Every muscle in her body tensed, ready for a fight.
But Kate and the demon vanished, teleporting away.
Which was impossible. Which should have been impossible.
“No.” Shit. “No, God damn it! No!”
Turning in a blinding rage, she grabbed her lamp and yanked it out of the wall. Throwing it with all her might, she enjoyed watching it as it smashed into a million little pieces. And then, she was left with nothing but the sound of her own heavy breathing. And the knowledge that she’d failed.
Again.
As her rage calmed, her thoughts fused together to make sense once more. What the hell just happened?
There were only a few demons that could open a portal when they chose. And all had been given the ability by the demon-king himself. But the king didn’t bestow the power on anyone he thought capable of abusing it, only a trusted few.
And a Voltorra demon? Something just wasn’t adding up. Voltorra demons didn’t thrive on pain and killing like lower level ones. They were rare... and creatures of prophecy, not mischief.
Surely he wouldn’t hurt her. Would he?
The problem was, she wasn’t sure.
So I need to rescue her as fast as possible. Even if it means returning to fucking hell.
Sifting through her pile of clothes on the floor, she pulled on her least favorite pair of jeans, a tanktop, and boots. Anything more would be a waste where I’m going. She grabbed her keys and cellphone and headed into the night.
Lily knew exactly who would be able to help her once she reached hell. Even though he was the last person she wanted to see, and a man she’d managed to successfully go ten years without speaking to.
No matter how much this little trip feels worse than sticking a fork through my leg, it’s worth it if I get Kate back safely.
And I’ll also get to see them.
The thought came out of nowhere, and suddenly her blood raced. She’d been too young the last time she’d seen the three incredibly sexy demons. At least too young for them. But because time moved differently on the human-realm, she would be nearly their age now. And that opened up all kinds of delicious possibilities.
If there’s time, I’m definitely going to live out a few of my hormonal teenage fantasies.
I just wonder if they’ll figure out who I am first.
She smirked. Unlikely.
Climbing into her car, she knew exactly where she was going. When she’d been a student with The Department, she’d been able to slip into demon realms through the portal at school without being detected. But now, she only had one safe place that gave her access to a portal into the dangerous realm. The Rebellion’s headquarters. Even though up until recently they hadn’t had all the pieces necessary to use it.
So I guess if I had to go back, I timed it right.
It took her nearly twenty minutes to race through town and slip down the narrow alley hidden between two beat-up abandoned warehouses. Moving to one of the buildings, she pushed back a brick and typed in the code. Sliding back the wall, she entered headquarters, quickly closing the door behind her.
Her old teacher and mentor Sharen Bran, materialized out of the shadows, her expression surprised. “Lily, what are you doing here?”
“There’s a problem,” Lily explained, her gaze moving to the weapon in her mentor’s hand.
Immediately, Sharen re-sheathed the dagger she’d been holding and stepped closer, and into the light. Lily tried to hide her surprised expression. The woman looked like she’d been through hell. One side of her face was swollen and a butterfly bandage covered a cut on her cheek. Her clothes were wrinkled, and her dark hair was more than a little messy.
Sharen appeared to be assessing her too, before her gaze moved to Lily’s face. “What happened?”
Better just pull this band aid off as quick as I can.
“A demon sucked Kate into the demon-realm. I’m going to go get her.”
Her mentor’s eyes widened. “I’ll get my stuff.”
Lily grabbed her arm as she turned away. “I got this.”
Sharen smirked back at her, looking a little more like her old self. “I’m not letting you go in alone. End of discussion.”
“Listen, I’ll be fine. I’ve got help on the other side.” When Sharen didn’t look convinced, she continued. “Actually, if you come, you’ll make it harder for me.”
Her teacher frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Sigh. “I’m going to the City of Flames.”
“City of Flames?” Sharen looked downright confused.
“It’s where the ruler of hell lives. A city. And only Level Eight demons and above are allowed in it.”
“You’re telling me you don’t need help because you’re going to a city filled with demons?”
Lily laughed. “It’s actually a lot safer than any city on Earth, since they don’t let the little shit demons in it.”
“Then, there should be no problem with me coming with you,” Sharen said, nodding to herself.
You never were easy to argue with, she thought with a smile.
Lily actually appreciated her concern more than she could ever say. There weren’t many people in her life that worried about her. And even fewer that reminded her of her mother, in a strange way.
But, I’m afraid this is a solo mission.
“The city doesn’t allow humans.”
“Then you can’t go either,” she challenged.
“I’ve got enough demon in me to pass for one of them, and besides, like I said, I’ve got some pretty powerful friends on the inside.” She could almost hear her time ticking away. “Please, I need to go. I don’t know what that demon wanted with Kate, but I need to keep her safe. She’s...” My family. My best friend, “my responsibility.”
Sharen rubbed her face, looking tired. “All right. But if you aren’t back in three days, I’m coming after you.”
“Agreed.” Her gaze moved back to her mentor’s battered face, and her chest tightened. “Did you get that in the demon realm?”
Sharen shook her head. “I haven’t gone in yet. This was done by a Hunter.”
Shit. “They found you?”
Something unreadable flashed in her mentor’s eyes. “Just one found me. And he won’t be a problem.”
I hope it wasn’t a Hunter I knew.
“I’m sorry,” Lily murmured.
Sharen looked surprised. “Why?”
Lily shrugged. “I know what it’s like to go against people you once called friends.”
The woman stood up a little taller. “Don’t worry about me, okay? I’m fine. Let’s just focus on your friend.”
She doesn’t want to talk about it. That’s okay. I’ve got my own scars I don’t like poked at.
“Sure thing.”
Her mentor led her through the neatly organized warehouse, filled with shelves stacked with boxes of weapons and supplies. They passed through dark aisles where the shelves blocked most of the light into a central area surrounded by lamps.
In the center, their stolen Demon Stone glistened in the light. Eight feet tall and made of a black stone darker than any black found on Earth, it whispered of magic and trouble. The Rebellion had fought, killed, and risked unimaginable things to acquire the stone. Lily had hoped never to use it.
To never go back to that dark, terrifying place.
Goose bumps rose on her arms. As a demon-hunter, and a student of Sharen’s with The Department, she’d crossed over many times. But the lower levels were off-limits to the Hunters. Most had never even considered going to the places where the demons were born into their new eternity. The only demons they cared about were the ones crawling up in an attempt to escape.
But I’ve been there once before. And the memories still haunted her of the day that changed her life forever.
The sound of Sharen typing in a code brought Lily back to the present. Turning, she watched as the woman carefully removed a piece of Soul Chalk from a glass enclosure.
“Be careful with this,” she said. “We might never acquire another piece.”
Lily nodded and took the simple white piece from her mentor. Not willing to second-guess her decision, she went to the stone and carefully drew a doorway into it. But when she reached up to write the code to the demon-king’s realm, Sharen stopped her with a strong grip on her arm.
Looking back at the other woman, Sharen held out a small Splicer. Unlike the ones they’d used during her time entering demon-realms with The Department, it was only about four times as big as her hand. It had a place to grip it, while a sharp, half-circle blade protected the wearer’s knuckles.
“Take it with you.”
She shook her head. What did they have to do to get that? Few weapons could function in the demon-realm. No guns. And only swords made with special metal.
“That wasn’t a request. That was an order. I’m not going to send my best student alone into trouble without a weapon.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Bran, but it’ll be destroyed where I’m going.”
“Sharen,” she corrected her. “So... you have to go in weaponless?”
Lily smiled. “I’m a half-demon. I might not be able to use my soul-blade in this realm without drawing the angels to me, but I can use it there.”
Slowly, she put down the weapon. “If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
Then, they stood staring at each other. Lily knew she had to go, but she couldn’t seem to leave just yet.
“How are you doing?” the woman asked after a quiet moment. “How’s Blake?”
For a second it was hard to breathe. “We broke off the engagement. Haven’t seen him since.”
“Is he still with The Department?”
“Yup,” Lily strove to sound casual. “Still committed to wiping out the ‘demon vermin’ and all that nonsense.”
Which means even though I loved him, I had to let him go.
“I’m sorry—“
“It doesn’t matter. A demon-hunter and a half-demon marrying is just about the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”
Sharen chuckled. “I remember thinking the same thing... you know, before my husbands pushed me into this whole blessed union.”
Lily forced a smile. “You’re one of the lucky ones.”
“Maybe you will be too.”
She snorted. “You’ve got three handsome husbands. I doubt I’ll find one.”
“Love has a way of finding us when we’re least expecting it.”
Yeah, right. But rather than saying the way she truly felt, she nodded. “Maybe.”
Sharen pulled her into a tight hug. “Be careful, sweetheart.”
I’m lucky I have you. “Will do.”
When her mentor released her, she turned back to the demon-stone. Lily wrote the name of the secret realm carefully on the dark stone and watched as the portal opened with swirling waves of white.
“I’ll open the portal three times a day, at—”
“No need,” Lily stopped her. “I’ll get back on my own.”
“But how?”
She grinned. “I’ll make the demon-king send me back.”
Handing the chalk back to Sharen, Lily inclined her head in respect and stepped through to a place surrounded by fire and danger, where demons would kill her if they sensed her human half.
Let’s hope I’m better at lying than I am at saving lives.
Chapter Four
Jaxson stiffened, a growl slipping from his lips. His wolf rose within him, his fur standing on end in irritation. Someone has used the portal outside the City of Flames.
Just what I need right now...
The last week had been spent dragging low level demons out of the city, and capturing two rogue Level Eight demons who actually thought they could commit crimes within the king’s protected lands. After all the bullshit, Jaxson had wanted nothing more than a calm day in the palace.
No, calm isn’t the right word. I wanted a day of complete freedom.
Actually, he’d wanted to go out exploring the plains, looking for a real fight, but his youngest eternal-brother, Ian, had begged him to play cards instead. And since Ian rarely asked for anything, he’d reluctantly agreed.
And ended up with some much unwanted bonding time with the two men he spent far too much of his time with already, his eternal-brothers. The two demons who’d been bound to him in death.
His skin was itching to escape. To fight. To kill. To rid himself of the feelings crawling under his flesh.
Maybe because it’s been so long since you Shifted. Angrily, he pushed the thought away. That had nothing to do with his current mood.
And now he had to deal with a trespasser. I hope this one doesn’t go easy.
“Did you feel that?” Zane asked, dropping his cards onto the table. His eternal-brother’s big brown eyes looked excited.
Does he have to enjoy everything?
“Of course I felt it,” Jaxson answered, scowling.
Zane glared, but he kept his pretty-boy good looks even with his obnoxious expression. “What crawled up your ass?”
“Maybe he has a good hand,” Ian answered, always the peace-maker.
Jaxson pushed back from the table, slamming his cards down, and sending poker chips flying. “I just wasn’t in the mood for shit today.”
“He hasn’t masturbated yet this morning and needs to ease some tension.” Zane said, smirking. The dimples in his cheeks showing with the movement.
No, what I need is to bury myself in a woman who can look me in the eyes when I take her.
Which will never happen.
“Fuck you.” Jaxson turned and stormed from their room.
This is the last thing I need today.
Zane was wrong. Jaxson wasn’t pissed because of his very unfulfilled sexual needs. He was pissed because today marked the anniversary of his death.
Not that the two demons he’d bonded with would understand. How could they? Their death-anniversaries weren’t a reminder of pain. Of suffering. Of failure.
“Wait up!” Ian hurried to catch up with him, matching his stride.
The tall, lanky demon looked pensive, staring down at the ground. His too-long blond hair fell forward, his dark eyes filled with concern. Typical Ian.
“I’m fine.” Jaxson tried to force the words to come out without an angry edge.
And he failed miserably.
“It’s October sixth.” Ian spoke softly.
Jaxson stiffened. “So?”
“So, it’s okay. Be pissed. But we’re here if you need us.”
Fuck. How does he know me so well? Jaxson liked to think he wasn’t that transparent... but it looked like he was wrong. Again. “Is that why you suggested cards? You thought I needed the company? Because I didn’t.”
“Of course not,” Ian said, shrugging.
Damn his patience.
Moving down the private stairs, they came out into the foyer. The pristine room was a flawless white, with thirty foot ceilings, and a massive chandelier with hundreds of flickering candles.
Usually the brightness of the palace made him forget, even if for a few precious seconds, that he wasn’t back on Earth. But today, he felt nothing but misery as he compared his memories of Earth to this dark and dreary prison.
This place is a pathetic shadow of life. A lonely ruler’s attempt at carving out a little heaven in hell.
Two Level Ten demons led a handcuffed Level Eight demon, who snarled and fought them, but the two guards seemed not to notice. As they passed, the men inclined their heads in a show of respect to Jaxson and Ian. Jaxson ignored them, heading for the exit. Needing to escape.
When they stepped outside, the smell of sulfur clouded the air. A hundred or so buildings, crafted from the white plants that grew on the higher levels of the demon realm, crowded the black ground. As he climbed down the dozens of stairs leading up to the demon-king’s palace, he stepped around two demons, busily cleaning ash from the white steps.
&nbs
p; Flaming torches that never burned out lined all the streets, giving the city a feeling of daylight. Even though above them darkness reigned, and nothing more. The City of Flames was the nicest place in the demon-realms.
But still hell.
“You guys finally made it.” Zane stood, leaning against a building, looking calm and casual in his white uniform.
Jaxson felt rage creeping up his spine. “Teleporting is to be used when enforcing the rules of our king, not to make our lives easier.”
It’s a rare gift the demon-king bestows upon his most trusted servants. And the more restless my brothers get, the more they abuse their powers.
Once we stop obeying the rules, we might as well be the beasts the angels accuse us of.
Zane moved away from the building, hurrying to keep pace with Jaxson as he stormed down the main road of the city. “We’re going in search of a trespasser. That’s ‘enforcing the rules of the king’ right?”
Jaxson clenched his fists. Don’t punch him. “Just shut up and let me do my job.”
He rushed through the city, but his brothers easily kept pace with him. Level Ten, Nine, and the occasional Level Eight demon glanced at him, then quickly away. Even demons feared him.
He didn’t blame them.
At the edge of the city, they reached the moat of slow lava that surrounded the city. He stared at it for a long minute. He hated swimming in the damn lava. It had the unfortunate side-effect of stirring one of the worst of the seven deadly sins, lust. But he’d just made a point to his brother...
“Ready for a swim?” Zane was grinning.
“Splitting up would be the best way to search the portal grounds. You go left. You right. I’ll go right down the middle,” Jaxson ordered.
Zane chuckled. “What? You don’t want to stick together?”
Jaxson ignored him, clenching his teeth together. Time to practice what I preach.
Leaping into the lava, the power of it hit him in an instant, warming his skin and hardening his cock. Ignoring it, he swam forward, only coming up for air when he had to. Reaching the other side, he pulled himself out and looked back across the river.
His brothers were gone. The cheaters teleported!
Scowling, he adjusted his boner, which, of course, remained painfully hard. Damned lust! Starting forward, he made a promise to himself. When he found the trespasser—and he would find him—the bastard would feel the sting of his wrath.
Mates of the Realms: The Complete Collection: A Paranormal Reverse Harem Box Set Page 68
