He hadn’t even bothered with a new disguise. He’d just aged “Martin” up to about 29. I sighed inwardly.

One of the other girls was already moving into position, though, and he was talking to the photographer.

I murmured. “Yeah. This guy’s trouble of the worst kind.”

“Should I stab him with a stiletto?”

I didn’t answer that, because I wasn’t convinced that he couldn’t hear us. But the heels might make a decent improvised weapon.

If weapons had any impact. And he moved to the girl, moving her into position…and casually copping a feel.

Monica just nodded as her creepazoid suspicions were confirmed.

I forced myself to relax. Was he demonstrating that he could do this, could get a little bit of temporary power over me? Trying to make me jealous?

Planning on doing…oh…no.

He was doing something to the girl, I could feel it. “Do you trust me?” I asked Monica again, reaching for her hand.
Could I extend some protection and then just remove it afterwards?

“Yes.”

I grasped her hand for a moment. “Okay. This guy’s up to something. I can’t explain, but…”

And he looked right at me. “Caught out, I suppose.”
Gliding over towards us. He lifted a hand and the three other girls froze in place.

“Oh,” Monica said.

He glanced at her. “That one…I wonder if she’ll remember. Always an interesting…experiment.”

“Leave them alone, Tyz’vel.” A reminder that I had his true name. Perhaps a gift for Monica if she had the wit to use it. Right now, she was just standing there open-mouthed.

“Why? Well, maybe if you came with me.”

“Tyz’vel, find yourself a nice succubus.”
“They’re not a challenge. By definition.”

“How about me?” Monica stepped forward. “I’ll sleep with you, if that’s what you want.”

I tried to shoot her a warning look. I’d told her what he was. She just grinned at me.

That didn’t make me feel any better. If anyone could handle bad men, it was Monica. Handling bad demons?

He looked her up and down. “You tempt me, but she is the one destined to…”

I snorted. “Oh, bull. Don’t even try and pull that. I’m pretty sure the Norns don’t even have a thread for you.”

That was an insult. He took it as such.

Monica shook her head. “Oh come on. There’s no such thing as a soulmate. Unless you make one. And you…” She walked up to him. “…clearly need to get laid.”

What could I do? I was worried about her soul, but I also had the feeling she knew what she was doing.

Somehow. And wonder of wonders, she distracted him enough that I was able to get away. At least that much.