Page 29 of Feral Possession

Dove’s gasp was the only response he needed. He locked his eyes on the floor.

“Oh, Marcus,” she whispered.

Her reaction didn’t surprise him. He’d known she’d be sickened by what she saw. Where there should have been scars, the right side of his face appeared blackened and charred. His scaly flesh was fractured with red fissures that glowed when he was angry, as he was now. Beneath his clothing, the damaged extended down his body, stopping at his upper thigh. His right arm was afflicted as well. Not that she could see the extent of it all. What he’d shown her was already more than he was ready to reveal.

Her robe rustled, and she unfolded her frame from the sofa. Before she could reach him, he restored his hood, lurching to the far side of the room. There, the shadows embraced him, hiding his shame.

“The creature’s energy is always present, just beneath my skin. Any slip in my control and it rears its head, trying to surface. When I sleep, I’m most vulnerable. While I’m unconscious, it takes complete control, leaving me with no memory of my actions.”

She stared at him, mouth gaping. “That’s why you lock me in at night and banish your crew. Why you hate noise and bright lights.”

“It provokes the creature. It seems to be roused by light, noise, and high emotions. Anything stimulating.” That and it seemed to have a fondness for reckless necromancers. “Tell me. Have you seen something like this?”

“I… no. I’m sorry. I haven’t.”

Of course not. That would be too easy. He heaved a growling sigh.

She frowned and he could almost hear the gears squeaking in her head. “This is why you agreed to Vivian’s arrangement, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I brought you here to exorcise my demon.” Before it destroyed everything he’d achieved. If the vultures found out he was compromised, they’d soon circle and peck his bones clean.

“Have you talked to the physicians who helped you?”

“And have them slice me open like a lab rat?” He snorted. “They’ve done enough damage already.” Should have left me dead.

Her eyes rounded, and she paled. “All those experts on your payroll and yet you shared this with me? I’m more of a spirit whisperer than an exterminator. Exorcism really isn’t my specialty.”

From what he’d seen, she specialized in nothing. Flitting from one interest to the next. “Guess you’re about to become an expert.”

“It isn’t that simple.” She wrung her hands, her face earnest. “Exorcisms are extremely dangerous. One little screwup and the host can die. The method used in the extraction is dependent on the kind of entity involved. I haven’t a clue what it is we’re dealing with. Also, the longer it’s inside of you, the deeper its spiritual roots grow. If too much time has passed, it may be impossible to remove.”

He folded his arms. “Then I suggest you hurry. If any of my associates were to find out about this, I could lose everything. My position, my finances, my freedom. There’s an excellent chance the Council would lock me up, considering me a threat.”

“But your uncle—”

“Would not want my downfall to taint his political career.” Tiberius may have raised him as a son, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t cut ties with him so fast his ancestors would feel the rejection. Hell, Tiberius would sell his own mother if he had something to gain. He’d raised Marcus to do the same.

Frustration flushed her cheeks, her eyes growing wide with panic. “There must be other professionals who can help you. People better suited to this sort of thing.”

“None who wouldn’t draw suspicion. Just the act of my seeking one of them out would raise unwanted questions. Whereas your being here looks like I’m helping an old friend.”

She pursed her lips and thrust out her chin. “And if I refuse?”

“You don’t have a choice.” He’d made sure of it, not trusting her to see her end through. “You signed a contract. You’re to stay with me until I have recovered from my affliction.”

She blanched. “Sure, but I thought that meant until your injuries from your accident were healed.” Her voice rose, bordering on hysterical. “You tricked me. Tricked Vivian.”

“No tricks. I told you to read it.”

“But… But… But…”

Tired of her excuses, he firmed his voice, allowing a hint of darkness to seep into his tone. “I’ve kept my end of the bargain. It’s time you kept yours.”

She clenched her jaw, glaring in anger. “I suppose you give me no choice.”

No, he didn’t. “You start tonight.”

Seven

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