Page 24 of Accidentally Summoned an Incubus

“You’re no help whatsoever,” I said.

“I don’t know why you thought I would be.” A loud bang came from somewhere in the background, loud enough to make me hold the phone away from my ear. “While I have you on the phone, do you want me to come over for, like, moral support during the trial?” Her voice was hopeful, as if she was desperate for a valid excuse to cut the visit with her pack short.

“Yeah, of course, if you want to. But you’ve only been home for a couple of days. Do you not want to spend time with your family?”

What I wanted to say was: “You’re becoming an alpha—your primal urge to dominate a pack will only be satisfied if you’re around other wolves.” But I decided to say nothing. Billy had the grace to not question my seemingly counterintuitive decisions unless I asked her outright, and I’d afford my friend the same grace.

“They’re doing my head in. Honestly, if I don’t have a break from them soon, I might just tear one of their throats out. I think I’ll start with my dad.” The guttural rumble from her throat was threatening, as if she was doing everything within her power not to let her alpha see her own father as a challenger. Yeah, on second thought, it probably would be better for Billy to take some time away from the other wolves.

“I mean, if it prevents you from committing patricide, then I insist.”

“Awesome. I’ve got something important that I need to do first, but I’ll book the flight for the morning of the trial.”

“Can’t wait to see you,” I said, my heart swelling. It had only been a few days since we’d been together, but I felt wrong without my best friend at my side.

“Can’t wait to see you either, Lex. Oh, before I forget, did you see the video of Chad?”

“Video? What video?”

“Oh. My. Goddess. You’re going to want to see this.” A second later, my phone buzzed. “He literally had a major meltdown. Someone filmed it and now it’s gone viral on TikTok. Watch it.” She was attempting to be lighthearted, like it was important for me to see this video but she didn’t want to worry me. The hint of warning that laced her voice gave her away. I had a sudden thought that part of the reason Billy wanted to come see me was her need to protect. Naw, she sawmeas her pack.

“Love you,” I said.

I could picture Billy’s smile as she replied, “Love you too, bestie.”

The moment she hung up, I clicked on the link she’d sent.

The video began with the sound of a rowdy bar, most of the image covered with the words#SmallDickProblemsand#KeepItToYourselfDude. The words only remained on screen long enough to read them before disappearing, revealing two women sitting at a bar, posing for the camera. The platinum blonde grasped her mimosa. Her lips twinged into a lovely smile as she bit the cardboard straw between her teeth and made a peace sign with her free hand, while her redheaded companion downed a shot before slinging her arm over her friend’s shoulder and smiling for the camera.

At first glance, it looked simply like two friends minding their own business and having a good time. But I spotted Chad in the background almostimmediately. As the pair clinked their glasses together, Chad stumbled, sloshing his drink. A worried Brett reached out to steady him, causing Chad to push him away. The commotion was enough for the pair of women to glance over their shoulders before tittering and posing for the camera once more, oblivious that Chad had noticed them.

It wasn’t until Chad had stumbled halfway across the room, an exasperated Brett in tow, that the camera picked up his shouts of “You fucking bitches!”

The women turned their heads toward Chad, who faltered for a split second. He quickly regained his pace, shouting, “What the fuck are you laughing at? You know that witch bitch, don’t you? Stop laughing at my tiny dick!”

“C’mon, Chad!” Brett could be heard before catching up to him and dragging him away.

The women, while visibly shaken, looked at each other before one turned to the camera and said, “What a weird way to announce that you have a tiny dick.” The pair burst into laughter, and the whole video began its loop again.

I scrolled through the comments, most of which were cry-laughing emojis or eggplants. But a few caught my eye.

Glen Brewer

#FindTheWitchAndGiveHerAMedal

Lisa Corvan

#SomeoneGetChadAPenisPump

Sarah Livingstone

No way – that’s my old boss Chad Brunswick. He’s a predator

He’s a predator.

My eyes burned, the tears like lava as they rolled down my face.

That was confirmation enough that he’d attacked other women. The humans wouldn’t have had a hex to throw at him. Most wouldn’t have had the strength to oppose him. A deep and burning hatred for Chad took root inside me. I couldn’t wait for my trial to be over. I had no doubt that I’d be found innocent. And when I was, I’d be going back to Sacramento and directly to the police.

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