Chapter Twenty

CHAPTER TWENTY

“You ought to know that Celeste spent last night and all of today in a cell,” said the incubus.

Levi blinked. “What? Why?”

“She caused a massive scene at the Xpress bar while utterly shitfaced. Threw glasses, upturned tables, spat at the bouncers, screamed like … well, a banshee.”

“Jesus.” One-handed this time, Levi went back to stacking the dishwasher. “Losing her shit to that extent in public isn’t usually her style.”

“When Vin and Mason brought her in, they said she ranted about you and Piper the whole time. She hates that you two are mated.”

“Not a shock.” Levi exhaled heavily. “She’s been quiet recently, but I figured she’d do something stupid at some point.”

“It would seem she’s done bottling up her feelings.” Keenan paused. “The main reason I’m calling is that when Vin informed her once again that she would not be allowed to call her father, she claimed to know who’s been initiating the attacks on Piper.”

Levi paused in reaching for a dishwasher tablet from the cupboard. “Did she now?”

“Yes. But she also said that she’ll only talk to you about it.”

He felt his nostrils flare. “That fucking woman.” He grabbed a tablet and roughly placed it into the dispenser.

“It’s unlikely that she knows anything. She’s probably just playing games out of spite. It’s what she does. Still, she’s adamant that she has information you’ll want to hear. Vin questioned her repeatedly, but she refused to cough up anything.”

Grinding his teeth, Levi shoved the dishwasher door closed. There was a beep, and then the cycle started. “I doubt she’d be so stubborn if Knox was there.”

“He won’t be back from his business trip until tomorrow morning. I could ask him to pyroport back here and deal with the matter, but I only do that in cases of emergency. Celeste is not one. It’s important we erase the danger to Piper but, as I said before, I’m not convinced Celeste knows anything.”

“Neither am I, so don’t bother Knox with this.”

“I’m happy to question her myself and press her into changing her mind about only speaking with you. I can make her talk, no problem. It’s up to you.”

Levi didn’t doubt that Keenan could change her mind. The incubus was good at making others part with information. But … “I’ll hear her out.” Or, more to the point, he’d use it as an opportunity to get a few things across to her.

“You sure?”

“Positive. I’ll be there in about twenty-five minutes, depending on traffic.” Levi rang off, pocketed his phone, and made his way through the apartment toward the main bathroom.

Since making things official, he and Piper had come up with an agreement—if she cooked, he cleaned up afterwards, and vice versa. So after they ate the dinner she cooked, he’d sent her off to take a bath while he lived up to his half of the bargain. He’d planned to join her in the tub at some point. He’d have to save it for another time, thanks to goddamn Celeste.

Entering the bathroom, Levi felt his mouth curve at the sight he found. “I didn’t realize you were such a fan of bubbles.”

“Things got a little out of control,” she said, leaning back against the tub, her head barely visible.

“How so?”

“I used the bubble bath that Khloë gave me because she doesn’t like the smell of mangos. It doesn’t say on the bottle to use it sparingly.” Her brow wrinkled. “Everything okay? You’re smiling, but I can tell that something’s up.”

Liking that she was so very in tune with him, Levi crouched beside the tub and brushed aside some bubbles as he said, “Keenan called me. Apparently Celeste made a fool out of herself in the Underground last night while blitzed.” He relayed the details that Keenan gave him.

Piper’s lips parted. “Seriously? That’s dramatic even for her.”

“She was detained by Vin and Mason. She’s still in a cell now.” Levi dipped his hand into the water to cup her knee. “She claims she knows who’s after you.”

Piper sat up straight, gaping. “She claims what?”

“It’s what she told Vin. She also said she’ll part with the information, but that she’ll only share it with me.”

Piper’s face scrunched up. “Bullshit. She doesn’t know anything. Either she’s playing a game because she’s pissed about being locked up, or she’s thinking she can bargain for freedom if she pretends to have information that you’ll want.” Piper’s brow pinched when he said nothing. “Wait, you don’t believe her, do you?”

“Not at all.”

“But you still intend to talk to her,” Piper sensed. “Why? On the off-chance that she’s breaking habits and actually telling the truth for a change? You’ll be wasting your time. If she knew who wanted me dead, she wouldn’t tell you because then she’d also have to explain why she hadn’t mentioned it sooner. Celeste doesn’t fear much, but she’s terrified of Knox. He’d be beyond furious with her for holding back something like this. She wouldn’t want to suffer his wrath.”

“I agree it’s highly likely that she knows nothing, but I need to talk to her face to face.”

Piper’s eyes searched his own. “Ah, I get it. You’re not really interested in hearing what she has to say, you know she’ll only reel off a bunch of lies. You’re going to see her because you want to confront her over what she said to me at the studio.”

See, his girl was totally in tune with him. “I always planned to. I held off because you and I have more important things going on right now. I was planning to confront her once all the shit surrounding you has blown over. However, after how she behaved last night, she needs dealing with. Keenan could handle it, sure. But since the other things she needs to answer for all concern you, I might as well be the one who handles the matter.”

“Tell me honestly. Did you only hold off on confronting her this long because things are hectic at the moment, or were you purposely giving her time to do something stupid and add to her infractions so that her overall punishment would be more than a slap on the wrist?”

His demon grinned, liking how easily she saw through Levi. “Would I really be that ruthless, baby?”

“Absolutely.”

He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “True.”

“She’s not worth your time, Levi.”

“The conversation I’m about to have with her is long overdue. She tried to make you doubt me. She tried to come between us. She made you hurt. I can’t ignore any of that. I won’t.”

“I shouldn’t have let her get into my head. I knew better.”

“It’s not on you, it’s on her. I want her to receive the message that she does not get to fuck with you. I warned her, but it made no difference. And no minor punishment will make much difference either.”

“So you gave her the chance to dig a deeper hole for herself.”

“I did. And she fell head first into that trap.” Just as he and his demon had counted on. “Hearing that you and I claimed each other as mates no doubt knocked her over the edge.”

“Probably. She was furious enough when she learned we were anchors.”

Levi sank his free hand into the water and linked his fingers through hers. “She’s going to kick up more of a fuss if I don’t nip this right in the bud. It needs to be handled in a way that discourages her from causing more problems. I know you’re used to her playing these games and causing petty drama. But that’s what pisses me off. You should never have had to get used to it.”

Piper nibbled on her lower lip. “She’s not going to be leaving that cell any time today, is she?” It wasn’t really a question.

“No. She needs to pay for all she did. And she will. But I intend to have a chat with her first. Her reign of pettiness ends now.” It had to. Piper had enough on her plate. He wasn’t going to let Celeste add to it. Nor would he allow her to be a future problem for his mate.

“When are you leaving?”

“Now. I’ll be back in about an hour and a half. Maybe less.”

She sighed. “Okay.”

Underwater, he gave her hand a little squeeze. “I was originally going to get in that tub with you. I’ll save that for next time.” He kissed her again, stood, and wiped his hands on the small towel. “See you soon. Love you, baby.” He turned and headed for the door, smiling at her squawk of surprise.

“Wait, what?” she called after him.

“Enjoy your bath,” he said.

She spluttered. “You can’t blurt out something like that and then swan out of here!”

But he did exactly that, chuckling to himself as a string of loud curses followed him out of the room.

Exiting his apartment, he told Enzo and Dez that he’d be back soon and then headed out. Not long later, he was pulling up outside the prison’s front entrance. The building not only had many complicated security measures in place, it was safeguarded by a myriad of spells that ensured no one could teleport inside or out. Moreover, every individual spell was covered with a protective spell to prevent anyone from unraveling them.

Waiting for Levi outside, Keenan pushed away from the wall he’d been leaning against. “Hey. How’s Piper?”

“Probably annoyed with me,” replied Levi.

“Why does that make you smile?”

“I wanted her to be thinking about something other than Celeste while I was gone. I’d say I achieved that. Now tell me exactly what went down at the Xpress bar last night.”

Gesturing for him to follow, Keenan pushed open the front door as he explained, “The bartender said she came alone and sat at the bar knocking back shot after shot, blowing off any man who came near her but otherwise not saying much of anything to anyone.”

“It’s unusual for Celeste to send men away,” said Levi as they crossed the reception area and bypassed the security desk. “She usually relishes such attention.”

“Not last night she didn’t.” Reaching the door that would lead to the first floor of cells—all of which were reserved for people who wouldn’t be confined long-term—Keenan punched the security code into the keypad on the wall. “Midway through yet another drink, it was like she quite simply snapped.”

There was a loud buzz, and then Keenan pulled open the door. They both stepped through it but neither proceeded down the corridor as he went on, “She started screaming. She grabbed glasses and threw them at the wall, the floor, even at people’s faces. She knocked over the nearest tables, slung a stool at someone, and even tossed coasters and bowls of complimentary nuts at the guys who tried calming her down.

“The bouncers came to remove her. She spat and swore and yelled at them as they hauled her out of the bar. She was still acting like a loon when Vin and Mason arrived to detain her.”

Levi’s demon shook its head in disgust. “Essentially, she had a tantrum.”

“Essentially. She’s not in the least bit sheepish or remorseful. In fact, she’s outraged that her demands to be freed have been ignored.”

Levi frowned. “She does remember what she did, right?”

“Actually, she claims she doesn’t remember a thing.” Keenan snorted in skepticism. “Also, she believes that none of it counts because she was drunk.”

Levi let out a heavy exhale. “Unreal.”

“She’s used to people—namely her father—making excuses for her behavior and letting her get away with shit to compensate for her mother leaving. Which is probably why she’s demanding she be allowed to call him. That demand has so far been ignored.” Keenan twisted his mouth. “You still want to talk to her?”

Levi nodded. “It has to be done.”

He and Keenan walked side by side as they headed toward the rows of cells. As they neared another security desk, they tipped their chin at the guard stood behind it.

“Evening,” said Omar, rounding the desk. He pressed a button, a buzzer sounded, and the iron door in front of Levi and Keenan then slid open.

Holding back a grimace as the scents of bleach, iron, mildew, and sweat greeted him, Levi followed Keenan along the corridor of cells.

The incubus stopped outside a particular one and telepathically said, It would appear she’s had another tantrum.

Glancing through the iron bars, Levi inwardly sighed. There was fluff everywhere, courtesy of the torn pillow that had been slung across the small space. The mattress cover had been yanked off and shredded—there were ribbons of it everywhere. The chair that was usually tucked under the steel table lay on its side at the other end of the cell. Also, there were a few fresh dents in the metal locker, making him wonder if she’d bashed it using the chair.

Celeste was leaning against the rear cement wall, her arms wrapped around her body. She looked, well, hung-over. Her eyes were bloodshot, her makeup was smeared, her face was puffy, and her hair was a bird’s nest.

“Hello, Levi,” she said, her voice croaky—probably courtesy of the screaming and yelling she’d done. “I wasn’t sure they’d really contact you.”

Levi folded his arms. “You claimed to have information about the person who’s targeting Piper. Of course they contacted me.”

Her mouth pinched, Celeste smoothed her hands down her wrinkled dress. “I’m sure you find it rather amusing to see me in a cell.”

“A cell you clearly didn’t much like.” He eyed the damage and flicked up his brow. “Yet another tantrum?”

Her eyes blazed, and her cheeks flushed. “You can be such a condescending bas—”

“I don’t care. Let’s hear this information you have.”

Her brow creased. “What, you want us to talk here?”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s a cell.”

“And you’re in it for a reason.”

Her nostrils flaring, she scraped back her messy hair. “I can see why I was kept here overnight, but there’s no need to detain me any longer. I’m quite sober now, and I’m no danger to myself or others.”

Given how self-destructive she could be … “You’ve been a danger to yourself for as long as I’ve known you, but that’s off the subject. Now, who’s after Piper?”

Celeste inched up her chin. “Let me out of here and I’ll tell you.”

Sighing, Levi turned to Keenan. “She has nothing. I’m done.” He stalked away, calling her bluff.

High heels clacked along the cement floor and then … “It’s Sefton!”

Levi slowly spun on his heel.

Her hands curled around the iron bars, Celeste stated, “Sefton’s the one who attacked Piper.”

Pulling on her sweats, Piper silently cursed. What kind of person told a woman that they loved her and then just walked right on out of the room?

The kind that liked to mess with people. That was who.

The thing was … Levi generally didn’t seem to take much pleasure in poking at others. He bantered and teased as much as the next person, sure, but fuck with people’s heads? That wasn’t something he made a habit of doing, and blurting out I love yous wasn’t something people often did as a joke. But why say it and then leave? Why chuckle as he left? Why not give her a chance to respond?

She’d been obsessing over the whole thing since the moment he exited the bathroom. Her demon believed he’d been sincere, and it was rather pleased. Not that it was all that moved by the apparent declaration—it didn’t feel or value love. But the entity wanted him tied to them; wanted him so committed to them that he wouldn’t go anywhere.

She wanted to believe her demon was right to be so certain. She wanted it to be true that he cared for her so much. Because the truth was that Piper loved him right back.

There’d been some bumps in the road they’d taken to get to where they were now, but the rough journey had been worth it. He was worth it. And if it turned out he’d been yanking her chain, she’d verbally rail his ass. Her demon would probably bite said ass instead.

Well, she’d question him when he got home. Which should be soon. It wouldn’t take him long to deliver his warning to Celeste.

Finally dressed, Piper sank onto the edge of the bed. She still couldn’t quite believe that her stepsister had caused such a major public scene. Especially in the Underground. That was kind of like taking a shit in Knox and Harper’s backyard. Then again, banshees weren’t exactly known for having impressive self-control. Add in copious amounts of alcohol and a furious state of mind … yeah, that was a bad combination.

It could have been a cry for Levi’s attention—maybe conscious, maybe subconscious. If so, it had been a successful move. To an extent, anyway. It hadn’t only earned her Levi’s attention. No, in blowing a fuse in such a spectacular fashion she’d put herself on the shit list of a seriously merciless Prime. Knox wasn’t known for his leniency.

Having heard some of the stories of just what sort of punishments the male demon liked to dish out, Piper felt sorry for Celeste. Kind of. Well … only a little, to be truthful. It was hard to truly feel bad for someone who’d invested a lot of energy in pissing her off over the years and would have come between her and Levi if she could have.

Really, the person Piper felt most sorry for was Joe. It would pain him to know that his daughter was not only locked up in a cell but also due a harsh punishment. He’d tried so hard over the years to save her from herself, and Piper knew he felt that he’d failed Celeste. In reality, Celeste had failed herself.

Standing, Piper crossed to the dresser and retrieved both her hairbrush and cell. As she dragged the brush through her damp hair, she pressed the button on the side of her phone to light up the screen so she could check the time. Levi hadn’t been gone long. He should be back some—

A knock at the front door made her brow wrinkle. It definitely wasn’t Levi. He wouldn’t need to knock.

She set the cell back on the dresser, padded through the apartment, and then glanced through the door’s peephole. Dez. Piper opened the door. “Hi,” she said with a half-smile.

A tall figure slid behind him. One she recognized. She frowned. Why was he—

A force punched into her mind just as he snapped Dez’s neck. Snapped it. Like it was a mere twig.

Oh, fuck.

She wanted to lob an orb of hellfire in this bastard’s face. Wanted to slam the door shut and lock it. Wanted to call out to Levi. But she couldn’t move—not physically, not psychically. He’d effortlessly seized control of her in an instant, and no amount of struggling from her enraged demon had any effect.

Piper’s heart began to pound in her chest as panic raced through her. This man … he was the person who’d killed Diem and Emma, the man who’d come close to killing Missy. More, he was the son of a bitch who murdered Levi’s aunt and made him an orphan.

“Hello, Piper. I was hoping you’d be home. I understand that Levi isn’t here right now. I’d say that’s a shame, but I was hoping we could talk in private, if that’s okay with you.”

Her panic amped up as she found herself stepping back and opening the door wider in invitation. Shit, shit, shit.

“Thank you,” he said with a placid smile, crossing the threshold and then literally dumping Dez’s dead body on the floor.

Horror filling her, she dropped her gaze to the Force member, wondering if Enzo had suffered the same fate.

Her visitor closed the door, still smiling, the image of friendliness. “Sorry to barge in on you like this. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.” The weirdo actually spoke as if she had willingly invited him inside, as if she’d had any choice in the matter. “Let’s go into the living room, shall we?”