his eyes fixed on all the people seated in my apartment.

  “I’m not lining up shots while you’re still on duty.”

  “My bartender never seems to have a problem with it.”

  I just stared at him slack-jawed. My approval rating of Masarelli as an SPTF agent wasn’t very high, but I had mistakenly given him enough credit not to drink on the job.

  “That was a joke, Maurin. I got off ten minutes ago. You were my last stop. I was heading home for the night.”

  Masarelli finally relaxed and looked around for another chair before reluctantly sitting on the couch with Aidan.

  “I’ll see what I have.”

  I poured a cup of coffee as Mahalia started to fill him in on the plan. She went over what we knew about the Af
rit and the beginnings of our plan to kill it. Opening the freezer, I grabbed the bottle of Van Gogh and poured a shot for Masarelli. I set the shot glass on the table and sat down on the arm of the couch next to Aidan.

  “So let me get this straight. You’re going to lure that thing into a circle with Maurin as bait, and then she’s going to kill it with some magical sword?” Masarelli laughed, his disbelief palpable.

  “Yeah, that about sums it up.” I said, between sigs of coffee.

  “That’s the stupidest idea I’ve heard in a long time” Slamming his shot, he set the empty glass back on the table.

  “See? Even the Norm agrees it’s a bad plan.”

  “Don’t even start with that again, Aidan.” Nudging him with my foot, I gave him a friendly warning.

  “I saw what that thing can do at the station. There’s no way that this ridiculous plan will work.” Masarelli eyed the shot glass longingly.

  “It’ll work. It has to.” I stared off into the bottom of my coffee cup like it held all the answers.

  “Fine. Let’s pretend for a second that it will work. Where is this supposed to go down?” For a minute Masarelli reminded me a little of the captain he’s been pretending to be.

  “I’ve been thinking about that. What about Winter Island?” As much as I hated that place, it seemed like a good location.

  “That’s too big of an area to contain. I want Mahalia focused on the circle alone, not warding the whole island. We should go back to the warehouse.” Reluctantly on board with the plan, Aidan offered up a different suggestion.

  No wonder he wanted Masarelli to stay. It would be a lot easier using the warehouse, especially if he was involved.

  “No.”.

  “Come on Masarelli, why not? Think about it. It’s perfect. Mahalia can ward it and nobody will be down there that late. We get in, I kill the demon and we get out”

  “It’s private property.” Masarelli wasn’t budging.