Free Demon's Doorway by Glenn Bullion Page A

his concern. "You're fine, sir. Miss Victoria took very good care of me."
    "Miss Victoria. I bet she loves being called that."
    "She says it makes her feel old."
    A man approached Kevin and smiled as he stepped into the church. He gave Kevin's suitcase an odd glance.
    "Hello. Are you with the bride or groom?"
    "The groom, I guess. Although we don't know each other very well. I'm actually with this woman, Victoria."
    The man looked confused, and said nothing. He didn't step aside, didn't lead Kevin to a seat. Anxiety settled in Kevin's gut. What if he got kicked out of a wedding before he even got in?
    "Hold on!" a voice called. "He's with me."
    The usher stepped away, and Victoria ran up to meet him. Kevin could only imagine how many heads were turning, how many women she was making jealous. She was beautiful in a white dress, minimal makeup and her red hair flowing behind her shoulders. To be youthful forever certainly had its advantages. She trotted in high heels as easily as if she were barefoot.
    Victoria was smiling, but then her nose twitched. She closed her eyes and frowned before smiling again.
    "Let's put your suitcase in the corner," she said. "Where everyone's hanging their coats. Speaking of coats, now you finally look good."
    "Hey, I always look good. I just had an ugly coat."
    She lowered her voice. "And you already put all your witch crap in it."
    "Hey, you never know when someone at a wedding will need a love potion. Thank you, seriously."
    She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and squeezed him.
    It only took a moment to recognize it was an interracial wedding. Any chance of there being wedding drama was dismissed when Kevin felt the mood of the church. Everyone was laughing, smiling, sharing stories, telling each other how much they loved Alex and Cindy. Some women were already crying. There were a lot of people present, but Alex's side of the church was noticeably smaller. His friends and family took up only one pew, or rather the half of two of them, while Cindy's took up her entire side.
    Victoria introduced Kevin to a bunch of people he'd never remember. The only one he'd remember was Alex's mother, who looked nothing like him. He sat next to Victoria and simply waved and smiled, trying his best not to look completely uncomfortable.
    There was some noise in the crowd, and everyone turned to see Alex making his way up the aisle. He wore a tuxedo and a grin. Some of Cindy's family stood up as he walked by for a handshake or a hug, and Alex happily obliged.
    Kevin watched in disbelief. He knew exactly why he was there, and what he'd see, but the sight was still strange to him. The last time he saw Alex he had enormous wings sticking out of his back, and was commanding demons.
    Alex stopped next to Victoria. One of his friends in the pew ahead turned and congratulated him. They laughed and shook hands, and Alex knelt next to the vampire.
    "Kevin," he said, reaching across Victoria to shake his hand. "I'm glad you could make it."
    "Thank you for inviting me."
    Alex nodded, and looked at Victoria. "How many people are here?"
    Victoria glanced around the church. "Maybe seventy or so?"
    He followed her gaze, but his eyes settled on a few places where there were no people. Kevin could have sworn he smiled and nodded at thin air.
    "That sounds about right."
    Victoria reached out and hugged him, kissing him on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you."
    Alex let out a breath. "I'm gonna go get married."
    "You do that."
    He took his position at the front of the aisle. A woman in the front row went up to hug him, who could only be Cindy's mother. Kevin took in the church once again, simply to people watch.
    Something caught his attention when he looked back to the front.
    Alex was there, but there was a young woman next to him. Kevin didn't even see where she came from. Absolutely gorgeous. Tan skin, eyes like the blue ocean, short blond hair that stopped just above her neck. She was short, probably coming up to Kevin's