How To Be Deadly

by Trina M. Lee

Getting resettled on the bed wasn’t too bad thanks to the wonders of pain meds. Arrow shed his hoodie and hat, tossing them both on the floor. When he got comfortable beside me, the warmth of him was welcome.

  After a few minutes of relaxed quiet, he whispered in a husky tone, “Being with you was pretty much the best damn experience of my life. And not just because of the whole nephilim sex thing. Because it was you, Spike.”

  “Sounds like something someone who had some hot nephilim sex would say.” I laughed, unable to form a coherent thought any longer. The drugs were too deep in my system.

  Arrow smoothed my hair back from my face and silenced my laughter with a kiss, a light touch of his lips on mine. “Alright you’re too fucking high. Stop giggling and go to sleep. You’ve got to be exhausted.”

  That just made me laugh harder. Until I tugged that stitch again. My laughter became a series of fucks.

  Once the initial jolt of pain subsided, I relaxed and tumbled headlong into a drug-induced sleep. Next to a guy I’d once punched in the face. One I’d even considered a nemesis of sorts.

  I might have been high but reality was the real trip.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Driving through a shady part of the city in my old Chevy made me nervous. Quickly the streets passed from populated neighborhoods and businesses in full operation to ramshackle, run-down buildings and abandoned houses. The address Nova had given me was for one of those woebegone buildings. I pulled up and eyed the place suspiciously. Nova was a demon, therefore, not trustworthy. But the message he’d left in my mailbox said The Circle of the Veil had requested a meeting with me.

  Cinder had been uneasy about it but didn’t feel there was any genuine danger. Still, he’d insisted on waiting at my apartment until I returned. It had been over a week since the fight with Wren. My injury still had a ways to go, but the healing process was off to a good start. I felt better. Sore but nothing too intense.

  At the specified time I approached the boarded-up front door. Unsure of what to do, I knocked and waited.

  A slot in the door slid open, and red eyes stared through it. Though I took a deep breath and opened my mouth to speak, the demon cut me off with a gruff, “You the nephilim?”

  There’s no way he didn’t know right away what I was. Because I didn’t know what the heck was going on, I opted to play it safe by answering without any snark. “Um, yes.”

  The door opened, and a big hulking demon ushered me inside. The place seemed to be an old rundown bar of sorts. Tables littered with demons, vampires, and other supernatural types filled the small space.

  Pointing to the sword on my back, the demon muttered, “That stays in the sheath. You’re expected in the back.”

  With a nod I made my way through, ignoring the looks I got from the demons present. From mildly curious to outright lecherous, they checked me out. I forgot to breathe until I spied Nova at a table in the very back. He wasn’t alone.

  I relaxed when I recognized two of the people with him. Alexa, local vampire queen and notorious badass, and a fallen angel I’d met once, Falon or something like that. He’d told me to choose the light, back before I’d made my choice.

  Along with them was a petite vampire with short black hair. She scowled at something Nova said as I approached. “You’re a fucking pig,” she informed him as I reached their table. Turning to me, she gestured to the one remaining chair. “Hi, have a seat.”

  Feeling on display I sat down, adjusting the tip of the Midnight Star as I did. Right away Alexa caught my eye with a friendly smile. “Hey, Spike. Nice to see you again.”

  “You too.” Certain everyone present could hear the apprehensive pounding of my heart, I tried to take calming breaths.

  “Looking well.” Nova assessed me, like he knew I was injured and therefore more fragile than usual. It didn’t keep him from perusing me in that hungry incubus way. “I’m sure you know why you’re here. I’ll be honest, Ember, I didn’t expect you to survive Wren.”

  Not that I wanted or expected support from a demon, but I couldn’t help but feel offended. “Well, thanks for your vote of confidence.”

  “You’ve proven you can hold your own against several of my kind now. Me included.” He got that glimmer in his eyes, the one that said he wanted to do nasty things to me. “I’m impressed.”

  “She’s not interested, Nova,” Alexa interjected. “Can we get to the point?”

  The glare he shot her was rife with haughty derision. “She might be. I doubt she has the harem of lovers that you’ve acquired.”

  As he spoke Nova flung a hand at Falon who crossed his arms and glowered. Unfazed, Alexa ignored them both. She turned to me with an apologetic frown. “The Circle of the Veil is interested in your skills, Spike. That’s why you’re here.”

  Nova cut in, discontent to allow her to lead the discussion. “We’re the main representatives of The Circle in this city. We’ve asked you here because we believe you’d make a valuable addition.”

  “And what does that mean exactly?” Realizing I was in no danger, I began to relax.

  “The Circle of the Veil works to keep supernatural activity hidden from humanity. Angels and demons make up the highest order of The Circle. The rest of us, we do the real work.” Nova began to point at each person present in turn. “Alexa handles vampire and werewolf activity, for the most part. Smudge is the local watchdog. She watches and reports anything and everything. Falon handles a little of everything, when he’s not handling Alexa.”

  Falon scoffed at the assessment but said nothing. Alexa shook her head and sighed. Smudge took the opportunity to offer her hand in an official greeting, like it might dismiss the obvious tension at the table. Nova clearly wanted Alexa, incubus to succubus, and didn’t seem to take it well that she had no interest. Neither did I. He’d have to suck it up and take the blow to his ego.

  “So what do you want me to do?” Sitting there with the four of them, I didn’t see how I could offer anything they didn’t already excel at.

  “What you’ve proven yourself capable of,” Nova said. “Step in on any demon activity that threatens to go public. Be a reliable member of The Circle.”

  I was baffled. It felt like sitting at the grown-up table for the first time. I didn’t belong. “You’re not kidding.” I glanced around the table. “Are you sure you have the right person? I mean, I’m still new to this, and as far as I’ve been told, I’m considered a threat. Being a so called thief and all.”

  Smudge, who’d been quietly observant, spoke up. “Even better. The Circle only chooses those with unique gifts. Something that only they can do. You’re here for a reason.”

  “It’s a safe bet that everyone here has their share of people who’d like to wipe them out.” Alexa laughed, though her tone lacked humor. “You’re in good company.”

  Nova slid her a dark glare, making me wonder if he might be one of those people who wasn’t so fond of her. If she noticed she did a good job pretending otherwise.

  “I can’t make any promises.” I felt suddenly overwhelmed with the four of them staring at me. “I mean, I’ll try to help where I can, but this all seems like it might be too much for me. You know, if I’m being honest.”

  “It’s cool.” Smudge cut Nova off before he could speak. “Take your time. No pressure.”

  They were patient with me, telling me more about what each of them dealt with on a general basis. And when I’d asked all the questions I could think up, they sent me on my way. Alexa repeated her invitation for me to reach out to her any time. She seemed like someone worth having as an ally. Which, in the face of demons like Nova, who couldn’t really be trusted, came as a reassurance.

  When I opened my apartment door, the mouthwatering aroma of brownies greeted me. I wanted to make a wisecrack about special brownies but doubted Cinder would appreciate it.

  “How did it go?” He glanced up from the oven as he took a fresh tray out and set it on the stovetop.

  The first time he’d come
to see me after the confrontation with Wren, I’d thrown myself into his arms and held tight like I’d never let go. Of course, I’d been freshly injured, in pain, and on drugs. We hadn’t talked much about what happened.

  I guess we didn’t have to.

  Having him back to normal, bustling about my kitchen, it flashed me back to the cavern. Seeing him wounded and vulnerable had affected me greatly. Even though Cinder was immortal, he wasn’t invincible. I’d been forced to see that.

  “Good. I think. They want me to join them. Officially.” I reached for a brownie, recoiling when Cinder slapped my hand away.

  “They need to cool,” he admonished. “And how do you feel about that?”

  “I’m not sure. They seem to think I can help with demon stuff. But they all seem to be much more skilled than me. Seasoned. I’m not sure I’m as good as they think I am.” When Cinder turned his back to open the cupboard, I snatched a brownie, swearing when it burnt my hand.

  “You’re better,” he assured, smiling when I juggled the brownie from hand to hand before dropping it on the counter. “You have a calling that involves fighting evil and protecting mankind. The Circle would be lucky to have you. But don’t rush your decision. Be certain.”

  “Yeah, I’m going to take some time to think about it. I’m kind of worried that working with them will draw more bad attention my way. Having angels want to kill me isn’t exactly a confidence booster.” I accepted the glass of lemonade he handed me with a grateful smile.

  Cinder’s face fell at the mention of angels. “It’s a strange and complicated world we live in, Ember. I assure you, I’ll do all I can to keep you safe. I’ve rebuilt the wards here. Perhaps in time the angels that see you as a threat will realize you have a gift. A purpose. As surely as they do.”

  “Here’s hoping,” I muttered.

  Cinder watched me pick at the brownie. His brows pinched together, and I knew he was working up to something. Finally he said, “I know it’s none of my business, but can I ask about Arrow?”

  I’d known this was coming but hoped maybe he’d just let it go. “You want to know if what Wren said was true. It is. Arrow and I slept together.” I didn’t lie to Cinder, and he didn’t judge. So I felt comfortable being honest although a little uneasy about this discussion.

  Nodding his dark-blond head, he grabbed a brownie but didn’t eat it. He seemed to need something to do with his hands. “I see. Is this a relationship of primarily physical attraction, or have you formed an emotional attachment?”

  “There’s something there,” I admitted. “But I’m not looking to commit to anything right now. After the way things ended with Rowen, I’m not sure I can.”

  “I understand. You can make your own decisions, but please be careful. Arrow is dark, and I don’t have to tell you what it means now that you’ve gotten involved with him.” Worry creased Cinder’s brow. All he cared about was my wellbeing. A true friend.

  My interest in the brownie dissipated. I shoved it aside and leaned on the counter. “No, you don’t.” Arrow and I had chosen opposing sides. Nothing about that had to be spelled out for me.

  “I trust you to do what you feel is best.” Turning on a dime Cinder headed into the living room, pointing at the XBOX that still sat beneath the TV. “I hope there’s a zombie game here. I do love a good zombie hunting session.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Music boomed through the floor from below. The dressing room on the second floor of The Spirit Room shook from the bass. It was perfect. Just how I liked it.

  “I haven’t given them an answer yet. I’m going to take some time to think about it. Try to focus on the band for now.” Leaning against the counter in front of the large mirror, I finished telling Arrow about my meeting with The Circle of the Veil.

  He sat on the couch rolling a joint on the coffee table. Two weeks now since the night of the fight with Wren. While still healing, we were both beyond the worst of it.

  We hadn’t seen each other much. After dealing with the recent demon threat, we’d both had a lot of band obligations: recording, writing, and the occasional local show. So we’d slipped away from the party below to grab a few minutes alone.

  “You can’t trust Nova.” Arrow neatly packed weed into a rolling paper. “And Alexa, I dunno, she’s kind of a bitch.”

  “To you. Because you gave her a reason to be.” I snickered at the scowl that formed on his face.

  Since Alexa’s friend had ODed while partying with Arrow, she’d had a real problem with him. And I didn’t blame her for that. Arrow wasn’t the easiest guy to like if you didn’t know him. And he wasn’t easy to get to know.

  “Bitch mind-fucked me. But if she likes you, then that’s probably a good thing. She’s stupidly powerful.” With a shrug Arrow rolled his joint into perfect form and licked the paper to seal it.

  “How’s your record coming along?” This small talk thing sucked. I knew we both wanted to skip it and get to what we’d really come here for, but every touch, every look that lingered too long, it was all a risk.

  Arrow stuck the joint in his mouth and dug in his pocket for a lighter. “Almost done. Final touches. We’re feeling pretty good about it. You guys are done, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah. It’s up for preorder already. Doing better than I expected thanks to the hits on our YouTube channel from Jett’s rowdy stage antics.” The video of her leaping off the stage to pummel a heckler in the crowd had more views than any of our others. Go figure.

  Thanks to Cinder, I’d been able to finish recording and not risk wasting paid studio time because of two broken fingers. I’d happily accepted healing for them but declined anything further. The scar forming in my side was a reminder of a challenge conquered, and I wanted to keep that.

  A plume of smoke floated above Arrow’s head as he dragged on the joint. “Ok, I can’t wait anymore.”

  He was up off the couch and pressed against me in seconds. Pushing the joint into my hand, he pulled me into his arms and planted a hot as hell kiss on me. I slid an arm around his neck, holding him close.

  Kissing Arrow felt dangerous. Probably because it was. Yet it also felt exciting, daring in a way I knew I shouldn’t be so drawn to, but dammit, I couldn’t help myself.

  “I can’t believe how much I’ve been thinking about this,” I said between kisses.

  Arrow pulled back and quirked an eyebrow. “Why can’t you believe it?”

  “You know, because it’s us. It’s kind of bizarre, isn’t it?” I wrinkled my nose and kissed him again.

  “Bizarre,” he mumbled against my lips. “Sounds like a label. Thought we weren’t doing that.” His hand was hot on my lower back, as he reached under my tank top.

  I knew we should stop before things got carried away. The Spirit Room was a risky place for stolen moments.

  No sooner had the thought flitted through my head than noise on the stairs startled us. We leapt apart. Arrow dropped back onto the couch, adjusting the knit hat on his head. I leaned on the counter, puffing on the joint.

  That was how Paul found us when he walked in. The Sacred Stone singer stopped in the doorway and eyed us with suspicion. “What’s going on in here?”

  “What does it look like?” I held up the joint with a derisive eye roll.

  “It looks like I interrupted something.” Paul pointed at me and chuckled. “Your lipstick is smeared, Spike.”

  Crap. So much for that stay-put matte finish. Never using this brand again.

  To add insult to injury Arrow automatically glanced in the mirror, checking his face for a smudge of red. Yeah, real inconspicuous.

  “So it’s a crappy product. That doesn’t mean anything.” My feeble attempt at denial screamed guilty. I should’ve just kept quiet.

  Paul sauntered over to one of the chairs and grabbed a hoodie draped over the back. His arrogant gaze slid between us, settling on me. “So when you tire of Arrow, who’s up next for a taste of your pie? Can I put my name in for some of this action?�
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  I froze, stunned by his blatant douchebag remark.

  Arrow snapped. He cleared the coffee table separating them and threw a fist in Paul’s face. It happened so fast, I wasn’t sure who was more surprised, Paul or me. Considering how often he goaded someone into punching him in the face, I doubted it was Paul.

  He stumbled and tried to grab onto the chair to catch himself. Another hit from Arrow and he went down.

  But Arrow didn’t stop there. Grabbing Paul’s shirt, Arrow dragged him back to his feet. “Think you’re real fucking clever don’t you, asshole? Don’t ever talk to Spike like that again, or I promise nobody will recognize you when I’m done.”

  Paul spat blood onto the floor. Unafraid, he shoved Arrow off, managing to put some distance between them. “Pretty fucking touchy about your brother’s ex, don’t you think? Fuck off, Arrow.”

  “Guys, cool it,” I yelled, but it made no difference.

  Arrow punched Paul again, and then it was really on. Paul started swinging back.

  I kept my distance as the two of them went at it. Afraid someone would get hurt, most likely Paul, my breath hitched in my lungs. I suspected a lot of Arrow’s aggression and energy came from the coke. He claimed to have cut down, but he had no intention of giving up his vice. Though Arrow’s might have been more apparent, we all had our bad habits.

  When Rowen ascended the stairs a moment later, I was both relieved and worried. He took in the sight of Arrow with an arm across Paul’s throat and promptly stepped in.

  Turning to face the mirror I quickly rubbed the lipstick smear away. This was not the right time to have Paul’s accusations proved true.

  Rowen grabbed Arrow’s still healing arm and twisted it behind his back. Using the tight hold he steered his brother away from Paul. To Paul he said, “Take off before we’re both kicking your ass.”

  Paul hesitated, and I braced myself for him to continue his accusations for Rowen’s benefit. Seeming to think better of it, he snatched up the hoodie he’d dropped and stormed out.