Into the Aether_Part One(19)

“I want you to stay with the car and in the immediate area, but keep out of sight.” She felt his reluctance to leave. Phillip had reported to her for the past twelve months, and before that, he worked for Jordan. In that time, he had learned to respect August for her intelligence, abilities, and tenacity. He also learned he could not question her.

“Could I at least get you something to eat or drink? Something warm?”

“I do not require food or drink.”

“There is a café around the corner, Matriarch...” His thoughts trailed off. “Your usual?”

August thought over his offer. He was starting to develop feelings toward her, but a romantic relationship with anyone beneath her would be considered inappropriate. She was the Matriarch, the leader of the Cubi. There was no other of her race in a higher position, or equivalent to it. Even Jordan, who was more for tradition, disliked the rule but had followed it begrudgingly when he was in power. He was, however, well known for his exploits with human women. Jordan was an attractive man, and given the fact that he was an Incubus, he’d had no issues with loneliness.

“Extra hot,” she replied to Phillip. Triumph rolled off him in waves.

August listened to Phillip get back into his car and drive off. The cold winter wind continued to blow. August wrapped her arms around herself. Her red suitcase sat beside her, mostly filled with clothes and toiletries. After leaving Aaron at the airport, she had slipped into a taxi and asked the driver to take her to the hotel quickly. The driver obliged, dropping her off fifteen minutes before Phillip and Aaron arrived. She had changed into warmer clothing in the lobby washroom, and made her way up to the rooftop.

August would have preferred to use one of the apartments looking down onto the street, but they were all occupied. The other buildings in the area were businesses, and they were all closed at this time of night. Being in the hotel would run her the risk that Aaron would see her again, and that would raise too many questions. The House Ness had agreed to have as little involvement in Aaron’s life as possible, unless it was an emergency. This was their obligation.

August let out a small sigh, her breath forming a cloud in front of her. She reached into Aaron’s mind. Cubi rarely concerned themselves with trivial issues such as privacy. His mind was a tangle of thoughts: Jordan’s death, his headache, teaching, and her. Apparently, she had left an impression. He was now in the process of speaking with the front desk clerk.

The smell of ozone came to her, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to prickle. Ozone was generated by some human machines and magick, and judging by the amount, it was being made by someone and they were using a great amount of it. Her mind again reached over the street, attempting to discern a presence, but there was nothing to be found.

Then the harsh wind died, along with the blowing snow. She balled her hands into fists, the whites of her knuckles protruding, and bent her knees slightly, preparing herself for an attack. All the while she continued to examine the area.

“Phillip, come now,” she commanded. There was no response. “Phillip!” she called out again. Still, nothing.

August feared the worst for him. The ambient thoughts of those around her had disappeared and been replaced by a low hum. They were all still out there; she was being blocked.

Sounds came from the side of the building. The emptiness she’d sensed in the alley was growing closer, climbing toward her. Her head angled toward the sounds as they reached the roof. She felt eyes staring at her. There was the almost imperceptible sound of someone breathing, quickly followed by a warm sensation. Leaping backward, August narrowly avoided a red burst of energy, followed by the smell of burnt hair.

Energy blasts; must be a Jotunn, she thought with distaste. The empty sensation was still present; she changed her angle to face it. How are they blocking me? This is beyond the capabilities of a normal Jotunn.

“Having a few problems tonight, are we?” said a disembodied male voice. The emptiness moved from in front of her to her right. “Well, I’m right in front of you. Can’t you see me? Oh wait, that’s right...” he said with a low snicker. A woman’s scream echoed from the alley below and someone began running across the street.

No! she thought, hearing Aaron grunt as he slid on the ice.

August maneuvered to her left, the empty presence moving in tandem. She tried scanning the alleyway, but there was still nothing.

“You know I am going to kill you,” said the disembodied voice.

August gazed toward the empty presence. “You can try.”

“Ahh, there it is. The famous Cubi cockiness.” August gave a half smile. “You Succubi are all the same,” he said with a mirthless laugh.

“Help me!” cried a woman’s voice from below.

“Don’t worry about Aaron, August. We’ll take care of him,” the voice snarled. August started for the fire escape, but hands grabbed her and pulled her backward onto the ground. She stood up, taking several steps backward.

“You are completely useless, aren’t you? A poor little blind girl, all by herself.”

August stood still, her hands at her sides. Aaron was now walking toward the hotel with the woman. If they were going to kill him, they would have done so already.

“No witty reply, girl?”

Soft footsteps walked slowly from her side to behind her.

“You will not kill me this night, or any other night,” she replied. “The Cubi are more powerful than you.”