by L. L. Frost
My glare shifts to him. “What do you know about it?”
“Nothing.” He disappears from view once more.
My toes flex against the far side of the tub, fussing with the drain latch.
Silence fills the bathroom, and then Tobias stands. “I’m going to bed. It’s been a long night, and I have a meeting in the morning.”
Emil stands as well. “Yes, good idea.”
I give them a thumbs-up. “Great talk, guys.”
Emil pauses on his way out to turn a narrow glance on me before reaching out to flip the cold water back on.
Full House
The next morning, I get ready earlier than usual, then stuff my library books into my briefcase along with my notebook and dictionary.
I sneak downstairs, careful not to wake anyone, and leave the house to head into my shop. Today’s opening day, and despite my fatigue from the day before, I barely slept a wink. My mind raced with everything that needs to happen before I unlock the doors at two o’clock.
The empty parking lot greets me when I reach my store and park in the space I’m coming to think of as mine. While the spots aren’t numbered, this one seems to always be open. Maybe it’s the close proximity to the dumpster that steers others away from it. That doesn’t bother me, though, so long as no one mistakes my beat-up, old sedan as part of the trash.
Once I make it inside, I take a long moment to let the quiet seep in. After today, life will become busy until I’m confident enough in Tally’s interpersonal skills to allow her to open and close the store. Nevertheless, I have high hopes for her. So far, she’s met every task I’ve set her with flying colors. All I need to do is point her in the right direction, and she arrives the next day, stuffed full of fresh knowledge she’s gained by eating someone’s dreams.
If only it were that easy for everyone.
I set my briefcase on the center island and change into my chef coat, pulling my long hair up into a ponytail before wrapping it into a tight bun. First item for the day is to get the cakes baking.
The next few hours pass quickly as I mix, sort, and bake the little cakes. By the time I hear a quiet knock on the back door, I have an entire baker’s rack filled with cupcakes waiting to be decorated.
I set aside the current bowl of devil’s food batter and unlock the door before pushing it open. The imps wait in the alley, and my eyes widen in surprise when I find Julian at their backs instead of their usual driver, Phillip.
I take a step back and motion them inside. “Come on in.”
The imps hurry to the back where I keep their uniforms, the little gray one trailing behind the rest. So far, it’s the only one that’s resisted choosing a human form, and I make a note to pull it aside later and have a heart-to-heart with it.
Julian hovers in the doorway and watches them go before he angles his body toward mine. His gaze stays focused on his feet and silence fills the air between us before he finally lifts his head, and his eyes, masked by blue contacts once more, meet mine.
His brow furrows together, his mouth opening and closing a couple times, before he finally says, “I’ll give you a break on the imp’s hiring fee. But only for two months.”
Lurching forward, I wrap my arms around him, my face pressed against his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
He remains stiff within my embrace for a long time before his body relaxes and he returns the hug. “Fine, three months, but that’s all.”
I squeeze him tighter. “You don’t owe me anything.”
“I gotta go.” His voice comes out gruff, and he clears his throat as he pulls away from me. “Strip clubs don’t book themselves.”
“Wait here for just a moment.” Leaving him, I rush back to the walk-in fridge, grabbing two boxes of cupcakes leftover from yesterday. I bring them back and thrust the boxes into his arms. “For the imps back at your office.”
He glances from the pink cardboard to me. “You’ll spoil them.”
I smile and tuck my hands behind my back so he can’t return the offering. “There’s a red rose one in there for you, too.”
His lips purse into a perfect heart shape before he takes a large step back into the alley. “I’m not paying for these.”
I lean out the doorway. “You know, you offer catering, and I happen to have a bakery.”
He walks backward down the alley to the HelloHell Delivery truck that waits at the end. “I’ll consider it.”
“I can make frosting boobs, too,” I call.
He smirks. “What about dicks?”
“Hire me, and we’ll see.” I stay in the doorway until he climbs into his van and drives away.
When I return to the kitchen, I find the imps waiting patiently around the center island, and I clasp my hands together in excitement. “Okay, team, are we ready for our first official day?”
***
Kellen’s my first customer of the day. When I flip over the sign to Open and unlock the front door, I find the fire-haired demon leaning against the wall. Behind him forms a small line of human’s in business suits and stay-at-home parents with small children, clasped by the hand or balanced on one hip.
My lightning demon grins as he pushes the door open to the tinkling of a small bell, and I hurry to stand next to Kelly behind the cash register.
The other customers follow close on his heels, curious gazes taking in the front room with its booths and round tables. A few of the children escape and run in circles. Laughter and quiet conversation fill the store, adding a new layer of happy energy. It tickles at my skin, exactly the soothing balm I knew would come with the store opening.
Kellen makes a point of perusing the display case before he takes his place at the counter. “One sunflower, please, and a cappuccino for here.”
Kelly bites his lip as he carefully punches in the purchase, writes the order on a paper cup that he places next to the espresso machine for Martha to work on, then straightens and announces, “Eight dollars and fifty-two cents, please.”
Still grinning, Kellen’s eyes meet mine as he slides a ten dollar bill across the counter. “I’m happy to be your first.”
Warmth fills my cheeks, and I turn away to collect his cupcake from the case, using tongs to lift it out and place it on a bright yellow plate. I return with it as Kelly hands back the customer’s change. “Your coffee will be brought out in a moment. Thank you for coming today!”
Kellen’s fingers brush over mine as he takes the plate, a fine crackle of static jumping between our hands. His voice drops to a low purr. “The shop’s going to do great, Adie.”
Not used to the praise, I duck my head. “Thank you.”
He walks away to take a table close to the front window. The sun that shines through glints against his red hair, drawing attention from those who walk past outside. A few, mostly young women, pause and glance up at the sign over the shop before venturing inside.
When the next customer steps up, my focus shifts to the young child who wiggles in her arms, exuding excitement from every pore. After them comes an elderly couple, and then a man in a business suit. I don’t know how much time passes, but when I glance back at Kellen’s table, I find him gone and a trio of college students, now, sit in his place.
Eventually, I leave Kelly and Martha to cover the front and go back into the kitchen, where the rest of the imps chitter with excitement as they wait for their turns to take a shift at the cash register. The dirty dishes from my earlier baking lay neatly in their respective places, cleaned and ready for use once more.
Tally arrives at three o’clock on the dot, and for a moment, I think she finally came without one of her escorts. But when I glance through the passthrough, I spot Reese in one of the corner booths, a sketchpad in hand. A large coffee cup rests on the table next to him along with a tower of cupcakes.
She bounces up to my side, one hand squeezing my arm. “Adie, there are so many customers.”
A smile breaks out on my lips. “Yeah, I have Kellen to thank. He drew a l
ot of them in this morning.”
“That was kind of him, but I believe it was the review in the paper that peaked their interest!”
When I stare down at her blankly, her mouth pops open in shock. “Didn’t you read it?”
“No.” I shake my head.
Tally pulls her phone from her pocket and opens a browser, her slender fingers flying over the digital keyboard. A second later, she thrusts it into my hands. “See? One of the critics from Wednesday raved about you!”
I skim over the article, and my heart begins to pound. Tally’s right. The article raves that Boo’s Boutique Bakery will be the next hot spot in the clubbing district. I don’t recognize the critic’s name, but the article shows thousands of hearts next to it. “Oh, my god.”
“Right?” Unable to contain herself, Tally bounces on her toes.
My gaze moves back to all the customers. “They’re here because they’re interested in the store?”
“Of course!” Tally leans against my arm. “Your men are just the icing on the cake.”
I stare down at her for a moment. “Haha, very funny.”
She grins up at me. “I am punning. Slater says it is what humans do.”
My hand lifts to cover my smile. “They really don’t.”
Her shoulders droop. “Oh, this is one of those times where he’s making fun of me?”
“Oh, no!” I rush to reassure her. “Humans use puns, it’s just... Use them sparingly.”
“Ah, too much of a good thing can make it unappealing.” She nods knowingly and pulls up the notes app on her phone to write that down. “I suggested to Slater that I eat a couple comedians’ dreams, but he said humor should come from experience.”
“That’s true.” I drum my fingers against the counter as I work up the nerve to broach a subject that’s been circling around in my brain all morning. “Hey, Tally, can I ask you something?”
(un)Encouraging
I flush with embarrassed excitement as soon as the question leaves my mouth, but I’m committed now.
“Of course!” Tally straightens with excitement. “Anything I can be of help with, I will provide!”
I drag my lip between my teeth, unsure I really want to expose this weakness to my subordinate. But I get the feeling Tally is a judgment-free zone. She’d pretty much have to be if her appearance here in any way reflects her appearance in dreamland. Most baku take on the physical qualities of the nightmares they eat, growing tusks, hooves, and lion’s tails. She’s not exactly the norm where her kind are concerned.
“Come with me for a moment.” I turn and lead the way to the pantry where a desk takes up a small portion of one wall.
Tally follows me into the room and glances around. “Have you considered turning the attic into an office space and break room? It has plenty of room for it.”
A shiver of apprehension crawls down my spine. “That door has a portal built into it. I’d stay away.”
Her mahogany eyes widen in surprise. “Where does it go?”
“To the library.” I lift my briefcase from beneath the desk. “I’m not sure it can be activated from this side, but I’d hate for one of you to suddenly find yourself somewhere else.”
She gives me a solemn nod. “Better to be safe.”
“But maybe we can install a new door into the stairwell?” I shrug as I set the briefcase on the desk and snap open the locks. “I’m not really sure how that works, though.”
Her arm flies into the air. “Jax would know!”
I pause my motions. “Yes, he probably would.” Turning, I grin down at her. “You’ve been a big help to the bakery. I’m glad Slater introduced us.”
Her hands clasp in front of her chest, her eyes bright. “Does this mean we’re friends? I would like to be friends. I don’t know any other demons who are also women on this plane.” Her nose scrunches. “Not that that is the only reason I wish to be friends.”
“I know what you mean. And, yes, I’d like to be friends.” I laugh quietly. “It’s hard being surrounded by guys all the time.”
Her small hand lands on my arm. “Do you not have any female friends, either?”
“I have my cousins, but I don’t know that I would call them friends.” For a brief moment, the memory of what it felt like to be among them fills me with a calming happiness. But that was a rare occasion and not likely to happen again anytime soon. Especially not after the way it ended. “Family is difficult.”
Tally nods hard enough that her pink bun slips to one side. “My brother is most intrusive.”
“Brother?” My eyebrows lift in surprise. “That’s rare.”
“Our mother is very old.” She lifts her hands to touch either side of her chest where her two hearts beat. “She gave up one heart to create him, then grew another and gave it to create me.”
I give a low whistle. “That must have taken her a long time.”
A fond smile forms on Tally’s lips. “She is most horrifying to behold.”
I can’t imagine knowing the being who created me. Succubi and incubi come from the energy of storms and repressed emotions. The closest thing I’d have is the location where Landon scooped me up. A shiver of fear rattles my bones. Landregath, boogeyman of my kind, raised me.
How can I face him again and pretend nothing’s changed?
Shaking the thought off, I open my briefcase and lift out my library book. “This is what I want to ask you about.”
I open it to show her the pages, and her brow wrinkles in confusion. “A book on sex demons?”
“I can’t...” I take a deep breath to strengthen my resolve. “I can’t read it.”
Surprised, she hesitantly takes it from my hands and flips through it before she peers up at me once more. “But it’s written in our language.”
I lean one hip against the desk. “My mentor never taught me. I was wondering if you would?”
Her gaze drops back to the book in her hands as she worries at her lower lip. At last, she closes the book and returns it to me. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
My shoulders slump at her rejection.
“Adie, I’m sorry.” She pats my arm in comfort. “It’s not something I ever learned, though, so I don’t know how I would teach you. I just look at the writing and know.”
“The librarian gave me a dictionary to help translate”–I lift out the demon to Latin dictionary–“but it’s all so confusing. The more I translate, the more confusing it becomes.”
Interested, Tally takes the dictionary and flips through it, then frowns. “Yes, I can see why. It’s only describing one level of things.”
My mouth drops open in surprise. “Huh?”
“Our language, it’s not just read with our eyes.” She taps the dictionary against her nose then her ears. “It’s all of the senses. Here.” She drops the dictionary to take the book on succubi back, opens it to a random page, then grabs my hand and places it on the page. “You can feel it, smell it, taste it. It whispers in your ears.”
As my fingers trace over the pages, all I feel is old parchment. Hesitant, I lift the book to my nose and sniff, but it only reminds me of the library, of dead trees and ink.
My shoulders sag. “I’m never going to be able to read it then. Why did the librarian even give it to me?”
Tally’s fingers tap together for a moment. “Adie, I’ve been wondering this since we met, but how old are you?”
It’s an embarrassing question, but I want her help, so I admit, “I’ve been on the human plane for sixteen years.”
“No.” She waves that away with a flap of her hands. “I mean, total.” Her hands make a circle in the air. “When did you begin to exist?”
Blood floods to my cheeks. “Ninety-one years.”
She turns to lean against the desk at my side, her voice low. “You’re too young to be able to read our language, Adie.”
My spine stiffens in shock. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know the circumstances, but it sounds like
you left dreamland too early. Succubi usually”–she rolls her hands in the air in a helpless gesture–“go into a feeding frenzy when they’re ninety or so. It’s a way to amass power to become corporeal. And you have to be powerful to be able to understand our texts. The information within the library isn’t meant for children. It’s too dangerous.”
I lean my head back to stare at the ceiling. “I really fucked myself over, didn’t I?”
“You can still become powerful on this plane.” She squeezes my hand in encouragement. “It will just take longer. Just make sure you’re feeding regularly.”
Which I’m not doing, but I can’t bring myself to tell her that. I don’t want to be any more of a failure in her eyes. “Thank you for the information, Tally. No one else would tell me.”
Her tone brightens. “That’s because demons are selfish hoarders of information.”
“Yes, they really are.” Even my mentor and cousins only dish out tiny tidbits when it suits them.
She stands with a small bounce. “I think it’s time for your break. You should go get something to eat to re-energize yourself!”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” This entire conversation pretty much killed the good mood built by a successful opening. I stand and return my books to my briefcase, then shove it back under the desk. “Want me to bring you back anything?”
She shoos away the offer. “I will have dinner with Reese later.”
I turn the light off as we leave the pantry. “Is he going to stay here for your entire shift?”
“He finds people watching fascinating.” She skips ahead of me. “I will check the display cases and see if we need to make more of anything!”
I follow at a slower pace, trying not to be discouraged by our conversation. After working up the nerve to ask her, I got my hopes up that she would be able to solve all my problems, like she did with the floor and learning to decorate the cakes so fast.
Now, I know for sure my inability to learn stems from abandoning dreamland too soon. Like all of my other issues, I’m left with a new problem. Do I give up on building a relationship, or relationships, in order to feed and amass as much power as possible in the shortest period of time? Or do I continue down the path I set for myself and accept that I’ll be weak for eternity?