Page 39 of Demons Treasure Warlocks

“Cade, what brings you here?” Darius asked as he got out. He leaned on the front fender and stared up at the intimidating building. He remembered coming here as a kid for local history tours. It was fascinating and scary all at once.

“Possible job.” Caden ran nervous fingers through his brown hair, mussing up the perfect style. “The curator hired me to remove the ghosts.”

“This place is actually haunted? I didn’t know that.” Darius studied the white brick closely and shivered from the odd sensation of something ethereal emanating from it. “And you get rid of them like, no offense—”

“No. I do not have an ecto-pack or a trap. I am not that kind of ghostbuster.” Caden forestalled any of Darius’s comments. “I offer them a choice, and I add barriers so the living won’t feel so stimulated and fearful. Hakko and his friend apparently woke up a beast of a ghost.”

“This happen last night?” Darius asked, fishing for information.

“What? No, last night was something totally different. Ethan, the assistant, needs me here for that as well.” Caden shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked a tiny bit. “How you doing?”

“What? I’m fine. Never better.” Darius laughed the comment away. He could pretend. It was all right.

“Darius, I’ve known you since we were kids. Just because we lost contact doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten. Or I don’t get subjected to town gossip. How are you?”

“Existing, if you want the truth. Trying to stop this town from being ruined by a demon,” Darius said. “I’m starting to think maybe I’m a bit over my head. I was hoping Hakko would help.”

“He’s a good listener I’ve found. You still hang out with Isaac?” Caden tugged on his earlobe, and his cheeks pinked up a bit.

“Sorry, Cade, he’s got himself a mate now. He’s shacked up with Caspian, a fox shifter. Super sweet guy.”

“I wasn’t saying. Don’t think I’d want… dammit.” Caden scowled before sidling away. “You’re hateful.”

“Caden, I’d never with you. You’re too good,” Darius reassured him. “Come on, let’s see if we can get into the building.”

ChapterSeventeen

Darius peered into the lobby, surprised at the coziness and welcoming nature to the building. When he was younger, it had always made him feel closed in and afraid. Now it had an air of hope. He explored the lobby and began cleaning the detritus from the gala. The hearts were obviously crafts made by children while the plates held the remains of food meant for adults.

“What are you doing? You can’t do that!” A young man with pale green skin and a flat nose trotted over. He grabbed the garbage from Darius’s hands and set it away. “Who said you’re allowed in here?”

“I need to see Hakko. I want to ask him a few questions,” Darius started, but the assistant hissed.

“No, he’s too busy. We don’t have time.” The assistant sniffed and blinked at him. He was obviously a cryptid of some variety.

“It’ll only take a few minutes. I promise.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him, Ethan. Just get the boss,” Caden suggested, coming to stand beside Darius.

“He’s not gonna be happy. He’s already in a pissy mood. Stay here. Do not go anywhere else.” Ethan made a stopping motion with his hands and glared as ferociously as a small amphibian could before leaving.

“That was different.”

“Ethan’s trying his best to be a good assistant. I guess people have doubted him and wouldn’t make room for his needs. He wants Hakko to believe in him,” Caden explained. His eyes never left the upper corners of the room. Darius followed his gaze but saw nothing except trim moulding.

“Is there anything there?” Darius asked, slouching on receptionist’s desk.

“Yeah, there are a few ghosts here, and they’re all talking about you. Demon bait. It’s pretty fascinating stuff. You know, since the portal opened, these guys have been a helluva lot chattier about shit. I’m learning a shit ton about supernatural things.” Caden grimaced. “I could do without some of the details though.”

“What’s going on?” Hakko’s voice boomed into the room. Darius stood straight as he spun to face Hakko. His appearance was rougher than normal, and he seemed to seethe with every step he took.

“You’ve met Darius. He has a few questions. I said he had to wait, but he was insistent.” Ethan scowled at Darius as he sidled close to Hakko, uniting them.

“It’s okay, Ethan. I appreciate your help.” Hakko smiled softly at Ethan before looming over Darius. His expression shifted to concern as he gazed down at Darius. “Why? What’s going on? Is Bale alright? Are you alright?”

“Magic fizzled out my way. It was like a bubble bursting, and the air felt cleaner or something. Since there was a big to-do and therefore,hewould be here, I was curious to if anything happened. It’s been so complicated and messy.”

“I’m the land’s caretaker. My partner is also part of this. Please explain the messy.” Hakko crossed his arms, and briefly Darius understood why Adam was uncomfortable around Hakko. But it was Hakko’s imperious look and almost fatherly manner that had Darius opening up.

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