Lore grasped her hand and flashed them back to her home. He mentally opened the front door, but Nia showed no inclination to go inside. She paced the paved backyard as if unable to remain still, the letter clutched in her fist. Her brow furrowed, then she bit her lush lower lip.
His thoughts rushed to last night, to the intensity of their kiss. His heart thudded as if it would escape his chest.
Nia looked up, then away, as she passed him.
The entire moment of their kiss had imprinted itself in his soul and refused to be locked away. It took every inch of his willpower to reel in his chaotic thoughts and concentrate on her current state of anguish.
“What happened?” he asked quietly.
She wheeled around and shook her head, crushing the letter to her chest. “It’s my problem.”
“Nia, I can feel your pain. Talk to me.”
“Stop, please.” She flashed up a hand when he moved closer. “You can’t help me. Not with this, okay?” She brushed past him again, but he grasped her arm, his grip gentle enough for her to break free. She didn’t.
“What did the letter say to cause you this much anguish?”
A hollow laugh escaped her. “Why?” Her dark glare slammed into him, bright with pain. “Your only job is to make sure I still breathe, not worry about my emotional well-being. God! I need a drink.” She yanked free and stormed into the living room.
He followed her inside. “Nia?—”
“Fine, here!” She spun to him, smacked the crumpled ball into his chest, and stalked to the kitchen, where she rummaged through the cupboard, brought out a dark bottle, and filled a small crystal glass with deep red liquid.
The acrid smell of fermenting grapes teased his nose. She picked up the glass and just stared at the glinting red liquor as if seeking answers.
Frowning, Lore smoothed out the single sheet of paper on the counter and scanned the message written in spidery black penmanship…
Since you have refused my generous offer of financial security and marriage to a refined member of society who wants you, you have left me no choice.
My entire estate will be divided and donated to my charities. Now that I’m free of my obligation to my beloved son, it is time you faced some truths.
1: There is no money for you to inherit.
2: I endured you because my son asked it of me. But I will never love someone who is of unknown DNA and cursed by darkness with the ability to see the vilest evil out there.
Yes, as you must have now gathered, you were adopted as a child. My son refused to divulge which agency he used for the adoption, but you are clearly someone else’s spawn. Maybe even a demon’s, considering your abominable skill.
Since my son’s estate reverted to me at his death, there is nothing for you from my family. All allowances and tutorial fees will cease.
I wish you the life you deserve.
Cora L. S. Deveraux
A thud sounded as Nia settled her glass on the counter. “Now I know why she treated me as if I belonged with the squatters in the streets.”
The pain in those words wrapped around him like serrated wires. Before he could speak, she said, “You know what?” A strained smile touched her mouth, but her eyes were damp. “I’m relieved. Absolutely and utterly relieved that I don’t have her blood running through my veins. Now, I need to get out of here. I’m going to Satire.”
“No.”
“Don’t tell me no! I’m human, and free will is my right.” She snatched her cell from her coat pocket. “You can stay here. I’m calling an Uber.”
With a low growl, he grasped her hand and flashed them.
They reappeared in an alley near Satire, the area gloomy with twilight approaching. A light drizzle fell as they headed for the club. The place buzzed with life and noise. He didn’t like Nia being out in the open. More, he didn’t like that she’d shut him out.
She pushed open the door, and he followed. Music belted out from the jukebox, and a few people swayed in the small dance space. The smell of food and alcohol crowded Lore’s sensitive nose, along with the faint odor of sulfur from the local Otiumdemons who inhabited the town. But the hellspawn he hunted wasn’t around.
He sidestepped patrons, ignoring their stares. Even with his angelic allure concealed so he could blend in, it didn’t stop the humans from noticing him. All that mattered was being the support Nia needed?—
