by SF Benson
The wraith-like being, Uraeleus, speaks up. “Can we do without the color commentary?”
Hadid turns completely gray. “Is this better?”
I choke back the laugh threatening to escape.
Luc stands and places his hands on the table. “Continue with your irreverent behavior, and we’ll make our decision now.”
The blue djinn returns to a more normal appearance.
“If we are done with the cheap entertainment…” The vampire’s voice trails off. He stares at Hadid before continuing. “Now, we are here to discuss the unfortunate deaths of humans in Falls Creek. It is my understanding both Cassius Martin and this djinni were at the scene of two murders.”
“Yes and no. My sister is a djinniyah—”
“Her designation isn’t important to us.” Luc opens a file folder and ruffles some pages. “Was she there or not?”
“Yes, but Qadira did not commit either crime. The incubus is only a witness to her being at the first one. They both arrived after the second murder was committed.”
“There is no proof of what he says, Luc,” Uraeleus spits out. “Where is the detective?”
The were-panther steps onto the dance floor dressed in civilian clothes—jeans, sweater, and casual shoes. He removes his aviator-style sunglasses. “I was on the scene for both incidences.”
“Tell us what happened,” Luc instructs.
Hank stands in front of the table. His nose wrinkles as his steely gaze locks onto Qadira. “I heard the banshee scream and followed the sound to the alley. The djinni hovered over the body. Blood covered her clothes.”
“That is a lie,” Qadira screams.
Luc holds his hand up.
Hank continues, “I saw her aura but couldn’t figure out what she was. So, I slapped iron cuffs on her. The second time I heard the banshee scream, both Cash and the djinni were draped over the body. They had back-up. Someone spelled me. I woke up hours later.”
“I think we can rule now,” Uraeleus interjects. Shadowy tentacles pulse over the table.
“Not so fast,” Hadid says. “You have not heard from my sister.”
The murky vestiges retreat toward Uraeleus.
“You expect us to believe what she has to say?” Luc asks. The vamp leader and I lock eyes. His hatred for me is apparent.
“No. I expect you to believe what you see.” Hadid waves his hands in the air as if he’s spinning a wheel backward.
My vision blurs, and the floor shifts beneath my feet. The air hums, thick with magic. When my vision clears, an image of the alley fills the room. Quick footsteps echo on the concrete. Qadira enters the scene. She’s running from someone. An ear-piercing scream forces her to her knees. She covers her ears and closes her eyes.
Farther down the passageway, two dark figures struggle. The taller figure leans into the other. A sickening crunch. The smaller being struggles, fruitlessly, before his head rips clean off his body. A fountain of red flows from the neck. The tall figure scoops out the inside of the decapitated head, discarding it, and shoves his hand into his mouth. Satisfied growls rise from it. He hovers over the corpse. Loud, squishy sounds reverberate off the brick walls.
The creature raises its head, and the body collides with the ground. Seconds later, the figure lumbers off. Qadira struggles to her feet and stumbles toward the corpse. She holds onto the wall, trying to steady herself. When she sees the body, though, Qadira falls to her knees again. Her hands land in the fast-spreading blood. She gags and wipes the gore on her pants. I arrive as she crouches over the body.
The scene fades. Once again, the ground shifts. When the spinning stops, we’re back in the alley. Laughter and talking fill the air. The fellas stroll around the corner of the diner and step into the alley. Rocco stumbles and swears as he glances down. When he sees the body, vomit spews from his mouth. After he’s thoroughly spent, Rocco wipes his lips and pulls out his phone.
Instead of listening in on the conversation, it dissipates like smoke on a breeze. I blink, and we’re back in front of Council. Murmurs pass among the leaders.
Hadid faces Qadira and me. “I left out what happened after you and my sister arrived. Figured it was a private moment.”
“Thank you, Hadi,” Qadira says and kisses her brother’s cheek. “We appreciate your help.”
Luc clears his throat. “We have made our decision.”
I rub my sweaty palm on my jeans and then grasp Qadira’s hand. She glances down and smiles. Kelsie steps closer.
“First, I’d like to thank Hadid for bringing us this evidence.” Luc inclines his head toward the djinni. “Without it, we would have had no choice but to find the two of you guilty.”
Qadira squeezes my hand.
“Hank,” Luc continues, “please remove the cuffs. They aren’t necessary. The female did nothing wrong.”
The were-panther walks over, places his hands on the cuffs, and they unlock. Qadira rubs her wrists.
A shadow crosses my sister’s face. I incline my head, my eyebrows lifting. She only shakes her head.
“What about the dead humans?” Uraeleus asks.
“I can help with that one,” Edwina offers, rushing into the room. She goes straight to Hank and hands him an envelope.
“What is she doing here?” the wraith complains.
Luc cuts an eye toward Uraeleus.
Hank looks inside. His eyebrows squeeze together, and he lowers his hands. “We’ve a big problem. Rogues have hit the States. Cities in every state report the same thing—unusual disappearances and murders of humans.”
Edwina moves closer to Hank. “I contacted my old coven in N’awlins. The BlackGuard Society is working overtime trying to keep up with the influx.”
Luc shuffles another stack of papers. “Let’s finish this meeting. Hank, I’ll want to speak with you afterward.”
Hank nods. He places a hand on Edwina’s lower back, and they step off the dance floor. Since when did they become a couple?
“We still must address the issue of your involvement, Cassius.”
Kelsie sucks in a breath. My heart ricochets against my chest.
Qadira faces Luc. “What are you talking about? He is as innocent as I am.”
“Not exactly. He knew of the crimes and didn’t report them,” Luc points out. He looks to his right and then to his left. “I believe we can cast our vote now. Exile the incubus known as Cassius Martin or allow him to stay? What say you, Uraeleus?”
“Wait!”
Qadira tenses at the familiar male voice. Kelsie sucks in a breath while a vein throbs on Victor’s temple.
Colt steps out of the shadows. His gaze slides to my sister. “Kelsie, I didn’t expect you to be here.
She lifts her chin. “He’s my brother. My family sticks together.”
“Even when they shouldn’t,” he says before leaning near my ear. “You should have given Dira to me.”
What the fuck?
He stands tall and holds up a folded paper. “I have my father’s vote.”
Ashmedai shifts in his seat. Unless the Najex requests my death, the demon king will not involve himself.
Luc extends his hand, and Colt delivers the document. The vampire reads over the paper. His brow furrows for a moment. He shakes his head and refolds the document.
“A vote isn’t necessary,” Luc utters. “The Najex has ruled in this matter. Cassius Martin, you are no longer welcome in our town. Please gather your belongings and say your goodbyes. Wards will be established to secure Falls Creek. Breech them, and we will be forced to execute you.”
Kelsie turns to Victor, her chin trembling. “Do something!”
“Luc, you can overturn this decision. Can’t you?”
The lanky vampire shakes his head. “No. I suggest you head home before a new one is made about you and the girl.”
Bloody tears slip from Kelsie’s eyes.
“Kelsie, don’t worry. You won’t lose your brother,” Qadira
says to her. “We have to remember what’s important. Cash is alive.”
My sister nods while wiping away her tears.
“Go home, Kels.” I rub her arm, but my eyes dart over to Victor. “Thanks for the use of your house.”
“No problem. We’ll see you before you leave.” He puts his arms around Kelsie, and they leave the dance floor in a blur.
I look over at Colt. My former friend juts his chin and crosses his arms over his slender chest. He placed a knife in my back, and I can’t remove it. I’m so grateful Kelsie didn’t hook up with him.
Not once did I think I’d lose a friend over a female. But he started this war, not me. Qadira is not property to be passed off.
She throws her arms around my neck and pulls me close. “Forget about him, Cash. It’s over.”
I allow a quick nuzzle of her neck, breathing in her sweet exotic scent.
Ashmedai clears his throat. “Before you leave, we need to have a word.”
I tear my gaze away from Colt. “I’m sorry. What is it?”
“I will speak to my son. Get him to at least drop the wards. As far as my grandson and his mother are concerned, they will be spending some time in Hell for their actions. Never mind your punishment. I think this exile shall work in our favor.”
“How do you figure? My mother will be left in this town with no one to fend for her. I’m close to my sister. I don’t like leaving her alone.”
Ashmedai rolls his eyes. “Listen to me, and stop your bellyaching. I shall make sure your family is taken care of. Anyone who threatens them will answer to me. As far as your job, I want you to re-establish yourself in New Orleans. Look into the rogues down there.”
“Why is it your concern?” I cross my arms.
“Usually I don’t care what creatures do for fun. But these ignorant asses jeopardize exposing our community. We have a nice symbiotic relationship with humanity. I’d like to keep it that way for another thousand years.”
“You expect me to hunt these beings?”
“No. Act as my eyes and ears. When you run across one report it. You’ll contact the BlackGuard. They are in charge of handling rogues, but they can’t act on what they can’t find. That’s where you come in.”
Great. I’ve gone from demon hunter to demon snitch. Just what I wanted.
“Remember, it’s not about what you want. We have a deal. Don’t think of double crossing me.” Ashmedai turns. His image fades the farther away he gets.
“Cassius,” Qadira sing-songs my name. “Is our business done here?”
“It is.” My eyes shift straight to her. I reach out and pull her close. “I think we have some celebrating to do.”
Her cheeks flush a lovely shade of red. “Let us return to the cabin.”
The best offer I’ve had in five days.
I take my last glance at the Temptation Club—a place with a lot of memories. Actually, I won’t miss this place. What I hate is leaving Wicked Ink. I spent a lot of time building up my clientele. Thanks to a misguided demon, I’m losing it.
Before we leave, I observe Edwina with Hank. Although it may be too soon for Edwina to replace me, I’m not upset. She’s moved on. And so have I.
Qadira transports us back to the cabin without delay. As soon as our feet touch the floor, I cup her face and claim her lips with my own. It’s an all-encompassing, definitive kiss. One I hope will let her know she is welcome into my life, into my heart. It sets off a wild, almost animalistic, need deep inside me.
I drag my lips away and lean my forehead against hers. My voice comes out in a pant. “Qadira, I want you so bad it hurts. But if you need to wait—”
She wags her head back and forth. My heart swells.
“Are you sure?”
Qadira covers my hands with hers. “Yes. My heart is yours.”
No more words. She turns her back to me and gathers her hair in one hand.
The zipper’s hush as I tug it down is the only noise besides my beating heart. I peel the leather garment from her flesh slowly, like unwrapping a gift. That’s exactly what this female is to me. The perfect present for my enjoyment only.
Oh, Siren!
My eyes follow her naked curves—flawless, sensual skin made for loving. On her spine, nestled above her lush buttocks, is the tattoo of a delicate, golden ankh. Qadira faces me. Her hourglass figure stirs not only my dick but something deep inside me. She takes my breath away.
The feelings I have for Qadira go beyond incubus tendencies. I want so much more than a quick romp with this female.
She starts to kick off her shoes.
“Leave them on,” I growl and lick my lips. “Baby, I don’t think I can go slow with you.”
“I do not want you to.” Qadira winks and saunters to the bedroom. I follow behind her like a lovesick fool.
The room is just the way she left it when… Now is not the time for mental rehashing. I glance at the bed. Qadira leans back against the pillows, daring me to join her. She pats the mattress. It’s all the invite I need. I rip my t-shirt over my head while toeing my boots off and push my jeans and underwear off.
Qadira snaps her fingers, and soft music from Bell Biv DeVoe fills the room. “You have it on your phone. Thought you might like it now.”
I lie down and pull her into my arms. “You’re the only music I need.”
We kiss open-mouthed, panting as our bodies move together. This female deserves to be loved carefully. Tenderly. Thoughtfully. I lower my mouth to her slender neck.
“Cassius,” she moans.
I reach between the apex of her thighs and slowly stroke her. A soft hiss slips from her full lips—a sound between pleasure and pain. It excites me like nothing I’ve ever heard before. I slide a finger inside her.
“Ohhhh, Cassius.” Qadira spreads her legs wider.
I push myself against her opening. The last thing I want is to hurt her.
“Please Cash,” she begs. “I will not break.”
I thrust inside her.
Qadira whimpers, “Do not stop.”
She arches her hips and meets each one of my thrusts.
I lose myself in the moment until a breeze surrounds us. Reluctantly, I open an eye. We’re floating above the bed.
Fucking awesome!
I’m right on the edge. Qadira vibrates beneath me. Her body shimmers, and her corporeal form dissipates. I give way to my own etherealness. We’re two spirits intertwined in combined ecstasy. We come together.
I roll to my side. Spent. Satisfied. My mate… I like the sound of that… My mate is draped over my chest sound asleep. Her hair is like a sea of dark waves. I rub a silky strand between my fingers.
“You are awake.” Her voice is soft.
My hand rests on her bare ass. “So are you.”
Qadira sits up, pulling the sheet with her. Everything good in my world is beside me. This female makes me truly happy.
“You make me happy as well.” She leans down and brushes her lips across mine. “Maybe even more.”
“The…” I’m not sure what to call it. I point toward the ceiling.
“Astral sex,” she says. “It only happens when a member of the djinn finds a true soul mate.”
I witnessed our auras combine. I know how I feel. The only thing I question is the suddenness. “Doesn’t this seem kind of fast to you?”
Qadira sighs. “It’s not sudden. I have been fighting it since the first time we met. I felt the spark the night you took me to the house.”
I suck in a quickening breath.
“You felt it, too.” It isn’t a question. “And the diner?”
“Yeah. That scared me.” I run my finger down her arm. “So, when did your opinion of incubi change?”
“I have only changed my opinion of you.”
“When did it happen?”
She intertwines her fingers with mine. “The second time we were in the alley together. Then, at the cabin, you pr
oved to me you are not like other incubi. Cassius, you had the opportunity to take advantage of me, but you didn’t.”
But I came fucking close. My mind travels back to the first night at the cabin. Somehow my heart kept me from acting on my baser needs. And then the kiss…
Right now, she’s encouraging a conversation my mind doesn’t want to have. Sharing my feelings has never been easy for me. But there’s something about this female that makes me want to release all I am.
“I feel your uncertainty.” A sad smile settles on her face. “What is wrong?”
I glance away from her. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. I even traveled to Hell and back for you.”
Her expression softens.
“But taking advantage of you… I could never hurt you that way.”
Qadira presses a kiss to my palm. “Like I said, not like other incubi. I am able to see your spirit. You are a good being. I could not give my heart to anyone else.”
My pulse dances a freakish rhythm. A cold sweat breaks out beneath my armpits. She gave me her heart.
She places a finger beneath my chin and grabs my attention. “Do not let fear rule you. Cassius, you are my heart and soul. We are in this together. Marriage is just a ceremony of words. We have a true union. I need nothing more.”
I exhale, and the fear dissipates. Something has been nagging at me ever since I saw her tattoo. “What’s with the ankh on your back?”
Her eyebrow lifts, and she touches her spine. “Years ago, my mother took me to an oracle. She told me I would meet a being whose emotions were locked away. I would be his key. The ankh, the key of life, is a visual reminder of her prophecy.”
That’s deep.
“We are meant to be.” Qadira places her hand over my heart. My skin warms. “The prophecy has been fulfilled.”
Her hand drops, but my chest feels warm. I glance down and see an identical golden ankh.
“Once I found the right being,” she explains, “my mark would claim him.”
I scrub a hand over my face. This is a lot to take in. I never thought of my emotions being locked away. Maybe it’s why I clung to my absurd belief about love. Key or no key—Council won’t care. “We can’t stay here.”
