Page 25 of Hazel's Choice
Hazel
“And that would be why everyone thinks angels are dicks,” Reign mutters. He’s another of Greer’s mates. “Kill three monsters and leave us to explain the fallout to the paranormal council.”
I grimace.
If I had killed them, I would have done the same thing. It would be convenient if the body would disappear after I devoured someone’s soul, but that’s just not how the universe works.
Tonight went to shit so fast, but I got so lucky.
If Zephyr had noticed my eyes or been more focused on me, he would have realized the creature he sensed is actually me. My face started to transform into my monster when he stabbed the troll, and I’m not sure how I’m supposed to hold back the urge to feed.
I’m starving on a level I’ve never experienced. Holding time drained the last tiny bit of my reserves, but if I ran off to feed in this weakened state, I’m afraid Zephyr would find me before I could escape.
“I need to reset that woman’s memories of what happened here and put a call into Bart,” Novak says, sighing heavily.“Dealing with the paranormal council is always a pain in the ass. Any idea how long it will take her shifter friend to resurrect?”
My eyes widen.
Why would he ask me something like that in front of Annex?
Vampires have the ability to mindfuck their victims and weaker supernatural creatures. If he can get that siren I rescued to forget I had any part in this, that would be ideal. It would also be nice if he wouldn’t out my involvement in front of Annex.
I’m starting to trust the incubus, but it’s been drilled into my head since birth that no one should ever find out the specifics of what I am.
I messed that up a little when Greer went missing, but even then, I never specifically told her mates what I am. They just kinda guessed. Or maybe Greer told them.
I don’t know, but I didn’t tell them what I am.
“Hazel seems very overwhelmed. Why don’t you get her out of here?” Reign suggests. “I’m sure the shifter will reanimate by the time Bart arrives, and if you’re still here when the paranormal council liaison starts his investigation, you’ll be trapped until he’s satisfied.”
“Should we stay close in case they have any questions for Hazel?” Annex asks.
Novak says, “I doubt Hazel wants to be tangled up in any of this?—”
Reign cuts him off by saying, “That might not be a bad plan.”
I’m not sure if he’s trying to help cover for me or what. He’s a mimic, which is half dark fae and half nightmare demon. I’ve never met one of his species before, but my father told me they’re extremely powerful.
Is it possible he’s able to sense my hunger? Either way, it doesn’t matter. I need to get the hell out of here.
“Can we go?” I ask Annex. “Please. It smells like death.”
I could siphon away easily enough, but I’m afraid even using that small amount of power would make the gnawing urge to feed worse. If my monster snaps, Zephyr would be on me in two seconds flat.
“Yeah, of course.” Annex nods, glancing at Reign and Novak. “Call me if you need us.”
We land somewhere close by.
While the room is unfamiliar, the music of the club is loud and unmistakable. It’s dark, but lights flash against the wall in random patterns, similar to how the club lit up when Greer and I were in Chaos.
My jaw falls as I realize the room smells exactly like Annex. “Did you bring me to Rut?”
His hand tightens on my ass, and he shrugs. “It’s the private room I keep here in the club, but yes. I thought it might be better if we stayed close in case the council agent ends up needing your statement.” A chagrined smile crosses his face. “You handled siphoning pretty well earlier, but I didn’t want to risk traveling too far. The longer the journey, the more likely someone is to get sick.”
I wiggle my legs, and Annex frowns but places me on my feet. He keeps his hands on my hips, almost like he’s ensuring I won’t topple over.
His skin glows in the ambient lighting, and if I weren’t so entranced by him, I would check out what’s happening on the wall behind me. For the room to be filled with this much light, there has to be a wall of windows or a balcony that looks down into the club.
I’ve seen a similar setup in Novak’s office, except his looks out over Chaos, while this room must look out over the free-for-all below in Rut.
