Page 12 of Changeling
Not long ago, that would sound crazy. Now it’s practically run of the mill. “What kind?”
“A mean one.” He bares his teeth and hisses. “But not to men who bring me lamb.”
Grinning, I wave good-bye.
I wonder, does he have a tail too?
CHAPTER4
Dominus
Pacingmy private den from one side to the other doesn’t help to work out the frustrated energy that vexes my mood.
Apparently, the faerie has decided to come and go at will. Damn him. But I’m even madder at myself for making it necessary to begin with.
What kind of host forgets to feed his guests? Even an unwelcome one like Sebastian. I pride myself on creating a hospitable, cozy, and titillating environment for patrons and staff alike, though I failed on all counts where the faerie is concerned.
Curse Ivaz for putting me in this impossible situation.
It’s not Ivaz’s fault. He didn’t know. But I need someone to blame, and he has the benefit of not being present, so if I want to curse his name, I will.
A knock on my door stirs me from my ruminations. I roll my neck, then my shoulders, and straighten my spine. Plastering a sultry half smile on my lips, I open the door.
Rizpah stands waiting with a mildly exasperated expression crinkling her lovely, aging features. Her straight brown hair, streaked with gray, hangs loose past her shoulders. I relax in her presence. She doesn’t care if I’m annoyed, won’t judge me for not being at my best.
“What’s going on with you?” She brushes past me into my den, elbowing me aside. For a woman whose head reaches barely an inch over my navel, she’s never been intimidated by my size. Rizpah isn’t intimidated by much of anything in my experience. She sits on my lounge, kicks off her leather shoes, and props up her feet.
I could dodge her question, but she’ll know. “I’m rattled,” I say honestly. “Ivaz dropped off a guest to be sheltered here for a while. It’s got me on edge.”
“That’s unlike you. Who’s this guest, and why has no one informed me?”
I sit across from her, curling my legs beneath me. “That’s my fault too. I should have. He’ll need to be looked after. Food brought to his room, his wash serviced, pot emptied, etcetera.”
She waves this off. “Yes, yes, I’ll take care of all that. But who is he?”
“His name’s Sebastian. He’s in room sixteen for a few weeks.”
She narrows her eyes. “Are you really going to make me beg the details from you one by one?” she huffs. “What is he? Why is he here? What’s got you rattled?”
Guilt stirs in my gut. I don’t like to lie and certainly not to Rizpah of all people. But only Leonas and I can know Sebastian is a faerie. If word got out to the other incubi, his safety would be in jeopardy. Though Rizpah isn’t one for idle gossip, each person who knows the truth adds to the risk.
“I’m sorry. The details are complicated, and I’m not at liberty to disclose them. He should be of no danger to anyone. Leonas is making sure of that. I’ve decided to blame Ivaz, which I hope you’ll do as well because I’d hate to have you upset with me.”
Her chuckle eases my nerves. “I can do that. But, Dominus, it’s you I’m worried about. It’s not like you to retire at this hour when clients are still present.”
“I’m only taking a break. I’ll return to the parlor in a moment.”
She eyes me carefully. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“Quite a bit, actually. If it’s any consolation, I don’t like it either.”
“Hmm.” She considers me, tapping her finger against her lips. “No, I don’t think that’s consolation at all, my dear. Maybe you should take a client. It’s been too long.”
I shake my head. I rarely take clients these days, and I’m not looking to change that. Plus, we’ve plenty of eager staff to go around. More for them. I can feed easily enough on the lustful, pleasured energy creeping from each room and alcove like morning fog over the river.
Sebastian, though…I almost let him into my be—
“I’m worried about you,” says Rizpah, her voice far too serious for my liking. “You’re unhappy. Lonely. Have you considered getting out of the business altogether? Settling down with a lover to enjoy some peace and quiet? Maybe in the countryside?”
