Sin & Surrender (Demigod of San Francisco #6)(68)

“It sounds like you’re helping me prepare for making an ass of myself,” I mumbled.

“You’re not like the people in there, Miss Alexis. They’re mostly full of hot air. You’re good people. But even good people have their fair share of clumsiness. I figured I’d offer a few insights on what to do after.”

“So…yes, then. You’re helping me prepare for making an ass of myself.”

“You don’t mince words, I like it. Basically, Miss Alexis, I’m helping you prepare for what to do after you make an ass of yourself.”





19





Daisy





“Ah crap, what’s this?” Bria blew out a breath and slowed, leading the crew since Alexis had gone to that stupid afternoon tea with all the other hoity-toity plus-ones.

Daisy veered out a little to see around Thane’s girth. If he was nervous about accidentally being killed by another nut-case Berserker, he didn’t show it. He looked completely laid-back.

The Necromancers who’d had their asses handed to them by Bria the other day waited down the hall, one single body on the trailer behind them. A few of their crew waited behind them.

Bria didn’t drop the handle of her trailer. She’d brought the cadavers and her backpack, not because she’d thought she would need them but because it was expected of her. “What do you guys want? We’re on our way to a Berserker battle.”

“This won’t take but a minute,” the man with the gray beard said, sounding smug.

Daisy glanced at their shoes, and those waiting behind them. Boots, all, black and finely polished. Not her secret admirers.

“We’ve done this song and dance, bub. Step aside. We’ve got stuff to do.” Bria motioned him away.

“Don’t think we will,” the guy with the gray beard snapped. They brought forth their TV-tray-looking tables, the same style as last time, already all set up. They apparently walked the halls with those things. “Where’s the Soul Stealer?”

“She’s at Juri’s tea party. I bet your mistress was left off the list this year, huh? Poor old Aaron is dragging her down. I wonder how long she’ll stand for that.” Bria checked her watch.

“Go ahead, Bria, we’ve got plenty of time,” Thane said, crossing his arms and moving so he could lean against the wall.

It was true, they’d left early in case something like this happened. Thane had wanted to soak in some rage and battle energy before his big show-off. Daisy wondered if there would be a sweet release to it.

Bria eyed the one cadaver in the other Necromancers’ cart, lying all by its lonesome on its wide trailer. Her knuckles turned white where they gripped the handle of her own trailer. She hesitated, something Daisy had rarely seen her do. Possibly going up against some like Lexi, though, would have anyone’s nerves frayed.

“Your Soul Stealer wasn’t on the list for Juri’s party,” the guy with the gray beard said. “She should be headed to the Berserker thing with you.”

“Haven’t you heard? Her mark was approved, and she’s moved up in the world. What do you want with her?”

The two Necromancers down the way exchanged a few words, debating something. After a minute, the one with the gray beard shrugged and turned to his tray.

“Arm yourself,” he yelled at Bria.

“Damn it,” Bria said softly, unslinging her backpack. “Everyone get back. I don’t know what they are about to unleash, but it’s likely our worst nightmare. They were hoping to catch Lexi up in this. It’s probably terrible news for us that they didn’t.”

Dylan fell in beside Daisy and gently wrapped his hand around her upper arm.

“Let’s give them a little more space,” he said, dragging her backward.

“When did you get so grabby?” Daisy asked as Zorn glanced back and nodded, agreeing with Dylan.

“You saw me cry for an hour. We’re friends now,” Dylan murmured, stopping well back from the action.

“I fail to see what that has to do with you getting grabby.” Daisy frowned. “What are we expecting?”

“The other Soul Stealer. Bria is worried they won’t be able to hold him. I have better range, so falling back won’t keep me from helping.” He stepped partially in front of her.

She sighed and slouched against the wall as Mordecai joined them. This was all starting to get tedious. They treated her like she was breakable. And yes, okay, she was at a disadvantage, but good grief, this was a little much.

“Have you worked with that spirit before?” Bria called down, her hands moving quickly.

“We’ve taken him on a couple of trial runs, yes.” That gray beard dude still sounded awfully smug.

“There is a nuance to Soul Stealer magic, you do know that, right?” Light flared, Bria using candles to prepare. “If you rip a soul out, it is not easy to put it back. The last Soul Stealer didn’t know the ins and outs.”

“What makes you think we’ve got the last Soul Stealer?” Gray Beard asked, and it was so obvious that was exactly who he had.

Daisy took another few steps back. She wasn’t trying to mess with that. Not without Lexi on scene.

“Cut the crap. Are you hearing what I am telling you?” Bria demanded. “You have absolutely no idea what you are messing with. None. That is not a power to play with, dickface. Without Lexi here, we’re all vulnerable. All of us, you included. If he gets out of your grip, you’ll die first.”