The sudden warmth of the club was stifling. I felt torn from the natural beauty of the rain, thrust into this artificial world. My wolf hated it. Ignoring the questioning look from Shawn, I made my way inside, leaving a wet trail behind me. I likely looked like something spawned in a B-rate horror movie.
Arys was leaning on the bar, engrossed in conversation with Josh. He looked up at my arrival, and I swallowed hard. Would the rain have washed away Kale’s scent? Did the truth shine in my eyes like a beacon?
“What in the hell happened to you? You look like something the cat dragged in.” Arys scanned me from head to toe, his gaze narrowing. “You’ve been crying.”
I kept my distance, afraid to touch him. “No. Why? Is there blood on my face? There was an incident at the office. Jez has been hurt. I can’t stay. I need to check on her.”
“Where’s Kale?”
Arys’s tone was sharp, and I cringed inwardly. I fumbled to form a response. I was tongue-tied, knowing the truth was clear in my eyes.
“I don’t know. He attacked Jez.” I could offer nothing more. I wouldn’t directly lie to Arys.
He reached out to shove the mess of wet hair off my neck, exposing Kale’s bite. “Let me rephrase that. Where in the fuck is Kale?”
“Arys, don’t. Please. It’s not what you think. He didn’t hurt me.”
Rage rolled off him with a scorching heat. “It’s exactly what I think. I knew this would happen. I knew you’d never be able to resist him.”
The lack of surprise in Arys’s eyes bothered me. He’d been expecting this? I wasn’t sure if I should feel ashamed or insulted.
“I guess you’re always two steps ahead of me, huh?” I snarled, spinning on my heel to go. I had no right to be angry, but I wasn’t going to have this conversation inside The Wicked Kiss while Jez was injured and Kale was God knew where.
Arys stopped me with a hand on my wrist. His grip was tight enough to hurt. “You and I need to have a little talk. Go and see to your friend, but after sunrise, I’ll be expecting you.”
“If you hurt Kale-,”
“Then what, Alexa? You’ll do something about it?”
I stared into his cold blue eyes and watched as they bled to wolf. I shook my head, knowing there was nothing I could say or do now.
“It will hurt me, too.”
Arys released his hold on me and stepped back. “Get out of here, Alexa. I’ll see you at sunrise.”
I left without a backwards glance. My cheeks burned with humiliation. I was tired and confused from being pulled in so many directions. I didn’t know how to be so many things, to have so much expected of me. I finally found peace, short-lived as it were, in the loss of control. The rest of the time, I was a caged animal, longing for freedom, but that surrender always came at a price.
Lilah had left a message on my phone. Jez was at home. She would be fine. The news brought tears of relief to my eyes. Lilah concluded the message by asking me to return to the office before dawn if I was able. She wanted to see me.
That was something I didn’t anticipate. I was curious but wary. What could she possibly want to see me about? I had a few hours yet before the sun would break over the horizon. If the rain continued, it would be an overcast morning with little to no real sunlight.
Being a shifter had some perks, for instance, the clean sweat pants and hoodie sweater in the trunk of my car. I kept extra clothing on hand for those unexpected shifts to wolf. I changed in the backseat, grateful to shed the last of my rain-soaked clothing. I tried to squeeze the excess water from my hair. It hung in disheveled chunks that dripped down my back. I would have loved a hot shower right then.
I couldn’t help but worry as I drove mechanically back to the office. I doubted Kale would step foot inside The Wicked Kiss tonight, and I sincerely hoped I was right about that. Whatever Arys was feeling, it was justified, but hurting Kale wouldn’t change anything for the better.
I wanted to see Jez but decided it was best to let her get some rest. Knowing she was safe and alive made everything else seem a little less important. Maybe everything was going to blow up in my face at last. I’d crossed a line, and it was going to hurt everyone involved. Yet, Lena’s death, the close call with Jez and the lingering presence of Maxwell and Claire made my personal drama pale in comparison.
Only Lilah was present when I reached the office. The scent of pure Were blood still hung on the air though she had cleaned up the mess. She came out of Veryl’s office, sensing my arrival. Dressed simply in jeans, a tank top and sweet army boots, she wore no makeup. Not that she needed any, Lilah was a simple beauty. Strong cheekbones and sharp features made her flame-colored eyes seem to glow. Her wavy locks were just a few shades darker, a deep burnt orange.
She snapped her fingers as she approached, and a circle formed around the building. A wave of demon magic swept through me, throwing me off-balance. It left me feeling nauseous.
“Sorry about that. Better safe than sorry.” Lilah gestured for me to join her in the kitchen.
I followed her in, suddenly aware I hadn’t cleaned up the blood on my face or neck. Her gaze went to the vampire bite I wore, and I thought I saw her hide a smile. Could she tell it was Kale’s?
“No worries. What’s up? Jez is ok?” I sat down after she did though I would have preferred to stay on my feet.
“She was knocking on heaven’s door, but I was able to bring her back. She’ll be fine in time.” Her choice of words struck me as strange. Before I could respond she continued. “I wanted a chance to talk with you, one on one. I know we rarely get the opportunity. Things are changing. I thought it was time.”
I was uneasy. Lilah had never given me reason to fear her, but she was a demon. I didn’t know if I could trust her.
“Alright. What’s going on?”
Lilah sat casually in her chair, one leg crossed over the other. She regarded me with a serious expression. “You’ve spoken to Shya. He wants you to act as one of his personal assassins, a position that is not handed out to just anybody. I know you’re headstrong and temperamental. I believe you’re a perfect fit. But, what he’s asking of you is dangerous. More so than anything you’ve faced or done. I can guarantee it.”
“I haven’t had much time lately to consider it. There’s a lot I’m not sure of.”
“I’m not here to convince you either way. Your choice is your own. I will give you one word of advice though. Don’t agree to anything Shya asks of you unless you’re committed to it.” She blew a lock of hair out of her eyes and flashed me what was supposed to be a friendly smile. “You have power over vampires and werewolves. Naturally, Shya finds that appealing. I’m not sure he’s ever seen anyone like you. Be careful.”
When other creatures took an interest in me because of my power, it never seemed to go well. Shya was different, he wasn’t a power-hungry vampire seeking a fun toy to suck dry. He was a demon, and what he wanted from me was probably far worse.
“Easier said than done.” I picked up a sugar packet off the table and began to fidget with it. “I don’t trust anyone anymore, but the fact remains that I need to do more than I’ve been doing. Staking newborn vampires has lost its appeal.”
Lilah nodded, watching my nervous fidgeting. “I imagine. A challenge definitely does keep things exciting. As the decades pass, that’s essential to sanity.”
“Sanity,” I scoffed. “Who needs it?”
“Rough night?”
I searched her eyes, finding genuine interest. “You could say that.”
“Well, whoever he is, he’s not worth it.” A wry grin lit up her face, bringing an amused light to her eyes. Lilah was stunning in her own way. “Anyway, I have something for you.”
I couldn’t help but be curious when she left the room. I managed to keep my butt in the chair and wait. I heard a door open and close down the hall. What could Lilah possibly have for me? She re-entered the kitchen holding a long, thin box.
Placing it on the table between us, she rec
laimed her seat and flipped the lid open. Inside was the most elaborately made, dangerous looking dagger I’d ever seen. The blade shone in the fluorescent lighting. It was longer than my forearm and designed in a gentle curve. Notches were cut out at the base of the blade, allowing it to cut through the air with little resistance. From where I sat, I could see the symbols etched into the metal. Whatever it said, it wasn’t in any human language. The handle consisted of a series of coils of what appeared to be black jade. It was a magnificent weapon.
I could feel the power that emanated from it. Like a kid presented with a shiny toy, I immediately wanted to touch it. Instead I stared in wonder, my curiosity growing.
“It’s called the Dragon Claw. I’m sure you can feel its power.” Lilah turned the box so I could get a better look at it but made no move to touch it herself. “It was created to destroy those with a physical demonic form. That means earth walking demons and vampires. It doesn’t even have to hit the heart. Once it pierces their flesh, it’s all over.”
“Wow.” I gazed from the dagger to Lilah in wonder. “That’s amazing. Where did it come from?”
“Would you be reluctant to take it if I told you it was forged in the fires of hell?” Her expression was dead serious. No joke there.
“Take it? Really? Me?” I sounded like a moron, but it was just so unexpected.
“You’re still mortal. And, I sure as hell can’t use it. One nick of that blade, and I’d be dead.” She shoved the box even closer. “Here. Check it out.”
My hands were surprisingly steady as I lifted the Dragon Claw from its velvet bed. It was solid and heavy, but it felt good in my grasp. The jade handle was smooth but easy to grip due to the raised coils. The dagger spoke to my power, molding its own as if to fit me. Warmth radiated up my arm, but it felt right.
“It feels like it was made for me.” I stared down at the gorgeous weapon in my hand, awestruck.
“It was.”
Lilah’s simple admission startled me, and I had to do a double take. “Seriously?”
“Yes. Shya had it made. All he needed to bind it to you was a strand of hair, easily taken from the hair clip left in your office.” With a shrug Lilah picked up the sugar packet I’d dropped and began to fold down the edges. The casual gesture contrasted the weight of her words. “Sorry if that sounds creepy. It’s demon magic. He needed a part of you. So now it’s yours.”
I didn’t know how demon magic worked, and I didn’t think I wanted to. It was very presumptuous of Shya to make such a thing for me. It raised warning flags.
“Why? What does he expect in return for it?” Suspicious, I laid the dagger back in the box, going so far as to close the lid.
Lilah chuckled. “Smart girl. Always ask that exact question before accepting anything from a demon, especially Shya. This time he only wants your assurance that you will kill Veryl.”
Ah, so she knew about that. “Why is it so important that I do it? Can’t anyone else? Why can’t you?”
My question had been petulant though it hadn’t been my intent. She was unfazed.
“Because I’m the one he’s blackmailing. If I kill him, everything he has on me leaks to the people I want it kept from. He’s assured me of that.”
That was not what I’d expected. I turned that tidbit of information over in my head. Veryl was a scumbag. I didn’t know what he had on Lilah nor did I need to. He was out of line.
“How do you know it won’t still leak if I kill him?” It occurred to me that at no point since being asked had I really intended to turn down the hit on Veryl. What did that say about me?
Lilah met my gaze, and I saw in her eyes that she trusted me, something I was sure didn’t come lightly. “I don’t. It’s a chance I’ll have to take. The cocky prick has been using it to manipulate me for long enough.”
Silence descended as I contemplated everything I knew. It was none of my business, but I couldn’t help but wonder what Veryl had on Lilah. She herself was an enigma. I’d been dying to know more about her since we’d met. I’d never known anyone like her. Though she’d scared the crap out of me a few times with her power over demons, I had no reason not to help her.
“Lilah, please forgive me if I’m overstepping my bounds here, but what are you? I mean, I know vampires are rooted in darkness, demons in their own way. But, they aren’t demons the way you are.” There. I’d taken my chance and given words to the question nagging me.
I feared a negative reaction, but it never came. She didn’t appear to mind my inquiry.
“I’m a demon. One of the highest in rank. Or, at least I was. I was cursed. Forced into a corporeal form. A vampire.” The sugar packet in her hands suddenly exploded in a burst of white powder. “Veryl knows my true identity. That is information that could end my entire existence if it should fall into the wrong hands.”
She was shut up very tight. I couldn’t get a feel of her energy at all. The shadows in her eyes spoke loud and clear though. If I thought I had problems, Lilah’s would likely blow mine out of the water.
“Thank you for sharing that with me.” My gaze dropped to the box, and I thought of Maxwell and Claire. A weapon like that could be an advantage. “I’ll do it. I’ll kill Veryl. Just make sure Shya knows I don’t owe him anything else.”
“No problem.” Lilah stood up and offered me a hand. “Let me know if you ever need anything. I mean it. Oh, and when it comes to Shya, watch out for the pretty words. He has a way of saying things that makes them sound better than they are.”
“Gotcha. Word games with demons. I’m on it.”
I smiled to lighten the mood. It didn’t help. I’d gone from vampires to demons and from friends to lovers all in one night. I was ready to hide out in bed for a few days and will it all away.
That same hot wave of nausea passed through me when Lilah dropped her circle. Her demon power was heavy and thick. It felt like metaphysical molasses. I didn’t like it.
I sat in the car after Lilah left, watching the night slip away. The rain had let up, but it hadn’t stopped. Placing the Dragon Claw box on the passenger seat, I couldn’t resist opening the lid to slide my fingers along the smooth expanse of the blade. It felt like a part of me. Knowing what Shya had done to create it should have bothered me more than it did. Touching the magical dagger and knowing it was mine, I was smitten.
* * * *
Coffee in hand and heartbeat erratic, I made my way up Arys’s front walk. His neighbor, Mrs. Olson, sat on her front porch reading a book in the sunlight. The rain had stopped, allowing the sun to break through. It was a lovely morning.
She waved when she saw me. Her little dog came barreling across the lawn to bark at me, something he always did. He had no problem with the vampire that lived in this house, but he sure hated werewolves. The dog had been a gift to Mrs. Olson from Arys, after he’d killed the last one.
“Beat it, Frankie.” I hissed beneath my breath. “You can’t take me, and you know it, you little ankle biter.” To Mrs. Olson I beamed a big smile and waved.
I felt Arys’s heavy energy inside. Standing in front of the door, I sucked in my breath and knocked. In a sinister motion, the door swung open, revealing nobody on the other side. Arys was feeling cryptic. Fabulous.
I closed the door behind me and turned to find Arys looming in the darkened kitchen. I jumped, spilling hot coffee over my hand and on the floor.
“Holy shit, Arys. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
He retreated into the living room, expecting me to follow. Ignoring the coffee spill on the floor, I did follow, squinting as my eyes adjusted to the lack of light. The windows were so heavily draped, not a sliver of light made it through.
“How is Jez?” With a dark brow raised, he fixed me with a pointed look. Instead of sitting down like I’d expected, he remained standing in the center of the room.
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, feeling awkward. “She’ll be ok. I didn’t get a chance to see her yet. I ended up talki
ng with Lilah at the office.”
“You’ll be happy to know I never saw Kale. Your illicit lover remains alive to tempt you another night.” His tone dripped venom, and I cringed.
I couldn’t say anything to that, so I sipped my coffee, seeking comfort in the simple act but finding none. If he was going to rant and rave, maybe even lash out at me, I’d stand there and take it. He had every right.
When Arys saw that I wasn’t going to offer an excuse or protest, some of the fire in his eyes burned out. “Dammit, Alexa! I want to ask you why, but I already know. I’ve been there. And, I gave in every damn time, too. But, it makes me sick with jealously, and I hate that I feel something so trivial and human.”
“Is it human though? Why are all negative feelings simply human in your eyes, Arys? I saw pain in the eyes of a demon tonight, and I know damn well she’s never been human.”
His jaw clenched, and his gaze fell to the floor. “I want to kill him. Part of me wants to do it just to hurt you. And, then this little voice, this little fucking annoying voice reminds me that would make me a hypocrite.”
“I’m not going to try to justify what happened. I know I can’t, and I’m really not sure what to say here.” Honesty seemed like the best policy. Arys was freaking me out a little.
“I have been where you are, Alexa. The power and the attraction, how it draws them to you, and they just can’t get enough. It’s what we are. And, it’s in our nature to take advantage of that.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he turned away from me. “I’ve been around a long time. Some might say too long. I have been with many lovers, though I have loved very few of them. Do you love him?”
Arys turned that drowning blue gaze on me, and I sputtered coffee. I knew what he was saying. Sexual energy was part of the feed. Arys expected that the allure would at times cross into a full physical expression. He was separating this into two categories, feeding and love. And, I knew what he wanted to hear.
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