by Jane Kindred
“You can say whatever you want in front of Theia. She knows about everything.”
Heat flashed in the pale blue of Lucy’s eyes. “Oh, well, isn’t that just swell, Lucien.”
“Edgar said he talked to you about his health problems. All he told me was that his health was deteriorating rapidly, and the partnership with Carter Hamilton was going to give him the opportunity to remedy that. Do you know anything more?”
Lucy turned toward them, regarding Theia icily. “You really want to talk about this in front of her?”
“Yes. She has experience with Hamilton.”
Lucy’s expression was slightly less hostile as she acknowledged it. “I suppose that’s true.” She dropped onto one of the awkwardly upholstered hospital waiting room chairs. “He was supposed to give Edgar an amulet. I assumed he already had and that everything was settled.”
“Was there an amulet on him?”
“No.”
Lucien considered. “Edgar seemed a little off when I left him, like he was exhausted by talking to me. I had the impression that whatever Hamilton was going to do for him, he hadn’t done it yet.”
Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose. “Do you think we should contact him? I hate the idea. He gives me the creeps. But maybe he can still reverse whatever’s happening.”
Theia was tempted to answer, to tell them that where Carter was concerned, they should run—fast—in the opposite direction. But this was their father, not hers.
“The deal’s already been struck,” said Lucien. “He’d just be fulfilling his end of the bargain.”
“That’s kind of what I’m worried about.” Lucy sighed, staring up at the ceiling. “I’m not positive, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Edgar offered Hamilton more than just a controlling interest in the company.” She leveled her eyes on Lucien. “I think he promised him me.”
“What?” Lucien dropped onto the chair next to her, letting go of Theia’s hand. “What are you talking about?”
“I don’t know that Edgar meant it in quite the mercenary way it sounds. But I believe he thought Hamilton and I would be an obvious match and that promising me to him was merely a formality, because I would see the wisdom in such a ‘merger’ myself.” She rolled her eyes. “And would apparently find Hamilton irresistible.”
Theia had to swallow hard against the urge to retch. Not an uncommon reaction around the subject of Carter Hamilton, but this time it seemed clear it was Lucy’s reaction she was picking up on. She certainly couldn’t blame her.
Lucien put his hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Hamilton’s not coming anywhere near you as long as I’m around.”
Lucy let out a sort of wheezing sound that seemed to be a laugh. “That’s really sweet of you, Lulu, but I’m a big girl. I think I can take care of myself.” She gave him a wry smirk. “I know the Russian martial art of Systema.”
“I’m serious. If this was part of the deal Edgar made, I’m not standing for it.”
Lucy’s smirk turned into a glare. “Lucien, take the out when it’s offered to you. If you don’t stop patronizing me, I’m going to punch you in the throat and they’re going to have to check you into your own room.”
Theia had to look away to hide a smile. She could imagine Rhea saying the same.
“The point is,” said Lucy, “I don’t think we have a choice. We’re going to have to call Hamilton eventually. He owes Edgar, and if he’s withholding what he owes, he may find himself on the receiving end of one of my throat punches himself.”
The elevator opened behind Theia. As she turned to move out of the way, she found herself face-to-face with none other than Carter himself.
He smiled, showing his overly white, perfect teeth. “Ms. Dawn. What a pleasant surprise. Though not an entirely unexpected one.”
Theia sneered. “It’s not mutual.”
Lucien rose and came to stand between them. “Hamilton.”
Carter offered his hand, but Lucien put his in his pocket. “Terrible news about Edgar. How are you holding up?”
“We’re just waiting to hear from the doctor.”
Lucy rose behind them. “We’ve already had some interesting news. My father’s health is exceptionally deteriorated. I believe you and he had an arrangement for you to share the secret of your good health with him. Why wasn’t that done?”
Carter moved past Lucien to take Lucy’s hand in both of his. “I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. I did offer to share my health regimen with Edgar, but I fear he may be beyond a few protein shakes and a low-fat diet at this point.”
Lucy yanked her hand from his grasp. “Cut the crap, Hamilton. You were supposed to give him an amulet to safeguard him against something like this. Where is it?”
Carter frowned, casting a glance at Theia. “Are we divulging the Smok secrets in front of outsiders now? Has she signed an NDA?”
“As a matter of fact, she has,” said Lucy. “So you can answer any and all questions related to the business in front of her. I’ll take full responsibility.”
“Will you? What an interesting development.” He reached into his inside suit pocket and pulled out a small square box. “As it happens, I do have the amulet. It isn’t a magical cure, however. It would have been better for Edgar to have had it on him before this ischemic event befell him, but it may prolong his life. As to the quality of that life, I can’t make any guarantees. There was a ritual involved that would have imbued Edgar with the strength of the magic behind the amulet. We were supposed to meet this evening, but life happens swiftly, doesn’t it?”
He opened the box and lifted out a length of gold chain with what looked like a gemstone charm dangling from it—black sapphire—set in ivory. Only Theia was pretty damn sure it wasn’t ivory. Carter had used the bones of his victims to make his charms when he’d attempted to steal Rafe’s power. She shivered and hugged her elbows.
Lucy held out her hand, but Carter didn’t offer the amulet. “I think we need to come to some kind of an understanding about what this is worth.”
Lucy frowned. “What do you mean, what it’s worth? You own a controlling interest in Smok International. That was the deal. That’s what it’s worth.”
“This deal took several months of negotiation, and it involves a number of complex elements. If you haven’t already reviewed your father’s copy of the contract, I suggest you do so in short order.” Several months. So he’d been wheeling and dealing from behind bars, knowing he had someone in the DA’s office to make his entire conviction go away—and knowing when. “The upshot is that, as the controlling interest in the company, I do have certain rights. And certain privileges.” He dangled the amulet in the light, admiring it. “And this particular bit of magic wasn’t easy to come by. But you are correct in saying that it was a large part of the deal.”
“Then give it to me, or I’m going to have to contact our lawyers. And trust me when I say they will be going over every line of that contract with a fine-tooth comb.”
Carter gave Lucy a look of admiration. “I’ve heard you like to play hardball. I like that in a woman.”
“I don’t really care what you like in a woman.”
After setting the amulet back inside the box and closing it, Carter held it out to her. “I look forward to sparring with you. Consider this a gesture of good faith.”
Lucy took the box, but Lucien stepped in and put his hand over hers. “Are you sure you want to do this, Lu?”
“I told you, I can handle myself.”
Lucien gave Carter a dismissive look. “Can I speak with my sister in private a moment, Mr. Hamilton?”
“Certainly. I’m sure Ms. Dawn and I have some catching up to do.”
Theia stared him down. “No, I’m sure we don’t.”
Carter grinned, like some spray-tanned ghoul, and strolled away from them down the hall.
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Lucien ignored him, intent on Lucy. “You can’t give this to Edgar without reading the fine print in that contract.”
“He needs it, Lucien. And, frankly, you need it. I’m not going to have Edgar dying on me and you following him.” Her voice wavered, just the slightest bit, in what Theia was sure was a rare display of emotion toward her brother.
“But you heard him. The required ceremony hasn’t been done. It’s not going to restore him to health.”
“But it will keep him alive. And right now, that’s the best we can do.”
That much turned out to be true. After Lucy found a nurse who promised to put it on Edgar when Lucy managed to work up some impressive tears, telling the nurse it was a religious symbol that she didn’t want her father to die without, the doctor emerged with good news. Edgar had stabilized.
Lucy and Lucien were allowed to see him briefly, but only one visitor at a time. While Lucien went in, Theia sat awkwardly beside Lucy in the waiting area, keeping a wary eye on Carter, who, for the moment, was maintaining a respectful distance.
“So.” Theia cleared her throat. “Are you planning to wipe my memory or have me kicked out of the university after this? Or both?”
Lucy exhaled, her head against the seatback and her eyes closed. “I reserve the right to do either at a later date if you intend to interfere in any way with how Lucien runs the business.”
“I have no intention of interfering.”
“You’ve already interfered, Theia. Your entire existence is an interference.” She opened her eyes. “Lucien said he told you everything. Does that include the things he’s done in the name of business over the years? Neither of us are innocents.”
“I have some idea.”
“You have no idea. And I suppose he told you about his suicide attempts and the fact that he’s on antidepressants.”
“No, he didn’t. But it’s not like I’ve never taken antidepressants before. Who hasn’t?”
“You’re almost adorably naive.” Lucy wasn’t smiling. “Almost. The only thing Lucien has ever done with any enthusiasm—besides drink and screw an endless parade of women—is his special project at Smok Biotech. He may not need it now. Maybe Edgar will hang on, and everything will be hunky-dory. But ask yourself what he’s going to do without his research to keep him focused. And without his outlet of hunting rogue creatures. It’s not an inexpensive hobby. How long will it be before he begins to resent you for taking everything away from him?”
Theia smoothed her hand along the seat’s upholstery, studying the seams. “Are you saying that even with your father incapacitated, Lucien will be cut off if he continues to see me?” Lucy’s momentary silence made her glance up.
“You are really something. I’m sitting here in the hospital with my father’s life hanging by a thread, and you’re conniving how to benefit from his misfortune.”
Theia blushed, realizing that was exactly how it sounded. “I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. Of course I hope he recovers fully.” She would have said more, but Lucien returned, looking grim.
He bent to give Lucy a kiss on the cheek, which seemed to alarm her.
“What’s wrong?”
“He’s stable, but he’s barely there. He can’t communicate. He doesn’t respond when I speak to him—he just stares vacantly. If he survives, he’s going to need around-the-clock home care.”
Lucy’s expression matched his. “And the amulet will keep him like that.”
“Until I die, presumably.”
She swore and shoved herself out of her chair, heading straight for Carter at the other end of the waiting area. “This is exactly how you planned it, isn’t it?”
Carter remained seated, smiling up at her calmly. “How’s that?”
“You never intended to keep up your end of the deal. You held on to that amulet until Edgar’s body gave out on him, until all it would do was keep him alive as a living poppet.”
“I think you’re letting your emotions get the best of you, my dear. Totally understandable under the circumstances. But it might do you some good to go home and get some rest.”
The tension in Lucy’s body was clear even from where Theia was sitting. Lucy was holding back a well-deserved ass kicking with everything she had. Theia couldn’t help rooting for her to fail in her endeavor to resist the impulse.
Lucy stared down at him, jaw clenched. “If anyone should go home, Hamilton, it’s you. If you know what’s good for you, you will get up and walk out of here right now before I do something I’ll regret.”
Carter rose with leisurely grace. “I can see that you’re upset, so I’ll give you and Lucien some privacy. And some time to decide how to proceed with Edgar’s health care. Just let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
After nodding to Lucien and Theia on his way to the elevator, he turned around to observe Lucien while waiting for it to arrive. “You look a little run-down, Lucien. You might want to take extra care with your archery. I assume it’s also how you came by that fading black eye.” He glanced at Theia, deliberately holding her gaze though he was still talking to Lucien. “You’ll need all your strength for your other...pastimes. In my experience, the Carlisle women are absolute wildcats in bed.”
The elevator opened before Theia could think of a snappy retort to put him in his place, and Carter stepped inside and faced them for one last parting shot. “But of course, you wouldn’t know that yet, would you, Lucien? You’ve fallen for the delicate unspoiled fruit. Let me know how it goes if you manage to pierce that delectable untouched skin. Absolutely anything could happen.”
Theia’s face blazed, and Lucien launched himself toward the elevator with a snarl, but the doors closed in his face.
After giving Theia a disbelieving look, Lucy broke the awkward silence that followed. “If she’s a virgin, what the hell did I walk in on the other day?”
Lucien turned to give her a sardonic, James Spader smirk, his eyebrows raised suggestively. “Creative chastity.”
* * *
As Theia drove back to her place later, Lucien pushed the point of her bob behind her ear, letting his fingers linger at her nape. “Thank you for coming with me tonight. And for putting up with that odious piece of garbage.”
Theia shrugged. “He doesn’t bother me. His game is intimidation and trying to make everyone around him feel inferior. He’s what would happen if an internet troll stepped out of the comments section into your living room. He deserves exactly the same consideration.”
Lucien smiled at the thought of an in-person block button. “You know I’m not bothered about you being a virgin, either. I’m not concerned with...”
“Piercing my tender flesh? Being the first to pluck my delectable flower?” She gave him a quick sideways grin.
Lucien laughed. “Jesus. That guy. Who talks like that?”
“I was going to say a Neanderthal. But that would be an insult to Neanderthals.” Theia slowed at the turn toward her apartment. “Rhea’s going to look in on Puddleglum for me, so I was planning on staying in Flagstaff tonight. But would you rather be alone? Do you want me to drive you home?”
Lucien shook his head. “I most emphatically would not rather be alone. Lucy says she’ll call me if anything changes, but the doctors don’t expect it to. And for obvious reasons, neither do I.”
Theia glanced at him. “Did you and Lucy talk about what you’re going to do? I mean, are you...”
“Going to let my father live out the entire span of my life being spoon-fed pureed meat from a blender and wearing a diaper?” Lucien sighed. “I wish I knew the answer to that. It was his bargain to make. He sold his soul as surely as he sold mine. I have every right to live a full life before I pay the bill he racked up. I just wish that felt better to say than it does.”
They climbed into bed with little fanfare, Theia in her underwear and
a T-shirt and Lucien in his boxers, planning only to sleep. The splint and sling would make anything else difficult anyway. And making out didn’t seem quite right with Edgar in the condition he was in. Although if Edgar remained in that state indefinitely, Lucien would have to get past that.
Despite their plans, Lucien couldn’t help kissing her good-night, and the kiss turned into more. Not a lot more—he could tell she shared his apprehension about what might happen if they went any further—but he was content with moving slowly with Theia. Something he’d never considered in his life. He’d been other women’s first—or other girls’, anyway, in high school—but looking back, he was fairly sure he hadn’t exactly been a great first experience. He wanted to do this right with Theia. Especially if it turned out to be the only time they could be together. If he was going to turn into some inhuman creature and join the seven-headed beast of the apocalypse afterward, he was damn well going to make it good for both of them.
He lay awake after she’d fallen asleep, his head too loud to find stillness, and got up to go to the bathroom after an aborted attempt to quiet it.
As he washed up by the glow of the electrical switch that served as a built-in night-light, Lucien glanced in the mirror over the sink. The shadows made his face look odd. Was his hairline receding? Laughing at himself for being paranoid, he switched on the light, but his laughter died as his eyes adjusted to the brightness. Two small, bony protrusions were erupting beside his widow’s peak. Lucien touched the top of his head and confirmed his worst fear. He was growing horns.
Chapter 25
His hand, as he pushed back his hair to see closer, felt stiff and awkward. His fingers were hard to uncurl, as if he were an old man with severe arthritis. He brought his hand down in front of him. The fingernails were lengthening as he watched—long and curved and pointed. He was growing claws. He could feel it in the hand in the sling. As he nudged the fabric off his arm, his shoulders ached, and he rolled them back—and saw another protrusion at his shoulder blade. Lucien ran his fingers over the growth. It was leathery, and it was expanding.