Page 15 of Hazel’s Choice (A Monstrous World: Next Gen)

Chapter Fourteen

Zephyr

One Hour Earlier

S imon answers the phone with a huff. “What’s up, man?”

I frown and pull the device away from my ear. It’s the correct number, and the voice is familiar, but he doesn’t sound happy to hear from me.

I bring the phone to my ear once more. “Where are you? I sensed the creature. I need backup.”

Simon sighs heavily.

“Who is it?” Josiah asks in the background.

“Zeph. He thinks he found a lead on the creature that killed Levi,” Simon says.

“Shit,” Josiah says, sounding even more muffled. “Isn’t he ready to let that go?”

My jaw clenches.

What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

“I’m putting you on speakerphone,” Simon says. “Look, Zeph, we think it’s time you set down this particular crusade.”

I can feel my face morph into a frown.

What the hell is he talking about?

The creature that killed Levi is terrifying. Even I was intimidated by it before it siphoned away, but I would protect them. It has to be their fear talking, right?

“Yeah, man, listen,” Josiah pipes in. “Is it really worth risking your life? Do you think Levi would have done the same for you?”

My brow furrows even deeper.

Yes, I do believe he would have.

“What is happening?” I ask, my frustration spilling through in my tone.

“You were away on assignment a lot. You barely spent any time with Levi, the last six months or so, especially,” Simon says. “I’m just saying. He was kind of a dick when you weren’t around.”

“It got progressively worse until we could barely stand to be around him,” Josiah adds. “We tried to back you up because we knew you were upset, but he changed a lot during those last few months, and not for the better.”

“I see,” I grind out. “I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

My phone continually buzzes in my pocket, but I ignore it. I never should have contacted Simon and Josiah. I hoped they could be counted on for assistance if I truly did come face-to-face with the creature, but it’s clear they’re growing tired of my quest to avenge Levi.

My head shakes as my jaw tightens.

I might be committed to enacting retribution, but I’m not obsessed to the point I can’t focus on anything else.

If someone had murdered either of them, I would do the same.

We’ve been friends for so many years that somewhere along the way, I started to think of them as brothers, but I forget sentinels aren’t angels. We share DNA, and that’s where the similarities end.

Sentinels grow up in the human realm without the strict training angels are given from birth. Still, I thought they’d come if I called.

They did the first few times you thought you found a lead .

These things take time… Not every adversary can be captured within days or even weeks. Sometimes you have to follow a trail for months, and even then, you might only catch them if they mess up.

My frustration is reaching an all-time high, but it’s better to know they aren’t as committed as I am. That way I won’t call upon them in a true moment of need only to be met with silence.

I’m just having trouble understanding how they can let Levi’s murderer go free without even trying to seek revenge.

Simon, Josiah, and Levi spent most of the last year together. While I was called away on assignment after assignment, the three of them were never apart.

Could something have happened to fracture their once close friendship? And if so, why haven’t either of them spoken to me about it before tonight?

My frustration morphs into fury as I think through every second of the attack I stumbled upon in the alley.

Hazel seemed even more out of it than normal, and I didn’t even have the chance to question her about the specifics of what happened before I found her.

If the incubus gave a fuck about her, he would have taken her home immediately following such a traumatizing experience.

Not brought her into a sex club to fuck her in front of an audience.

What she really needed was a warm bath and to be held while she cried. There’s no way she’s even had time to process the terror and helplessness after such a traumatic event.

If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have left her side. My search was in vain, and that sets me even more on edge.

There’s no way to be certain the creature targeted the witch, but something deep inside me says it must have. It would be too much of a coincidence for that to happen by chance.

I asked Hazel for assistance, and in doing so, I put her on the creature’s radar. The thought makes my stomach tighten.

I won’t fail someone else who needs me.

I wasn’t there when Levi was attacked, and it haunts me still. Even months later, I haven’t come to terms with that loss.

The night of Levi’s death is a blur.

I’d just made it back into the human realm from Heaven. I reunited with Levi, Simon, and Josiah at a small bar in a town I’d never been to before.

The three were working as supernatural bounty hunters, and they had a tip their target liked to frequent that particular establishment.

I’m not even sure when Levi slipped away, but by the time we noticed he was missing and went searching…

It was already too late.

The first step was ruling out their original target. It quickly became evident that the ogre they were after wasn’t the creature who killed Levi, but I feel like I know less about this adversary now than I did at the start of my search.

It’s frustrating.

But I do know one thing.

I won’t allow Hazel to be cannon fodder in my mess. Just because the set of monsters in the alley failed, it doesn’t mean the creature won’t send other minions to get the job done.

That makes it my responsibility to protect her.

If that fucking incubus cared about her at all, he would do the same.

The sex demon in question smirks at me. His massive hand lands on her abdomen over her dress, and he pulls her back to his chest as she bounces over his cock.

Angels aren’t overly sexual creatures. Certainly nothing compared to vampires, siren, or incubi, but there’s a distinct feeling in my gut that I think might be churning jealously.

Hazel’s face twists in pleasure, and it’s easy to imagine myself in Annex’s place. Except she has him, meaning she doesn’t need anything from me except my protection.

If she’s even willing to accept that.

The witch and the demon finally stop copulating.

My teeth grind together at the soft smile she offers him as she tilts her face up to his. It’s like she can’t see anyone in the room but the demon, and that simultaneously annoys me to no end and concerns me for her safety.

She’s not the most self-aware, and she needs to be to survive the creature I’m hunting.

The demon dips his head, kissing Hazel despite the awkward angle, and I’ve officially had enough.

Shoving off the column I’ve been leaning against, I spread my wings and take off for the stairs that lead to the stage.

Rather than climbing the few steps, I stretch my wings and coast, landing just in front of the chair the two of them still occupy.

“Ahem.” I hold back a smile as the incubus pulls his mouth from Hazel’s, glaring in my direction. “I’m sorry to interrupt what looks like a riveting performance, but hopefully the show is coming to an end.”

“Zephyr?” Hazel jolts, pulling an arm to cover her breasts. She could simply pull the dress up over her chest and down to cover her vagina, but I’ll attribute her reaction to surprise.

“You and I need to have a conversation.” I focus on retracting my wings, and they slither back into my spine. “Here, allow me to help you up.”

Fuck if I know what I’m doing, but I loop my arms under hers and lift her off the incubus’s lap.

I tower over the little witch, and all I can seem to focus on is that her breasts are still hanging out.

My hands have a mind of their own, and they reach for the material, pulling it up and over her chest. Without my wings extended, I’m able to remove my jacket with ease, and I help the confused witch into it as she frowns.

A bark of laughter fills the air, and my head whips up to appraise Annex. Oathkeeper could dispatch him in less than a minute, so I’d love to know what he finds so humorous.

“I wasn’t cold,” Hazel says, patting my arm. “But thank you for the jacket?” The last part comes out distinctly question-like. “What exactly did you need to talk to us about?”

I barely hold myself back from snapping that I don’t need to speak to the incubus about anything. Hazel’s safety is all I’m worried about. However, I doubt that would go over well.

“Zephyr?” she prods when I don’t speak.

My eyes flutter shut as my nostrils flare with her sweet scent. Her pheromones send a pulse straight to my cock.

This is a problem.

I’m never disoriented when I shimmer places, but allowing the incubus to siphon us is another story entirely.

“Look, my magic knew exactly where to send our clothing,” Annex says, chuckling as we land in a room of some sort. “I found your panties, baby doll.”

My eyes nearly roll into the back of my head. How Hazel can stand dealing with him is beyond me.

“Okay, I’m exhausted,” Hazel says, planting her hands on her hips. “If you could get to the part where you tell us what’s going on, I’d appreciate it.” She smiles, but it’s forced.

Clearing my throat, I avoid looking at the little witch. She’s clad in my coat, and some primal part of me likes that a little too much for it to be civilized.

“I’m afraid by asking for your help locating the creature, I only succeeded in putting you on its radar,” I admit, struggling against the discomfort that bubbles in my gut. “I feel responsible for what occurred tonight. The monsters who attacked you were likely put up to it by the creature.”

“Oh no, I don’t think that’s the case,” Hazel says, but it’s unconvincing.

“Well, I do. We’ll have to agree to disagree.

Unfortunately, I have a bit more knowledge than you do where the creature is concerned.

I don’t believe tonight was a coincidence.

” Moving my gaze back to her, I attempt to gauge what she’s thinking.

I wouldn’t blame her for lashing out at me, but her mouth simply opens and closes while no words come out.

“You don’t have to worry. I intend to rectify my mistake.

I’ve found lodging in Black Cove, and I’ll be staying in town until either the creature is dealt with or it becomes obvious that you’re no longer in danger. ”

“That’s really not necessary,” Hazel says, shaking her head.

It causes her long dark hair to fall around my jacket, and my insolent mind obsesses about if the material will smell like her when I get the coat back.

“Those guys were just run-of-the-mill pushy assholes. I don’t think they were after anyone in particular, more like whatever poor female they could single out. ”

“Well, I would like a full rundown on what happened before I arrived, but as you’ve said, you’re exhausted.” I offer a tight smile. “I don’t want to add any additional stress to your plate when you’ve already had a trying day. I’ll follow you home and keep watch. You won’t even know I’m there.”

“That’s very thoughtful, but unnecessary. I have Annex to watch my back, and I’m not without my own defenses. I have magic, you know.” The little witch grimaces. “But I appreciate the offer.”

I frown.

She’s not allowed to turn down my protection. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her on my watch.

“I’m afraid it’s not up for debate,” I say firmly. “As I said, you won’t even know I’m there.”

Annex chuckles. “Somehow I doubt that.”

The demon once again leads the siphon, and it doesn’t get any less chaotic the second time.

“Damn, I should have landed us inside. I didn’t bring my keys.” Annex laughs, disappearing in a smoky cloud of shadows.

It leaves Hazel and me on the porch of the home she must live in.

“This is your home?” I ask, clearing my throat. “Or is it Annex’s?”

“Both,” Hazel says. “I mean, we both rent a room here, but it’s not like I own the place or anything. It actually belongs to Greer. You might have met her at the club—the vampire with pink hair. Novak, Reign, and Seiran are her mates.”

I frown.

I remember seeing the woman, but I’ve never spoken a word to her. Reaching into the pocket of my jeans, I pull out the notecard Novak gave me. It has the address of the property I’ll be staying at.

Holding it up, I compare it to the numbers next to the front door.

This is going to look purposeful.

“What in the world is taking Annex so long? Did he get lost?” she asks with a huff.

“There’s no way you’re going to believe this is a coincidence.” I shove the card away, fish the key from my pocket, and place it in the door handle. “But I believe I have the key.” The lock turns, and I try the knob.

The door pops open to a very confused incubus.

“Well, there’s probably something else I should tell you,” I mutter, shaking my head.

This will make looking after Hazel much easier, but I’m sure it also seems suspicious.