“Right. I know you were using your power on the others, but what I don’t know is why. You didn’t have to do that to make them like you. They would have anyway.”
He tilted his head and smirked. “Because I wanted you to see what I’m capable of, so you’re aware. That was barely a hint. But I didn’t touch you with it because you asked me not to.”
Smiling softly, she tilted her head. “I felt it. I felt you wrap me in… well, I don’t know what it was, but it was like a warm blanket. I felt safe. Secure. Cherished.”
“I do,” he responded immediately, then blinked. “I… ch-ch- cherish you,” he stammered. “Sorry, some words are hard to say.” He smiled apologetically.
Seeming intrigued by that idea, Chuck traced his jaw with a finger and stared at his lips. “Like what? What other words?”
A small laugh at her question had her squinting at him in annoyance. “Why is that funny?” she demanded in irritation.
“Because you’re so cute. I tell you I can’t do something, and you immediately want me to try it anyway. I don’t know if it’s because you’re not a quitter and you don’t believe in giving up, or you’re a sadistic mistress and you like me in pain. Is that it? Do you want to hurt me?” His lips curved so sinfully, his smile would melt the panties off a nun. It nearly melted Chuck’s. He could see her aura streaking with lust again.
“The former!” she blurted breathlessly. “Definitely the former.”
Shaking his head slightly, he sucked in a deep breath and blew it slowly through his lips. “Alright, anything to do with the guy up there?” He pointed up. “Like the big G dude, and little JC, you know? Can’t say their names. Can’t do the p thing you guys do in a… um… that building where you w-w- ugh—sounds like war ship—you know sing special songs and talk about that one book.”
“God, Jesus Christ, pray, church, worship, hymns, the Bible?” she ticked off on her fingers.
Malachi swayed on his feet before grabbing the back of a chair as his stomach heaved. Choking on bile, he managed to swallow it down and bite back the wave of nausea. He nodded meekly as he stared at her through watery eyes. A shaky thumbs up confirmed it for her, while he wiped a film of cold sweat from his upper lip.
“Oh, good grief, Malachi, I’m so sorry!” she murmured as she shook her head. “I didn’t realize it would have that kind of physical effect on you.” Studying his obvious discomfort, she shook her head harder. “Damn, I really am sorry!”
He noted her aura was now streaked with gray, lending veracity to her words. Nodding, he waved off her apology. She truly didn’t know and hadn’t done it on purpose. “It’s okay,” he croaked. “Just don’t do that again.” He wiped his clammy hands on his thighs to dry them.
“I keep forgetting. You know? That you’re a literal demon from Hell and not just a hot guy with super woo-woo powers like Glenda.” She smiled slightly, seeming mollified by his acceptance of her apology.
“Woo-woo powers?” He snorted, wrinkling his nose in mock disgust. “I’m going to forget you said that and focus on the fact that you think I’m hot.” Suddenly, he straightened, his senses on high alert, nausea gone. He stood perfectly still and moved only his eyes, searching the crowd.
Chuck noticed the change in his demeanor and also went on high alert. “What is it? What do you see?”
Shaking his head, he slowly raised one hand in a wait gesture before speaking to her with his mind.Not see, smell. Sense. The dark presence. The one I detected at that kidnapping scene. Is Bennett here? Don’t make it obvious, just a casual glance around.
“You’re right, Evan, you should sing another song. Hey, maybe Jax will do another one, too!” She glanced around, ostensibly looking for Jaxon. Spotting him on the dance floor, she waved and gave him an enthusiasticthumbs-up. “Well, maybe not Jax, he’s busy. How about…” tapping a finger on her lips, she studied the group around the table. “Oh, Bennett! When did you get here? Hey, are you going to sing? I was just telling Evan I want him to sing another song, but I think he needs some encouragement.” Playfully, she patted Malachi on the chest. Turning to the other officer, she smacked her forehead. “Oh, I’m sorry. You haven’t met, have you? Evan, this is Nathan Bennett. I work with him sometimes. Bennett, this is my boyfriend, Evan.”
Pointy Elbows and Black Feathers
Malachi leaned forward and shook the hand of the slender man, whose sandy hair was nicely blending into the gray at his temples. An impressive mustache nearly covered his upper lip, but his chin was as bare as a baby’s bottom. His stark blue eyes locked onto Malachi with heavy appraisal as he squinted and squeezed back. Fairly harder than was necessary, but Malachi gave as good as he got. “Nice to meet you, Bennett. Or should I call you Nathan? What’s the protocol for a civilian here?” He released Bennett’s hand and smiled unassumingly.
“Bennett’s fine,” the older man huffed. He glanced at Chuck, his gaze softening. “Boyfriend, huh? Well, it’s about time. But let me know if he steps outta line. Your daddy would want me to keep an eye on things.” He chuckled with a crinkle around his eyes that implied he was only partially teasing. Turning a glare at Malachi, the part that wasn’t teasing was clearly a warning.
“I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about the late Officer Charles. He sounds like an amazing person. I’m sorry I won’t get to meet him. Were you partners?” Malachi asked softly.
It was the right thing to say as Bennett’s suspicious gaze fell, and his shoulders relaxed. “Yeah, Chuck seniorwasa great man. A damn shame what happened to him. An absolute travesty they never caught the bastards responsible.” His cheeks flushed with seeming anger now, and he shook his head. “Well, Evan, I won’t be singing with you, but if you’re up for a beer, I’m interested in that!”
Grinning, Malachi beamed. “I’d love that, sir!”
Bennett pointed, and his mustache twitched. “Don’t call me sir, you don’t work for me.” He smirked to show he was teasing and slapped Malachi on the shoulder as he waved a waitress over.
Chuck elbowed Malachi in the side again and widened her eyes in question.
Rubbing his side—again—Malachi glared at her.Damn pointy-elbowed woman. Can’t you just tap my arm? Or squeeze my hand? Stroke my thigh? Why do you have to jam your bony ass arm into me like that?
A fair imitation of a growl escaped her lips, and her aura was streaked with lightning-like bolts zigzagging through it.
Calm down, Chuck. He’s clean. Well, not completely clean. There’s still a faint haze of darkness around him, but it’s not coming from him if that makes any sense.Malachi squinted at the other man, who was ordering beers for the table.It definitely doesn’t originate with him. It’s like, it’s clinging to him because of extended proximity. You know how, if you’re in a bar, when you leave, you’ll smell like stale cigarettes, even if you don’t smoke?At her slight nod, he continued,It’s similar to that. I think he spends a lot of time around someone who is dark. That’s who we needto find.
Hesitating for a moment, Malachi slipped his fingers in hers.Chuck, I meant what I said earlier. I do wish I could have met your dad. He really did sound like a great guy. I mean, if I were human, or he wouldn’t smite me. You know, cause I’m a demon.To his absolute horror, Chuck’s fingers clamped on his, and her eyes went shiny. Her lips compressed in a thin line, and her aura turned almost solid black.
