Sin's Dark Caress by Tracey O'Hara Page A

Bianca’s mother and disturbing on so many levels .
    â€œStop it, Artemisia.” Bianca’s voice had a sharp edge.
    â€œWhat?” The witch feigned innocence and winked at him. “Sorry, Detective, but it’s just you have quite the . . . delicious aura.”
    â€œThe Sin’s succubus blood is strong in my mother,” Bianca explained, giving Artemisia the same look she gave him when he’d done something wrong.
    She just smiled and a shrugged. “Sometimes I just can’t help myself.”
    He felt the erotic sensations subside and got the impression she was playing down her abilities and her control. He’d no doubt that what just happened had happened on purpose, and that he’d been tested. Question was, had he passed or failed?
    Artemisia Sin’s smile lit him up inside like a jackpot winning slot machine.
    Bianca’s frown deepened. “We’re here on business, Artemisia. We’ve got some news concerning the Domina’s granddaughter.”
    â€œTiffany?” Bianca’s mother glanced over her shoulder at the tall severe woman and then leaned in with conspiratorial delight. “Is she in trouble? It’d really piss that old witch off if her pride and joy was—”
    â€œDead,” Bianca said.
    Artemisia’s head snapped up and she pinned her daughter with an intense stare. “No! She can’t be.”
    â€œI’m afraid it’s true,” McManus confirmed.
    â€œBut I saw her only a few moments ago.” Artemisia craned her neck, searching the crowd. “Over there. Look.”
    McManus followed her finger to the girl moving through the crowded room, dressed in identical fashion to the body outside. He would’ve sworn it was the same girl. Except this one didn’t have her guts spilled all over the floor or the pale mask of death.
    â€œLook how she’s moving and how carefully she’s not engaging anyone much,” Bianca said. “I think that’s a doppelganger.”
    â€œA what?” he asked.
    At that moment the girl turned toward them—almost as if she knew they were talking about her—and then her body seemed to shrink inward, folding in on itself until, with a pop like a bursting balloon, she disappeared.
    Those nearest turned to look but found nothing there. They returned to what they were doing with odd nervous titters, but no one seemed to realize a girl had just imploded nearby.
    â€œWhat the fuck was that?” he asked.
    â€œThe illusion shattered when we realized it wasn’t real,” Artemisia explained. “A doppelganger spell can only be maintained as long as the illusion isn’t questioned. You’d think it would be easier to get a facimorph—a doppelganger spell that complex requires a lot of power, and close proximity to maintain it.”
    â€œNot if they’re using the black,” Bianca said.
    â€œBesides, a facimorph would be just a loose end,” McManus added.
    Her mother’s jaw dropped, her face horrified as she looked from one to the other. “Black magic? Here?”
    A sharp commanding tone interrupted their conversation. “Artemisia, I see your daughter has finally made an appearance in society.”
    Both women turned as one and bowed deeply.
    â€œYour Eminence,” Bianca said.
    He’d never seen her so . . . deferential. Not even to Oberon DuPrie, and he knew she respected him a lot.
    â€œShe could’ve at least dressed more appropriately,” Gayla Hilden said as the eagle on her shoulder screeched and flapped its massive wings. The witch dipped into a pouch around her waist and held out a tidbit, which the bird snatched gently from her fingers.
    Quite the piece of work, this one.
    â€œShe has always been inadequately respectful,” the Domina continued, narrowing her unusual violet eyes.
    Artemisia straightened her shoulders and placed herself slightly in front of Bianca.