by Mary Abshire
"That sucks that he's still angry at you," Donnie said between bites.
"If he was expelled, he probably came here to get away from the pack," Gail said, and I nodded.
"He said you were a half-demon. I've never heard of one before," Donnie said before he shoved another portion of his sandwich into his mouth.
"Me neither," Gail said.
"Yeah, my mom made a deal with the devil. She got involved with a demon and produced me. I didn't know what I was until I read a journal she left me. I knew I was different, but not that different," I said.
Gail swallowed. "What do you mean? You didn't know?"
I wiped my mouth and fingers with a napkin. "My mom committed suicide before my thirteenth birthday. She left me in the care of a warlock. She also left a journal she'd written for me. Until I read the notebook, I really had no idea about demons or any other supernatural creatures. She never explained why I had a high temperature all the time, or why my bones could heal fast."
Gail stared at me with wide eyes. "Were you shocked when you found out?"
"Yeah, I was angry for a while. But I eventually outgrew it."
"You said she died before you turned thirteen," Donnie said, and I nodded. "Did you go through the ceremony?"
Brows tight, I shot him a puzzled look. "Ceremony? What ceremony?"
"The one that binds you to the master," Gail said.
The food I'd eaten churned in my belly. "My guardian never told me about a ceremony. He raised me like a regular kid."
"Wow," Gail said. "You need to go through the ceremony. If you contact the leaders in the community,"—she turned her gaze to Donnie—"that's Phyllis and Dwayne, isn't it?"
He nodded as he continued eating.
She shifted her attention back on me. "If you contact them, they can set it up for you. I'll go, and afterward, we can party all night long."
"What happens at these ceremonies?"
"Well…" Donnie wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "At thirteen, they have a big bonfire, make you say some words, confess your devotion to the master, and then they cut your hand and you put it in the fire."
"My hand?" My voice sounded slightly elevated. A thirteen-year-old would stick their hand in fire?
"It's fine. We all do it." He showed me his palm. "See, no scars."
"But since you're an adult, the ceremony will be different," Gail said.
"Different how?"
"It doesn't happen often, but I have heard of people who went through the ceremony as an adult and…" Her gaze met Donnie's, and she grinned.
"It's one big orgy fest and you have to fuck the devil or whoever he sends," Donnie said.
Oh, fuck no! I dropped the last two bites of my sandwich in the basket. Have sex with the devil? Were they crazy? No fucking way!
"I can't do that," I said.
"You have to," Gail said before she shoved a chicken finger into her mouth.
Why did I have to? Nobody could force me to go through a ceremony if I didn't want to.
Donnie sipped his cola, then set the cup on the table. "If you don't, your soul doesn't come back. You spend eternity in Hell, serving the master."
Nausea flooded through me. I fought the urge to vomit. Spending eternity in the underworld serving the devil was not what I wanted to do, ever. Shit! What was I going to do? Did Drake know about the ceremony? He'd never mentioned or asked me about it before.
I leaned back in the booth and rested my hands in my lap. My evening had started out good. Drake was going to bring Dani to Alaska, I got to spend time with my new friends, and I got a tip on a job prospect. Then, the night had slowly gone south. I had two werewolves waiting to attack me and I had to seriously consider what to do about the ceremony. To make matters worse, if I told Drake about Gabe and his friend, he probably wouldn't leave me to get Dani.
Gail reached her hand over the table. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just thinking."
"You're not afraid about the ceremony, are you?"
"Afraid…no. I just need to think about it." And formulate a plan to survive for a day or two without Drake watching my back. If Jeremy was around, he would protect me. He had the ability to set fires with the touch of his hands. Speaking of which…
I straightened my back and met Gail's gaze. "Leon said he can immobilize people with his touch. Do you have any special abilities?"
"I can sneak into peoples' dreams or their minds when they're unconscious. It used to annoy my little brother."
I turned to Donnie. "What about you?"
He chomped on a French fry, then swallowed. "I can cause severe burns and make flesh melt with the touch of my hands."
"Can you set people on fire?"
He shook his head.
Gail took a sip of Donnie's drink and set it on the table. "What about you? Do you have any special power since you're half-demon?"
For a moment, I considered how to answer. I didn't want my soul-catching ability known, since I was trying to keep a low profile. At the same time, I didn't want to lie to my new friends.
"I can sense evil spirits," I said.
Donnie eyed me with a curious gleam in his eyes. "Can you see bad ghosts walking around?"
"Yes." I grinned.
"Do you ever go to graveyards and look for them?" Donnie asked.
"I've been to some and found a few wandering souls. My friend Dani and I used to investigate haunted places."
Gail perked up in her seat. "Like paranormal investigators?"
I nodded. "Yep."
"That's an excellent idea. Maybe we could start our own team?" She raised her brow at Donnie.
"I'm game," he said.
Gail looked at me.
"Sure, but I'm not in charge of it."
I had zero desire to lead any kind of team. Back in Indy, Dani took charge of the team. I handled the arrangements. She spent a great deal of time researching places to ensure they were actually haunted. Me—I'd rather show up and investigate. Forget the research.
"I'll be in charge," Gail said. "We can start by checking out that one graveyard in Anchorage that everyone swears is haunted."
The waiter strolled up to our table. "How is everything?"
Donnie scooted his empty basket away from him. "I'm done."
I had barely touched my fries, nor did I finish the little bit of my sandwich. My hunger disappeared every time I thought about my new dilemmas.
"I'm done, too," I said as I handed him my basket.
"Will there be anything else?"
"Just the bill, and her drinks should go on mine," Gail said.
"I'll be back with the checks," Clyde said.
As the waiter strode away, I glanced at Leon and Julie. The two appeared happy and in love as they fed each other. If Leon had the ability to immobilize people with the touch of his hands, maybe I needed him as an ally.
Gail pulled her wallet from her purse. "I'd like to stay out later, but I have to work the late shift tonight."
"Sucks to be you," Donnie said, and Gail frowned at him.
"I think I'll stay here for a bit and buy Leon a drink for making the werewolves go away," I said. "I can always call my boyfriend to come and get me."
Donnie faced me. "Can I stay with you?"
"Yeah, sure."
Clyde showed up with our tabs. "Here you go." He handed a small white piece of paper to each of us. "Have a good evening."
After he walked away, Gail dug inside her wallet, then withdrew a twenty-dollar bill. "Let me know if you find out anything more about them."
"Thanks for the drink," I said.
Gail took out a pen and her cell phone. "I'm going to give you my number." She wrote at the bottom of the receipt and then tore the end off.
I took the paper from her. "Thanks."
"What's your number?" she asked me.
As I read off the digits for my cell, she typed them into her phone.
"Is it okay if I call you later?" she asked.
; "Sure."
Clutching her purse, she scooted out from the booth. She pointed her gaze at Donnie. "Stay out of trouble."
"You know me," he replied, grinning.
We said our goodbyes, and she left.
Donnie straightened. "You want me to invite them over?"
"Sure, or I can if you want to let me out."
"I'll do it," he said as he scooted out of the booth.
"Tell them I'll buy a round of drinks."
Donnie raked his fingers through his hair as he headed toward the happy couple. When he stopped on the side of their table, he shoved his hands into his pockets. The couple stared at him as he spoke. Leon nodded while Julie kept a blank expression, almost a frown. Donnie said something else, then came walking back to me.
"He asked if we could join them," Donnie said, digging into the back of his jeans. "I told him we would." He tossed a ten-dollar bill on the table.
"Oh, okay." I dug inside my pocket, withdrew a bill, then flattened it on the table.
Donnie waited for me as I slid from the booth. "I think he likes you," he said softly.
"Why do you say that?"
"He said he never turns down a drink from a pretty woman."
Uh-oh. Red flag alert. "Thanks for the warning."
I followed Donnie to their table.
Leon pulled out the chair next to him. "Sit here, Jessie."
I glanced at Julie. Her eyes stayed lowered. Not wanting to be rude, I filled in the seat he offered. Donnie took the one across from me.
Clyde showed up between Donnie and Julie. "Can I get you anything?"
"Four shots," Leon said.
"Anything else?" The waiter glanced at each of us.
"Get us our drinks and then come check on us," Leon said.
An awkward silence lingered for too many seconds after Clyde left. Julie refused to look at me. As for Leon, his direct gaze made my stomach churn.
"I want to thank you again for getting rid of those two werewolves," I said.
He pushed his food basket aside, then leaned his elbow on the table. "I'm always willing to help a lovely lady."
That captured Julie's attention. Her dark eyes lifted and met mine. "Where did you say you were from?"
"Chicago."
Smiling, she slid her hand under the table, touching Leon's leg, I assumed. "Remember the fun we had in Chicago?"
He nodded. "Great city."
The waiter appeared with his hands full. He carefully set the four shot glasses full of clear liquid on the round table, then slid them to the center. "Can I get you anything else?"
"Not right now," Leon said coldly.
Clyde gave us a quick glance before he disappeared. If he thought Donnie was going to drink one of the shots, he didn't bother to say anything.
Leon picked up a glass in each hand. He gave one to Julie, and the other to me. "Drink up, Donnie."
Donnie kept his hands under the table. "I'm not supposed to drink in public."
Leon lifted his glass. "Oh, fuck them. What are they going to do? It's not like you've never had drink before."
And with that said, Donnie took the drink.
"To beautiful women," Leon said, holding it over the table.
Donnie tapped his glass to Leon's. "Beautiful women."
At the same time, we all tossed the fluid into our mouths.
Leon slammed his glass on the table. "Damn, I could use more."
I set my glass down and ignored the warmth spreading through me from the liquor. "So, you travel much?"
"All the time," Leon said. "Whenever we get an itching to move, we pack up and go."
"What brought you to Eagle River?" I asked.
"The same reason every other demon comes to Alaska. Why are you here?" he said with a touch of irritation in his tone.
Julie's lips hinted at a smile. She leaned closer to Leon, once again keeping her hand under the table.
"I guess the same reason. It's certainly much cooler here and not nearly as busy as Chicago."
"Leon likes big cities." Julie licked her lips as she gazed with dreamy eyes at him. "Don't you, baby?"
He stared into Julie's eyes. "I like action. I like different places, different people…"
Odd. If he enjoyed city life, what was he doing in quiet Alaska?
I chewed on my bottom lip, considering if I should even ask for his number in case I ran into Gabe again. Leon gave me the creeps. His rudeness, vulgarity, and domineering attitude made me want to stay away from him. Yet, I'd rather have him as an ally than an enemy.
I dug inside my pocket in search of cash. The man wanted another drink and I sure could use more, too. "Let's drink up." I slapped a couple of bills on the table.
Leon looked over his shoulder, back toward the bar. "Bartender." His loud voice made me flinch slightly.
While Leon had his head turned, Donnie slid his empty glass closer to me. Our eyes met and I smiled. The young man enjoyed drinking as much any demon, but he was still under age. I suspected he wanted to avoid a criminal record.
Leon ordered more drinks, and for nearly an hour, we drank, joked, and laughed. I drank so much my shirt stuck to my back from sweating. If I learned anything about the lovebirds, it was that they were partygoers at heart and had lived in just about every major city. Now and then, in the middle of conversation, Leon's hand slid onto my knee. I'd push it away, but he'd slide it back on minutes later. Julie noticed two times and gave me the evil eye. Though I shook my head, showing my disapproval of her boyfriend's flirtatious nature, it didn't change her expression. Donnie was careful when he drank, scoping the area for employees, or anyone watching. He quickly gulped his shots, then slid his glass my way. When my bladder reached its limit, I excused myself and left for the bathroom.
After I finished my business and washed my hands, I pulled out my cell phone and called Drake.
"Are you ready to leave?" he asked.
Hearing his warm, sexy voice lit a fire inside me. "Yeah, I'm about ready. We may need to bring Donnie to his place."
"I'll meet you at the door."
"Give me a few minutes and I'll be there." After I ended the call, I hid the phone inside my pocket.
On my way back to the table, all I could think about was cuddling up to Drake. I'd spent the last couple of hours in the company of demons. Now, I yearned for my vampire lover. He was my drug of choice and I needed a fix badly.
Hands in my coat pockets, I stopped behind my empty chair. "I'm going to head out. My boyfriend is on his way to get me."
"Oh no," Leon said. "Stay longer. I'll buy a couple of rounds."
"Thanks, but I'll pass." I turned to Donnie. "Do you need a ride?"
"Oh, he can stay with us." Julie stretched her arm over the table and gripped Donnie's hand. "We'll give you a ride."
"Stay for a bit longer, Jessie." Leon dug inside his front pocket, then pulled out cash. "I'm buying."
I needed to go, and fast. I took a step back from the table. "I really have to go."
Leon rose and grabbed my arm. "Come on, just a few more drinks." He tightened his grip.
A knot tightened in my gut while heat rushed to my head. The man infuriated me, yet I didn't want to cause a scene. "Let go, please." I managed to maintain my politeness.
"Leon, let her go if she wants to go," Julie said, batting her lashes at him.
"Ah, honey…" His hand slipped away from my arm.
Here was my chance. I stepped back from him. "Thanks for the company and for earlier, again." I shifted my gaze to Donnie. "Coming?"
He shook his head. "Nah, I'll hang with them for a while longer."
Not waiting a second longer, I waved my hand at them. "Take care, guys."
"Don't be a stranger," Leon called out.
I strode to the door without looking back. A touch of concern popped into my head, wondering if Donnie would be all right with the strange couple. Although I didn't have his number, I had Gail's digits. I'd call her later and ask her to check on him
.
The first steps out the door brought instant relief in the form of cool air. I scrubbed my hand under my bangs, wiping the sweat. My thoughts veered back to Leon. The man was relentless—worse than Jeremy was. Jeremy never tried to force me to do anything. But Leon…if Julie hadn't intervened, the situation could've turned ugly.
I spotted Drake's SUV idling behind a row of parked cars in the center of the lot. With cautious steps, I headed for his vehicle. The night was quiet, except for the cars passing on the nearby street and the salt crunching under my boots. Anxiety fueled my heartbeat. I wondered if Gabe might jump out at any moment in his wolf form and tear me to shreds. Swiveling my head in every direction, I saw no signs of movements. Nothing out of the ordinary. Then a truck pulled into the lot. Its bright lights beamed at me. I stopped and it accelerated, heading straight for me. Shit! Why couldn't life be easy?
Chapter Nine
My breath hitched as the oncoming truck sped toward me. Not wasting a second, I dashed for the row of parked cars. The vehicle sped by, then turned the corner. Exhaust fumes drifted in the wind. Anxiety poured from me as I watched it pull into an empty spot. If Gabe wanted to fight, I'd have to stall him until Drake arrived. Then, I'd gladly give him what he wanted. Two people exited from the truck. Upon hearing their feminine laughter and seeing their less than husky builds, all the tension and nervous energy within me suddenly expelled in a chuckle. Gabe wasn't coming to get me. I'd panicked over nothing.
"Jessie?" Drake called out. He sat in his SUV past a row of parked cars behind me. He had his elbow sticking out of his window.
I hurried to his vehicle, then tugged on the handle to the passenger door.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked as I hopped onto the seat. He pushed a button on the side of his door, raising his window.
"No." After shutting the door, I pulled the seatbelt over me.
"Why is your heart beating fast? And I can smell the sweat from your pores."
I stared at him with a blank expression. Telling me that I stunk wasn't a romantic welcome. I probably did, but the mention of my odor didn't need to be the first words out of his mouth. I would've preferred I love you or I missed you as an initial greeting.
Drake clasped hold of the tip of his gloved finger with his flat teeth. He wiggled his hand free, reached over the seat divider, then gripped my wrist. "You are burning up. What happened, Jessie?"
