Page 15 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“I’ll wire the money to you. We’ll discuss other changes later.”

“Right.” Drake seems dazed as Frankie and I leave the office. I take Frankie’s harness and we’re back at my house in seconds.

“That went according to plan. Probably too easy.”

Frankie hops up on our couch, but I have too much energy to burn, plus I need to talk to Poe. I wave my hand in front of me and close my eyes to the flash. Through the communication portal, Poe paces his office and his head snaps towards me.

“Pike? What can I do for you?” His red eyes search mine.

“What do you know about breaking a soul tether?”

He tips his head. “Not a lot. Why?” I explain the situation, and he starts laughing. “You always have been a hopeless romantic.”

“What?” I can’t help but laugh. I’m a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy.

“You followed Crawford around like a lost puppy until he told you to scram. You wrote him poetry, Pike. Poetry.”

“I was a dumb kid.” And Crawford was a hot older demon.

“You cried when you picked out Frankie.”

“That’s because she was the cutest Hellhound I had ever seen. Who wouldn’t have cried?”

“Most demons don’t cry picking out a Hellhound.” Poe shakes his head as he laughs. “You’re a riot, Pike. I always do love when you call.”

“Back to soul tethers.” I try to get him on track. I need a better plan.

“Sure. There are a few ways to cut a witch created soul tether. Create a new soul tether, a genuine one that’s stronger than the spell. But I have no idea what that really entails. And find the anchor that houses the spell and destroy it.” He taps his fingers on the desk. “I’ll have to check the archives to see if there are any other ways. Give me a few weeks.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Poe tips his head and the communication portal shimmers out. I plop next to Frankie on the couch. “I have no idea where to start looking for the anchor or how to create a genuine soul tether.”

Frankie snorts and nuzzles her snout in my hand.

“We’ll figure it out.” But first I need to gather some supplies for Trick.

Flutter is packed. My instincts were right. People would rather experience what a succubus has to offer rather than watch a Fae’s wings glow. Van and Warwick sit with me and Frankie. Surprisingly, Warwick doesn’t have a flaming tray of HellFire in front of him.

“Who are you and what have you done to Wicky?” Van jokes, but that just puts a frown on Wick’s face.

“Don’t make fun.” Warwick crosses his arms. “I have a lead on Ethan and want to be level headed when I find the courage to test it out.”

“Probably for the best,” I say.

The lights dim as the DJ announces the house rules for the night. “You can fuck each other all you want, but don’t touch the dancers.”

Van lifts a brow. “Seriously?”

“Yep.”

Wick shivers as he sticks out his tongue. “I don’t wanna be the person to clean up after tonight.”

“I did not think about that,” I say. Hopefully, it won’t be all on Ava, the poor woman.

The first dancer comes out, Sparkle, the cat shifter from before, with purple ribbons around his cat ears. He plays up being cat like. We told all the performers to step up and lean into what they are. He even wears a collar with a bell. Each move has a soft twinkle. I never did ask his name. He’s trying to catch my attention because he knows I’m the money now. I can smell the desperation on him and I’m not here for it. Even Trick didn’t smell so desperate when he summoned me.

A few more dancers come out, then it’s Kristy’s time to shine. She’s in a black latex outfit with her tail and small wings out. She’s dressed like a dominatrix and several of the audience howl. Her hair is in fresh Bantu knots with what appears to be red tinsel woven into her black hair. Her lips pop a bright red against her dark brown skin. She’s lined her gray eyes in black. Kristy is stunning, but I only have eyes for Trick.

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