Blessed Hearts (Hearts Duology Book 2)

by SF Benson

  I shut my eyes and rub my forehead. “Listen, if it were possible, I’d come to you. Right now, it’s not happening. We’re kind of snowed in.”

  He breathes into the phone. “Cash, are you in the mountains?”

  Technically, we’re not in the mountains. Just at the foot of them, but still, that’s too fucking close of a guess. I can take a little comfort in the fact nobody knows about the cabin.

  “Did you say something? I’m losing the connection,” I lie and disconnect.

  Somehow, I need to get information. Who would give me the details and not run to Colt? A smile crosses my lips as I remember what Qadira said before leaving the room.

  “Hadid!” My gaze darts around the room. “Hadid!”

  A puff of blue smoke appears before me. When it dissipates, the blue djinn, wearing a royal blue robe and pajamas, stands in the room. Thank Siren, he’s still in human form.

  “You know, you do not need to yell.” He yawns. “You wreck my beauty sleep.”

  Is that why he’s wearing the Hugh Hefner attire? I chuckle.

  “What do you need me for?” Hadid sprawls out on the sofa.

  I lean against the railing surrounding the staircase. “Tell me what happened between your sister and Colt.”

  “The son of the Najex?” His fists clench for a moment. Hadid grits his teeth. “The little demon made a move on Qadira.”

  “Nothing else?” I sit down on a wooden chair and stretch my legs out in front of me.

  “Unfortunately, the answer is no. You know, one day my little sister was not so little?”

  I understand exactly what he means.

  “It was bad enough when Mother caught them together. He did not like being banned from our household, so he started visiting Qadira at night. My room was in the same wing of the palace. I’d hear her cry out. One night, I found him sneaking beneath her covers.” Hadid shivers. “Thank Allah, I arrived in time. From that day forward, guards were stationed inside her room and out.”

  I purse my lips and think about how to phrase my words. “Does your father know all of this?”

  Hadid drags a hand through his hair. “Mother never told him about the incident in the garden. I informed Father about Colt appearing in Qadira’s room. Our fathers remain friends, but Colt is never to grace our halls again.”

  It’s time for a little trust on my part. “So, would your father send Colt to bring Qadira home?”

  Hadid laughs. “No. Father has servants for that task. Why have you called upon me, incubus?”

  I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Before I called you, Colt contacted me. He wanted me to bring Qadira to him.”

  A deep frown etches itself on Hadid’s face. “Cannot happen, my friend. He will run off with my sister.”

  I sit forward. “And do what?”

  Hadid raises an eyebrow. “You know the what. You are wondering how. Djinn are much more lenient about interspecies relationships than any other supernatural. Colt wants my sister for his consort.”

  “Are you sure ‘bout that? Just months ago, he wanted my sister as his consort.”

  “It’s true. I’ve asked around. Did you know the Najex ordered Colt home?”

  “I heard rumors.”

  “The demon has been torturing his son day and night. Your sister choosing the vampire made Colt’s life…how do you say…a living hell. The Najex isn’t happy that Colt lost the best match possible.”

  “Kelsie?”

  “Right. According to my sources, it’s the Najex pushing for a match between Colt and Qadira.”

  “Why?”

  Hadid rests his beefy thigh over a knee. “The daughter of a demon king would help the Najex family tap into a new range of powers.”

  Shit. “What—?”

  Hadid holds up a hand before I say anything else. “I spoke to Father. He knows Qadira is safe. I also told him of the trouble with the law. I am handling the matter.”

  “How?” I frown at him.

  “I went to Mother. She has launched a complaint with your Council. The leaders are holding an inquisition to learn the truth.”

  “When is it?”

  He claps his hands. “You are going to love me. It is on her birthday. You get five days alone with my sister.”

  I narrow my eyes. “I never said—”

  “You do not have to thank me…yet.” Hadid’s bright blue eyes sparkle. “My sister has never seen snow. You should enjoy with her.”

  “Did you—”

  He spreads his arms wide and smiles. “Love me yet? I will make sure that Colt cannot interrupt you either. Call it an early wedding gift.” Hadid yawns again. “Now, if you do not mind, I really would like to go back to bed. My wife is waiting.”

  “You’re married?”

  “Yes. Three years.”

  My mouth slackens.

  “You will meet Djamila when Qadira brings you home for a visit.”

  After the kiss, I don’t think I’ll be meeting anyone else in Qadira’s family. “Aren’t you being a little presumptuous?”

  Hadid winks at me. “No, I’m not. Now, I must say good night.” His corporeal form slowly fades until there’s nothing but a wisp of blue smoke and a cloying, earthy smell in the air.

  I start to head downstairs when something red catches my eye. A red parka with a hood trimmed in white fur and a pair of matching gloves appear on the sofa. A pair of low-heeled red boots materialize as well.

  Hadid. He’s looking out for his sister.

  Before I leave, a dark parka, gloves, and a beanie come into view. There’s a note attached to the jacket:

  I look out for my future brother-in-law, too. The dead animals in your storage space are gone. Thank me later.

  Hadid must be tired. Not once did I say a word about marrying Qadira. I’m not looking to marry anyone. Marriage requires love. And Lilin…well, incubi don’t…

  The word sticks in my throat. Once upon a time, I told my sister that our kind don’t fall in love. Then she runs off with a vampire, claiming he’s her soul mate. And now…Qadira enters my life. I won’t entertain the thought no matter how strange things tend to happen in my family.

  A loud, crashing noise awakens me. My heart pounds as I sit up and survey the dark room. Nothing seems out of place. I start to lie down when the smell hits me.

  Decay. Death. The Si’lat. They have found me.

  I expect to see Farouk—the Emir, or head, of the Si’lat—or one of his lesser ghouls. Instead, a sinewy incubus with longish hair and a trimmed beard stands at the foot of the bed. He wears a knee-length black wool coat over a dark suit.

  My eyes dart around the room. “Who are you? And where is the Si’lat?”

  The incubus sinks his black, leather-covered hands into his coat pockets. “Farouk owed me a favor. I called it in.”

  Mental note: I need to speak with Father about the Emir. I hate to see Farouk lose his head, but my family cannot tolerate traitors amongst us. I have known the djinni since I was able to float on my own.

  The air beside the incubus ripples and shimmers. When it calms, Colt materializes in the room.

  Run…my feet will not move. Scream…the words stick in my throat. My body has become like petrified stone.

  “Thank you, Tiberius,” he says. “You have been a great help to me.”

  I let loose the breath trapped in my chest and scoot backward on the bed. Anything to put some distance between me and the demon who tormented me years ago.

  A loud thud fills the room as my back hits the headboard. This cannot be real, not after all this time. I told that stupid were-panther bad things would happen when he placed these shackles on me. I cannot defend myself or run away.

  I open my mouth to call Hadid.

  “Don’t,” the incubus warns. “If you do, Cash will pay.”

  “What is g-going on?” I stutter.

  Colt steps forward. “Dira, you’re coming with me. I’ve h
ad enough of this nonsense from you.”

  My fingers grip the sheets. “No. I am staying here with Cash.”

  The long-haired incubus whispers into Colt’s ear. “We’re good, cousin. Dira will not be a problem. Thanks for taking care of my friend.”

  Tiberius and Colt exchange words before the long-haired one disappears.

  “What did he do to Cash?” I ask.

  Colt raises his eyebrows. “Concerned over an incubus? This is new.”

  He’s not the only one surprised.

  Colt waves a hand dismissing the notion. “You don’t need to worry about him. He’s interfered in my life for the last time.”

  I scurry to the opposite side of the bed, but he blocks my path. The bed dips as Colt sits near me. “Not so fast, Dira sweet.”

  I swallow hard. “Tell me what your cousin did with Cash.”

  Colt touches my chin. An amused smile plays across his lips before he locks eyes with mine. Thank Allah, I am immune to the charms of an incubus. I shall never fall to their spellbinding gaze. No. Any interest I show a Lilin will be genuine, from my heart.

  “Have you forgotten that doesn’t work on me?” I whisper.

  Colt huffs and drops his hand. “Doesn’t matter. You belong to me.”

  “Not unless I give myself to you.” I pull the covers up. “I promise you that will never happen.”

  He stands and drags a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair, disturbing the pattern. “Where were we?” Colt tilts his head to the side for a moment like he’s searching for something. Then he nods. “Oh, my sweet Dira, we’re going to finish what we started years ago. Only this time, I will receive permission from your father.”

  It seems I won’t get an answer about Cash. I pray Allah will watch over him and keep him safe. Without full use of my power, I cannot sense Cash. Where is he?

  May the Fates get word to him. In the meantime, I need to escape the lunatic in the room. “If you think my father will permit a union between us, you have been smoking from the wrong end of the hookah.”

  “Funny, Dira.” He smirks. “As always, you’re so naive. Right now the Najex and Al-Qadir are meeting. Your father will soon see that it’s in your best interest to be with me.”

  I raise my chin. “Never.”

  “Sorry you feel that way. You see, I have a bargaining chip. The Najex is handling the situation in town. He will assure Al-Qadir that Council will overlook any crimes you’ve committed. Your cuffs will be removed as well. Provided…”

  Sweat trickles down my back. An empty feeling settles in my stomach. “Provided what?”

  Colt comes closer and places a hand on my cheek. “You become my consort. My cousin, Tiberius, will deliver Cash to Council. They can punish him any way they see fit. Don’t worry, Dira. Your friend is far from innocent. If you care about him, you’ll make the right decision.”

  My limbs tremble. Something deep inside me cries out. My heart races. I struggle to speak, but all I can do is gasp. I may not be familiar with this Council he speaks of, but I know how supernaturals punish law breakers. I press my back to the board behind me. I either protect myself or Cash.

  “I will go with you, Colt,” I mutter. “But Cash goes free. Nothing happens to him.”

  The corners of his mouth turn up. “I knew you’d see it my way.”

  Bone-chilling cold greets me the next morning. My eyes take in the cabin as the events of the previous night come back to me. Pain, thanks to sleeping on the sofa, racks my back and neck. I sit up and hold my aching head in my hands. Something’s off, and it’s not just the agony I’m in.

  I feel empty.

  Like someone stole from me overnight. It’s not the physical hollowness I get when I’m low on energy. This is deeper. My shoulders sag. It’s as if the world is in slow motion.

  Think of something, anything happy. Suddenly, I recall the blue djinni and his gift. I glance over my shoulder. A thick blanket of snow surrounds the cabin. Qadira’s gonna love it. Who knows? I might enjoy the great outdoors with my own magical snow bunny.

  I shove my feet into my boots and hurry down the stairs.

  “Qadira!” I knock on the bedroom door, but she doesn’t answer. Is she that sound of a sleeper?

  I knock once more and twist the knob. Hopefully, she’ll forgive my intrusion. The bedsheets are tossed about like she had a fight and the bed won. There’s no sign of Qadira anywhere in the room. Maybe she’s already up and in the bathroom.

  How did I miss her?

  I retrace my steps and stop in front of the open bathroom door. The room isn’t even warm. I pull back the shower curtain. No moisture inside the tub.

  Where the hell is she?

  “Hadid!” My breath quickens, and panic swells inside me. “Hadid!”

  Wisps of blue smoke curl and dance down the hall. The mist stalls in front of me and begins to swirl. When the motion ceases Hadid appears wearing his blue suit and sneakers. A scowl mars his usual easy-going expression. He holds up a hand. “You do not need to say it, my friend. The Si’lat found Qadira, but she’s not home.”

  I scrub a hand over my face. How did they get to her? No wonder I’ve felt off this morning. I glare at the blue djinni. “This is my fault. I should have slept downstairs.”

  Hadid, ignores me, pivots on his heel and heads to the living room.

  I follow him down the hall.

  He perches his big blue ass on the arm of the sofa. “Don’t blame yourself. This act came courtesy of the Emir of the Si’lat. He’s friends with the nephew of the Najex.”

  My stomach flips. This doesn’t sound good. I’ve met Colt’s cousin. Tiberius is as unpleasant as his uncle—fond of torture and all levels of depravity. I’ve heard stories about what he does to females. I steel my spine and prepare for the bad news.

  “Farouk located Qadira and reported to the nephew,” Hadid’s voice breaks. “He joined with Colt to steal my sister away in the night.”

  My hands clench and unclench as I pace the floor. I yell, “Colt Najex was under my roof, and I didn’t know it?”

  Hadid takes a deep, satisfying breath. “I realize this sounds bad, but you must stay calm, incubus. You’re not to blame. The nephew had help to insure you slept while they were here. That, however, is the least of your concerns.”

  I force myself to sit down and listen. “Go on.”

  “Our fathers met overnight.” Caution surrounds his words. “Qadira is to become the consort of Colt Najex.”

  “What the fuck? Like hell she is!” I holler.

  The corners of the blue djinni’s mouth quirk up. “I knew you had feelings for my sister.”

  I turn my head and cover my mouth. Of course, I feel something for Qadira. How could I not?

  A hand lands on my shoulder. “We have work to do. The Najex has promised your head on a silver platter.”

  I double take. “What the hell are you going on ‘bout?”

  “First, the police are looking for you and Qadira. Someone fed information to the police chief that you two are responsible for the deaths of the humans.”

  My mouth drops. “But that’s—”

  “Not your biggest concern. Trust me, I’ll get your names cleared. It’s the only way Qadira can become Colt’s consort. Your issue will be Council. The Najex plans to deliver you to the leaders. They can punish you any way they want.”

  Shit! Those narrow-minded bastards won’t hesitate to kill my ass. I swear I had no idea Colt was so pissed at me. You’d think I told Kelsie to hook-up with a vampire.

  “Do you have a plan, Hadid?”

  “You are coming with me. Farouk is already in our dungeon. Father will deal with him.” Hadid rubs the back of his neck. “We need to see someone who has no love for the Najex.”

  I can’t imagine anyone who loves the demon. According to Mom, not even the wife of the Najex cares for him.

  “Who the hell would that be?”

  Hadid
blinks a couple of times. “His own father.”

  Okay. That’s rough. I never even thought about the Najex having parents. Kind of thought he was spit right out of Hell.

  “Where is the Najex’s father?”

  “In Hell,” Hadid mutters.

  Not good. Not good at all. Going to Hell has it’s own hazards. Any supernatural who ventures to the far south hemisphere loses a piece of his soul. The biggest peril is the risk you don’t come back.

  “You’re talking about going to Hell?” I pause for a beat or two. “You’re serious?”

  “Of course, I am serious. Qadira would go for me. She’s my sister. I have to do it even with the risks.” Now, he looks at me. “Would you not do the same for your sister?”

  It’s not even a question. I’d do anything for Kelsie. But what about Qadira?

  Hadid stands. “I cannot force you to go. This is something you have to do for you.”

  That’s where he’s wrong. I have to do this for Qadira. “Is there no other way?”

  His head swings back and forth. “The short answer is no. Ashmedai is the only one who can get Colt and his father to leave my sister alone. If you want to save Qadira, you have to go to Hell.”

  I take a deep breath. Right now, I feel alone without her. If it’s the only way to get her back, I have to do it. She’s worth it. “When do we leave?”

  The blue djinni smiles. “I will take you as soon as you are ready.”

  I’m ready now, but first I need to find out how the Si’lat located Qadira. “I never told any of my friends about my cabin. How did Colt find us?”

  Hadid exhales. “I am afraid that’s my fault. Farouk followed my trail and found Qadira.”

  I drum my fingers on my thigh. My fear was a witch helped Colt. And there’s only one witch I know who would be vindictive enough to help him. Thank Siren, it wasn’t her. If I ask Edwina nicely, though, I wonder if she could help Qadira. I pull out my phone and look up her number. After what feels like an eternity, she picks up.