Jammer in the Box (Faetal Attraction #2)

Chapter Let’s Get This Party Started

Let’s Get This Party Started

ROGUE

“What do you think connecting us with those people got Tracer?” I ask my guys as we leave the ‘secret meeting’ tent. “Nothing I’ve seen from that shithead so far says he’s motivated by altruism.”

Damon snorts, nodding in agreement. “You’re not wrong, Sparkles. Tracer might be the second least objectionable Finn I’ve met now, but that doesn’t make him trustworthy.”

“He did it because he’s hoping to eventually inherit the Sons, and if there’s multi-realm chaos upending everything, small fry gangs and mafias won’t have a chance in the ensuing wars.

” Rebel frowns as we walk down the garden path, heading towards the demon territory slowly in the bubble he and I created for privacy.

“Tipping off anyone he believes might be connected enough to stop it is his way of getting someone else to do the dirty work.”

As we make our way around the paths, I study the various entry gates for the territories.

I’m not eager to explore most of them right now, despite my curiosity about the Fae lands.

I remember little from my early childhood; Graciella and Odhran were adamant that Reck and I never discussed it.

They were even less willing to discuss our heritage after Reck was shipped off and they brought Reb in.

It feels weird to avoid the one place I might have a connection to at this damn meeting, but I figure we’re going to face enough bullshit when we hit the demon territory.

I don’t need to dredge up bad memories and get myself further on edge when I’ll certainly be tested at our primary destination.

“You feel nervous, Princess,” Angelo murmurs as he winds his arm around mine.

“I have faith that you’re going to be fine.

Luca and Lola won’t want to seem weak in front of the entire hierarchy and guests from other organizations.

Jealous demons aren’t likely to confront you like they did at the party. ”

“Mmm,” I reply absently as I tangle our fingers together. “Appearances are important; I get that. That doesn’t mean they won’t attempt to use others to do their shifty shit. Just like Tracer, they’re smart enough to realize if they stay hands off, they can do whatever they want.”

“Not true.” Archie grins as he bobs his brows. “A lot of these groups won’t want to get caught with their hands in the demonic cookie jar at a treaty-bound event. It’s not much, but it’s something.”

Rebel snorts, shaking his head. “We just learned there are underground groups from all over committing crimes all over the country and in the other realms, Arch. If our suspicions about the twins’ parents are right, then they will have access to plenty of patsies for hire.”

Squinting, I look at my stepbrother. “Are you trying to make me worried?”

“No. I’m trying to keep you on your toes, lil’ sis. We’ve been trained to look for threats in every corner by trade, and if we were doing it in our personal lives, we might have seen your ex-friend coming.”

Ouch. True, but painful in a way that only Reb can get away with.

“Okay. Everyone is a suspect and I’ll keep my eyes peeled. Happy now?”

He shrugs, giving me a look that makes my insides flutter. “Getting there.”

Not the time, Rogue; not the time.

The insanely ostentatious entry point to the demon territory makes me roll my eyes inwardly.

There’s no way it needs to be gilded and oddly dark, with curling ironwork and weird dead looking plants I suppose must be indigenous to Hell.

Angelo and Damon don’t seem to be surprised, so I leave it alone as they approach the gates and place their palms on flat plates in the center.

A burning smell fills the air, like a barbecue in the summer, and the heavy doors swing open slowly. We all look at the twins and they sigh.

“All the lands will have them roped off somehow, and if we hadn’t been able to open this without help, some sort of gatekeeper would have shown up,” Damon replies as he holds his arm out for me. “Those who aren’t from your lands have to be recorded as guests and—”

Before he can finish, a large angry looking demon appears with a burnt smelling tome floating in front of him.

The demon is definitely not in humanoid form, and I’m not sure what kind he is, but he definitely does not look like he’s happy to see us.

“State your names and species in order to be recorded. Non-demon guests must declare themselves personally after demonic visitors. Lord Gemini reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone he sees fit.”

Lord? Is Luca fucking kidding people with this shit?

Angelo snickers, walking up to the demon and eyeballing him. “You must be fresh out of the pits. What a lazy ass way to keep our brethren safe—placing cannon fodder with no idea who is who on the gate. Fuck, Luca needs to vet his lieutenants better.”

“How dare you—”

Damon sighs as he cuts the moron off. “Presenting Damon and Angelo Gemini, heirs to the Gemini family, you fucking knob.”

The demon’s eyes go wide and he bumbles for a second as I grin. “Rogue Kelly, fated mate to Angelo and Demon Gemini, heirs to the Gemini family line. Unseelie dark Fae, Guardian, adopted, and very excited to watch you get your innards pulled out by your bosses.”

“Rebel Kelly. Unseelie Fae, Guardian. Bored as fuck with this shit.”

Javier and Archie laugh, elbowing Rebel as he rolls his eyes.

They each introduce themselves snarkily, and by the time we’re finished, the magical book slams shut.

The dumbass demon is still trying to figure out what the fuck he’s going to do when Angelo takes my other arm.

They chuckle and lead me away, obviously not concerned with the flunky any longer.

“You know, I feel like there are a lot of better things all the assholes holding this thing could do with their excess of money than build entire mini-realms that will only get destroyed when it’s over.”

Turning to Javier, I smile fondly. “I agree, birdie. But since most of the organizations holding court here aren’t exactly known for their generous natures, I suppose it’s no surprise they’re unconcerned with the little people.”

He and Damon are the softest hearts of everyone, despite Archie looking the part more than them.

“Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Rogue did exactly what she should have back there,” Angelo says as we approach a dark, curling archway. “If we have to admit she’s mated to all of us, we will. For now, we’ll say you’re part of our chosen family group or some shit.”

Archie chuckles as he shakes his head. “It’s always hard for the species who rarely form polycules to grasp this shit. When we’re around the shifters like my parents, no one bats a lash.”

“Demons often form caliphates with their closest friends and allies. Sometimes, those also include fated, but the rate of demons finding a fated is quite low,” Damon replies.

“Most of our kind enter advantageous business arrangement marriages or commitments like Luca and Lola. No one really knows why the success rate of finding a mate is so low in Hell.”

“Maybe because they all stay down there and avoid nine other realms where they could be?” Rebel snarks as he arches a brow. “You two wouldn’t have found Rogue if you weren’t living up here because the King hates Luca. Demons not finding fated are a self-fulfilling prophecy, it sounds like.”

Javier clears his throat, interrupting with a soft murmur, “We should be careful what we talk about inside. Those magic bubbles will probably be unreliable once we’re surrounded by all the demonic power and whatever else is in there.

Though, I agree with what you guys are saying.

Phoenixes are similarly limited because they try to stay within their kind. ”

“I think it’s stupid,” I say with a shrug. “It’s outdated nonsense, and we all know everyone puts hybrids like me on the bottom of the pile. Truthfully, we’re doubly strong and not so tied to one species that we can’t see when they’re being ass clowns.”

“Everyone ready?” Angelo asks. I nod, and the rest of the guys do as well. “Let’s go rub elbows with a bunch of crusty outdated assholes and nasty new money demons.”

I’m surprised when we can get into the raucous affair without being stopped by anyone.

Angelo and Damon are escorting me with Reb, Javi, and Archie, walking behind us as we make our way through the oddly dressed crowd.

There are people dressed as formally as us, but also a decent amount of demons outfitted for clubbing or bondage.

I arch a brow at the twins, but they just shrug.

I suppose it’s normal to them, and that’s something I tuck away as knowledge for the future.

Most of the people are in either humanoid or partially shifted forms, much like Luca’s party, except for the staff.

They’re all fully shifted into demon form, be it small and snively on the serving crew or huge and ugly against the wall.

The latter, I assume, are the security demons. There’s no other explanation.

“What do we do now?” I murmur to Damon. “Is there a protocol? If so, are we following it or simply wandering about gathering intel?”

Damon grins as he leans in to reply, “A little of both. We can mingle briefly, checking out the attendees for suspicious faces or conversations as long as we make our way toward wherever Luca is holding court. It’ll be obvious what the path to dear old dad is as we get farther into the territory.”

I frown, not sure I want to imagine what it’s going to look like as that approaches.

We’ve already passed a dance floor full of techno grinding, a mini-BDSM stage with on-lookers, three bars, four drug dens, and a very weird seating area full of demons gambling with bones.

None of this is particularly off-putting, but I have this uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

It’s telling me this whole ‘den of iniquity’ thing is going to get less palatable when the atmosphere goes from ‘guest’ acceptable to full-on demonic.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of performing that kind of shit for a crowd before,” Archie says wryly. “Think I’d be good at it, guys?”

“No.” Damon and I growl simultaneously. I chuckle when the twin flushes bright red, and his brother groans.

“Good thing you agree,” Rebel drawls as he sweeps the next area with his eyes warily. “I’d hate for Rogue to get the idea we’re okay with her climbing the boards to do the same.”

Whipping my head around, I glare at my stepbrother. “If I choose to perform at the club again, I won’t be asking for any of your permissions, assholes. You don’t own me, even if we are mated.”

Angelo’s eyes darken, and I feel the flare of his ire on my other side. His voice is low, and he grits his teeth as he hisses, “That is a conversation for much later, preferably never, Princess.”

Men are the goddamn worst.

“I don’t think it’s fair to limit Arch if you’re allowed,” Javi says mildly. “He’d make a fortune with that sculpted hockey bod, especially because he’s well known. I mean, think about it. Supes of every gender would go for watching him get topped in restraints.”

I blink, letting that wash over me for a moment. It makes my magic surge with jealousy, filling my veins with fury. “Fine. Point taken. No one performs naked for people.”

Rebel just smirks at me as if he knew that was going to be the answer and I have to clench my fist so I don’t punch him. “Mmmhmm. What’s good for the goose, lil’ sis.”

There’s a reason I was dating women before these jokers, and this is definitely it.