Strange Fire

by Trina M. Lee

  “He’s not my man. Not anymore. And he knows where to find me.” The numbing effects of alcohol made it come out harsher than intended. I had to hide the hurt.

  “Ouch, that’s cold.” Arrow chuckled. “But I get it.”

  We stood there watching the band, raising our voices to make the occasional observation or remark. Otherwise we stood in strained but somehow tolerable quiet.

  As midnight drew closer, I grew antsy. Everyone would seek out a partner for the big midnight kiss. Seeing as Rowen’s blonde friend had no intention of vacating, it was pretty obvious she’d make a play for him then.

  Oh, jealousy, you wretched thing, you.

  “I think I’m gonna bail,” I decided at about ten minutes to midnight. “Thanks for the drink. Tell Rowen I said to have a good night.”

  It sucked to be in a place that had always been my element and to feel like I didn’t belong. A rock show was home. Or it had been before demons and destiny shit all over it. Jett insisted we could balance these worlds, but the more they bled into one another, the less sure I was about that.

  “So early?” Arrow asked with mild judgment. “I’ve seen you party so much harder. Don’t go now. You’ll miss out on a midnight kiss.”

  Because alcohol caused loose lips and stupidity, I smirked. “Are you offering?”

  Arrow did a double take. A grin broke over his face. “You wish. You couldn’t handle it, Spike. It’d leave you on the floor.”

  Strange as it was, we’d kissed before, though it had never been real. Merely a ploy to keep Dash and Koda from catching us in a lie.

  “I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.” Despite how hard I tried to squash it down, the song Jett was so sure he’d written about me surfaced in my thoughts. “Hey, Arrow, who did you write that song about? The one about—”

  “You don’t know her.” His smile faltered and he glanced away.

  Message received. Loud and clear. Definitely not going to push the subject.

  “Doesn’t matter anyway,” he added, swigging from a beer bottle. “She never looked twice at me.”

  Because I didn’t know how to respond, I mumbled, “Shit happens.”

  In my mind two voices battled to be heard loudest. One agreed with Jett, more convinced than ever the song had been about me, and the other. That one refused to entertain such a concept.

  Shit happens? Why did I say that? So crass and unfeeling. Yep, time for me to get the hell out of there. The party had ended for me the moment Koda pulled me aside.

  Arrow nodded and scrubbed a hand through his mess of hair. “That it does.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “I’m sorry, Arrow. That was cold of me.” Offering an apology seemed the only way to bridge the gap I’d just created between us. I was still figuring out how to talk to him.

  He graced me with a half smile and a dismissive head shake. “It’s all good. No big deal. Really. These guys are better live than I expected.” He motioned to the stage.

  I took the hint. Discussing the band was much safer than where we had strayed. I jumped in with more observations and opinions regarding the stage performance and technical skills. Safe topics.

  A raucous and drunken shout preceded the guys of Sacred Stone. They ambled toward us, pausing at tables to have their egos stroked and shoot the shit.

  “Oh great,” I muttered. “Here comes the asshole brigade.”

  The guys of Sacred Stone had been quite vocal about their dislike of me and Crimson Sin, especially the lead singer, Paul. It had been difficult for him to lose the big band battle we’d all played in. To be fair, he hated Molly’s Chamber too. Sore loser, I guess.

  Twice now Paul and Arrow had antagonized each other into throwing fists. Paul tended to do most of the antagonizing. We all expected it now.

  “Ah, fuck ’em.” Arrow regarded their approach much the way one might watch a diseased rodent skittering closer: wary, ready to react if necessary.

  As they drew near I averted my gaze. Staring at the stage, I waited for them to pass by, careful not to make eye contact. That was the plan anyway.

  Because Paul’s inflated ego controlled his mouth, he couldn’t pass by without taunting Arrow. Being surrounded by his friends only encouraged him. “You know, for two people who claim they’re not fucking, you spend an awful lot of time together.” Paul paused in front of us, raising a brow as if he knew our secret. “Better be careful, Spike. Banging Arrow might turn you into a missing person’s case.”

  It wasn’t that Paul used me to take aim at Arrow. It wasn’t even that his choice of insult material was a reference to Vicky, the woman Arrow killed under demonic influence. Although nobody knew about that outside those of us with angel and demon blood. And Jett.

  No, it was the way Arrow’s expression never changed. He didn’t get mad or open his mouth to snark back. His fists didn’t clench. He just stared at Paul, kind of… vacant.

  That was what set me off. That was what had me stepping forward to throw my fist in Paul’s face. And despite the pain that exploded through my hand, that was what made me throw three more punches.

  It all happened so fast. I smashed him in his stupid face. He stumbled back into his friends who shoved between us, shouting at me to back off, that I was fucking crazy.

  Arrow grabbed my arm and pulled me away. “What the hell was that?” He didn’t seem upset. If anything the incredulous expression he now wore conveyed the opposite.

  Cradling my hand, I snarled, “Like you said, they don’t get to talk to us like that.” Arrow had told me that right after punching Paul for being a misogynistic dick to me. They don’t get to talk to us like that. Not to us. Nephilim.

  It wasn’t that I thought that made me better than Paul. What made me better than Paul seemed pretty obvious. He was a douchebag always looking to start trouble. I probably should’ve turned the other cheek. I knew that. But my throbbing hand was worth it.

  Because a party this size was loaded with security, a few of them were already on their way. Ah well, I’d been ready to head home anyway.

  “What the hell is your problem, Spike?” Paul spat blood. “Can’t your boyfriend fight his own fucking battles?”

  Eyeing the approaching security guys, I shrugged. “Vicky’s disappearance wasn’t Arrow’s fault and screw you for suggesting otherwise. That’s fucking low, Paul. Even for a piece of crap like you.”

  “Ok, you two are out of here.” A beefy security guy in a t-shirt too small for his straining frame pointed at Arrow and me. “No reentry.”

  Holding his face, Paul let his friends usher him away. He kept glancing back, ensuring we were really getting kicked out. I flipped him a middle finger.

  “No problem.” Arrow guided me toward the door. “We were just leaving.”

  I pulled away before the security guy could grab me. He followed us out of the building and told the guy at the door we weren’t to be allowed back in. Because I was all fired up and in a mood already, I flipped him a middle finger as well.

  Arrow laughed. “A little alcohol and another woman hanging off Rowen and you’re just ready to throw down. So feisty. I like it.”

  Glancing up and down the street for signs of a cab, I frowned. “This has nothing to do with either of them. I’m sick of Paul’s shit. And no matter how much of a jerk you can be, you don’t deserve that. Vicky wasn’t your fault.”

  “Um, thank you? I think.” With the flick of a lighter, Arrow sparked up a cigarette and a joint. He took a drag off each before handing me the joint. “Let’s grab a cab back to my place. I’m having an after party. Won’t be long until people start heading over.”

  Party all night with a bunch of rowdy rockers? Tempting. “I should head home. I think I’ve gotten about all I can out of this night.”

  Arrow checked his phone. “Almost midnight. Just let me text Rowen, and we can all cab it together.”

  “No, Arrow, it’s cool. Let Rowen do his thing.” In the distance I saw headlights. Taxi? Not c
lose enough to make out the car.

  He texted Rowen anyway despite my insistence that I was going home. “Two minutes to midnight,” Arrow announced. “We’re going to miss the big countdown.”

  “Ah, screw it. It’s overrated anyway.” A cab came around the bend, and I waved both arms to flag it down.

  “You’re in a real mood, huh?” Accepting the joint I shoved into his hand, Arrow held it in one hand, cigarette in the other.

  “Just frustrated. Demons and jerk faces from hack job rock bands.” I tried for a smile he’d buy. “The usual.”

  The cab pulled up to the curb, and I held up a finger to tell the driver I’d just be a minute.

  I turned to tell Arrow to have a good night when Rowen burst from the building. “Spike, hang on.” He jogged over and swept me into his arms. “It’s almost midnight.”

  He stopped my reply by kissing me. There was such depth, such passion, in that kiss. It rocked my world and left my head spinning.

  I’d be lying if I said it didn’t thrill me that he’d come to chase me down for a midnight kiss. I’d also be lying to myself if I allowed myself to believe it meant anything more than what it was. Just a kiss.

  The kiss I’d laid on him earlier had been a declaration of intent. Of war. This kiss, it was a promise. And I knew better than to believe in promises.

  When at last we broke apart, Arrow was gone, and the cab driver was getting impatient. I’d have to give him a good tip.

  “Come to Arrow’s for the after party.” Rowen clutched my hands tight in his.

  “I can’t. I’m just… I’m tired and I have work to do.” So obvious were my excuses. I mustered a sheepish grin. “Honestly, I’m just not up for it. And I doubt that would go over well with our demon stalkers.” I nodded to where Koda stood across the street, watching us.

  I wasn’t sure when he’d appeared. It didn’t surprise me though.

  Rowen followed my gaze to Koda. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  He pulled me in for a lingering hug. I tried not to cling to him too hard. Knowing demon eyes were on us ruined what could have been a nice moment. I headed for the cab, refusing to meet Koda’s watchful stare.

  Rowen turned back to the building, hesitating. “Happy New Year, Spike,” he called with a wave.

  I blew him a kiss and dropped into the backseat of the taxi. After giving the driver my address, I settled back in the seat. Seeing as I hadn’t handed out enough middle fingers yet tonight, I pressed one against the window for Koda.

  “Happy fucking new year,” I muttered beneath my breath.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Leaving the party early meant having no hangover when getting ready to go out the following night. After many hours pacing the floor of my apartment, I’d decided to go to the Black Market.

  Jett had blown up my phone with text messages until four in the morning, chastising me for leaving early. After several failed attempts to get me to come to the after party at Arrow’s, she gave up.

  There was nothing I’d have liked more than partying with my friends. But the days were passing too quickly. Partying while Rowen’s life hung in the balance would be wrong. Although it certainly hadn’t stopped either him or Arrow from drinking the night away.

  Those idiots. They really did need me.

  As I threw my bag together, I reached for the Midnight Star already in its handy little back holster. Running a finger over the amethyst, I contemplated leaving it at home where it would be safe.

  However, it wasn’t my job to protect the sword. It was my job to use it and let it protect me. Tough pill to swallow. I slid the magnificent blade into the holster and slung it over my body at a slight angle so the sword lay against my back, the handle within easy reach. I hoped not to need it.

  My angry old Chevy protested loudly against starting on a frigid winter night. Driving it in such weather could be risky, going out of town with it potentially stupid. I had little choice. Once the heater began to blow meager amounts of warm air, I put the car in gear, ignored its protests, and made my way to the Black Market.

  I didn’t linger in the doorway or allow hesitation to stop me. Determined and desperate, I strode inside the old decrepit church on a mission.

  At his table near the door, Mallie glanced up at my arrival. Like it always did, his gaze strayed to the Midnight Star. A cold hand of panic gripped my middle. Did he know? Did he see the stone for what it truly was?

  Careful to avoid eye contact, I sped past his table. Years of winding my way through crowds at rock concerts had taught me how to duck, dodge, and weave through busy places. That skill helped me now as I bypassed tables of eager demons all seeking to pitch me their wares.

  Nova didn’t look up as I approached. Head down, he tinkered with something on his table. With each step that brought me closer, I grew increasingly annoyed that he had yet to acknowledge me. He was putting a dent in my assertive attitude.

  Only when I came to a complete stop in front of his table did he slowly drag his gaze to mine. Arching a brow, he said, “I knew you’d be back.”

  “Enjoy it while you can. I’m not here to make small talk. You have something. I need it.” There. Straight to the point.

  Paranoia whispered evil things. Knowing Nova wanted the amethyst and knowing that he wasn’t aware that was what he wanted, I feared the truth would be written all over my face.

  I worked hard to keep from looking him over. I hadn’t realized how hard it was not to drink in the sight of him. Knowing it had to be his incubus charm didn’t make it any easier to keep from ogling his dark wonder.

  “And what might have you walking in here all high and mighty?” Flashing fangs, he grinned wickedly. “Could it be…” He danced his hand in the air above the many items on his table, finally settling over a small glass case with a scorpion inside. “This little beauty?”

  I swallowed hard. How did he know? “Perhaps. There’s no need to make a game of this, Nova. This is business.”

  “What fun is business if one can’t make things interesting?” An amused chuckle followed his devilish grin. “Koda sent you for it, I know. Can’t help but wonder why you’d agree to fetch it. You despise him, no?”

  Goddamn demons. Always two steps ahead. “Which is why I don’t plan to actually give it to him,” I said. “Be reasonable. What do you want for it?”

  Long black hair draped over his shoulders, eyes glittering with malicious delight, Nova dropped his gaze to my jean clad behind. Slowly he worked his way up until he lingered on my lips. “Do you really need to ask?” His question was more of a murmur, drawing me closer.

  I leaned in as if to hear him better over the din of demon bargaining that surrounded us. A warm ball filled my stomach, growing to encompass me limb by limb. Nova’s thrall was subtle yet effective. “It’s not a genuine business deal if you sway the buyer against their will,” I managed to say. The relaxed calm that overcame me felt like sinking into a hot bath after a tough day. So welcoming.

  “I suppose that’s true.” Abruptly the warm touch fell away. Nova picked up the glass-encased scorpion. Tapping the glass caused the scorpion to move, its tail slashing to one side. “Such a unique little creature. I shall miss her.”

  I gaped at the beast. How on earth was that thing alive? Never mind. I didn’t want to know. “So you’re willing to bargain then?” I jumped on his remark, hoping to secure a deal. Surely it couldn’t be so easy. His price would be high.

  “Of course. I’m always willing to bargain. With you.” Nova gestured for me to make him an offer.

  I stood there dumbfounded, knowing I had only one thing he would want. I was taking a risk here, one that might leave me with lasting repercussions. “Be reasonable. There’s no reason we can’t both leave this exchange satisfied.” Wrong choice of words? Perhaps. I tried again. “I mean, negotiating involves compromise, right?”

  Not any better.

  “That it does, my sweet little thief. So tell me, what are you willing to gi
ve in order to get?” No smile now. Just serious, straight up, calculating demon.

  What Nova wanted didn’t have to be spelled out. For a second I considered telling him to go fuck himself and hightailing it out of there. But the image of Koda’s gloating face kept me planted.

  “I’m not going to sleep with you, Nova.” Ground rules. There had to be some ground rules in place.

  “Contrary to what the old stories would have you believe, succubi and incubi generally don’t feed on those who are asleep. We prefer a victim, our partner rather, very much awake.” The heat in his gaze penetrated me.

  I squirmed beneath his stare. Heat crawled up my neck to fill my cheeks. “You know what I mean.”

  My palms tingled. A fire burned in my core. We stared at one another in a face off so filled with sexual tension I thought I might spontaneously combust. At least if I burst into a million pieces, I wouldn’t be faced with such an unholy decision.

  “Fine,” he said at last, allowing the heat to die away so I could breathe again. “A taste. That’s what I want. Give me a taste of you, and the Scorpio Key is yours.”

  A frown furrowed my brow. I knew enough to question anything a demon said. “What constitutes a taste?”

  “It’s exactly as it sounds, my sweet. I stir up that passion I can sense within you, and you allow me a taste of it.” Nova made it sound so simple. Just a taste of my inner passion. No big deal.

  “No sex,” I said, waving a hand toward my waist. “No touching below the waist. Or below the neck for that matter.”

  Nova’s lips twisted in consideration. He seemed to be deciding how hard to push me. With a nod, he relented. “Done.”

  Maybe I’d just made a mistake. The kiss of an incubus was known for being deadly all on its own. Could I do this and walk away unchanged?

  The demon stuck his hand out, awaiting my acceptance. Torn between two evils, I had to make a split-second decision. How bad did I want to stop Koda? All that mattered to me was doing right by Rowen. And Arrow for that matter. Someone had to step up for them. That someone was me.