Page 18 of Accidentally Summoned an Incubus

Maybe, if we moved slowly enough, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to give it a shot. I mean, Lochran seemed to welcome the summoning, so my fear of coercing someone into a bond was abating.

If I could just work through whatever it was that had me reluctant to satisfy my succubus side, and if Lochran was still interested in me, then maybe this summoning might just be a good thing.

Chapter 10. Lochran

Lex had kicked me out of the house.

Well, not kicked out,per se. She’d said she needed to concentrate on writing her trial notes and I was welcome to sit quietly in the house or go for a wander. I’d decided to stay. But after three ill-timed sexual innuendos, she’d handed me a wad of cash and told me not to come back until sunset.

And that was how I found myself wandering down the small village center. The shops that lined it reminded me of the Shambles in Yorkshire, England. Crooked shops with rooms stacked atop one another loomed over a narrow cobbled street, each window brimming with every ware a witch could think of.

But stacks of cauldrons and spell books only went so far in distracting me from the memory of the awkward breakfast encounter.

Eventually, my thoughts tumbled to the forefront of my mind. Lex was clearly attracted to me. Her desire was potent to the point that I couldn’t help but drink it in. But then she’dsuggested that I go and feed off another. I’d had to fight back the repulsion bubbling inside me at the thought of ever taking another to my bed now that I’d met my mate.

Thankfully, I wasn’t afforded long to dissect breakfast, as countless witches and sex demons made a point of introducing themselves to the new face in the village. Each asked the same two questions: “Who’s your new mate?” and “Where is she?”

When the bell tolled three—only another few hours until sunset, thank the Goddess—I made my way into Declan’s Teashop.

The teashop was quaint, with a bell that tinkled as I entered, mismatched chairs and tables, and an entire wall dedicated to different tea blends.

A middle-aged incubus looked me up and down before spinning on his heel and grabbing a jar off the wall. By the time I reached the counter, he already had the tea steeping. The scent of cinnamon and cloves made my mouth water, and all I could think about was my mate and her Samhain-spiced scent, which must have been evident on my face as the barista grinned knowingly. As I made to pull out the wad of cash, he gestured a circle with each hand, before holding out his left hand. He swiped the knuckle of his bent finger against his outstretched palm as if swiping a card.

No charge.

Matching his grin, I placed my right hand flat to my chin before bringing it down and outward. “Thank you.”

His grin widened as his angular eyes flicked over my shoulder. Following his gaze, my eyes settled on the familiar form of the succubus whohad been summoned seconds before me. When the shadows had pooled around her, she had looked indifferent, as if unconvinced that a mate could bring her as much enjoyment as hunting for her meals could. It was safe to say that was no longer the case. Sasha’s grin was spread from ear to ear, mirrored by a stunning androgynous-looking witch sitting opposite her, both holding each other’s hands over the table.

“Lochran!” Sasha said, her smile not once flickering. She turned to the witch and said, “Ashley, this is Lochran. He’s my friend from the shadow realm. Lochran, this is Ashley. They’re my mate.”

Ashley afforded me a single nod before their attention was once again consumed by Sasha.

“Lovely to meet you, Ashley.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Ashley said, unable to take their eyes off their mate.

“Where’s your witch?” Sasha asked.

I recited the same line I’d said to countless couples throughout the day. “She’s at home, as she has some very important work to finish, so I’m exploring my new surroundings.”

“Ah,” she said, as if unable to form any further words through her smittenness.

“Anyway, you two enjoy the tea,” I said.

“You too,” they both replied, neither looking at me.

I took my first sip of tea just as I reached the door. It was like an herbal party in my mouth, causing warm, fuzzy feelings to seep deep into my bones. I turned to the incubus and kissed my fingers, causing him to grin.

The tea was divine. Unlike anything I’d ever tasted in my life. I would absolutely be coming back here for more.

I wandered down to the next shop along. A simple sign sayingHandywitchhung above the door.

A witch with siren-like black hair opened the door forcefully. She would have been beautiful if it weren’t for the seemingly permanent scowl etched into her face. She looked me up and down, thentsked. Desire rolled off her in waves, though this desire smelled like rotten peonies. It was the scent of someone who coveted what they couldn’t have.

“Another witch, another summoning,” she seethed.

My talons itched to get out. What was this witch’s problem?

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