by Simone Pond
“What’s this?” he asked.
“Oh, that guard earlier today.”
Asher studied me a moment. “Why’d he give you his card?”
“Are you jealous, Asher Wells?” I teased.
He smiled. “No. I just want you to be safe. I trust you.”
“Good!”
I applied some shimmering lip gloss, then put it into the purse along with Thomas’s business card, the purple vial, and the phone. I held Asher’s hands. “No matter what happens, we will meet at Somer’s office at midnight.”
“What if you don’t show?”
“I’ll show. But if for some reason I don’t, stick to the plan. You and Rocco hunt down the Scrolls and save the other Protectors. Then get out of the city immediately. You got it?”
He closed his eyes, taking a deep inhale.
“Look, I’ll be okay. I have the last Scroll. Cagliostro needs me alive.”
He kissed my cheek. “Famous last words …”
***
Walking toward the entrance of the grand ballroom, I chuckled at the sign sitting on an easel: Absolutely No Magic During Event. That was somewhat reassuring, since I was about to walk into a room full of evil beings.
If I thought the event Cagliostro held at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco was over the top, the gala at Semiramis Palace was other-worldly.
Along the edges of the enormous ballroom were multiple waterfalls spewing diamonds and other jewels. Radiant orbs of various sizes and lengths dangled from the domed ceiling far above. The floor was rose quartz and soft light illuminated the room, emanating from a pool of water underneath. In the middle of the room on a circular platform there was a full orchestra, playing delightful instrumental versions of pop songs from the previous decades. Bougainvillea trees with vibrant fuchsia petals draped along the trellises and archways. I think there might have been a serotonin mist wafting in the air. Definitely some enchantments or spells over the room, for I felt giddy and mystical among the other guests.
The place was packed with the elite crowd, all dressed in extravagant gowns and tuxedos of varying color palettes. Everyone was in their civilized human form. Because of the exorbitant amount of fragrant bouquets of roses, all supernatural scents were competing. I could’ve been standing next to a demon, werewolf or human, but it was difficult to discern the difference. I’d have to go on gut instinct and intuition. Neither were in the best working order due to the mélange of spells, enchantments and whatever else was penetrating my system.
Since I couldn’t use my Armor, I had to use my utmost concentration to block out additional sensory interference. I needed to find General Hackett. Somer had mentioned he was a high-level demon, so maybe I could sniff him out.
Weaving between the guests, I kept my ears open for any mentions of the general. Somer said he usually spent his time in the VIP room, so I went about locating the section reserved for only the elite. Apparently, they held “private” dances in that room. It didn’t take a genius to know what that meant.
I stood by one of the bars, pretending to sip a glass of champagne, when one of the guests caught my attention. The scent of bologna saturated my nostrils. Cosby was nearby. I figured Rocco didn’t want to risk following him into the party. Somehow I’d have to convince the hybrid to get me into that private room. I considered walking up to the smarmy putz and threatening to rip out his throat, but that would’ve been entirely too risky. I needed to go about the operation in a civilized manner.
Keeping my face turned away from him, I nudged an exquisite woman in a red dress with a train that piled up around her ankles.
“Can I help you?” she snipped.
I moved closer in and cupped my mouth to her ear. “I’m interested in that fellow at the far end of the bar, but I don’t want to be too direct. Perhaps you could drop a hint for me?”
She cackled like a witch, and judging from the greenish shimmer coming off of her skin, she probably was one. And not of the benevolent sort.
“Oh, honey. Cagliostro’s lackey doesn’t like women … Good luck, though.” She sauntered off into the room, cackling the whole way.
So that plan was out.
I thought about the burner phone in my purse and wondered how I could use that to my advantage. Nobody in the city except the underground constituents used cellphones, so that was also out. Maybe the hybrid wouldn’t recognize me all dressed up, I know I hardly did. Even in the evening gown and ample makeup, he’d probably figure it out after a few moments. I needed to be completely disguised. Fortunately, I knew just the thing.
twenty-one
I found the powder room at the end of a long hall and ducked into one of the stalls, where I downed the remaining purple liquid Somer had given to me and Asher. Now I could approach the hybrid.
The women standing in front of the mirrors shrieked when they saw me stepping out of the stall. It had worked. I was disguised as a male security officer.
“Everything’s okay. Security matter,” I apologized, then hustled out of the powder room.
At the bar, I approached Cosby and stood to attention, saluting him. “Sir!”
“Please, no need for that in here. We’re at a party. Lighten up, Officer,” he slurred.
Good, the stinky hybrid was drunk, making my task much easier.
“Sir, I’ve been given direct orders from Cagliostro to locate General Hackett and relay a message.”
Cosby laughed. “And what does that have to do with me?”
That was a reasonable question, so I made up what I hoped sounded like a reasonable answer. “Boss says you’re the only one with clearance as to his whereabouts.”
“Oh, I know where the brute is … cavorting with the ladies. The demon has no self-control.” Cosby slurped back his vodka tonic and hiccupped.
I bit my tongue to keep from pointing out the hypocrisy of that comment.
“So where might I find him, sir?”
Rather than answering, the hybrid slapped my shoulder and started rambling on about the stupidity of the younger supernaturals and their disrespect for the more seasoned ones. He blathered about the new factions taking up too much space and how he had been Cagliostro’s best friend, but now he was too busy for him. He gushed about how much he loved the new city and how they were going to crush the Monarchy. Then he thanked me for my service and hugged me.
After he finally shut the hell up, I asked the question again. “Can you direct me to Hackett, sir? It’s somewhat important.” Just then something shimmered through my body. The damn potion was starting to wear off.
Cosby did a double take, squinting his beady eyes. “What was that?”
“Sir?”
“You just shifted. Are you not human?”
I could’ve taken down Cosby in a heartbeat, but if I used my Armor every demon, mage, vampire, witch, warlock and shifter would be all over me in seconds. I had to hurry up and convince Cosby to take me to the general before my true identity broke through the spell.
“I’m human, sir. Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale. Should I let Cagliostro know you’re under the weather and not able to assist in this matter?”
Cosby glared and yanked my arm, pulling me away from the bar. “No need to involve him, as I’m sure he’s quite busy with the upcoming operation.”
I hadn’t considered getting any pertinent information from Cosby, but maybe I could pump the drunk hybrid for some intel.
“I thought you were only involved in PR, not high-level military dealings,” I goaded.
He stiffened, his cheeks fuming red. Cosby was such a malleable target, which made me question why Cagliostro would bother keeping the jackass around in the first place.
“I’ll have you know,” Cosby blurted, “I’m very high up on the food chain. I know the details of every detail. Nothing gets done except through me. And if it weren’t for me securing the high-value prisoners, none of this would be possible.” He abruptly turned around and began shoving through the guests
on the rose quartz dance floor, yelling for me to follow.
He had said the magic word: prisoners. He knew where the Protectors were being held. Maybe I didn’t even need to speak with General Hackett. Not if I could get Cosby to sing … I noticed my legs starting to shimmer in and out, crossing between the black uniform and my sequined dress. Cosby started to glance down, but I quickly jerked my head toward a group of witches sitting at a table across the room.
“Sir, that looks suspicious,” I said, pointing.
He drunkenly eyed the group of beauties gossiping and giggling. “They seem fine to me.”
My shoes glittered and stayed that way. The disguise was officially wearing off. I pointed toward the ladies again. “I just saw one of them holding a pentagram made of sticks. Maybe you should check it out and just point me in the direction of the general?”
“They know better than to practice Wicca at public events!” Cosby fumed and began marching over to the women.
My opportunity to glean any information from the smarmy little hybrid was gone, and so was my disguise. My only hope was getting to Hackett. I ducked behind a rather large demon who was too drunk to notice anything out of the ordinary. The brooding creature wore a white tuxedo and his black hair was impeccably slicked back, but his red demon eyes were swirling every which way.
“What about the general?” I called out to Cosby.
“Behind the red waterfall,” he shouted, not turning around.
The demon grabbed my shoulders and scrunched down, his glare boring into me. Then he smiled, his pointy teeth dripping with saliva. He purred like a tiger as he sniffed my neck. The beast wanted me, like all of me …
“A virgin,” he growled into my ear.
I wasn’t about to give up my virginity to the hulking beast, but I had to go along, otherwise he’d think I was playing hard to get, only making me more desirable. Demons did love the hunt. I slowly pulled back and tilted my head flirtatiously.
“Hiya, handsome. Let’s say we get a room?” I winked.
He squeezed my arm and began guiding me toward the lobby. “Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea.”
I paused a moment, glancing back at the red waterfall only a few hundred yards away. So close to my target, but the demon was strong and I couldn’t risk using my Armor strength. Not in a room full of Protector haters. I’d have to go up to the room with the demon and decapitate the bastard there, praying it wouldn’t set off any alarms.
As we exited the ballroom, I caught a glimpse of Charlotte and a few other women being ushered by a man wearing a top hat and coattails. They were heading toward the red waterfall to the “private” room reserved for the elite. Charlotte wore a white chiffon toga that barely covered her body and glitter dust sparkled all over her supple skin. Her brown hair cascaded down to her waist. Either it had grown magically or she had extensions. She caught my eye and silently pleaded with her brown puppy dog eyes.
I stopped walking and stroked the demon’s thick bicep, causing every bone in my body to wince. “Wait, sweetie.”
“What?” he asked, swaying a little bit.
“I see a friend.”
He yanked my arm almost from the socket. “I don’t care!”
I gave him a coy smile and batted my eyelashes. “But maybe she’ll want to join us …”
He growled again, stumbling over his own enormous feet. “I don’t want the distraction. I only want you, virgin.”
That time when he grabbed my arm, I twisted around, forcefully pressing my back into his gut and shoving him up against one of the pillars. He lost his balance and dropped hard, smacking his head against the rose quartz floor, passing out. I leaned down and slammed his head once more against the hard surface to ensure he stayed down.
One of the servants rushed over. “Is everything okay, miss?”
“My friend had too much to drink. Perhaps you can remove him?”
He whistled to some other servants for some assistance. It took four humans to drag the moaning demon heap away. I returned to the ballroom, sticking to the perimeter, and made my way to the red waterfall.
twenty-two
The red waterfall resembled blood as it streamed from overhead and pooled into a pond that glistened like rubies. It might’ve been blood; sick bastards. I had hoped to find an entrance behind the rushing red water, but there wasn’t a single door. I pressed my hand against the wall and felt for any creases or cracks, but found nothing of the sort. The room containing the elite VIPs was heavily cloaked.
A man stepped forward from out of nowhere. “Are you lost, miss?”
“Lost?” I repeated, stalling for time.
He raked his eyes over me, from sequined shoes upward, stopping at my chest. An overwhelming repulsion crept through my limbs as the man violated me with his gaze.
“Yes, you look lost,” he said, stepping closer.
“Oh, no. I thought I saw my friend,” I told him.
I felt a wave of heat pressing against me; he was trying to use his influence. I inhaled deeply, trying to pick up on his scent to figure out his faction. He didn’t have one, but whatever he was, he was powerful. The only way I’d stand a chance against him would be to call on my Armor, which wasn’t possible.
The handsome man moved even closer and brushed his fingers over my bare arm. His dark eyes were like pools of ink, soaking me. This was a very powerful demon.
“Are you new?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, fighting to ward off his charm.
“I thought I’d met all of the most exquisite jewels in the city, but you I’m not familiar with.”
Though his fingers were caressing my arm, I could feel his touch wrapping around my entire body.
“You’re so kind,” I whispered, feeling lightheaded.
My body bent toward him like a reed. He stroked my cheek and leaned closer, sending a fluttering rush of excitement down my neck. I longed for him to sweep me up and carry me away.
“A virgin,” he murmured into my hair, inhaling deeply.
“Not for long,” I breathed, tilting my head back.
He pressed against me, tracing his tongue along the lobe of my ear. I moaned in delight, oblivious to everything.
Until he pulled back, leaving me hollowed out on the inside.
The stunning demon glared at the young man standing next to us. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
“Apologies, sir,” the young man said.
“What is it?” he growled.
I pressed up against the wall, unclear of what was happening.
“Wanted to let you know the showcase is about to begin.”
“Very well. My new friend will be accompanying me. One can never be surrounded by enough beauty.”
“Absolutely, General Hackett,” the young man said.
The spell the demon had over me shattered, and I remembered why I was there. Disgust filled my heart for allowing myself to become so vulnerable. The general held a firm grip around my waist and escorted me into the “private” room reserved for elite sleazebags. He directed me into a booth and sat me on his lap.
Now that I knew what was going on, the charm the demon had laced over me had completely dissipated, leaving behind an overwhelming revulsion. His fingers continued groping me in places reserved only for Asher, and I tried to wriggle my way off his lap, but the more I moved the tighter he gripped me.
Then the vilest part of the evening commenced: the showcase.
From behind a red velvet curtain, the man with the top hat and coattails appeared. He stalked over to the booth to address the general. The man removed his top hat and bowed.
“Sir, we have a fine line-up for you this evening. I do hope you find something to your liking.”
The acrid taste of acid soured my mouth, and I wanted to leap up from the demon’s lap and run for my life. But I still needed to obtain information on the Scrolls.
“Proceed,” General Hackett ordered, then nibbled at my neck. “If any of the women are pleasing
to you, let me know and I’ll invite them to our booth for our own special party.”
Oh, he was going to pay for his blatant vileness. I couldn’t wait until I had the information I needed so I could dig my sword into the demon’s gut. Until then, I’d have to employ my best acting skills.
“Aren’t you too busy for these sort of things, General?” I cooed.
“I’m very busy, which makes this very necessary. A demon with pent up tension is of no use.” He pinched my waist.
The sting shot through my side and triggered a reaction from my Armor. He mistook the jolt as enjoyment and pinched me again, causing me to yelp.
“I do like a vocal one,” he purred. “What are you anyway? I can’t get a read.”
“I’m a hybrid. Half human, half healer,” I lied.
“Healers are my favorites. You can torture them endlessly, yet they always bounce back.” He chuckled, biting down on my wrist.
I was totally grossed out and fought back the urge to snap his neck. He groaned under his breath as the procession of women strolled over to the booth. Each one turned around, as instructed, then waited for a thumbs-up or down from the lecherous demon. I watched for Charlotte, hoping to come up with a plan.
“I heard the high-value prisoners have been quite a handful,” I casually mentioned, hoping to pry out some intel.
“Quite the opposite. With the steady bloodletting, they barely have enough energy to beg for mercy,” he snickered, his gaze intent on the passing women.
I patted his shoulder and giggled, my insides curling up, then continued with my probing. “You have so much responsibility, protecting us against the Monarchy.”
“All this talking is getting on my nerves.” He waved over a slender blonde and pulled her into the booth. He gently nudged me off his lap, making room for her.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Then Charlotte emerged from behind the curtain, her brown locks glistening under the soft lighting, and she looked like a princess from a fairytale. I could feel heat rising from Hackett’s skin. A guttural bellow rolled in his throat, like a lion getting ready to pounce.