Chapter 26 #2
Grunting, Malachi waggled one hand. “That remains to be seen. Sometimes when there’s smoke, it doesn’t always flash to a fire. Sometimes, those sparks fade out, and there’s nothing but cold, lonely ash in their place.” He glanced down and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I know that’s a little morbid.”
“Morbid,” she agreed, “but poetic and accurate.” A gleam filled her eyes, now hearing his fake name being called to the front. “Go on, Evan, it’s your time to shine!” Shoving him forward, she hurried to their table, starting a raucous cheer with her friends, chanting his ‘name’.
Rolling his eyes, Malachi approached the stage, confirmed his song choice with the man running the sound, and stepped up to the microphone.
The opening notes sounded, and he let some of his incubus power swirl through the room, enhancing everyone’s desires and awareness into a dream-like state.
Everyone except for Chuck. He wrapped her in a protective layer to keep her from feeling his magic.
His lips parted, and the first dark, intriguing line of Wicked Game, by Chris Isaak floated through the room.
Women began to fan themselves, men started draining their drinks, and many couples took to the dance floor.
Chuck sat, mesmerized by his voice, and it filled him with pride, knowing it wasn’t his magic that kept her rapt attention.
He continued his skillful yet seductive rendering of the song, letting his voice rise and fall with the intensity of the lyrics to the delight of those in the bar.
His vocals tantalized the back of their necks, like fingers teasing just above their skin.
Stroking and strumming their awareness of each other into a near frenzy.
As the final outro played, his voice lingered in the smoky room, resting like a physical layer on everyone’s bodies.
There was silence for a heartbeat. Then another.
Then every pair of hands came together with thunderous applause.
Shouts, whistles, and marriage proposals followed Malachi back to the table.
Standing in front of Chuck, he said nothing. Simply gazing into her eyes as she stared, unblinking at him. Finally, he pulled his hands from his pockets and held his palms up in question.
“Incredible,” she said. “Was that really you? Or magic?”
“That was me.” He smiled. “I used my power to enhance how people responded, but not on you. I kept it off you. But the singing, that was all my true voice.”
“Your voice is perfect. You know, I just realized, you sound exactly the same out loud as you do in my head when you’re… you know.”
Laughing, he leaned down. “Woof.”
“Right. I know you were using your power on the others, but what I don’t know is why. You didn’t have to do that to make them like you. They would have anyway.”
He tilted his head and smirked. “Because I wanted you to see what I’m capable of, so you’re aware. That was barely a hint. But I didn’t touch you with it because you asked me not to.”
Smiling softly, she tilted her head. “I felt it. I felt you wrap me in… well, I don’t know what it was, but it was like a warm blanket. I felt safe. Secure. Cherished.”
“I do,” he responded immediately, then blinked. “I… ch-ch- cherish you,” he stammered. “Sorry, some words are hard to say.” He smiled apologetically.
Seeming intrigued by that idea, Chuck traced his jaw with a finger and stared at his lips. “Like what? What other words?”
A small laugh at her question had her squinting at him in annoyance. “Why is that funny?” she demanded in irritation.
“Because you’re so cute. I tell you I can’t do something, and you immediately want me to try it anyway.
I don’t know if it’s because you’re not a quitter and you don’t believe in giving up, or you’re a sadistic mistress and you like me in pain.
Is that it? Do you want to hurt me?” His lips curved so sinfully, his smile would melt the panties off a nun.
It nearly melted Chuck’s. He could see her aura streaking with lust again.
“The former!” she blurted breathlessly. “Definitely the former.”
Shaking his head slightly, he sucked in a deep breath and blew it slowly through his lips.
“Alright, anything to do with the guy up there?” He pointed up.
“Like the big G dude, and little JC, you know? Can’t say their names.
Can’t do the p thing you guys do in a… um…
that building where you w-w- ugh—sounds like war ship—you know sing special songs and talk about that one book. ”
“God, Jesus Christ, pray, church, worship, hymns, the Bible?” she ticked off on her fingers.
Malachi swayed on his feet before grabbing the back of a chair as his stomach heaved.
Choking on bile, he managed to swallow it down and bite back the wave of nausea.
He nodded meekly as he stared at her through watery eyes.
A shaky thumbs up confirmed it for her, while he wiped a film of cold sweat from his upper lip.
“Oh, good grief, Malachi, I’m so sorry!” she murmured as she shook her head. “I didn’t realize it would have that kind of physical effect on you.” Studying his obvious discomfort, she shook her head harder. “Damn, I really am sorry!”
He noted her aura was now streaked with gray, lending veracity to her words. Nodding, he waved off her apology. She truly didn’t know and hadn’t done it on purpose. “It’s okay,” he croaked. “Just don’t do that again.” He wiped his clammy hands on his thighs to dry them.
“I keep forgetting. You know? That you’re a literal demon from Hell and not just a hot guy with super woo-woo powers like Glenda.” She smiled slightly, seeming mollified by his acceptance of her apology.
“Woo-woo powers?” He snorted, wrinkling his nose in mock disgust. “I’m going to forget you said that and focus on the fact that you think I’m hot.” Suddenly, he straightened, his senses on high alert, nausea gone. He stood perfectly still and moved only his eyes, searching the crowd.
Chuck noticed the change in his demeanor and also went on high alert. “What is it? What do you see?”
Shaking his head, he slowly raised one hand in a wait gesture before speaking to her with his mind. Not see, smell. Sense. The dark presence. The one I detected at that kidnapping scene. Is Bennett here? Don’t make it obvious, just a casual glance around.
“You’re right, Evan, you should sing another song.
Hey, maybe Jax will do another one, too!
” She glanced around, ostensibly looking for Jaxon.
Spotting him on the dance floor, she waved and gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
“Well, maybe not Jax, he’s busy. How about…
” tapping a finger on her lips, she studied the group around the table.
“Oh, Bennett! When did you get here? Hey, are you going to sing? I was just telling Evan I want him to sing another song, but I think he needs some encouragement.” Playfully, she patted Malachi on the chest. Turning to the other officer, she smacked her forehead.
“Oh, I’m sorry. You haven’t met, have you?
Evan, this is Nathan Bennett. I work with him sometimes. Bennett, this is my boyfriend, Evan.”