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As Reaper disappeared into the crowd, I couldn’t shake the feeling of his eyes boring into me, a sensation that sent shivers down my spine. Despite the thrill of being noticed by someone as enigmatic as him, I couldn’t ignore the nagging sense of unease that lingered in the back of my mind.
Addie glanced at me with concern, sensing that something was amiss. “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked, her brow furrowing with worry.
I plastered on a smile, trying to push aside the lingering unease. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I reassured her, though my voice wavered slightly. “Just tired, I think.”
But even as I spoke the words, I knew in my gut that my encounter with Reaper was just the beginning of something far more complicated and dangerous than I had ever imagined. It wasn’t a vision, but an instinct just as potent. With a silent vow to tread carefully in the days to come, I peered back at Addie.
She took a last swig of the remnants of her glass and slammed it on the bar, giving me a goofy grin. “We both deserved this. Let’s get some food!”
I finished my own glass and stood up. “Pancakes!”
We stumbled out of the club and into the cool night air. The neon lights smeared inky, otherworldly shapes over the city streets as we made our way to the nearby diner, our stomachs rumbling with hunger.
Inside, we settled into a booth by the window, the worn vinyl seats creaking beneath us. With a shared glance and a knowing smile, Addie and I ordered a mountain of pancakes and bacon, more than enough to satisfy our late-night cravings. The waitress chuckled as she scribbled down our order and disappeared into the kitchen.
I thought about telling her my plan to join Devil’s Delirium, but I couldn’t do it yet. I didn’t want to ruin a perfect night with my best friend, so I’d keep it to myself for one more evening.
With our appetites sated and our spirits buoyed by the simple pleasure of good food and good company, we paid the bill and made our way home. The journey passed in a blur of sleepy conversation and quiet laughter, punctuated by collapsing into bed and falling into a deep sleep.
Chapter Twelve: Midnight Masquerade
Maverick
Verve pulsed with alife of its own, a haven for the supernatural at Halloween time. A tapestry of rioting lights jerked and swayed with dancers in tandem with the throbbing bass. The aroma of exotic perfumes, alcohol, sex and excitement permeated the building.
Stone, Lux, and I sat in a large circular booth across the floor from the entrance, nestled in a dark corner. The velvet cushions were worn, providing a sense of comfort amidst the chaos. Cross, a mage dressed down in jeans and a black T-shirt, held his usual aura of calm authority, and Zara, a rare, laid-back and friendly fae, had joined us tonight, too. Our table was already cluttered with half-empty glasses, napkins and a few cell phones.
We watched the eclectic mix of patrons with interest. Witches in flowing gowns, vampires with sharp suits and sharper smiles, shiftersin their human forms but with a predatory gleam in their eyes, and other unidentifiable supernatural beings filled the space. It was possible there were other seraphim like Stone, Lux, and I. Unlikely, but possible.
A dude walking past with black hair—dressed like a vampire but without the vampire aura—had the skittishness I’d expect. Most seraphim never got used to life on the run. If they hadn’t been caught by a hunter in the first two weeks past their month-long allowance, they were doing well.
Most wouldn’t try.
“This place is ripe for hunters tonight. I hope the wards hold,” muttered Stone, his eyes scanning the room for signs of trouble.
Cross, twirling a small vial of shimmering liquid between his fingers, leaned in. “I’ve reinforced it myself. It should hold.”
Zara, lounging gracefully with her legs crossed, gave a lazy grin. “Relax, Stone. Enjoy the night. If they break through, we’ll handle it.”
Lux nodded, his eyes scanning past the entrance for the eightieth time. “Just stay vigilant. We can’t afford any slip-ups.”
I took a swig of my drink, the burn of the whiskey settling into my bones, slammed the glass on the tabletop and leaned in with a huge grin. The atmosphere was really riling me up. I had to let some of this energy out somehow. “Get that stick out of your ass, man… then shove it back in. Pull it out nice and slow… You might enjoy the motion.” I winked. He glared at me, but we both knew he would like it. “Relax! Even if they come, we’ve been through worse.”
“You three should lay low after tonight. Hunters will be everywhere for the rest of Halloween,” Cross reminded us.
I swatted at the air. “Pssshh! Fucking mosquitos. I’ve got plans, and they better not fuck them up.” They all looked at me, faces blank. Waiting. I shrugged. “The Devil’s Delirium.”
Cross laughed, his attention darting between the three of us in question. “Who’s joining Devil’s Delirium?”
I raised my chin so they’d know I was serious. “I am.”
Stone flew forward, leaning on his elbows, leveling a dark glare at me. “What are you fucking talking about, asshole?”
“Youmustbe joking,” said Lux with a shake of his head.
I sat back further, extending an arm over the back of the booth. “Would I fuck with you?”
The answer was yes. But not this time. Stone was still frozen in position, hands in tight fists on the table under his chin. “Why Mav? What the fuck could possibly possess you?”
