The Demon King Davian (Deadly Attraction Book 1)

by Calista Fox

  “Damn it.” Releasing Jade, Davian yanked on his pants. “Just…hold tight,” he told her. Then he stalked into the short hallway, unlatched the door and jerked it open. “Yes?”

  “Sorry for the intrusion, my Lord.”

  “It’s the middle of the night.”

  “The sun will be up in an hour or so. This couldn’t wait.”

  Davian stepped back and said, “Fine.”

  He led Morgan to the dining table. His general unrolled a map and spread it across the wooden surface, getting right down to business.

  “As you know, we brought the six demons we captured in Canada to the castle for interrogation. But while you returned with them, my men continued to search for the remainder of their party. We located them all,” he said as he pointed to Ontario. “With the exception of the fire wraith. However, I believe I know where he is. Or at least, where he’s recently been.”

  “Not in Canada?” Davian ventured.

  “That small colony was a decoy. While we were tracking them, the fire wraith, I suspect, has led another army of rogue demons. A larger one of a hundred to a hundred and fifty, all of varying species.”

  “Fuck,” he all but growled.

  “Yes. They’ve been active. According to the steward of the central region, located in South Dakota, they dispatched patrols at your request. When they reached the southern states, they learned the band of renegades had mowed down several villages along the Mississippi and Arkansas border, moving north into the Ozark Mountains.”

  “Casualties?”

  “Many. Two slayers and about fifty humans. There were a few survivors, who reported what they knew to the patrols.”

  He heard Jade gasp as she stood in the archway to the hall. She’d changed from his shirt to a nightgown and robe, cinched at her waist. She’d removed his ring, apparently not wanting to bring its presence to Morgan’s attention.

  “Come over here,” Davian said to her.

  She joined them at the table. “Morgan.”

  “Hello, Jade. My apologies for the early hour.”

  “It’s fine. Can I listen to what you’ve learned?”

  The general deferred to Davian, who said, “Of course.” He clasped her hand and pulled her into his lap, so she had a good view of the map they still studied.

  Morgan continued. “The marauding demons took all the supplies from the villages they attacked. They had horses and wagons, and yet…they’ve disappeared.”

  “Into the mountains?” Davian asked.

  “That was the first assumption. But navigating that range with wagons… It’d be slow-going if it was even possible at all. The patrols would have caught up to them. Instead, they’ve lost the tracks and it seems as though the demons simply vanished.”

  “That’s not feasible if they’re not all wraiths. The ghosts have the ability to become invisible, along with their clothes and swords. Their steeds, even. But none of the other demons in the army would be capable of this.”

  “If they shared horses, it would be conceivable. But they can’t stay in that state for long with the other demons in tow.”

  “You said they were in Arkansas?” Jade asked in a unobtrusive voice.

  Davian felt the anxiety snake through her, likely over the prospect of more villages being destroyed and more lives lost.

  Morgan nodded.

  She said, “The Ozarks have underground caverns. Some of them are enormous, with rivers running through them or lakes. Centuries ago, Indian tribes and even refugees from the Civil War would temporarily reside in the caves, making it difficult for anyone to find them.”

  Davian and Morgan exchanged a look.

  “That would certainly explain why the tracks abruptly end,” Morgan suggested.

  “There were large outlets so wagons could make their way inside,” Jade explained. “I’ve read about them in Lisette’s geography books.”

  “But the openings must be problematic to spot,” Morgan mused.

  “They could be covered with brush and foliage,” Davian surmised.

  “You’d have to closely inspect the right location to know it’s camouflage,” the general said.

  “Send a patrol from our region to join the others. Three hundred, Morgan. I want them found before they strike again.”

  “That might not be possible, considering the current distance between us and them.”

  “Then ride hard.”

  “Yes, my Lord.”

  Davian’s mind whirled as Morgan stood and collected his map. As his general strode toward the door, Davian said, “Wait.”

  He gently patted Jade on the behind and she stood.

  He told Morgan, “I’m going with you.”

  Jade opened her mouth as though to protest.

  “Of course,” the other man said. “I’ll make the necessary preparations. Goodbye, Jade.”

  “Morgan.” Her voice was a wispy breath.

  When Davian glanced down at her, he found the color had drained from her face.

  “You’re not really going, are you?”

  He nodded. “They must be stopped. And I’m the one advocating peace, so I’m the one who needs to lead the charge against them.”

  Concern flashed in her eyes. “You’ll be gone for a very long time. I won’t have any way to know if you’re okay.”

  “I’ll send word.”

  She stared up at him. “Are you sure you’re not going because I told you we couldn’t get married?”

  His grin was a cocky one. “Yet another conversation we’re not done with.”

  “Davian—”

  “Shh,” he said before he kissed her. “No more on the subject until I return.”

  Following him into the bedroom as he retrieved his shirt and boots, she told him, “You’ll have to find some way to alert me of your status frequently, otherwise I’ll go crazy obsessing over what’s going on down south with you and the villages.”

  Once dressed, he said, “No, you won’t. You’ll stay calm and you’ll do what you always do. Keep your friends and neighbors informed of what you know, but let the slayers do their jobs. That means continuing to allow them to escort you. I don’t want you roaming the woods by yourself, even if it’s during the day.” His expression turned pointed. “Don’t make me worry about you.”

  “I’ll try to behave.”

  “That’s probably the best I can hope for when it comes to you.”

  Pulling her into his arms, he gave her a long kiss that left him agonizing over leaving her. But he had business to tend to.

  “Be safe,” he said.

  “You too.”

  He lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over the backs of her fingers. “I love you.”

  “And I love you.”

  He lingered a moment longer, staring into her eyes.

  Then he turned and walked out.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Jade, you’re running over,” Michael lamented.

  She tore her gaze from the window at the front of the tavern to the beer mug in her hand. “Damn.” She closed the tap and handed the drink to Len Bartel, who owned the general store.

  Michael regarded her thoughtfully, then said, “You’ve been distracted for weeks. What’s going on?”

  The slayers had held a community meeting the day after Christmas, and now everyone knew about the decimated villages in the south. They also knew the king had sent an army to deal with the rebellious demons, but they didn’t know Davian had gone with that patrol. She assumed he and his advisors had thought it best to maintain the illusion he was still at the castle, so Jade perpetuated the guise. It was too bad it wasn’t true, because she missed him. And wondered constantly if he was all right.

  “I’m just thinking about those people in the southern states,” she told her friend. “Hoping no others have suffered.”

  Luckily, she had almost daily training and workouts with Toran to help occupy her mind, or she really would go crazy. Her body had changed dramatically
with the weight loss and the intense exercise and she felt stronger than ever before. So much so, Toran had stepped up the pace on their footwork and their sword fighting. Jade almost matched his expertise.

  No one knew of their partnership, which made her feel slightly guilty. Michael had tried to engage her in activities when the tavern wasn’t open, but she was always busy.

  His shoulder had healed and he’d suggested they go riding, but Jade had turned him down on several occasions. She did not want to mislead him, nor did she want word to spread if they spent time together. Romantically, her loyalty was to Davian. She even wore his ring, though on her right hand and with the marking turned downward, so no one could see it.

  Of course, Michael had noticed the new piece of jewelry. But rather than pick another fight with her, he’d shaken his head and had wandered off. It seemed avoidance was the best way to keep their friendship intact.

  She worked her shift with one eye on the window, hoping for Morgan or a castle messenger to bring word of the patrol. Or for Davian to ride by. Neither happened, though Toran came through the door just before eleven o’clock.

  “Jade,” he called out unceremoniously. “I need to speak with you.”

  This created a buzz of curiosity in the tavern, so she smiled nonchalantly to put everyone’s mind at ease. “Probably just needs to rearrange my ride home.”

  She grabbed her jacket, since Toran headed back out the door without even waiting for her. Hurrying to catch up, she followed him down the walkway. As they approached the medical clinic, she noticed Walker’s horse next to Toran’s, as well as the one designated for the physician. Beside the animals sat the long, narrow cart used to transport injured patients to the clinic.

  Unfortunately, Toran stopped in front of Dr. Schaeffer’s building.

  “What happened?” she demanded before they entered.

  “Walker was ambushed on his watch. Shifters. An entire pack. He couldn’t fight them all off.” Toran pushed open the door and she walked briskly behind him.

  “Jade,” the physician said. “I’m glad to see you’re well.”

  She’d visited him once she was fully healed to thank him for his assistance with her recuperation, but the uncertainty she’d seen in his eyes had told her he was wary of her—or for her. No doubt because he’d learned of her relationship with the Demon King. And her self-healing abilities.

  “Thank you,” she said. Though she was in perfect health, this new incident rattled her. “How’s Walker?”

  The doctor was equally agitated. “Not so good, I’m afraid. We just brought him in. I need to stitch him up.”

  She heard the slayer’s grunts from behind the white curtain drawn to separate the examination stations.

  “I’ve sedated him, but he’s in a lot of pain,” Schaeffer explained. “When I’m done, I’ll need to medically induce a coma so he can recover.” The severe expression on the older man’s face, however, indicated he wasn’t convinced Walker would survive.

  “My God,” she murmured at the prognosis. She pulled back the drape and gasped.

  Vicious claw marks across the slayer’s face and chest instantly brought back images Jade had buried long ago. The bile rose in her throat.

  Her eyes widened and she clamped a hand over her mouth. Schaeffer directed her toward another exam area and held a bucket out for her. She vomited into it as her stomach roiled.

  She grabbed the container from him. “Do what you have to do for Walker.”

  Leaving the clinic, she set the pail on the ground in the event she needed it again. She sank to her haunches, because her legs nearly gave out on her, and sucked in some much-needed oxygen. Toran joined her and handed over a wet towel. She pressed the material against her mouth for a minute or so, finding it—and the frosty air—refreshing.

  Finally, she said, “That is horrific.”

  “Yes. You didn’t have to look.”

  “Actually, I did.” A peculiar sensation seeped through her veins. “I needed the reminder. As much as I’d like to think I’m under protection from you and the king, that’s not totally true. For any of us. Random assaults still occur. I can’t give into a false sense of security. I’ve known this all along.”

  A rude and jarring awakening, yes. But a necessary one, she realized.

  Immediately, the remainder of what had been brewing inside her the past few months fell into place. She’d skirted her true destiny for far too long. It was time for her to take action, especially now that the village was minus a slayer—and at a crucial point in time when murderous demons were attacking.

  She stood and her gaze locked with Toran’s. “Swear me in.”

  His eyes bulged. “What?”

  “Do it,” she insisted. “Swear me in as a slayer. I’ll take the oath.”

  “No,” he said as he shook his head vehemently. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, Jade.”

  “Toran.” Irritation—and anxiety over the danger that lingered too close to them all—tinged her voice. “I know exactly what I’m talking about. No, my father was not a demon slayer, but he was leader of this village. You’re not interested in the daily politics, but I’m basically a liaison to the castle. And you can’t patrol alone. Ryleigh has always had two slayers, even before you became one.”

  “Jade, it takes years of training. I practically started when I could walk, since my uncle knew I would someday replace him. You’ve only recently been at it.”

  “That’s not true,” she rushed on. “I learned to fight when I was a kid too. And you can’t tell me that all the training we’ve done lately hasn’t made me good enough to take Walker’s assignment.”

  “I won’t dispute that.” He rubbed his temple as though a headache had suddenly set in. Seemed to be a common occurrence when they were together. “But you still don’t know how to kill demons.”

  “Then show me.”

  He looked ill. “Jade, this isn’t something you just suddenly decide to do. It’s a life choice. Once you’re a slayer, you’re always a slayer. Until you die.” His expression turned grave. “Usually by injuries similar to Walker’s and Jinx’s.”

  “Low blow, Toran.” She seethed. Then shook her head. “Look, I understand, okay? This is not an arbitrary thought. I’ve wondered for a long time if this was the path I was meant to take. I believe it is. There’s no one else in Ryleigh to partner with you. I’m your best bet. Your only bet. And a damn good one at that.”

  “Holy Christ.” He appeared to need the bucket as well, but refrained. “When the king finds out—” Toran all but growled. “Fuck, Jade. He’ll never stand for this. I’ve seen his horse outside your cottage. I know he visits you and there’s something between you two. He won’t approve of this. Hell, that’s a monumental understatement. He’ll be furious.”

  “I take complete responsibility for my actions.” Though she knew Toran was right. And the fallout would, no doubt, be hellacious. But just thinking of Walker lying in the clinic made her bound and determined. “You’re the only person now who can make me a slayer. Do it, Toran. You know it’s the right thing for this village.”

  “I will never hear the end of it if I do.” Then he grumbled, “I’ll never hear the end of it if I don’t. Goddamn it, Jade. You are such a pain in the ass.”

  “I’m sure you’re not the first one to notice.”

  He harrumphed. “It won’t do us any favors to have me on the king’s shit list.”

  “I’ll deal with him later. Let’s go.”

  She rushed toward the town hall with Toran stomping along beside her, complaining and continuing to shake his head. He found the official registry information and completed the paperwork to record the new addition to the world of slayers.

  Then Jade took her oath to sacrifice her own life in order to protect human lives against demon attacks.

  Not once did she delude herself into believing Davian would understand the decision she’d made to forego her own safety in lieu of others’. She’d bro
ken her promise to him and had likely violated his trust. And though her heart constricted at the thought, her head told her she was doing what she’d been born to do.

  “Now,” she said to her new partner. “Teach me everything you know.”

  * * *

  While Walker fought for his life, Toran introduced Jade to the very nasty reality of demon slaying. They started small, with the most basic and easiest principles and targets. Though, admittedly, killing vampires turned out to be more complex than she’d anticipated. They didn’t practice on real ones, obviously, but Toran noted the exact point of entry to the heart that would stake a vampire and she had to work diligently on her aim.

  Toran hung a burlap-encased dummy from a tree in the forest, and as it blew in the wind, it mimicked a body moving during a fight, surging forward or lunging to the left or right. Even retreating or aggressively advancing at times.

  Mostly, Toran sighed and glowered at her.

  “You’re quicker than this, Jade. I’ve seen you move recently. But you’re holding back. You’re not focusing on the red ‘X’ I drew. Keep your eye on it at all times. Go for the kill.”

  Perhaps it was thoughts of Sheena that made it nearly impossible to concentrate on slaying a vampire. Jade forced herself to rise above that notion. She wasn’t taking on Sheena. Her enemies would come from outside the king’s alliance.

  After mastering her task many days later, Toran taught her to do something similar with the horned demons. They also required a direct hit in a precise location, between their horns.

  “It’s a miniscule, tender spot,” Toran explained.

  He pressed a fingertip to her forehead to indicate the exact area.

  “Unlike with vampires, there’s no need to drive deep with your sword. The most effective way to kill vamps is to run them through and cut off their heads. Then burn the bodies. With the horned demons, you just need to pierce the skull an inch or so. It triggers a violent reaction that, for lack of a better descriptor, skews their brain cells and sends them into seizures. They also tend to spew yellow puss from just about every pore and orifice, so don’t stay too close after you’ve hit your target. It’s vile.”