Incubus Chocolatier Retribution

Incubus Chocolatier Retribution

Beware this demonic cupid’s arrows…

By KuroKoneko Kamen

Copyright 2015 by KuroKoneko Kamen

Cover Design by Kyoux

Smashwords Edition, License notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or give away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. All characters are invented. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1: Salty Talffy

A shiver of unease traveled down Mina’s spine and she dropped the freshly baked, chocolate chip cookie she’d been eating. I’m worried about my brother. She said abruptly from her seat on a comfortable leather massage chair. Currently, Michael was doing her pedicure.

Michael looked up to give Mina a questioning look. She hadn’t mentioned her brother for days. He was carefully painting Mina’s toenails an electric blue color that matched her eyes. Mina had given him that puppy-dog look earlier, saying, I’m too depressed to even paint my own toenails. She’d pouted her trembling, lower lip at him and he’d been a goner.

Michael knew that Mina thought she was manipulating him and taking advantage of him, but Michael was the one getting the better end of the deal. He’d gotten to wash and massage Mina’s soft, petite, little feet. Cinderella feet. A low growl erupted from his throat as he thought about it. And when he’d massaged the arch of her foot, she’d thrown her head back and moaned in ecstasy. It had filled him with male pride that he’d been the one to make Mina feel good.

The sound of her moaning, however, had unfortunately gotten him aroused. That’s why as Michael painted her toenails he was sporting a hard-on that he was desperately trying to conceal from Mina. As luck would have it, Mina was pretty self-absorbed and didn’t seem to notice as she enjoyed the batch of chocolate chip cookies he’d made just for her.

When Mina suddenly told Michael that she was worried about her brother, Michael was immediately filled with a sense of unease. Siblings were known to have an unseen connection and if something bad happened to one, the other would feel it.

Michael realized in that moment that he wasn’t the only one being selfish. His job as Tristan’s guardian angel was to look after him and make sure he and Issy got together. But he’d been spending the last few days with Mina instead. The billionaire heiress was pretending to be emotionally unstable and in need of him. Yes, Michael knew exactly what she was up to. And he didn’t care. He enjoyed spending time with Mina and was still angry with Tristan for how he’d treated her.

…Michael…

At that moment, Michael just barely heard Tristan calling out for him. Shit! For the prideful Tristan to call out Michael’s name could only mean that he was in deep trouble.

I want you to go and check on him. Mina continued as she bent over to pick up her fallen cookie.

Michael stood up and nodded. His expression suddenly grim. As you wish, Miss Mina. Will you be alright on your own?

Mina waved her hand through the air dismissively. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. It’s my brother I’m worried about. I have a bad feeling… She rubbed her arms where goosebumps had broken out. Please, just go check on him. She gave him an urgent look. I’m sure he’s fine.

Unlikely. Michael thought to himself. I’m sure he is. I’ll be right back, Miss Mina. Michael made his way over to the sliding glass doors that led to the balcony, opened them, and made his way outside. Making himself invisible, he summoned his wings, spread them, and took off into the sky.

Michael reached out his acute senses and searched for Tristan’s unique energy signature. He located Tristan not long after, and it appeared as though the chocolatier was somewhere in the vicinity of Dark Heaven. Michael let out a breath of relief. If Tristan were at Dark Heaven then he was probably all right.

Swooping over rooftops, Michael continued his way until he saw the chocolate shop in the distance. However, with Michael’s keen eyesight he caught sight of the pile of broken furniture outside of the shop. What the hell is going on? He then spotted Tristan’s unconscious form on top of the pile of furniture.

Tristan! Michael beat his wings faster and landed directly beside Tristan. For a moment, Michael couldn’t do anything; just stare down at Tristan’s unconscious form in disbelief. The chocolatier was covered in blood and lying on top of a pile of broken furniture that looked like it used to be inside of Dark Heaven. Feathers were everywhere and that chilling sight made Michael’s blood freeze in his veins.

Michael’s body began to tremble with rage. Who dared to do this to my charge? He wondered aloud. He scooped the young man up into his arms and Tristan did not stir. Someone is going to pay. Tristan’s face was covered in small cuts and bruises. Thankfully, his hands appeared to be uninjured. During the attack, Tristan had obviously protected his hands until the end.

Michael looked around the surrounding area wondering if Tristan’s enemies were close by. I need to heal him but…an enemy could be in the vicinity. It’s possible a demon attacked Tristan for some reason. I’d better take him back to my place and heal him there. What will Mina think about this?

With one great flap of his wings, Michael shot off into the sky and began to head back towards his apartment. Less than half an hour later, he landed on his balcony, and made his way back inside of the apartment. As he entered the living room he willed himself visible once more.

When Mina caught sight of them she gasped and leapt up from her chair. Tristan! What happened? She rushed over to Michael and Tristan as the angel headed for his bedroom. Mina scanned Tristan’s bleeding, bruised face, and frowned.

I don’t know. Michael said simply, his voice gruff.

Mina reached out and grabbed Michael’s arm. What do you mean you don’t know what happened? You’re an Archangel, aren’t you? Aren’t you like ‘all-knowing’? Tell me what happened to my brother!

Michael shrugged off her hold.

Was it a demon? Mina demanded placing her hands on her hips.

Michael’s eyes widened at her words but then he sighed. He smelled Tristan and frowned. It doesn’t smell like it was a demon who attacked him but…a group of humans. The confusion Michael felt was evident in his tone.

Humans? Mina’s expression darkened. Then it was probably my father or brother…we have our own security guards. One of them probably tried to force Tristan to come back home and when he refused… She wrapped her arms around her chest.

Tristan’s father or brother would have done this to him? His own flesh and blood? The disbelief was obvious in Michael’s expression.

Yes. Mina deadpanned.

There is still so much I don’t know about my charge. And I’ve done an awful job of protecting him. Michael carried Tristan into his bedroom and laid him down on the bed. It looked like Tristan was having trouble breathing. The chocolatier was taking one rattling breath after another with each inhalation. Michael deduced that Tristan’s ribs were probably injured and one may have been piercing Tristan’s lung. Mina, I need to heal Tristan’s wounds, so I’d like you to leave.

But maybe I can help. Mina said as she hovered by the bed.

Please, Mina. I’ll call you once I’m finished. The tone of Michael’s voice brooked no argument.

Alright. Mina said dejectedly as she left the bedroom and closed the door softly behind her.

As soon as Mina had gone, Michael stripped off Tristan’s chocolatier jacket to reveal his chest. Dark blue and yellow bruises were forming on his pale flesh. One of Tristan’s ribs had definitely been broken. Michael reached out and inspected Tristan’s injuries, running his hands over the discolored areas. Tristan had several cracked ribs and only one broken rib that was digging into Tristan’s lung. Hellfire and damnation! Whoever did this to Tristan would pay!

Michael placed both his hands on Tristan’s chest and summoned his power. His hands began to glow with a golden-tinged light and this healing energy passed from Michael’s hands and into Tristan’s body. Slowly, the bruises on Tristan’s flesh began to fade.

As Tristan’s ribs were healed and his one broken rib was mended, Tristan let out a gasp of pain in his sleep. After a few minutes, Tristan was fully healed; even the cuts on his face were gone. However, he did not wake. Michael reached out and placed a hand on Tristan’s forehead only to discover that he was burning up and his flesh was clammy. Michael quickly redressed Tristan in his chocolatier jacket and called for Mina. Mina!

Mina opened the bedroom door a second later and stepped inside. Yes?

I’ve healed your brother to the best of my ability…but he still appears to have a fever. How do humans normally treat a fever like this? Michael was at a loss.

Let me see. Mina approached Tristan’s bedside and was relieved to see that his handsome face was no longer covered in cuts and bruises. She leaned over him and pressed her forehead to his, checking his temperature. Mina couldn’t help but remember the way Michael had checked her temperature in the very same way. She pulled back when she felt how hot he was. You’re right. He’s burning up. He definitely has a fever. It needs to be brought down. Don’t worry, I’ll handle this, Michael. Mina declared before she left the bedroom. She returned a few minutes later with a bowl of ice water and a small towel.

Mina sat on the side of the bed, dunked the towel in the bowl, wrung it out, and placed the cold towel on Tristan’s burning forehead. Now all we can do is wait. She said as she tucked a stray hair behind Tristan’s ear affectionately. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him, Michael. You should go get some sleep.

Michael watched Mina being affectionate with Tristan and something twisted painfully inside of his chest. He rubbed at his sternum confusedly. Very well, Miss Mina. Michael obliged as he left the bedroom.

Mina took care of Tristan all through the night. She felt incredibly guilty that Tristan had gotten hurt because she was the one who’d taken his guardian angel. This is all my fault…if I hadn’t selfishly tricked Michael into staying with me, he would have been at Tristan’s side, protecting him. I did this.

Tristan suffered from nightmares the entire night. The chocolatier tossed and turned as he relived his brother Dominik and his security guards destroying his chocolate shop. Destroying his antique furniture. Destroying his dream until it was in pieces out on the sidewalk.

Tristan had failed to protect his shop. Instead he’d gotten the shit beaten out of him. Tristan could remember acute pain and then he’d fallen unconscious. He’d been lying there alone. No Michael. No Mina. No Issy. He’d driven everyone away.

Especially Issy who he’d said such harsh things to. Things that he didn’t mean. He’d walked away from her. Would the woman he loved ever forgive him? Issy… Tristan moaned in his sleep, thrashing on the bed and getting tangled in the sheets.

Shhhh…Tristan, it’s okay. I’m here. Mina soothed as she patted Tristan’s face with the cold towel.

Tristan’s bi-colored eyes snapped open and he grabbed Mina’s wrist. Issy! He blinked up at her and slowly his sister’s face came into focus. Disappointment settled upon his features. Mina?

Mina nodded. Yes, brother, it’s me. Are you feeling better?

Tristan looked around the bedroom concernedly. Where am I? Where’s Issy?

You’re in Michael’s apartment.

Michael’s…? His brow furrowed in confusion. He hadn’t even known the angel had another place to stay. And if that were true why did the angel even stay with him at Dark Heaven?

Tristan, Mina stroked his hair. What happened to you?

Tristan’s gaze became frantic as he continued to look around the room searchingly. I need…Michael! MICHAEL! He yelled out.

Michael burst into the bedroom, Tristan? You’re awake. Thank God-

Michael. Tristan gave the angel an urgent, slightly crazed look. Michael, where is Issy?

Michael approached the bed and frowned down at Tristan. I don’t know. Why? Was she with you when you were attacked?

Tristan shook his head. "No…but…I…I said some things I didn’t mean to her, Michael. Horrible things. I must speak with her. Michael…I love her!" Tristan reached out and grabbed Michael’s hand while giving the angel a beseeching look.

Michael was thrown for a loop. Tristan had just confessed to loving Issy! Happiness bubbled up inside of Michael’s chest. If Issy and Tristan got together then Tristan would be redeemed. Really? That’s great, Tristan.

Mina slowly began to back out of the room and lowered her head to hide her hurt and confused expression.

You have to find her. Bring her to me. Tristan demanded.

Michael nodded. Do not worry, my friend. I shall go and locate Issy, and return with her shortly.

Tristan let go of Michael’s hand and fell back on the bed, looking relieved and exhausted.

In that moment, Michael noticed how pale Tristan’s hollowed cheeks appeared and a niggling suspicion formed. Tristan, how long has it been since you’ve had sex?

Tristan flinched and turned on his side, putting his back to Michael. None of your Goddamn business, nosy angel.

"Tristan." Michael began in a warning tone.

"Just…find Issy. Then maybe we won’t have to worry about…this." Tristan grumped.

Michael let out a heavy sigh. Very well, Tristan. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Thirty minutes later, Tristan was awoken by the sound of Michael reentering the bedroom. Tristan sat up and hope shone in his bi-colored eyes. Did you find her?

Michael’s lips thinned and he shook his head. No…but I found out about the competition. Congratulations, Tristan. Michael approached the bed and handed Tristan an envelope that contained a check. Patissier Albain wanted me to give this to you.

Tristan barely registered receiving the envelope. Where’s Issy?

Michael was unable to meet Tristan’s eyes. Ah, about that…I found out that she decided to go back to California. San Francisco to be precise.

Tristan’s brow furrowed. Go back?

Michael met his gaze. Apparently, Issy is from there. That’s all I know. Sorry.

Tristan clambered out of bed, and swayed on his feet, I must go to her…I must find her. He staggered towards the door.

Hey, Tristan, wait. Michael reached out and grabbed Tristan’s arm. I figured you’d be like this so I got you a one-way plane ticket to San Francisco. Michael handed him the second envelope he’d been holding.

Tristan opened the envelope and looked at the ticket. His eyes glistened. Michael…thank you.

Michael responded with a shrug of his wide shoulders. "It’s nothing. Tristan, what happened at Dark Heaven?" He held his breath as he awaited Tristan’s response.

A dark cloud fell over Tristan’s face. It was my brother. Dominik stole the lease from Susan Torres and had me evicted. When I refused to leave the shop my brother’s security guards threw my furniture out onto the sidewalk. Of course I couldn’t just stand by and watch, so I tried to stop them. Tristan ran a hand back through his hair in a frustrated gesture. I would have owned their asses in a fair fight, but my brother fights dirty. He had some kind of electric baton that he used to knock me out with. After that he had his goons beat the shit out of me.

Michael shook his head. "Your brother…but why?"

Tristan huffed. "Because my father wanted to destroy my dream. He wanted to destroy my financial independence so that I would have no choice but to return to the Savant Family. And before you ask why my father even wants me back - I’ll tell you. He knows what I am - that I’m half-incubus. He used to use me to seal certain business deals for him."

Michael’s brow furrowed at Tristan’s words. I don’t understand.

Tristan was unable to meet Michael’s questioning gaze and suddenly felt ashamed. My father made me sleep with certain people-

Enough. Michael snapped angrily as he began to understand just what Tristan had gone through. I’ve heard enough. He scrubbed a hand over his mouth. When Michael met Tristan’s eyes, Tristan saw that his golden eyes were filled with righteous anger. Tristan, if you ask me to punish your father and brother for their sins, as well as those security guards - I’ll do it. Gladly. The Archangel cracked his knuckles.

Tristan gave Michael a touched look, but shook his head. No. I plan to deliver retribution on my family with my own strength. But thanks, man. Tristan headed out the door of the bedroom.

Hey. Michael called out.

Yes? Tristan glanced over his shoulder.

Want a lift to the airport?

A lift?

Michael summoned his wings and spread them.

Tristan smirked.

***

Seven hours later, Tristan was leaving the San Francisco International Airport. Tristan didn’t have any luggage - just his passport, driver’s license, and his check for one hundred thousand dollars. Dawn was approaching and he realized he had no idea where Issy might be. Whoops. Hindsight. He should have had Michael come with him. The angel’s ability to locate people by their unique, energy soul signatures would have come in real handy right about now.

As Tristan pondered where he should go he swayed on his feet. He was feeling weak due to lack of sex. He’d waited much too long to have sex. His only hope was finding Issy.

Hey, kid, you need a lift? A cab driver called out to him.

Tristan was about to refuse the offer when he suddenly remembered the business card in his pocket. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the card, which read:

Poseidon’s Trident

(image of a trident)

Owner Levi Devlin

(Address)

Ambrose Rune and Levi Devlin were obviously demons, but maybe they could help him? Levi was one scary dude, but they’d saved him from his brother Dominik at the competition. They couldn’t be all bad, right? Tristan swallowed thickly. Would they be like Gavin? What would they demand in exchange for their help? His soul? Tristan shuddered at the thought. But Tristan realized he had no choice. He got in the cab.

There it is. Tristan thought when he caught sight of the seafood restaurant from across the street where he had the cab leave him. The restaurant was an impressive structure with what appeared to be a lighthouse attached to it. The restaurant’s exterior wooden panels had been painted yellow, and dark blue awnings covered the latticed windows and the front porch. It looked very nautical and a little rustic.

Attached to the building and directly over the front entrance was a wooden sign that had been painted dark blue and that had the restaurant’s name painted on it in yellow letters: Poseidon’s Trident. A gigantic, bronze trident had been attached to the exterior, directly below the sign.

Whoa. The trident looked real. A breeze hit Tristan along with the salty smell of the ocean, which was only a few blocks away. Tristan crossed the street and made his way over to the front door. Just as Tristan reached the front steps, he swayed on his feet and could feel himself about to pass out. Shit. No energy. Need sex. Tristan thought to himself before he collapsed on the steps.

Hey! Wake up, punk! Came an angry sounding male voice.

Tristan awoke minutes later to someone roughly shaking his shoulder with a bruising grip. Huh? Tristan blinked and peered up to see Levi Devlin - sopping wet and only wearing a pair of dark blue swim trunks as if he’d just gotten out of the ocean. Tristan had to raise a hand to shield his eyes as the sun began to peak over the horizon. The chocolatier raised an eyebrow at Levi’s state of undress. What? Did you go skinny dipping with a hot babe last night and she stole all your clothes?

A muscle in Levi’s jaw ticked in irritation and he ground his molars, beginning to look furious.

Tristan raised his hands up before him in a surrendering gesture as he noticed the murderous aura flaring up around Levi. Hey, it happens to the best of us, my man.

Shut up. Levi snapped, crossing his brawny arms over his chest and giving Tristan a suspicious look. Why are you here?

Tristan struggled to stand and immediately swayed on his feet. I need your help. I’m looking for someone. Actually, it’s the girl I was with at the Chocolate Expert Competition - Issy Sweet.

Levi’s blue eyebrows rose to his hairline as he noticed Tristan wobbling on his feet, and his eyes narrowed. What’s wrong with you? Are you hurt?

Tristan reddened. No, it’s… He looked away, feeling embarrassed. There was no way he was going to tell Levi Devlin that he needed sex! It’s nothing. I’m fine. I just need to find Issy. Tristan lurched on his feet and would have fallen over if not for Levi steadying him with a firm grip on his arm.

Levi’s eyes flashed gold. Like hell it’s nothing. He looked at Tristan intently and his eyes widened with understanding. "You’re hungry." His expression surprisingly softened.

What? No, I-

However, before Tristan could say more Levi was already ushering him inside of Poseidon’s Trident. Levi flipped on a few light switches, illuminating the entire restaurant.

Shut up. I know you’re hungry, kid. Levi dragged Tristan over to one of the tables and bodily sat him down in one of the chairs. I’m going to cook you something. And you’re going to eat it. Got it? Levi jabbed his finger into Tristan’s chest.

Tristan had a startled look on his face. Uh, okay. He said as he gaped after Levi, who headed into the open kitchen.

As Levi began to prepare Tristan some food, the chocolatier took the opportunity to look around at the restaurant’s interior. Tristan had a thing for interior design and noted the restaurant’s dark blue, white, and golden-yellow color theme. There were dark blue tablecloths on the tables that were surrounded by wooden chairs that had been painted white. A sexy, wooden mermaid was attached to the wall and looked ancient, as if at one point it had been attached to the bow of a ship.

Leaning against one of the walls was a large steering wheel that again looked like it had been yanked right off of a pirate ship. A treasure chest that was covered in barnacles was sitting in a corner and looked authentic. Tristan’s fingers were twitching with the desire to open the chest and see if it contained gold doubloons.

When Tristan looked up, he gawked at all of the interesting things that had been attached to the ceiling. Blue fishing nets had been draped across the ceiling for an added effect and then decorated with multiple preserved sea creatures: fish, sharks, a starfish, and a puffer fish. Items like seashells, pieces of colorful coral, and broken bottles that were covered in barnacles decorated random alcoves.

Tristan felt like he’d been transported twenty thousand leagues under the sea. Some of the items were really amazing. Tristan could tell that they were genuine antiques and that most of the items had been truly salvaged from the sea. His attention returned to Levi and the delicious smell of cooking seafood that had drifted from the kitchen.

Levi had dressed in a white chef’s jacket. The man was cooking with such extreme skill that Tristan’s eyebrows rose to his hairline. Tristan could barely see the knife Levi was using to chop up some vegetables with. Once Levi was done with the vegetables he tossed them into a pan of sizzling shrimps.

Levi stirred the ingredients with a wooden spoon, added a little more olive oil, and with a flick of his wrist began to send the ingredients flying up into the air only to be caught skillfully by the pan on their way down. He continued to toss the ingredients in this manner so that they would all be thoroughly cooked.

Tristan wiped a drop of drool from his mouth with the back of his hand absentmindedly. It was true he was ‘hungry’. Hungry for sex…but some food would have to do for now. Besides, Tristan figured a good meal might actually give him some extra energy.

A few minutes later, Levi was setting down a steaming plate in front of Tristan that was piled high with seafood paella. "Bon appétit."

Tristan looked down at the plate of paella, which appeared to be sparkling. It looked so damned good. Wow.

Don’t be shy. Levi said gruffly as he scooped a large bite of paella into a spoon and unceremoniously shoved it into Tristan’s gaping mouth.

Mmph! Tristan quickly chewed the bite and swallowed. It was delicious. But he didn’t need help eating! Levi, I-

Levi shoved another spoonful of paella into Tristan’s mouth before he could object. Shut up. Eat. Then we talk.

What is he? A caveman? Teary-eyed Tristan nodded his agreement. Levi looked pleased and handed Tristan the spoon. Tristan began to eat and kept quiet, deciding not to risk Levi’s wrath.

The seafood chef took a seat in the chair across from Tristan, kicked out his long legs, whipped out a cigarette, lit it, and began to smoke as he intently watched the kid eat.

As Tristan ate he also observed Levi surreptitiously. Maybe the guy wasn’t so scary after all. Tristan couldn’t stop the moan that left his mouth as he swallowed another mouthful of paella. It was so damned good. Heavenly.

Levi smiled smugly at Tristan’s reaction.

After Tristan was finally finished, he set his spoon down on the table, and patted his stomach. That was great, Levi. You have my thanks, man.

Levi seemed extremely pleased that Tristan hadn’t left a single grain of rice behind. No problem, kid.

Now as I was saying earlier…I need your help. Tristan got back down to business. I’m trying to find my friend, Issy Sweet.

A scowl formed on Levi’s face. That human female who looked like a doll?

Tristan nodded eagerly. Yep, that’s her.

Levi shrugged. Haven’t seen her. But perhaps Ambrose might know something. He’s the one that dallies with human females.

Dallies? Tristan didn’t like the sound of that at all. Well, uh…can’t you just…you know…locate her?