Page 58 of Shadow Seeking

The Arosien Clan is considered higher up in the hierarchy of Demonkin—higher nobility, though they aren’t at the top of the race. A large clan, they’re well-trained and their clan is run in a paramilitary manner. The nobility is immune to whatever rules apply to the masses, except for making attempts on Lord Alexsan’s life.

Lord Alexsan is the topmost general in the Arosien Clan, and he’s always on the move to make inroads on the human realm. The Arosiens’ love for power is combined with their love for money and status. They’re highly aesthetic, and are magnetic in their attraction. A number of incubi and succubi come from their clan and they interact freely with humans and other mortals, while trying to keep their nature secret.

The Arosien Clan has had more interactions with mortals than almost any other clan in the UnderRealms. They’re smart, cunning, and they generally take advantage of whatever—and whomever—they find, utilizing their glamour to achieve their desires.

However, they’re quick to anger and have long memories. They’re also considered among the more ruthless of the Demonkin.

As to their powers, Arosiens, unlike many other demons, have inherent magical powers but they’re all connected to the element of air, and many theorize this is because of their exceptional intelligence. General abilities include being able to glide to the ground from a fall, conjuring strong windstorms or gentle breezes, acute hearing, and the ability to catch scents on the wind. Arosiens are also talented at sensing, seeing, and talking to spirits—from the spirit world, the astral realm, and the etheric realm.

Arosien males are known to interbreed with humans, using their magnetism to attract partners. But they do not care for their half-demon offspring, often leaving themothers in the lurch. Family connections are through title and heritage—and the maternal side accounts for more than the paternal in the case of full-bloods.

Little is known about their goals with regards to the mundane world, but more sightings have been noted, and there are thought to be hundreds of Arosiens living in disguise in the world today.

I set down the document and tried to process what I’d read.

Given my father had left my mother before she knew she was pregnant and never once came back to check on her, it jived with what I’d read. And from what it sounded like, I wouldn’t be welcome in their culture, so that squashed any thoughts I’d ever had about seeking them out to learn about my heritage. But the powers fascinated me. I hadn’t showed any indication except…well, I had heard things others hadn’t, and my sense of smell was heightened. And, if Seton was right, and some of my powers were beginning to emerge, it gave me an idea of what I might be in for.

I put the paper down and jotted down a few questions so that I could ask Seton for insight. After that, I glanced at the clock. It was nearly ten-thirty by now, and it had been a long, long day.

“Come on, munchkins,” I said. “Pss pss pss. It’s bedtime.”

Murdoch purped and jogged over to me, and Jangles leisurely stretched, then padded her way toward the bedroom. I stripped, then took a quick shower, wrapping my hair in a bathing cap so that I wouldn’t have to dry and style it. After the rinse off, I slid under the covers, set the alarm, and was fast asleep before I could even mull over the day.

Next morning,Dante called me. “I’m heading toward Penn’s now. I left Lazenti at my place. He can’t go out since it’s daylight. He was a surprisingly polite guest. I woke up and he’d cleaned house all night, and then made homemade bread. He also made breakfast buns for me. When I peeked in the guest room, he was asleep. Or whatever it is vampires do in the daytime. Can I keep him, Mom?”

“I think they recharge,” I said, laughing. Sobering, I said, “What do you think? We can’t turn him out in the cold, and if he’s been marked by Demonkin, they’re going to be looking for him.”

“Should we take him on? He wanted to work for us.”

“What do you think?” I asked. “If he tells us who he was before he was turned, and if we make him pledge under a magical loyalty oath, it might be okay. Let’s talk to Sophia, Carson, and Orik about it first. I’ll call Sophia, you call Carson, and we’ll talk to Orik when we’re moving Penn’s things over.”

“Sounds good. I’ll stop and get coffee for all of us. What do you want, and what do you think Penn wants?”

“I want a quad shot caramel latte. Penn loves mochas—probably a quad shot. Thanks!” I was about to hang up when I noticed Penn had texted me. “Hold on a second.”

i’m providing breakfast and lunch. so come with appetites.

thanks. dante’s bringing coffee. see you in a bit.

“Hey, Dante? Penn’s making food for us. So, bring the coffee but don’t worry about food.”

“Great, see you in a bit.”

I dressed for grunge work—old jeans, a light tank over a thin sweater, so I could take off the top layer if I got too sweaty, apair of sturdy sneakers. I braided my hair and, with a light face of makeup, fed the cats and headed for Penn’s.

Penn was waitingwith a folding table covered with sausage muffin sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, donuts, and a fruit bowl. Dante arrived ten minutes after I did, coffee in hand, and Orik showed up five minutes after that.

“Sorry I’m a little late,” he said. “The girls were driving Hilda nuts this morning.”

“How’s that working with her on bed rest?” I asked. The raise I had given him would help but I knew it wouldn’t be enough.

“Well, her mother showed up. She’s immediately taken charge. And she’s offered us some money to make up for the money Hilda’s losing by not working right now.” He grimaced. “She’s nice enough, but she’s a true Norsewoman, and she’s stern. She’s curtailed my gaming nights. She said if Hilda can’t have fun, I need to stand by her and help instead of spending a couple evenings with my buddies. I guess she’s right.”

I laughed. “If you’re looking for sympathy here, don’t. I agree with her.”

“So do I,” said Penn. “Hilda works harder than you do, I’ll bet.” She winked at Orik, who blushed.

“You’re right. I’ll quit complaining. My wife not only works a full-time job—when she’s not laid up—she also takes care of four rambunctious children. I take over when I get home but…Well, having Ana around will be a relief.” He looked around. “What do we do first?”

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