“How do possessors normally find a host?” Alex asked, glancing around at the demons for an answer. “Like, how did it even get in the guy in the first place?”
“Well, most often, it’s someone who invites the demon in, either intentionally or accidentally,” Talon said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “If you’re thinking this boy was targeted somehow, it could be that someone planted a hex bag on or near him.”
Beside him, Shadrach pointed at him, nodding his head.
“A hex bag?” Luke asked.
“It’s exactly what it sounds like,” Storm said. “A bag filled with magical ingredients to hex someone.” A realization hit him. “Bone fragments and sulfur would both be found in a hex bag.”
Talon nodded.
Nathan’s face twisted in confusion. “You’re saying this guy ate a hex bag? I mean, I’m no expert, but I doubt that’s something he’d consume accidentally.”
“Amphetamines and benzodiazepines,” Storm said thoughtfully. “The doc said he had drugs in his system.”
“You think it could’ve been a… drug of some kind?” Zachary asked, leaning on the wall by his sister.
“Is that possible?” Nathan asked. “Could someone have fit the contents of a hex bag into a… pill capsule or something for this guy to swallow, thinking it was a drug?”
“If something like that exists, it’s new,” Talon said. “I’ve never heard of anything like it.”
“Nor have I,” Wolf chimed in, and one by one the rest of the demons agreed.
Nathan breathed out a sigh. “I’ll report back to Sloan, see what he wants my next step to be. I could maybe contact the family. They might be able to tell me if this kid had a drug problem.”
“Let us know,” Luke said. “This sounds like a problem for all of us, and I know I’ll sleep better if we’re all working to find a solution.”
“Of course,” Nathan replied. “I came here because I knew it would benefit all of us for you guys to be aware of whatever is happening.”
“And Sloan?” Malachi asked coolly.
“Eh.” Nathan tipped his head to one side with a grimace. “I’ll tell him I had someone with me when I went to the morgue.” His eyes flashed toward Storm. “Hopefully he takes it as a sign that a truce would hold between our groups.” His cheeks darkened, and he abruptly averted his gaze from Storm’s. “I, uh—I should probably get going, actually. The sooner I give my report, the sooner we can figure out our next move.”
No, Storm thought as the others bade him farewell and Nathan turned to go, his pretty, quartz gray eyes moving across Storm like he was afraid of being caught looking.
Storm moved without thinking, following Nathan outside.
“Nate, wait.”
Nathan turned—but he didn’t stop, walking backwards toward his car. “I really do need to go to HQ and give my report about my findings.”
“Can I see you tonight?” he asked, desperate to hold on to this strange connection between them.
Nathan stopped beside his car, wearing an uncertain frown. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Come on,” Storm cajoled. “This wasn’t just one night. I know you felt what I felt.”
Nathan sighed heavily, his shoulders dropping. “Maybe I did, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Why not?” He’d fight tooth and nail for this, but he couldn’t fight Nathan’s own reservations.
“I told you. Sloan won’t stand for it. It puts the whole truce in jeopardy.”
Storm shook his head. “I don’t believe anything will come of this truce, sunshine. Do you? Really?”
Nathan’s brow furrowed. “I have to have hope, Storm. I can’t just go through the motions, thinking my actions don’t really matter. I have totry.”
Frustration rushed through him. “I’m not giving you up for some pipe dream that the guild will stop treating us like monsters.” He stepped closer, finally giving in to the need topush. “You’remine, goddammit, and I won’t give you up for anything.”
