Page 27 of Viper

Relief rippled over Nestor’s face. “That would be fine.Anythingyou can do would be fine.”

Martin gave Ella a jerky nod. “Thank you for not laughing at us or telling us we’re going crazy.” He flicked a look at the patio doors. “They’re unlocked.”

She flashed the couple a gentle smile, pushed out of her chair, and crossed to the doors. Slipping into the house, she glanced around. All dark woods with the typical Victorian color scheme of red, brown, and blue, the place was stylish and neat as a pin. Though modern, it had retained its original features such as the terracotta tiled floor.

Her fingertips prickling with her at-the-ready magick, she advanced through the house; explored the kitchen, dining room, large den, and half-bath before making her way upstairs.

She’d walked through haunted locations before. They had a certainfeelto them. An atmosphere that was coldly electric.There was no such vibe here, but she didn’t believe that the humans were lying. Their fear and exhaustion were very real.

Wood creaked.

Ella halted in the master bedroom, her head jerking up. The sound had come from above. Narrowing her eyes, she made her way to the hallway and moved to stand beneath the attic’s rectangular hatch door. She released a thread of magick and used it to tug down both the hatch and the attached fold-down metal ladder.

She snapped her hands around the cool metal as she began to ascend the ladder. Reaching the attic, she felt her nose wrinkle. The stale air stank of dust, mold, and old fabric.

The space was predictably dim, the only shaft of light coming through the sole circular window, which was positioned at the front of the house. Cobwebs dangled from the exposed wooden beams. A fine layer of dust seemed to coat every surface. Shadowy spots were everywhere.

She called on her magick, shaping it into four balls of light. She tossed one into each corner of the attic, giving her a better view. Sheets were draped over pieces of furniture. Boxes—some sealed, some open—were stacked here and there. Filled garbage bags were scattered around. Random items could be seen, such as an old trunk and a broken sewing machine.

Winding her way through the cramped space, she paused at the slightgiveof the floorboard beneath her. Something caught her eye. A rumpled blanket. Beside it were candy wrappers, a flashlight, and some comic books.

Muffled footsteps coming from the other side of the attic.

Ella didn’t whirl around. She planted her feet and chanted beneath her breath as she sent out a wave of magick. It slammed the attic hatch closed, flicked the lock on the window, and further illuminated the space. Only then did she turn. A youngteenager stood several feet away, poised as if to run for the hatch.

“You won’t get it open,” she warned, studying him. He was thin and pale with dull-blond, unkempt hair. He was also a demon.Imp, she sensed. “Just what would you be doing here?”

He jutted out his chin. “I’m not here to steal.”

“No?” She cast the candy wrappers a quick glance. “I doubtyoubought that food.”

His cheeks reddened. “I was hungry.”

He was also in need of a wash and fresh clothes. “Which lair do you belong to?”

“I don’t belong to any. I’m a stray.”

She gifted him an impatient look. “Don’t lie to me. I’d rather not have to hurt you to get answers, but I will.”

He glared at her, but his shoulders slumped in defeat. “Jolene Wallis’ lair.”

“Want to tell me why you’re hiding out here terrorizing a human couple?”

His brows snapped together. “I’m not terrorizing them.”

“You used telekinesis to make them think their house is haunted. You made them feel unsafe in their own home. You were trying to scare them into leaving.”

He averted his gaze, his shoulders hunching.

She slanted her head. “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you here?”

He shot her a belligerent look. “My family wants to move away. I don’t.”

“So this is a protest. You ran off to make a point.” She heaved a sigh, and her demon rolled its eyes. “They’re probably worried sick about you. Something you know well, since they’re likely telepathing you.”

“If they are, I wouldn’t know. I’m not close to home, and I can’t receive telepathic messages over long distances.”

Neither could Ella, actually. “What’s your name?”

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