S.J. Day - Eve of Darkness

There are some projects in an authors career that are inspired. The Marked series is definitely that for me. Eve came to me like Athena of Greek mythology, springing from my head fully armed and prepared for battle. Her story was then expanded upon by random synchronicities. I wont attempt an explanation for how often random events offered prompts and clues at the exact moment I needed them, but Im grateful.

Residents of Huntington Beach and Anaheim will note that I took creative license with locations. The fictional Henrys Ice Cream shop is located where Lorenzos Pizza used to be on the corner of Cerritos and Euclid. Both the Circle K and Lorenzos are gone now, leaving a hole in my life that only Lorenzos pastrami sandwiches could fill.

St. Marys Church as described in the Marked series is nothing like the actual St. Marys by the Sea, which is located in a different part of the city and is much smaller and older. My St. Marys more closely resembles Saint Vincent de Paul in some aspects of appearance and location, but its fictional in every way.

Ive taken other liberties with my beloved hometown area. Locals will spot them; non-locals wont care. I hope you enjoyed the story in either case!

This is a bit out of the way for you, isnt it? Alec asked, as Eve pulled into the parking lot of St. Marys church.

I drive when I need to think. Her gaze drifted over the roof of the building before she turned her attention to finding a spot.

Busy congregation, he noted.

It seemed odd to Eve to have Alec in the car with her. For years, shed pictured him on his motorcycle. He seemed at home astride it, a part of it, a virile man and his steel horse. But when hed offered to drive shed swiftly declined. She needed a clear head to absorb the surfeit of information he was imparting to her. There was no way shed be able to think with his hips between her thighs and her arms wrapped around him.

I guess so, she replied in response to his observation.

Eve put her car in park, pulled the key from the ignition, and undid her seat belt. Unsure of how their hunt would progress, shed dressed in well-worn jeans, Vans, and a button-up, short-sleeved top. Ready?

He looked at her with a soft gleam in his eye. Why didnt you just ask me what you wanted to know?

You were asleep.

Alec snorted. Thats a cop-out.

Whats the matter with wanting to read it with my own eyes?

Its hearsay. A lot of it is more fable than literal truth.

And youre going to give me an unbiased play-by-play?

In answer, he smiled and opened the passenger door. She remained seated as he alighted, her gaze riveted to his ass and long legs. He, too, wore jeans. His feet were encased in steel-toed Doc Martens and his torso was covered in a dark blue T-shirt. She was astonished by how normal he looked, when he was anything but.

She got out of the car before he could get the door for her. Now what?

We case the church. Alec slipped on his sunglasses. Then we spread out slowly on foot until we find where he lives.

I thought churches were sacred.

Stick with me, kid, he drawled. Youll learn something new every day.

Nothing I want to know, she muttered, slamming the door shut and pocketing her keys.

They weaved through the rows of cars with Alec in the lead. Where did you see him?

Up there. She pointed at the arch. There were other people around, but no one else seemed to notice him.

Theyre not marked.

Lucky them.

The wry glance he tossed over his shoulder brought a smile to her face.

Ms. Hollis.

The husky, rumbling voice of Father Riesgo was unmistakable. She paused midstride and turned around, her smile widening at the sight of the approaching priest. She sensed Alec taking up a position behind her.

Father, she greeted, finding him no less incongruent in the collar today than she had the day before.

She introduced the two men and was startled when Alec reached out his hand and spoke in a foreign language. Father Riesgo replied in the same tongue, his returning handshake firm and his green eyes sparkling.

Riesgo looked at Eve. This must be the man who prompted you to study the church.

Uh...

I am, Alec said, grinning wickedly.

Excellent. Your relationship must be growing more serious. The priest glanced at Eve. We have some wonderful couples meetings you might enjoy.

Alec tossed an arm across her shoulders. Eve is a bit stubborn.

The more stubborn they are, Riesgo said easily, the more devoted they can become. Are you here for morning mass?

Eve shook her head. Im here for a different kind of research. Im an interior designer. I was told there was a Gothic-style building around this area. Do you know of it?

You came to church for that? He arched a brow. Why not drive around and look for it?

She glanced at Alec. His dark gaze was wickedly amused behind his shades. Eve scowled when she realized that he had no intention of helping her.

It was his idea, she blamed, jerking a thumb toward him.

He responded by wrapping his arms around her. It got you to church two days in a row, didnt it? I told you miracles happen.

Eve elbowed him in the gut, an act that only hurt her arm and made him laugh.

Father Riesgo smiled. Mass begins in an hour. Hopefully youll both be able to attend.

Waving lamely, she managed to urge Alec away.

See? he asked, as they left the parking lot. No one believes youre a lost cause.

She kept walking.

Are you giving me the silent treatment, angel?

Im looking for my friend.

He hummed a doubtful sound and reached for her hand, linking their fingers.

As they rounded a corner and left the quieter side street for the main thoroughfare, the noise picked up appreciably, exacerbating the feeling that she was leaving safety behind and entering an unknown, dangerous new world. Cars traversed Beach Boulevard at the customary Southern California pace, a unique speed somewhere between distracted leisure and impatience. The vehicles that could have their tops down did. The rest had their windows down, allowing a steady stream of music to pour into the air in an eclectic mix of country and rap, alternative and pop.

The sky was powder blue, cloud free, and sunny. Just the right blend of warm sunlight and cool breeze...

A breeze that blew a noxious odor straight into Eves face.

The stench made her nose wrinkle in protest. She couldnt describe the scent even to herself, having no point of reference for something that smelled so horrendous.

Instantly, Alec changed. His grip tightened and his casual stride, shortened to match hers, altered to a predatory deliberateness. Eve noted the change in him and felt the corresponding change in her body. Everything closed in. Narrowed. The background noises faded away, her vision sharpened, her muscles thickened. Adrenaline flowed hot and heavy through her veins. The sudden pulse of power was brutal. And arousing. Not entirely in the sexual sense.

I smell them, she murmured, shivering. She felt as if she could run like the wind and tear a phone book apart with her bare hands.

Euphoria. Thats what it was. And it was caused by aggression. How the hell did the two blend?

Yeah. He glanced around, then gestured to a business suitclad gentleman climbing into a Range Rover a few feet away. Theres one.

Wheres his detail?

Hidden beneath his clothes or hair. Hes a lesser demon, hence the reason he stays in mortal guise for a full-time job.

Eve tugged on his hand, her mouth dry. He glanced at her in a distracted manner, then did a double take.

I feel weird, she managed.

Alec gave a rumbling purr. You look awesome. The mark is hot on you, angel.

It felt hot, too, in a wholly primitive way.