"Thank you," Zachary said as we started to step away, his cheeks pink. The last thing he should be was embarrassed; he’d done the right thing.
"That's why I'm here. Good job on calling me," I reassured, letting him get back to work.
"How long is he here for?" Nikolaus asked as we stepped out from behind the counter.
"Three days," I said. The thought of the darkness invading my home for that long made me physically nauseous. "If he doesn't cause problems and get kicked out before then. West needs to know about this. Something isn’t right."
"I'm walking you back to your room, and I'll send Kane down here for some extra security," Nikolaus said, making his voice louder for Zachary to hear before following me down the hall to my room.
"Thanks for sticking around," I said, realizing how much his presence had helped me. Moments like that would have shaken me before. I'd have spiraled into paranoia, the kind only someone in hiding could feel. Especially since there was something about that empty gaze that threatened to see right through me.
"What is it?" Nikolaus asked, swiping a finger over my forehead. The fact that he saw right through my lack of words was interesting, but I was more focused on the hotel at the moment.
"We have wards," I explained. "But for some reason, I can't shake the feeling that we need to check them. Something about that... demon? Whatever he is... Just doesn't feel right. And he didn't even do anything."
"I had the same feeling," he confirmed. "Can you call West while I get Kane down there? We'll take shifts. And Avi can help with wards, especially if he gets to witness the dark aura first."
"Okay," I agreed. "Let me know if you need help with anything."
He paused, like something just occurred to him. “What’s your affinity? We haven’t had a chance to share that yet.”
“The whole mates thing kind of slammed into us,” I said with a small chuckle, trying to figure out the best way to explain it without exposing myself. If anyone could detect a lie, it would be Niko. He was far too observant. “Elemental magic, so I’ve got a pretty good hold on fire.”
‘Smooth,’Zehra teased, nearly making me laugh.
“Mine too.” He grinned broadly, leaning close and brushing a kiss across my forehead before stepping back. I closed the door, knowing he wouldn't be happy until it was locked.
West answered on the first ring, and I gave him a quick rundown. He knew me well enough to take it seriously, so he didn’t question our concern. Between the bad vibes and the new card, something was screaming that he didn't arrive here by chance. I just wished I knew what his reason was.
10
Levi
"He was ademon?" Avi asked. "I've seen a lot of dark shit in my time, but a demon?"
"If not, I have no clue what else he could be. It went beyond dark magic," Niko confirmed. His hand was absently running along my thigh as I sat next to him, purring softly in contentment. My cock twitched, responding to my alpha, but the conversation kept my libido in check. My body knew this wasn’t the time to tease me, or him, by producing slick.
Niko's family had taken me in fourteen years ago as a runaway teen. I’d been alone for two years before they found me. From the moment our eyes met, we knew something more was between us, but it was a while before my omega instincts overrode my genuine fear of being discovered. That, and we’d lived with his parents until university.Nothing says romance like your mate’s mom sitting in the next room. Supernaturals have impeccable hearing.
"Kane's down there now. In the meantime, we'll see if West needs help with his wards," Avi confirmed. He was focused now. Anything to do with dark powers or magic had him immediately in fight mode. He'd come from a coven who reveled in darkness, using their magic in ways he could never find words to describe, and we didn’t push. The scars on his body were telling enough.
"I think I'll head into town to grab pizza. We can surprise Farren with dinner," I said in an attempt to find something useful to do. The demon had me worried, and keeping close to Farren tonight would be best for all of our peace of mind. Avi was already heading out the door to meet up with Kane, so he voiced no objections.
"I'll go with you," Niko offered as I got up to grab my keys and wallet. He wouldn't let an omega of his be unattended for long, and we were in an unfamiliar place, which was bound to trigger some of his more protective instincts. Kane would be here with Farren, so even if she was getting some space in her room, he would be close by in case she needed him. Speaking of our newest mate... I was still trying to figure her out.
'I'm telling you. She's no witch,'Cadmus said again. My dragon soul had been saying that since I kissed our mate. Her magic had seemed familiar to me, but the magic that surrounded her, blended into her aura, fit that of the witches I’d lived alongside for so long. My dragon wanted me to investigate more, insisting that our own hidden secrets made it all the more possible that he was right—she was hiding something. I trusted Cadmus, and normally I didn’t disregard his wisdom, but right now, all I could focus on was how good she felt in my arms, how amazing she smelled. Her scent was a scent of orange, cloves, and cinnamon, like a warming winter cider. What could she possibly be hiding that would be more dramatic than my own reveal? Maybe I just wanted to enjoy the idea of having my omega for a little bit longer before I tried to force any life-changing revelations.
A hand closed around my throat, with just enough pressure to bring me out of my head. I blinked up at my alpha as he backed me into the wall, leaning in close and running his nose over my neck. My alpha loved to ensure I smelled like him, scent marking me so everyone knew who I belonged to. Now that we didn’t have to keep our relationship under wraps, he was taking full advantage. I almost worried for Farren. Between him and Kane trying to scent her, it would likely be a constant competition.
"I know this isn't for me," he husked, running a hand over my cock. It had hardened just from thinking of our mate. "Tell me, what are you thinking about?"
It was so hard to think with his scent wrapping around me, his presence consuming any rational thought. Swallowing hard, I closed my eyes and tried to refocus.
"Her. I kissed her last night," I admitted, my voice barely over a whisper.
"So you'll wear my scent on you," he accused, tugging on my hoodie strings. I'd stolen it from him years ago and made him rub against it every time the scent started to fade. "And kiss her?" His chuckle was dark, full of promise. His voice held no jealousy, merely stoking the flames I already felt building for our mate. "Maybe I'll fuck you and let you tell me about all the dirty thoughts you had about her."
"She's so sexy," I whimpered. "Those curves." He chuckled at my breathy answer, knowing he was driving me mad.