Chapter 178: Intruders
Alison was practically drooling all over me. That is until her hand slipped free and she took a step aside. The two young men, both about the same height and clearly related, grinned at us as they stopped.
The first looked a bit younger, dirty blond hair thick and hanging to his shoulders. But even though he was classically handsome with European chiseled features, his gray eyes were empty of warmth.
"Bonjour," he said in a soft French accent. "Good afternoon, ladies."
Alison tittered like she'd never heard a guy speak before.
The second of the pair, dark hair cut short, cool green eyes with the same lack of anything kind in them, reached out and took Alison's hand. He bent over her fingers, brushing his full lips across them while his eyes never left hers. "Mon cher," he said.
Alison's cheeks were bright. "Hi," she breathed. Yup, breathed. Seriously.
My attention flickered to the redhead behind them. Standing guard. She met my gaze, arctic blue eyes settling on me for a moment before moving on. I had no idea who she was or of what she was capable, but I was afraid of her.
"Your name, cher?" Meanwhile, the older took his turn kissing my friend's hand. She'd want to wash that, after.
"Alison," she said, her voice all airy and girlish. I wanted to smack her.
"Jean Marc," the dark haired one said with a wink. "My brother, Kristophe."
She actually half curtsied, like they were special. What the hell?
"A great pleasure, Alison." Jean Marc made saying her name sound exotic. "My brother and I, we are here for a vacation. With our family."
It wasn't until then I felt it-the subtle push of their power-and I understood.
They were working her over with their magic. The only reason I hadn't felt it immediately was because of my ever-present shields.
No they did not. Not in my town, not to my friend, not ever. And it was a huge violation of the rules. We simply weren't allowed to influence normals for obvious reasons.
I called up my magic and slapped their minds briskly, not enough to do any harm, but more than enough to get their attention. Jean Marc looked momentarily startled as Alison blinked like she'd been asleep. But Kristophe just smiled at me like it was funny.
It wasn't. At least now I knew for sure who they were.
The Dumonts had arrived.
"Sydlynn Hayle." I didn't offer my hand to either of them and my introduction was as authoritative as I could manage. They bowed their heads to me as one, though neither seemed the least bit remorseful about being caught.
My town, I sent, mind tight, letting them feel a bit of my demon's anger. My friend. Back off.
Jean Marc went on as if I hadn't just warned him away. "We are about to try some of your quaint hospitality." He leaned forward and pulled the door open to the diner. I heard laughter from inside, smelled the familiar scent of hot fudge mixed with deep-fried everything. "Join us?"
Alison would have, I'm sure of it, but I wrapped my hand around her arm and jerked her close. "No," I said through clenched teeth. "Thanks."
Jean Marc shrugged elegantly. "I'm sure we'll find more interesting partners inside." He left me there, fuming, while Kristophe smiled at me, pale gray eyes weighing me until he spun and went inside after his brother. I waited until their redheaded escort followed, ignoring me this time, before I let Alison go.
She glared at me like I'd ruined everything. "What is wrong with you?"
I had no way of warning her, naturally. "I just have a bad feeling, okay?" Lame.
Alison rubbed at her arm where I'd held her. "You just had to say so."
"Sorry."
"I thought they were cute." She sighed. "And now you've gone and ruined your grand entrance."
"What?" Grand... what?
"I wanted to piss them off," Alison giggled. "You know, Page and the cheerbitches."
"How?" I couldn't care less about the former fallen angel turned cheer pack leader who had a serious hate on for everything Syd. She could suck it.
Alison smacked my arm. "By showing you off, silly." She shook her head. "You have no idea how beautiful you are." It came out all wistful, like she was jealous or something.
Um, hello. Had she checked the mirror lately?
"Sorry to kill your plans," I said.
She shrugged. "Nothing to do about it now." Alison glanced through the glass. "With those two showing up, all my effort would be wasted." She smiled a little as if to take away the sting. "No one would be looking at you anymore."
"Thanks." She was right, though. But I doubted just because the brothers were attractive. I didn't put it past them to keep using their little mind games on the normals of Wilding Springs.
Until I caught them at it again. Without witnesses.
I had Alison drive me home, lugging my purchases to the front door after telling her yet again to stay away from Jean Marc and Kristophe. She waved, smiled, drove off as I sighed and knew she was never the kind to listen to advice.
Alison's issues could be a problem for another time. Right now, I had to have a long talk with my mother.
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