“You can’t even walk normally,” Aurora pointed out. “The spearing was obviously pure luck.”
“It’s these shoes,” she shot back through gritted teeth. At this point, she was almost hoping things got rowdy so she could demonstrate her real skills—not that she had any desire to run into Bileth again. In fact, a shiver inched up her spine at the thought of him. “Speaking of my amazing skill at spearing demon princes, Bileth won’t be there, will he?”
“No chance,” Caine said. “These types of places, where light and shadow demons mix, are completely forbidden by the gods. A high demon like him can’t know this place even exists, or everyone inside would be cast into the seven hells.”
“If they’re risking that, the cocktails at this place must be amazing,” Tammi said.
“While they go off to find their sybil, I’m going to get you a thyme-tini,” Aurora said. “They are to die for. Not literally.”
“If this place is for all kinds of demons, what sort of demon runs it?” Rosalind asked.
“A valkyrie named Mist,” Caine said. “Try to avoid her. She can be—difficult.”
That was probably an understatement, considering valkyries were ancient demons of war and death. The aristocratic demonesses not only collected souls for the storm god, but they could instill other people with battle-crazed wrath.
Tammi flipped her hair over her shoulder. “How, exactly, does one act like a courtesan?”
Caine walked with his hands in his pockets. “All courtesans have been trained by Arielle, a succubus. She has taught legions of humans over the years, and she’s an expert in seduction.”
“So, we’re supposed to be seductive?” Tammi asked.
“Yes,” he replied. “And, if you can, try to give the impression of underlying desperation and maybe some emotional issues.”
Tammi touched her lips. “Oh, I’ve got all that covered.”
Goose bumps covered Rosalind’s arms, and she hugged herself. “Acting seductive wasn’t exactly part of my training.”
Caine’s eyes trailed over her body. “You’ll be fine. Just—try not to speak.”
“Thanks.”
Aurora took another swig before wiping the back of her hand over her mouth. “And if anyone asks, you two human courtesans belong to us. I’m claiming Tammi, since she’s less stupid than Rosalind.”
Ouch. “There’s that classic vampire charm again,” Rosalind said.
They turned into a small, tree-lined square dominated by a stone church built to look like a castle. Their footsteps clacked over the pavement, and the only other sound was the wind rushing through maple leaves. Rosalind hugged herself tightly, trying to control the nervousness buzzing through her body. She was about to step into a nightclub full of monsters, dressed as bait, with only a few tiny weapons.
Steeling her resolve, she followed Caine to a heavy oak door. As he chanted a spell, she felt the sensual touch of his aura, trailing over her skin like butterfly kisses. The sensation was extremely distracting, and she tried to focus her thoughts on her weapons. They’d be the key to saving her life—and Tammi’s—if any of these demons tried to devour them.
The door swung open into a packed dance hall, lit by glowing balls of light. Rhythmic music blared, the bass vibrating deep in her body.
Waves of magic unfurled from the creatures inside, skimming her skin with red, periwinkle, emerald, nectarine, and gold. She’d never been around so many magical auras at once, and they rushed through her chest. Shivering with their power, she tried to pick them apart. She had a sense that some belonged to powerful hellhounds and vamps. Others belonged to simple nature spirits: wood nymphs and tree sprites. She couldn’t get a read on their intentions, but her overall impression was that the creatures inside this club were here for one thing: pleasure.
The auras were intoxicating, almost overwhelming. She reached out to anchor herself, gripping Caine’s arm. At his touch, her mind cleared again, and she could feel only his clean, tingling aura caressing her skin. Interesting. She hadn’t known you could block out other auras with touch.
Caine turned to her, his eyes trailing over her dress. “You look perfect.”
Embarrassingly, her cheeks flushed, and she glanced into the club. Aurora and Tammi were already pushing into the crowd, heading for the bar, but a small group had gathered around Rosalind and Caine. The human women wore a vivid collection of jeweled hot pants, corsets, glittering underwear, and fishnets.
Apparently, her own outfit was rather conservative.
A green-eyed beauty at the front of the group ran a finger down her ruby red bra. She had a perfect hourglass figure, and her eyes were fixed on Caine. “Are you an incubus?”
“How did you know?” he asked with a smile.
The woman flicked her hair over her shoulder. “I’ve never seen anyone so hot in my life.”