by Sarah Bailey
“Is this okay?”
She pointed down at the dark blue dress that fell just above her knees and bit her lip. She’d put a little makeup on, hoping she’d done enough. He hadn’t been so impressed with her attire when they’d gone to see Raquel.
“You look… perfect.”
He helped her into her coat as she hid her red face from his prying eyes. She still didn’t like how she got flustered around him. Especially not when he said things like that. Perfect was not a word she’d describe herself as.
§
“You remember the plan?” he asked with a small smile.
“Yes.”
They walked into the bar together, his arm wrapped around her. Raquel would’ve told Valehal about Ella. She’d have to act like she was Lukas’ girlfriend whether or not she wanted to. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so hard.
No one seemed to look at them as they weaved through the bar. It was busy, but he found them a table. He left her there whilst he went to get drinks.
She allowed her senses to come alive. There were a lot of shifters in here, mostly werewolves. Their auras swirled bright yellow, like a mist around them. The intensity made it hard to keep her power dampened down when she’d identified all the shifters in the bar.
“Are you okay?”
She looked over at Lukas who sat down and handed her a glass. She took a large gulp to try and settle her nerves.
“There are about twenty shifters in here. It’s a bit much.”
He moved towards her, his hand moving over hers.
“What kind of shifters?”
“Fifteen wolves. Not sure of the others. Maybe some kind of cats, panther or tiger. I’m pretty sure one of them is a bear.”
His eyebrows shot up at the mention of a bear.
“A werebear?”
She nodded.
“He has a dark orange aura.”
She didn’t add that she could see the bear’s thoughts a bit too clearly. They were all about the next full moon and hunting in the mountains.
It wasn’t often she heard the thoughts of others. If she concentrated enough, she could manage it.
She nodded at the man sitting by himself in the corner. It didn’t surprise her. Bears tended to be solitary creatures.
“Valehal isn’t here yet.”
He shook his head. She sipped her drink, reigning in her senses until the mist around the shifters faded. He let go of her hand only to drape an arm around her shoulder. He was facing her, but also keeping an eye on the door.
“Is there something you aren’t telling me, Ella?”
“What? No.”
“Have you encountered a bear shifter before?”
“No.”
“Then how do you know?”
She didn’t know how to answer that, not reveal her other ability. She bit her lip nervously.
“How did you work out what the other creatures are?”
She shook her head. There was no way she could tell him she’d seen their thoughts. She would never forget the first time she’d witnessed a physical change inside a shifter’s head. Nor when she’d watched a male vampire sucking the blood of a young girl.
“Ella…”
“I just did. It’s hard to explain.”
He looked like he was about to say more when his head snapped towards the door.
“Valehal.”
She looked at the man who had entered. He had flaming red hair and bright blue eyes. Those eyes met hers and he smiled. There was something about him that had her smiling back. Lukas’ words played in her head. Valehal had an artefact that made him irresistible to humans.
She tore her eyes away from the werefox and shifted closer to Lukas.
“You weren’t joking about that artefact,” she whispered.
“Closer, Ella.”
His hand nudged her shoulder. She pressed herself against his side, turning her face into his neck.
“Good girl.”
His hushed tones sent a shiver down her spine. Her heart pounded in her ears as she breathed in his scent. She fought against the urge to kiss him. It didn’t matter she was pretending to be his. Kissing him would be a step too far. She didn’t know if she would be able to stop.
“Lukas.”
She turned her head towards the sound. Valehal was standing by their table, his eyes roving over her. She found herself drawn to him. She dug her nails into her palm and tried not to wince at the pain. I need to stay focused.
“Val, how are you?”
“Well, and yourself?”
“Just peachy.”
“Who is your beautiful companion?”
Her face flamed. This guy was a charmer. Was it the artefact or just him?
“Ella, this is Valehal.”
“Nice to meet you,” she said, smiling.
“Likewise.” His smile widened. “She isn’t your usual type.”
Lukas’ eyes darkened, but he smiled at the werefox.
“I know why you’re here, Lukas.”
“Raquel could never keep her mouth shut.”
Valehal laughed and sat down on the free chair, right next to Ella. She shifted closer to Lukas even though she was practically in his lap already.
“If you let me have her, I’ll give it to you willingly.”
Lukas’ grip on her tightened.
“I told Raquel. She is mine.”
“She wants the girl.”
She’d just about had enough of all of the talk about her like she wasn’t here. Her head snapped towards the werefox.
“I’m not a commodity you can share around.”
The two men stared at her.
“I’m with him.” She nudged her head towards Lukas. “You and your vampire bitch can keep your hands to yourself.”
Valehal appraised her for a moment before he smiled.
“Raquel neglected to mention you had a fiery streak.”
Lukas was staring at her in a new light. She hadn’t meant to say that, but her irritation had gotten the better of her.
“Raquel knows nothing about me.”
“He hasn’t told you what you are, has he?”
Valehal indicated Lukas. She frowned.
“And what exactly is it that you think I am?”
“Why, a seeker, of course.”
Chapter Five
Ella turned to Lukas, but his face was blank. Had he hidden this from her?
“You’re mistaken, Val. Seekers have angel blood.”
All of this went right over her head. Angel blood?
“Then enlighten me.”
“Ella is human.”
“You and I both know that’s not entirely true.”
“She is not what you seem to think she is.”
Valehal eyed Lukas with uncertainty.
“You don’t know what she is at all, do you?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not giving her to you. I told Raquel, she’s not a toy.”
“Then this conversation is over.”
Valehal stood and moved away from the table towards the bar. Her eyes met Lukas’, but he just shook his head. They couldn’t talk here.
When they were safely back in the hotel room a while later, she sat on the bed watching him pacing.
“Are you going to explain what that was about?”
“You’re not a seeker. If you had angel blood, I couldn’t stand to be close to you.
“Then what do you think I am?”
“I don’t know.” He stopped in front of her, running a hand through his hair. “I should’ve known they’d work out what I was after. Fucking Raquel!”
“Why does she want me?”
“You’re different. Raquel desires those with unique abilities. She can’t tell what you are and that makes you interesting.”
She screwed up her face. She could well imagine why Raquel might want to taste her.
“I shouldn’t have taken you when I went to see her.”
“It’s not your fault.” She reached ou
t and took his hand. “They’re all going to find out about me one way or another.”
“I forced you to come out into the open.”
“No.” She stood, staring up into those dark eyes. “You didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to.”
The intensity in his expression mad her trembled.
“Ella...” His voice was quiet as his hand cupped her face.
Her lips parted slightly as he leant down towards her. He was going to kiss her. She could feel it. Do I want him to?
He pressed his lips to her forehead before he pulled away, letting go of her hand.
“You must be tired.”
She turned away from him, desperate to hide her disappointment. It was clear he wanted her. She didn’t understand why he held back. She said nothing to him as she changed in the bathroom and crawled into bed.
Just what would it take to get him to give into his attraction to her?
§
Ella was uncomfortably hot. There was a weight across her chest. She opened her eyes, blinking as daylight flooded through the gaps in the curtains.
Pressed against her side, with his arm slung over her, was Lukas. His eyes closed, breathing soft and steady.
She froze.
This was more than a little unexpected.
“Mmm.”
He nuzzled her neck. Was he awake? She turned her head slightly. He stared at her with those dark eyes. She didn’t know what to say, but something stirred inside her at his close proximity.
This wasn’t what she needed right now. Not when his behaviour was so confusing.
“Ella.”
“You’re squishing me.”
He smiled but didn’t try to disentangle himself.
“Lukas.”
“Yes?”
“You’re too hot, please move.”
His grin turned wicked, but he lifted his arm off her, shifting away.
“I’m hot? Why, Ella, I didn’t know you felt that way.”
She groaned at his joke and hid her face in her hands.
“You know I didn’t mean it like that.”
She thought he was hot, but that wasn’t the point.
“Side effect of my nature. The whole born from the fiery pits of Hell thing.”
“So, this is who you’ve always been?”
“No. I was human once, but it was a long time ago.”
She lowered her hands. He was still smiling at her in that heart-stopping way of his. He hadn’t always been a demon. Interesting, does he remember his life from before? She didn’t think he would want her asking that.
“Have you decided what to do about Valehal and Raquel?”
“Not yet. I need to find out why he’s here and not by her side.”
“Is that important?”
“Yes. They have been together for ten years. He’s never left her side for this long before. There must be a reason for it.”
“How do you know them?”
“Raquel has been around for a lot longer than me. She’s ruled London for centuries. It is easier to go through their leaders when you want something.”
She was quiet. Raquel was ancient, and she imagined, very powerful. They were getting into dangerous territory, going after her mate.
He got up to make a phone call. She watched him pacing the room for a moment. He was soon deep in conversation and she was a little uneasy about eavesdropping.
She pulled out her phone. There were a few texts from Daisy, asking why she hadn’t called and why she wasn’t responding to her messages. The guilt weigh heavy on her chest. She needed to talk to Daisy, but she couldn’t do it over the phone.
She checked her bank account while she waited for Lukas to finish his phone call, needing to make sure she had enough to make rent next week. She almost dropped her phone in shock when she logged in.
What?
There was a large deposit from an unknown source. It was far more than she earned in a year. Was this what he’d meant by ‘well compensated’?
His eyes were on her when she looked up. She got off the bed and walked over to him as he finished up his phone call.
“What’s wrong?”
“This.”
She showed him her phone screen.
“Isn’t that enough?”
“It’s too much.”
His eyes lit up with amusement.
“The accountant deals with everything. Hell pays well to keep its employees silent.”
“You have an accountant? Are they a demon?”
“No, Henri is human. He keeps affairs above board. You know, makes sure taxes are covered, that kind of thing.”
This was news to her, but it was Hell. She imagined it had a large network that spanned throughout human society.
“I didn’t realise it was so organised.”
“Hell doesn’t like prying eyes.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Wouldn’t want you kicked out on the streets.”
Her breath hitched at the contact. She stared up at him with wide eyes. He told her he’d take care of everything, but she hadn’t realised it would happen so quickly.
“It’s okay. I know all of this has been a lot to take in.”
He hadn’t moved his hand. She turned her face into it. He sucked in a breath when her eyes met his. The air between them almost seemed to crackle with electricity.
She took a step towards him, closing the distance. I can’t stand it anymore. I want him to kiss me.
Her hand wound up around his neck, urging him to lean down to her. His eyes grew darker, flickering down to her mouth. She prepared herself in case he pulled away, but he didn’t. His fingers brushed her cheek before he tucked them under her chin, forcing her face up. She’d all but given him an open invitation to take her.
His lips were soft as they met hers. The kiss was tentative. It set a fire in her belly. A moan emitted from her throat. His free arm came around her, pressing her closer as he deepened the kiss. It was everything she wanted and so much more as his tongue swept across hers. She clung to him, heart pounding.
No one had ever kissed her like that before. Not with such tenderness, such passion, such fire.
They only drew apart when a knock sounded on the door. He looked down at her, smiling. He said nothing, only pressing a kiss to her forehead before he released her and walked over to the door.
Her fingers brushed against her lips. His kiss had left her wanting so much more.
He let the hotel staff member in. He’d clearly ordered them breakfast before he’d come to bed last night.
She tucked into a Danish pastry, sitting on the sofa with legs tucked underneath her. Neither of them mentioned the kiss.
“We need to return to the bar.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll fly home in a couple of days. Do you want to go to some thermal baths tomorrow?”
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit.”
He grinned. She wanted to crawl into his arms and kiss him again at the sight of his smile, but she clamped down on the urge.
“We can remedy that.”
“Are you going to take me shopping?”
“Maybe I just want to see you model some bikinis for me.”
Unimpressed by his comment, she launched a cushion at his face. It only made him laugh as it hit him and fell into his lap.
§
Lukas took her shopping after she’d showered and dressed. She picked out a pretty blue bikini and refused to let him see her in it. He’d complained a little, but she held her ground. He could see it when they went to the baths tomorrow.
She still wasn’t sure how he felt about her after that kiss earlier, but she didn’t want to push the subject. It had only been a few days, but there’d been something between them from the moment they’d met.
They entered the shifter bar a while later. It was quiet, only a few customers milling about. He sat at the bar with her beside him. The bartender looked them over with interest.
“You two were with Val
last night,” he said without preamble.
“I’ve heard he’s been here for quite some time.”
“I wish he’d go back to his vampire bitch.” The bartender had a thick accent. “You are not a shifter.”
“My name is Lukas, I work for Hell.”
“Andràs. This is my bar. I do not see many of your kind, demon.”
Lukas smiled.
“Why is Valehal here?” she asked.
“You do not know? The bitch banished him.”
“Why?”
Andràs shrugged. Lukas’ eyes narrowed, and he frowned.
“Val keeps his own counsel.”
“I will do what I can to get him out of your country.”
“I appreciate that, demon.”
The two of them left, Lukas holding Ella’s hand tightly.
“If Raquel banished Valehal, why are they still in contact?”
“Perhaps he did something which forced her hand. It wouldn’t surprise me.”
“We need to find out what happened.”
“I’m sure I can lean on one of her minions. Many of them hate how she runs her territory.”
“Is this artefact really worth going up against Raquel?”
“The original owner wants it back. It’s just part of the job. There are worse creatures than Raquel in this world.”
“I hope I don’t meet any of them. She’s bad enough. The way she looked at me was unnerving.”
He smiled at her.
“We’ll find a way and if we have to take down Raquel in the process, she won’t be missed by many.”
He took her to a couple of museums in the afternoon and treated her to dinner in a fancy restaurant. They ended the evening curled up on the sofa together watching a movie.
He nuzzled her neck. She turned her face towards him, eyes questioning. He inched closer to her, giving her time to pull away before his lips met hers. She experienced the same rush she had that morning.
Fire twisted inside her as his kiss became more insistent. He pushed her backwards until he had her pressed into the sofa cushions, his whole body covering hers. One of her hands curled around his back whilst the other fisted in his shirt.
She was drowning in the intense heat of his mouth on hers. Would she ever be able to come up for air?
Something buzzed against her leg. He pulled away from her. He looked down, fishing his phone out of his pocket, frowning when he saw the caller ID. His phone was beginning to have a habit of interrupting them at the worst possible moment.