Page 6 of Incubus

We walked in silence for a while as I tried to collect myself and push all thoughts of the wolf from my mind. As wolves went, I was zero for two. Next time I saw one, I was going to run, not walk, the other way.

This creature was different. Whatever he was, my body responded to him for some bizarre reason. Even now I felt a warmth creeping up my thighs as I watched the breeze ruffle his hair. His broad shoulders seemed made for me to dig my nails into, or even my teeth. Stop this madness. This is the kind of thinking that got you into this mess!

Thank the gods Iphi and Elena weren’t here to see me going weak in the knees over a male. Even gentle Shala would lose her lunch if she knew I felt anything other than scorn for the creature I held at knifepoint. Warrior maidens had no time for males and scoffed at any being who was fool enough to make advances… At least, most warrior maidens did.

After a century of kicking myself, I still took every opportunity to relive my folly with Farrow. I should have shot him through with an arrow the first time I set eyes on him.

The scent of the flowers that bloomed in the garden at the tip of the Île de la Cité woke me from my reverie of regret. The Underworlder hadn’t spoken for several blocks, politely leaving me alone with my thoughts. Not letting that sway me, I began my interrogation. “Tell me why you were following me.”

“How do you know I was following you? I could have been following the wolf.” His voice was the smoothest silk.

Good point. “Well, then, tell me who you were following.”

“You.”

Ass.“Glad we got that cleared up. Now, why were you following me?”

“Perhaps I wanted to be your knight in shining armor, rescuing you from the dog.” He said the last word with a palpable disdain.

“Altruism? I don’t think so. Try and tell me the truth this time, or my dagger might just slip.” Of course, I didn’t particularly want to hurt him. He had done me a good turn. Even so, I was all too familiar with how a good turn could rapidly become a kick in the teeth.

“Fine, carissima. If you must know, I was curious about you.” His simple answer had the ring of truth.

“Why?” Before I could blink, the creature had whipped around behind me and pulled my dagger arm behind my back. He yanked me into the shadow of a cathedral overlooking the river and pressed his lips to my still-tender neck.

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