by Sariah Skye
She rolled her eyes, shaking her head, and sighing. Like a typical, contemptuous mother. “Avie…seriously. What is going on? Your dark-haired friend, that Matthew—”
“—Mathias.” I corrected, through gritted teeth.
“Yes. He came by; said he was in the neighborhood. He said you’d been in some sort of struggle with someone. His friend just happened to be in the right place to help you! Thank the gods but—are you all right?” She asked, her face forlorn and pleading.
I forced a smile. “Yes, I’m fine. We were just caught in the rain; Xander brought me and Sierra to their house; it was a split-second decision. I’m just here taking a bath. That’s all, Mom.” I insisted.
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, good. But—sweetheart…I hesitate to say this…but…”
I cocked a brow. “Say what?”
She sighed, turning away from the screen for a moment. “Avie…I told you about your father. I don’t know much, as you know…but there was something about him. Something that wasn’t right.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Oh? And you still slept with him?”
She exhaled, exasperated. “Everyone warned me; the coven. But he was so handsome, so beautiful. You have the same eyes and smile,” she said, with a faraway look, as if remembering something deep in her mind. She snapped out of it, and looked directly at the screen again. “But…something was off. Later, I was told he might have ties with a rival coven. That he was into…dirty magic.”
“Dirty magic?” I watched her with suspicion. “Coven? Mother…these covens were just…religious, right? You didn’t do anything…weird? You didn’t have actual magic, right?”
My mother appeared affronted for a split second, before laughing awkwardly. “Avie, come on! There’s no such thing as magic!”
“Uh huh. Of course not…” I said lowly. I sighed, frustrated. “What are you getting at then, Mom?”
She smiled. “Look, Avie…I get it. It’s been a while, you want to hook up with a handsome man and his friends—I know threesomes are the new thing now—” I almost choked on my breath, hearing my mother talk about threesomes, “—but just be careful. Your father well…he hurt me because I never saw him again. I don’t want you to go through that too.”
My face fell. “I know, Mom. I’m fine. Xander did me a solid. I met them the other night when Summer and I went to that club.” I didn’t add that we didn’t exchange phone numbers or anything; she didn’t need to know about the supernatural connection. “We’re just eating pizza and watching movies until the storms clear—then I’ll be home. That’s it.”
My mother didn’t appear convinced from her smirk. “Mmm-hmm,” she said, with a grin. “Summer was worried about you. She just got home a little bit ago and she was asking about you; this was after your friend left. I think she wanted you and her to go back to that club…the Stargazer? She said you had fun there.”
“Go back?” I mimicked, feeling surprised. Normally, when Summer went to the clubs with her friends—without me—she usually attended LGBTQ friendly ones, like The Gay 90s (a very popular landmark over the years for the LGBTQ community and Minneapolis as a whole). She rarely attended “straight” clubs as she called them without me. They didn’t hold her interest, and there certainly (besides the four men I was currently in the house of now) wasn’t anything special about the Stargazer; it was just another smelly club.
“Yeah. Guess it was pretty nice there; at least that’s what Summer said.” My mother shrugged. “Oh well. You be careful, sweetheart. Use protection.”
I rolled my eyes and groaned. “Good bye, Mom.” I swiped the screen and her image disappeared.
I tossed the phone down back onto my pile of clothes, pausing for a moment in thought. “She must have met someone really good to bring her back to that dump…” I said aloud to myself. I shrugged it off; the beautiful bath bubbles were calling me. It was time to indulge.
CHAPTER 12
I’m not sure how long I partook in the glorious tub…at least an hour. The thunder had increased; I could see the flashes of lightning through the windows that surrounded me. The sky grew gradually darker not just because of the storm, but because of sunset. It had to be around ten o’clock at night or so now. I refilled the tub at least twice to heat it back up but I was running out of hot water; and I probably should check on Sierra. I knew regardless of Trystan’s abilities, she could still hold her own, but I just wanted to see her for myself.
My body was jelly as I staggered through the bathroom, barely remembering to grab a towel to wrap around myself. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, I hummed as I ambled to the bedroom, humming as I shimmied to the dresser to hunt for an appropriate new set of temporary clothing. I about jumped two feet in the air as I nearly tripped over Sierra’s large, furry body. Somehow, even though the door was locked, she managed to get in.
I pulled the towel tighter around myself and hunched over; like the extra two inches of length was going to hide my lady bits from whoever let her in. Of course, that exposed my ass. I cursed under my breath. “How’d you get in here?” I asked Bash to bring her, but I figured she’d just sit outside the door until I could unlock it.
I suddenly felt very insecure. I opened a drawer in the white dresser and was relieved—and a little disappointed—to see nothing but black and gray sweats and plain white and gray t-shirts. Disappointed that I wasn’t met with an instant lavish wardrobe—you know, like in all the books? Girl meets strange guy, girl goes to house of strange guy, girl mysteriously finds a new wardrobe of women's clothing for her, all miraculously in her size. Convenient. But not here. I was relieved that they had no need for women's clothing. Which also disturbed me at the same time…
Did they bring their conquests here? Did they have their way with them in this bedroom?
Feeling disgusted, I picked out larges in the gray sweatpants and a gray t-shirt. I didn’t want to re-wear my underwear—because ew—but I had no choice but to wear the bra again (I’d only washed it two months ago—it was still totally clean!). I wasn’t about to parade about a house of incubi with my nips on parade. I wasn’t that stupid.
I gasped lightly, at the very notion of one of them—any of them—with their eyes on my breasts…lingering over the points through the shirt. I shuddered, feeling a rush of molten lava down my spine and straight between my legs.
Perhaps I should have taken a cold bath.
I scoffed at myself, pulling the garments on. They were washed and soft, but not worn. At least someone took care to wash the icky chemicals out beforehand. The t-shirt was long, and fit like a tent on me. I supposed it could be considered cute, but I didn’t want cute. I wanted hot. I reached around and bunched it up in back of me, tying it into a little knot, effectively turning the tee into a little crop top. Sorta. At least I didn’t appear like I was drowning in the fabric—so that was good. Summer would be proud of me, for at least attempting to make myself presentable in a situation with four potential “suitors.” I piled my lavender-streaked hair in a messy top knot with the ponytail holder I’d been using before, since with all my rummaging I didn’t find a brush. I snickered—they couldn’t possibly have females here and not offer them a brush. That was inhuman. At least that’s what I told myself to make me feel better.
I figured I’d disappeared long enough; I should probably go see what the gentlemen were up to. It was getting late, and I wasn’t sure what the plan was. Where was this dinner Mathias promised? When was everyone going to sleep? What if I couldn’t sleep, I would need the wi-fi password? I’d need something to occupy the time. There was no way I’d allow myself to sleep in a house full of gorgeous men. What if I snored or drooled? Or farted in my sleep? They were supernatural, perhaps they could hear it from the other side of the house?
I shivered. No, the notion was too terrifying.
“Wi-fi password…surely they have one.” I grabbed my phone, thrusting it into one of the side pockets and quietly padded down the hallway in my bare feet on t
he cool hardwood floor.
Not more than a couple of feet down, I heard voices coming from one of the rooms nearby. I heard the clack and roll of balls (actual balls, not the male kind). I stopped in my tracks outside the doorframe, pressing myself against the wall when I heard:
“You didn’t tell her, right?”
“No, of course not.” The insistent voice belonged to Xander, and the first, Mathias.
“Good. She can’t know either—it isn’t fair to put her in that sort of a position,” Mathias said, as I heard a clink of glass against what I guessed was a countertop.
My eyebrows shot up. Know what? I mouthed silently.
“What if she has no interest in any of us?” Trystan spoke next, his tone somewhat defeated.
“Then we deal. We’ve been dealing for so long without someone like her—what’s another thousand years?” Bash said bitterly.
“I still think she should be told; so she can make the best decision for herself. I don’t know her well, obviously…but she’s very smart. I think she’ll figure it out,” Xander said.
I grinned smugly to myself. Damn right I am. You just moved to the front of the list, Xander, I thought. Not sure what list that was, exactly…list of men I’d like to ravage? Yeah, that list.
“I think Xan is right. She should know,” Bash agreed.
“No!” Mathias was insistent; I heard what sounded like a glass being rapped on a stone counter. I nearly startled, but managed to control myself. “No,” he continued, more calmly. “If she knows, she might make a pity decision. I can’t…I can’t handle that,” he said solemnly. The wistfulness in his tone nearly made my heart ache.
“He nearly spilled the beans though,” Trystan said. “She was asking about succubi, and if it were possible to have a relationship with one of them. If not them—then who?”
“What?” Xander retorted defensively. “I told her the truth! I said one hasn’t been seen in years!”
Trystan snorted. “Aye. You were about two seconds away from telling her that she was the one. That a cambion is the only type of supe we can have a full and normal relationship; that the combination of blood and magic cancels out our incubus curse.”
My eyes immediately widened. Without realizing it, I let out a little squeak. I cowered against the wall, feeling exposed; pressing my fingers to my lips to prevent anymore mouse-sounds from coming out.
“Was that…?” Bash began, and I heard footsteps as I knew he was coming to check down the hall.
I squinted my eyes. No, I wanted to hear more!
All right, stealth mode. Don’t fail me now!
I squatted down to my feet, making myself as small as possible. I wished like hell he couldn’t see me.
I crooked one eye open to see Bash craning his head out of the doorway, looking left, then right. But never at me. He sighed once before shaking his head and retreating for the room that he came from. Haha—sweet success! I silently praised my little invisibility ability as I cowered in the hallway.
“I have a feeling our invisible supernatural is lurking about!” Bash called out pointedly.
A cocky laugh. “I got this.” Xander peered out from the doorway. I cowered low on my ankles, thinking sneaky thoughts.
He glanced around the hallway, eyes never really landing on any specific spot. I thought I was okay until he flung his arm towards the front of the house, and back towards me.
I let out a yelp, as I was zapped very lightly in my feet by the faintest of lightning strikes. Xander smirked at me, and gave me a little wave.
I leaned over and rubbed my foot. It only felt like a small jolt from one of those electric muscle stimulators, but still. “How did you know I was there?”
Xander stepped forward, reaching out a hand of peace. Reluctantly, I took it, and allowed him to pull me to a standing position. I shivered, feeling the electricity thrum off his body at this close proximity. I knew I should step back, but...
In fact, that’s the very last thing I wanted right now.
Xander also hesitated, refusing to drop my hand even though I was standing successfully. Both of our breaths hastened as we stood there, saying nothing; our eyes staring at our grasped hands.
“So, uh…how much did you hear?” He asked quietly, in his deep, gruff voice. The dulcet tone sent a shiver down my spine.
I swallowed nervously. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”
He wasn’t quite convinced. He dropped one hand, and lifted my chin upwards, so our gazes met. The corner of his mouth upturned in the sexiest of smirks as he said, “I’m not quite sure I believe you.”
I tilted my head to the side, narrowing my eyes. “All I heard was ‘she’s a cambion.’,” I lied.
Xander chuckled lightly. “Right.”
“Xan! The fuck, dude?” Bash called from the next room.
That broke the trance; Xander and I quickly pulled apart. The flush still apparent on his cheeks was priceless. He didn’t drop one of my hands though, and proceeded to yank me ceremoniously into a game room, where everyone was lounging about.
It was the epitome of “man cave.” A futuristic wine cabinet with all sorts of digital displays, a steel mini-fridge, and bar area with racks of copious amounts of various alcohols, a pool table in the middle, big screen TV with every gaming console ever known to man, framed posters of expensive cars…even a bear-skin rug, which struck me as odd, knowing Trystan’s affection for them.
“It’s fake!” He insisted, noticing my questioning gaze at it.
I grinned. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”
“Och, no, but ye were thinking it.” Trystan had been playing video games on the leather sofa in the center of the room. He had paused the game apparently when Xander and I walked in. Bash was leaning over the pool table, racking the balls for another game, and Mathias was bent over the bar sink, drumming his fingers pensively on the counter.
“So…you overheard. You know.” Mathias stood, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Xander dropped my hand. “She said she didn’t hear anything.”
He raised his palms up. “It’s okay. Look, Avie—Ava. If you feel something for Xander, it makes perfect sense. He was the one who found you; you went through a harrowing ordeal. You don’t have to hide anything.”
I looked at Xander, who appeared abashed, and back to Mathias. I stalked the room, waggling my finger at him.
“I’m not hiding anything. I’m very grateful for Xander for assisting me against Swarthy-man…but I am not swooning, pining, or otherwise yearning for him or any of you. Yet. I’m just here because you brought me to tell me more about myself. I’ll accept your hospitality, your friendship—maybe. But I’m not in any position to have chosen any one of you. I’m so sorry that you cannot have real relationships. But if I fall for someone, it won’t be because they rescued me,” I said, glancing at Xander. “It will be because, after a time, I find I can’t live without you. Because I’m better with you, rather than without. It won’t be because of pity, or because of a curse. You all deserve better than a superficial love. And so do I.”
Mathias dropped his hands to his sides, clearly taken aback, brown eyes wide.
“Ah, she does know, then,” Xander said, sheepishly with a chuckle.
I shrugged at him, before turning back to Mathias. His expression was that of a surprised child. “I’m sorry, Ava…I didn’t mean…”
I waved my hand in a dismissive gesture.
“Rest assured, I don’t just want a pity relationship,” Mathias said softly, taking a few steps near me. “But I cannot…we cannot deny that we all feel a pull towards you. And we don’t know what to do about it.”
I raised a brow. “How is that possible? You barely know me.” But it was possible because, quite clearly, I was feeling it for them, too.
Bash sighed behind me. He tossed the pool stick gently on the table and closed the distance between us. Trystan and Xander sat opposite of Mathias on the barstools on the other side of the counter
.
“Perhaps it’s the magic, perhaps it’s just you and your amazing soul, Ava,” Bash said, patting the fourth barstool; an indication that I should sit.
Reluctantly, I obliged him, purposely pulling it as far away from all of them as possible, while still sitting at the bar. This earned a rolling chuckle from everyone, and a continued glare of suspicion from me.
I leaned forward, resting my arms on the cool, black granite countertop, cushioning my chin in my palms. “I promise nothing. Besides…what if I dated one of you—wouldn’t the others feel like shit?”
Mathias reached over the bar to squeeze my arm, gently. He offered me a warm smile that was so gorgeous, I actually squirmed in my seat under his intense stare. “Don’t worry about us, Ava. We’re…family. A strange family, but a family nevertheless. You just do what you gotta do. We’ll work it out on our own.”
Trystan and Xander both tittered words of agreement, but Bash’s focus was elsewhere. He slid out of the barstool and found the remote control to the TV on the sofa, and turned up the TV.
“Listen to this…another missing woman in Minnesota,” he said, pointing towards the blonde newscaster, who stood in front of some sort of haunted-appearing house. Peeling paint, and old-Victorian style windows and trim, with several of the windows were boarded up. “Twenty-year-old Kate Banks lived here with several roommates as they attended college nearby; she was last seen speaking to this gentleman, who is wanted for questioning.” A photo flashed on the screen of a pock-marked, dark haired man, standing outside a black sedan: aka “Swarthy.” I about fell out of my chair. “Thirty-seven year old Dean Chappelle was last seen near the Stargazer nightclub in Minneapolis, but ran before police could question him about the disappearance. Several family members have also reported him missing.”
Xander snorted. “Yeah, they won’t find him either.” We exchanged triumphant grins as Swarthy’s face was plastered on the screen.
“Miss Banks was supposed to meet up with friends at the Stargazer, but never showed, and hasn’t been seen since last evening. Family and friends are especially concerned for her well-being, as she appears to have left her diabetic medication at home, and fear she could be ill somewhere without it.” A photo of a young, attractive brunette female, with a stylish, angled pixie hair, and red streaks in her bangs flashed on the screen. “Police are asking if you have any information about either the whereabouts of Miss Banks, or Mr. Chapelle, you’re encouraged to call the Minneapolis Police Department, or 9-1-1. Live, in Minneapolis, I’m Haley Anderson, with KARE-11 news.”