Devilry: Dark Tales

By Tigris Eden

Talina Birce had seen it all—or so she thought.

She was a veteran detective with the New Orleans Police Department, investigating the worst of crimes. Nothing could have prepared her for the night when a vampire turned her—against her will.

Talina’s newfound immortality came with a price tag: the loss of her human soul. Desperate to regain her humanity, she makes a bargain with a mysterious voodoo priestess who offers to help her regain her soul by policing the city’s vampire gangs and restoring order to the supernatural underworld.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kats Kreative Ideas
• Release date: Aug 29, 2023

Tigris Eden

USA Today Bestselling Author, Tigris is a military brat who's done her fair share of traveling, thanks to her Army father. She's married to the infamous LL and has three boys. She currently resides in Houston and is actively seeking a book-buddy for the end of the world. You can find Tigris on Twitter, Facebook, and at her website. Twitter: @Tigris_Eden Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigrisEdenAuthor/ Website: www.tigriseden.com

Book preview

1

This is a rare vintage, the woman across the bar purred while taking a hypnotic sip of the dark red liquid. Aged three years, give or take a few months.

Talina's eyes widened in disbelief. She had heard nothing like that before—could anyone really tell the age of wine by merely smelling it?

The woman met her gaze with a knowing smirk, as if she sensed Talina's hesitation, and Talina felt herself break out in a cold sweat. Who was this woman, and how did she know so much?

That's too bad, the woman murmured in a soft voice, leaning across the bar to reveal her cleavage. The scent of her sweat filled Talina's nostrils, making her shudder involuntarily.

You shouldn't be here... mortal, the woman hissed menacingly.

Mortal? Talina had been called many things before, but never a mortal.

Before Talina could comprehend what was happening, the woman motioned for someone who must have been security. She wasn't trying to cause an issue, but she needed to get the information and find out where the missing women were. Reports of young women gone missing around New Orleans had been circulating for weeks now, but it confirmed nothing until Parajunkee, a famous blogger and graphic designer, disappeared after visiting one of these pop-up clubs the night before.

Without another glance, the woman backed away into the shadows, leaving a confused Talina at the bar. She sat there for a moment, trying to piece everything together. Talina took a deep breath and tried to shake off the uneasy feeling that was gnawing at her gut. Her instincts were telling her there was something going on at this bar. The people were too subdued. It was as if they'd all taken an edible before entering the establishment. After looking around and finding nothing, Talina left the club and stepped out into the cool night air. She felt a sudden chill run down her spine as she realized she had left her phone inside. There was something off about the club, and she couldn't put her finger on it, but come morning, she was coming back with a search warrant and backup. Cursing under her breath, Talina turned to go back inside when she heard a voice whisper in her ear.

Looking for something?

Talina spun around, but there was no one there. Her eyes darted back and forth in the darkness, but all she could see were shadows. Talina's hand went to the gun holstered inside her jacket.

I wouldn't do that if I were you, the voice whispered again.

Talina took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for her gun. Who's there? she demanded.

A figure emerged from the shadows; his face obscured by the darkness. Relax, Detective, the figure said, holding up their hands in a gesture of peace. I'm not here to hurt you.

Talina narrowed her eyes, studying the figure intently. Who are you?

The figure stepped forward, and Talina could now make out his features. It was Daemon. She'd seen him around, and he always spoke to her.

Daemon was tall and unearthly elegant. His skin was pale, and in direct opposition to his midnight black hair. He had the body of a warrior, and the haughty face of a prince. There were circles under his eyes, as though he hadn't slept in many days. Daemon was too beautiful to be called a man, even if his manners were savage.

What do you want? Talina asked coldly.

I want to help you, Daemon replied. I know about the missing women.

Talina's eyes narrowed, and she clenched her fists, the tension in the air palpable.

You always know something. But with you, nothing comes without a price.

Daemon chuckled darkly, as if expecting this response. True.

Tell me what you know? Talina hissed through gritted teeth; every word laced with barely contained rage.

You're gonna want your phone back first, Daemon mused casually, handing it over to her before motioning with his head she should follow him.

No, I don't think so, Talina spat out quickly. Not going to follow you, Daemon. Talk to me here, out in the open. She wouldn't admit it to him, but Talina always felt uneasy around Daemon.

I promise I won't bite, Daemon chuckled again, though this time there was an underlying menace in his voice. I'm going to take you to the bar where the girl was last seen. You're looking for Rachel, right?

Yes, Parajunkee.

Yeah, she's with my brother, Marcel. The two of them hit it off really well, and she decided she wanted to take things to the next level, Daemon continued with a sneer on his lips. He looked like he was enjoying every minute of Talina's discomfort. I can take you to her now.

Talina didn't have a choice. She had to put Rachel's family at ease. The girl had gone missing two days ago and still hadn't checked in with her roommate, Kat.

Don't make me regret this, Daemon.

You won't be. I'm only here to help, Officer Birce. A car pulled up, and the door opened on its own. After you, Detective, Daemon said, waiting for her to slide into the car.

The car took them to the Garden District. At night, the area took on a peaceful and charming atmosphere. The stately houses sat well back from the road, and the trees that lined the driveways stood like sentinels around gently glowing homes. The warm glow of streetlights always cast a soft light