The demon lunged for her, but she got a fistful of his hair and slammed his head into the windshield. Cracks spiderwebbed out and Persephone swore. Anger fueling her, she slammed his head again—this time on the hood—and his body went limp.
The grip on her ankle tightened. Dean swerved and the demon rolled off, making a loud thud as it hit the pavement.
Persephone slid back into the car and took the wheel, taking big gulps of air to make up for the ones she’d missed.
“I think I’m having a bad dream. I’ll just wake up and it’ll all go away.” Danielle blinked. Then she pinched herself, and her mouth twisted into a frown. “It’s not going away.”
“You going to tell us what’s going on?” Dean asked.
Persephone glanced in her rearview mirror. “It’s a long story, but right now it boils down to demons are real, and they’re after me.”
Danielle shot forward, an incredulous look frozen on her face. “That…that was a…?” Her skin paled, and her body slumped forward.
“Um,” Persephone said, glancing at the road, and then back to Danielle. “I think she just fainted.”
***
Relief washed over Jax as the awful feeling in his gut faded. Whatever was going on with Persephone, she’d made it out okay. But he had a sinking feeling she wouldn’t be okay for long. He looked out the window of the truck, up at the inky sky.
So much for her promise not to go out after dark. I should’ve known she was too stubborn to listen.
“Can’t we go any faster?” Jax asked. He’d been unable to focus on anything but Persephone and the fact that he felt physically ill over whatever was happening to her, so he’d let Mom drive. Maybe he should’ve tried to get a flight. Of course, homeless and down and out, pretty much described his family’s current financial situation which meant flying was out. But the sixteen hour trip—which would end up being more like a day and a half with stops—was going to be torturous.
Mom glanced at him. “I’m going as fast as I dare. It’s not going to help anyone if we wreck and die on the way to save her.”
“Well if we get there too late, it’s not going to matter what else happens.” He didn’t know if it mattered if they got there on time. They had a caravan of injured people, most of them nowhere close to prepared to fight.
He hoped other Warriors would get the message and meet them in New Orleans. With or without them, though, he was amping himself up for a big fight. He was meant to protect Persephone, and he planned on doing exactly that.
Just hang on a little longer, babe. I’m coming for you, and then we’ll figure out a way to make it out of this mess.
***
Dean grabbed Persephone’s hand. “Why don’t you come in? Unless you changed your mind about going to a hospital.”
“It’s really not safe. And I swear, I don’t need the hospital. By tomorrow, I’ll be mostly healed. It’s just one of the many exciting side effects of being a freak.” Her sorry attempt at a smile didn’t change Dean’s scrunched-up expression.
Persephone put her hand on Danielle’s shoulder. “Feel any better?”
Danielle eyed Dean. “Yeah, nothing being slapped doesn’t fix.”
“I didn’t know what else to do,” Dean said, exasperation filling his voice. “It worked, didn’t it?”
Without answering him, Danielle unbuckled her seatbelt. “I don’t think I’ll ever not be scared again.”
Persephone leaned back in her seat. “Somehow you get used to it. I highly suggest being inside by dark, though. At least until after this threat passes.” Adding if it passes seemed too depressing, so she kept that to herself. “If it makes you feel any better, tonight was a really bad, not every-day kind of situation.”
“No Persephone, that, in fact, does not make me feel better. I saw a disgusting, nightmare creature from Hell with sharp claws and teeth who shouldn’t exist. I don’t care how abnormal that is.”
Well, that was normal, the numbers and the honed in attack were what was abnormal. Persephone didn’t dare point that out now, though, especially since that part was starting to be a normal part of her life as well. “I hope you also noticed I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, even against scary nightmare creatures from Hell.”
“Yeah, you’re tough, but you’re still hurt and in danger.” Danielle’s eyes met hers. “Stay with us. At least until Jax gets back.”
The three of them had gone round and round on this since Persephone had explained what she could about the situation. A vague description of the Order of Zeus, even though she hadn’t referred to it by name; demons were after her personally, and yes, Jax knew, and that was why he was so protective and why he went for help.
“Like I said before, my place is protected.” Persephone glanced in the rearview mirror again. “The longer I sit here, the longer I’m endangering you guys and myself. We’ll talk more when the sun’s out.”
“And you’re sure they can’t come out in the sun?” Danielle asked.
“I’m sure.” As long as I don’t let them get a hold of the dagger anyway. “My family has been in charge of this for generations. I know what I’m doing.” A lie, but hey, it sounded good.
Danielle’s face fell. “But your family’s all dead.”
Dean elbowed her.
Apparently realizing her lack of sensitivity, Danielle’s mouth dropped. “I’m sorry, Persephone. I didn’t mean—”
“It’s okay, D. I know.” But she also knew Danielle was right. Her family was dead, and it was because of the dagger. Exhaustion swept over her. “I’ll talk to you guys later. I’m sure you realize mentioning this to your parents will most likely result in a visit to the psychiatrist.”
“We’ll keep it under wraps. If you need anything, call.” Dean looked at her with sympathy she didn’t know he was capable of. “And I know you’re like a ninja or whatever, but be careful.”
The smile she gave him this time was genuine. She hugged him, and Danielle joined in. After they broke the group hug, Dean and Danielle scooted out the car.
And then Persephone was all alone again. But it felt a lot heavier than it had ever felt before.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Hot water ran over Persephone, easing her sore muscles while burning her cuts at the same time. Pleasure and pain. Seemed like an appropriate ending to her up and down day.
As she lathered her hair with shampoo, she ran through her options. Never go outside again—probably not possible— so she amended it to never being away from home when the sun set. She’d have to deal with the fact that people were dying, and she was doing nothing about it. Nothing but keeping the dagger out of demon hands, which was at least something.
The next option—and it definitely had its appeal—was to run away with Jax when he got back, with the hope that they could outrun the demons and find a new place to hide.
Until the demons found her again.
How are they finding me? If I could figure that out, maybe relocating would be the best option.
But they wouldn’t stop, no matter where she ran. Without Mara’s wards, how long would she last? Could she hide until the end of her days? Then what, leave the dagger with her children, and say, Sorry, but hope you figure it out. Nope. She wasn’t going to have children—no way she’d put someone else through this.
Then there was the last option. Stay and fight. Foolish, and possibly the worst of them, but for some reason she felt like it was the best option. Only she wanted a no-one-but-bad-guys-die guarantee, and there wasn’t one. In fact, she knew people would die. Good people. Some of them already had.
Frustrated by the impossibility of the situation, Persephone slammed her fist into the side of the shower. Then, suddenly exhausted, she leaned her forehead against the wall she’d just punched.
I don’t want to be responsible for people dying, and no matter what I decide, people will die.
The water temperature dropped. Before all the hot water disappeared and she had to fini
sh her shower on a cold note, she got out, bandaged her wounds as best she could, threw on her pajamas, and crawled into bed.
I wish my parents were here to tell me what to do. Or just here so I wouldn’t feel so alone.
She turned, looking at the empty space beside her. She’d give anything to have Jax next to her, telling her it would all be okay, even if it was a complete lie. Wherever he was, she hoped he was safe.
An idea popped into her head, and she didn’t know why it hadn’t occurred to her earlier. She hated to call on Adrastos, especially since she was going to have to reiterate she couldn’t be with him. But if his army showed up in time, maybe, just maybe, they could win the battle she could feel coming.
Hey, it’s worth a shot.
She squeezed her eyes closed and visualized the place she and Adrastos always met, focusing all her energy on calling for backup.
Persephone immediately recognized the scenery around her. The question was, would it be the demons or Adrastos who came for her tonight.
A twig cracked off to her left, and she whipped around. She threw a hand to her heart, expelling a long breath. “Adrastos. Thank goodness it’s you. I thought the demons were coming.”
A crease formed between his eyebrows. “The nightmares are that bad?”
“Nightmares. Real life. Yeah, it’s bad.”
He ran his gaze over her arms and frowned.
The tank top she wore displayed the scratches on her shoulder and arms. “I ran into more demons tonight. I managed to get away, but I’m afraid it won’t be long until they find me again. They’re hunting me now. They say I’m their queen or something, and Hades is coming, and…” Holding it together was becoming more and more difficult. “I’m in trouble, Adrastos.”
“I’m coming. I’m almost there.” He reached out and squeezed her hand.
She wanted him to hold her, but she held back. Because of Jax. She was with him now, no matter how hard it was to hold in her feelings for Adrastos.
Persephone pulled her hand out of his. “I’m not going to deny I need your help. In fact, that’s why I put so much energy into meeting you tonight. But to be fair to you, I’ve got to tell you again, I’m with someone else now.”
His fists clenched at his sides. “We’ll work that out when I get there.”
He stepped closer, leaving mere inches between their bodies. She couldn’t stop staring at the lips that always sent warmth through her. Every part of her body hummed and her pulse picked up speed.
She closed her eyes, pictured Jax, and remembered how she felt when she thought she was going to lose him. When her eyes opened, Adrastos leaned down, bringing his mouth toward hers.
Persephone put out a hand, keeping him back. “I can’t. I’m in love with him.”
He gripped her arm. “You’re in love with me. You belong with me.”
Standing here with him, it was hard not to agree. Whenever she was around him, it was almost impossible to imagine being with anyone else.
Forcing down her confused emotions, she pulled her arm out of his grasp and worked to keep her voice steady. “I care about you, and I always will, but I’m with him now. If that changes your mind about coming, then we’ll just try to—”
“I’ll be in New Orleans tomorrow. I’ll no longer have to wait until your dreams to see you.”
For years it was all she wanted. Even now, she wanted it. It made her feel like a traitor, but she wanted it all the same.
“Now tell me where you are,” Adrastos said. “Your exact address.”
“I…” Persephone looked around. Even though she couldn’t see anyone, she was too scared to risk it. “I can’t. Not here, not now.”
“But you will meet me? You’re not going to stand me up for some”—his mouth twisted in disgust—“Warrior?”
“I’ll meet you. I can’t wait to see you.”
His dark eyes lit up. “I can’t wait either.” He held out his arms. “Surely you can hug me. Even friends hug.”
She fought the smile threatening to break free. “I’m afraid I don’t believe you’re capable of just a hug.”
One corner of his mouth lifted in a wry, half-smile. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He dropped his arms and his expression turned serious. “Meet me at Jackson Square tomorrow night. I should be there around twilight.”
“But what about the demons? I can’t go out right before the sun sets.”
“My army and I will be there, and I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again.” His fingers grazed her cheek. “Don’t worry, my love. We’re going to win this fight.”
He seemed so sure, so confident, she felt more hopeful than she’d dared to in days. Her arms were around him before she’d even realized she was going to hug him.
He squeezed back, a low chuckle sounding in her ear. “After tomorrow, we’ll never have to be apart again.”
She knew she should correct him, reiterate she was with Jax, but she held on for a second longer.
And then he was gone, and it was too late.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The effect of last night’s fight lingered in Persephone’s sore muscles as she crawled out of bed. According to the alarm clock, she should be walking into the doors of the school in ten minutes, which so wasn’t going to happen.
But she couldn’t bring herself to care. Tonight she would see Adrastos. Actual real life, not in a dream, Adrastos. Introducing him and Jax was going to be tricky, but she’d cross that bridge when she got to it. For now, she was just going to bask in the fact that he and his army were on their way.
Danielle smacked Persephone’s shoulder. “Why weren’t you here first period? I thought you’d been taken out by demons and I was freaking out.”
Several heads turned their direction.
“Hello, are you trying to make us look like lunatics?” Persephone asked.
“So, you finally showed up,” Dean said from behind her. “Do you have any idea how worried I was? Not cool, Persephone, not cool.”
“Geez, I’m sorry, guys. Sun’s up, though. It’s cool.”
Danielle crossed her arms. “It wasn’t up all night long, when you were all alone in your house. Those hell beasts are after you. They could have attacked you last night and we’d never know.” She gripped Persephone’s shoulders, her voice taking on an edge of hysteria. “You shouldn’t be living alone, Persephone. It’s too dangerous!”
Now they really had the attention of the people around them.
Persephone leaned in, keeping her voice low. “This is why I didn’t tell you guys earlier—not that you would’ve believed me if the demon hadn’t dropped his projection. Now, let’s find somewhere else to talk before we get crazy alerts issued on us.” She looped one arm through Danielle’s, the other through Dean’s, and walked away from the students gaping at them.
And here I thought it was going to be a low-key morning.
People Persephone had never talked to before were suddenly very interested in her living arrangements. Luckily, no one seemed to hear the demon part of her, Dean, and Danielle’s conversation, but they’d definitely heard the living alone part—several of them were interested in making it party central, and one guy had offered to keep her company so she wasn’t so lonely. Months of work, all undone because she skipped first period, and her friends freaked out. Clenching her fists, she stormed into the cafeteria, ready to let Dean and Danielle have it.
Then they looked up at her, worry etched across their faces, and she couldn’t be mad at them for caring about her. She tossed her sack lunch on the table and plopped on the bench.
Danielle bit her lip. “I’m sorry, Persephone. I wasn’t thinking, blurting it out like that. I know people are talking, and I wish I could take it back.”
Persephone ran a hand through her hair. “It’s fine, D. It’s nice to know you care so much.” I just wish your voice didn’t carry so well.
Dean leaned forward, his expression all business. “So, what are we going to do?”
<
br /> “About the fact my secret about living alone is out?”
“About the demons. Do crosses work? Should I start gathering buckets of holy water? I feel like an idiot just saying it, but we’ve got to do something.”
“I appreciate you guys want to help,” Persephone said. “But we’re not doing anything. I’m going to deal with this, so you guys don’t have to worry. And I’m not going to have to do it alone, I’ve got my best men on it.”
And when they come together, I hope the two of them will remember they’re on the same team. Which reminded her, she should give Mara a call and let her know help was arriving tonight. After all Persephone had put her through, it’d be nice to deliver some good news.
Dean scowled. “So we just sit around and wait to see what happens?”
“Yes. Inside your house, if it’s after dark.” She looked from him to Danielle. “Don’t worry, guys. The people coming to help have been fighting demons all their lives—our ancestors have been doing it for centuries. With the help of the gods, we’ve kept the balance, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”
Laptop tucked under her arm, Lucy approached the table. “Have you guys heard what’s going on?” She sat next to Dean, opened her laptop, and twisted it toward them. “Apparently, some psycho’s on the loose. They found a sixth body near the river. The killer took the heart and everything.”
Persephone’s blood ran cold as she read the headline: Local attorney killed.
She read down the page, her heart sinking the more she read. Isadora Verga, attorney at Klein, Klein, and Lindeman, dead. She’s the sixth victim to be found missing her heart and branded with a two-pronged symbol.
“I told her to leave,” Persephone whispered. Her mind flashed to the image of Isadora’s head in the box. Where it probably was this very second.
“Persephone?” Dean’s voice sounded far away.
The world went fuzzy and she couldn’t catch her breath. The vein in her forehead throbbed. How had she forgotten about the murders? The ceremony? Between the fight with Lamia, Jax’s subsequent departure, and the demon attack last night, the heartless—and headless as the article on the screen left out—murder victims had taken a backseat.
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