Free Lost Souls (A Caitlyn O’Connell Novel) by Delilah Devlin Page B

rose.
    These feelings were a betrayal. Maybe not overt, but she loved Sam, and she didn’t like that this twisted, handsome creature could so easily make her forget that. Taking a deep, calming breath, she said, “You’re right. We’re not on point. I have a problem. One you might be able to help me figure out.”
    “Tell me everything.” His hand reached out and cupped the back of hers, but she slowly dragged it from beneath his and placed it on her lap.
    Morin’s mouth firmed. His expression grew more guarded, but he nodded, conceding the battle.
    As Cait began relating all that had happened, from the night of Sylvia Reyes’s disappearance to the moment she’d been zapped at the crime scene, Morin remained silent, his expression elusive.
    When she finished, she sat, waiting for a long moment while he studied her.
    Morin shifted in his chair, and his gaze lit on Sam. “Be at ease. That spell should help the electrical charge find ground without harming her again.”
    Sam nodded as though he believed him. And maybe he did. Sam took a lot on faith these days, especially regarding things that weren’t exactly by the book.
    “I haven’t spied on your intimate life, at least not purposely.” Sam’s gaze hardened, but Morin moved back to her. “This is a classic haunting.”
    “Ghosts? Wraiths? I’ve only seen the one spirit, Sylvia’s, and certainly no wispy, freezing winds.”
    “Not a ghostly haunting. This is strictly demonic. Somewhere among the guests, there is a demon who has attached himself to the premises. The walls are his skin, the beams his bones. When he consumes a human victim, he takes them inside himself, into the walls to feed.”
    Her lips curled in disgust. “Ew.”
    “You were lucky Sam was there. If you’d been alone, you might well have been pulled inside and devoured.”
    Cait shivered. Another thought niggled. “How is he taking them back in time to deposit them?”
    Morin’s shoulder lifted. “Bending time, stopping time—that’s not so difficult, Caitlyn. You’re asking the wrong question.” His gaze narrowed. “
Why
is he taking them back?”
    “Do you know?”
    “Perhaps he does because it’s easier to hide his victims. Law enforcement wasn’t as sophisticated or connected in those days. Or perhaps he’s sentimental.”
    “Do you think he first attached himself to that house all those years ago?”
    His expression approving, he nodded. “Perhaps.”
    “Should I be looking for someone older, then?”
    “He’s a demon. And if he’s been feeding on human life-force, he might not age. So, no, don’t narrow your search to an elderly person.”
    Frustration tightened her muscles. She wasn’t getting concrete answers she could work with, so she asked another question. “How do I figure out who it is?”
    “A demon this powerful can’t detach himself from the structure. And he can’t depend on guests to fulfill his appetites. This Sylvia was lured there by a helper. She was seduced into a meeting inside the hotel. You might have an incubus. It would make sense. An incubus seduces his victims, then drains them of their energy once they are aroused. If he’s not a soulless killer, he’ll take only what he needs, sparing his victim. In this case, he likely leaves them only weakened so the demon can finish them. If you encounter one, be careful because he will be powerfully potent. You won’t be able to resist his allure,” he said with a wry twist of his lips. “Now that the demon of the house knows you are seeking him and has tasted for himself what you are, he’ll have his minion trolling for you. You could be in great danger.”
    “Then she’s not stepping foot inside there again,” Sam said, his voice flat.
    Morin’s dark eyes reflected a hint of remorse. “She’s the only one who can fight this—unless you’re willing to let the demon take more victims. You can’t do it, Samuel Pierce. You aren’t equipped to do battle with a supernatural