Succubus Lost (Files from the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, #2) Read Online Free Page B

was hazy as to when she’d last talked to her daughter.
    Not like she was hiding something, but like she wasn’t sure or didn’t want to admit how long it had been. She was practically bathed in guilt. Something has happened in that family to alienate their daughter.”
    “Humph,” I said. “Let me guess—given enough time you could have figured out what that was without her saying.”
    His grin broke into a full smile, and I found myself smiling in return. “I could probably make a few good guesses now.”
    I made a whoop-de-do gesture with my hand and turned to smile at the hostess. I considered telling Costa that I’d gotten the same impressions he had from Mrs.
    Larson, but decided against it. Being underestimated was something I was really good at, and it might be my only advantage with the OWEA agent. I’d check Wendy’s phone records, but I imagined it had been quite a long time since she’d talked to her parents.
    “It’s probably because she’s in college,” I muttered.
    “Excuse me?”
    I frowned. I hadn’t meant to speak aloud. “Wendy’s mom. I’ll bet she doesn’t talk to Wendy much because her daughter’s in college.”
    His brows drew together like he wanted to ask more, but the hostess interrupted us. “Detective,” she said, “we have a table ready for you and your friend.” She turned her smile to Costa and he nodded at her, his face once again covered by the serious mask that seemed to be his default expression to the world.
    She seated us in a booth and the waitress who moved in to take our order was one I knew by sight, if not by name. Bright blue hair spiked on top of her head to form something that reminded me of blue fire. A professional smile was affixed to her face.
    “Hi there, I’m Lisa. Can I get you guys something to drink?”
    “Water,” Costa said.
    “Lemon?”
    “No, thank you.”
    She turned her attention to me. “And for you?”
    “Hot tea, please.” I gave her my practiced smile before looking back to Costa as she hurried away from the table.
    “So what you were saying before, about the sirens. I know that they’re supposed to be a bit xenophobic, but do you really think the woman—even though she’s a siren—
    would quit talking to her daughter over something like college?”
    “Yes,” I said simply. “They aren’t just xenophobic. They believe strongly in not mixing in with normals or even nonsiren otherworlders. It’s self-preservation, and you can hardly blame them for it. They’re powers are unique and powerful. People tend to fear them. How much do you know about sirens?”

    “I know that they have the power of suggestion.” That was one way to put it. “If you hear a siren sing, you do what they want. Period. For a time after you hear the song. The amount of time depends on how powerful she is—but it’s generally thought to be short. Only a few minutes if she doesn’t sing you under again.”
    “So it’s similar to a succubus thrall,” he said, bitterness lacing his tone.
    I grimaced. “No. Not really. What sirens do takes away all willpower for the time you’re influenced, without cost to them. But, once it’s over, it’s over. They can’t control a person or make them forget. That’s why the few sirens who have used their song on victims have almost always been caught and punished.”
    “Unlike a succubus, who can ruin your whole life if you let her, without cost.” The bitterness in his tone turned to anger.
    I stared at him. “Actually, the succubus takes a big risk using her powers, too, you know. The emotional connection built between a succubus and her mate is lasting, and it affects her just as much as it does him.” He shook his head, as if denying the truth in my words, and then leaned back in the booth and put his hands behind his head. “Surprised that doesn’t hurt after a while.”
    “Pardon?”
    “Keeping that fake smile on your face all the time.” No amused expression touched his face, and he