Page 32 of Wicked Succubus

Killian grins, mischief glinting in his eyes. My muscles coil with anticipation. She’s ours, and I’ll annihilate anyone who tries to stop us from claiming her. But how far will we have to go to make that clear? Are we ready to ignite a war between agencies, courts, and kingdoms to possess one irresistible woman? My fingers curl into fists. For her, anything. We’ll bring the world crashing down if that’s what it takes.

Chapter 16

Cooper

Iintend to find out what conversation my father and Zel had. Something happened when my father looked down at Zel from the dinner table. He kept glancing toward her when he didn’t think anyone was watching, but I was observing him way too closely, and I know it had nothing to do with how sexy Zel looked. It was something more.

If I’m being honest with myself, I wanted to grab her and sit her down by my side the entire time at dinner. I didn’t want anyone looking at what’s mine. But she isn’t really mine. She doesn’t belong to me. She’s a killer, and that’s all she’ll ever be.

By now, everyone is already drunk off their asses. Zel had three drinks. I forgot to tell her not to consume so much alcohol. I’m actually shocked she handled that many. I made sure no one would offer her anymore after that last one. I saw her pouting when she was denied. I’m surprised she didn’t yank one from a waiter. She probably would have if she wasn’t so drunk.

She danced the night away, and so many people were enjoying her company. There’s a way about her. She attracts people. They all want to jump at the chance to be with her and be her friend. She doesn’t seem to notice she has that effect. She’s exactly like the fae, but she’s not one of us.

When she left me outside, I was so angry at her for not listening to me. As soon as she got a little attention, she left me there. I hoped she’d come back and stand by my side to let the other women know that I’m not available. She’s not mine, and I do know that, but I had hoped bringing her here would deter the others.

As the night continued, I lost track of her. She was no longer in the hall where she should’ve been. After a couple of minutes when she no longer returned, I went out to look for her. I asked the guards and showed them a picture of her, but none of them had any idea where she’d gone. I know I should’ve kept guards on her at all times. She’s slippery, always getting away. This won’t happen next time. I’ll have every guard in here keep an eye on her.

Every time I wanted to go look for her, another woman threw herself at me, and now I wonder if it was done on purpose. If my father wanted to keep an eye on Zel and didn’t want me around.

We walk down the stairs, exiting the castle. She hasn’t spoken a word to me yet, and it strikes me as odd. She’s usually a chatterbox that never stops. I signal for someone to bring our ride. A guy nods and heads out to where all the carriages are parked.

Her dress looks wrinkled around her breasts.

“Did you have a good time?” She looks startled like she has something on her mind. Was it a fae she met? Is that who she’s thinking about?

She faces me and then looks away quickly. “I . . .” She falls silent just as the carriage arrives.

“Did someone touch you without consent?” I ask sharply, outrage already rising within me. If anyone dared lay their dirty hands on her, I’ll end them. Only I can . . . No, I immediately stop that thought from finishing. She kills men, I remind myself harshly.

Her eyes widen. “What? No,” she says, startled.

“Then what happened to make you look . . .” Upset? Angry? Confused? Shocked? Instead, I say, “. . . like that?” I point to her wrinkled dress, and she looks down before looking back up at me. “Something obviously happened,” I say through gritted teeth, and I look away from her for a moment, composing myself before I look back.

She scrunches her eyebrows in annoyance. “That’s none of your concern,” she says while fixing her dress. “Anyway,” she continues, “I just found out you had siblings. I’m bummed that I didn’t get to meet them. I wanted to ask them if you’ve always been this uptight.”

She changes the conversation swiftly, turning the attention back to me. I roll my eyes. If she doesn’t want to tell me, that’s fine. As long as no one harmed her, then she can keep her secrets . . . at least for now. I’m going to uncover them all eventually, and that day can’t come soon enough.

Edwin steps out, signaling for both of us to get in. “Prince Valerian, Miss Zel. Fun night?” The man is always so cheery. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him angry. Does he ever get mad?

Zel and I mumble in annoyance together, and the old man chuckles, but he doesn’t pressure us to say more. That’s what I like about Edwin, he understands cues about when to talk and when not to. He listens to me complain about my problems and has never spoken badly about anyone. He’s a good fae, and I love having him in my corner.

When she approaches the carriage, I extend my hand to help her up the steps, but she avoids me and climbs up on her own. I want to grab her hand and demand that she takes the help offered, especially from a prince, but I don’t. This woman really gets to me. All I can think of now is the way my father’s eyes trailed her every movement when he thought he was being discreet. I’ve brought a very small number of women home, and he’s never shown as much interest as he has with Zel.

After riding in silence for a while, I know we’re close. Once we get to the same place we entered my realm, I have to make another portal to take us back to the human realm. As I try to ask her what my father had to say, my skin prickles. I pull the curtain open to see what’s going on when the carriage jolts to the side, and the whole thing tumbles to the ground.

The entrance to the carriage now faces the ground. “What the hell is going on, Agent Cooper?” Zel shouts.

The horses screech loudly. I go to the other window and watch them sprint away. I take off my coat, wrap it around my fist, and smash the window. Pieces of glass fall on my hair and feet. I discard the coat and put both hands on the side of the window, careful to avoid the sharp pieces of glass, and lift myself out.

Once out, I look down to see Zel poking her head through the opening.

“Hang on.” I look around to make sure I’m not going to be attacked while I help her.

I don’t see anyone, which means they’re hiding, probably wanting to see who I pull out of here. I have to do this quickly. I hope she doesn’t try to put up a fight.

“Lift your arms.” She does as I say with no bickering, and I think she understands the seriousness of the situation. I pull her up and set her on her feet.

After jumping from the side of the carriage, I turn to help Zel down. Edwin’s pained noises draw my attention to where he’s crumpled on the ground. “Shit! Edwin.” As soon as I make my way to him, an arrow soars through the darkness and strikes Edwin with a sickening sound. He lets out a loud cry before his body goes limp.

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