La Petite Mort, page 3
“I love you,” he whispered.
With a smiled, Garen reached up and cupped the back of Luke’s head to pull him down into a long, gentle kiss. When they eased apart, he ran his knuckles down Luke’s cheek.
“I love you. I’ll be forever grateful that we met. No one has ever completed me the way you do, and no one ever could.”
“I feel exactly the same way.” Luke settled to rest his head on Garen’s shoulder, with his husband’s arm holding him close. “Try to rest. We’re going to be extremely busy over the next couple of days.”
Chapter Four
While Thomas perused the plans, Garen sipped appreciatively at the coffee. Its warm aroma enveloped him, and he inhaled deeply.
“Excellent brew as always. I bow to your expertise as a connoisseur of the coffee bean.” Garen raised his mug toward Thomas in a salute and the other man barked a laugh.
“Not Luke’s forte?” Thomas chuckled.
“Not at all. He likes the smell but is not so keen on the taste.” Garen shrugged. “Not having a lot of coffee at home is a small price to pay.”
“You’re a lucky man, Garen. I envy you. I’ve yet to meet the right one for me.” For a moment, Thomas’ expression was wistful, then he was all business. He tapped on his computer screen. “It looks good. Run it past me one last time.”
“Right.” Garen nodded, setting the coffee down and leaning forward. “The conference room being used by our likely target is on the first level. I have a team in a similar, but smaller room beneath it, and another team is set up in another room above it.”
“As above, so below,” Thomas murmured. He glanced at Garen. “Hermes Trismegistus?”
“That who it’s usually attributed to.” Garen met Thomas’ gaze. “That’s why we’re set up that way. The incubus can hardly attack its victim in full view of the guests. We also have a lookout watching the hallway leading to the elevators and restrooms. The minute Melani-Leigh leaves, she’ll be followed. If she gets into an elevator, one of our people will be with her. We know she has a suite there but believe the incubus will take her somewhere else.”
“Where?” Thomas asked with a frown.
“Where its host has an altar. This isn’t just about an incubus and a victim. This incubus has a host so it can walk freely among us. The host needs to offer the victim as a sacrifice to keep up its symbiotic relationship with the demon. We could check the place from top to bottom and find nothing. Luke believes that Samael-Lilith will bring something with them. Remember, an altar doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. The floor will do and something as innocuous as a chess piece can be used as a totem.”
“You’re right, of course.” Thomas nodded. “I think we have everything covered. I have a team waiting outside, should you need reinforcements, but I won’t deploy them unless you ask. The van will be well shielded so their presence can’t be detected.”
“Those inside will be in protective circles. They’ll only move out once we know the demon’s location.” Garen took another swallow of his coffee. “We don’t want to take unnecessary risks.”
“And you and Luke?” Thomas leaned forward. “You’ll be among the guests?”
“Yes. We have tickets, so there’s no problem there. All we need to do is keep an eye on her and alert the team if she leaves the room.”
“We seem to have all the bases covered.” Thomas tapped three times on his wooden desk. “Good luck for this evening. Keep me posted.”
“Will do.” Garen finished his drink and stood up. “I’m off for home. Luke wants to paint some protective sigils on me. I got him ready this morning and he’s been preparing protective charms for the team while I went to check out the hotel and report back here.”
“Excellent. I wish you safety and success.”
“Thanks, Thomas. We’ll be in touch.” With a wave, Garen left the office, going directly to the underground carpark and into his car.
Before he set off, he sent a text to Luke to let his husband know he was on his way. This will give Luke time to prepare what he needs for the sigils. He like time to make sure everything is perfect. You can’t take chances when dealing with the dark forces.
When Garen got home, he left the car in the driveway and opened the door. The scent of rose was heavy in the air, and he inhaled deeply, letting the aroma relax him. The hallway was dotted with black candles, intended to absorb or banish negativity. Luke also uses them for protection and repelling black magic and the ridding of bad habits. They enhance inner strength and resilience.
Still beside the front door, Garen stripped off and walked a few steps forward, letting the light of the candles bathe his body while breathing deeply. He walked slowly, letting Luke’s love and power wash over him with every step he took. There was no need to guess where his husband would be. Garen went straight to the bathroom.
In the center of the floor, Luke sat naked in the full-lotus position, his eyes closed and hands resting on his knees. Whale song whispered as background music and the candles burning were in the colors of red, purple, magenta and silver. Each candle was designed to assist in their upcoming battle.
A bath was already drawn. Garen stepped into the water, and sank completely beneath, letting its warmth permeate his body before slowly rising to sit upright. Luke was already on his knees beside the tub and, as he ran a flannel over Garen’s body, chanted softly.
When the bathing ritual was completed, Garen stood in the center of the bathroom as Luke dried him thoroughly before beginning to paint his sigils of protection. Garen closed his eyes, focusing on the touch of the man he loved and the strength of their power, letting it ripple through him.
“It’s done.” Luke’s voice was still soft and low and Garen opened his eyes slowly to gaze into the ocean blue orbs of his beloved.
“Thank you.” He bent down to press his lips to Luke’s, mindful that some of the ink wouldn’t yet be dry and not daring to smudge any.
“I’ll make you some tea.” Luke ran his finger’s down Garen’s cheek. “By the time I get back, the ink will be dry, but don’t dress just yet. I’ve made sure the house is heated so you won’t be chilled.”
“Thanks, love.” Garen smiled. “You take such good care of me.”
“Just as you take care of me. It’s a partnership.” Luke grinned. “Won’t be long. Try to relax your mind. It’s going to be a long night. Just imagine it. A room full of arrogant, self-indulgent and self-centered people like Melani-Leigh.” Luke shuddered dramatically. “Ugh.”
“I know.” Garen could empathize with his husband. A shaman like Luke would feel drained after spending time with people whose only care was for themselves rather than for others. “Just try to keep their negative emotions at bay.” At Luke’s raised eyebrow, Garen laughed softly. “I know. Easier said than done,” he added with a wry smile.
“I’ll do my best. In fact, I may do a small charm just for that. Back in a minute.” Luke grinned and hurried from the room, and Garen took a few seconds to admire his husband’s naked form before closing his eyes.
* * * *
With a frown, Garen glowered at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Already he was uncomfortable with the stiff collar of his shirt. But the function was formal dress, so he’d donned a dark blue suit, the shirt and a midnight blue bow tie.
“Fuck, I hate dressing like this.” Luke’s voice carried through from the bathroom. “What do you think, Garen? Will I do?”
“On my way.” Glad to focus on something else, Garen patted on his aftershave lotion then strode into the bedroom…and stopped dead. “Who are you and what have you done with Luke?”
“Har-fucking-har.” Luke glowered at him. “Will this do? It’s fucking stifling me already.”
“What a transformation. I don’t think your own mother would know you.” Garen prowled around his husband.
Gone was the loose-fitting, colorful clothing that Garen always associated with him. Instead, Luke wore black jeans with a white shirt and old jacket of Garen’s. With his hair waxed back into a tight manbun, no makeup and only small, plain gold hoops in his ears, Garen barely recognized his husband.
“You certainly fit the bill for formal.” Garen wrinkled his nose. “But personally, I like the real you much better.”
“Same.” Luke smiled at Garen. “But you look good like that. I feel like a kid playing dress-up.”
“Trust me… You don’t look it. But I like Luke, the free spirit, rather than Luke, the starched shirt.”
“Thanks.” Luke wriggled as if he could make the clothes sit better. “In all honesty, once we’re there, I’ll have far more important things on my mind than the way I look. I just like to feel comfortable. Who are we going to pretend to be, if anyone asks?”
“A personal friend of Melani-Leigh, in my case.” Garen smirked. “She can live with the fallout of that revelation later.”
“In that case, I’ll be your personal guru who reads the cards for you. That way I’m not straying too far from the truth. I’ll slip a tarot deck into my pocket—not that I intend to do a reading in that place.”
“I wouldn’t want you to.” Garen shook his head. “But it’s a good idea. You can always claim that the vibes aren’t right.”
“I can guarantee they won’t be.” Luke pulled a face. “Won’t be for a minute.”
Chapter Five
Since Garen had booked a taxi to take them to the event, Luke decided to take the opportunity to meditate as they drove into the city. I need to concentrate and focus on my shields. It’s going to be a long, tiring evening and I can’t afford to let anything slip.
When their cab pulled up outside the hotel, Garen indicated the doorway where a couple of their own people were vetting the guests. Although it looked as if they were frisked and checked like any of the other attendees, nothing was said about the charms or weapons, they bore.
“Seems like Melani-Leigh wasn’t kidding around when she said she paid for good protection.” Garen glanced around as he kept in step with Luke. “These certainly look professional.”
“They give off the right kind of vibe.” Luke nodded. “I’m only glad we had our own people installed. Even if they’re genuine”—Luke jerked his head in the direction of the officious-looking security men who were prowling slowly and murmuring into cell phones—“chances are they’d have made us turn out what we’re carrying, and any interference of that nature could destroy all the power we spent so long infusing them with.”
“I know.” Garen splayed his hand out at the small of Luke’s back, the gesture one that he found both protective and possessive, each thrilling him in a different, but equally pleasurable, way. “Let’s get away from here. I don’t want them paying us too much attention.”
“I’m with you.” Luke allowed Garen to propel him deeper into the hotel complex and they followed the signposts to the event. Soon, they didn’t need the signs, as the babble of voices reached them the length of a hallway.
“Here we go,” Garen muttered as he automatically moved a step ahead to lead to way. Luke fell into place slightly behind Garen on his husband’s right and took a deep breath before they stepped into the conference room.
Bright light, loud noise, an overpowering smell of expensive perfume and male cologne instantly assaulted Luke and he was about to tap Garen’s back to indicate he needed to stop while he adjusted, but Garen halted anyway.
“This is about the worst place you could be. Take a minute, my love.” Garen’s voice was low, and he extended a hand behind him.
With a smile, Luke took Garen’s hand, remaining in place and focusing his senses on Garen. Slowly, he filtered away the other sounds and scents. After a moment, Luke felt far more grounded. The touch of his husband, his familiar smell and the sound of his voice murmuring softly all worked a magic of their own.
However, he still opened his eyes cautiously, pleased to find that with his other senses immersed in Garen, the lights were no longer too bright.
“Thanks. I’m good now.” Luke squeezed Garen’s hand, releasing it to rest his own in the small of Garen’s back. As he grew accustomed to his surroundings, he’d be able to let it drop away so they could move independently of one another. But for now, I’m grateful to have Garen’s support and proximity.
It seemed like two strangers were of no interest to the elite gathered in their intimate groups. Garen waved away the first member of the waiting staff with flutes of champagne, but when a second approached, he stopped the younger man.
“Are any of you serving non-alcoholic drinks?” he asked.
“Ah, no, sir.” The waiter glanced around. “Our instructions were to serve champagne until the speeches started.”
“That makes sense,” Luke muttered.
“Do you have bottled water in the kitchen here?” Garen asked, and this time the waiter nodded.
“Yes, sir. Still or sparkling?”
“Still. Two bottles. Unopened,” Garen added as the waiter turned to go. He stopped and looked over his shoulder.
“Will you want glasses, sir?”
“No, thanks.” Luke spoke up quickly. “Just make sure the bottles are still sealed.” Luke smiled at the waiter. “We don’t drink alcohol and are very particular what we eat and drink.”
“Yes, of course, sir.” The waiter inclined his head and vanished into the crowd.
“Better he thinks we’re just faddy about what we consume.” Luke met Garen’s puzzled gaze. “With this lot, we won’t be out of place in that respect, I’m sure.”
“Looking at some of them here, they wouldn’t know a good meal if it slapped them in their cosmetically enhanced faces.” Garen looked around, his nose wrinkling. “Just when did the desire to look young and beautiful get so out of hand?”
“It’s been with us forever, my love.” Luke patted Garen’s arm. “It’s just that we have so many ways of achieving it now. There are people who throughout history put plates in their lips, rings on their necks or painted or tattooed their skin because they believe it enhanced their appearance. In the modern world, the plastic surgeon is king and Botox his seal of rule.”
“All bow to the mighty god Botox.” Garen’s voice dropped to a low growl. “I’d put money on each and every one of them here having done exactly that.”
“And some would go one step further.”
“Your water, gentlemen.” The waiter’s return stopped any further conversation. Garen took one bottle from the tray, made certain the seal was still intact and passed it to Luke before taking the other for himself.
Turning away from the crowd, Luke murmured a blessing over the bottle before cracking it open and handing it to Garen. He did the same with the second bottle before taking a few sips himself.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.” Melani-Leigh’s voice rang out and Luke looked around then chuckled softly.
“We won’t have much difficulty keeping an eye on her this evening,” he murmured.
“Wha—? Oh, fuck! What does she look like?” Garen shook his head.
“How about a cast off from Antony and Cleopatra?” Luke snickered.
“More like Carry on Cleo.” Garen inhaled deeply. “Either way, you’re right.”
“I know.” Luke rubbed his nose, schooling his features once more as he took in Melani-Leigh’s outfit.
The glittering purple sheath dress left one shoulder bare, displayed a generous portion of décolletage and was split almost to her left hip. The Grecian theme was further taken up with the elaborate hairstyle that Luke decided owed more to talent in the secure placing of a wig than dressing her real hair.
“If you will all come through to the auditorium, I promise the speeches will be kept to a minimum, and you will all soon be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.”
A smattering of laughter preceded the guests following the direction Melani-Leigh indicated.
“Let them go,” Garen murmured. “They look the type who’ll all want to be at the front and in the spotlight. At worst we can stand at the back.”
“I agree.” Luke nodded. “Good idea, lover-mine.”
As if engrossed in conversation on his cell phone, Luke ambled slowly forward with Garen keeping to the same snail’s pace. By the time they entered the other room, everyone else was seated and Garen indicated a table at the back.
“Perfect.” Luke flashed Garen a grin and followed quickly behind as his husband strode rapidly toward their prize.
While the speeches droned on, even with Melani-Leigh encouraging each speaker to keep them “short, sharp and snappy”, Luke made sure to keep focused. He was just about to comment on a feeling that something had changed when Garen leaned in close and whispered in Luke’s ear.
“My thumbs are prickling.”
“I felt a subtle change.” Luke inclined his head a fraction. “You need to warn the teams.”
“And my sentinel who’s watching the hallway leading to the restrooms. We can keep an eye on the target while she’s here, but the restrooms are male and female, not unisex. I have one of the team dressed as a guest. The security staff by the entrance are close to where she’s stationed, and we aren’t too far away.”
“Excellent.” Luke stayed at the table and watched Melani-Leigh while Garen stood and moved even farther to the back of the room, pressing close into a corner to alert his personnel. It looked as if the speeches were coming to an end.
Getting to his feet, Luke wound his way through the guests, keeping Melani-Leigh in sight at all times. He trailed after her, confident that Garen would find him easily enough. The woman seemed to be the epitome of a social butterfly, never spending more than a moment or two with any of the attendees.
If she even noticed Luke, he was quite certain that she wouldn’t recognize him from the interview room. In fact, I’m quite certain she wouldn’t even remember my name. With a deep sigh, Luke continued his surveillance.
“Need another drink?” Garen’s voice was soft in Luke’s ear and Luke smiled but shook his head.
