Burning Emerald Read Online Free PDF

carrying extra baggage.
    â€œDo I even want to know why you used oil on him?” Mom asked, sounding a bit disturbed.
    â€œThe same reason you’re looking up folklore in the middle of the night. You’re scared of the unknown.”
    Mom’s eyes lifted from the computer screen. “I’m not afraid of you. You’re my child. I’m just trying to keep it all in perspective. Evangeline has been trying to answer some of my questions, but I keep coming up with more.”
    I smiled at the mention of Nadine’s mother, making a mental note to call her tomorrow. Evangeline Petrovsky, or Angie for short, was an unstoppable force in her own right. Since Lilith came from her lineage, Angie had pretty much adopted me, teaching me the ways of the Cambion. No matter where she traveled in the world, she was always a phone call away.
    â€œOh, look at this!” Mom motioned me to her side. “According to myth, Merlin the wizard was a Cambion. That’s why he had those magical powers.”
    I peeked over her shoulder. “Like King Arthur and Camelot?”
    She nodded. “Also, they say a true incubus has the physical ability to appear as what a woman most desires, plaguing women while asleep, and seducing them to his will.”
    The concept swirled around my head for a moment. “So an incubus is going to creep into my room looking like Usher?”
    â€œNot sure. It’s what your heart desires, so he might look like Caleb.” Crystal-blue eyes slowly met mine.
    All sound and good humor fled the room. My mind swam to the night when Caleb’s father had used the same trick for personal gain, a deception that nearly killed me. It was a very powerful, confusing ability that few people lived to tell about.
    Mom continued, “The folklore varies with each culture. Some say they’re gremlin-looking imps that perch on a person’s chest to drain energy, like that superstition about cats. This might contribute to their animalistic nature. All in all, these incubi creatures are a randy bunch, enslaving and impregnating women.”
    â€œMyth.”
    Her head popped up. “What?”
    â€œMyth,” I repeated. “Incubi first possess a human male, then use him to impregnate a female. A part of its soul passes to the female during conception.”
    Mom just stared, her mouth agape. After a few blinks, her hand slid to the wireless mouse, ready to scroll down the web page for confirmation.
    My hands rested over hers, halting her movement. “You won’t find it there. Ask Angie.”
    â€œI’m avoiding her calls. She keeps insisting that I’m tired and need a spa makeover. Honestly, how can I look tired over the phone? You see what she made me do to my hair?” Mom nervously patted her newly highlighted curls.
    I stroked the top of her head. “I told you before, it looks nice. She just wants you to stop stressing all the time.”
    â€œI don’t know how she talks me into these things. I can’t say no. It’s odd, Angie and me, it’s like—”
    â€œLove at first sight,” I finished.
    â€œYeah, but in a strictly hetero way,” she was quick to add. “How did you know?”
    â€œThat’s what it was like with Nadine and me. It took Mia and me years to get to that point, but with Nadine, it was an instant connection. Cambions are attracted to wary women, I guess.” For reasons beyond my control, my bottom lip quivered and tears burned around my sockets. Lilith jittered up my spine, letting me know she grieved as well.
    Mom removed her glasses and gave me a hard stare, probing my every move. “Samara, maybe you should come to a few of my counseling sessions—”
    â€œNo, thanks.” I turned away and moved back to the counter.
    â€œJust a few meetings. They’re really helpful, and you don’t even have to say anything, just listen.”
    â€œI’m fine,