by Dylan Keefer
Demon’s Match
The Raine Michelson Files
Dylan Keefer
Contents
Also by Dylan Keefer
Untitled
Prologue
1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four
5. Chapter Five
6. Chapter Six
7. Chapter Seven
8. Chapter Eight
Epilogue
About the Author
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Also by Dylan Keefer
Also by Dylan Keefer
Series
The Blood Rite Saga
The Blood Empire: Episode One
The Blood Princess: Episode One
The Blood Princess: Episode Two
The Blood Princess: Episode Three
The Blood Princess: Episode Four
The Chronicles of Gandos
The Sword of Light
The Aurora Chronicles
Child of Winter
Lake of Prophecy
The Raine Michelson Files
Angel’s Poison
Demon’s Match
Satan’s Torment
Britney Allen: The London Crime Syndicate
Blood of Babes: The Slasher Files
Standalone
Lost in Space
The Lone Survivor
Mr. Buddy Bot
Evelyn
Copyright © 2018 by Dylan Keefer.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of
America. No part of this book may be used or
reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written
permission except in the case of brief quotations
embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters,
businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents
either are the product of the author’s imagination or are
used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons,
living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
For information contact : purplepress.org
First Edition: October 2018
I dedicate this book to my friends and family who have always supported in my dream of being a professional author.
Dylan Keefer
Prologue
“Why? Why? Why?” Naia stood in the middle of the parking lot banging on the door of her Honda. This just wasn't her day. Besides the busy, chaotic mess that it had been, she had been struggling with her boyfriend. Alex had not only been distant the past couple of days; he had ignored her completely this morning when she had called to vent. So, at random times throughout the day, Naia would automatically wonder if there was something wrong with them. They had been together for three years. Maybe he was getting bored with her. Maybe she had acquired some pet peeves of his, or he was just noticing them. These thoughts and worries are what probably accumulated to her being in her present situation—lost keys. She put her hands to the window on the passenger's side and tried to see if she could see them hanging from the ignition or sprawled on the floor. Nothing. That was worse. At least if she locked her keys in the car, she knew where they were. For twenty minutes, she had already scoured every place that she could think of, and again—nothing. "I hate my life!" She growled with her head thrown back. She stomped her feet several times and stopped only when she noticed one of her friends from work pulling up to her. "You looked really funny," Mano smiled, "but then again, you also looked angry." "Mano," Naia whined. "I can't find my keys. I've looked everywhere." "Man, that sucks," Mano said. "Well, I can give you a ride somewhere, or help you look some more." "Ugh, I don't know," she looked at her car. "A ride home is good, I guess. I have a spare key for my car there at least. Are you sure you don't mind?" In response, Mano reached over and threw open the passenger's side of the door. "Come on," he said. Naia let her arm hang on the outside of the window as she closed her eyes. Mano had the music pumped up, and for the first time that day, she felt somewhat relaxed. “You still listen to the worst music,” Naia said with a smile. “It's better than that pop mess you listen to,” Mano said with a semi-offensive look. “This—this is a real band. Not a bunch of computerized crap that—oh no. You're not going to mess with me.” “But it's so fun and easy,” Naia laughed. “Like that dumb bracelet, you always wear.” Mano scoffed and held up his wrist. “This bracelet was a gift from my kupunawahine!” “See,” Naia laughed again. “Too easy.” “I'm glad you have fun making fun of me,” Mano pouted. “And after I offer you a ride.” “You know I love you,” Naia sighed. “I'll tell you who hasn't been much fun to be around with these days. Alex.” “Oh boy,” Mano said. “Trouble in paradise?” “I wouldn't know,” she muttered. “He's been acting really strange—distant, absent-minded, and non-communicative. He ignored all my calls and texts today. I—I don't know.” “What?” Naia sat up and turned to Mano, tucking one leg underneath her as she did. “You know Alex. Do you think he would cheat on me?” Mano's eyes grew wide. “Naia, first of all, I only know Alex because of you. Second, I've seen him around you. Pretty sure, he would do anything for you.” “Can you really be sure of that?” Naia said. She shook her head and then frowned. She really hadn't been paying attention to where they were going. It wasn't the road to her house. “Where are we going?” “I was on the way to run an errand, and it's kind of on the way to your house. It won't take long. Do you mind?” Naia sat back in the chair. “No, I don't.” “Cool,” he said. A few minutes later, they pulled into a restaurant parking lot. It was decently full, and Naia remembered that she really hadn't eaten that day at all. Her stomach had been in knots a lot. “I gotta drop off something for a friend,” Mano said as he climbed out of the car. He leaned back down before closing the door. “Actually, we could grab something to eat here if you want. Are you hungry?” Naia wrinkled her nose as she looked at the restaurant. She was hungry, but she also craved getting the day over and done with as soon as possible. “What kind of food?” Mano licked his lips. “Some of the best fish tacos on the island are served here. I promise you.” “I hate you,” Naia said. “You know I love fish tacos.” She climbed out of the car and motioned for him to lead the way. When they got into the restaurant, a server sat them in a booth, and Mano pointed to the menu. “Look over it just in case you want something different, but I'm pretty sure, you're going to go with the tacos.” “I'm pretty sure that you're right,” Naia said. “I gotta go see my friend really quick.” Naia stared at the menu. Suddenly, the lights went out in the building. Naia put down the menu and looked around. No one else seemed to know what was going on either. Suddenly, a stranger appeared in front of her. He simply smiled and placed a single flower on the table. "Aloha nui iāʻoe," he said and then left. Naia frowned. Maybe he worked here, and that's just what they did. A woman came up to her. Just like the man, she dropped off a single flower, and then said, "Aloha nui iāʻoe." Five more people came up and did the same thing until a young girl walked up to her. "What is going on?" Naia said out loud. The lights were still off, but by this time, the restaurant was quiet. The little girl grabbed Naia's hand and pulled her a little. "You—You want me to come with you? Um—okay?" Naia looked around the restaurant, and every eye was on her. Where the hell was Mano? The little girl pointed to the flowers. Right, she thought. Naia picked up the flowers and walked from the table. They walked through a door that led to an outdoor patio in the back of the building overlooking a beautiful inlet. As soon as Naia walked through the door, lights came on, including lights that had been put up all around the patio. Nearly two dozen people stood out there watching her. Naia dropped the little girl
's hand and covered her mouth. Among the people were her parents and siblings, several close friends, Alex's family—and Alex. He was dressed in his Naval uniform and standing tall with a mischievous smiled on his face. "Oh, my God!" She said. It all was starting to make sense now. She could feel the tears coming as she the group parted so that there was one little walkway to Alex. Naia walked towards him slowly. "Are you surprised?" Alex said. Naia tried to answer, but her mouth was so dry all she could do was swallow back the cough she was about to choke out. She nodded quickly. Alex reached into his back pocket and pulled out a ring box. Naia started bouncing on her feet as he got on one knee. Naia, let him at least get it out before you attack. “Naia Maikai, ever since I met you my life has not only been better, but it's been so fulfilling. You’re exciting and fun-loving. You keep me on my toes. I can't imagine living without you which I why I am asking if you would marry me.” Naia fell down on her knees across from him and kissed him. “Yes! Yes!” She said as everyone around them cheered. After the celebration, Mano held up a pair of keys and smiled. “I don't want to forget to give you these,” he said. “I can't believe that you stole my keys and made me think I was going crazy,” she said. “Then you lie to me about this restaurant?” Mano held up a hand, “I didn't lie about this,” he said. “This place does have the best fish tacos, and I did have to drop something off to a friend. Alex was the friend, and you were the item I had to drop off.” Naia rolled her eyes. “Just know that I owe you one, and you will get it.” Just then, Alex walked up and put his arm around her. “Hey, fiancé,” he said. “I'm going to have to get used to saying that. And Mano, you did awesome. Again, thanks for helping.” “I'll see you guys around,” Mano waved off. “And then it was just the two of us,” Alex said. He leaned down and kissed Naia, pulling her short frame close to his. “We should go get my car,” she laughed, “before you take me in the restaurant parking lot.” He laughed. They were the last of the customers in the place, and the parking was empty. They were halfway to the car when Naia suddenly felt a jolt of pain explode in her head. “Oh wow!” She stopped for a moment. The world started to spin, and she tried to keep her balance. “Babe? Alex? I—I don't—feel so good.” The ground rushed forward as she fell to her hands and knees. She tried to focus, but the darkness was closing in. Wait! There was a blurred figure. It was Alex. No, there were two figures. “Help!” She tried to cry. One of the figures fell, and the other was dragging it away. “Help! Please.” Her words were slurring. She was starting to fade. No! Stay awake, Naia! Stay awake! It was inevitable. Soon, the darkness swallowed her.
Chapter One
It was hot. Like usual, the weather reports were wrong. Sweat poured down Raine’s face as she set the box down in the crowded living room. She stood up straight feeling the muscles in her back stretch accompanied with some cracks that made her groan. Why was it so hot? She took a moment to walk out on the balcony. Being on the top floor was a pain as far as moving stuff, but having the ocean view—that was worth it. A loud noise disrupted her thoughts, and she ran back into the apartment and into the hallway. Tai sat on the top stairs with his end of a dresser on the floor and his big beefy hands on his hips. “Everything okay out here?” “I’m okay, but dis one rit ‘ere is awful.” Micah stood at the bottom of the dresser blowing air from his lips with a roll of his eyes. “Tai is just mad cause he can’t fit through the staircase,” Micah stated. Tai frowned and then looked at Raine. “One slip. All I gotta do is push dis ting just a little.” “And then I would have a squashed man, and I kind of like this guy, Tai.” She laughed at his expression. “You two—I don’t know how you both work together and don’t kill each other.” “Cuz, Ray,” Tai said, “I exercise so much patience.” Raine laughed as the two men worked on getting the dresser into the apartment. When they were finished, Tai cleared his throat. “I wanna hear it,” he said to Micah. “Hear what?” Raine asked as she poured three glasses of water. “He wants to hear me say that I appreciated having his truck.” “You neva ‘preciate it,” Tai said. Grabbing one of the glasses and downing the contents. Micah sighed. “I don’t mind your truck. It’s just way too big. You don’t need that...” “Nope, I heard enough,” Tai put up his hand. “Ima go on dat. You need anyting else, Raine?” “I’m good, Tai. Thank you for your help today,” she winked. “You and your truck.” “And if you’re still upset at me, Tai, remember that at least, you knew Raine was moving down here. You weren’t blindsided or ignored.” Tai's eyebrows rose, and he mouthed a ‘wow' before giving her a thumb up and waving Micah off as he left the apartment. For a moment, it was quiet and awkward. Micah looked around the room. “So, what can I help with? Anything you need set up or moved?” "Micah, stop," Raine said placing a hand on his arm. "I can work on this stuff later. I think that we need to talk." Micah stood up straight and blew out air as he looked at her. "Now, you want to talk? Not during the two months that you were on the mainland? Not the day that you were offered a job back here in Hawaii. Not when—when I told you how I felt?" Micah's jaw tightened. He looked away and tapped one of the boxes with his foot. "I had to find out the other day when Ailani called me to see if I knew when you were getting in from the airport." “I know,” Raine said softly. Mentally, she had been kicking herself for a long time. She knew that there was something between the two of them, but part of her wondered if it was just residual emotion from what they had gone through—in what they were still going through. Raine had been advised to leave the state while Eli Samuels was still at large because of her history with him. She had done so believing that she wouldn’t see Micah, Tai, or any of them again. Being at home only compounded things. She was expected to work and carry on with her life knowing that the person who had killed her fiancé was not only still out there, but still wanted to ruin her life. She had gotten into the habit of taking meds each night to help her sleep and keep her calm. She had started running to take her mind off things. She fully believed that she was going to go crazy or just living in self-management mode to function. That was until Ailani called. Micah shook his head. “It is what it is? We probably won’t see each other much since you’ll be working full-time with them. I just came to help because I knew you didn’t have anyone else.” “And I’m grateful for you doing this,” Raine said sincerely. “I really am. I just—there is still so much going on that I haven’t been in any position to be in a relationship.” “Romantic or friendship, right,” Micah said. He raised both hands. “I understand. I can deal with that.” “Micah, please.” The phone rang before she could continue. She pulled the device out of her pocket and eyed Micah as she spoke. “Hi, Malanie. Yeah, we’re still on for later. I’ll meet you there.” When she hung up, Micah laughed in frustration. “Malanie also knew that you would be here, didn’t she?” “Yes, but…” The phone rang again in her hand. Raine groaned and answered it. “This is Raine. Ailani!” Micah started to grab his things as she finished up the call. “I’m gonna go,” he said with a forced smile. “I’m sure you’ve got a lot to do with getting set up with your new job and life.” Raine nodded. There was no use apologizing again. She knew that this was going to be a problem when she accepted the job offer with HPD. She would just have to hope that, somehow, she could repair the relationship. Malanie's smile was a breath of fresh air. The teenager had easily found a way into her heart, and Raine was okay with that. Malanie was the little sister that she needed, and while originally, she thought she was supposed to be the strong base for Malanie, the past two months had proven the opposite whether Malanie knew it or not. "Is this place new?" Raine asked after they hugged. They stood in front of a little café off a pier. "Yeah," Malanie said. "It's kind of a hangout for me." Raine followed her through the small café to the back dock. The waves lapped against the bottom of the dock as they sat and ordered food. "So, tell me how things are going?" Raine asked. "How is living with Tai and Lao?" "They are awesome," Malanie laughed. "They haven't tried to take the place of being my pa
rents at all, which is nice. Lao takes me shopping with her all the time, and she loves shopping—almost as much as Tai loves MMA fighting." Raine laughed. "So, life with them is never boring, is it?" "Hardly." Malanie pulled out a piece of paper and slid it across the table to her. "And I've been applying to colleges. Since I don't really have the funds to really do this all on my own, they suggested I look at a scholarship—for…" "Swimming?" Raine said looking at the paper. "You've joined the swim team at school? That's awesome! What about surfing?" "I'm still going to do that, but swim team gives me the opportunity to get a full ride. The coach at school said I was one of the best that he's seen in a long time." "I'm not surprised," Raine said. Malanie beamed. “And I got a job as a swim instructor for kids.” "Look at you. Two months and you're a whole new person," Raine marveled. "I noticed a little through your texts, but seeing you now, I can definitely see a—difference—a freedom." Malanie looked away for a moment. "Freedom, huh?" "Have you talked to your mother at all?" She shook her head. "I've been told that she keeps asking for me, but—I don't know if I can see her again. Not yet." "When is her trial?" “Apparently, it starts next month,” Malanie said. “Raine, they want me there—and I might have to testify. I don’t know if I can do that.” Raine shook her head. “That’s something you don’t have to worry about right now, and hey, you’ve got me now.” “You don’t need to get involved with my problems,” Malanie said. “Honestly, you’ve done a lot for me.” “And I’m not going to stop now,” Raine said with a smirk. “You’re stuck with me now. Hoʻomaopopo?” Malanie nodded returning the smile. “Hoʻomaopopo.”
