The angel nods. “I won’t bring it up again.”
Chapter Twenty
Hazel
Something is off with my system, and it physically pains me to admit that, but I only have one course of action.
I call my mother.
She’s a great mom, even if she’s kinda embarrassing. It’s probably a universal thing, though. Like, once you have children, it becomes your responsibility to mortify them on a regular basis.
Keeping things super basic, I tell her about Annex and Zeph while purposely leaving out the fact Zephyr is the angel hunting me. My family is big on honesty, and my mom would be so disappointed if she could see me now.
Honestly?
I’m a little disgusted with myself.
There was a time I would have been brutally honest about my part in Levi’s passing. Only, I have a big crush on Zephyr, and I don’t want him to hate me.
My mom asks several questions, and we spend a bit talking about my system. Some sixth sense takes over, and I can tell where the conversation is headed.
I brace for impact, frowning and wondering why I called at all when I know I won’t actually allow her to check me over.
“You could stop by and see me,” Mom says. “I can give you an exam to see if my magic senses those genetics.”
I grimace.
Dammit.
She means well, but I’d pretty much rather gnaw off both my arms than to have her give me a check-up.
And I know it makes me an asshole.
My mom’s grandmother delivered my sister and me. Midwifery runs in our family, and it’s completely normal for a family member to help deliver babies or give an exam.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, trying to keep the horror from my tone. “I love you, Mom. I have to go. Annex is taking me out tonight.”
“A date?” Mom makes a weird cooing sound. “That is so exciting. Send me a picture of the two of you.”
I snort.
“Talk later. I love you, Hazel.” And with that, Mom hangs up on me.
Zephyr does not seem pleased in theleastwhen Annex informs the angel that he’s taking me on a date tonight.
“Have a night off. Go have a beer with your mates. Hunt for the creature. Whatever tickles your fancy.” Annex smirks, wrapping his forearm around my lower back. “I will keep Hazel safe.”
The incubus winks at me, and while it makes my stomach flutter, it also feels a little like leaving Zeph out of the inside joke, which makes me feel even more like an asshole than normal.
“I don’t see why I can’t come and simply guard for threats—” The angel’s words distort as Annex siphons us from the house.
“Have fun,” he says, but I’m unsure if Zephyr catches it.
We land in the foyer of an unfamiliar house. No, the loud pumping music indicates this might be a club. Or a house party.
Honestly, I have no idea where we are, but before we left, Annex helped me dress in a shimmery, silky cream-colored dress that’s so thin I had to forgo my bra and panties. The heels tonight are a slightly more reasonable height, but watching the sexy incubus kneel as he strapped me into them might be my new personal weakness.
He’s dressed to impress in some type of tight black leather pants with a collared white shirt and black horseshoe suspenders. On anyone else, it would look ridiculous, but Annex manages to pull off the edgy style with very little effort.
