“Wait, you two know each other?” Genevieve asked, looking at the two of them suspiciously.
“Sort of. She’s Thallan’s daughter. He asked me to track her down–– that was the favor I did for him ages ago. I found her address and spoke with her in person. It was actually really easy since her friends were willing to talk to me but not Thallan. I had no idea she worked for the MIB.” Ceri stopped rambling and turned back to Icewind, her brow pinched in confusion. “When did you change your name?”
Icewind chuckled. “After you found me. I didn’t want my dad to be able to track me down again so easily. I moved too.”
“Understandable,” Ceri said with a smile.
Icewind looked around the living room. “It’s weird being back here. I remember my…” She took a deep breath, sorrow passing over her features. “My mother and father building the place. My mother built the wards herself. She spent a lot of time out here.”
That explained why the house was so excited to let Icewind in. She was welcoming her daughter home.
“Is Amber heading back yet?” Ceri asked.
Genevieve shook her head. “Nope, they’re all still running around town.”
“She was the one that talked Thallan into letting the pack move in here, by the way,” Ceri said. “He turned me down flat when I tried to call in the favor.”
“Can’t say that shocks me.” Icewind sighed deeply, clearly not fond of her father or any reminder of him.
“Oh, and you should know, your father went missing yesterday. I think he’s probably just…in a drunk tank somewhere, but I haven’t been able to find him.”
Icewind nodded, pursing her lips in disapproval. “I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise that he drinks now.”
“Well, um, I’m sure we’ll find him. Do you want us to call you when we do?” Genevieve asked.
“No. Definitely not.” Icewind shook her head firmly. “I just came here to let you know I was suspended and –– against my better judgment –– offer to help. Whoever framed me did so because I was getting in their way. I know I’m not the real target.”
“Yeah, that’s us apparently,” Genevieve agreed with a sigh. “I’ll have to talk to Amber but I think she’d gladly accept your help.”
“What can you tell me about Jason Carter? I think he was involved with my suspension and you mentioned him the other day.”
Genevieve nodded toward the dining room. “I’ll show you my notes.”
Chapter 59
Amber
Amber parked on the street near the coffee shop. She’d gone to Cassandra Lightvine’s house, and like the historical society, it was deserted. A house that big should have staff or guards but it had neither. What it did have were wards she couldn’t get past. She’d have to come back with Ceri and see if they could get in.
Tommy and Deward’s father, Olwen, had come up empty handed searching the garden center as well. They were already headed home but she had decided to make a quick stop before joining them.
The bell on the door tinkled as she walked into the coffee shop. It was fairly busy, with most of the tables being taken up. There was one free in the corner so she dropped her jacket off to save it then went up to the counter to order.
“How can I help you?” the barista –– a young girl wearing a sticker that said I’m new on her apron –– asked nervously.
She smiled, trying to put her at ease. “Just a London Fog.”
The barista tapped at her screen, looking over her shoulder for help.
“Earl grey tea with milk, vanilla, and lavender, if that helps you find it,” Amber whispered.
A blush spread across the girls’ face. “It does, thanks.” She moved through the choices a little more confidently, then looked up with a smile. “Four fifty.”
Amber handed over cash. “Keep the change.”
She watched people file in and out of the coffee shop while she waited for her drink. They were all so blissfully ignorant. She used to come to places like this all the time when she was in school, and she never thought about demons or angels or evil, cursed elves.
“Here’s your drink,” another barista said, handing her the warm cup.
“Thanks.” She headed unhurriedly over to her table and sat down. Just for a few minutes, she wanted to enjoy her tea and not worry about anything.
“Amber Hale, may I join you for coffee?”
She looked up and froze when she saw the man who had asked to join her.
To say he was beautiful would be incorrect. The exacting symmetry of his features and the elegant way they were arranged was beyond that. Everything about him was perfection. Not a strand of his deep, black hair was out of place. She hardly noticed his clothes, only that they, too, were exactly as they should be.
She met his eyes –– deep gray orbs flecked with light that hinted at mysteries and hidden pleasures –– and felt a pull to walk up to him. Her fingers ached to trace the curve of his cheek.
The wolf dug its claws into her mind and power flooded her body as she resisted the siren call of the angel’s gaze. She tore her eyes away, heart pounding with exertion.
He looked around the coffee shop, as if noticing for the first time that everyone in there was staring at him in shock.
“I’m sure no one would mind giving my friend and I some privacy?” the angel asked, his words taking on a strange, melodic lilt. The air shimmered around each person. One by one, they filed out of the coffee shop. Even the baristas.
He turned his inhumanly perfect face back to her and smiled. “That’s better.”
A red haze filtered over her vision as the wolf rose to the front of her mind. She let her take control. This creature standing in front of her was dangerous.
This perfection was alluring and intimidating…and it felt wrong. The pull to fall at his feet was wrong. The way her heart pounded in her chest at his smile was wrong.
She stared at his nose, refusing to meet his eyes again. “What do you want?”
He settled in the chair across from her, leaning toward her across the table. “I just wanted to speak with you.”
“Why?” she asked, her hands trembling as power washed over her in waves. She was being rude but she was terrified that if she gave into the urge to please him, then he would be able to make her do anything.
“To thank you for your efforts to stop that terrible sorcerer. It was very dangerous to fight him. You were brave,” he said, his words sinking into her skin like sunshine after days of rain. It made her want to lean in and soak up more of that feeling.
She pushed back in her chair, the dissonant growling of her wolf giving her just enough clarity to resist. “We did what we had to.”
“Don’t diminish your achievement,” he said, placing his hand on hers before she had a chance to jerk it away. His fingers closed a little too tightly around her hand. “Not many would have risked so much, even for a friend.”
His skin was smooth but strangely cold against her own. Trembling, she reached for his wrist with her free hand and yanked it free. Fear and a strange sense of shame washed over her as she set his hand back down on the table, away from her.
“Do not…touch me…” she gasped out, barely able to speak through the effort of not begging forgiveness. This was insanity but she never let someone touch her when she didn’t want them to. The wolf writhed under her skin, moments away from forcing a shift.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to upset you,” he said, leaning in a little closer but not moving to touch her again. “You look distressed, so I won’t keep you long. My presence can be quite overwhelming. As thanks, I wanted to offer you a gift. I can erase your demon mark.”
Her heart nearly stopped in her chest. “That’s…impossible.”
“For you, yes, but not for me,” he replied easily.
For a moment, she was tempted to say yes, but strangely his offer distressed the wolf even more.
This was a gift with strings attached and she knew it, even if
he didn’t say it. Claws extended from her fingertips and it took all the strength she could pull from the pack bond to hold back a full shift.
“No.” It was all she could manage to say. If she said another word, she was afraid it would be yes. She hated Kadrithan sometimes but this creature terrified her more. He was in her head, trying to influence her. Kadrithan, for all his faults, had never done that.
A frown marred the angel’s perfect face. “I am surprised at your answer, Amber. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?”
She shook her head. “A deal…is a deal.”
“I’m sure you were manipulated into it. There is no shame in freeing yourself from someone who has lied to you.” The pressure his power created intensified. She felt small and weak.
She curled her hands into fists and dug the claws into the palms of her hands. Warm blood trickled down her wrist and the pain cleared her mind, just a little. “No, thank you.”
He nodded forlornly. “If that is your decision, then I can only hope you will change your mind soon.” He pulled a box from his pocket. “I also wanted give you this, as a gesture of good will. Please do not reject both of my gifts.”
He pushed the box across the table toward her then leaned back, lifting the pressure on her mind just a little.
She stared at the box like it might bite her. Part of her wanted to reject this too but she was worried what he might do. Even with the strength of the pack bond she wasn’t sure she could fight the angel alone. Or at all.
Willing her fingers not to shake, she opened the box. A delicate necklace sat on a black silk lining. The gold chain was so thin it looked like it would snap at the slightest tug. Extending down from the chain were glittering diamonds, each bigger than the one above it. It was luxurious and beautiful. And completely unnecessary. She couldn’t help but notice that it would have gone perfectly with the dress she wore the last day of the conference. The message was clear: I’ve been watching you.
She swallowed uncomfortably. “Thank you.”
“It is my honor to reward your efforts.” He rose from the table and smiled down at her. “Until we meet again, Amber. Remember, if you change your mind about the demon mark, the offer still stands.”
The sound of her name on his lips sent a thrill down her spine. “Okay,” she choked out.
The bell tinkled as he walked out, taking his strange influence with him. Her vision twisted and blurred as air rushed back into her lungs. She grabbed the edge of the table to stay upright, heart pounding and chest heaving.
The necklace sat there, sparkling innocently in the sunlight. She smacked the box shut.
The other customers began filing back in.
“Was that an angel?”
“She’s so lucky she got to talk to him!”
“They’re just as hot as everyone says.”
Their stupidity made her want to scream. How had they not noticed he had forced them all to walk outside? How could they think that was fun and not terrifying?
She snatched up the box and sprinted outside, leaving her untouched tea behind. She had the irrational urge to cry.
Biting the inside of her cheek, she focused on putting one foot in front of the other until she made it back to her truck. It took three tries to get the key in the door. Another two to get the key in the ignition.
Her phone was ringing but she ignored it, driving home with a death grip on the steering wheel. The jewelry box taunted her from the passenger seat. It was tempting to toss it out the window and keep driving. She wondered if the angel would know if she threw it away.
She took a twisting route back home, checking for anyone following her, not that they didn’t already have her address.
The pack bond was alight with worry and she did her best to let them know she was okay now. She couldn’t talk to them yet. Whatever that angel had done to her had terrified her. If she hadn’t had the wolf, he could have manipulated her so easily. She would have done anything for the chance to feel his hand against hers or the slightest acknowledgement.
She’d heard stories about how amazing and wonderful angels were, and that must be why. They didn’t let people think anything else about them.
Kadrithan was right. They weren’t pure or anything else. They were worse than the demons.
There was a tug on her demon mark and Kadrithan appeared as a little, red devil next to her in the truck.
She almost cried in relief, which was not normally how she felt when he showed up. “Where have you been?”
“Recovering. What the hell is wrong with you?” he asked, taking in her expression with alarm.
She stopped at the gate to the property and turned to face him. “An angel showed up and talked to me.”
Kadrithan’s face darkened. “What did he want? Did he threaten you?”
She laughed hysterically, unable to stop for a long moment. Resting her forehead on the steering wheel she attempted to catch her breath. “No, he offered to erase your mark.”
There was a beat of silence. “You didn’t accept his offer.”
“No, I didn’t.”
Kadrithan shifted into his human form and leaned toward her. “Why not?”
She looked up at Kadrithan, unable to hide her fear behind her usual mask of bravado. “What the hell are they, Kadrithan? He was not…he was not good.”
The demon sighed and looked out the window, thinking something over in his mind. “Perhaps it is time I tell you.”
Chapter 60
Kadrithan (Angel)
Kadrithan had never seen Amber quite this undone. Even when Ceri had been dying, she had remained fiercely determined through her desperation. The angel had completely terrified her, which, despite being worrying, he took as a good sign.
If the angel hadn’t scared her, it would mean the angel had a hold on her and he wouldn’t be able to trust her ever again.
“This angel, did he tell you his name?” he asked finally.
Amber briefly let her head fall against the steering wheel, shoulders drooping with exhaustion. “Can you just answer my question for once?”
“I will, but I need to know which of them approached you. It’s important.”
She sighed, rubbing her hands down her face. They were streaked with dried blood.
He grabbed them. “I thought you said he didn’t hurt you.”
She scowled at him but let him examine the wounds. “He didn’t. I partially shifted and dug my claws into my palm to keep him from doing…whatever it was he was doing. He didn’t say his name, by the way.”
“Hmm, smart,” he said, releasing her hands. She grabbed a napkin from the pile in the center console and started trying to rub off the blood. “What did he look like? Describe him.”
She shrugged. “It was hard to focus on what he actually looked like, other than disturbingly perfect. He had black hair and gray eyes though. Do you want me to describe the effervescent twinkling of his eyes? Or his perfect, ivory skin?”
“No, that’s quite enough,” he said, rolling his eyes. She hadn’t been visited by one of the archangels, thankfully, but it was nearly just as bad. “I believe it was Zelas that met with you. He is powerful but ultimately not our biggest concern.” He paused, noticing Ceri running down the driveway. “It appears we have a visitor. I think it would easiest if I just explained this to the whole pack at once.”
“Crap, she called three times while we’ve been sitting here.” Amber put the truck in drive and rolled down her window. “Just get in, Ceri. I’ll explain it all in a minute.”
Ceri glanced at him suspiciously but nodded and climbed in the passenger seat, forcing him closer to Amber, not that he minded.
“What is this?” Ceri asked, picking up a velvety black jewelry box. Something you’d put a necklace in. That was an odd thing for Amber to have in her truck. She wasn’t one for jewelry and trinkets. Apparently, Ceri agreed.
“The angel gave it to me as a gift. It matches my dress from the conference. They’ve been watc
hing me,” Amber said sourly.
He took the box from Ceri and opened it. She was right. He snapped the lid closed again. “Throw it away. Don’t keep it in the house.”
“I’ll destroy it,” Ceri said, taking it back from him and holding onto it with a white-knuckled grip.
Amber parked quickly and they all headed into the house. Everyone was there, their faces showing their distress at the ordeal their alpha had just gone through.
“Sorry I couldn’t block all that,” Amber said awkwardly as she locked the door behind them. “And for freaking out after.”
“What happened? Was it his fault again?” her brother demanded, directing a glare at him. Derek’s bushy beard was puffed out as if he’d been pulling on it.
Another human, this one wiry and nerdy, hovered behind Derek. He pushed his glasses up on his nose in a nervous gesture. Genevieve put a protective arm around him when she saw his eyes on the man. Interesting. That was not the sort of man he’d expect her to choose.
Amber shook her head. “No, for once it wasn’t.” She sighed deeply and shoved her hands in her pockets. “An angel approached me at the coffee shop. Using some kind of weird magic, he made everyone in the coffee shop get up and walk out. Including the baristas. It was like he entranced them all.”
“What? That should be impossible. Controlling that many people at once…” Ceri looked horrified.
Amber nodded. “Yeah, it was terrifying. My wolf was the only reason he didn’t entrance me too. It was a struggle. I wanted to please him. I was barely able to resist the pull.”
The cat-that-wasn’t-a-cat prowled into the room, purring as it approached him. He’d been avoiding the thing so as not to draw attention to it, but there wasn’t much he could do this time.
“Get over here, Jack.” Genevieve scrambled to scoop up the cat before it touched him, scowling at him as if it were his fault.
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