Thorn and Regina are most certainly sending me a message. They know I am in San Francisco, and they are counting on my fear leading me to make a mistake. One that will land me in their clutches once again.
After I order the ghoul back to Blue Bottle to watch over Zoe, I turn my focus to the human missing persons databases and begin my search for men between the ages of twenty-one and forty. The assholes who nearly killed us yesterday were wearing masks, but as I flew past, I got a very good look at their eyes. I can find them. I have to.
* * *
Zoe
Blue Bottle Coffee’s tall windows let in the late morning light, and when I step inside, Dion waves me over to a table in the corner. She’s already ordered, and my mouth waters at the sight of the steaming French Press pot and two cups.
“Guatemalan single origin,” she says with an easy smile. An animal print sweater hangs off of one shoulder, a black bodysuit underneath, and her skin glows, not a single fur visible.
“You’re a mind-reader,” I say, sinking down across from her.
“Nah. Us coffee snobs just gotta stick together.” She winks, then depresses the plunger. “Okay. Spill it, hon. What happened with your handsome jerk of a partner?”
I can’t tell her everything. Not by a longshot. But if I don’t get some of this off my chest, I’m going to implode. “We had sex.”
The French Press rattles on the table. “Holy shit. You…and an incubus? Was it hot? They’re supposed to be—“
“Dion!” I check the tables on either side of us, hoping no one heard her say the word incubus. “I amnotgoing to tell you that. Shit. We are totally failing the Bechdel test right now, you know.”
“You neededOtherdating advice, hon. So that’s what you’re getting. Next time, we can start a book club. I like me a strong military man with a kick-ass heroine.” She leans forward, a sparkle in her amber eyes. “Dish, Zoe. I haven’t gotten any in a year.”
I don’t know how to…dish. Though, when did I last have a female friend? College? I can’t remember just hanging out and talking…ever. “Every time I’m close to him, I want to tear his clothes off. Or hold his hand. And that’s just not…me. I’m the least clingy woman you’ve ever met. But after Sin fed from me, it was like I couldn’t get enough of him. Even now, I still want him.”
Staring up at the ceiling, I run my fingers through my unruly curls, pulling hard at the roots as I try not to scream in frustration. My nipples pebble under the silk bra, and I curl inward, suddenly self-conscious Dion might see how aroused I am.
“Do you know anything aboutothermating?” the panther asks.
“Mating? Like…what happens in all those paranormal romance novels? Aren’t those full of shit?” I cup the mug tightly, needing the rich scent and warmth to ground me.
“‘Course they are. But every lie starts with a kernel of truth.” After a quick glance around us, Dion scoots a little closer. “When I find my mate, I’ll know. I’ll smell ‘em. That’s how it works for shifters. Witches…they feel this instant connection. Magic on magic. With incubi…it’s complicated.”
“Of course, I get the complicated one,” I mutter.
Dion reaches for my hand. “Complicated ain’t always bad, hon. From what I’ve heard, incubi…when they find the one for them? They’ll die before they betray you. They’ll die to protect you. And they’ll give you the best sex you’ve ever had for the rest of your life.” With a wink, she sits back. “He wants you too, right?”
My cheeks catch fire, and I stare into the bottom of the mug. “Yes. He said what he feels for me is…’different.’ Not just hunger. Something more.”
Dion pours herself another cup of coffee and grins at me. “Well, Zoe…then I have one question for you. What are you going to do about your partner falling in love with you?”
Twenty-One
Sin
Despite my hatred of the swill brewed in the Bureau’s break room, I have been staring at my computer screen for too long. After I pour myself a cup, I turn to find Velma—one of the new vamp agents—close enough I almost knock into her.
“Sinclair,” she drawls, her wide, violet eyes framed with thick lashes that flutter as she smiles. “I was hoping to run into you today.”
“This is not a good time. If you will excuse me—“
“No. I’m afraid I can’t do that. I need your help.” Velma leans a hip against the counter next to me and trails her hand down my arm. “I caught a case where a succubus was poisoned. And I could use a…demonstration.”
Arching a brow, I retreat closer to the threshold, anger stirring in my gut. “A demonstration?”
Velma follows me, her hands pressed to my chest. “I want to understand how incubi and succubi feed. And reading about it isn’t the same thing as experiencing it. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Hey. You want to step back, bitch? Or should I report you to Other Resources?” Zoe forces herself between me and Velma, and the feel of her ass brushing against me stirs my arousal until I register how much danger she’s just put herself in.
