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CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“ Y ou don’t have to come in there with us. You know that, right?” Torrin says, his warm and now familiar voice reaching my ears before I can see him. It makes me freeze for a second as I glance about to find its source, quickly realising he must be around the corner I was approaching, and also speaking to someone else.

An unhappy suspicion pokes at me, and I wait for a moment more before slowly creeping forward and peering around the edge of the building. I groan internally when I spot Torrin, fleetingly contemplating the wistful idea of knocking my head onto the red bricks and leaving the land of the conscious.

Standing next to him is Rio, who’s looking just as irritable as ever. Honestly, somehow he’s managing to look even more aggravated than usual. He’s radiating bad fucking vibes, which is just freaking great. I’m sure that won’t end up being my problem whatsoever.

“I’m not letting you go into this cesspit without me,” he snaps, glaring at both his brother and the building as if they’ve personally offended him in some way.

I sigh quietly. When Torrin called saying Eli had contacted him with a lead, he hadn’t mentioned anything about the other hunter coming along. Surprises aren’t always good ones, I suppose. Thankfully, they appear too caught up in their conversation to notice my arrival and subsequent snooping —small mercies.

“Look, I know you have good reasons not to like their kind, but Eli said this place has a good reputation. You really think I would invite Eden along if it wasn’t safe?” Torrin questions him, being far more patient about this than I would be in his shoes.

“A building filled with demons is never safe,” Rio sneers back while pulling out his crystal pendant from underneath his dark shirt. It’s glowing bright pink, and the intensity of the light is far stronger than when Torrin had shown me his own. When it had been triggered due to my proximity. “Especially not when it’s them. ”

Them.

I swallow hard, trying to force away the uncomfortable tightness suddenly present in my throat. He means succubi and incubi, obviously. Even if he hadn’t spelled it out with the crystal, he hasn’t exactly made his particular hatred for them, which is way over the other subtypes of demons, subtle. From accusing me of being one, to all of the snide little comments he’s made, there’s no doubt about it. However, the sheer level of vitriol in his voice this time has my hand drifting down protectively over the tiny bump that’s hidden underneath my clothes.

I video-called with Suvi to show her earlier, paranoid that it’s already obvious I’m pregnant. She’d reminded me that while I may have only been pregnant for twenty-five days, the baby’s now at roughly the equivalent of twelve weeks of development. A small bump wouldn’t be out of the ordinary at this stage, and mine is still barely that, apparently. Despite her reassurance, to me, it’s blatantly obvious, especially when I caught my reflection in the mirror this morning without my clothes in the way.

Seeing the physical evidence of my pregnancy made everything feel so much more real. Terrifyingly so. It’s not as if I’ve been able to get a scan done so far, though Suvi had mumbled something about how she was working on that, making this the first truly tangible confirmation of the situation. I mean, clearly something demonic was happening to me, but a baby growing inside of me? My baby?

“Did you lose all of your common sense?” Rio seethes, loud enough to pull my brain out of my demon spawn spiral and back into their conversation. It doesn’t sound like I missed Torrin making any progress in calming him down. “You know what? Fuck it. It’s not my fault if you’re stupid enough to welcome death into your bed.”

Does he mean…?

“You can’t judge any group by the actions of the very worst of them alone,” Torrin replies smoothly, clearly still attempting to placate him. “Everyone who comes here knows what this place is, and they all leave happy and satisfied. We’re not here for that, anyway. You know why we came. It will be a quick conversation or two, in and out.”

Okay. He’s not talking about me, then. Phew.

“It’s irrelevant what we’re here for when you’re walking in there basically unarmed and unprepared for a fight. There aren’t any good ones, or safe places like this. That’s just what they want people to think,” Rio disagrees, unconvinced. His voice is acidic and bitter, turning even more caustic as he continues, “I know they can’t be trusted, so should you. Then again, what’ve you lost to teach you that lesson?”

“Rio—”

“Don’t. You only got into this job because it’s the family business. Dai and I do this because we have to. Because it’s our only way?—”

Having heard more than enough, more than I’d been prepared to hear anyway, I pull my head back from watching them to lean against the bricks. I frown as I think over their words, an uncomfortable feeling twisting my insides. The pieces of the Rio-shaped puzzle are coming together, and I don't think I like the picture it reveals.

Is that…sympathy prickling at the edges of my thoughts, or am I just having an aneurysm?

Damn it. Now I feel bad for listening in. Huffing quietly in frustration, I force their conversation out of my mind, telling myself it’s because I don’t care. Why should I care what traumas Rio’s lugging around with him like an oversized freaking suitcase? No wonder he’s so tetchy. It still doesn’t excuse what a total ass he’s been towards me, though.

Deciding that’s more than enough eavesdropping, I take a second to compose myself, then stride around the corner, smile on my face as if I’ve heard nothing at all. I purposefully make my steps louder than usual against the pavement, waving as they glance my way to ensure they’ve spotted me, not that there’s a crowd to lose me in around here. Rio looks away from me as soon as he realises who’s approaching, staring at the building and staying where he is, while Torrin waves back and comes to meet me halfway.

“You got here quick,” Torrin says as he comes to a jolting stop in front of me. There’s an awkwardness to the movement, like he’d caught himself going for a handshake and then decided against it…but that’s not quite right.

“I may have pushed the speed limit a little,” I admit, glancing at the building that’s causing Rio’s current irritation with some confusion. “What is this place anyway? It looks like an empty warehouse.”

Torrin hadn’t explained much, other than saying that Eli had told him about a demon that works here who’s supposedly friends with an incubus called Ash. It may not be much, but it’s the best lead we’ve managed so far, and the very first mention of a demon going by his name. It was enough to get me dressed and in my car in record time.

“It’s err…” Torrin’s face flushes slightly as he fumbles for the words.

“Goddess. Are you blushing?” I ask in a teasing tone, unable to stop my lips curling into a grin. The pink tinge on his cheeks seems to stretch right back to his ears; the tips look like they burn from embarrassment. It’s oddly cute, endearing even.

“It’s a demon sex club,” Rio bluntly answers instead, not waiting for Torrin to find the words. “It’s a place where incubi and succubi come to feed off the stupid.”

“Demons have their own sex clubs?”

I look at the building with renewed interest. I suppose it would make sense for demons who feed off sexual energy to ensure they have a reliable source of the stuff. The idea of demons going to a sex club the way we’d go to a restaurant for dinner, though, that’s an admittedly strange thought. I can’t help but wonder if Ash has been here to feed before or somewhere else like this. Was he just searching for a meal the night we met? I bite my lip, more than a little unsure over how I feel about the idea, not that there’s anything I can do about it now. Regardless of what Ash’s intentions were, I’m sure he’ll be surprised by the unexpected consequence of our night together…

“They do,” Torrin confirms, seeming to get over his embarrassment once he’s seen my unbothered reaction to the reveal of what this place is. “The one who runs this club, Marbas, is who we’re here to try and speak with.”

“Well, I wish you would have given me a heads up about where we were meeting,” I complain, suddenly very conscious of the fact I’m wearing a baggy t-shirt and workout leggings. Maybe I shouldn’t have rushed to get here so fast.

I’m totally going to blend right in amongst the leather and latex, aren’t I?

Rio snorts, causing us to both turn to face him. I raise an eyebrow at him, waiting for an explanation for his sudden outburst of amusement. He shrugs, but his lips twitch slightly as if fighting back the words.

“Something you want to say?” I prompt, not letting it go.

“Just think it’s funny that you, of all people, are the one concerned about this place.”

“Oh, I’m not concerned.” I flash Rio a bright smile before gesturing down to my outfit. Though, it’s generous to refer to it as one considering the only criteria I had when picking out my clothes today were ‘no stains’ and ‘smells clean.’ Oh well. “Not at all. I just wish I could have dressed up for the occasion.”

I ignore the choking sound coming from Torrin beside me and stride off towards what I would assume to be the club’s subtle entrance. The almost decrepit-looking door pushes smoothly open with an ease its appearance wouldn’t suggest. A few steps in, I pause, turning on the spot to look around the entryway. It’s nothing like you’d expect from the building’s outer appearance. Inside the old warehouse, it’s gleaming like brand new, with glossy black floors and red embellished charcoal walls. There’s a large desk right ahead and, directly behind it, three black doors. Comparing the stark differences, I’m guessing the outside is to ensure only people in the know can find this place. It’s clearly working for them. I mean, I’ve lived in this city for nearly three years now and never heard a single whisper of its existence.

Torrin passes me as he makes his way to the desk in question, and I almost jump out of my skin when I look for Rio and realise how closely he’s standing beside me. I need to put a freaking bell on him or something. Advanced warning for when he sneaks up on me, especially considering I’m not fully convinced he isn’t still planning my death. Not wanting to dawdle, I join Torrin at the desk just as he dings the odd little golden bell on it.

Almost immediately, the middle door opens, and a beautiful woman steps out. If I wasn’t already feeling self-conscious before, well, now I definitely would be. She’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Hell, I bet she could be wearing baggy workout clothes, and nobody would think twice about her presence here. Though, the skin-tight cutout dress hugging her figure certainly works to her advantage. She’s taller than me, and I doubt that’s all the work of the deadly high heels she’s wearing. Tumbling red hair scatters in perfect curls down her shoulders, framing a face models would envy, her piercing green eyes glancing down to meet mine with a curious but not unfriendly expression.

“Can I help you, doll?”

At her question, I glance to my left at Torrin for help, not knowing how we’re supposed to be approaching this. Straight answers, or sneaky? Shit. Maybe, just maybe, I should’ve asked more questions before walking in here like I actually have a clue what the hell we’re doing. Other than looking for some guy who might know Ash, that is.

“We’re here to see Marbas. A mutual friend told us this would be the best place to find him,” Torrin thankfully answers, saving me from having to fumble over words.

The woman’s expression turns icy-cold as she turns to face Torrin, as does her voice. “I think you’ll find there are no warrants for Marbas’ capture or elimination, hunter . So I don’t understand what it is you’re doing here.”

“Not here for a council assignment, nor is Marbas who I’m after. I’m actually hoping he can help me find them,” he replies, unbothered by her attitude.

“I doubt he’ll be much help.” She smiles, but there’s zero warmth to it when she looks at him. Well, I suppose a demon might be wary of someone whose career is based on hunting their kind, more often than not with a kill clearance or request attached to the job.

“We still want to speak with him,” Torrin insists, and I can’t help but notice the way her eyes dart over the three of us at his words, lingering on me. Anxiety has my arms itching to wrap over my stomach protectively, but I know it’ll only draw attention to what I want to hide. I force myself to keep them still, squeezing my hands at my sides instead.

“Is she your client?” she demands suddenly, and my anxiety spikes even higher.

“So what if she is?” Torrin replies, not fully denying or confirming her suspicions, though I suspect it’s more than obvious that I am.

Why else would I be here tagging along with them?

“Did you have a bad experience with someone from our club, sweetheart?” she asks me, far softer than she had spoken to him. “We have a reporting system, and I can assure you that we take complaints very seriously. Marb considers everyone’s safety at the club as our top priority.”

“Sure he does,” Rio mutters, not quite low enough to avoid the woman hearing him.

“He does. How dare you imply?—”

“I haven’t been here before, actually,” I answer over her, mostly to stop this argument from occurring before Rio gets us thrown out of here with his attitude. “I’m looking for a demon I met a little while back. I asked my friends here to help me find him.”

“And your reasons for seeking out this demon?” she asks, still glaring at Rio, who glares right back at her.

“Are personal,” I answer firmly, briefly weighing up the merits of what I’m saying before continuing, “I swear we don’t intend to harm them or anyone else here. We just want to talk to Marbas. Please.”

“Well, seeing as they lack a warrant, we don’t have to let either of them in,” she replies almost smugly, though the expression entirely vanishes when she looks away from Rio to meet my gaze with a soft sigh. “ However, as I doubt they’ll let you come in alone, if you promise to keep your friends on a leash and out of trouble, you may all enter. I can’t promise Marbas will have answers for you, though.”

“She isn’t the?—”

“Thank you,” I say loudly, talking over Rio’s likely stupid comment before he can say something that’ll get us all thrown out the door. “Sorry about him. He can be rude when intimidated by beautiful women.”

She laughs, and damn, I didn’t think a woman’s laugh could sound so seductive. I decide it must be a succubus thing because there’s no way she’s anything else. Between her looks, where she’s working, and Rio’s instant dislike of her, that much is obvious.

“I’m sure,” she replies in a humorous tone, smirking as she leans forward, resting her hands on the desk and tilting her head to the side. “Head on through the left door, down the hallway to the end, then cut across the main club floor to the back metal stairs. If you go right up to the top, he should be up there, hiding away from the action as always.”

“We appreciate your assistance,” Torrin says politely, grabbing Rio by the bicep as he walks past him and around the desk to the door she’d indicated. I follow them, stopping and turning around at a hand gently tapping my shoulder.

“I’m Mori, by the way. I hope if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you’ll consider coming back here. Without your present company.” She gives a pointed look over my shoulder to where the guys have stepped through the door, then her expression changes to one I really can’t read when she looks at me. “For me, more than two is a crowd.”

“Uhhh…thank you. Maybe?” I mumble, flashing Mori an awkward smile as I turn back and dart through the door after them, brain glitching as I try to make coherent thoughts.

What the hell just happened there?

“Did she just hit on you?” Torrin asks, catching my shoulders before I can walk right into him, having missed the hunter standing in the middle of the hallway, directly in front of me. Whoops.

“Was that what that was?” I blink, his words setting in. Interesting. I’m at least ninety percent sure I don’t swing that way—maybe only eighty percent after that, actually. I am feeling oddly flattered by it. Then again, maybe I just like attention? That seems plausible.

“She’s probably just looking for an easy meal,” Rio says, stomping all over my little ego boost.

“Who are you calling easy?” I snap, twisting to face him, feeling Torrin’s hands tighten on my shoulders as he moves with me, not letting go. Probably worried for his brother’s continued existence, and he should be.

“I didn’t mean it like—” he cuts himself off, slashing his hand across in a dismissive gesture. “Actually, you know what? You’re right. There’s nothing easy about you.”

“Not worth it,” Torrin cautions me quietly in my ear. “We won’t get any answers standing around in a hallway squabbling.”

“Fine, let’s get this over with,” I reply, shaking off his grip.

Sometimes, I really hate it when someone has to go and be reasonable. It leaves me feeling insane for the burning desire I have to verbally destroy the irritating man who’s already pushing through the door at the other end of the hallway. Slow pulsing, heavy bass music slips out for the few moments the door is open, falling utterly silent again once it closes after him.

I take a deep breath, trying to find some kind of serenity or something. It's not very effective.

If I really wanted to, I bet I could make him cry. When others go low, I go to hell. Rio doesn’t listen to logic, so maybe a verbal lashing about how scrawny his arms are will take him down a peg or two? I mean, they’re not that scrawny, but compared to the others? Daion is the one with truly swoon-worthy biceps of the three of them. Tan skin and well-defined muscles, glistening with his sweat while he works out…

“Good.” Torrin’s words snap me out of my little daydream about his brother’s muscles. Apparently the only thing that can distract me from fury is horniness. Wonderful. These hormones are a fucking trip.

“Are you sure you’re really attached to keeping him around?” I joke quietly as we walk down the hall together. “You’d still have Daion as a brother.”

“Sadly so. In all seriousness, I actually dread thinking about what our place would look like without him.”

I give him a confused frown.

“Rio actually does most of the cleaning. We’d be left with nothing but our robo-vacuum, Sir Stabby, and a terrifying tower of dishes without him.”

“Sir Stabby?”

“Someone taped a demon-killing knife to it,” he says with a shrug, his face projecting a little too much innocence.

“Someone?” I prompt teasingly as we step through the door.

“Yeah, someone with whimsy and a wicked sense of humour,” he confirms, the innocent expression cracking into a grin. “Sir Stabby’s the unofficial fourth member of the team.”

“And yet you’ve never introduced us,” I comment in a mockingly scathing tone, all while taking in the space.

The club isn’t what I expected, not that I had long to conjure any expectations. The place is huge, split across multiple floors, all of which look over the main space in a series of tiered mezzanine balconies covering three of the four walls. There are doors displaying glowing signage I don’t understand, leading off to Goddess only knows where. I assume some must lead private rooms for those less prone to exhibitionism, but I can’t be sure.

Little nooks are dotted around with tables and comfortable chairs. There’s also several bar areas across the various floors and a sunken dance floor on the main level surrounded by four large podiums with dancers atop them. There are less people than I imagined, but I suppose it’s not exactly peak time. Unless the peak time for demonic sex clubs is six o’clock in the middle of the week, which I doubt.

“Maybe I was worried you’d like him more than me,” Torrin jokes distractedly. Well, I’d definitely like him more than some of their trio, that’s for sure. His eyes are also scanning the space, probably looking for Rio, now fourth on my mental list ordering the Fletcher Hunting team from favourite to least.

Actually, where the hell did he go so quickly?

“You have two brothers too many to have only child syndrome,” I inform him while joining in on his visual search, immediately getting distracted by what looks like a fae giving a vampire a blowjob on one of the second floor balconies. The shock of sparkling platinum hair being gripped as their head bobs up and down, along with the blood covering the guy’s lips, leads to my assumptions of their actions and respective species.

“There. Already halfway up the stairs,” Torrin says with a huff, pointing right across the space to the far stairs Mori had told us to go to. The only ones that happen to have a chain dangling a no-access sign across the bottom. While he’s not halfway up the four floors just yet, he has already stomped up the first flight of steps, obviously having ignored the sign.

Well, she did tell us to go this way…

“We better hurry if we want to talk before Rio pisses off Marb…Marbas?” I question, unsure which is right.

“Marbas. Though, she did call him Marb,” Torrin confirms. “Sadly, I think you may have the right idea. How fast can a pregnant woman run up that many stairs?”

“You’re laughing if you think I’d ever choose to run up those stairs. I wouldn’t do it regardless of the baby’s existence.”

Daion has been torturing me with more than enough running as it is. He even made me exercise in the morning after I fell asleep on their sofa the other day. The fact he’d had workout clothes in my size felt damn premeditated. He was definitely too prepared for my attempt at skipping out on our planned training for the day.

“Let’s move then.”

By the time we cross the club’s main floor and climb to the top of the four floors of stairs, I’m expecting to find Rio arguing with some poor demon. Instead, we’re greeted by another smaller staircase. It leads up to a platform over the centre of the space that’s suspended from the ceiling by four support beams. From the ground it hadn’t been visible at all, and I wonder if it’s an optical illusion or magic hiding it from the sight of those below.

Howling laughter suddenly reaches my ears, and I shoot a concerned look at Torrin, seeing an unsettled frown on his own face. Clearly, neither of us feels reassured by the sound. Laughter, demons, plus Rio…it doesn’t add up. So, despite my earlier words, we rush over the last small set of stairs and towards the mirthful noise.

Sitting in a large, lavish chair styled like a cushiony red throne is the demon who must be Marbas. His appearance is a little shocking to take in at first, as I hadn't realised it was possible for demons to have albinism. His pale skin, white hair, and reddish-tinged eyes that I would associate with the genetic condition are accompanied by shockingly white horns. The pristine white horns are a feature I’ve never seen on another person, demon or otherwise. They curl over, then back at the sides of his head.

Marbas is holding a nearly full, bright green drink clutched in his pale hand, despite laughing so hard it’s a miracle he’s not spilt it all over himself. Though, he’s dressed partially in a similar shade of green, so maybe he’s lost a few drops and it just isn’t noticeable. I wonder what’s tickled him so hard.

“You can’t be. It’s impossible,” Rio growls at the still-laughing demon as we step up onto the platform, his eyes only briefly flickering over to us. There’s a barrier around the perimeter of the platform, high enough to stop someone accidentally walking right off the edge, but low enough to allow seeing the entire club from this vantage point. The thought crosses my mind that this would be the perfect spot for a voyeur, and I wonder if it’s the intention of the design or simply a happy coincidence.

“Very possible, I’m afraid,” Marbas replies mirthfully, and then glances over at us. “More friends here to see little old me?”

“We’re not friends!”

“Well, I’ve already told you why we can’t be anything more than that, dear one,” the demon replies genially to Rio, with a sharp grin that looks admittedly a little bit unhinged despite the pleasant tone.

“Don’t call me…just …ugh!” Rio smacks the side of his fist against one of the support beams holding the platform from the ceiling, turning to Torrin after. He looks at him imploringly, as if he’ll somehow rescue him from whatever the hell this situation is. When Torrin doesn’t do anything, he huffs and storms off to the far side of the platform, focusing very intently on the people below.

With Rio apparently giving himself a timeout, it looks like Torrin and I will have to talk to this guy ourselves. Honestly, it will probably be easier for us to do it without him while he sulks over…whatever it is he’s managed to get so huffy about in the few minutes we were apart. Though, between his riled-up attitude and what I overheard earlier, I can’t help but think he really should have sat this one out from the start.

“Well, Rio may not want to be friends, but consider me your new bestie. I don’t know how you managed to shut him up for once, but I’m impressed,” I say warmly, deciding it’s a good idea to make nice with the first demon who might actually be able to tell me where the hell Ash is. If it has to come at the cost of irritating Rio further, it’s not as if he doesn’t hate me already.

“Well, aren’t you far more charming than your companion? What is your name, little dove?” Marbas asks, standing to greet me. The movement draws more attention to his outfit, and while the various beings we passed on our way up here were in all manners of dress, or undress in many cases, his choice in clothes raises my brows. A green velvet suit jacket over leather pants is…certainly a choice.

“It’s Eden.” After a second’s thought, I reach out my hand to offer a handshake, freezing when he brings it to his lips to kiss instead. Despite my apprehension, he doesn’t linger or make it weirder than necessary, quickly releasing his grip on my hand as he returns to his seat. A difference in mannerisms then, rather than an attempt to make me uncomfortable.

“A delight to meet you, Eden. I am Marbas, and this is my wonderful club. I assume, despite your more pleasant introduction, you’re also here because you have questions for me?”

“I do, though I’m sorry if he was rude about it. His brother told me he’s been that way ever since he was dropped on his head as a toddler. It’s a shame that the following drops didn’t reverse the problem, though they keep on trying,” I reply solemnly with a conspiring smile, ignoring the sound of Torrin’s amused reaction, quickly muffled by his hand. The irritated tapping of Rio’s fingers against the barrier increases in volume, but he doesn’t openly object or retort to the comment, so I figure he probably understands my intent in saying it.

That, or he’s busy planning my demise.

“Sadly, I doubt I’ll be much use in answering your questions. Your companion said you’re seeking a demon who goes by…hmm. Tash, was it?”

“Ash,” I correct him, despite suspecting the fumble of his name was completely intentional. “He’s an incubus,” I add, just in case Rio hadn’t mentioned it already.

“An incubus, and so you just assumed that means he frequents my club?” he questions in a vaguely derisive tone, setting his drink onto the table before leaning right back into his plush seat. He’s a little too quick in his jump to dismissiveness for it to feel genuine, but I swallow the bubble of annoyance threatening to burst out of me.

“No. Actually, a friend of ours suggested that you may know each other,” I reply, resisting the urge to ask him who’s the one making assumptions now.

“Did they now?” he questions, humming thoughtfully. “I know a lot of my fellow incubi. However, I don’t recall one by the name of Ash. Though, I have to confess I’m a bit curious, who was your friend?”

“Eligos,” Torrin answers, sparing me the moral debate over whether or not I was supposed to keep Eli’s help a secret. “Though, he’s a praeresum, not an incubus. He was informed of your acquaintance with Ash by a succubi called Niya. Do you know her?”

“I do,” Marbas confirms, sighing deeply before continuing, “Such a chatty young girl, and apparently misinformed chatter at that. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you all, but she must have been confused. A simple mix-up of names, I can only assume. I don’t know anyone called Ash.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Whoops. Well, there goes my attempt at friendliness. It had been semi-decent while it lasted…

“Listen up, Marbles,” I begin, saying a silent ‘fuck that’ to playing nice any longer while he’s lying right to my face. “I’m all out of patience here because I really need to find Ash, and I think you’re lying to me about what you know. Hell, I’m willing to bet that you do know him, personally even, with how sketchy you’re being. So, can you please just cut the shit and tell me where the hell I can find him?”

Marbas narrows his eyes, the friendly genial expression completely vanishing from his face. “Even if I were lying, if I did happen to know an incubus called Ash and considered him my dear friend, why would I tell demon hunters where to find him?”

“I’m not a demon hunter.”

“Obviously. Your companions, however, are. Their presence won’t do you any favours here. You two are both members of Fletcher Hunting, am I correct?” he asks, directing the question at Torrin.

“You’ve heard of us?” the hunter replies tightly, none of his usual friendly banter, as he’s put on the backfoot at being recognised. I get the sense this isn’t a common problem for them, but he recovers quickly enough from the surprise. “We already told the demon who let us in that we’re not here on an assignment, so our jobs really shouldn’t be a problem. Not to mention, if Ash hasn’t done anything wrong, why would he need to fear hunters wanting to speak with him?”

“You could say that I’ve heard of you. You could also say that your mother tried to kill me once .” It’s impossible to miss the way Torrin and Rio both tense up at the mention of their mother. “A lovely woman, despite her inane choice of career. Ava was very apologetic about it all once she realised she had the wrong demon.”

“ Did she have the wrong demon?” Rio speaks up, glaring across the platform at Marbas.

“Quite. She was looking for an incubus who had drained all the energy from a string of unwilling human women, leaving them very dead. And, as I already informed you, I don’t engage in such activities, so it couldn’t possibly have been me who committed the horrendous crime she accused me of.”

“You don’t kill women, or you don’t have sex with them?” Torrin asks, surprisingly blunt about it.

“Neither,” he answers with a flippant hand wave in Rio’s direction. “As I said to that one before you both arrived, I don’t have sex with anyone .”

“But you’re an incubus?” The questioning words slip out of my mouth of their own accord, my mind desperately trying to find a way for his statement to make sense. “You literally feed off sexual energy. How can you not have sex?”

“Once incubi reach full sexual maturity, the need to feed off sexual energy does become a requirement for survival. It’s why I opened my club. Here, I have all the background lust to feed from that any of my kind could ever need. All without needing to directly resort to such…unappealing measures.”

Unappealing measures. Does he mean sex?

He’s repulsed…by sex?

“You’re asexual,” I blurt out, stunned. “An asexual incubus. Is that even possible?”

“It is. Though it’s a rare orientation amongst my subspecies, I’ll admit. It was only my total disinterest in sex that convinced Ava Fletcher of my innocence. So, you’ll have to forgive me for not trusting innocence alone will be enough to protect a demon if a hunter has already been convinced of their guilt.”

“How could she mix you up with someone else?” Torrin says, sharp hazel eyes scanning the demon sceptically. Rio also grunts as if seconding or backing up his brother’s question.

“You ask because of my distinctive appearance and lack of charm, I assume?” Marbas responds dryly. “While I’m currently the only white-horned incubus I know of, before he met his end at your parents’ hands, there was another. Our shared condition also somewhat alters our ability to morph our appearance to appeal to desires, though it hasn’t proven an issue for me given my nature. A fortunate benefit, actually.”

“And I’m sure you were just thrilled to point them his way instead of yours?” Rio asks.

“Yes, I was. I may not be fond of your ilk, but I was more than happy to point the hunter in his direction.”

“Not a fan of the guy, then?” Torrin asks.

“The stain he brought to me through the confusion of our identities aside, I’m ‘not a fan’ of rapist serial killers, no,” the demon snaps, clearly having had enough of entertaining our questions and being insulted.

Well, shit.

“Look.” I pause to sigh, realising we’re not going to get anywhere. Not like this, anyway. “I get you’re not going to admit knowing him, even if you do, and I guess I can also understand why you feel that way. Could you at least agree to tell Ash that I’m looking for him, though? It couldn’t possibly hurt, right? Just tell him Eden’s looking for him. And where he can find me, please .”

Marbas stares at me so intently and so silently, it feels as if he’s giving my soul a very thorough evaluation. “If I happen to see an incubus going by that name, I will pass on your message,” he finally agrees, and I get the sense that’s the best I’m going to get.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry for calling you Marbles, by the way. I’m just…I really need to find Ash,” I apologise, my excuses sounding lame even to my own ears. I’m not about to tell him my actual reasons for searching for him, though. Too many people know about the baby already.

“There’s no need to apologise. I actually think I quite like the nickname Marbles,” he says, slipping right back into his earlier personality, all warm pleasantness and amusement. “I may give it to myself.”

“Everyone gets a nickname but me,” Torrin mutters, though I think I’m the only one close enough to catch the hushed words.

“I guess we should leave you to your evening,” I say, not quite sure how to make a graceful exit after all that. Nothing ever goes smoothly when it comes to the hunt for Ash.

“One last thing,” he calls as we’re turning to leave. “I have a question for you, if you don’t mind.”

“Ask away, Marbles. It’s only fair,” I tell him, grinning as I use the name to convey friendliness this time, instead of my irritation.

He returns the smile with one of his own, one more genuine than his prior expressions, then asks me, “This demon you’re looking for, do you care for him?”

“Why is that rel?—”

“Yes,” I answer, cutting off Rio’s rude interruption with my firm response, grateful when Torrin assists me by yanking him down the stairs with him. I may barely know Ash, but we definitely had a connection, and now we’re having a baby, even if he doesn’t know it yet. How could I not care, just a bit, for the father of my child? “I do care about Ash, and I swear I’m looking for him for good reasons. I only asked for help from hunters because I didn’t know where to begin searching for a demon on my own.”

“I see,” he says, seeming contemplative for a moment. “Then I’ll hope to encounter him so I may pass your message on. Good luck with your search, Eden.”