Page 12 of Handcuffs and Hexes

Over the years, as I learned the ways of the twenty-first century and Seth grew to be a formidable wizard, our friendship grew. Outwardly, he followed the rules and excelled in his studies, becoming the youngest wizard to be welcomed into the Wizard’s Elder Council as a rising star. But secretly, he didn’t agree with their belief system at all.

He made it clear that he believed demons like me should have rights and never be bound to serve someone just because of their magic. The Secret Enforcement Agency, now simply shortened to the EA, had already made the binding of intelligent souls and spirits by an individual for personal gains illegal for a century now, but many wizards had gotten away with it simply because it was a rule that EA could not enforce and a fight they could not win.

Slowly, I’d developed feelings for Seth that were completely and utterly inappropriate. At first, I denied it, even to myself, especially since choosing him, a wizard, would alienate me from others of my kind. Many demons had raging hate-ons of wizards, and for good reason. But the connection between Seth and me could not be ignored.

I was still nibbling him awake when a knock on the door reminded us that we were not alone.

“Um, Seth?” It was Hazel, and she sounded a bit panicked. “Something’s happening in your living room.”

I frowned, and so did Seth. He threw off my manacles easily and got out of bed. He snapped his fingers, and the robe that had been draped over a chair rose up. It offered him first one armhole and then another before tying its own belt neatly around his trim waist.

Then he was out in the hallway with Hazel and looking down from the railing into our home. I joined them, wedging myself in between.

A portal had just opened in our living room, and by the way it shimmered with darkness, I knew it led to Desmon’s estate. Technically, this portal was Seth’s own magic, just bottled, or rather, canned, for future use. I expected Desmon to step through but found Mateo instead, who was in his upright manticore form. Mateo’s mate and wife, Eva stepped out after him, her dress covered in cat hair.

“Mateo!” Cooley exclaimed, clearly recognizing Darlington Museum’s head of security even though he often worked with a strong glamor spell so he wouldn’t scare the patrons from out of town. In the last year or so, Desmon had declared Fridays to be casual Fridays so that the monsters working there could work as themselves sans illusion. It was quite an attraction and had brought in plenty of people who weren’t usually museum-goers.

“Hey! It’s Officer Cooley.” Mateo looked Hazel up and down, not missing the fact that she was not only in one of Seth’s shirts but also one that didn’t cover her at all. He waggled his brows suggestively and eyed Seth. “So you finally did something about that crush you have on her.”

Hazel stepped back from the railing, realizing that Mateo probably had a perfect view up the hem of her top. If she were surprised by the bit about Seth having a crush on her, it didn’t show. Maybe she thought it was a joke. Seth and Mateo were both jokesters in public.

But Seth’s posture stiffened. It was barely perceptible, and if I hadn’t been so strongly linked to him and looking for a reaction, I probably wouldn’t have caught it.

“Mateo,” Eva chided, “don’t be an ass!” She waved up to Hazel. “Hi, I’m Eva. Mateo’s wife. Nice to meet you, Officer Cooley.”

Hazel waved awkwardly.

“Ever heard of cell phones, Matty?” Seth demanded. “You could’ve at least given me a call before portalling into my living room unannounced.”

“I did. I called both of you,” Mateo said smugly, ignoring the use of the nickname we all knew he hated.

Seth frowned, then stuck out his hand in an exaggerated way. His cell phone, which was currently on our bedside table, flew to his hand like it had been magically magnetized. “Who the hell put this on silent?” He stared at me. “Liam?”

I looked everywhere but at him and whistled like I wasn’t paying attention. I’d wanted a little more time this morning with him, so sue me.

“I would’ve waited,” Mateo said, “until after the two of you—or is that the three of you—were finished doing whatever the three of you were do—”

“Wait! I’m not a part of this!” Cooley exclaimed, gesturing to the two of us.

“... but this is serious, and no one makes Desmon wait except maybe his mate. There’s been an issue at The Breach.”

That had the tone in the room turning serious.

“Shit. I’ll get dressed.”

“Actually, Seth, you’ve been temporarily barred from going anywhere near that thing. Desmon wants Liam to go check it out.”

“Now wait a minute,” Seth said, “Desmon’s contract is with me and me alone. Liam helps me out, but Desmon can’t just demand he do things for him.”

Aww, it was so cute when he stood up for me like that. But he really didn’t need to, not this time. I was curious about what was happening at The Breach, and besides, I’d stolen a kiss yesterday from Hazel, so I should give Seth some time to catch up.

“It’s okay. I’ll go,” I said. “But why can’t Seth go near it?”

It was Hazel who replied. “Because he has magic.”

Mateo and Eva nodded.

I exchanged a confused look with Seth.

---