Immortal: Curse of the Deathless

Chapter 5 (Part 1: A Beginning)

Chapter 5— A Week Later

You think you're the one with unanswered questions? I thought I'd gotten a handle on who I was and what I was meant to do with my life, then discovered I didn't really know myself at all. To top it all off, in some galaxy far, far away there's a mother who might've had a good reason to give up her infant son. Don't I deserve some resolution here?

Asher laid back in his favorite booth. "That's one rescued redhead as promised, although I do apologize for slightly jostling the package during delivery."

Mary nailed him in the shoulder with a toothpick, her eyes as fiery as ever. "Don't try to write me off as damaged goods."

Asher had never needed a drink more than he had in the past week of bloodshed and midterms. Wolfrik set down a tray of shots, and for once Asher didn't regret bleeding himself dry for the good stuff. Gwen's follow through on their agreement probably had something to do with that. The repayment of her debt was bankrolled by the friendly neighborhood coven after McKinley was asked to act as the natural Council representative. The sly old coot, Asher saw his wrinkled lips crinkle into a smile as he waved his hand and set an astronomical price. Asher figured the whole thing was a wash and said as much, but Gwen was having none of it. Breaking agreements was a big deal in supernatural circles. So no matter how much Wolfrik grumbled under his breath about it, he allowed Asher his little victory.

The coven plus Gwen turned expectantly to him. "Toast!"

Asher considered a moment, then raised his glass. "To bonds formed by the crucible."

A more solemn air overshadowed the festive atmosphere. "The crucible," they all clinked their glasses together and drank.

"This is great and all, but why is she here?" Levi nodded at Jezebel, who looked as if she'd rather be anywhere else.

Jezebel poured her drink out on the table, which almost brought Asher to tears.

Asher eyed the traitorous ex-coven member. "Metis wants her to see that humans are people just as much as witches or any other member of the supernatural Community."

"That old hag, she has me reorganizing the entire shop. It's slave labor I tell you," Jezebel muttered darkly, cursing Metis under her breath.

They couldn't help but laugh at her expense, Asher especially. He remembered having to do much the same thing, and didn't bother telling her that she would have to put it all back once she finally finished.

Jezebel's eyes glittered fiercely. "Laugh while you can, the Inquisition will make sure all heretics burn in Hell."

"You know, I think I like her better like this. The silent routine didn't fit, but that fanatical gleam is just right for her," Lili said as she stole the extra shot Asher had hoarded for himself.

Asher made to snatch it back, but Lili's red-brown glower made him think twice. Some things were too dangerous for an immortal to risk, and this was one of them. She smiled primly and downed the contents. Resigned to his fate, Asher raised two fingers and ordered another round for the table.

"Honestly, don't you ever get tired of living in that black-and-white world of yours?" Francesca said.

Jezebel almost seemed to sag under the pressure of maintaining the illusion of a world with such clear distinctions. Then she started cursing again.

"This alcohol you like so much, it's Fae make," Wolfrik bared his teeth and stalked back behind the bar.

The amber liquid froze in Asher's throat. He would have spewed the contents all over himself, had his penny-pinching nature not prevented him from being so wasteful. Instead he gagged and pinched his nose to keep it contained until he could swallow. He shot Wolfrik a dirty look from where he stood whistling while he polished the bar. Asher started to loosen up just as the table got serious again.