“I want to kill Elias,” Xavier declared. “Wynter says I can’t.”
Delilah’s brow creased. “What’s wrong with Elias?”
“He annoys the hell out of me,” said Xavier. “He keeps coming to my tent for ‘readings.’ But then all he does is grill me. I had to tell him about my past just to get him off my back. Though I didn’t tell him much except for how I originally came from Montana and that my parents were ranchers.”
“You were born in Chicago,” said Wynter. “And your parents were both teachers.”
“I didn’t say I told himthe truthabout my past.”
Delilah rolled her eyes. “At least you’re aware that you’re bullshitting.”
Yeah, that was the thing about Xavier. Unlike many chronic liars, he didn’t believe his own tales. He didn’t invent fictional pasts to avoid speaking of something painful. He didn’t present different faces to different people because he was uncomfortable with who he truly was. Nope, it was simply his way of keeping people at arm’s-length. The world tended not to trust liars or attempt to bond with them. That suited Xavier just fine.
When hedidlet people in, though, he wasn’t a half-assed friend. He was loyal and protective and accepting.
Sensual music began to play as the performers resumed their show. Acrobats, dancers, jugglers, and illusionists showed off their talent, but it was no circus-like performance. Nope. There was a BDSM undertone to the whole thing. Artists dressed in leather or PVC. Whips, canes, handcuffs, and crops were mingled into the routines. It should have been weird, but it was actually quite fun and creative.
“You know,” began Delilah, “given that the rumor-mill says Seth isn’t fond of Ishtar, I figured he’d throw a celebration she’d be bored by. But look at her, she’slovingthis. So is that woman I’m guessing is the sister who rose from her Rest yesterday.”
Wynter had noticed the new face. The woman was just as pretty as her irritating sister. Though the siblings were similar in looks, they each possessed a different ‘air.’ Ishtar came across as sultry whereas Inanna was more poised.
“Yeah,” began Wynter, “I’m getting the sense that Ishtar respects talent, even if she doesn’t necessarily respect people in general.” She certainly liked seeing her sister happy and entertained. Ishtar seemingly wasn’t quite as one-dimensional as she might come across.
“Plus, there’s a sexual theme going on here,” Delilah went on. “It could be interpreted as Seth flirting with her in a roundabout way.”
“I’d agree, but look at how enthralled most people in this arena are.”
Delilah glanced around. “Huh. He did this for the masses.”
“That would be my guess,” said Wynter. “Throwing something boring as a dig at Ishtar would have made everything about her. To me, this says he doesn’t care enough about their past to bother with digs.”
Delilah pursed her lips. “I never thought of it like that, but yeah, I see it now.”
Feeling eyes on her, Wynter looked to see Cain staring right at her, his usual promise of sex glittering in his eyes. That easily, a jolt of need surged through her. It was like his ability to touch her all the way down to her soul—something nothing else had been able to truly do since before she died—had trained her very being to respond to him. Sometimes, it felt like her bodyknewhe was the only thing that would ever make her feel that way; sometimes felt like it would always crave him.
“So … how long are you going to ban me from selling karma potions?” asked Delilah.
Wynter looked at her. “Oh, for, like, ever.”
“Why do you have to overreact?”
“I’m overreacting by wanting you to avoid activities that would put your life in jeopardy?” Wynter slammed up a hand. “No, I’m not going over all this again.” She’d already reamed Delilah’s ass over it this morning.
“Acting as conduits for karma is what my family has always done—all the way back to Annis.”
“Who was a child killer and cannibal, so forgive me if I don’t condone the ‘path’ she put your family line on. And let’s be honest, none of you are truly interested in acting on behalf of karma. No, you all use that excuse to justify the crap you do to people.”
“That’s not true.”
Wynter lifted her shoulders. “True or not, the situation we have here remains the same—you cannot keep selling those potions if you want to live a long life. The demon could havekilledyou, Del.”
“But instead, he bought cock-lengthening potions. His girl sent me flowers for teaching him a lessonandimproving her sex life. I provide a service to the community.”
“Service my ass. And it might have worked out all right this time, but if there’s a next time, you might not be so lucky. Plus, as you’re already well aware, I’d rather we didn’t make enemies here.”
“Says the Priestess who pissed off berserkers, made a bitchy Ancient all green-eyed, and kicked a severed head at Azazel’s aide.”
“I’m not a Priestess.”