Evelyn shot me a sideways look. ‘Was he the one on the flight back from Santorini? The one you stripped?’
I nodded, uncomfortable discussing my ability to strip exiles of their powers against their will. All Grigori could remove exile powers, but usually the exile had to surrender to it – which they never did. I looked at Griffin. ‘Gee, Griff, did you leave anything out?’
He shrugged. ‘It wasn’t like you were getting set to give her the history.’
‘Should we be prepared for conflict?’ Evelyn carried on.
Steph snorted as we walked towards the bar area. ‘Only if he doesn’t like your wardrobe selection.’ She looked at Evelyn’s outfit of dated navy pleated pants and black oversized jumper. ‘Which, no offence, is a possibility.’
‘Steph,’ Salvatore chastised. ‘Apologies, Signora Eden.’ He bowed his head and pushed Steph forwards.
Evelyn looked herself up and down. ‘I haven’t had a chance to catch up with the latest fashions yet, between the lack of consciousness and threats of imprisonment.’
‘You look fine,’ Dad said, a blush tinting his cheeks.
Unfortunately, he was right. Evelyn was tall with striking features highlighted by her intense fire-blue eyes and there was a gravitational force about her that seemed to attract people.
Onyx was working behind the bar, showing off his impressive physique in a tight black T-shirt and torn slim-fit jeans. Dapper was serving a group of girls to his right. Working in sync, the two of them had the entire bar covered. I was struck by the professional attitude Onyx seemed to have adopted as he expertly flipped a coaster onto the bar with one hand just before landing a glass on it with the other. It was quite a change. Almost as different as his casual attire, which had girls draped over the bar eyeing him up instead of crying and running away at some insult he’d launched in their direction – as had happened in the past. Onyx, however, didn’t seem to care for or return their interest.
Dapper saw us nearing and scowled as he tossed a bar towel over his shoulder. It made me smile.
Onyx, in complete contrast, beamed. He quickly motioned for one of the floor staff to relieve him and before we reached the bar he was pouring himself a drink.
‘Just when things were becoming predictable,’ he said, winking at me. ‘I should never have doubted you.’
Dapper moved over grudgingly, taking in all the women drooling over Onyx – I could’ve sworn his eyes blazed before he began jabbing a finger towards Spence.
‘Don’t think I don’t know you got into my stock earlier tonight. I catch you pilfering again and not only will you never set foot in this place again but I’ll haul you down to the cop station myself and press charges. You hearing me?’
Spence grimaced. ‘Hear you.’
Dapper nodded with a grunt and then addressed the rest of us. ‘Whatever this is, let’s get it over and done with.’ He motioned towards the unmarked door that led to his apartment. ‘Try not to frighten away any of my patrons on your way.’
‘He’s not coming with us, is he?’ Evelyn asked Griffin, gesturing to Onyx who was already holding open the door with a look of delight.
‘Onyx has proven himself a useful source and ally,’ Griffin responded.
Evelyn looked disgusted as she passed Onyx.
‘Love a family affair,’ Onyx chimed in as I passed through the door.
In Dapper’s living room, there were more of us than there were seats so Zoe and I took the floor while Lincoln assumed his usual back-of-the-room standing position.
Griffin filled in Dapper and Onyx with the most important updates, ending with Evelyn’s disclosure about defeating Lilith with the Qeres. After giving them some time to absorb all of the information he asked Onyx if he’d ever heard of the substance before.
Onyx brushed non-existent lint from his jeans. I waited for him to break into some drawn-out story, but he surprised me by leaning back in his chair and shaking his head.
‘Not in my angelic memory. Even if I had known, some things leave us the moment we exile. But I’ve heard rumours over the years. I believe there is truth in what she claims.’
‘Dude, you feeling okay?’ Spence blurted out, taking the words from my mouth; Onyx never cooperated without getting something in return.
He grinned secretively. ‘Keeping sight of the bigger picture is an important part of the game.’
Dapper cleared his throat and grunted at Onyx. ‘Is it so impossible to admit you simply wanted to help?’
Onyx’s grin faltered and he rolled his eyes.
‘I’ve heard of the potion,’ Dapper said, standing up and pacing the living room. ‘I believe I have a book that can help you with the first twelve ingredients.’ His brow furrowed. ‘And I have a suspicion the thirteenth ingredient dates back to the Garden of Eden.’