The Mark (Interracial Paranormal Romance) (Toil and Trouble) (25 page)

 
I took the mug. “You should go in the bedroom.”
 
“I want to explain,” he said again, his eyes searching mine.
 
“Later,” I insisted. “You need to-”
 

I heard a clatter in the bedroom. Jack and I exchanged looks. This night just kept getting better and better. Almost executed, then murdered, and now someone was trying to rob me.

 
Jack pushed off the couch and bared his fangs as he threw open the door.
 
He lurched back into the living room instantly, his pale face turning beet red. “I…uh-”
 
I raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong? Who is it?”
 
“It’s um…” He cleared his throat. “It’s your mom.”
 
I made a face at him. “What? Is she…naked or something?”
 
Jack shook his head. “Maybe we should go for a walk. Get some air.” He walked over to me, steering me toward the door.
 
I pulled away from him. “It’s damn near dawn and I just want to go to bed. Why are you acting so weird?”
 
He gave me a look of embarrassment. “Just don’t go back there.”
 

That settled it. I couldn’t control a psycho fairy trying to frame me or being forced to stand a bloody trial in the Great House. I couldn’t control the feeling of worry that what Jack and I had could be residual love he felt for his dead wife. But this was my house and I’d be damned if I couldn’t go in my own bedroom.

 
I breezed toward the bedroom door, but Jack blocked my way. I could see the top of my mother’s head and no more.
 
“She’s indisposed, Jade.”
 
“Get out of my way!” I screeched, pushing him aside.
 

I gasped and covered my eyes. Too late. It was already branded on my brain. She was stark naked, tangled up in my sheets. And she wasn’t alone.

 
The demon…the Watcher from the Trial, stood beside her…in all his glory. I didn’t mean to gawk, but he was packing down south.
 
I forced my gaze to Mom. “What the hell is going on here?! And why are you naked and hooking up with a demon?”
 
“Jade,” she said hoarsely, clutching the sheet to her bare chest. “I need to tell you something.”
 
I took a step forward, glancing back and forth between them.
 
Mom exchanged glances with the demon. “We were supposed to do this together. When she was older.”
 

The demon rolled his wide black eyes. “Good lord. I’ll do it.” He took a step forward, his demonic glory swaying side to side. “You’re my kid.”

 
My eyes went round. I couldn’t have heard right. “W-what?”
 
“Jade,” he said, giving me a cold smile that made me shudder. “I’m your father.”
 
###
 

 

 

About the Author

 

Charisma Cole is a reader, a writer, and a devourer of Lifetime movies. Connect with her online at
[email protected]
.

 

Coming Soon:

 

Kendra and Scott (One Night Stand 2): June 2012

 

Secrets (Toil and Trouble: Book Two): Fall 2012

 

 

 

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