Only Skin Deep: Paranormal MMM Romance, page 22
“We know you appreciate us,” Luca said. He moved closer and rested his bottom against the counter beside Colby. “We see it in the ways you’ve slowly let your guard down—which under these circumstances is a miracle. This isn’t the way we hoped to bring you into our world. It should’ve been different, and I’m sorry you were thrust into our lives in such a violent way. That had to be terrifying. Still terrifying as the hits keep coming.”
“Yet you’ve both been there through it all,” Colby said, his voice barely above a whisper. Fresh tears appeared, and Luca wiped them away.
“Why don’t you go take a hot shower? We’ll get Daniel situated and order some lunch. We never had that breakfast,” Ash said. “You’re probably starving.”
“I'm not sure I can eat,” Colby said.
“You need something on your stomach,” Luca said. “Even if it’s just a few bites.”
“Daniel will want lunch,” Colby said. “I can try to eat something.”
“Good,” Luca said, pressing a kiss to Colby’s forehead. “It’s going to be okay. We will fix what was broken.”
Colby gasped, gaze flying to Luca. “I didn’t mean what I said earlier. About you not fixing me.”
“You were under duress,” Luca said. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. It was cruel. Considering all you’ve done for us, I was wrong. And I’m sorry.”
Luca leaned in and stole a kiss. “Apology accepted. Okay?”
Colby nodded.
Ash linked his fingers with Colby’s. “Let’s get you comfortable, hmm?”
He led Colby into their bedroom. “You can use our bathroom. There are fresh towels hanging on the bar.” Crossing the bedroom, he smiled. He walked toward his dresser and slid one drawer open. “I don’t know what I’ve got that might fit you. The coven will bring something better, but for now—” He dug through, finding his smallest pair of drawstring sweatpants and a t-shirt. “This will give you something clean to put on after.”
“Thanks,” Colby murmured. He glanced at the clock on the bedside. “It’s barely past lunch, and I feel like I could crawl into bed and sleep the day away.”
“After you eat a little, you can do just that.”
Colby walked closer and wrapped his arms around Ash’s chest, burying his face there, too.
A smile hitched the corners of Ash’s lips. He pressed a kiss to the top of Colby’s head.
Colby released him and disappeared inside the bathroom.
Ash returned to the living area and found Luca and Daniel searching through cable channels for something to watch. Luca lifted his gaze and handed the remote to Daniel.
“Keep looking for a movie you’d like to watch. I’ll pop us some popcorn,” Luca said, rising from the couch.
“Can it be Rated R?”
Luca glanced at Ash and then turned back to Daniel. “Do you usually watch them?”
“Colby says they’ll give me nightmares, but they don’t.”
“Why don’t we stick to PG-13 for now?”
“Oh mannn,” Daniel cried.
“If there’s one you really want to see, we’ll talk,” Luca said, offering a fist.
Daniel frowned. “What’s that for?”
“Fist bump me, dude,” Luca said, smiling.
Daniel grinned and bumped Luca’s fist with one of his own.
“You look. I’m on popcorn duty.”
“Okay,” Daniel said, glued to the TV and drinking from his mug.
Luca wandered into the kitchen, using a jerk of his head to signal for Ash to follow. After Luca pulled out a bag of popcorn and tossed it into the microwave, he turned to Ash. “Cas just texted. He’s gathering the coven, and they should arrive soon. He’s coming first and wants details about the fire.”
“Fun,” Ash murmured, eyeing the microwave. “I thought we were getting them actual food?”
“It’s being delivered,” Luca said, scowling. “Since I can’t make a meal appear with a flick of the fingers right now, we have to wait.”
“Poor guy.”
Luca narrowed his eyes. “Jerk.” He poked a finger into Ash’s shoulder. “Daniel said he was hungry, so this is something to tide him over until it arrives.”
Ash grabbed Luca’s finger before he could get poked again. Wrapping one hand around Luca’s, he drew his mate closer and stole a kiss.
Luca all but melted into him. “It’s been a shitty, shitty week.”
“A week? It’s felt like a fucking year.”
“Tell me about it,” Luca murmured. “I don’t know if I’ve told you how much I love you in a few days.”
Ash grinned. “Me either. We’ve been focused on the chaos.”
Luca wrapped both arms around Ash’s shoulders. “I love you.”
Ash slanted his lips and stole another kiss. “And I love you, Luc.”
Two arms wrapped around their waists. “I love you guys, too.”
Ash smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Daniel’s head. “We love you, too.”
“That’s right, little brother,” Luca added, ruffling Daniel’s hair.
“We are a family,” Daniel said, lifting one finger. “Family loves one another. That is the rule.”
Ash nodded. “Yes, you’re right. Family loves one another.”
Daniel came in for another hug.
Ash lifted his gaze and saw Colby standing in the kitchen’s entryway, hair damp and wearing borrowed clothes. Colby’s eyes shone with unshed tears. Ash lifted an arm, waving for him to join them.
He hesitated for a moment before rushing closer and shoving himself into the middle of the huddle. Ash lowered his head and kissed Colby. When he was done, Luca stole a kiss of his own.
A knock sounded at the door, ending their little love-in, although Daniel remained glued to him as Luca answered it. Cassius appeared in the doorway. Ash led Daniel closer to the bar and watched their coven leader through the opening. “When’s the last time you used an actual door for anything other than a portal?”
Cassius chuckled. “I’m still filling my supply.” He glanced toward Luca. “I recognize when to reserve my energy.”
“How’s your human?” Luca asked, ignoring Cassius’ comment.
Cassius winced. “I’m not here to discuss that.”
“What about Switch?” Luca pressed. “Will he come to Salem now?”
There always seemed to be a point of contention when it came to why Switch remained in Hollywood, and Cassius never answered many questions about it. Ash wasn’t bold enough to ask. Luca didn’t have that same concern, it seemed.
“We shall see,” Cassius murmured as he walked into the kitchen. He turned his attention to Colby. “Right now, my focus is on the fire and learning what happened there.” He pressed a hand to Colby’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss. Not just the house, but I understand you were close with your neighbors?”
Colby nodded, grief returning to his expression. “Yeah. Mrs. Martinez helped us a lot after we lost our parents.”
“What happened to Mrs. Martinez?” Daniel asked.
“He just means that we won’t be able to live next door for a while,” Colby said to Daniel. “Do I smell popcorn? Is that for you?”
Daniel grinned. “Gimme popcorn.”
Luca drew the bag from the microwave, poured the contents into a waiting bowl, and handed it to Daniel. “Found our movie yet?”
“I’m still looking.”
“Get to it,” Luca said, grinning.
“Yes, sir!” Daniel said before heading for the couch.
“You need to tell him eventually,” Ash said to Colby.
Colby sighed. “I understand that… but can I have a moment to deal with it myself before I have to break that news?”
“You don’t have to be the one, you know?” Luca said, rubbing a hand over Colby’s back. “He has two new big brothers who can tackle that conversation.”
“It’s my responsibility,” Colby said. “I need to do it. Just… give me a few days to recover from seeing… that.”
“That?” Cassius asked.
“Demonic runes… ummm,” Ash paused, wishing to be delicate around Colby. “Carved on them.”
Cassius hissed.
“And they had no eyes,” Colby whispered. “It was horrific.” He shivered. “Their faces… they were masks of terror. They were tormented.” He shook his head. “Again, my fault.”
“How was it your fault?” Ash asked, rubbing his palm down Colby’s shoulder.
“If I’d stayed here, maybe the demons wouldn’t have gone there looking for me.”
“How do you know they were looking for you?” Cassius asked.
“I don’t,” Colby murmured. “But it stands to reaso—”
“No,” Cassius interrupted. “You did not cause this.”
“They burned down my house. They came for me,” Colby said.
Cassius smiled gently. “You aren’t responsible for the actions of others.”
Another knock sounded at the door, and Luca crossed the room to open it.
Chapter
Sixteen
Luca surveyed the rest of the master tattooists from Enchanted Ink and key members within the coven standing in the hall, their faces grim. He wondered if they knew about the fire or there was another reason behind their determined expressions. Demons breathing down their necks was enough, though.
“Good, you’re all here,” Cassius said from behind Luca. “It’s past time we gathered to discuss some issues we’re facing.” He looked at Luca. “Before the rest of the coven arrives, let’s get on the same page.”
The tattooing crew were central to the coven—they were the strongest. Most of the major decisions, particularly when it came to protecting the family, came from them. The business owners were a close second. They also brought in the gold and trade that sustained everyone.
Luca stepped back, welcoming them into their home. Gideon led the troupe. Oracio, Oz, Atlas, Eli and Pierre, Nix, as well as the business owners, Luna of Moon Magic, the magical supply shop, Dotty the Tarot reader from Cackle & Co, Angelica, one half of the team leading Practical Magic, the potion shop, Graham the owner of Bewitched Bites, the cafe, and Lily—without her brother Bud—from the Moonlit Mandrake, the herbal and flower shop.
Pierre turned to Cassius after everyone had entered. “Quilliam is working on a special case and can’t make it. He sent me to represent the bookstore, if that’s okay?”
Cassius grinned softly. “That’s fine, Pierre.”
Colby moved closer to Luca. “Should Daniel and I leave?”
“No,” Cassius murmured. “This very much involves you, Colby. Daniel, too.”
Colby held Luca’s stare for a moment, concern in his eyes.
“It’ll be okay,” Luca said. He grasped Colby’s hand in a gentle hold. “We need to confront this evil together and protect those we love—as well as the people of Salem.”
Colby chuckled. “You sound like a superhero.”
“Hardly,” Luca whispered, grinning at the comparison. When he was a child, he saw powerful witches as superheroes himself, but even at a young age, he realized that talent could turn evil, too. Dark Magick easily spawned villains. While witches preferred to consider themselves apart from humans, they were, in fact, human. Magic helped improve upon the human condition, but ultimately, they were imperfect creatures.
Greed lured. Vanity corrupted. Avarice destroyed. Magic didn’t absolve one of sin. At times, it heightened the temptation to sin.
Colby held Luca’s stare, a glittering respect seeming to shine within his eyes. He squeezed Luca’s hand before returning to sit beside Daniel—who was hugging Gideon tight. Once everyone found or materialized a seat, Cassius stood in the center of them. Luca rested on the couch arm beside Colby.
“I’ve discussed this new threat we’re facing with most of you—or you’ve heard it through the grapevine. Yes, demons have come to Salem.”
A collective groan raced through the room.
“Not that we haven’t seen them before, but never this organized and in such numbers. And never with what appears a focus on harming witches’ mates,” Cassius said. He turned, eyeing many of them. “I understand that some of you are frustrated I have not rushed in to end this threat, but for you older witches, you're aware that tackling demons is never something one rushes into. We need to have as much information about what we’re up against to negate stupid mistakes. I won’t have witches or familiars die under my watch—nor humans.”
“Not to mention that cutting off one head often brings two in its place,” Angelica added.
“Agreed,” Cassius replied. “There is also one part that many forget. These demons have stolen human forms. Humans who will die if we’re not careful. Considering who the demons are targeting, it stands to reason that some of the possessed might be mates themselves. I won’t be the reason a triad never forms by rushing in, ill-equipped and blind, to handle this problem.”
“All I’m hearing are the reasons we can’t attack.” Luna gazed at Cassius, a delicate arched brow rising. “What are we doing?”
“We have eyes and ears inside Dark Arts, the demon shop. I’ve been watching, but,” he paused, frowning. “Something powerful is within, hiding itself from my view. I fear there is something truly menacing behind this.”
“What of Doyle?” Luca asked.
“I’m watching him,” Cassius said.
“Doyle?” Dotty asked. “He’s one of your apprentices, correct?”
Cassius nodded. “Yes, and if it weren’t for Daniel, we would have no idea that Doyle might be a threat.” Cassius smiled at Daniel, urging him closer. Daniel crossed the room and wrapped his arms about Cassius’ waist. “Meet Daniel Kennedy. His brother, Colby, is Luca and Ash’s human mate.”
Luca’s gaze whipped to Colby, awaiting argument. He smiled when there was none. Colby seemed to sense his stare and turned. A questioning look appeared on his face, and Luca shook his head, smiling.
“Daniel can see auras. He can see demons in their true form—and their rings of evil.”
Dotty gasped, clasping her weathered hands together with glee. “I told you we’d soon have a seer coming, Cassius. I didn’t perceive it was an auraist, though. They’re quite rare and precisely what we need right now.” She smiled warmly. “We’re very pleased to have you with us, Daniel.”
Daniel’s face reddened, and he grinned at Dotty shyly. “Your aura is beautiful.” He leaned closer and whispered loudly, “It’s a rainbow.”
Dotty cackled. “It’s been a long, long, long time since I’ve been called pretty.” She clapped her hands. “You and I shall be great friends.”
Luca wasn’t sure her age, but she had been old when he’d been a boy. His mother had come for readings a time or two and dragged him along. Dotty had to be nearing a hundred. Only she knew her true age. She was a mate, herself, her witch and shifter husbands passing long before her. Still, she ran the tarot shop, using her natural gifts of fortune telling every single day.
Cassius focused on Luca’s right. “Colby, please stand and say hello.”
Luca stiffened, worried Colby would balk and embarrass them in front of the coven council.
Colby met Ash’s gaze before rising. He offered a meager wave. “Hi.”
“Hello, Colby,” many said in concert.
Colby sat quickly. Luca realized he wasn’t prepared to accept his situation, but he wasn’t denying it either. He breathed easier, thankful.
“As many of you have heard—and can see—Colby was attacked. He was drawn to Dark Arts under the guise of it being Enchanted Ink. Colby had no idea where he truly was. They’d used a glamour, which we all know a demon cannot do. I believe they have a witch working with them.” Cassius searched their faces. “The demon tattooist marked Colby with a powerful, ancient curse that nearly killed him, had it not been for Luca’s healing powers.”
Colby snaked a hand into Luca’s. Warmth spread from that joining, and his chest puffed, a smile playing at his lips.
“Colby’s not yet fully healed, and Luca was left depleted after. He’s struggling to regain his power.” Cassius met Luca’s gaze. “He must take his time and allow himself to heal. If you see Luca using his powers in the next few days, please remind him of that fact. And help, if and when you can.”
“They always say doctors make the worst patients,” Atlas said. “I suppose it’s the same for witch healers, too.”
Titters of laughter filled the room. Luca smiled outwardly, but the worry mounted by the day. Colby squeezed his hand. Luca closed his eyes, accepting the silent support.
“Quilliam, Atlas, and Pierre have been researching for me as well,” Cassius said. “I’ve asked Ash to reach out to the Celestial Council, too.”
“I’ve sent a missive, but so far, there’s been no reply,” Ash spoke up. “Although it hasn’t been long.”
“My hope is they can send a demon hunter or two our way,” Cassius said. “We could use the help. Until we know more and have gathered our forces, the best we can do is to be attentive, take care of those you love, and help any we find in need.”
“With Luca out of commission, what will we do if others are harmed?” Lily asked, meeting Luca’s gaze before turning back to Cassius. “Most of us have limited healing abilities, but nothing like his gift.”
“I assisted in a case since, offering my power to Luca. If another comes before he’s fully himself, I’ll do the same,” Cassius answered. “My power, his hands.”
“Yes, this case,” Gideon mentioned. “I understand it may have been your human, Cassius?”
Cassius’ face steeled over. He inhaled, his jaw tensing. “I’m not prepared to discuss that other than yes, it was another human mate, and yes, he was targeted by the demons, much like Colby was. Both he and Colby were tattooed over where the mate’s mark would’ve appeared. That doesn’t seem to be a coincidence.”
Silence filled the room.
“So, if there are no other questions?” Cassius asked, casting his gaze about. Silence met him. “As I said, be very careful. No one should leave the coven building alone. We watch out for one another. Bring any unusual happenings to my attention. Understood?”
