“Right, well… You should probably get out of here before they bring back someone who’s actually willing to put up a fight. Also, I’m late for work,” I say awkwardly, glancing at the time on my phone. I really need to leave now, before I get dragged into this mess any more than I already have been. I don’t actually care all that much about being late. No one ever calls for help this early in the morning. They’re all still busy getting coffee and waking up. But I definitely don’t want to be involved in this. At the time, sharing my name seemed like the quickest way to get his cousins to back off, but now I’m starting to regret it. Now they know I’ve been helping him. Even if I was just trying to de-escalate things, it’s not like his family’s going to see it that way. Then again, maybe they didn’t notice he got out of my car? I mean, this is my workplace car park. It’s totally plausible that I just happened to be here. Okay, that’s probably wishful thinking. Still, it’s not too late for me to walk away without too much guilt. I shift my weight, ready to leave.
“They’re so young.” Lukas mutters, breaking my train of thought. He’s frowning deeply, rubbing at his ribs absentmindedly.
“They don’t know any better. They probably believe whatever crap my parents have told them. The whole lot of them are going to get in so much trouble if this goes badly.” His voice is low, and he sounds stressed as hell. Roxy whines a little and taps a paw against his leg. Damn it.
“You know you aren’t responsible for everything your relatives do.” I point out, my tone sharper than I intended. Oops, I’m not trying to sound judgemental. I’m trying to… Give him an out. Kind of.
“There’s a reason I don’t talk to most of my family much. And from what you’ve said, you know your family is doing something wrong. Maybe it’s better to just… Keep your distance. The less involved you are, the less likely you’ll have to deal with the consequences for their actions.” It’s harsh, I know, but I don’t think he should have to break himself trying to save people who clearly treat him like crap anyway. Lukas sighs, running a hand through his hair.
“I almost agree with you. But… My cousins. They’re just doing what they’re told. The two you met? They’re some of the older ones. Most of them are teenagers. A few are kids. I can’t let them face the fallout if this all goes wrong and the hunters get involved. Even if they did spare the kids, they’d be orphaned. My family isn’t perfect, but they’re better than nothing. Better than having no one.” His words hang in the air, a mix of sadness and determination.
Damn it. So he’s basically doing this to protect the kids? Why couldn’t it be for a terrible reason? Misplaced loyalty or some kind of martyr complex would’ve been so much easier to dismiss. But protecting kids and stupid teenagers?
“I… Suppose that’s a decent reason.” I admit reluctantly, crossing my arms and looking anywhere but at him. Lukas gives a small nod, his expression softening.
“So… good luck with that.” I say, inching away again. I SO want to get out of here before he ropes me into this any further.
“Actually…” Lukas trails off, hesitation clear in his voice. I freeze, dread building in my stomach. “What is it now?” I groan, spinning back to face him.
“When I grabbed Ron’s arm and asked about the necromancer…” He begins, slowly.
“He… He did think of something.” I narrow my eyes, waiting for him to elaborate.
“He thought that there’s no way he’s going to risk pissing off a demon.” Lukas says, his voice steady but quiet.
“And… And also that… They can’t believe I’ve been talking to a Mead too.” It takes a second for the last part to sink in.
“Excuse me? Too? Are you saying you think someone from MY family is involved in this somehow?” My voice rises, each word louder and higher pitched than the last. Lukas winces, and for once it doesn’t seem to be because of his ribs.
Lukas shrugs, his expression neutral, though I can tell that he’s watching me carefully.
“I only know what I heard. Ron might be mistaken or confused. I just thought I should tell you. I’d want to know.” His tone is gentle, but there’s a quiet insistence behind it. I sigh heavily.
“Fair. But honestly, I’m not all that worried. My relatives can take care of themselves.” I wave off his concern like it’s nothing. Lukas raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.
“You really aren’t worried about them?” I shrug again, even though his disbelief is starting to feel a little pointed.
“The only one I’m close to is Laura, and she’s way too busy trying to escape our family’s nonsense to get dragged into anything shady.” I pause, smirking as I remember something.
“You know, I’m pretty sure my aunt wants to marry her off to ‘the mind reader from the Hollen family.’ Ring any bells?” I tease, trying to deflect. I really don’t want to keep talking about my family being involved. It feels like he’s trying to drag me back into this and I just want it to be done. Lukas’s eyes narrow slightly, and it’s obvious he’s not falling for the bait.
“But what about the demon?” He presses.
“Surely you’re at least concerned that your family might be involved with a demon.” I burst out laughing before I can stop myself.
“You really don’t know anything about Laura, do you? She’s been working for a demon for years.” Lukas freezes, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.
“What the hell?” He says, stunned.
“No contract or anything.” I add cheerfully, enjoying his horrified reaction.
“A job with no contract? No job security… nothing?” He stammers, looking genuinely appalled. I blink at him, incredulous.
“Seriously? That’s the part that’s upsetting you?” I shake my head.
“Of course the lawyer cares more about the paperwork than the fact she works for a demon.” He frowns but doesn’t argue.
“It’s really not as bad as it sounds.” I explain.
“At least, that’s what Laura tells me. She’s been working there for ages with no real issues. I think the demon she works for even rescued her once when my aunt was getting especially demanding.” I add, hoping to make my story sound less ridiculous. Lukas raises an eyebrow.
“A demon rescued your cousin?” His voice is full of doubt.
“Yep.” I reply confidently.
“Although Laura says it had more to do with her friend than with her. Apparently, the demon has a crush on his human bartender. Everyone says so.” Is it weird that I’m oddly excited to have someone to share this gossip with? Lukas seems doubtful.
“A human? You mean another witch?” I shake my head.
“Nope. Human, like a totally normal human. No magic, no powers. It’s insane. She lives at the bar, and apparently, she has bargains with two demons. Laura’s boss and some other demon.” Lukas blinks, clearly having difficulty processing this information.
“How is that even possible? How did she survive long enough to get involved with two demons, let alone make bargains with them?” I shrug, unable to hide my grin.
“No idea. You’d have to ask her. The whole thing is fascinating, though.” I admit.
“Can we?” Lukas asks, his tone suddenly eager.
“Can we what?” I ask, confused.
“Can we go ask them?” He clarifies.
“I don’t have any leads other than your relatives and a demon being involved. Talking to your cousin and that human seems like the best place to start gathering information.” He explains. I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose and adjusting my glasses.
“Wait, you want me to come too?” I ask hesitantly.
“Yes.” he says firmly. Oh for goodness sakes.
“You do realise I’ve spent the entire morning trying to avoid being dragged further into this mess, right?” I point out, crossing my arms over my chest. Lukas nods.
“I know. But I believe I have a better chance of figuring this out with your help. Plus, I’m finding I quite like your company.” He pauses, his expression softening slightly.
“Would it really be so bad to go visit your favorite cousin?” He is clearly trying to make the task seem more appealing. Ugh. I groan again, glaring at him as I weigh my options. I could just say no and walk away. Pretend none of this is my problem and go about my day like nothing happened. But then I’d never know how this all turns out. And there are kids involved.
“Ugh, fine. I’ll take you to meet my cousin.” I grumble.
“But I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for the kids.” I insist. Lukas’s lips twitch into a small, and incredibly irritating smile.
“Right, of course. For the kids.”