by Trina M. Lee
“It does.” Nova nodded sharply. His red gaze bore into me, as he slowly ascended the steps to the kitchen. “But this is not our fight. It’s Cinder’s. And if we’re forced to step in, it won’t go over well for him or the demon taunting him.”
Arms crossed, Jett followed Nova toward me. “That’s bullshit.”
“Every Circle member has a job to do.” He came to a stop inches from me. “Indeed, finding and stopping rogues comprises part of the job. Each member is given a rogue that’s relevant to them and their skill set. So this one is all yours.”
The blood drained from my face, leaving me cold. “I’m not in your damned Circle.”
Nova leaned in offensively close and sniffed me, like an animal smelling prey. “You are now.”
CHAPTER THREE
Nova’s lascivious gaze sent a shockwave of heat to my nether region. It flashed me back to the Black Market when he’d tried to take advantage of me. Of course, when I had agreed to it, I hadn’t realized the full scope of what I’d gotten myself into.
This time I knew better. I jerked back, bumping into the kitchen island. “Back off, Nova. Is that how you recruit new members? By mind fucking them? I never agreed to anything.”
He grinned, flashing four razor sharp fangs amid a mouthful of pearly white teeth. Lingering just long enough to make me uncomfortable, Nova then eased off. The arousing vibe he emitted gradually fell away, so I could breathe again. “I’ll have you know that only the best of the best are invited to join The Circle of the Veil. I put your name in the running once I discovered you were a thief. Now that you’ve manifested your full power, you’re even more desirable.” Letting his unwelcome stare travel over me, he laughed. “Well, you know what I mean. We had plans to approach you when the time was right. This situation means that time is now.”
So there was something to swallow. I’d have to mull this over when I wasn’t in the same room as a dead body.
“That doesn’t mean she has to join,” Jett piped up. “Might not want to count your chickens just yet.”
Nova accepted this with a short nod. “True. Although it’s in her best interest to join. Being a thief is reason enough. But you do both realize that whoever did this is targeting those with Cinder’s seal. Which includes Ember.” To me he added, “You’re in this now whether you like it or not.”
Never would I have thought I’d be happy that Rowen had joined the dark when he did. Cinder had once put his seal on Rowen as well. Joining the dark had removed it, so he wasn’t a target.
I shoved a hand through my hair, pushing black tresses out of my face. I needed some air. Heading for the door I muttered, “I’m outta here.”
“Nobody is forcing you to join The Circle, Ember, but I strongly suggest you discuss this with Cinder. Immediately. And if you have any further questions, or you just want to play, you know where to find me.” Laughter followed me out. Thankfully Nova remained inside.
“Hey, Spike, it’s gonna be ok.” Jett nudged the sword strapped to my back. “If anyone can handle this, it’s you. Talk to Cinder. He’ll set your mind at ease. Try to stop looking like you’re pissing your pants.”
“I wish I could. Feels like I’m in a dream. What just happened in there, what Nova said, that’s screwed up.” We got in the Mustang and headed back to the jam space. I’d have to cut the rest of the night short. I needed to get home and wait for Cinder. We needed to talk. Turning it over on the ride, nothing made sense. “Why me? I’m not really monster squad material.”
“How are you not?” Jett slid me a glance. “He said best of the best. I’d say, of all the supernatural types I know, you rank right up there. Don’t be so surprised that others see what you have to offer.”
The Circle of the Veil? Wanted me? Unbelievable.
Sure, I’d come a long way in a short time. But I’d been forced. Perhaps facing down demons who stalked me, threatened everyone I loved, and destroyed my relationships had changed me. Strengthened me. Did that put me among the best of the best though?
“I’m gonna head home,” I said when we pulled up at the jam space. “Sorry.”
“It’s cool. See you tomorrow night at Spirit? It’s cheap wing night, and drinks are only a buck until midnight for ladies.” She blew long purple bangs from her eyes and grinned. “And you can’t avoid it forever, you know.”
Since I had to go inside and grab my guitar, I left her in the parking lot without a reply. I hadn’t been avoiding The Spirit Room. Just spending less time there than usual. Ok, I was avoiding it. Avoiding them. Rowen Cruz and Arrow Lynch. The brothers that destiny had thrown in my path, whether I liked it or not.
I did like it though. That was the real problem. Destiny, that bitch.
Jett caught up with me as I stuffed my guitar into its case. “Spike, if you don’t show up tomorrow night, I’m coming to personally drag you out of your apartment. And I’ll bring Arrow with me.”
That nabbed my attention. I stopped coiling up the cord for my amp and whirled around. “Don’t you dare.”
“Which one of them are you avoiding most?” she grilled, as best friends tended to do. “I’m thinking Rowen. He had his chance and blew it. So I say, good riddance. Time to move on.”
Jett and Rowen were friends, but seeing as she and I were like sisters, their friendship didn’t hold water when it came to the crap he’d put me through. She always had my back, and I loved her for it.
“To his brother? I don’t think so. Pretty sure there’s a rule against that kind of thing.” I tossed the coiled cord on top of the amp and gathered my guitar bag.
“Pretty sure there’s not,” Jett countered. “And if so, fuck it. Rules are made to be broken.”
The jam space was empty. Rubi and Tash had left in our absence. So I was free to be candid. “Why are you pushing so hard for me to hook up with Arrow? You’ve hardly been his biggest fan. You can’t genuinely think that’s a good idea.”
Burgundy lips pursed, Jett squinted, contemplating. “Well, in some ways, I don’t. But in other ways, I do. I think there’s something there. You two bonded. Although he’s a total jerkhead most of the time, he’s been there for you. Part of you wonders if there’s something more there, so I say life’s too short not to find out.”
I couldn’t argue with any of it. But since the night had brought me greater, more immediate concerns, I opted to put it on the backburner of my mind. “Maybe if this demon that’s targeting Cinder’s wards doesn’t kill me, I’ll consider it later.” I made a face at her and headed for the door.
“Tomorrow night, Spike,” she called after me. “I meant what I said.”
All the way home I spoke Cinder’s name, hoping he’d hear my call and come. Did he know about the murders? If so, would he tell me who’d done it?
I was a bundle of nerves when I got home. I walked into my dark apartment and reached for the light switch. A hand closed on my wrist, twisting it behind my back. Instinct kicked in and I spun before my attacker could make another move. I wrapped my free arm around the one that grabbed me, applying brute force near the shoulder to dislodge their hold. At the same time I swept out with a foot, hooking their ankle and taking them down.
Cinder grunted. “Nice job. Your response time has improved. That actually hurt a bit.”
I flicked the light on as he got to his feet. “Well, I’d hope so, considering you try this at least once a week.”
“I’ll change it up next time. You’ll never see it coming.” He graced me with a crooked smile that made me think he didn’t yet know about the murders.
“Just don’t jump out at me when I’m getting out of the shower. Horror movies have taught me to kick some serious ass if that happens.” I set my guitar case and my sword down in the living room. After shedding my hoodie I turned to Cinder with a suppressed sigh. “I have to talk to you.”
Already he bustled about the kitchen, making tea. “I assumed. I felt your call. What’s up?” So casual and chill he was. Clueless. That made it s
o much harder.
“Cinder,” I began, knowing there was no way to say it other than to just say it. “There’s been a murder. Two murders to be exact. Both victims had your seal.” I stopped there, waiting.
He froze. Shoulders tight, muscles bunched beneath his t-shirt, he stood in the kitchen staring at the kettle. When he turned to face me, something lit his violet eyes that I’d never seen before. Fear. True fear. And it shook me to my core. “How do you know this? Are you certain?” He gripped the edge of the counter as if he might fall without it.
“Nova took me to one of the murder scenes. He said The Circle of the Veil thought I should be brought in.” I paused. When he didn’t speak I went to him. Sliding my hand over his, I asked, “Are you ok? You know what’s going on, don’t you?”
Cinder stared at our hands like he just couldn’t wrap his head around what I’d said. Only when the kettle squealed did he snap into action. Pulling away, he rushed about, opening cupboards and drawers, dropping teabags into mugs.
Once he held two steaming mugs of chamomile, he finally spoke. “Let’s sit down.”
We took a seat at the table. I waited with bated breath for Cinder to spill.
He watched the steam roll off the tea’s surface. Wings gathered close, tucked in around him, he seemed to sink in on himself. I’d never seen him less than confident. I hated every second of this.
“You have to be careful, Ember. Promise me.” Cinder looked up at me, dread written all over his face. “Watch your back. Don’t get caught off guard. Don’t let yourself be caught alone and vulnerable.”
“What’s happening?” I couldn’t focus on the tea. It served as little more than a hand warmer.
“It’s Wren.” He absently stroked the scar that slashed through his right eyebrow. “He’s the one who did this. He was my brother. My very best friend. Once.” His voice caught and he paused.
My breath came in shallow bursts. I bit my lip, waiting with building trepidation. “Tell me about him.”
Cinder sipped his steaming tea, oblivious to the scorching heat. “Before Wren’s fall we were family in every sense. We trusted each other implicitly. I’d never have believed him to be capable of all he’s become.” When emotion choked off his words, Cinder scuffed a hand over his eyes and sighed.
Gently I encouraged him to continue. “How did Wren fall?”
Cinder sucked in a long, ragged breath. “One of his charges died. A child. Wren felt like he’d failed. Despite assurances from me and many others, he never got over it. He came to believe he belonged in darkness. And so he took the leap and fell headlong into it. Of course, that made us enemies.”
“Aww, Cinder, I’m sorry.” The pain etched on his face crushed me.
“Wren lived in constant torment, thus he sought to bring that torment to others. Unfortunately, he is good at it. Try as I might to stop him, my efforts only encouraged him. We fought many times, each battle deadlier than the last. He grew to loathe me. Now he wants me to suffer as he suffers.” Cinder’s gaze dropped, and he blinked back a glimmer of tears.
I allowed him a moment to deal with his feelings, my heart sad for his loss. “And the scar?”
A bitter laugh so unlike him preceded his explanation. “The scar is from a unique and special dagger. Forged by a demon but made with the blood of an angel, it can trap an immortal in their physical form. We call it Ruthless, and I trapped Wren with it, locked him up so he could no longer harm anyone.” His hands went slack, as if he were forcing himself to relax. “The murders of my charges means he’s again free.”
Well, that explained Cinder’s scar. It explained a lot more too. Wren’s goal was to torment Cinder. “He’s going to come for me, isn’t he?” No easy way to ask. I forced myself to take a sip of the tea. Its calming effects were not powerful enough for this situation.
Cinder nodded. “He will. Eventually. Of course, I won’t wait for him to try. I’ll find him first.”
I reached across the table to take his hand. When it shook ever so slightly in mine, I somehow hid my surprise. “This is the part where I tell you to be careful. I know you can’t die, but sometimes that’s even worse.”
“Don’t worry about me, Ember. It’s you who must be careful. Surround yourself with the others. Put aside your personal issues and keep each other safe.” Cinder knew all about the breakup drama between Rowen and me. I’d neglected to tell him about Arrow, although I’d guess he suspected.
“I will,” I promised. “I’ll be careful. But The Circle of the Veil seems to think I have a role to play here.”
Cinder sneered. “The Circle of the Veil likes to think they call the shots on supernatural activity involving humans. They can’t force you into anything.”
“It sounds like they want to recruit me. Nova made it sound like they’d been planning to approach me for a while.”
Cinder got up and went to the kitchen where he went about pouring another cup of tea. I had yet to do more than sip mine. “That does not surprise me. They tend to seek out those with extraordinary abilities. You have much to offer.”
I studied him, finding his tone to be a little too neutral. “Doesn’t sound like you think I should consider it.”
“It’s not my place to sway you either way. I approve of The Circle’s mission. I just don’t always agree with their methods.” Because Cinder was a wreck and trying to hide it, he busied himself tidying the kitchen. “That being said, I trust you to make the right decision, and I think they’d be lucky to have you. Just take the time to think it through.”
I watched him scrub counters that already gleamed. Whoever this Wren was, the demon had unsettled Cinder in the worst way, like he didn’t know what to do with himself. If The Circle of the Veil really thought I could do something useful for him, then maybe they were right. Watching Cinder silently slip into the void of anxiety, I knew I had to try.
CHAPTER FOUR
“Can I buy you a drink?”
The familiar voice had me spinning to find Rowen standing behind me in the bar line. I hadn’t noticed his approach. Hopefully he hadn’t been there long enough to watch me nervously fiddling with my hair.
“Sure. Thanks.” I smiled as my heart did a little extra thud in my chest. We hadn’t spoken much lately, and despite everything that had gone on between us, I missed him.
He’d gotten rid of the blue in his mohawk. Now it was bright-as-fuck pink, and just as sexy as it had ever been. If anyone could rock a hot pink hawk, it was Rowen. Blue jeans and a Misfits t-shirt completed his look. Casual yet badass.
“I’m loving the hair,” I added, leaning in to be heard over the music. A band I’d never seen before rocked the stage.
“Thanks. It felt like time for a change.” Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Rowen shifted from foot to foot.
Every encounter had become awkward since the night in my apartment when he’d asked me if I had feelings for Arrow. The problem was that I had feelings for both of them. Sort of. Not in the same way. I’d fallen hard for Rowen. I loved him still. However, Arrow and I had bonded, no matter how hard I tried to deny it. I knew it had grown into something more than friendship when I couldn’t stop thinking about his kiss. But friends was all we were.
Because I’d been called to lead them. The flame bearer. That was me. Sent to encourage the nephilim to abandon the darkness that sought to claim us all.
Conflict of interest was an understatement.
The noise made it easy for us to stand there without the pressure of constant chatter. Still I felt like I should say something. Every time his amber gaze landed on me I tensed.
“Something else has changed too.” Rowen held out a hand. “I thought you’d want to know.”
Hesitant, I placed my hand in his. Curious. There was a tingle in my palm. A small glow lit up our hands as a faint light danced along Rowen’s fingertips. Before it could draw anyone’s attention, the light faded.
But I’d felt it.
I looked up at him, joy eru
pting on my face. “You came back.”
“It’s where I belong.” Rowen pulled his hand away, as we moved up in the bar line. The sudden disconnect enhanced the unease between us.
“It is.” I nodded. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you.”
I’d hoped so hard that Rowen would come back to the light. Going dark in an effort to keep Arrow and me safe had taken its toll on him. He’d been forced to do Dash’s dirty work that Arrow had once done. It wasn’t something he liked to talk much about.
After an awkward silence, I added, “We need you, Rowen. Especially now.”
“Now? What’s going on?” He fished his wallet out as we approached the bar.
“I can’t tell you in here. But we need to talk. All of us.” That wasn’t going to help the strangeness, but Cinder insisted we four operate as a team on this. To keep each other safe.
Rowen nodded and turned to order our drinks. Feeling strange about the whole discussion, I searched the rest of the nightclub. Jett lay splayed on Sam’s lap at a table close enough to see the stage but far enough away to avoid the crowd that gathered in front of it. She straddled her boy toy, arms around his neck. A further scan of the room and I found Arrow. He leaned against a pillar near the stage, chatting up a blonde who couldn’t stop touching him.
I turned back to the bar and stuffed down the dark feeling that surfaced. I was not jealous. Fuck that.
Rowen handed me a cherry vodka and sprite. “I’m glad you came tonight. I wanted to text you, but I thought it might be better to talk in person.”
He guided me away from the crowd clustered around the bar to an area off to one side that was void of people. A beer in one hand, he stuck his free hand back in his pocket, like he wasn’t sure if he should take my elbow.