Finding Me (Another Falls Creek Romance Book 2)

by SF Benson

  “Is he coming back soon?” the familiar voice says beside me.

  I side-glance at Nick who’s holding two beers. “Not until tonight. Why?”

  “Being nosy. I want to know what happened last night.” He pushes the open bottle toward me. “Start talking.”

  A smile slides across my lips. “JJ finally committed.”

  “About damned time.” Nick takes a long pull on the beer. “Was he worth it?”

  “Oh, yeah.” I run a finger through the condensation on the bottle. “Question.”

  “Shoot.”

  I take a deep breath, unsure if I should ask Nick, but if JJ won’t tell me… “If you knew something I should know, would you tell me?”

  “It depends on what it is.” He pauses for a beat. “What do you want to know, Colt?”

  “Tell me everything I need to know about Azaria.”

  “Oh, wow.” Nick scrubs a hand across his face. “I don’t know where to start on that one.”

  My stomach tightens. “Was there anything between her and JJ?”

  Nick checks over his shoulder before answering. He lowers his voice and answers, “They tried. It’s been a few years since it happened.”

  My teeth clench, and I ask, “Why didn’t it work?”

  “Chill. JJ realized she wasn’t his type. Azaria didn’t like competing for his dick.”

  “Oh.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t explain why she’s blocking JJ’s relationships.

  Nick bumps my shoulder. “You don’t have to worry about JJ cheating on you if that’s what’s bothering you. He’s loyal to a fault.”

  The revelation makes me glad on some level, but it doesn’t alleviate my distrust in Azaria. If I were an incubus, I’d know what I was up against.

  And you wouldn’t be with Jeremiah.

  Therefore, I ask the question I’m dying to know. “Are you sure she’s over him?”

  “She is, but here’s the thing.” Nick taps the counter with his fingers. “Azaria is vindictive. She won’t be happy as long as JJ finds happiness with a man. But like I said before, Azaria won’t admit it. She’ll lie her butt off to keep from telling you the truth.”

  The more I learn about Azaria, the less I like her. “Let’s go rehearse.”

  “Now that sounds better than talking about her.”

  My phone buzzes with an alert. I peer at it and notice it’s from Grandfather. We can talk after I’m done rehearsing. I met his conditions. It’s not like I have anything to be worried about.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Jeremiah

  On the opposite side of the street, the cambion watches me as I leave the bar. His stance doesn’t shift. He barely breathes. The being simply stands there like a fucking soldier. A twisted, demonic soldier.

  I resist the temptation to go back inside. If the half-breed, the offspring of Lilin and human, has any intention of harming Colton, I can’t risk it. Nick showed interest in Colton. I hope it’s genuine and not a fleeting fascination. If it’s genuine, Nick might keep the man I love protected until I return.

  It is what it is, I say to myself and walk up the street toward the bus stop. Being out in the open with cambions tears at my sanity. Weakness isn’t a good state to be in when demons walk the streets. Fortunately, my wait for a bus isn’t long.

  Twenty minutes later, I exit the bus at Canal Street and walk the short distance to the shop. Ezekiel has asked me numerous times to stop showing up without calling, but this can’t wait for a phone call. He’ll have to make an exception this time.

  Before I tug on the door, my scalp prickles. I glance over my shoulder. Instead of a cambion, there’s an older man standing across the street. Evil wafts off him like a foul stench. He wears a long black coat, possibly wool, over a black suit. Black leather gloves cover his hands.

  Maybe he’s lost. I hope he’s lost.

  Suddenly, I don’t want to be on the streets alone. I take the narrow stairs two at a time.

  Ezekiel greets me, his arms folded over his broad chest, at the top of the staircase. A pinched expression lies on his face. “Brother, how many times have I got to tell you—”

  “Keep the lecture.” I push past him. “We need to talk.”

  His feet collide angrily against the floor as I storm past a few late clients. Heads turn in our direction. I don’t stop moving until I reach Ezekiel’s office. The door reverberates as it slams behind us.

  “This had better be good,” he growls.

  “Nick came to see me the other day.” I sit behind the desk like it’s mine.

  “What did the Nephilim want?” Ezekiel stops in front of me.

  Shaking my head, I say, “That’s not important. I asked him about the demon following me.”

  Ezekiel parks his ass on the edge of the desk. “And?”

  “I thought maybe Nick had something to do with it. He took one look out the window and said he had nothing to do with the cambion.”

  “A cambion?” Ezekiel’s eyes widen. “Fuck. There’s more, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah. It’s more than one demon child. When I left your place, I took a different exit. There was another one guarding that route too.”

  “Well, we know Azaria isn’t responsible. She wouldn’t make any type of deal with demon mongrels.” He rakes a hand through his golden hair.

  I prop my elbows on the desk and lower my head. Right now, I’d give anything to get drunk and forget all about demons. “It gets worse.”

  “What?” Worry edges into Ezekiel’s voice.

  “Go to the window.”

  I listen to his boots cross the floor. His feet hit the wall as he stops abruptly.

  “Tell me if there’s a man outside wearing a long black coat.”

  “Yeah. He’s underneath the streetlight.” Ezekiel pauses for a beat. “Shit. I don’t know who sent him, but we’re in serious trouble, Brother.”

  “You know who that is?” Shifting in the seat, I look at my little brother.

  “The Najex.” Ezekiel rests a hand on the wall next to the window. “He’s the son of Ashmedai.”

  My muscles tense as panic swells in my belly. “The King of Hell?”

  “The very same. Supposedly, The Najex never leaves his little corner of the world—a place in upstate New York. I hear he’s an insufferable bastard who enjoys tormenting the shit out of souls, human and supernatural. The cambions probably answer to him.” Ezekiel closes the window blinds. “My question is what brings him to New York. When did the cambions stop following you?”

  “I saw the last one when I left the bar earlier.”

  “The only thing we’re sure of,” Ezekiel paces the floor, “is he’s here for one of us. We just don’t know which one. Hell, for all we know it could be both of us.”

  “Seriously, Zeke? Why would demon royalty be after you? Did you fuck the wrong female?”

  He shrugs his shoulders. “Anything’s possible, Brother. I don’t check credentials before I take a woman to bed.”

  “Maybe you should.” Pushing my hands against my thighs, I stand up. “I need to head back to the bar.”

  “How are things between you and your friend?” Ezekiel opens the top drawer of a file cabinet and removes a bottle of tequila and a shot glass.

  “We’re good.”

  My brother hands me the glass and gets another one out. “You finally fucked him? Was it worth waiting for?”

  Smiling, I toss back the drink. “What do you think? This is the longest I’ve been upright all damned day.”

  Ezekiel holds his head back and roars with laughter. “There you go. I’m waiting for that day.”

  “Yeah, right. I can’t see you settling down with anyone.”

  “One never knows. If the powers that be don’t let me back through the gate, I might have to explore a little fluidity. Maybe what I need is a good dick to improve my life.”

  “I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear you say that.” I set the shot glass on the desk. “If you see Azaria, find out what
she might know. The entire time I’ve been on Earth I’ve never run across cambions or the King of Hell’s son. I need to know what’s changed.”

  Ezekiel pours out another shot. “Maybe this has to do with your new playmate?”

  “No.” I quickly dismiss the idea. Colton has a good heart. He couldn’t possibly have a connection to The Najex or Ashmedai. “You’re wrong on that one, Zeke. Talk to Azaria. Let me know what you hear.”

  I retrace my route and swing by my apartment. When I don’t see The Najex anywhere, I breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe his appearance is intended for another soul. He could be in New York for one of Ezekiel’s clients.

  I gather the handful of bills from the mailbox and head to the elevator. When the doors open, unfortunately, the last person I care to see is on the other side.

  “Jeremiah, it’s good to see you. Where have you been hiding?” Azaria makes no move to leave the elevator.

  Reluctantly, I step inside. “I’ve been at Zeke’s.”

  She leans against the wall. “Interesting. When did you two get to be so chummy?”

  It’s not a secret that my brother and I have had our differences. Usually, we prefer to keep our distance. “We’re trying to mend fences.”

  “Sure you are.” Azaria studies me for an uncomfortable moment as the elevator makes its ascent.

  When the doors open on my floor, she depresses the hold button.

  “What is it, Az?”

  “Are you still with Colt?” Hatred, hard and cruel, colors her words.

  I remember what Ezekiel told me about the angel I called my best friend. Someone who fought beside me even when I stood up for my convictions. “What I do and who I do it with are my business.”

  She frowns. “Jeremiah, how long have we known each other?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Can you remove your finger so I can leave?”

  “You’ll regret this. You need me on your side.”

  “You’re wrong, Azaria. Good night.” Even if the Kingdom comes to Earth, I’ll never need her in my corner.

  It takes a few hours, but I manage to pack up everything I own. Having a furnished apartment makes it easier. Setting the last of my luggage by the door, I make a mental note to text Ezekiel. We’ll pick all of this up tomorrow. I’ll actually miss this place. It holds a lot of memories for me, but I’m ready to make new ones with Colton.

  Checking my phone, I notice it’s getting late, and I promised to be back for the final set. I swing the door wide, ready to run out. My jaw drops when the being I saw earlier stands on my doorstep.

  What the fuck is The Najex doing here?

  “We need to talk about my son,” the demon announces.

  My phone buzzes as it slips from my hand.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Jeremiah

  The monster known as The Najex crouches down, retrieves my phone, and hands it to me. Warning bells sound loudly in my mind. Fear takes hold, and I’m shaking like an addict in need of a fix. Slowly, my gaze travels up from the floor. Darkness surrounds this beast like a fucking shroud. His intense stare shivers my soul.

  “The call you missed is from Colt.”

  Without a moment’s hesitation, I correct him as I grab my phone. “Colton. It’s Colton.”

  “Is it now?” The Najex lifts an eyebrow and saunters into my apartment like he owns the place. “Since we’re being formal, my name is Khan.”

  I open my mouth to speak, but he raises a hand.

  “No need. I’m aware of all the fallen.” He faces me. “You’re Jeremiah, a former member of the Exousiai.”

  The last thing I want is to chit-chat with a demon. “Cut the bullshit. Why are you here?”

  The Najex ignores my irreverence and sits on the sofa. To any bystander, this demon appears like any other well-dressed human. His wool coat and tailored suit scream money while his close-cropped dark hair and subtle fragrance hint at good grooming. The beast’s flawless skin makes him appear ageless.

  He clears his throat. “I told you we need to speak about my son. Will he be returning soon?”

  “No,” I mumble. Words escape me. There’s a small voice warning me that the worst is coming. Something I couldn’t have imagined. Don’t want to imagine.

  The first alert is this asshole saying he’s Colton’s father. Not possible. A man…a male as special as Colton can’t be a demon. He simply can’t. Leaning against the wall, I stare at the fucker perched on my furniture as if he belongs here. Part of me wants to rip him open and see if his heart, if it exists, is as black as his soul.

  “I assure you that will never happen,” The Najex says gravely. “I do read minds so be careful what you think of in my presence.”

  “Colton wants nothing to do with his father. Did he send you?” That makes more sense. My suspicions were right. Colton is supernatural. This beast is only a lackey sent to collect Colton.

  The Najex yawns. “Your rambling views bore me. Let me get to the point so we can part ways.”

  “I don’t give a fuck why you’re here. You need to get out.” Pushing off the wall, I head to the door.

  Suddenly, my feet freeze. Numbness creeps over me. I attempt to speak, but the words slip away. Dark thoughts permeate my mind—memories of the fall. Souls clawing their way back to Heaven. Angels pushing back. Pain courses through my body as once again a Celestial yanks on my wings. Blood seeps down my flesh as soldiers rip the wings out, one feather at a time. The agony is too much. I drop to my knees, panting.

  “Stop!” I shout, cradling my head. “Make it stop!”

  The images fade, and the familiar white walls of my apartment return. My head rocks up. A smile creases The Najex’s face.

  “Now that you understand who I am… Where were we?” he continues as if nothing happened. “Ah, yes, I was about to explain why I came here.”

  Fuck. This really is Colton’s father. The being who abused him… No, tortured him relentlessly. Which means… I’m going to be sick. Choking back the bile, I say, “I’m listening.”

  “Good.” The Najex’s eyes flash red before returning to their dark color. “It seems Colt and his grandfather struck an unfortunate accord. My father granted Colt a wish to become human for thirty days. Supernaturals can’t see his identity, which is why you didn’t know. My son’s time is almost up.”

  Struggling to my feet, a shudder sneaks down my spine. Fear begs me not to ask. Go on like this conversation never happened. But common sense—that bitch—she wants an answer. “What is Colton?”

  The Najex thrusts his chest out and sneers. “A royal incubus.”

  Incubus.

  It’s bad enough I fell for a demon, but an incubus. This is some seriously twisted shit. “Royal?”

  “Yes. His grandfather is Ashmedai, which makes Colt a prince of Hell.”

  This beast…this asshole… He ripped the carpet clear out from under me. My limbs shake as I lower my head. The man… No, the creature I gave my heart to isn’t any ordinary demon. How could I have been so fucking stupid?

  “Don’t blame yourself for weakness,” says The Najex. “My son is charming even with his true nature cloaked. He can’t help it. Count yourself lucky. You were fucked by one of the best.”

  My judgment clouds as my body tenses. I crack my knuckles. “It’s time for you to leave.”

  Colton’s father rises to his feet and pushes his shoulders back. “Rethink that gesture.”

  Losing my wings didn’t take away my ability to fight. I’ve taken down plenty of demons. Balling my fists, I say, “If you don’t want a good old-fashioned warrior-style beat down, get the fuck out of my apartment.”

  A cold smile, which never reaches the demon’s black eyes, snaps into place. “Do you really want to challenge me?”

  “He might not, but I will.” The familiar voice comes from behind me. “Get out, Father.”

  No. Colton can’t be here. It’s too soon. If I face him, I’ll lose it. Better to stand my ground.

  The Najex
walks toward us. “Colt, it’s good to see you. If you’ll gather up your belongings, we can leave.”

  “No, Father,” Colton says firmly. “I’m done with you and that life.”

  Colton places his hand on my shoulder, and I jerk away. As much as it pains me, I realize that this—whatever we might have had—is over. It has to be. “You should go with him. There’s nothing here for you.”