by Jaime Reed
“Forgive her, Samara. You must understand, Olivia and Nadine were very close,” Angie implored.
I understood perfectly. I was a stranger, one who threatened the nobility of her bloodline. To make matters worse, she was forced to break bread with the sons of the man who murdered her big sister. If those weren’t grounds for resentment and angst, nothing was.
I took a swig of water before saying, “Look, I don’t want to reopen any old wounds for you guys. And I know you have a ton of questions, but this is all new for me, too.”
“Don’t let this discourage you. No one blames you and we have come to terms with what has happened,” Angie assured.
I looked to the entryway where Olivia passed. “Not everyone,” I said as stomping feet resounded upstairs with the slam of a bedroom door as the grand finale.
8
After dinner, the Petrovsky offspring were banished to the solitude of their beds while the rest of us gathered in the private office for coffee and tea.
Forest green print covered the walls and the dark wood furniture made the room a masculine study. The place screamed of luxury: the tall fireplace and plush leather chairs and heavy oak desk in the corner. My grandpa had a lair like this, but more books and decapitated wildlife occupied the walls.
Angie nestled into a fancy armchair by the fireplace and got right down to business. “Tell me, Samara, how many head Cambion families are there?”
Wow, it was quiz time again. Taking timid sips of my drink, I did a mental head count. “Um, thirteen altogether, including three in North America.”
“So you know who the Santiago Family is?” she prodded.
I searched the room for aid, but the brothers became suddenly interested with different points around the study. Caleb sat on a chaise across from me with his arms crossed. Yep, I was on my own.
“Yes, they govern parts of Canada, the entire East Coast all the way to Puerto Rico,” I answered.
“Very good. And you’re aware that you were born under their jurisdiction and you must obey the laws within their region?” When I nodded, she rose from her chair and said, “As your elder, I’m obligated to explain Cambion law and specify how we differ from our predecessors.”
“I kinda know the difference between succubi and Cambions,” I said.
“Yes, but you need to understand the history. The thirteen families are very old, but that is not what makes them powerful. It is their discipline and their persistence to destroy all demons. It has been a quest, a competitive one, for over a thousand years. We want our bloodline free of further corruption so that no more demons populate the Earth. To do that, certain rules must be put into place that no family can overturn.” She paced around the room with a smooth, graceful glide, balancing a tiny cup on a saucer.
“If a Cambion suffers the loss of his mate, or is even rumored to overindulge in feeding, he is to be reported and observed by his appointed leader. If he is suspected of converting to his demon counterpart, he is to be executed. Simple as that.” Angie’s gaze stopped on every male in the room as she spoke. The brothers bowed their heads, like misbehaved boys sitting in the principal’s office.
“As a law, those who know that such a Cambion is on the brink of transformation and failed to report it must be punished as well. The method varies with every region, but it usually leads to death. Not only was your father a convert, but he murdered the heir of one of those head families. This is a capital offense.”
I wasn’t sure why I raised my hand like class was in session—it was just reflex. “This may sound harsh, but it was your daughter Nathan Ross killed, not theirs. If anyone, you should be the one to convict the brothers.”
She offered me a look a mother would wear when her kid said something cute. “It is a matter of principle and reputation. The offense occurred on Santiago territory, and having a rogue Cambion right under their nose makes them appear incompetent to the other families, not only in this country, but those around the world. Their title could be challenged if they show weakness.”
“Why do the other families have to know? Can’t you just cover it up by saying it was a freak accident?” I asked.
“Sam, you have no idea how notorious the Petrovskys are in the Cambion circuit. They’re the historians, holding one of the oldest records of our existence,” Haden explained. “Word of Nadine’s death went global. All eyes are on America, and they’re hoping to see blood spilt.”
“Well, Nathan Ross is dead. There’s your blood,” I replied.
“That would be enough if Caleb were not under investigation. The Santiagos feel his feeding habits will become a similar problem in the future. Since Caleb is American, born under their territory, he is of special interest,” Angie said. “As the oldest, Broderick has gone to New York and offered to intercede on your behalf.”
“You mean take my place at the guillotine,” Caleb said.
“We can only hope it doesn’t come to that. But the deaths reported in this state have put quite a stain on their reputation,” Angie said grimly.
“Are you serious? They could kill Caleb just to save face? They can’t do that!” I cried. “This is illegal! These guys are going to jail for murder.”
“Secular law doesn’t apply to Cambion dealings, Sam. The family has their hands in every position of office. If they want someone to disappear, they disappear. It wouldn’t be the first time,” Haden intoned.
“This isn’t fair!” I slammed my cup on the table. “I will blow the lid on this whole thing before they kill an innocent man. I will go to every news station and expose them.”
“And tell them what?” Michael jumped in. “That incubi and succubi exist? Most people don’t even know what a Cambion is, Sam.”
“There’s gotta be a way to stop this.”
“There is no need to be upset just yet. This is only an inquiry,” Angie chimed in. “Their primary concern is Caleb, but killing a Cambion’s mate is forbidden under any circumstance. Your bonding will overthrow the ruling based on a technicality.” After taking a dainty sip of her tea, Angie’s gaze settled on me. “Now that that is established, I think it’s time to discuss the extent of your relationship.”
I suddenly grew fascinated with the shadows on the floor. “Angie, I think that’s a little too personal.”
“That may be so, but your decision could determine how this investigation will end.”
Once again, it all boiled down to the big to-do. Our bonding was inevitable, but I was hoping for something romantic and a lot more private. This may not be a big deal for anyone else, but I was the only inexperienced person in the room, and to put it mildly, I was terrified. But if it meant that no one else had to die, I was willing to take one for the team.
Caleb, unfortunately, had other ideas. “No,” he growled. “We’ve already been over this. If we bond and something happens to me, Sam will die too.”
“How about we cross that bridge when we get there,” Haden disputed. “Why don’t you think about someone else for a change?”
“I am!” Caleb bellowed. “I will not be pressured into something that might not even work. Our personal lives shouldn’t be up for public debate. It’s bad enough that I have to cater to a demon spirit, now I have to be told who I should—” He pursed his lips and breathed through his nose, quelling his temper. “First my free will, then my privacy. Is there anything that belongs to me? I’ll control my own life.” Caleb rose from the chaise and headed to the door.
“Caleb, if you don’t wish for that life to end tonight, I suggest you sit down. Now,” Angie called after him, her eyes glowing with blazing emerald light at Caleb’s back.
He stopped abruptly. In that same instant, a sharp pain hit my chest, a strike of panic that left me breathless.
Haden and Michael got to their feet slowly, taking care not to make any sudden movements. The two studied Angie keenly, their bodies tensed, ready to jump into the line of fire if necessary.
Caleb spun around and met Angie in defianc
e, but quickly turned away with evident pain. His gaze met the floor, blinking rapidly, struggling for sight.
Not daring to look her in the face again, he said in a shaky voice, “If you kill me, you’ll just be doing Tobias a favor. Am I the only one who remembers him? He’s also connected to Sam. I’m sure the Santiago family would love to hear that a demon could be an heir to the Petrovsky dynasty.” Keeping his head low, he left the room, letting the door slam behind him.
Angie closed her eyes and massaged the bridge of her nose, conjuring composure. Michael and Haden glared at me as if this was all my fault.
“We should go after him.” I began to rise, but Angie lifted her hand to stop me.
“No. I need to speak with you alone, Samara. Michael, Haden, please keep an eye on your brother. Make sure he doesn’t leave his room for the rest of the night.”
The brothers backed out of the room, only turning away when they reached the door.
The study went quiet again with only the cracking of firewood to break the monotony. I too had trouble looking at her at the moment, so I played with my hands, picking at the hangnail on the right thumb. “Caleb has a point, you know. The powers that be won’t be too happy about Tobias.”
“Yes, which is why they will not be told, not until you and Caleb are mated.”
“You think that’s why Nadine didn’t tell you about Tobias? She was afraid how you would react? I mean, she was mated to an incubus, her sworn enemy. He might’ve tricked her or she did it willingly—I don’t know—but Tobias and Lilith are connected now.”
“What a tangled mess, little one. I’m so sorry you were left with this burden. Had I known . . .” She covered her face with her hand, pushed back the tears that tried to escape. “When was the last time you saw him?”
I told her everything that had occurred in the past week, from my blackout, Tobias’s disappearance, to the intruder in my house. The last straw came when I showed her my bracelet and the severed chain covered in duct tape. I’d been using different tools to hold the link together—paper clips, hair barrettes, rubber bands—but they would rust or slip off in the shower.
Angie wasn’t the swearing type. It was bad etiquette. But she seemed to be making up for lost time in the span of two minutes. Once her tirade was over, she moved to the fireplace and retrieved a small, flat box and a lighter from behind a vase on the mantel. With a flick of her wrist, a cigarette settled between her fingers.
“You promised me you’d quit,” I mumbled.
“Did I?” She lit the end and took a drag.
After thinking about it, I realized she was right. “No. You didn’t promise me. You promised Nadine.”
“Yes, well it’s only a recent lapse. Suffice it to say, it’s been a very stressful month.” Her free hand stroked my hair. “Gets a bit confusing up there, doesn’t it? It’s hard to tell where Nadine ends and you begin.”
“Sometimes.”
“And your feelings for Tobias are conflicted, yes?”
“Not just Tobias, Caleb, too,” I answered.
She nodded and took another deep pull of smoke. The cherry at the end of the cigarette glowed bright and ran in close competition with the fire in her eyes. “Caleb is hurting. Don’t take it personally. Despite everything that may be happening, he loves you.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“Don’t you feel it? It’s all over this room as thick as fog. It’s all over the furniture, seasoning the food at dinner. I understand that he doesn’t like to be pressured, but what is your reason for not sealing the bond? You two can finally be together, and this would solve all of your problems.”
“And create new ones,” I disputed. “I don’t think I’m ready for that step. I’m pretty messed up in the head. My parents had me when they were still in high school and I don’t want one careless act to ruin my life. I get where Caleb’s coming from, the need for control, and these . . . things in our bodies are fighting us at every turn.”
She was quiet for several excruciating moments, and even in heavy concentration, she looked stunning. She circled the room again before she put out her cigarette and sat next to me. “Do you know the real reason why my husband is ill? Because I’m slowly killing him.”
I hadn’t expected that at all, and the light, conversational tone made it more disturbing. “What?”
“He’s not like us, but we are linked and my spirit requires that I feed from him regularly. He brings me so much joy, Samara, I could simply burst. But he’s getting older and doesn’t replenish his energy as quickly as he used to. His immune system suffers because of it and he will worsen as the years go on. And when he dies . . .”
“Your spirit will go through withdrawal and you may go insane,” I finished. “But didn’t you say that those who lose a mate have to be reported? Does that mean you might be killed?”
Her silence answered that question for me. “Do you see how fortunate you are? You and Caleb are both Cambions, equals who can bond completely. There is a mutual exchange where you strengthen one another.”
“If we don’t kill each other first,” I mumbled.
There went that motherly smile again. “You are in love. You are going to fight and pester each other. It’s a certainty. But the connection you share, even now, will help you survive where others would have died. My husband and I are not as fortunate and I must prepare for his passing, which is why I need to make sure my family is in order. There must be someone to lead the Petrovsky name and guide my daughters.”
“What about Olivia?”
“She will be appointed if you refuse the title. But if you refuse, you and Caleb won’t have my name as protection and you will be back where you started.”
“Great.” I needed another heavy responsibility on my shoulders, I really did.
“This is why I’ve come to see you, to explain what is in store for you,” she continued. “Your bonding with Caleb is one of many concerns.”
“Yeah, about that . . .” I began, fighting the sudden nausea. “Doesn’t our empathic link count for anything in all of this? Caleb’s drink had been spiked with olive oil on Halloween, and he wound up in a coma for a month. We may not be bonded, but the link that we share almost drove me insane. As far as I’m concerned, we’re already screwed—no pun intended.”
“I’ve considered that.” Angie nodded. “Cambions rarely mate with other Cambions and when they do, it’s done immediately. The link you and Caleb share was meant to be a temporary phase, in the way an engagement precedes a wedding. How you’ve held back for this long is remarkable, given what we are, what’s in our nature. Which makes sense that the family believes that you and Caleb are already bonded, and who are we to make them believe otherwise?” she said.
I stared at her sly expression, weighing what she implied, but even more so to what she didn’t say. “You mean you made them believe that we were? So basically we just fake it until we make it.”
“These are very unusual circumstances that never had to be addressed before. Lilith is a mature spirit trapped in a child’s body, and you are too young to make a decision so permanent. This is the best option for you right now.”
“How will they know if we’re not lying? Is there a test? A secret handshake?” I asked.
“Not likely if there are those who can attest for you, someone they trust to give a sound witness.”
It took me a second to catch on. “Ruiz,” I said.
She nodded. “He reports everything to them. If you can convince him that you are bonded, there will be no reason for further investigation,” she said. “Allow the detective to observe you together as often as possible. Once he is convinced that you are a bound pair, he will report it and the family will have no choice but to close the issue.”
I shook my head, dumbstruck. “How on earth will I pull that off?”
“Be creative. I trust your judgment on this.” Angie winked.
“What about Tobias?” I asked, afraid to know the answer. Whatever it
was, it was going to be bad for all of us, but I had to know what I was up against.
“Quite simple, little one,” she began with a gentle smile, her words honey sweet laced with poison. “The demon must die.”
After I left the hotel, I drove around for a while to clear my head, because Angie’s words kept scrambling my thoughts.
“The demon must die. The demon must die.”
The phrase played over and over, the repetition digging grooves into my brain. I didn’t want Tobias to die, not if it meant Caleb and I would go with him. My concern was entirely selfish and I was completely comfortable with that. Though I was sure Tobias could survive just about anything, I still needed to find him before Angie did.
I took the city tour through Tobias’s path of destruction, the demon walk of ill-fame, as it were. I cruised past my house, my school, Merchant’s Square where Tobias took me to feed, then I finally parked in front of Caleb’s townhouse, which was under construction. Apart from the blue tarp covering the roof and the boarded windows, the outside looked fine. Most of the damage was inside, and it had to be gutted and renovated.
Whether it was a woman or a solid building, nothing was left standing after Tobias was done with it. I doubted he would have the nerve to show up in Caleb’s neighborhood again, so I ventured to my next destination.
The spray bottle of olive oil that I always kept in my bag now rested on my lap, just in case he decided on another sneak attack. And as always, Lilith worried my spine, in full knowledge of the damage anointing oil could cause. Caleb almost died when a few drops were slipped into his drink at Courtney B.’s Halloween party. Naturally, Lilith would fear for my own safety, and as far as she was concerned I was a child playing with matches.
Staring out to the road, I remembered the costume party all those lifetimes ago. What I would give to go back to a time where a party was just a party, and not a prelude to tragedy. I remembered my green fairy wings, the candy apple on my head and Caleb’s nifty trick with his bow and arrow. Then I recalled the masked man on the dance floor who I now knew was Tobias. I followed him around the party, just as mindless and desperate to reach him as I was now.