Page 17 of Spooks & Specters

“If you become mine, you’ll work your way up in my organization, which will happen as you earn my trust. Here are the perks—I will supply you with a place to live, furnish it, give you a job, buy clothing to help you get on your feet, and finally, provide you an education. Also? I’m not interested in having sex with you.”

Jamail exhaled loudly. “Yes, ma’am.”

Isadora’s lips twitched. That was relief right there. If he felt like that now, wait till he found out what she was.

“Um, did you also say education?”

“I did, yes. It’s not an option. If you work for me, you represent me, and I cannot have you sounding like a gutter rat.”

Jamail nodded his head frantically. “I’d love to have more schoolin’.”

“Excellent. That makes things easier.” Isadora pursed her lips. “Okay then, as you know, I’m obviously not human. I’m a paranormal—an arachne. In other words, I’m a paranormal who is part spider.”

“Jesus, Joseph, and Mary,” Jamail whispered.

“I don’t believe in your God, but you’re more than welcome to. When I transform, I have spiderlike features, even though I am still humanoid.”

“Humanoid?”

“Humanoid means having an appearance or characteristics resembling that of a human. I still have two legs, two arms, a torso, a neck, a head. But I also have several small eyes on my face, pincers around my mouth, and four spiderlike legs on my back. And fangs.”

Jamail slowly sank to the ground.

Amused, Isadora helped him put his head between his knees. “Regretting asking me for a job yet?”

He didn’t speak, just shook his head no.

“Well, okay then. I am a creature who can create strong webs, just like real spiders. I can see better, hear better, move faster than any human. As I’ve said, I heal incredibly fast. It’s almost impossible to kill me.”

“Oh God, oh God. A spider.”

“You humans seem to have an innate fear of spiders and insects.” Isadora patted him on the shoulder. “Look, kid, don’t betray me, and you don’t have to worry about being my next meal.”

Jamail shuddered. “So, you eat like a—”

“Don’t worry about it. Maybe one day I’ll tell you, but not right now. You haven’t earned that right. Last chance, kiddo. Are you running? Or are you staying?”

Jamail raised his head. “I’m so fuckin’ scared right now, but I still think you the better bet. May God help me.”

“Like I said, you’re welcome to have your God. But just remember, it’smewho’ll be helping you, not some sky daddy.”

Jamail nodded his head. “Yes, ma’am.”

Isadora stood. “Well, this is your lucky night, Jamail. I could actually use an errand boy.” Isadora held her hand out. “Up you go.”

Jamail blinked owlishly at her, then took her hand. Isadora had no problem pulling him to his feet. Jamail’s eyes bulged again at how easily she picked him up.

Isadora hoped she wasn’t making a mistake, but her gut said she wasn’t. Did the kid have a killer instinct? Of course he did. He was a gang banger.She’d also bet her diamond stud earrings he’d already killed people. So he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, which would be a good thing, working for her.

He was terrified of her, yes, but hopefully their relationship would evolve and the fear would take a back seat to respect. And eventually trust.There was just something about the boy. She had no sexual interest in him, but he could definitely become somebody very important to her. And if she was wrong? He’d die screaming in her web.

“Is there anything you want to take with you into your new life?”

Jamail nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Some things. And I need to say goodbye too.”

“Sorry, no. There is no saying goodbye. You just disappear. I highly doubt any of your gang members will be walking into my territory, so I’m not worried about that. But you do need to cut connections. Is there anybody important in your life?”

Damn, maybe that was something she should’ve asked beforehand.

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