Darker (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #6)(74)

“What, Briggs? Just spit out whatever’s on your mind.”

“You and Arys. You’re not just lovers. I hear you’re very powerful together. How does that work?”

I chuckled. So, Mr. Big Time Government Agent didn’t know everything. “In order for me to tell you, I’d have to know the answer myself. Don’t worry about it. We’re none of your concern, I promise.”

He didn’t look convinced. “I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

We pulled to a stop in front of The Wicked Kiss. The doors opened, and the agents who were piled in next to me got out, moving so I could exit the vehicle. Briggs got out, too, waiting until every agent was back inside the Escalade.

“We need to share information. Somewhere private and safe.” He cast a critical look at the nightclub, watching the patrons lingering near the door.

“I’d suggest consecrated ground. Everywhere else is suspect. Besides, until I know you have something serious to share, I’m not going to be too eager to play nice with you.” I turned to go, dismissing him. Boldly, he grabbed my arm to stop me.

He quickly let go, but the heat from his hand lingered. “Shya stole information from us regarding an underworld artifact. It’s hidden in a sealed chamber that’s been closed off for over a thousand years. He wants to reopen it. If he gets his hands on that artifact, he’ll rise through the ranks of the demon hierarchy. He’ll be pretty much unstoppable.” Briggs opened the passenger door of the truck and glanced back at me over his shoulder. “Is that serious enough for you?”

Chapter Eighteen

I was stunned. Yeah, that sounded pretty damn serious. It also answered a few questions.

“Hey, Briggs,” I called before he could close the door. “Next time you want to talk, call me. Tracking my phone is tacky and shady.”

I watched the government vehicles disappear down the street. When I turned to go into the club, Willow was standing right behind me. I jumped and swore.

“I’m really not a fan of this popping out of thin air thing you guys do.” I ran a hand through my hair and tried to decide where to start. “I need to ask you about something Briggs just said.”

“Sure, but first Alexa, I need to warn you. Something happened here while you were gone.” He stopped me from proceeding. That’s when I noticed the near empty parking lot.

“What now? It was Kale, wasn’t it?” I shoved by Willow, running across the lot to the front doors.

I burst through the doors, expecting to find Kale in the middle of a blood bath. What I found was a demon. Brook stood in the middle of the club, his black wings outstretched. He held a yellow envelope in one hand.

“What the f**k are you doing here?” I didn’t know if I should be afraid of him, but I wasn’t. I’d watched him be tortured at Falon’s hand and saw him act like a subservient manservant for Lilah; I would not be intimidated by him.

“Waiting for you.” Brook’s black eyes landed on Willow and seemed to grow darker. “I have something for you. I need to see that it gets directly into your hands.”

“And, you had to make a scene and empty my club to do that? Lilah can’t send her bottom feeding lackeys in here every time she wants to take a shot at me. That card has been played. Tell her to up her game or leave me the hell alone.”

Brook smiled and held out the envelope to me. “Consider this her next move.”

I approached him warily. The bitch hadn’t waited long to make a move. Trepidation gripped me. I snatched the envelope from Brook’s hand, careful not to touch him.

“It’s in her hands,” Willow said. “You’ve done your job. So get out.”

“Not so fast.” Brook shook his head and adjusted his wings. “I have to see her open it.”

I tore open the envelope with a sudden surge of hatred. Perhaps I should have been grateful Lilah hadn’t left me another body, but when I saw what was inside the envelope, I went cold.

I pulled out an invitation. One that stated my attendance was required for a special event the following evening. There was something else. An item that assured I would be there whether I wanted to or not. A lock of blood-spattered curly brown hair, Juliet’s hair.

“She has my sister?” My voice was deadly calm, a direct contrast to the storm building inside me.

“She does,” Brook confirmed. “She’s alive. For now. I’m sure I don’t have to give you the rest of this song and dance.”

“No. You don’t. Tell Lilah I’ll be there. And, if she lays another hand on Juliet, I’ll guarantee she suffers in ways that will make her wish for a death that won’t come.” I hauled off and punched Brook square in the nose. “Pass that along, too.”

Blood streamed from the demon’s nose. He reached to touch his face, glowering when he saw the blood on his hands. There was little satisfaction in it, though; he would heal within minutes.

“Feisty little charge you’ve got here,” he directed the comment to Willow. “They really made you pay for your indiscretion with the human.”

Willow snapped. I never saw him move. He was on Brook, knocking me aside as he launched himself at the demon. He rained down blows that held the power of an immortal. Those wounds would likely linger.

I gaped as the two of them went hard at each other with both physical and unseen blows. The atmosphere quickly grew strained with the heavy, suffocating sensation of their immortal power. I backed away from the brawl, casting a glance about the room and finding the only other person present was Justin, who stood watch near the door.