by Tia Didmon
Not just Valentino. All demons are to be executed. They wish to rule the humans. They have been working for centuries to build their numbers while decimating yours.
Why did you warn us?
I wish my mother and those like her to live. I am a traitor to my race. They search for me even now. The thread went dark but didn’t snap like the hundreds before it.
Dante opened his eyes and looked at the wide-eyed Jess. “You heard everything?”
She nodded. “I don’t believe it but I heard it.”
Kiki folded her arms. “Well I didn’t. Fill a girl in.”
Dante waited for Valen to open his eyes. “The Ladon are a demon race we didn’t know existed. They wish to exterminate all other demon races and rule the human population.”
Valen laced his fingers with Laura’s. “I need to go call the council and see if they know anything about the Ladon.” He took out his phone. “Goran...” he said walking away with Laura beside him.
Kiki’s eyes narrowed. “They did this? Attacked Laura?”
“It seems likely but we can’t rule out PURE.”
She nodded to Jess. “I will see you later at the apartment.”
Jess looked at Dante. “I wouldn’t want to be one of her instructors today.”
Jenner walked up to them. “Jess you have a call from the Seattle office.”
Jenner watched until she got into a squad car to take the call. “I arranged for her to check in with her office but I want to know what’s going on with you?”
Dante was not surprised his observant new brother had noticed the change in him. “Jessica Johnson is my bride.”
Jenner blew out a long breath. “You sure?”
Dante raised an eyebrow. “There is no mistaking the most important person in your existence.”
“You’re killing me.” Jenner said exasperated.
“What vexes you?”
“You keep pilfering my agents. My family.” He said looking back at the squad car.
Dante nodded. “It appears that the demon race and the PIA have a similar need for high level psychics. But we do not wish to take your family we only wish to add to it.”
Jenner nodded unconvincingly.
Dante cleared his throat. “What is Jessica’s assignment here?”
“Originally it was to track down the leaders of PURE but Marcus has allocated every agent to finding out who orchestrated this attack. Nobody takes a hit out on my family.”
“I will work very closely with Jessica on this assignment then.”
Jenner huffed. “I bet you will.” He motioned his head toward the cars. “Come on, I’ve arranged for Laura and Valen to stay at her apartment. Most of her stuff is still there.”
“I believe Valen was hoping she would donate that... pink atrocity she calls a couch.”
“Well it’s home now.” Jenner said.
“Her apartment isn’t big enough for all of us.”
“Jess was already assigned an apartment and you get one of the recently vacated suites.”
“One of the officers killed in the altercation at the PIA?”
Jenner’s face hardened. “Yes.”
Dante motioned toward the emergency vehicles that littered the Mansions grounds. “Lead the way my brother.”
Jess unbuckled her holster and put it on the barren table after Jenner unlocked the door to her new apartment. She looked at the decent sized kitchen with its new steel appliances and gray marble counters. The cabinets were a dark wood and gave little contrast to the beige painted walls.
Jenner put the key on the stove top. “I know it’s sparse, but it’s the only three bedroom we have available. You can spruce it up any way you want. There are beds and dressers in all the rooms and your luggage is in the master. He looked over at the living room. There’s a couch and a TV but nothing else. I can look into getting you a couple extra chairs...”
“Jenner it’s fine. It’s bigger than my apartment in Seattle. Besides, Darnell and Maddie won’t be here for months and a couch is all I need. I barely watch TV.”
He nodded. “Okay. Kiki is popping in to see you before she heads back. I think she wants to make sure you’re settled. Tell her to be quick. Her instructors aren’t impressed by her little road trip.”
Jess laughed. “I bet. Funny, I never pegged her as the mother hen type.”
“Oh, she is. She just happens to be one with an AK47 strapped to her back.”
Jess followed Jenner to the door. “Got it and thanks.”
Jenner nodded and left. He had never been one for flowery speeches but he never turned his back on a team member. She respected the hell out of him. It only made what she had to do harder.
Kiki knocked then walked in. “Hey girl.”
Jess leaned against the counter in the Kitchen. “Thanks for putting in a good word for me.” The heartfelt words burned like acid on her lips.
“No problem. I’m glad you made the move. I’m not a fan of head office.”
“You’re not a fan of any authority figure.”
Kiki shrugged. “True.”
“Can I ask you about the Moretti’s?”
Kiki huffed. “The demons aren’t what you thought are they?”
“No, the ones I met were cold. The Moretti’s are...”
“The opposite of what they taught us demons should be. Loyal, kind and a total pain in my butt.”
“Why?”
Kiki shrugged. “I’m not a nice person. What were you curious about?”
“Are all the ones here so... potent?”
“As in sexy?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think so but if it wasn’t for Valen’s total devotion to Laura, I would have shot him when I met him.”
“I meant Dante but I know what you mean. When Valen looks at Laura, it’s like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.”
Kiki nodded. “I asked him about that once. He told me he may be a prince, but a demon is nothing without his bride.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know the specifics but if they don’t find their bride then they lose their will to live.”
“That seems extreme.”
“Yeah, I know. It makes it hard to hate him, especially when he eats chocolate and calls me little ninja.”
“I heard about the nickname. I didn’t realize Valen gave it to you. I assumed you brutalized some poor bastard.”
Kiki’s face hardened. “I did. Agent Dunne.”
Jess sucked in a breath. “A PIA agent?”
Kiki nodded. “He pointed a weapon at Laura. I’m a simple person. You threaten my friend. You die.”
Jess shook off the visual of Kiki pointing a weapon at her.
Kiki tipped her head to the side. “You think Dante is hot, huh?”
“I’m sure I will go to hell for admitting that.”
Kiki wiggled her eyebrows. “He is a demon.”
Jess huffed. “Not that kind. Trust me, I looked for a tail the first time I met one.”
Kiki laughed.
Jess opened the fridge and pulled out some lettuce. “I’m going to make a salad. Do you want something to eat before you go? Jenner stocked my fridge.”
Kiki frowned. “Salad? Why are you eating rabbit food? You’re as thin as I am... just with boobs.”
Jess rolled her eyes. She had always loved Kiki’s sense of humor. “I need to stay lean. In top form.”
Kiki motioned her own body. “Top form right here. No salad.”
Jess laughed. “You’re a force of nature.”
Kiki shrugged. “I’m not the one using the force to blow missiles out of the sky.”
Jess looked at the ceiling. “Jenner is keeping that fact under wraps so if I get a nickname.”
“Jessica Jedi?”
“Kiki, I swear...”
Kiki put her hands up. “My bad. I won’t say anything but I wish I could have seen it. Anyway, I have to bounce. Take care of my tribe for me.” She left. As the door swung back
and clicked into place Jess thought it sounded like a nail going into a coffin.
She was opening a drawer to grab a knife when her cell phone went off.
She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”
“Hello miss Johnson.” A hollow voice said.
“Who is this?”
“My name is Louis. My brother Draven is acting as your handler. He will contact you soon.”
“I don’t need anyone watching over me. I will get what you asked for,” she snapped.
“Draven has already been watching you. Your telekinetic ability impressed him.”
“Did you, PURE, attack us today?”
“That attack was not sanctioned by the group. I assure you there will not be any more interference while you are on the mission. Your actions put you in the good graces of the Moretti family.”
“It almost killed me.”
“Then the Moretti’s would also be dead and that is a trade I will take.”
“Where was Draven? I didn’t see anyone I didn’t recognize on scene.”
“Draven is everyone and no one. Do not let your guard down miss Johnson.” The line went dead.
Jess pulled the black card from her pocket. She may not have a choice in this but she wasn’t going in blind. And she sure as hell would not wait for Draven to call her. She punched the number into her cell phone.
Draven picked up on the first ring. “You were told to phone this for emergencies only.” His voice held the same hollow tone as Louis.
“I need some information if you wish me to proceed.”
“You will do as I tell you or pay the price,” Draven said with the same emotionless tone.
“I need more information. What do you want from the Moretti’s?”
“Valen’s recent display has altered our original agreement. My mandate has changed. We will be in touch as soon as we put the pieces we need in place.”
Jess noticed the difference between the men she spoke to. “Your stunt at the Moretti’s almost got me killed. Do you honestly think the PIA won’t be able to track down where that missile was launched from?”
“They will find it comes from a US military base and that the employee who set it off has no recollection of doing so.”
“You set up an innocent man.”
“There are always casualties in war.”
“I thought you wanted the demons eliminated. You just ruined a man’s life.”
“You are under a misunderstanding. One that will be made clear to you prior to the end of this mission.”
“Why not just tell me?”
“You are a pawn Jessica and before this war is over, we will sacrifice you.”
“I know what I am,” she hissed.
The knock at the door startled her. Draven hung up before she could.
She opened the door and let Jenner in. He had changed into jeans and a t-shirt.
Jenner looked her over. “Didn’t your clothes arrive?”
Jess looked down at her dirty uniform. “They’re here now what’s up?”
“We’re all meeting up at Laura’s.”
“She still has a place here?”
“Yes, she never got around to moving her stuff out. Her apartment is beside mine.”
“She has a level one apartment? In Seattle the top floor is for senior agents only,” she said.
“It’s the same here, but I wanted Laura close because of her medical issues.:
Jess frowned. “I wasn’t aware she had medical issues.”
Jenner nodded. “We kept it need to know but Valen has cured them now, anyway.”
“I didn’t know demons could do that.”
Jenner rolled his shoulders. “Me either. Why don’t you go change and we’ll head up to Laura’s?”
Jenner opened Laura’s door without knocking.
Valen turned with the ugliest cat she had ever seen in his arms. “Some things never change.”
Laura laughed. “Nope, he still doesn’t knock.”
Valen passed the frail feline to Dante who smiled when the cat began to purr. “Jenner, I would hate for you to walk in on your sister in a... compromising position.”
Jenner’s eyes went hard. “Don’t go there demon, I’m armed and willing to shoot you.”
Laura put her hands on her hips. “Don’t threaten my husband!”
Jenner looked at Laura unabashed. “He started it.”
Laura threw her hands in the air. “I’m surrounded by children.”
Valen’s eyes perked up. “Not yet but I am looking forward to the day...”
Jenner shook his head. “I swear to god I don’t know what I did to deserve this shit.”
“Jenner!” Laura chastised.
Jess held up one finger. “Did Valen say that Laura is your sister? Dante said you were related, but I assumed a cousin.”
The room went silent. Only the cat’s uneven purr echoed in the room.
Valen cleared his throat. “I believed that the PIA agents knew of my wife’s parentage.”
Jenner rubbed his chin. “Yeah, my father has kept that information in house. Only the L.A. agents are aware and because of his money are loyal.”
They all looked at Jess. She held up both hands. “Don’t look at me. I’m L.A. all the way baby.”
Jenner laughed. “I told you she was cool.”
Jess shrugged. “I’m sorry Laura. About the whole relation thing.”
Laura sighed. “I know. My dads a total jerk.”
Jess nodded then winked at her. “I was talking about Jenner.”
Jenner huffed. “Ha ha,” he said sarcastically.
Valen smiled. “I like her.”
Dante had been watching her. She tried to focus on the conversation around her but when his eyes met hers, they flashed red. Her body heated in a way she had never experienced. Her pussy clenched hard. She folded her arms to cover her peaking nipples. She looked away in embarrassment. What the hell?
Dante shimmered in her mind. I will explain what is happening as soon as we have a moment alone.
Jess startled, looking at him in awe. How did you do that?
We have a... connection.
Because I let you help me with the missile?
No, that only strengthened our bond.
There was a knock on the door before Marcus walked in. He nodded at Valen and Dante then held out his hand to Jess. “It’s good to have you on board.”
She shook his hand and detected a slight tingle before he pulled it away.
Marcus cleared his throat. “There was no mention of even a low level of telekinetic ability in your file. How was that missed?”
“It was nothing until a few weeks ago.”
“Explain.” Marcus commanded.
Dante passed the purring cat to Jenner. “Jessica heard a buzzing in her ears a few weeks ago. She could hear a few words. Prince. Assassination. Help. I think you understand.”
Marcus turned to Jess. “You heard Valentino’s proclamation.”
Jess shook her head. “What proclamation?”
Dante inclined his head. “I have not explained it to her yet. But I will. You will defer to me in this.”
Marcus eyes widened. “I see. Please keep me apprised.” He left.
“Since when does the director of the PIA defer to... demons.” There were several glances between the Moretti’s and Jenner. “What is going on?”
Chapter 3
Jess looked around the room. “I’m waiting.”
Dante rubbed his forehead. “Valen is the true prince of the demon people.”
Valen shifted his weight. “As are you, my brother.”
Jessica shifted uncomfortably. “How big is the... royal family?”
“Only those in this room.” Dante said.
“How come the Seattle office isn’t aware of this?”
Jenner rubbed his neck. “Except for Kiki and Marcus, we are the only PIA agents that know. I think it’s safer that way.”
Jess felt sick. �
��You shouldn’t have told me... wait, you wouldn’t have if I hadn’t heard that... proclamation.”
Dante glanced at Valen. “There has not been a prince born with Valen’s power in thousands of years. Demons believed the power lost to their race.”
Jess frowned. “What is this power?”
“He has the power to connect to any demon telepathically. To connect us all.”
“That doesn’t explain Marcus deferring to you or why I heard this proclamation,” Jess said.
“PURE shot Valen with a psychic bullet. Had Laura not connected and bonded with him, he would have died. She needed time to get to him so he called to the people to give him strength. Those were the words you heard. We never considered that a human would hear his call.”
“Why did I hear you?”
Dante shot his brother a quick glance. “I have a theory about that. I was connected to Valen when he called out for help.”
“What is your theory?”
Dante swallowed. “I wish to discuss that in private. Can you tell me what it was like for you. I know you only heard a few words but the fact that you heard anything is... surprising.”
Jess looked down, recalling the moment her head began to buzz. “I was baking cookies with Maddie. We had just put them in the oven when I heard the buzzing in my ears. I was asking Maddie what it was but she couldn’t hear anything. I felt like I was trying to tune into a radio station but the frequency was off. When it was over, I wasn’t sure it was real. I thought it must have been a bad migraine.”
Dante turned to Valen. “What if you can reach out to all the... I mean women with high telepathic ability?” Valen raised an eyebrow. “That’s an interesting idea. Naturally I look for demon pathways but I would want to give it some thought before trying it. I have no wish to open a pathway to humanity.”
“You’re married to a human, do you have something against us?” Jess said.
Valen looked at his bride. “Humans have given me more than I could have hoped for.”
Jess frowned, seeing the love in his eyes. Hearing the truth in his words.
Dante touched her arm. “Jessica, the demon race used to have a King. He possessed both the power of the mind and the power of blood. He opened a pathway to the human race. He commanded them. Controlled them. When they grew to despise him. He slaughtered them. After he had killed every human in his territory for insubordinate thoughts, Mother Nature stepped in.”
