by LJ Swallow
"Why?"
I smooth her hair. "I need to lend you more lore books, don't I? All the fae mythology began there. Some of it's just fairy stories, of course."
"I see what you did there. Clever." Vee picks up her bag. "I wish the place was totally free from anything supernatural. I'd like a night that doesn't end in death."
“This isn’t a weekend break, Vee. You knew that.”
“Yes. Maybe ask the demons to wait at least one night before raining chaos on the world.” When I don’t reply, she walks to the door. “Come on. Let’s find your date for tonight. Where did you say Heath was again?”
She laughs, but I can’t lighten the situation like she can.
I’d like a night that doesn’t end in death, too.
18
VEE
Our group are later than some as we waited for Heath and Ewan to return from the scouting trip. Exploring the huge estate took longer than they expected, and they didn’t manage to cover everywhere. They found nothing; tonight the guys aim to check out the house more thoroughly. We walk inside to couples milling around in the large hallway. I'm relieved I chose a dress midway between casual and formal, although it was bloody freezing walking across here from the coach house until Heath wrapped his arms around my naked shoulders.
A group break away from the chatter and walk up the staircase. Xander gestures, and I hold the black metal bannister as we follow the group up the winding stairs. Another sign indicates which way to go, and walk and along another wood-panelled corridor.
"This place is huge," remarks Joss.
"A lot to check out." Xander pauses and looks at a family portrait hung on the wall. The painting depicts a woman, man, and two boys, and a metal plaque attached to the bottom reads "Faulkner Family 1864.”
Seth whispers, "Look out for the moving eyes."
Ewan frowns at him. "What?"
"Scooby Doo? Mysterious paintings with people hidden behind?"
Ewan looks to me. "What is your friend talking about now?"
"A TV show. The Scooby gang hunted monsters. Not quite the same as you guys though." Seth chuckles. "Although you're a bit shaggy, Ewan."
I frown at Seth and shake my head at him. Why does he insist on annoying Ewan?
A woman in a tight, black dress passes and gives us a curious look. Heath and Joss face away from her, and I don't miss her appreciative appraisal as she walks by.
The floorboards creak beneath the thick carpet as we follow the trail of people heading to the evening cocktail session. Inside a large room, food stands and small, white plates line the table beside wine glasses. Ewan strides over and takes hold of a plate, and I join him as he wrinkles his nose at the food in front of him. Small cupcakes iced in a blue to match the company colours are arranged on a stand, and tiny, savoury pastries and sandwiches alongside.
"I'm bloody starving," he mutters. He picks up a mini quiche between forefinger and thumb and examines it. "Is this all we get?"
“Looks like it.”
“Bloody hell,” he mutters and loads his plate.
Apart from tables, there's no furniture in the room, forcing attendees to huddle in groups and break out to chat if they feel like doing so.
As I help myself to the strange assortment, a waitress walks by and offers us a drink from wine glasses on a silver tray.
As the hours pass, I'm less comfortable. Joss is still in a weird mood, Ewan and Seth are equally uncomfortable, and Xander’s back in alert mode. That doesn't help. Only Heath takes things in his stride, but he worked with me at Alphanet and the human business world isn't as far from his comfort zone. Seth's mood lifted since his world expanded beyond the farmhouse, but I sense he's pleased he's surrounded by the Horsemen, despite his protests. I'm uncomfortable, as if I'm under scrutiny although as usual the guys receive more. Seth breaks away to find something to eat, under Xander's watchful eye.
“Go with him.” Heath pokes Xander. “Keep an eye on your man.”
Joss snorts in amusement and Xander glares. “I don’t see you two holding hands.”
“Aww!” Joss slings an arm across Heath’s shoulders and rests his head against his hair. “He’s not into PDAs. No cuddles from Heath.”
Heath pushes him away. “Seriously, dude. Too far.”
“What? Are you upset about what happened earlier? I swear I wasn’t doing anything with Ewan, it was just coincidence we were both naked.”
I choke on my wine as Joss’s eyes gleam with amusement; I’m happy he’s dropped the tension from earlier. This is my Joss, whether he’s a front for how he feels is another question.
“I was not naked with Joss!” protests Ewan loudly.
A woman in the group beside us turns her head then quickly looks away again when she meets my eyes.
“Will you stop drawing attention to us,” mutters Xander.
Joss smiles and looks into his wine glass as Xander heads after Seth. Heath moves away from Joss, arms crossed and face dark. Before I can say anything too, he straightens. “Well, I’m still bloody hungry. I’m going to see if there’s any food left.”
We’re left in silence, and reality wraps around us again. I grip my glass and close my eyes, attempting to sense more demon presence. I wasn’t joking when I told Joss I didn’t want tonight to end in death.
There’s something ego-boosting about being surrounded by men who other women in the room are drawn to, and having the guys completely oblivious. In the past, even on dates, most men I’ve known can’t help checking out the girls around them. These guys? I’m amused they only check out the women in the room to see if they’re demons.
One or two people have approached to chat, but nobody in our group is particularly sociable. I haven’t missed some women’s unprofessional sizing up of the guys, and I’ve seen them weighing up which of the five I’m with too.
If only they knew...
A middle-aged, business-suited guy ensures he introduces himself to everybody, and when he approaches for our turn, I glance around the room for Heath. How badly did Joss piss him off? Because he’s not by the food. Chewing a nail, I look around the room, but Heath’s tall figure isn’t amongst any of the groups.
Tiptoeing and sliding my hand up Joss’s arm to get his attention I whisper, “I’m going to the bathroom.”
“Do you want one of us to come with you?”
“Seriously?” I point to a discreet sign close to the door at the opposite end of the room. “I think I can get there safely.”
Joss nods and leans in to brush his lips against mine, our natural goodbye.
“Where are you going?” asks Xander as he notices.
“Bathroom.”
“Oh.” He blows air into his cheeks. “Don’t be long.”
Ewan nods. “Yeah. Be careful.”
I shake my head with a smile at their protectiveness and make my way out of the room. The hallway matches the one we walked through earlier, wood panelling and portraits; floor creaking beneath the carpet. A few people mill about chatting in pairs, and as I move along the corridor, I catch sight of Heath.
A woman stands opposite him, and I pause to watch them. I know this is a networking weekend, but I can’t help the jealousy that rises. She’s attractive—and that’s just from the back. Long legs and an elegant black dress that gloves her curvy figure, and long glossy brown hair, straightened to perfection.
Heath has his hands in his pockets, and the woman seems to be doing the talking, judging by all her hand gestures and his bored expression. Did she pick Heath out because she thought I was with another of the guys?
I walk over and slide my hand around Heath’s taut waist. He left his suit jacket over a chair back with the group, and as I rest my head on his cotton shirt, the scent of his cologne joins the warmth of his body. Turning my face upwards, I meet his relieved eyes, and he kisses me the way Joss did moments ago.
“Verity?”
I jerk my head around in surprise at the familiar voice, and when I meet Charlo
tte’s eyes, I’m unsure who’s the most surprised. I’d seen Alphanet listed on the companies attending, but as they’re a big organisation, I didn’t think twice about who’d be here.
Her plump, pink lips part slightly, and her thoughts couldn’t be clearer even if she had them on a flashing neon sign above her head: you’re with him?
“Hi, Charlotte.” I move my arm down, so I’m holding Heath’s hand. “How are you? I didn’t realise you were here this weekend.”
“Same.” She stares down at where my fingers lace through Heath’s. “Did you move companies? Who are you representing?”
Heath interrupts my pained attempt not to lie. “I was headhunted for a different company. Vee’s with me, as my guest.”
Charlotte blinks. “That’s nice.”
Nice. I smile. I can think of better words. The conversation stops before it’s even started. For the first time in days, I feel uncomfortably like the awkward human Vee who would fade into the background around girls like Charlotte.
“Everything okay, Vee?” Heath blanks out Charlotte as he turns his attention to me.
“Fine. I just wondered where you’d gone.”
“Bathroom. Then I bumped into um...” He pulls an apologetic face. “Sorry, Charlotte, isn’t it?”
I fight smiling at his words; he knows Charlottes’ name since I used it a minute ago. Her mouth tightens.
“Maybe I’ll see you around?” she says to me. “I’d love to catch up and chat about what you’ve been up to.”
“Sure! We’re part of a group you’d probably like to meet,” interrupts Heath. “What do you think, Vee? You could introduce Charlotte to all your men.” His eyes sparkle in amusement as I frown at him. “Did you know Vee has a collection of guys now?”
“Heath, shush.” I tighten my fingers around his in warning.
“I like to think I’m her favourite though.” He pokes my nose affectionately.
Charlotte’s confused look grows.
I force a laugh and dig my nails into Heath’s hand. “Yes, because you’re so funny.”
Heath grins. “Maybe catch you later, Charlotte. I just wanted to chat to Vee about something.”
“Oh. Okay.” She snaps herself out of her staring between us. “Nice to see you again, and I’ll be sure to check out Vee’s men collection.” Charlotte laughs then stops abruptly when we look back with straight faces.
As she stalks away, I turn to Heath, who wraps his arms around my waist and smiles down at me. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. When I worked at Alphanet, I’d watch Charlotte and her friend, and their superior attitudes to every girl around them annoyed me.”
“You didn’t have to make a comment about me having a collection of men.”
Heath’s mouth tips at one corner. “But you do! Besides, I wanted to see her reaction.”
I poke his nose the way he did mine. “And don’t get any ideas about being my favourite, mister.”
Heath places a hand on his heart. “Ouch.”
I bite my lip. Is he serious? “Don’t be mad. Nobody is my favourite.”
“Yeah, I know.” His hands roam around to my backside. “But you like me better than Xander, right?”
“Depends on what mood you’re both in.” I push his hand away.
“Or what mood you’re in.” He points at his cheek. “Please, will you admit you punched him when you were in a War mood?”
I shake my head. “Will you ever drop that?”
“I wish I’d seen his reaction.”
“Heath...”
“Sorry.”
“Let’s get back to the others. Come on.”
Heath pouts at me. “We haven’t had much chance to spend time alone together recently.”
“Occupational hazard.” I kiss him, leaving my mouth pressed on his long enough to feel the soft buzz of connection.
Heath sighs and pushes his hands into the back of my hair before softly kissing me back. “Yeah. Doesn’t leave much time for romantic dates, huh?”
“Exactly. I’d suggest a walk around the estate grounds in the snow tomorrow, but you’d probably just shove snow down my jacket.”
Heath chuckles and rubs both thumbs across my cheeks. “I’ll settle for a kiss.”
The second his mouth meets mine; he ignites the spark that’s been lost in the middle of recent events. I press mine back, and I'm unprepared for the intensity that follows the softness. Heath kisses me, hungry and needy, and I part my lips as he holds my head to him. He crushes me against him, his strong arm around my waist. His taste, the way his tongue pushes hot into my mouth, the overwhelming need radiating from him, pushes everything away.
Here, now, in this snatched moment, I’m lost in Heath who’s skilful kiss draws me into him, and my body floods with a longing I struggle to push away.
“This isn’t very professional,” I whisper as someone passes by.
Heath nips my earlobe. “If I were totally unprofessional, I’d find a room to hide in with you. Do you want me to tell you what I’d do?”
I shiver at his bite. “Probably not a good idea. I might take you up on anything you suggest.”
“I know.” He steps back, eyes glinting, and appraises me. “Hell, look at you. You’re freaking gorgeous.”
I rub lipstick from his mouth with my thumb. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Hmm.” Heath pulls at his shirt collar. “I’d rather not be wearing this.”
I arch a brow. “You mean you’d rather be naked with me?”
“No. I promised myself we’d spend some time together with our clothes on before we took them off again.”
“Fair enough. Maybe we’ll take that walk around the estate tomorrow then?”
“I was thinking something less work related.” Heath smiles. “Joss took you on a date; I’m sure I can find time too.”
I chew my lip at Joss’s name. “Can you talk to Joss, please?”
“What? Why?” Heath straightens. “Is he hiding something about how he feels again? What’s happening?”
I place a hand on his arm to quell his panic. “Joss is fine. Mostly. He told me about a vision he had, but doesn’t want to talk to you guys about it.”
“Why not?”
“You know Joss; he’d rather keep things light.” I pause. “I know you have visions too, but Joss said his was clearer this time.”
Heath drags a hand through his hair and closes his eyes. “Yeah, we don’t talk about those. It’s an unspoken agreement between us all because it fucks with our heads. I prefer to ignore them.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned this, but I don’t want another situation where you hide things from each other.”
“It’s all good. If the vision reached a stage where it bothers Joss, I need to talk to him.”
His anxiety reaches me, and I pull Heath’s head towards me and kiss him again. Heath’s kiss is less insistent and gentler, and I hug him to me. I hope I did the right thing by sharing Joss’s problems.
We head back to the main room and are met with concerned looks and words by the others. Joss slides an arm around my waist and kisses my hair, always the most tactile of the four he often does this without thinking. I glance around the room. Charlotte stands a few feet away, and I catch her eye before she quickly looks away.
The temptation to kiss one of the others edges in, but I resist. I can’t help the little jolt of smugness at Charlotte’s poor attempt to hide her shocked expression.
19
XANDER
I straighten my shirtsleeves and scan the room, taking another good look for Alasdair. Vee's in the centre of our group, relaxed and smiling as she jokes with the other guys. People's reaction amused me when we walked in earlier, Vee holding Joss's hand and Heath's arm around her shoulder. There are dozens of people in the room, and their arrival shut down much of the conversation happening around us. Because of the guys? Or the girl clearly indicating “back off, they're mine”?
Vee keeps aski
ng Seth if he's okay, and her concern for him annoys me still. I share Ewan's opinion he's not one hundred percent what he says, but I'm biding my time. I watch Seth’s every move, have done since he joined us, despite Vee chastising me to give the guy some breathing space. I sense genuine discomfort from him at being in tonight’s social situation, and he seems physically weak, but what's happening behind the facade? The longer he's with us, the more my suspicion grows.
A girl dressed in a white shirt and black skirt approaches and offers us drinks from a tray. I swig mine and look around for a table to place the empty glass on. There's a guy opposite with a beer. Where do I get one instead of this mouthful?
"I don't normally come to this kind of thing," says Seth in a low voice. "I'm not big on social events."
"I can tell. Just have a few drinks, you'll relax," I say. "I'll keep an eye on you."
Seth snorts. "Yeah, I'm sure you will."
The number of people here makes it difficult to study them all without wandering the room and staring at them all like a lunatic. At least two of us need to get out of the room and explore the place; if demons are here I want to know how many and why. This isn't a big surprise, nor is the fact we've been lured here for a reason. Yeah, well, they'll be sorry when the five of us start on them.
Alasdair hasn't shown his face again, and more than ever, we need him to answer questions. More than that, we need Joss or Vee close enough to him to be able to detect if he's a demon too. The red-haired girl exuded the demonic presence, and she's connected to somebody.
Someone in this room?
Breanna's here now, dressed in a tight-fitting green dress, distinctive red hair spilling down her back. She works the room, chatting to group after group, adding in smiles and touches. The sight sickens me, as if she's taunting us that she can get this close to humans. What worries me more is Breanna’s with a human guy, young and attractive, and stuck to her like a guard dog. I’m holding onto the thought demons are unlikely to kill anybody while we're here and draw attention to the place, but what else are demons doing here? If they’re not killing, are they looking for new people to possess?