David will tell them where I’ve gone, and he’ll tell them he supplied me with a tonic that dulls my powers. I can only imagine what that will lead to, so I need to make good use of these next six and a half days.
It’s not enough time to make a move against Mammon, but it’s enough to lay the groundwork.
I fiddle with the necklace David gave me, running my thumb over the heavy, metal vial that contains an emergency dose of tonic. I need to rent a room and abandon my suitcase. People are looking at it, probably wondering where I’m coming from.
It’s drawing too much attention.
I release my necklace with a sigh, deciding where to go. My gaze lands on a man instead.
He’s walking toward me, his steps graceful and confident. His full lips are downturned at the corners, and when he turns his head, I can’t help but notice his sharp jawline and pointed nose. He looks like a Wrath. It grabs my attention.
I know some Wraths chose to remain within Greed once the borders were shut down, but not many. My people are loyal, and most chose to sneak back into Wrath. I didn’t anticipate running into any of the few who didn’t. They’re traitors.
As the man nears, I’m surprised by his height. I’m tall, but this man towers several inches above me. That’s rare. He brushes a strand of black hair out of his eye. I stare, continuing to take in his features. He’s freshly shaven, and there’s a faint whiff of cologne seeping from his tailored black clothing. His shoes are leather, and the stitching is straight and even. These were expensive.
Does he have a connection to Mammon? He appears wealthy enough to.
I’m in his path, but he’s not looking at me. He’s looking past me. I should be used to it by now, but it still sends a burst of irritation down my spine. I’m not to be ignored.
His footsteps naturally slow as he realizes there’s a person in his way, and his black eyes narrow when they meet mine. I remain firmly in his path, still looking him over. I’m not finished.
“Yes?” he asks.
His gaze darts to my suitcase, but it doesn’t linger. I gulp, forcing myself to maintain a neutral expression. I anticipated people would notice the suitcase, and I have prepared responses if I’m asked about it.
“Do you need help with something?” he continues, cocking his head to the side. “Directions, perhaps?”
The corner of his lip twitches. He finds my staring entertaining. I’m not the least bit embarrassed by it. I was raised by an incubus, and I’ve spent ample time in Lust. Shame isn’t something I struggle with.
I inhale, letting his scent fill my lungs. His cologne is nice, but I don't detect much power. There’s some, but not nearly as much as I’d expect from a Wrath. He must be from Greed.
I force a smile onto my face, then step aside. He’s useless to me. “No. I didn’t mean to get in your way.”
“Are you sure? It seemed quite intentional.”
I shrug. “I’m quite sure.”
The man raises a brow, not moving. I may not have power, but I have confidence. It emanates from me, and men like him can sense it.
The man is wearing all black, but the dark color does nothing to disguise his bulging muscles. His thighs strain against the material of his pants, and his shirt is stretched tightly against his chest. If I weren’t currently completing the most important mission of my life, I’d take him home with me.
I would make him beg.
He licks his lips, and the scent of arousal flickers into the air between us. It’s coming from him, and my friendly smile grows as it seeps into my lungs.
I can’t act on it. I would destroy this man. There’s little power emanating from him, and while he may be evenly matched for the version of me that drinks the nasty, dampening sludge, the real me would overwhelm him. He would never be equal to me, and it will crush him when I murder Mammon and vanish.
The man clears his throat, then gestures to my suitcase. “Are you just passing through?”
“You could say that.” I blink, forcing nonchalance. “I’m actually in the middle of searching for a room to rent. Do you have any recommendations?”
“How long are you here for?”
“A few weeks, maybe.”
The man crosses his arms over his chest, then jerks his head back in the direction he just came. “There’s an inn just around the corner. It’s above the restaurant. Hard to miss.”
I nod. “Thanks.”
