by Мишель Роуэн
Eden fell back onto the bed and clamped a pillow over her face. “Oh, my God!” came the muffled pronouncement.
Embarrassment? Regret? Disgust? He wasn’t exactly sure. But whatever she was feeling, she now seemed to be trying to smother the memory right out of herself.
He grabbed the pillow and pulled it away. She looked up at him with worry.
Darrak really hated himself for having these very inconvenient feelings for this woman before him. He wished they’d go away and never come back. He didn’t like feeling so human around her, moving quickly between concern and desire. But he couldn’t help the fact that he liked being with her, being close to her. He liked how she smelled, how she tasted, how she felt.
Was Theo right? Was what he felt for her only an illusion? Was this unfamiliar emotion that had burrowed deep into his chest a fleeting thing? Because of that emotion he’d single-handedly destroyed her life, and there wasn’t a whole hell of a lot he could do about it now. All he could do was try to prevent further damage any way he could.
And he was not even slightly amused by the flush that had come into her cheeks as she realized that she’d very thoroughly molested him before getting a glass of water thrown in her face for her troubles. Well, maybe a little amused.
Something seemed wrong with this scenario when the water thrower was an ex-incubus.
In all his existence he’d never felt this way before. For anyone. To put it mildly, it was very inconvenient.
Luckily, if nothing else, she didn’t feel the same for him. She might feel a strange affection for the demon who’d ruined her life, maybe a bit of lust — or a lot depending on the day — but Eden didn’t love him.
It was a relief, actually. Her saving grace. It made things much easier.
“You need to rid yourself of any remaining black magic right now,” Darrak said. “Try to concentrate. Can you do that?”
She nodded and closed her eyes.
The next moment all the magic that filled the room left in a rush. The glass he held fell to the carpeted floor as pain swept over him and he rapidly lost solid form again. It was only Eden’s powerful magic that helped him attain that form during dark hours. Before he could say another word, his body turned to black smoke. He suddenly felt desperate to find shelter. In this form he was very susceptible, as close to true death as a demon could get, apart from being on the receiving end of an exorcism. He didn’t even make a conscious choice; he simply moved toward Eden as if attracted magnetically.
As he possessed her, she cringed and clutched at the bedsheets.
He hated hurting her. If nothing else, at least it was fast.
“We’ll fix this,” he said when he was able to communicate with her again.
“Oh, yeah?” she replied after a moment. “I think I’ve heard that line before.”
“Theo will help us.”
She exhaled shakily. “You’re sure you trust him?”
“With my very existence. Which seems to be rather appropriate right about now.”
“What if he can’t help?” she asked.
“He will.”
“But if he can’t?” she persisted.
“Then we’ll find another way.”
“The eternal optimist.”
“Who knew?” He was quiet for a moment. “I know I shouldn’t have borrowed your body. .”
“No, you shouldn’t have.”
“But I’ve decided I’m not sorry.”
She tensed. “Not even a little?”
“I’m sorry you were so upset about it, but it had to be done and I stand by my decision.”
“Let’s just forget it.”
“Really?”
“For now. It’s been a long night.”
“What the hell did Ben want from you, anyhow? Did he really want to kill you?” Anger and hatred flared inside him as he thought about the cop who’d put Eden’s life at risk that night.
She hesitated. “No. He wanted to save me.”
He wanted to ask her to clarify. It felt as if she was holding something back, but he didn’t push her. “Doesn’t sound like it to me.”
“He means well. He’s made some. . bad decisions, but he means well.”
Why was she still defending him? That didn’t sit well with him. “A lot of men have done evil all in the name of good.”
“Kind of preachy for a demon, aren’t you?”
“You’re right.” He hesitated. “It’s disturbing, actually.”
It only confirmed what Theo said. Demons didn’t preach right from wrong. Demons weren’t “nice.” They were powerful and dangerous opportunists. They were loyal to their own kind when it served them. Their own existence was of first priority to them, bar none.
Darrak wasn’t nice. Hell, he didn’t even want to be nice.
If Eden had met the pre-curse him face-to-face. .
Well, she wouldn’t have been trying to make love to him. She wouldn’t feel remotely safe with him. And he wouldn’t feel this overwhelming need to protect her, even from himself.
Darrak trusted Theo as much as one demon could trust another. But Theo had no artificial humanity to deal with like he did. And Theo was not remotely nice by any definition of the word.
For the chance to break his curse, Darrak had no choice but to take a risk and meet with him at noon and take Eden along for the ride. He couldn’t say he wasn’t worried about this.
Even though demons didn’t worry. Or, at least, they shouldn’t.
On the bright side, he’d never had souvlaki before. It sounded delicious.
Eden slept in until after nine o’clock. The alarm clock didn’t go off. She assumed Darrak turned it off so she could recover from what had happened last night.
Last night.
Oh, boy.
Darrak was nowhere to be seen. She dragged herself out of bed and went to the bathroom, staring at her bleary-eyed reflection. She splashed some water on her face, then stared some more. Her gaze then fixed on her amulet.
Just like the circles under her eyes, it was significantly darker this morning.
Her hand shook as she drew a brush through her tangled hair. Her throat felt thick and her eyes were shiny. She wasn’t going to cry. That would be a really wimpy thing to do.
Everything was going to be okay.
Even though Eden’s soul had darkened from using her black magic again.
Even though someone had tried to kill her the moment they found out she was a black witch.
And that someone had been helped by Ben, a man she used to have a major crush on.
Also, she’d been unable to stop herself from jumping Darrak’s bones, and he’d soundly rejected her by throwing a glass of water in her face. The particular memory made her face flush with embarrassment.
Oh, and she couldn’t forget the news that her father was an angel.
Yeah. That little fact was still hard to wrap her head around.
Because of him, she had some sort of celestial energy inside of her fighting with her black magic and threatening to tear her into two separate and very pissed off pieces.
Did that cover it?
Her stomach lurched. Not painful this time. Just sick.
Eden had always wished for an exciting life. She really should have been more specific.
She forced herself to get ready for the day. She showered, dressed, and makeupped. She still had a glimmer of hope, and to this she clung desperately.
Unfortunately, that glimmer of hope was Darrak’s friend Theo.
The glimmer of hope flickered like a match in a strong wind, threatening to plunge her into darkness at any given moment.
Finally, she went out to the kitchenette to find Darrak and Leena both waiting for her.
“Morning!” Leena said cheerily. She obviously didn’t remember a thing from last night after being put back to sleep.
“Morning,” Eden replied, trying to force a smile to her face. She failed.
Darrak eyed her warily. “How are you
?”
She couldn’t look him in the eyes. “I’ve been better.”
“Listen, about last night—” he began.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” She didn’t want to talk about anything from last night. In fact, she’d decided against telling Darrak what Oliver said regarding her father. Besides, she didn’t know for sure if it was true or not.
“But—”
“No, Darrak.” She went to the fridge and poured her daily glass of orange juice. Her queasy stomach protested, but she downed it anyhow.
“What happened last night?” Leena asked.
“Nothing.”
She felt Darrak staring at her, but she didn’t look at him.
The phone rang and she picked it up on the third ring.
“Eden,” Andy greeted her cheerily. Why was everyone so damned cheery this morning? “Running a little late today?”
“Yeah. Sorry. I’ll be in the office soon.”
“No worries. You got through a ton of files yesterday, so we’re all caught up. Take your time. Listen, I want you to join me for my cheating werewolf spouse stakeout. It’ll be good for you to see a master investigator like me at work.”
If nothing else, she was glad Andy was accepting the recent paranormal infestation in his life and business so easily. Although, it was likely he was in the land of denial. She really wished she could join him there. It was a happy place.
“When?” she asked.
“Noon. I can swing by the office and pick you up.”
That was when they were supposed to meet Theo the demon for Greek food.
“Can’t, I’m afraid. I have an appointment scheduled.”
“Is it important?”
“Vital.” She flicked a glance at Darrak, and memories of the prior night flooded back to her. “Can you handle it okay on your own?”
“Oh, sure. All I’m doing is snapping some pictures. It won’t be a problem. Just thought I’d offer. I’ll touch base with you later, okay?”
“Okay. Good luck.”
She hung up. Andy wanted her to learn the ropes of being a private investigator, and she had to admit, she’d started taking more of an interest in the business. She was naturally curious. Her case of the moment, although it wasn’t an official one, was figuring out who killed Graham. She wished she had more time to devote to it.
It wouldn’t be today, however. Her only priority was figuring out if Darrak’s friend was really going to help them or if he was just blowing smoke.
Since he was a demon, the smoke blowing might be quite literal.
“I feel like something’s going on that you two aren’t telling me,” Leena said. “If you tell me, I might be able to help out a bit more.”
“Yes, that would be nice,” Darrak replied. “What exactly is it you do around here? Other than watch television all day, that is?”
She gave him a dirty look. “This isn’t permanent.”
“So you keep telling us.”
“Us.” Leena shot a glance in Eden’s direction. “He makes it sound like the two of you are a couple.”
Eden really didn’t need any bickering today. She was seriously close to the edge.
“Currently we’re a two for one deal,” Eden admitted tightly. “But, no, we’re not a couple.”
“Let’s leave, Eden,” Darrak grumbled. “I need to get away from Catwoman or I might say something I’ll regret.”
“Feeling uncomfortable around me?” Leena asked. “Is it because I remind you you’re as unwelcome here as I am?”
Eden hissed out a breath, wishing for the days when her apartment was empty except for her and a pile of magazines. Now she was constantly living an episode of Three’s Company. From Hell.
She rubbed her temples. “You’re not unwelcome. I promised you could stay until you sorted out your issues—”
“Which could take forever,” Darrak said.
“Right back at you,” Leena snapped.
“Come on.” Eden grabbed Darrak’s tense arm and directed him toward the front door. If they fought another minute, she was seriously going to lose her patience.
The wards she’d instinctively set last night wouldn’t protect her after she left the building. She’d have to keep an eye out for Ben and Oliver. However, they knew what she was capable of, and they wouldn’t know she didn’t use that black magic every day of the week. She’d be surprised if they approached her today, figuring they’d take a little while to lick their wounds.
Just the thought of a threat made magic begin to crackle down her arm.
Bad black magic. Go away.
Just like yesterday, her new neighbor Lucas was leaving at the same time as they were. Eden glanced at her watch. Maybe his alarm clock hadn’t gone off, either.
He looked over at her. “Hey, there. Eden, isn’t it?”
“That’s right.” Small talk in the hallway felt like a chore this morning, but she’d give it a shot. “How’s that housewarming party coming along, Lucas?”
“Slowly.”
Leena peered out the front door to see whom Eden spoke to, and her eyes widened as she took in the attractive man next door. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced. I’m Kathleen Harris. But you can call me Leena.”
He approached and firmly shook her hand. “Lucas Campbell.”
“So we’re neighbors, huh?” she grinned. “Feel free to borrow some of my sugar anytime you like.”
“And by that,” Darrak said, “she means she’d be happy to have sex with you.”
Eden almost laughed. If a snort could manage to sound hysterical, she’d nailed it.
Leena glared at the demon. “Just ignore him. Darrak talks out of his ass most of the time.”
Lucas’s eyebrows were high, but there was a smile on his face. “So, sugar, you say. I’ll definitely remember you’re the go-to gal for borrowing the sweet stuff around here.”
Her mortified look turned to one of amusement. “I am. Stop by any time. I’m always here.”
“She’s not kidding about that,” Darrak said. “She never leaves. Sad, really.”
Leena shot another death ray at the demon before her gaze returned to Lucas and she noticed the small bag he held.
“What are those?” she asked.
“Marbles,” Eden interjected. “For his students. Lucas is a teacher. You know, I could use a shiny, lucky marble myself.”
“That could be arranged.” Lucas smiled. “But first, please answer this question to the best of your ability. Where’s the best place for coffee around here?”
“There’s a Starbucks just north of here on Yonge Street. Five minute walk. Lots of parking if you take your car.”
“Excellent answer.” He handed her a marble he pulled from the bag. It had a green twisty center set into the clear glass ball. “See? Positive reinforcement for quality results. I have no idea why some of my students hate me so much.”
“Kids hate everyone.” It was so nice to talk to someone totally normal. It helped ease her tension a little. He wouldn’t be able to tell her many problems at a glance. It was encouraging.
He closed her hand over the marble. “Keep that safe. Maybe it’ll bring you some good luck.”
“I could use some of that today.”
With a last appreciative look in their new neighbor’s direction, Leena went back into the apartment and Lucas, Eden, and Darrak took the elevator downstairs.
“So. . what do you do, Darrak?” Lucas asked.
“I leech off the charity of others,” he replied smoothly.
Eden slapped his arm. She really wanted to appear completely normal to Lucas if she could. “Darrak is an. . entrepreneur of sorts. And an aspiring comedian, obviously.”
“I see.” Lucas nodded. “And how did you luck out enough to live with two beautiful women?”
“It’s my cologne. I have to beat the ladies off with a stick.”
How long was this elevator ride? Darrak was in a strange mood, and she really wanted to get hi
m away from anyone he might scare off.
“You’re a funny guy,” Lucas observed.
“Humor helps to mask the pain. It’s my thing.”
“Are you two married?” Lucas asked.
Eden managed to choke on a gulp of air. Darrak slapped her lightly on her back.
“No,” he replied for her. “But we’re together. So feel free to hit on Leena, but Eden’s off the market, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Lucas’s smile widened. “I think I understand.”
Eden waited until she reached her car, got in, and started driving before she turned to the demon. She scanned the area to make sure no Malleus members were around but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
“What was that?” she demanded.
“What?”
“‘Eden’s off the market’?” Her hands tightened on the steering wheel as she pulled onto the road. “We’re not together that way, Darrak.”
“I just didn’t like the way he was looking at you.”
“Oh, boy. You’re delusional, you know that?”
“He gave you a marble.”
“So what?”
He shrugged and fiddled with the radio. “In some cultures, the giving of a marble might mean you’re engaged.”
“Lucas is right. You are funny.” But she wasn’t smiling. “Listen. . what happened last night—”
“Oh, so now you want to talk about it.”
“I don’t want it to be awkward between us.”
He reached for her, and she froze, not knowing what to expect. He drew his index finger over the surface of her medium gray amulet before his ice blue eyes flicked to hers.
“It can’t happen again,” he said.
“I know.”
“Then you’re going to have to help me a little bit. Because last night. . well, let’s just say it was really close. This curse of mine is dangerous. I have to be close to you to survive, but the closer I get, the more I. .” He swallowed. “Things just aren’t as simple as I’d like them to be.”
That was true for both of them. Eden tried to concentrate on the road, but then Darrak took her hand in his and kissed it. His lips felt so warm against her skin, and desire swirled inside of her.
“And that’s helping?” she asked.
“Probably not.” Then he grinned. “What can I say? I’m a demon.”
