Beneath A Sinister Moon, page 4
part #3 of Demon Hunter Series
“Well, I know you want to keep Cassidy safe. That’s the easy answer. It’s the answer that you have chosen time and time again. But is it the right answer?”
“How do I know right from wrong? I worry my feelings for her are clouding my ability to make good battle judgements.”
“I don’t know, Killian. What you and Cassidy have is love in its purest form. I see it in the both of you, and that’s a good thing.” She wrapped the gauze around my knuckles and taped it in place. “But if you cage her, you could lose her. She’s tough, and I’d bet that she’d rather die in battle fighting next to you than be sheltered from conflict.” She tilted my chin to face her. “You picked a fighter Killian, and you love her. Embrace it.”
I raked my hand through my hair, frustrated at the truth she spoke. Cass was indeed a fighter and I loved her. If the tables were turned and she kept me out of battle, I’d be pissed. Still, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.
Chapter Five
Tyler
The bluish light of “day” came through the window and fell on Rya’s back. Her delicate curves were much like the human girls that I had been with, but Rya’s strength made her stunning and irresistible. She was passion and power…and she was mine. Pushing her black hair away from her neck, I peppered kisses along the soft skin of the nape of her neck. She stirred, but I didn’t care as I continued leaving a trail of kisses and nibbles.
“Tyler.” I could hear the smile in her voice.
“Hmm?”
“Are you trying to wake me?”
“No. I just saw this part of you that needed to be kissed, so I’m busy taking care of that.”
She rolled over and pinned me beneath her. “You’re lucky I like you so well. The last guard that woke me for no important reason met a fiery death.”
“I beg to differ. This is a very important reason. And judging by your present state, more kisses are needed.” I used one of my Krav moves to flip Rya onto her back and pin her with my arms as she struggled beneath me. “You know, this would be so much easier…” She strained to get free as her eyes threw daggers at me. “...and enjoyable, if you’d stop fighting me.”
A growl escaped her lips, and it took everything in me to not laugh at her adorable temper tantrum.
“Enough! Release me.” Her forked tongue shot out toward me in a fit of anger.
Seeing her wild with rage turned me on. “I’m not done yet.”
A louder growl erupted from her chest as she bucked me off. In two quick moves, I once again, had her pinned beneath me. “My queen…”
She stilled as I lowered my head to her neck, gently brushing my lips across her soft pale skin.
“My temptress…” Goosebumps covered her skin. She shook from my fingers brushing lightly across her skin. “My…” I blew a loud zerbert in the crook of her neck.
Her anger morphed into laughter as she begged me, with tears in her eyes, to stop.
Only I didn’t, I tortured her a minute longer before I sat back on my heels and stared down at the flushed vixen before me. “You are so unbelievably beautiful—especially when you are pissed.”
Her laughs had gone, but the smile that remained melted me.
“I haven’t laughed like that in ages. I bet you had no idea that while I was pinned beneath you, I’d thought of a million ways I could torture you to within an inch of your life. I’m sure Jace would have been happy to—”
BAM! The massive wood door shook with the force exerted on it. “Wake up, you poser.” Jace yelled through the door.
Speak of the devil.
Rya turned toward me and pouted. “Playtime is over.”
“Did you put your guard dog on alarm clock duty?”
“Be nice.” She stood and pulled her robe on before heading to the large wooden doors.
What? Was she seriously going to let that jerk interrupt us? “You’re leaving? We were just getting to the fun part.”
“Tyler, we’ll have plenty of playtime after you are turned, and the battle is won. Now, get dressed. You have a girl to catch.” She opened the large door. Jace stood, holding a large club, ready to swing it at the door once more.
“My Queen!” He set down the large wooden weapon. “I-I had no idea you were visiting the half demon’s quarters.” He peered over Rya’s shoulder where I greeted him with my middle finger.
“Were you attempting to wake him or destroy him.” Rya pointed at the club.
“Oh, uh, just trying to wake him.”
Rya closed the door, but I heard her say something about a large dent in the wood door followed by a pained “ow!” from Jace.
I laughed and wished I’d seen her inflict pain on that jerk. I looked at the grand ceiling, letting the smile fade from my face as I thought about a future of Rya and I ruling the world. I lifted my arm and studied my ink-free skin. Four faint scars remained as a reminder that Rya had snipped the tethers that had tied me to my humanity. The feeling of release had been euphoric. It was hard to believe I’d spent so many years fighting against this—becoming what I was meant to be.
I was free, and Cassidy was the only thing standing in my path to ultimate power. I rubbed at the dull pain in my chest, running my fingers over the scarred surface where that stupid shaman had stabbed me. He’d said something about it keeping me from killing someone. Looks like Rya outwitted the madman and found another way to strip away my humanity, making it easy for me to kill Cassidy. It was hard to believe I once had feelings for her; there wasn’t even a shadow of an emotion left for her.
BAM! BAM! “Idiot!” Jace yelled from behind my wooden door.
Uh! Just the sound of Jace’s voice makes me wanna punch him.
“Didn’t you hear me the first time? Get up!”
That asshole needed to die. “Leave me alone. I’ll be out when I’m ready.”
To my surprise, the jerk listened. The sound of his retreating footsteps faded.
After cleaning up, I headed to the dining hall where I covered a metal plate with something that resembled bacon, a hunk of bread, and some fruit. Then I strolled off in search of my Queen. Where had Rya disappeared to? I made my way down the hall, peeking into the open rooms as I passed them. Each were decorated like mine with large, ornately-carved wood furniture; tapestries of dark reds, blues, and black hung on the walls, and animal fur rugs lie on the floors. I turned the corner and followed the long hall lit by lanterns and windows near its tall ceiling until I found the throne room, where Rya sat at a large wooden table across from Jace. They intensely discussed something in quiet voices.
I set my plate down on the table and pulled a chair over to join them. “Care for some?” I pushed the plate closer to Rya.
“Thanks for bringing me breakfast.” Jace grabbed the bread, or more accurately…the salty ball of undercooked starch, from my plate but I snatched his wrist.
“I wasn’t asking you!” I squeezed, hoping to inflict pain but at the least get him to drop the bread.
“Tyler,” Rya commanded. “Release him.” She waited, tapping her finger on the table as she narrowed her eyes at me.
I released my grip, and the jerk took a bite of the bread then tossed the rest onto my plate.
“Keep it.” I threw it back, hitting him in his chest.
“No thanks.” He threw it at my metal plate, knocking the dried meat strips onto the floor.
I slammed my fist onto the table.
Jace feigned a terrified look. “Oooh, he looks mad. I’d hate to see what a half demon thinks he could do to me.”
Rya pushed her hand against my chest, silently urging me to get control. “Enough!” She spat at Jace. “You’ll be spending more time together than either of you will ever care to. I suggest you figure out how to be around each other without killing each other.”
“Impossible.” I muttered, earning me a sharp glare from my queen. My blood boiled as my fists clenched tight. I wanted to wrap them around the worm’s neck.
Rya sat back down. “Tyler, thank you, but I’ve already eaten.” She pushed the plate back toward me. “Jace and I were discussing the best way to draw out Cassidy. He suggested a distraction at the binding chamber to put Killian at risk. She’s a fool for that Hunter.”
My chest scar ached again as I considered Cassidy lovesick for Killian. I rubbed it away but wondered why it had begun to bother me. “Congratulations, Jace, you’ve managed to craft the vaguest attack plan in history. Good job.”
He glared at me and his breathing quickened.
Rya placed her hand on top of his with a look that was a silent, but inarguable command.
Jace gave me the middle finger with his free hand and growled, “Maybe you should leave the wise cracks for someone who actually thinks you’re funny.” That earned him an eyeroll from me. “Anyway...” He took a deep breath. “It’s been my experience that it’s best to not worry about the minute details as surprises usually derail the overall plan.” He sat a little taller and looked down his nose at me. “But someone with your lack of experience in battle tactics would be too naïve to know that.”
Rya dug her claws into Jace’s hand.
“Ow!” He pulled it back and examined the bleeding holes.
“Enough. If you can’t put your differences aside, it will cost you both your lives and the future we all deserve.”
I made a disgusted sound in protest. “I don’t understand why you and I can’t go together. I mean, why does he have to go? What’s so special about him?”
“I volunteered for the project. I am her number one in command and will accomplish my Queen’s goal.”
“Oh, so you have somethin’ to prove. Gotcha.”
Jace glared at me once again.
“When do we leave?” I asked.
Jace sat back in his chair. “Two or three days tops. I’ll expect your help in the preparations.”
“Yeah. Betcha do.”
Jace had no qualms torturing me or pushing my limits. In fact, the jerk had probably gotten off on the pain he’d inflicted during the torture session Rya had set up, inducing me into my new demon life. He had also pushed me off the cliff to see if I could fly, knowing that my wings had not sprouted. Definitely bad blood between the both of us.
Still, Rya was right, it would take the both of us working together to accomplish the task at hand. End goal: Kill Cassidy, complete my conversion, and rule the world with my Queen.
Chapter Six
Killian
I sat down at the empty table in the dining hall and took a bite of the smoky jerky. As I reached for my mug, I noticed a faint blue glow reflected on the table. I unsheathed my dagger and read the blue script illuminated across the metal. Our Clan had spelled each Demon Hunter’s blade with the ability to send a short message when in danger.
Killian + Serena, Blaylock Gate
“Killian, did you get the message?” Serena trotted into the dining hall.
“Yeah, just now. You ready?”
She nodded. We hurried and crossed over to see why Jackson had summoned us. My senior warrior stopped pacing the second he saw us. “Finally, you’re here.” He looked unnerved as he greeted us.
“What is it?” I looked around the clearing but saw nothing out of place or cause for alarm.
Jackson stepped closer and lowered his voice. “A priest witnessed me cross.”
“A priest?” Had I heard Jackson right? The Demon Hunters had minimal interaction with humans, and most of those meetups were arranged by Junctures. No priests had ever come to the gate that I knew of.
“He was here a bit ago. I told him we’d meet up with him once you entered the realm.”
“Are you sure he saw you cross?”
Jackson nodded. “Scared the crap out of me. I almost killed him with one of my stars.”
“You threw a star at him?” Serena asked, following Jackson’s gaze. Lo and behold, a shiny object jutted out from the willow’s trunk.
“He surprised me, and I let one fly. Luckily, he tripped.”
“Sounds like you both had a little Divine Intervention.” Serena walked over and retrieved the star and a slow ooze of blood traveled along the rough bark.
“So, where is he?” I asked. Unless the guy was on fire or bleeding out, he should have been detained till we could decide how to handle the situation. And what did he want with us anyways?
“He had to head back to the exorcism. I promised him we’d meet him there.”
Serena and I exchanged puzzled looks.
“Listen, I don’t wanna tell it wrong, so can we just get going?” Jackson persisted.
We usually didn’t interfere with exorcisms as the priests had gentler ways of extracting the demons from the humans. What use would they have for us?
“You have an address?” Serena asked.
“Yeah, and a car too.” Jackson led us down the familiar overgrown path that exited the abandoned cemetery. “His name is Father Emil—said there’s been a rash of possessions in the area.”
“I’m not familiar with that name. What about you Serena?” She shook her head. “Did he say how he knew about us or even the crossover gate?”
Jackson retrieved the hidden key on the black Saab parked on near the cemetery path. “He said his great grandmother worked as a Juncture and had told him about the gate.”
“A Juncture?” Serena sounded surprised as she climbed into the back of the car. “Interesting. I wonder if I’ve heard of her.”
“You can ask him yourself.” Jackson handed me a small folded piece of yellow paper with an address scrawled across it. “Put that in the map search thing, please.” He said as he headed toward the car.
I hated possessions, hated the risk it posed to the human. The demons we faced in the Demon Realm were of a different caliber—bigger and stronger than those that possessed a human. But these weaker but equally menacing demons entwined their evil into every inch of their human host, draining them of their energy and soul. Priests had the painstaking task of praying, chanting, and wearing down the entity, slowly uncoiling it from the human. However, sometimes extracting the demon required physical force, and priests had to walk that fine line between what was needed and what was excessive.
I pushed the map button on the screen and it came up with a map of our current location. I tapped the screen a few times, causing it to zoom really big. “Oh shoot. Not what I wanted.”
“Know what you’re doing there, boss?” Serena asked. “Double tap it again.” She waited for me to do as she instructed. “Good, now bottom left button.”
“This one?” I pointed my finger at a button marked “input.”
“Yep. Then you should be able to type in the address.” Serena sat back but kept her eyes on me to make sure I didn’t misstep.
“I don’t do well with this electronic stuff under pressure,” I lied. I never did good with it, but usually I had someone else co-pilot.
“So, this ‘rash of possessions’ in the area, how many are we talking about?” I continued my inquiry as Jackson followed the directions spoken in an unsettling, not-quite-human voice.
“He said seven, all within a twenty-mile radius from this gate—all occurring in this last week.”
I let out a long breath. “There haven’t been that many cases in this quadrant of the Human Realm since I’ve been old enough to run a patrol.” I looked to Serena to see if she held any reaction on this shocking amount of possessions, but she looked lost in thought. “Have they had any success with exorcism?”
“Yes, but Father Emil said it’s been challenging, worse than any other he had worked on before.” Jackson finally stopped in front of an apartment building flanked by a furniture warehouse and lighting store. The random placement of stores, warehouses, and living space made the area feel poorly planned or neglected. The apartment building was in good shape despite its age, which, judging by the architecture, was a few decades old. It looked freshly painted and the metal railings showed no rust or damage. It gave no hint to why we were meeting a priest here.
As we exited the car, I noticed a young priest outside, pacing along the third-floor landing. “That him?” I nodded toward the priest.
Jackson followed my stare. “Yep. That’s Father Emil. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” Jackson climbed the exterior stairs two at a time with ease and extended his hand in greeting.
Father Emil shook his hand. He looked no older than thirty-five—younger than most priests we had interacted with. “Jackson, thank you for returning with your friends.” He clapped Jackson on the back and then extended his hand to us.
“Hello Father, I am Serena, a Juncture for the Hunters.”
Father Emil’s face lit up with this news. “It is an honor. My grandmother, Gutta, was also a Juncture.”
“Gutta?” Serena echoed as she stepped closer to Father Emil. “That name is familiar. Did she work with another Juncture named Lenora?” She straightened, and her gaze intensified, as she read his energy.
Father Emil did not waver under the discriminating stare, as most would. “Lenora…yes, that’s right. Did you know her?”
Serena softened her gaze, “No, I knew of her but never had a chance to work with either of them. Gutta had the gift of tracking. Correct?”
“Yes, that’s correct. My family used to joke that Grandma Gutta could survive anywhere and under any conditions because she could hunt and find her way with ease. Unfortunately, her tracking skills were not passed down to me.”
“No, but I see you have found another way to help the cause.” Serena pointed to Father Emil’s priest collar.
“True.” The priest turned toward me with his hand extended. “And you must be Killian.”
I took his hand. “Yes, nice to meet you.” His handshake was firm but not bone-crushing. “Jackson briefed us on the situation in the car ride over here. Do you have any theories as to why there are so many possessions?”
Before he could answer, the apartment door opened and an older priest with peppery hair joined us. “Pardon me.” Though he was probably no more than fifteen years older than Father Emil, judging by the way he carried himself, the deep lines on his face made him appear much older.
