Right then Flynn burst through the door again without knocking. “Your oven timer is going off,” he said. God was Flynn’s radar that good. He seemed to have the uncanny ability to ruin a moment.
I stood wiping my eyes and left the room to finish dinner. Ok maybe this was a critical moment. Talking should have been more important than food. But there is a timing to cooking that can be disastrous if missed. The turkey was the main dish. I had to make sure it didn’t burn. Then again, I might have been just afraid enough not to want to know.
Around the feast of food, we sat at the dining room table all hands joined. I glanced about as nervously as Flynn, my mom, and David did. I think we were supposed to have our heads bowed eyes closed, but I wasn’t raised with religious beliefs. I did believe in a higher power especially with the knowledge that I was part demon, but I never attended church. Knowing what I was now, I didn’t think I would ever go in the future. I wasn’t sure if it was sacrilegious, but it didn’t seem right. On the same note though, I didn’t think that there was anything evil about Flynn, my mom, David or I. We may have been part demons, but I wouldn’t say I was on the side of evil either.
When Luke finished the blessing or prayer, we all hesitantly said Amen. That was probably the weirdest thing I’d ever done. After a long period of silence hung in the air maybe because of the prayer or maybe because everyone waited for tension to burst between my mother and me, David finally broke it by talking about football. The game was on and the guys immediately perked up to chat away about the teams that were on or coming on.
I kept peaking up at my mother who was looking at me placidly. I’d heard nothing of the sports conversation. I ate some but pushed most of my food around lost in thought over everything. How was I going to fix this mess?
“Mercy,” Flynn said.
I turned to look at him. He was looking at me like he was frustrated. Had he been trying to get my attention long? “What?” I said.
“Have you heard anything?” he replied a little on edge.
I looked around the table as all eyes were on me. I shook my head in response of no.
“Dinner, was lovely,” David said heading off his son’s aggravation that I wasn’t riveted to his every word.
“Thanks,” I said simply.
My mom stood and said, “Yes, it was excellent as always,” She spoke pleasantly. I blinked in response. She walked away with her plate and I guess that was the best thing she’s said to me in days.
David and my mother had sat on either end of the table while Flynn sat across from me. Luke was between my mom and me. David stood and reached to place his hand over mine before patting it lightly. “We’ll get the dishes,” he said.
I placed my napkin on the table and moved to sit on the sofa. Flynn rushed to beat me to the remote. He turned on the game they’d been so briskly talking about and didn’t notice my frown. I didn’t baulk though. Not moving either, I just watched the game. Rather, I watched the commercials mostly which were the highlight of the night. Thoughts busily bounced themselves off the inside of my skull.
Why hadn’t heard from Paul? And what would I say when I did talk to him? The feelings I thought I had for him were muddled to say the least. He was my friend. Luke was my boyfriend and I loved him. It should be that simple. But Paul had to throw a wrinkle into our relationship by kissing me. So why should I feel so bad that he had? I hadn’t asked for it and frankly he was too late. I’d moved on. Hadn’t he with Amber and all the couple others before her. But he was my best friend and for that I did feel bad that we were at odds with each other. So why couldn’t he even be bothered to talk to me?
Maggie was busy with her family and new friends. She hadn’t called me and I hadn’t either. We had been inseparable in the past. No day had ever gone by without us communicating. But lately days had gone by and neither one of us had troubled ourselves to make contact. It seemed everything was changing.
Oh, then there was Sebastian, the handsome boy-demon or whatever he was. I couldn’t deny the physical attraction I felt for him. So what if the succubus within me had a crush if that were possible. The problem was I think part of those reactions belonged to me. I mean it wasn’t as if the demon could live outside of my body. But the boy was a mystery. But his character was in question. However, he’d never harmed me and he’s had ample opportunities. In fact, he’d saved me. I wish someone could save me from myself.
Soon I was flanked on either side on the sofa by Luke and Flynn. They were glued to the game and the commercials. I probably could have gotten up and they wouldn’t have noticed. But for me, their presence made me aware of the television. Soon, I was even able to I find myself laughing at the million dollar commercials some companies put out there. Somehow my troubles were forgotten in that time span.
When the doorbell rang we were all momentarily stupefied. Who would drop by unannounced on a holiday? Flynn stood as he was the only proprietor of the place nearby and opened the door.
From my view I was sure it was Chris and someone else at the door. Flynn opened the door wider letting them in. Chris was still terribly cute. His hazel eyes surveyed Luke and me. I greeted him before Luke did. Luke didn’t introduce himself so I assumed they knew each other. This wasn’t unexpected because Luke had come here with Flynn numerous times.
The lean man with Chris looking much like an older twin except his skinned was more of mild chocolate rather than caramel. He was taller than Flynn with broad shoulders. He was an opposing figure standing in dark slacks and a cream color wool sweater. He was regal in a way that wasn’t snobby. When I finally caught his glance I saw he had the same remarkable eyes Chris did. So most likely he was Chris and Tamera’s father. Flynn had gone to retrieve his dad leaving Chris and his dad alone with Luke and me.
Chris stepped to me and said, “Mercy, this is my father Michael.”
I stood to give him a proper greeting. Stepping towards him, I reached out a hand. When Michael took it, it looked like he was holding the hand of a doll instead of mine. I felt like a small child standing next to him. Although I would have expected him to crush my hand he seemed to have control over his strength. Gently but firmly, he gave me a hand shake clasping his other hand on top of the one he already held.
“Nice to meet you,” I said with a warm smile. Although I didn’t know him, somehow I could tell he was good natured.
“You too, Mercy,” he said giving me back my hands. I went back to my spot on the couch after offering them something to eat or drink. They’d decline on both accounts.
When Flynn returned David, my mom followed them into the great room too. They greeted Michael and introductions were given for my mom’s benefit. Then they stepped outside into the night and Flynn returned to my side the couch.
Chris came over and sat on the chair cattycorner to the couch. “What’s the score?” he asked.
Luke rattled off the important stat information giving a brief run down as to where the game was. Funny thing was, I think I followed the explanation. The Cowboys were playing the Redskins and beating them convincingly but there had been a recent turnover. This meant the Skins were still in it and had fighting chance.
“So what’s going on Chris,” Flynn said during a commercial. I was a little annoyed that they were talking now. I was finally enjoying this part of the entertainment. I didn’t care about the game. But I realized this might be important so I turned just as a Doritos commercial ended. I stifled a chuckle at it when Chris spoke.
“One of us is missing,” he said dryly.
The television was now surely forgotten. All eyes were on Chris waiting for more details. When he said nothing I asked, “Who is she?”
“Tommy’s older sister who works in New York. She was headed home for the holidays and never showed up.”
Luke spoke up now. “Did she contact anyone along the way?”
Chris nodded before answering. His eyes looked tired and sad. “Yes, she called when she made a stop at a truck stop just outside
of town to get gas.”
Nothing was ever simple these days. The reason they were here was obvious. They think someone like us was involved. Flynn spoke up and said, “So how can we help?” Flynn face was serious. It was a genuine question to offer assistance.
“She should be able to handle herself. So we have to assume that she’s dead.” His statement was flat with no emotion. I didn’t know if that was his personality or that of his shifter nature.
Looking down, I picked at my fingernails. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know who the girl was but still I wouldn’t wish death on anyone. When the door opened and our all parents walked back in, Michael gestured to his son. Apparently, it was time to leave. We said our awkward goodbyes and waited while the shifters got in their car. Supernatural beings typically have enhanced abilities that included hearing. So nothing of consequence was said until they drove off.
“What the fuck?” Flynn said, one the car had cleared the driveway.
“Flynn,” David said admonishing his son.
“Whatever, they think we had something to do with it don’t they?” Flynn said.
David glanced down at his foot before meeting all our eyes. “Not necessarily. They felt a foreign present in the woods recently that matches no one they met.”
We waited in silence for David to finish looking at Flynn from our perch on the couch. “Well Chris mentioned the two demons in the woods the other night,” David said to Flynn. It was clear that Flynn hadn’t told him and David was not happy about finding out about this from someone else.
“I forgot, other stuff happened,” Flynn said.
“What stuff?” David asked.
Flynn looked away. David must have understood Flynn silence. “Ok, later but the point is, they didn’t think those two demons were the cause,” he said pausing for a moment. “They also don’t believe we’re the problem either although some in their clan won’t rule us out.”
“Shit,” Flynn said. “I can’t believe this.”
“Flynn, watch your tongue,” David chided again.
Flynn rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the television.
“So we’ll leave early, tomorrow perhaps,” David said.
That got a rise out of Flynn. He stood up meeting his father’s gaze head on. “It will look like we’re running,” he shouted. I wanted to say something but Flynn was doing a great job of expressing his feelings and I had to agree with him. Luke just looked and I could tell he was thinking about something.
David the embodiment of calm said, “We weren’t really given a choice,” he said. “But first we are going to help with the search. I need you both to stay here with Mercy. Don’t leave the house for anything.”
“Dad, I haven’t fed tonight,” Flynn said solemnly looking a bit embarrassed to admit that.
David looked at his son with wide eyes. “You can’t hold out,” he said cryptically eyeing him with more meaning in place of the words he didn’t use.
Flynn looked at him and nodded. “I should be fine,” he said. Flynn deflated and sat back on the couch. My mind wandered back to the shifters. So they hadn’t come to exchange information but rather to ask us to leave.
We made plans to leave tomorrow around midday so no one would have to get up early. My mom and David headed out to help with the search. And I solemnly headed to my room to pack.
Chapter Twenty Five
legerdemain (n.) deception, slight-of-hand
Luke followed me into my room and surprising Flynn barged in shortly afterwards.
“Look guys, I have to go.” Flynn said.
Luke and I both turned to stare at him. The move almost looked choreographed. I was also certain we both held the same perplexed expressions.
“Your dad said,” I proceeded to say.
“I know, but I have to go,” he said with a surety in his voice that spoke volumes over the words he used.
“How bad off are you?” I asked.
“Bad enough, I can’t wait,” he said with no hint of legerdemain in his tone.
I stopped myself without asking any further questions. Not having a life or death need to feed, I certainly couldn’t understand what he was going through. Luke nodded to him and said, “Be safe.”
Turning my fire brimmed eyes on Luke, I waited for him to really see my anger before I spoke. “Flynn you can’t go,” I pleaded.
“Luke can protect you,” Flynn said.
“That’s not the point,” I protested.
“Fine,” he said on a sigh. “Maybe I can get her to come here.”
“Are you crazy? Do you want to put another girl in harm’s way?” I asked.
His eyes narrowed. “What do you want from me, Mercy?”
“Take it from me,” I said, shocking everyone in the room.
Now it was Luke’s turn to look at me with cold fury pointed in my direction. “What,” he said indignantly.
I didn’t hesitate. Instead I gave all my attention to Flynn. “It’s not like you need sex, right?” I asked because I wasn’t quite ready for that type of heroism.
“No, but,” Flynn began.
“I am human enough?” I asked.
“Sure, but,” he said.
“Then it’s settled,” I said with finality.
Luke turned me towards him. “I don’t get a vote in this?” he protested in a not so friendly voice.
I just looked at him for a moment. “Luke, you know this means nothing. And frankly I don’t understand your objection.”
“You think I want my best friend kissing my girlfriend?” he asked outraged.
“You both can’t say that you all didn’t play spin the bottle with each other girlfriends in the past?” I half asked half stated the rumor mill theory for the basis of my defensive.
“Yeah, but that was different,” Luke said.
I rolled my eyes and landed them on Flynn.
“He means, none of the girls really ever matter to us,” Flynn said answering for Luke.
I turned back to Luke and he looked away pushing his curls back as his hands passed over his head in frustration.
Walking to him, I crossed the distance that he’d put between us. I placed my hand on his bicep. “Luke, you know I wouldn’t offer if there was any other way.”
I could read the pain in his eyes. Could I accept if our roles were reversed? Probably not, so I added, “If you really don’t want me to, I won’t.”
His eyes burned into mine. So many thoughts passed through his with things left unsaid. I couldn’t help but crack a joke so I could wipe the hurt from his face. “I guess you could always kiss him,” I teased.
Flynn snorted then said in the background, “I think I’d rather take my chances with death.”
There was a exhale and then a flicker of a grin on Luke’s face. It gave me the courage to turn but not move away from Luke so I could see Flynn’s eyes. “So you’re telling me that in the face of death or kiss Luke, you’d be willingly die?”
“Hell, yeah,” Flynn said with no hesitation. We all began to laugh. The tension had been cut but the problem remained.
Luke pushed off the wall he’d back into for support. “I can’t watch,” he said to no one while he made his way to my door. So that was how he’d given his approval to this resolution.
Flynn stopped him. “I need you to referee.” My eyes widened again as did Luke’s. “You need to stay here to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.”
Luke stared at Flynn with a blank face. Maybe he was as astonished because I’d expected the scowl on my face mirrored in his. The tension level rose again. “You can’t control yourself,” Luke managed to say.
Flynn spoke giving Luke blank face back. “It’s not me I’m worried about. It’s our untrained succubus here.”
“Me,” I said annoyed. My finger was pointed at my chest while I stared into Flynn’s face.
Luke reached up fisting his hair as if he was in pain. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Flynn said. “Don’t watch but be in the room.”
“I don’t want to listen either,” Luke said.
“Turn on the television,” Flynn said.
“Then how am I helping?” Luke asked.
This whole exchange had gone on without me being acknowledged.
“It really shouldn’t take too long,” Flynn began. “If it does, then there is a problem.”
“What should I do if there is a problem?” Luke asked.
Flynn took a breath. “Then break us apart but try not to touch her.”
Now it was my turn to say something. “Why?” I asked turning from my finger to open my palm face up.
“Because it may bring your darker half,” Flynn said to me. He didn’t have to say my succubus demon for me to understand what he was referring to.
I turned away. What was I contagious? Suddenly, I didn’t feel so sure about this plan. A several painful minutes later, Luke positioned himself on the other side of the bed looking out the window. The television was turn on low volume. I stood nervously listening to Flynn give me instructions.
“Keep the succubus at bay and it will be over quickly,” Flynn said.
“This is a onetime offer, McCallister. Keep better tabs on your power levels,” Luke said through gritted teeth. He was being a bit possessive. I could have said something like ‘I can do what I want’. But I put myself in his shoes and kept my mouth shut for the moment.
“This better not be some legerdemain ploy of yours,” I said.
He frowned. “What?” he asked.
Luke answered, “She means deception. But Mercy if he is, don’t worry I will kick his ass for the both of us.” God he was cute and smart too. I had to give him extra cool points.
“You’re such a little walking dictionary,” Flynn said while grinning. He put his hands on my face.
“Is it over yet,” Luke said.
“I haven’t started,” Flynn said through his own gritted teeth now. He drew me near and leaned down. I wanted to shout that I wasn’t ready. My heart fluttered a little. Flynn was still super attractive and I remember what it felt like to kiss him. It wasn’t a hardship. Luke honestly would be really upset if he knew how much Flynn had taught me on this trip.
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