Oops! I Summoned a Night Demon (Witches Love Monsters #4)

Chapter 1

Chapter One

The streets of Salem, Massachusetts were bustling as Ember approached the Broomstick Tavern.

She was used to this sort of activity. It came with living in a tourist city, and while she knew some locals didn’t care for it, she loved it.

She loved the culture, loved the vibes, loved how lively it was.

It was why she’d moved here nearly ten years ago.

Well, that and because Ember adored anything and everything to do with horror, the supernatural, and goth fashion. It was also the perfect location for her boutique.

Between this town, her shop, and finally buying her dream house, everything was going great in her life.

Except when it came to dating.

But that wasn’t stopping her from trying. Tonight, she was on her way to meet a guy she’d recently matched with on an online dating app.

God, am I really doing this again?

You never know, Ember. Maybe this will be it. Maybe he’s the one.

Who could say? Trent was cute, and based on her conversations with him thus far, he seemed like a good guy—with seemed being the key word there. Though Ember had gone through this routine a few times already, she’d yet to have any luck.

She was thirty-two years old and still single. But it wasn’t like she was going to find someone unless she tried.

If true love is going to happen to me, it’s sure taking its sweet time.

Her boot heels tapped on the sidewalk, and the September breeze caressed her legs, which were on display thanks to her green satin and lace open-front skirt.

Reaching the tavern, Ember came to a stop near the door and took a moment to pull out her phone, turn on the camera, and give herself a once-over.

Her makeup still looked good, so she tucked her loose hair behind her ears before shooting Trent a text.

Me: I’m here!

Trent: already got a spot inside

Ember smiled. He wasn’t late and had already secured a table. Those were marks in his favor.

Taking hold of the handle, she pulled the door open and stepped inside.

She walked into a cacophony created by overlapping conversations, laughter, and the sounds of people eating and drinking.

The establishment was dark, illuminated by the orange glow of black lanterns hanging from the ceiling and walls and perched upon the tables.

The brightest light came from the big screen TVs mounted behind the bar.

Large straw brooms and framed art of witches decorated the walls.

As she scanned the tables, her brow furrowed. Trent was nowhere to be seen. Did she have the right place? She was sure he’d told her to meet him here.

“Amber!”

Ember turned her head toward the shout to find Trent sitting on a stool at the bar, grinning. His short blonde hair was slicked back, and he wore blue jeans and a white baseball jersey with red trim.

Wait, did he just call me Amber?

And why was he sitting at the bar? Hadn’t he said he—

He said he had a spot inside. Not a table.

Okay, that’s not a huge deal. The bar is fine. As for my name…

It wasn’t like he’d misheard her. Her name was written plainly on her dating profile. Maybe she’d misheard him over the noise?

He waved, and as though they weren’t making direct eye contact, called, “Over here, Amber!”

Nope. I heard him right.

Letting out a calming breath, she made her way toward the bar, weaving through the tables and patrons.

Trent slipped off his stool as she neared, and his brown eyes dipped, taking her in. He didn’t bother hiding the lust in his eyes. “Wow, you’re hotter than in your picture.”

Ember inwardly cringed. Definitely not off to a good start. She smiled and gestured at him. “And you…look like you!”

He smirked, running a hand over his hair in an obvious attempt to show off his muscled bicep. “Pretty good looking myself, huh?”

She pointed to the stool next to the one he’d vacated. “Is that mine?”

Trent glanced back. “Oh, yeah. Sit down.” He dropped back onto his seat and motioned to the mugs on the counter. “I already ordered us beers.”

Ember pulled out the stool and sat, tugging down the short front of her skirt to keep her thighs covered before setting her purse on the bar top. “Thanks, but I’m not a fan of beer.”

“Oh, come on.” He slid the mug toward her. “It’s good stuff. At least try a few sips. It won’t hurt you.”

“I’d rather not. I find beer gross.”

“Uh oh, red flag, am I right?” Trent laughed much too enthusiastically at his own joke and nudged her with his arm. “Just kidding. More for me!”

She smiled tightly and pushed the mug toward him. “Have at it.”

He turned on his stool so he was facing her, once again ogling her. “What are you, some kind of earth witch or something with all the green?”

His gaze lingered on her breasts, where the neckline of her off-shoulder blouse dipped in a V. And considering she was full-chested and wearing a pushup bra, she was sure he was getting an eyeful.

I wish I was a witch. Then maybe I’d have a spell to get out of this.

“Not a witch,” she said, pulling up the neckline a bit, hoping he’d get the hint. “I just like to dress up.”

“Isn’t that a bit childish?” He picked up one of the beers and drank.

And there it is.

She pressed her lips together. How was she not surprised by his response? “What’s childish about it?”

Trent shrugged and lowered the mug, licking the foam from his upper lip. “I don’t know. Just a thing kids do, isn’t it? Playing dress-up. Anyway, you looked goth in your profile picture. Guess I was expecting you to be decked out in black, is all.”

“Some days I am.”

The bartender stepped in front of Ember. “Can I get you anything?”

Ember smiled politely at him. “Water, please.”

The man nodded and filled up a glass, setting it in front of her. “Anything to eat?”

“Get me a double cheeseburger and fries with a side of garlic wings,” Trent said.

Nodding, the bartender looked at Ember. “And you?”

“Just a basket of fries, please.”

As soon as the bartender was gone, Trent rested his arm on the bar and leaned close, his lips stretching into a sly smile. “So, Amber, I’ve really been looking forward to—”

“It’s Ember.”

“Huh? Oh, shit. Really? I thought it was Amber this whole time.” He laughed and shook his head. “Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I like to see the person I’m talking to. Texting ain’t the same, you know?”

Ember picked up her glass of water and took a sip. “Mmhmm.”

He stared at her mouth. “You know, you really are beautiful…”

“So what do you like to do for fun?”

“Hang out with the boys, throw back a few, catch a game. Doesn’t take much to make me happy.”

“You said you worked at a home repair company?”

“Yeah. Sales department, so you know what that means.”

“Uh, don’t think I do.”

Smirking, Trent took a long swig of his beer, then wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “Big commissions. I upsell the shit out of everything we have. Pulling in six figures.”

“Good for you. It’s great to be passionate about your work.”

He grunted. “It’s work, and I like money. Oh, hey. Didn’t you say that you just bought a house?”

“I did. Just moved in a week ago.”

“I could drop by and check—”

“No, no, it’s okay,” Ember hurried to say with a slight wave, definitely not wanting him anywhere near her house.

Trent chuckled. “It doesn’t have to be work related. We could get to know each other more…intimately.” He grazed a finger over the bare skin of her thigh.

Ember jerked her legs away as a shudder coursed through her.

Oh ew, ew, ew, ew.

She rubbed a hand over the spot he’d touched as though she could erase the memory of it. “This isn’t going to work.”

Brow furrowing, Trent sat up straight. “What?”

“This.” She grabbed her purse and slipped off the stool as she drew the strap over her shoulder. “I’m leaving.”

“But you just got here.”

“And I’ve seen all I need to.”

His face twisted into a scowl as he stood, blocking her from moving away. “What the fuck does that mean?”

Ember glared up at him. “Please step aside.”

“Not until you tell me what the hell is going on.”

“Please step aside.”

“Amber, come o—”

“It’s Ember!”

“Ma’am, is everything okay?” a man asked from the stool beside Trent.

“Everything is fine,” Trent snapped.

“No, everything is not fine. I want to leave,” Ember said.

“Tell me why.”

She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, begging for the patience to keep from hitting him, because she was this close to swinging if he didn’t move his ass out of the way. And she really didn’t want to spend the night in a jail cell for battery.

Of course there was also the more immediate danger of him hitting her back. Trent was larger and stronger than her, and he wasn’t showing much restraint when it came to anger and aggression.

Drawing in a deep breath, she opened her eyes and met his gaze.

“I don’t owe you any explanation, but I'll give you one anyway.” She held up a finger.

“One, you didn’t even know my name. Two, you assumed what I wanted to drink and then expected me to accept it after it was sitting out of my sight for who knows how long.

Three, you’re rude and insulting. Four, we’re not compatible at all.

And five, you touched me and tried to invite yourself to my house for sex. Absolutely not.”

“Then what the fuck was the point of this?”

Because of course this guy just wanted sex to satisfy his plus-size goth girl fetish.

I fucking hate dating.

“Trent, you’re an asshole, and I just dodged a bullet.”

“Whatever,” he sneered. “You’re an ugly fat bitch anyway. I was doing you a favor.”

Ember wrinkled her nose at him. “Seriously? Get out of my way.”

Trent thrust his hand toward the bar. “You gonna pay for your beer?”

“It’s your beer.”

Not caring if the police were called at this point, she stepped forward and shouldered past him.

“Bitch!” he yelled over the din.