by KD Jones
“You can see what’s in my head?”
“Not always, but when it’s a strong…” He kissed her again and the images came back with a vengeance. “Oh yeah, we’re so doing that.”
Yes, she wanted that, too. “Wait, are you doing that mind thing with me? Making me see us...doing stuff?”
“I’m not doing it, it’s happening naturally between us. These are your thoughts. Thoughts that I am really liking.” He cupped her ass and lifted her against him.
She couldn’t stop the moan of pleasure she felt. She arched against him and more images filled her mind. Evidently he got them, too, because his hands were all over her. One hand reached down, teasing the waistband of her sweatpants. Cass should stop him, should say something, anyone could see them, but she didn’t want to. He was so close to touching her when his phone rang out.
He tried to ignore it, but it kept ringing. “Damn it!”
“Answer it,” she told him, pushing at him to let her down. She adjusted her pants as she watched him rip his phone out of his jeans pocket.
“What? No, I can’t come right now. Maybe in a few weeks… What do you mean, there may not be time? I’ll see what I can do.”
“Problems?”
“My father wants me to come home. There’s a situation with my brother.”
“You have to go, then.”
“I’m not going. His life isn’t in immediate danger, but yours could be. The reason I was seeking you out is that I went to an after-hours party last night and found out this blood demon likes to stalk his victims first, watch them, track their routines. Then he attacks when they are at their most vulnerable.”
“Did your contacts say whether he’s found a new victim to stalk?”
“Yes. He evidently went on and on about a hot blonde that was a real fighter. Does that sound like someone you know?”
“You can’t mean…”
“You, Cass. This demon is hunting you.”
“That can’t be right. I haven’t even been face to face with him yet. How does he know about me?”
“Evidently he was watching the night you caught the blood demi-demon and beat him up. He likes a strong female.”
Yeah, he probably got off breaking a strong will, was more like it. “Did your contacts say what he looked like? Do they know where we can find him?”
“The description they gave me was weird.”
“What was it?”
“Tall, long black hair, pale skin, and a bright blue eyes, with a foreign accept.”
Cass cocked her head to the side. “It kind of sounds like…”
“Dracula. I know weird right?”
“Very. Did they know where we could find him?”
“No, but they said we wouldn’t have to worry about it, he wouldn’t be too far from his victim.”
They stared at each other for a moment. Then Ari moved closer to caress her cheek. “Don’t go out hunting him. Stay close to me or Michael.”
“Ari…”
“There’s so much I want to tell you, but I have to make sure you’re safe first.” He didn’t explain more but kissed her and started to walk away. He stopped to add, “Stay away from the human. If I scent him on you again, I won’t be able to stop from hurting him.” Then he strolled away.
“What the hell! Ari!” He was gone. She ran a hand through her hair in frustration. She wasn’t about to let Ari dictate to her, especially when he was the one who had a fucking fiancée!
Cass stomped angrily around to the front of her apartment complex and entered the building. She took the elevator to the fifth floor. Her and Leeza’s apartment was the closest to the exit stairwell. They had chosen it on purpose in case she needed to escape quickly and didn’t want to wait for the elevator. It was always good to have multiple evacuation routes. Their apartment also had access to a fire escape.
Entering the apartment, she slammed the door a little harder than she had intended.
“What the hell, Cass! You almost gave me a heart attack.” Leeza peered out of the kitchen at her. She was cooking pancakes. “From that expression on your face, I would say Ari found you. He’s the only one I know who could make you that angry.”
“I’m a chaos magnet,” Cass grumbled, sitting down on the barstool.
“Why do you say that?”
“I have a perfectly sweet human boyfriend who thinks I’m amazing, and he’s a pretty good kisser to boot. He makes the moves on me and what do I do?”
“What did you do?”
“I pictured Ari instead. I am a horrible person.” She laid her hand down on her arms on the bar top.
“You’re not a horrible person, just a little confused. No one can blame you for that, since Ari was the one who didn’t tell you the truth about his situation. You fell in love with the wrong person.”
“Why can’t I fall in love with the right person?”
“The heart wants what it wants.”
Cass glanced up at her in frustration. “If you start singing that song, I’m going to have to hurt you.”
Leeza laughed, ignoring her empty threat. “Want some pancakes?”
“Yeah, I’m starving.”
“I bet running this morning has really built up your appetite.”
“That and all the making out I’ve done.”
“Wait, it’s only seven-thirty in the morning. Who have you been making out with?”
“I had another Ari dream and woke up early. I went for a run and ended up at West’s dorm. I intended to call things off, at least until I could resolve my feelings for Ari. Then he kissed me and, well, I could tell he wanted more. I pushed him away and got out of there like I was a crazy person. Then I came home and found Ari waiting on me.”
“Did you two fight?”
“He was angry because he could scent West on me. Don’t ask me about that, I don’t know how.”
“So he was jealous?”
“Exactly. I tried to tell him that, but then...he kissed me.”
Leeza stopped looking at the stove and turned to stare at her. “You made out with two guys before I’ve even had breakfast. I’m tempted not to give you any pancakes at all.”
“Please...I’m starving,” Cass used her best puppy dog face. Leeza was a sucker for it every time.
“Fine, but I want details.”
“Like what?” Cass dug into the pancakes Leeza set in front of her.
“Who’s a better kisser?”
“Oh no, I’m not answering that question. They’re both great, just...different.”
“How?”
“With West, I enjoy it, no pressure, but I also don’t miss it. Ari always leaves me wanting more, craving more. I think I’m addicted to him or something.”
“That good, huh?”
“That devastating. How am I supposed to get over him when he keeps reeling me back in? We almost did it right behind the building in broad daylight.”
“I think there’s more about this engagement that Ari hasn’t told you. Press him for it if he wants to have any kind of relationship with you.”
“I’m scared, Leeza. What I feel for him is so strong. We were sharing thoughts without trying.”
Leeza reached for her hand and squeezed comfortingly. “It’s scary, but love is worth it. I came close once, but turned my back on it because I was scared. I would hate for you to do the same.”
“Thanks for listening to me.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
“That and making me pancakes.” Cass smiled, holding up her empty plate. Leeza laughed and went back to cooking. She would never make it without her friends.
Chapter 16
Cass had a class that morning and she felt seriously unprepared. She sat in the back and kept her sunglasses on. Sadly, she nodded off and didn’t wake up until she heard chair legs scraping against the floor. Damn, her professor was going to kick her out if she didn’t get her act together.
Her phone vibrated, letting her know she had a text messa
ge. Pulling it out of her pocket, she frowned, seeing that it was a message from West.
“Let me know when you get home and we can go out for lunch.”
Crap! She wasn’t up to facing West right now. Not after she had let Ari kiss her. She decided she would check up on Father Raphael. Eventually, she would have to talk to West and end things. It wasn’t fair to him for her to string him along while there was someone else she had real feelings for. Maybe she wasn’t as different from Ari as she thought. She’d accused him of having done the same thing with her.
Not wanting to use her speed at that moment, she walked down to the bus stop instead. She wanted to take time to think about how to handle things with West without hurting him. Was that even possible? West was such a happy, easygoing guy. She would hate to change that in any way.
Looking out the window of the bus, she took in the view of her beloved Detroit. Change was coming, buildings being repaired, jobs slowly trickling back in. It made her feel hopeful. Even a fallen-down and almost forgotten place could once more pull itself up from the rubble and thrive.
A couple of teenage boys got on and decided to sit down close to a pretty brunette a few seats ahead of her. The boys started out just flirting, or trying to, but when the girl didn’t flirt back, their flirty comments turned into rude cajoling.
“Come on, baby, you know you want to be the marshmallow between our Oreos.”
Cass raised an eyebrow because the guy had his come-on wrong. There was no marshmallow in an Oreo. The other guy wasn’t any smarter or more original.
“Hey, babe, don’t be that way. We’ve got money, if you’ve got the time.”
The girl had it and pushed the button for the bus to stop. “Get lost, losers. I said no.” She got up and moved down the aisle to exit the bus. The two bozos weren’t going to let it go. They stood up and followed after her.
Cass sighed as she got up, too. “Damn boys and their hormones.”
As she got off the bus, she noticed the girl walking down the sidewalk. The boys were following not far behind, still calling after her. Why couldn’t they take no for an answer?
“Come on, honey, we just want to get to know you better,” the taller boy said as he ran ahead and tried to stop her.
“I’m not interested!”
Cass caught up to them quickly. “You heard her, she’s not interested in your punk asses.”
The trio turned to look at her. The girl was pleading for help and the boys almost dismissed her until she threw back her hoodie.
“Whoa, looks like we got two honeys to play with, Davey.”
“Yeah, I want the blonde.”
Cass ignored them and looked at the brunette, “Go ahead on, I’ll handle these boneheads.”
The guys were so surprised they didn’t stop the brunette from taking off. Cass stayed still until she was sure the girl was completely out of sight. The guys started circling her.
“You’re a little thing. Can you handle two men?”
“Sure, show me the men and I’ll handle them.”
“You’re mouthy bitch.”
“And your breath smells like a dumpster.”
His buddy bent at the waist laughing. “Dude, she totally burned you!”
The one she had insulted turned red in the face and moved toward her angrily. “I’ll show you how to speak to a man!”
He tried to grab her arm but she easily sidestepped him and tripped him, taking him down to his knees. He glanced up at his friend. “Are you going to help me?”
The other guy came running toward her. She took one step and punched him, and down he went, landing on his back hard. She was definitely stronger now and she liked it. The guy on his knees made to grab her ankles, but she kicked him in the chin.
“I don’t want to see you two bothering any other women. If you do, I’ll come for you and I’ll teach you what happens with little boys attack those who are defenseless.” Not waiting for their response, she used her speed and took off running.
Minutes later, she arrived at the church. Michael was outside trimming the bushes. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and sweat gleamed off his chest. She took a moment to enjoy the view and realized she wasn’t the only one. Glancing around the neighborhood, she could see several of the elderly ladies sitting out on their porches, all eyes on Michael.
Cass cleared her throat to get Michael’s attention. “Isn’t it getting too cold to do yard work?”
“Raphael says if I do this once more, it won’t have to be touched again until spring. Are you coming from school?”
“Yeah.”
“Why is there blood on your shoe?”
“Had a run in with a couple of sexist pigs.”
He stood up to give her his full attention. “Demons?”
“No, just a couple of humans who were harassing a woman on the bus. I took care of them and sent the girl on her way.”
“It’s bad enough you have to deal with the demon world, but you also have to deal with the ugliness of humanity. Are you okay?”
Michael’s eyes scanned her, looking for injuries, and he sounded really sincere. “I’m fine. I wanted to check on Father Raphael and tell him some news Ari brought me about the blood demon.”
“After you.” Michael motioned for her to go up the steps first.
“Wave goodbye to your audience.”
“What audience?” Michael turned to look and Cass smiled as the little old ladies all tried to look like they had been looking elsewhere and not at him.
She went through the entryway, then headed toward the living quarters on the other side of the church. As soon as she entered that section, she could hear someone moving around in the kitchen.
“Father? Is that you?”
“Yes, just making me and Michael lunch. Would you like some?”
She entered the kitchen with concern. “Are you sure you should be up?”
“Yes I’m sure. I can’t stand lying in bed one more moment. If I get tired, I sit down and take it easy. I’m feeling better moving around already. I’m making fried chicken.”
Oh, he knew she loved fried chicken. “I can’t turn that down. Let me help you.”
“No!” Both Father Raphael and Michael stopped her from approaching the stove.
She would have normally been offended, but even she knew her weakness was cooking. She was a horrible cook. “I was just going to set the table.”
Michael helped her get the plates and glasses. She opened the refrigerator and grabbed the pitcher of iced tea. “Leeza made sweet tea! I love her sweet tea. She learned how to do it right from her southern grandmother.”
“Leeza is a very sweet girl. You are blessed to have her as a friend and I am grateful for all that she has done.”
“She’s the best, like the sister I never had. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
The three of them sat down at the table as Father Raphael placed the big serving plate with the fried chicken in the middle. Michael didn’t wait, just reached for the chicken and took a bite immediately.
“Michael, I haven’t said the blessing yet.”
Michael pulled the leg away from his mouth. “Let me. God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for this food.”
Cass laughed at the horrified expression on Father Raphael’s face. She reached for a drumstick and biscuit. It was so good. That was one thing she missed after moving out of the church. Father Raphael was an amazing cook. Leeza was good, too, but she was always so busy with school and then with the diner. She didn’t even date much. She might cook one meal every other day when she was home. Cass usually kept to sandwich makings and snack foods. Things that couldn’t catch on fire and burn the apartment down.
“This is delicious Father.”
“Thank you. I miss getting to cook for you.”
Michael looked offended. “You still can cook for me.”
“Yes, you keep me busy in the kitchen, but if you don’t start washing your dirty dishes, you will have to fix
your own meals.”
Michael looked at her with a fake expression of hurt. “Do you see what I have to deal with?”
She laughed. This was another thing she had missed after moving out, the fun and easy camaraderie. Father Raphael was older, but he always had quick comebacks when Michael sassed him.
“Did you come by for practice with Michael?” Father Raphael asked.
“I didn’t, but I could do that if Michael has time.”
Michael looked at her. “I would be happy to practice with you.”
“There’s more, though. Ari had news about the blood demi-demon,” Cass told them.
“What kind of news?” Father Raphael asked.
“Evidently, the blood demon saw me fighting with the blood demi-demon and has become enamored of me.”
Both Michael and Father Raphael stopped eating and looked at her with concern.
“It’s probably nothing.”
“Don’t play this off, Cass. When a blood demon sets his sights on a mark, he doesn’t give up easily.”
“I’ve handled a blood demon before.”
“Barely, and you could have died. One of your friends did,” Michael reminded her.
She shivered at the image of her friend’s body chopped up into pieces. It was something she still had nightmares about. Never did she ever want to come across something like that again. Was this blood demon just as deadly? Did he want to sacrifice her in hopes of using her death to move up in power?
“We’ll double our efforts to find him.”
“Is anyone watching the nightclub at this time?” Father Raphael asked.
“No, I told Ari and Michael that this guy is a blood demon and probably sensitive to light. He’ll wait until the sun goes down before he does something.”
“Don’t go out hunting for him by yourself,” Michael warned her.
“Now you’re sounding just like Ari.”
“For once I agree with him. If this demon has targeted you, he won’t rest until he has made an attempt to get you.”
“I agree with Michael, don’t go out alone.”
She knew arguing with them would do no good. “Fine. How about that practice?”
