by Jen Pretty
“The penthouse is available,” she said, looking up at Julian for confirmation.
“That will be acceptable,” he replied. He sounded so proper, like the first time I heard him speak back in Humber Falls. I glanced up and he had controlled his face into a blank expression.
“Thank you, Mr. Doyle. I’ll have your usual sent up,” she said.
“Thank you.” Julian turned and ushered me away from the desk, key card in hand.
Once we were in the mirrored elevator, I looked at Julian and raised an eyebrow. “Stay here a lot?” I asked.
“Our leader owns this hotel. He prefers I stay here when I want to get out of the city.”
The half-demons just got interesting. “Your leader?”
Julian smiled at me and pushed some of my crazy hair out of my face, sending butterflies swirling in my stomach. “We each have powers given to us from our demon parent. Mine gave me excellent hearing, night vision, and strength. Our leader was born with wings.”
“Are you serious?”
Julian nodded.
“So, you rank yourselves based on how much like a demon you are?”
Julian looked away, and the elevator doors slid open. We stepped off, and Julian turned us to the right, opening a door that led to a beautiful living room. I couldn’t help the sick taste in my mouth at learning the half-demons had so much interest in their demon parents. The door clicked shut behind me while Julian took the duffel bag into the bedroom. I could see the bed from where I stood. It looked glorious and comfortable, but I was wide awake now. Or maybe I was past tired?
“Are demons bad people?” I whispered, my eyes on Julian’s back. He stopped what he was doing, but didn't turn around for a long moment.
When he looked at me, his face was sober. “Some are. Just as some humans are bad people.”
My mother was a prime example of that — Shittiest of people.
Julian came out of the bedroom and stopped in front of me. “I promise you the half-demons are not bad. Some inherit the bad temperament and desire for evil from their demon parent, but they end up in jail or dead. Just like humans who break the law. Our leader may be many things, but he isn’t evil.”
I nodded and Julian led me into the bedroom. The bed was calling like a siren, but I needed a shower. I was funky and gross. I left Julian and pressed knobs and buttons on the complicated shower until it sprayed hot water like a normal one. Once I was out of my dirty clothes, I stepped under the hot spray. It was a huge relief after the last few terrible showers I had, to get a nice hot one with good pressure. Some things are essential in life.
I stepped out, clean and shiny and wrapped up in a fluffy white robe monogrammed with the hotel's emblem. The same symbol was on the soap and shampoo bottles and the individually wrapped toothbrush I found in the drawer. It was pre-loaded with toothpaste. Handy.
I almost passed out when I saw what lay on the bed. Julian wore silk pajama pants and no shirt. He had propped himself up on some pillows, reading a novel -- a pair of reading glasses perched on his face, accenting his dark features. He should be illegal. His broad chest and toned abs were on full display, making me feel self-conscious.
He kept reading as I slid into the king-size bed beside him. I scooted closer, letting his heat warm me and relax my muscles.
“Do you sleep?” I asked, realizing I had never seen him sleep.
“No,” he replied. “But I think it looks peaceful.”
I couldn’t imagine never sleeping. The world would get so boring, particularly if you lived forever. I was too tired to ponder it any further.
“Thank you for saving me,” I whispered. “You’re a good demon.” Julian had saved me a lot the last few days.
I was drifting off when Julian spoke. “I hope you still think so after tomorrow.”
I wanted to ask him what that meant, but I was half asleep, and that was tomorrow-Harlow’s problem.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Harlow, time to get up.”
“Fuck off,” I muttered, swinging my arm at whoever had disturbed me. A dark chuckle proceeded the smell of bacon. “Hand over the bacon, and no one gets hurt,” I muttered into my pillow, holding out my hand and making a grabby motion.
“You can have the bacon if you get up,” Julian said, his voice moving away from me. I peeked an eye open and watched him take the delicious breakfast away with him.
I rolled off the bed, getting tangled in the sheets and tripping to land on the carpeted floor. Damn it. Staggering up, I left the dark bedroom in exchange for the blinding light of the living room. I hissed and squinted at the light until Julian laughed and flicked off the switch.
“Thank you,” I muttered, following my nose to the covered tray of food. Underneath was the bacon, which I shoved in my mouth. There was also toast and eggs and hash browns. I skimmed the plate off the tray and went to sit beside Julian in a cushy chair beside an electric fireplace.
“So, are we going to get the gargoyles today?” I mumbled around my mouthful of food.
Julian gave me a crooked smile. “We have to meet with the leader. He’s summoned us.”
I scarfed a huge bite of egg, some of it flopped back down onto the plate. Good thing I had the plate propped on my chest beneath my mouth or it would have been embarrassing.
“I don’t have clean clothes,” I said. “Can we stop somewhere so I can grab something?”
Julian put down the book he was reading. “I’ve had things brought up for you.” He pointed to a rack of clothes by the door.
They looked like pretty clothes: blouses and skirts and things. I didn’t see any leather pants or slogan tees. I looked back at Julian who had gone back to reading his book. I took a big bite of a piece of toast and moseyed up to the rack of fine ladies' clothes, giggling to myself. I ran my fingers over the silk and satin things. They were cool and delicate.
“Is this what you see me wearing?” I asked, holding up a pink chiffon dress.
He cleared his throat. “It’s pretty.”
I snorted and returned it to the rack. I found a long white shirt that had some frilly bits but was mostly plain and a pair of shorts that looked loose enough to be comfortable. If I got bites on my legs today because of this, I would not be pleased. My legs had taken a beating the last week. I crossed the room again and grabbed a cup of coffee, taking it with me to the bathroom to change and get myself all pulled together.
My hair was a freaking disaster. I had a shower and used three bottles of the fancy hotel conditioner before I could run my fingers through it. Wrapped up in a giant, fluffy towel, I searched the drawers and found a hair dryer. I combed and dried until my hair was straight and shiny. I wished I had brought make-up since I was getting all fancy, but my natural look would have to do. When I stepped back out, Julian was wearing a suit. Not just any suit—a perfectly tailored suit in deep grey that made his dark features stand out.
“Holy crap, where did that come from?” there was no way it was in the duffel bag.
“I have suits kept here, so I don’t have to travel with them. I don’t need them out of the city, anyway.” He straightened his tie and adjusted the buttons on the jacket. Oof. He was too delicious. I looked down at myself and decided I was under dressed. I went back to the rack and pulled out a short tight dress in a soft purple.
“You look fine, you don't have to change just because I have to be uncomfortable,” Julian said. He was in the bathroom fixing his hair.
“I’m not sure why you have to be uncomfortable, but I might as well join you. I’m still wearing my boots though.” I snickered. I would look hot and ass-kicking.
Julian smiled. His lips brushed against mine as he walked past, leaving me in the bathroom. I changed quickly into the tight dress. I had good muscle tone thanks to hauling rocks around all the time, and the dress emphasized my finer features.
I walked out into the bedroom and pulled on my stone-demon-crushing boots, and I was all set.
“So, why do you h
ave to get dolled up, anyway?” I asked since he hadn’t answered me before.
He looked down at his tie, adjusting the clip in the middle and sighed. “I’m technically the second in command in the city, and the leader is my boss. He expects me to look powerful-” he laughed unhappily “-nothing says power like an expensive suit.”
“So, your super hearing, and super seeing is the second most powerful demon trait in the city?”
He took my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing my knuckles in some old-timey way. Then he led me through the door and toward the elevators. “No, the fact I’m immortal is why I’m the second most powerful demon in the northeast. Probably the country, but who’s keeping track?”
I tripped over my own foot, but Julian caught me. I thought maybe all half-demons were immortal. Knowing it was just him was weird. Time for a subject change. “Are the gargoyles still in the library?”
He nodded. “They bolted the doors shut and boarded the windows. There are a few dozen, according to the surveillance video, and they didn’t go to sleep when the sun came up.”
The elevator binged, and we stepped on. “That will make it difficult to remove them,” I said.
Julian nodded, but his phone rang in his pocket, interrupting our conversation.
“Yes, sir… yes… I’ll be there shortly.” He hung up the phone and tucked it back into his pocket.
“Was that your boss?” I asked, feeling nosey.
The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out into the busy lobby. The receptionist stared at Julian as we went by like he was the last pizza on earth and she was starving. Man, I needed pizza.
When we exited the hotel, I expected to have to wedge myself on the motorcycle, giving a free show to all of New York city. Instead, sitting at the curb was a shiny black limousine. The driver stood holding a door open, and Julian led me up to it. He held my hand and helped me slide in before sitting down beside me. The driver shut the door and went around to the front. The car moved silently through the suburbs and into the downtown core. We passed skyscrapers so tall I couldn't see the top from where I sat in the car. Horns honked and cars zipped in and out of the flow of traffic like it was Mario Kart.
I had never been to a city, much less New York. Julian squeezed my hand, bringing my attention back to him. “When we get this sorted, I’d like to take you out before you go home.”
That was just the reminder I needed. Here I was playing house with this half-demon who lived halfway across the country. Dumb ass. I was always the last to catch on. I nodded but imagined steel plates sliding over my heart: no falling for the demon, Harlow. Get your shit together.
I took my hand from Julian’s, and he frowned but didn’t comment. Game face on. I would meet a bunch of half-demons, one of whom had wings like a freaking gargoyle. I didn’t have my net, so I would pray there weren’t any stone jerks where ever we were going.
The limo finally stopped, but when I moved to get out, Julian stopped me. “Please, just remember… Just-” Julian paused and closed the door that the driver had opened. “-remember I’m not a bad person.” His eyes scanned my face, looking for something. He swallowed hard, and I nodded because it seemed he was waiting for a reply. I didn’t understand what he was talking about, but a sick feeling dropped into my stomach. I wanted to go home, but I was here now, and there were gargoyles flapping about in the New York Library. I had work to do.
We entered a high-rise building, and several people stopped to stare. I glanced up to Julian, but his face was hard and cold, his eyes trained straight ahead. A few people said hello, but he didn’t answer. His pace was brisk, and I struggled to keep up. It was like he had transformed into a different person. One who was angry or—I laughed to myself—possessed. In the figurative sense, not the literal. He was way too quiet for someone possessed by a demon.
The elevator doors slid open, and people scurried out of our way, leaving the elevator empty. Julian stepped on and then turned to face the front, I copied him until the elevator doors closed.
“That was rude,” I said.
“Not here,” he replied, his eyes on the doors ahead. “Just follow my lead, please.” He whispered so low I almost didn't hear him, but I nodded. Sure, whatever.
The elevator doors opened again with a quiet chime, and Julian led the way through an office floor toward a glass-fronted office. The people at the desks glanced at Julian and went back to work, appearing to be diligent workers. One woman had red eyes. I figured that was the gift of the demon parent she had. Another had scaled skin. God, I hoped never to meet a demon in its full form.
Julian walked ahead of me, his shoulders square and his head high, like a king approaching his throne. A glass-walled office was in the far corner. It had windows overlooking the city and I could see a man sitting at a glass-topped desk, head bent over some papers. When Julian knocked, the man's head came up, and a slick smile stretched his face. He was handsome like Julian, but when he stood, a pair of black wings spread out behind him. He must have had his suit altered to accommodate them because if it weren’t for the bat-like wings, he would look like any other businessman.
“You have brought the demon-touched girl. Splendid, Julian.” The winged man spoke in a proper tone, as if he was old-timey.
Julian stood to the side, so I was face to face with the creepy guy and said, “Harlow, I would like you to meet Mr. Collin Gamagin.”
The demon held out his hand for me to shake, but I couldn't tear my eyes off his wings. They stuttered a moment and then stretched out further, spanning the office. I wanted to turn and run. Leader or no, he was creepy. His smile pulled across his face wider, and his eyes flashed red for a moment.
“It’s good to meet you,” he said still holding out his hand. “Please call me Collin.”
I licked my lips, my mouth suddenly dry. His hand had long pointed nails on the end of each finger. They looked razor sharp like a lion’s. I stretched out my hand, placing my fingers in his, and he gripped them gently. “Good to meet you,” I said. I was moving on auto-pilot. It was definitely not good to meet him.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he said. His eyes raked over me as though I was something he was looking to purchase. “Elaine!” his voice was loud and made me jump. A woman came hustling in behind us. “Please take Miss Harlow to get coffee. I fear she’s looking a bit pale.”
My eyes shot to Julian, but he wasn’t looking at me. His shoulders were still square, and he was looking at Collin.
“Of course, sir,” the woman-Elaine-said as she held out her arm to motion me out of the room. I walked back out, pretty pissed at Julian for turning into a zombie.
Elaine shut the door to the office behind us and led me to a small lunchroom with a coffee machine and microwave on a kitchen counter. Round tables and chairs were making it look like a school classroom.
“Would you like something to eat?” Elaine asked as she opened the fridge.
“No, thank you,” I replied. “Are you a half-demon?” I figured she must know about them if her boss had giant wings.
“Yes, I got a little extra speed. Hardly worth anything.”
I didn't like the way these half-demons emulated demons. It gave me the creeps. Julian told me all demons had been banished, but occasionally one would pop in and impregnate a woman. If they lost their true form, thanks to some hunter or sculptor sucking them out, they could possess someone and stay until the human died. It couldn't be much fun just making a human scream for their whole life. Maybe demons liked that though.
I looked back out the door toward the glass office. The winged demon had his hand cupping Julian's head, and they were nearly forehead to forehead in some deep discussion. Julian's jaw ticked like he was unhappy, but his boss, Collin was smiling that same face-splitting smile he had on before. Collin let him go suddenly, and Julian almost fell but steadied himself. Collin spun around, tucking his black wings into his back and returned to his desk. I saw him wave a hand at Julian as if he were an annoying
bug he was trying to shoo. Julian spun on his heel and marched back out of the office. He caught my eye and held it until he was right in front of me.
“Let’s go,” he said, walking passed as though he assumed I would follow. I raised an eyebrow and waited a moment, but he kept walking. O-K then. I got up and shuffled after him. We stood at the elevator, waiting for it to make the trip up from the ground floor and the hairs on the back of my neck rose. I glanced behind me to find the leader of the half-demons staring at me. His face slowly morphed from blank to smiling, raising the hairs on my arms. Yeah. Time to go.
The “bing” of the elevator was pretty much the best noise I had ever heard and I hustled on, not turning around again until the doors closed.
I looked up at Julian, but he maintained the same stoic expression. If I had my net, I would have beat him with it.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The limousine sat in front of the building and the driver hurried over and opened the door. Julian stepped in, ignoring me completely. I considered storming off but a large, dirty man with a thick tangled beard was muttering to himself on the street corner. I stared at him until his old grey eyes locked on mine and he moved toward me. Jerk half-demon was better than crazy guy. I hopped in the limo and the driver shut the door. We were on the move before the old man caught up to us. He shook his fist at the car. I didn't know people did that. I always assumed it was just a figure of speech.
I stared at Julian, trying to make my death rays work, but his eyes stayed resolutely ahead and he didn't burst into flames.
Disgusted, I set my head down on the back of the seat and thought about all the things I could have been doing. This was a waste of time. I thought about the gargoyles in the freaking library, probably stomping all over the books. They seemed to congregate around demon-possessed people. The first house had a basement full of gargoyles. Then the town. If there were possessed people here, I hadn’t heard about it yet, but I was willing to bet there were. My investigative powers were unstoppable. It was just strange they were in the library. No possessed humans were in there.
