Chapter 27

Kester crossed his room, pulling open a drawer in a small, wooden dresser. He took out a black sweater, slipped it over his chiseled torso. “There’s a little problem with our plan.”

“What?”

“I have no idea where to find Abrax. He’s an ancient and powerful incubus. He dwells in Nyxobas’s Manhattan lair, and I have no idea?—”

“I know where he was going.”

Pulling on a pair of grey trousers, he shot her a sharp look. “He told you?”

“He mentioned a place called Oberon’s. Something about wanting to bring me there as a pet.”

Kester curled back his lip in a snarl.

“Do you know what it is?”

“No, I was hoping you might.”

“It’s a private club for the fae. Unfortunately, they have a strict door policy, enforced by ancient and powerful magic even I can’t manipulate. You can only get in if a fairy gives you explicit permission.” He nodded at Zee. “And she’s the only fae I know. Obviously, Abrax is connected.”

Ursula shook her head, the guilt pressing on her chest like a rock. “If Abrax is as elusive as you say, I’m not letting this lead get away.” It was her fault Zee’s soul was missing. If she hadn’t screwed up her first mission with her off-putting personality, none of this would have happened. And, of course, if F.U. hadn’t carved the mark in the first place, Zee would be sipping a champagne cocktail in Club Lalique right now. “There must be someone you can bribe.”

“The fae aren’t interested in money.”

“Are you serious? Have you ever been shopping with Zee?”

“She’s an exception—she’s a solitary fairy. Most of the fae in New York are part of Oberon’s court, and have all the wealth they could possibly desire.”

“Oberon’s court. That’s where we’re going? Some sort of fairy realm?”

“Yes. And Oberon is their king.” He slipped into a pair of shoes. “Maybe we can catch Abrax coming in or out. It’s our best chance.”

“But he had a huge head start.” She closed her eyes, trying to think of all the times she and Katie had sneaked into clubs in London when they couldn’t afford the entry fee. They’d usually asked a bartender or waiter they knew to add them to the list. “Are there staff there? A hostess you could charm?”

Kester paced across the floor like a caged animal. “We won’t be able to talk to them until we get in. It’s in another dimension. The only way in is through magic we can’t control.”

Another dimension? Bloody hell. “Well, how does Zee’s hairstylist get in? Luis? She said something about how he’s always there with redheads.”

Kester stopped pacing, and his green eyes flicked to hers. “Tell me about him.”

She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know much, except that he’s slightly creepy and into gingers.”

“How big is he?”

“Big. Muscular. About your size.”

Kester rubbed a hand over his chin. “He might be fae.”

“What would a fae be doing cutting hair, if they’re infinitely wealthy?” She touched her lips. “Though you did say they’re hedonists—and he was a little too fond of massaging my hair. He leaned down and sniffed it at one point. I did think that was odd.”

“Exactly. Fae have their own particular earthly pleasures that excite them. For some it’s food, for some it’s sex. And for Luis, apparently, it’s hair.”

“I’ll call him.”

Kester nodded. “Good. Just don’t tell him why we want to go. Oberon’s is supposed to be used for pure pleasure only. If he invites any trouble inside, he’ll be banned for life.”

She bent down, snatching her purse from the floor. “Don’t worry. I’ll use my silky charm.” She pulled out her mobile phone, and dialed Luis’s number. He picked up on the third ring. In the background she could hear “Girl, You Got a Magic Body” playing.

“Hi, Luis. This is Ursula. You, um, cut my hair recently.”

“Mmm. Ginger. You want a scalp massage?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you’re going to Oberon’s tonight? I heard you talking about it with Zee when you were doing that amazing thing to my scalp. And, well, I just wanted to try it out. I’ve heard it’s the best place to enjoy yourself.”

“I wasn’t planning on going. But for you, I could change my plans.”

“Ooh, that’s wonderful.” She let her voice drip with honey. “And Kester will be with me.”

“Oh,” he said flatly. “They won’t want the Headsman inside.”

“I’ll let you touch my hair,” she blurted. “It’s important. I mean, it’s important that I enjoy myself.” Lure him in, Ursula, like a master. “And it’s important that my hair… enjoys itself… with your fingers on it. You can smell it.” Bollocks.

“Mmmm.” She heard him take a long breath through his nose. “Yes. Let me get dressed. You’ll be on the list under Kester’s name. Peele. I’ll tell them to make an exception for tonight, and the wards will be lifted for both of you. Your hair will get to enjoy itself with my hands all night.” He hung up with a click.

She grimaced at what she’d just agreed to.

Kester was staring at her. “That was your silky charm?”

She scowled. “Hey. It worked. I’m getting us into Oberon’s, which is more than you could do. Let’s go.” She was charged up with Emerazel’s fire, and her body burned with power.

“Not so fast. We have some preparation to do first.” He looked down at her blood-soaked dress. “Staring with getting you out of that gown.”

She arched an eyebrow. If Zee’s unconscious body weren’t a few feet away putting a damper on things, that statement might have made her blush. “And what did you have in mind?”

“Fae fashion is extremely opulent.” He walked around her, his gaze sliding down her body. “I think I know just the right look for you.”

She crossed her arms. “You’re going to dress me?”

Before she’d even got the words out, he was chanting in his magical language, and his magic caressed her skin. Her dress began to transform, the grey silk taking on a stunning grass-green hue. It floated around her legs as if on a vernal wind, the delicate fabric skimming over her thighs. Two long slits inched up the front while her neckline plunged. Gold vines snaked around her waist to just below her breasts, holding the stunning fabric in place. Silver bracelets appeared on her wrists, and a warm, white fur jacket appeared in his hands. With a graceful flourish he placed the jacket on her shoulders.

Staring at his creation, he ran a finger over his lower lip. “Now you look perfect.”

She glanced down at her ensemble. “I didn’t have you pegged as a clothing designer.”

“There’s very little I’m not good at.”

She nearly pulled a muscle rolling her eyes.