Page 75 of The Shop on Hidden Lane

The succubus images started appearing in the most recent sketchbook. And then the bodies showed up—three of them. They all looked like down-and-out street people. There were no signs of wounds but their faces were contorted death masks, as if they had died confronting horror.

He studied the drawings for a few minutes, trying to comprehend what they were telling him. It wasn’t just the evolution of the subject matter that sent a chill through him. There was something else going on, as well. Something ominous.

A shock wave flashed across his senses. He had to get back to Sophy. Now.

He shoved the sketchbook under the bed with the others and headed for the door.

Thirty-Six

The night sky over thesculpture garden was awash in artificial auroras generated by strategically placed machines. The ebb and flow of the colorful waves did a good job of masking the vortex vibe, Sophy thought, but the display could not entirely conceal the disturbing pulses of energy, at least not to someone who was naturally sensitive to paranormal currents.

Most of the audience appeared unaware of the buzz in the background but she knew they were unconsciously reacting to it. Some laughed a little too loud. A few were unsteady on their feet. A handful appeared anxious or uneasy. The free cocktails that were being handed out with abandon intensified the reactions of individuals in the crowd.

The scene felt uncomfortably volatile, she thought. And on top of everything else she was worried about Luke. Yes, he was in the security business, and yes, he probably knew what he was doing. But still. From time to time she glanced downat Bruce, because she had a feeling he would be the first one to sense that Luke was in real trouble. So far he seemed unconcerned.

The two of them were drifting randomly through the crowd. Thus far, Bruce had resisted the urge to pee on the sculptures. He probably didn’t think any were worthy of his marker. She shared his opinion. If you looked beyond the dazzling lights, the artwork wasn’t exactly captivating.

She was checking the time yet again, wondering how long Luke would be gone, when she heard the chillingly familiar voice behind her.

“The new boyfriend doesn’t know the truth about you, does he?” Vincent said.

She turned quickly, fury sweeping through her. She forced herself to remember Luke’s words:The idea isto keep a low profile. But at her side, Bruce was on high alert, golden wolf eyes focused on Vincent.

Vincent glanced at Bruce. “Does he bite?”

“He’s a dog,” Sophy said. “Of course he bites. He’ll tear your throat out without a second’s thought if I say the word.”

Bruce glanced up at her with a hopeful expression.

“Not yet, Bruce,” she said.

Bruce turned back to Vincent and grinned, showing a lot of fang.

Vincent took a nervous step back.

“I saw you skulking around the reception this afternoon,” Sophy said. “I’ve been wondering if you would have the guts to show up tonight. I thought maybe you would be too embarrassed by that horrible cartoon sculpture in the Maze Gallery.”

Rage twisted Vincent’s handsome features. His eyes blazed with heat and something else. Something scary.

“That sculpture reveals the truth about you,” he hissed in low tones. “You’re a monster.”

Bruce rumbled.

Ice touched the back of Sophy’s neck. “You are mentally ill, Vincent. Something has happened to you.”

“Yes, something has happened. I’ve changed in ways you can’t even imagine. I’m stronger now, more powerful.”

“Where did you get the new strength? Have you been watching late-night infomercials? Taking supplements? Is this where you say, ‘But wait, there’s more’?”

“You stupid fucking bitch.”

Bruce growled, louder this time. Distracted, Vincent flinched and looked down.

Sophy smiled. “Like I said, he bites. And so do I.”

“That makes three of us,” Luke said behind her.

Sophy breathed a sigh of relief. He was safe.