by Rose Pressey
“What demons? I don’t see any demons,” I said.
“You can’t see them. But they follow him. They’re just looking for any opportunity to do bad things,” she said.
Well, just peachy. That was the last thing I needed. They’d already gotten to Jennifer. What was next? I knew I didn’t like that guy, with his sexy, cocky smirk. To top it off, he had demons following him around. Maybe he was bad like the demons?
“Is he a demon?” I asked.
She looked out the door at him as he paced. “Nah. He’s okay. But you stay clear of him, you hear? He’ll lead you into nothing but trouble.”
I didn’t need her to tell me that. I’d already sensed it.
“Here, you take this necklace and wear it. It’ll keep the demons away from you while you search for her, although you have a strong barrier already set up against them. That is good. Don’t let them break you.”
Well, I’d sure try my best. But I had no idea who they were, so it was kind of hard not to let them break me.
“You can’t tell me where she is?” I asked as I took the necklace from her outstretched hand.
“I’m afraid I can’t. The demon will tell her where it wants her to go. Unless you find out which demon is controlling her, then I don’t think you’ll be able to track her down.” She busied herself with moving items off the counter.
How would I find out which demon was responsible for this? Who could help me? Cole was practically waving his arms and screaming, “Pick me, pick me,” as he traced a groove in the sidewalk with his pacing.
I let out a heavy sigh. Maybe he could help me find Jennifer. He seemed to be the only one who had any information about these demons. But the priestess had just told me specifically to stay away from him. That seemed about right. As soon as someone told me not to do something was the exact moment that I actually did it.
During my last visit the priestess had sent me to a man who had information about vampires. Maybe that shop owner knew about the demons. He seemed to know a lot about the vampires. I wouldn’t bother asking the priestess this question. I’d already bothered her enough. This was something I’d do on my own. Heck, I was practically like freakin’ Nancy Drew now. One way or another, I’d find Jennifer.
I left her shop without the answers that’d I’d hoped for, but what had I really expected the woman to tell me? She had no idea where Jennifer was. Unfortunately, she couldn’t work miracles.
One thing was for certain, I could just stay home and hope that Jennifer came home like a lost little kitty, or I could get out there and hunt her down like the werewolf that I was. I didn’t have a super smeller for nothing. It was time I tried to use the thing.
Chapter Thirteen
How to Date a Demon, Rule #13
Devil’s food cake isn’t necessarily her favorite dessert.
When I stepped out of the store, Cole made his way over to me in a hurry. “What happened in there?” he asked.
I narrowed my eyes. “Aren’t we inquisitive?”
He rolled his eyes. “I don’t know if you want to find your friend or not, but you’d better stop playing games with me if you do.” He didn’t blink.
My nostrils flared and I felt hair sprout on my arms. “Fine. Either tell me what you want with us, or leave me alone to find her. I don’t need your snarkiness.”
He held his hands up in surrender. “I’m not trying to piss you off.”
“Well, for someone who isn’t trying you’re doing a good job of it.”
He looked as if he was biting back a smile. “Just tell me what the voodoo woman said.”
I clenched my fists and looked him right in the eyes. “I’ll tell you what she said. She told me to stay away from you and she doesn’t want you in her store either. She says you have demons hanging around and she doesn’t want any part of them. Good enough for you? I think it was sage advice and I plan on following it.”
I brushed past him and headed toward the man’s store. I felt Cole walking behind me. What would it take to lose this guy? He needed to go very far away.
My world was upside down at the moment. But then again what was new? Jack had left with Quinton, Jennifer was nowhere to be found, and I had to help plan Lily’s wedding. It couldn’t get any stranger. Oh, except for the fact that a demon hunter was following me.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I’m going to find my friend, if you don’t mind.” When I reached the shop’s door, I turned around and glared at him. “Now beat it.”
He looked up at the sign. “Can I come in there with you or am I banned from there too?”
“It’s no wonder demons follow you around. You’re an ass and I’m sure they love that.” I pushed the wooden door open and walked through, letting it close behind me. With any luck it would hit him in the face.
The first time I’d been in the shop was when Jennifer and I had needed information about the vampires. Not having my sidekick was lonely. Instead of my best friend I was stuck with a jackass. At least he smelled delicious.
Questions swirled in my mind. How had this demon gotten to Jennifer? One thing was for sure, I believed that it had nothing to do with the attack from the men who had fought with Neil like Cole had first suggested. Jennifer had been acting strange when I returned home from finding Jack after he’d been kidnapped by the vampires. He’d been taken by the vampires for his special blood. I’d gotten some good information about the vampires from the store owner and I hoped he could provide some insight into the current demon situation.
“Hello,” I called out.
The space was filled with different collectibles and jewelry, nothing spooky, and nothing that looked vampirish. So who was this man? Where was he? I didn’t spot anyone. Not one appeared to be working there and no one was shopping, either.
This man always seemed to just appear out of nowhere. I didn’t think he was paranormal though. Definitely didn’t look like the go-to place for supernatural info. Apparently he was just fascinated with the creatures. Hmm. I guessed I was one of those creatures. I’d never thought of it that way. I didn’t consider myself a creature.
The shop owner had popped up in the aisle next to us. He looked like a smaller version of a very tan Santa Claus. He couldn’t have been taller than my five foot two height. His gray hair was combed over to the left side, probably concealing a bald spot. Just like the first time I’d seen him, he wore a black shirt and black pants with black shoes and a black belt. He had a Johnny Cash thing going on… black, black, and more black.
“Oh, hello,” he said. “How are you?”
“Do you remember me?” I asked.
Although it seemed like it had been years since I’d been in asking about the vampires, it was actually just days. Time dragged when you weren’t having fun. The man eyed Cole suspiciously, then nodded. “I do remember you. How did the vampire search turn out?” He cast a wary glance back to Cole.
Cole watched our conversation in silence as he leaned against a shelf. If he was going to tag along, at least he could help me out a little. What did I have him hanging around for anyway? Maybe the store owner thought Cole was a vampire or a werewolf like me. I glanced over at Cole. I didn’t want to give him too much information about what had happened previously with the vampires.
“Actually, it turned out fine. I really appreciate the information.” I gave a half-hearted smile.
“Do remember to bring your boyfriend in to meet me sometime.” He was a little too obsessed with the vampires in my option. I didn’t get his fascination.
He glanced at Cole again. “My name is Marcus Barker.” He stuck out his hand toward Cole.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Cole Palmer.” Cole quickly shook the man’s hand.
Marcus glanced at me. Did he think I was dating Cole as well as Jack? It was no wonder if he did, as close as Cole was standing next to me. I wanted to give him a shove and tell him to stand across the room if he insisted on following me around.
“
What can I do for you today?” Marcus asked.
I paused and cleared my throat. It felt strange asking about demons. I knew it shouldn’t make me feel strange because vampires weren’t exactly the most normal topic of conversation and I’d asked him about them. Finally, I said, “I need to find information about demons.” I searched his eyes for a reaction.
His expression changed as the corners of his mouth fell to a frown.
“Do you have a book on the subject like you did about the vampires?”
“I don’t, but…” He looked over his shoulder and back at us again.
But what? He was reluctant to share with me and I didn’t know why. He’d been strange about the vampires, but with the demon talk his demeanor had changed drastically. He was practically shaking.
“I know where you can see a book and get more information.”
The brief glimpse of a compassion on his face was the first glimmer of hope I’d seen since Jennifer left.
“Where can I see it?” I asked.
He stepped over to a table in the corner of the room and scribbled down something on a piece of paper.
“She lives close by and I think she’ll be able to help you.”
I took the paper from his outstretched hand.
Cole looked at me like I was crazy. I could tell he wanted to say something snarky.
Finally, he said, “Don’t you think I know a little bit about demons? I chase them and go after them.” His eyes narrowed. “Give me a little credit, would you?”
Marcus stepped back. Obviously he didn’t like the sound of a demon hunter being around him.
I glared at Cole. “I don’t think you know the information that we need to find Jennifer. You wrangle demons up. That’s it, as far as I can tell. Maybe if you knew more about them you’d be better at your job.” I smirked.
“Oh, so now I’m not good at what I do? Is that what you’re saying?” His posture stiffened.
“Yeah. As a matter of fact that is what I’m saying.” I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation with him in front of the store owner. I let out a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. “Look, we need to track down this book, talk to this woman.”
Marcus shifted his feet and looked over his shoulder. “Well, I’d better get back to work.”
I didn’t blame him for wanting to get rid of us.
“Thank you for your help again.” I held the paper up and headed toward the door.
Marcus nodded, but looked relieved that we were leaving. With any luck, I’d never have a reason to enter his store again.
When we stepped back onto the sidewalk, I said, “I need to go back to my office and get a couple things before I go to this address.” I flashed the paper in front of Cole’s face. “If you insist on going with me, then you’d better pick up the pace.”
He snorted. “I think I can handle your pace just fine.”
“I doubt it,” I said.
Without another word, I kicked it into high gear and left Cole in my dust. He never knew what hit him.
By the time I reached my door, he was just beginning to start to run. Sucker. He thought he was so smooth. When I walked inside the building, Jack stood in the foyer in front of my office door. It was as if the air had been sucked out of me when I saw him. Why did I feel guilty all of a sudden? I certainly hadn’t done anything wrong. Nor did I want to. I’d never had this feeling before.
“I didn’t expect you back so soon,” I said, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice.
Okay, that comment made me sound guilty of something.
He quirked a brow and closed the distance between us in two steps. Jack wrapped his arms around my waist and was leaning down to kiss me when the main door opened behind me. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Why couldn’t he have waited outside? Jack looked over at Cole. The look on Jack’s face said: Are you still hanging out with this guy?
“Can I talk to you alone?” Jack asked in a cool tone, glancing in Cole’s direction.
“I’ll be right back.” I motioned to Cole.
He nodded. “I’ll wait outside.”
Why couldn’t he have done that in the first place?
Jack and I stepped inside my office. My stomach hurt just thinking about what Jack might be thinking. After all that we’d been through, I didn’t want him to think I would just toss him to the side for some weird guy who wandered into my office.
Surely he knew me better than that. At least I liked to think he did. But whatever the situation, I had something far more important to worry about: Jennifer. Finding her safe was my number one priority. If that meant hanging out with some random demon hunter, then so be it. What choice did I have? I leaned against my desk and watched as Jack moved closer to me. He looked as handsome as ever.
“So what’s going on with that guy?” Jack asked, clearly concerned by the tone in his voice.
He stood in front of me, but didn’t wrap his arms around me this time.
I shrugged. “I don’t know.”
That was the truth, but I wondered if Jack would believe me.
“What do you mean, you don’t know? I thought he left. What is he doing hanging around? Is he harassing you?” His jaw tightened.
“No, he’s not.” I paused. “It’s just that I can’t turn him away if he really has information that may lead me to Jennifer. If I don’t find her…”
He pressed his finger to my lips. “Don’t say that. You’re just freaking out. She’ll show up. We’ll find her.”
A loud thud sounded against the window, breaking up our conversation. I whipped around. Had Jennifer come back? I ran over to the window.
Chapter Fourteen
How to Date a Demon, Rule #14
The devil isn’t a gentleman.
“What is it?” Jack asked as he hurried over beside me.
“I thought it might be Jennifer,” I said breathlessly, as if the air had been deflated from my lungs. But again it was another disappointment. Lily was tossing rocks at the window. I shoved open the window and ducked.
“What the hell do you want?” I yelled, as I eased my head up from cover. “You’re really pushing your luck with me.”
“Look, you werewolf wannabe. I told you I need help with the wedding cake.” Lily shook her fist in my direction.
“Lily, if you don’t leave me alone I’m going to kill you. I mean, literally kill you. Now beat it.”
She stuck her middle finger up. I shoved the window down before listening to any of her rant.
A smile twisted at Jack’s lips.
“What?” I asked.
“I like the way you handle her.” He studied my face.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Well, it’s the only thing she understands.” I paused, then said, “So, do you believe me when I say I can take care of myself?”
He nodded. “I believe you. But you can’t blame a guy for wanting to protect the woman he loves.”
My stomach flipped and the room spun. Did he just say that he loved me? Had I finally lost my mind and now I was hearing things?
“What did you just say?” I asked.
The tapping against the window continued and normally this would have sent my werewolf senses flaring, but at the moment, I didn’t care what Lily did. I was thinking of only one thing. Jack had just told me he loved me. Me.
He pulled me into an embrace and placed his lips on mine. His touch was soft and made me melt every single time.
When Jack finally pulled away, I let out a little groan.
“So, tell me what is going on with this guy?” His gaze searched mine. “What has he told you?”
“He says he can help me find Jennifer and I have to at least let him try. What other choice do I have?”
“I guess you have no other choice.” He sighed. “I just get a weird vibe from him, that’s all. He makes me uneasy.”
“It’s just your imagination.”
“I guess,” he said.
“Hey, wh
at are you doing back here anyway?” I asked.
He blushed. “I forgot my orientation book.”
I’d blush too if I had to admit that. How lame was that? Would they give him a quiz at the end to make sure he passed?
“And this book is needed?”
He nodded. “Quinton says I have to go to this vampire conference. There are no excuses to get out of it. But I don’t want to leave you now. I have to help you find Jennifer. She’s become like a sister to me.” His blue eyes widened with concern.
“I know she has, but if Quinton says you have to go, then you need to go. I’ll be fine. Jennifer will be fine.” I hoped my voice was convincing.
“I know,” he said softly, then kissed me again.
Someone cleared his throat from over Jack’s shoulder. We glanced around and saw Cole standing in the doorway.
Cole glanced at his watch. “We need to get going. Time really is important if we want to find Jennifer.”
Jack shot daggers with his eyes at Cole, then looked at me. “I’m just picking up a few things. You call me if you need anything.”
I nodded. “I promise I will.”
Jack moved over to Cole and leaned in close. “If you do anything to hurt her, I’ll rip your heart out.”
Cole didn’t say anything, but he didn’t flinch either. I liked this bad-boy side of Jack. It was sexy as hell. Too bad I wouldn’t get to see him for days.
“Nice guy,” Cole said with a devilish smile.
Could I trust this Cole Palmer guy? The priestess had warned me to stay away and I was doing the exact opposite.
“Jack doesn’t want anyone messing with me, that’s all. And he will rip your heart out if you mess with me.” I folded my arms in front of my chest.
Okay, that sounded a wee bit violent, but better to try the tough girl approach from the start, in my opinion.
A curl pulled at the corners of his mouth. “Duly noted. I’ll remember not to mess with you or your vampire boyfriend.”
“Now you’re just being a smart-ass,” I said as I locked the door to my office.
“What?” He grinned. “I can’t win with you. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.”