by Jade, Imari
The two men spotted her and Lucius and walked over to them.
“Nice to see you again, Isabella,” Darius said.
There was no love lost between her and her father. Inside she wanted to reach out and strangle him. It took everything she had not to. She bowed. “Father and Prince Alta.”
Zolin did not comment at her formal greeting toward him. Calling the killer by his first name would have given him false hope that she liked him, which she didn’t. In order to get along with the vampires, she decided to keep everything strictly business.
Zolin bowed back. “Princess Masakerta.”
Isabella rolled her eyes at him. He knew she hated to be called by her true name. She refused to comment in respect to the treaty between them.
The doors of the chambers opened and the rest of the members arrived dressed in their royal blue robes. The eight member council took their seats. Alesandro was noticeably missing.
“He’ll be here,” Lucius told her as the two of them found seats in the audience, with the other non-members who were invited.
Alesandro arrived a few minutes later, looking a bit harried. “Sorry,” he apologized. “I been on the link with King Adjatay.”
The link he spoke of was a mental form of communication shared amongst the vampires...and between her and Alesandro.
Isabella frowned when she heard the king’s name. Her action did not go unnoticed by her father who shook his head disapprovingly at her. Isabella ignored it, more concerned about the content of the conversation between the king of vampires and the prince of the city.
“Of course he is concerned about what is happening here and wants us to come home at the first sign of danger.”
Right, like rats deserting a sinking ship.
“He’s using all of his contacts to help us with this puzzle.”
Thaddeus raised his hand. “What problem?”
Alesandro stopped talking. “Oh yes, I forgot you don’t know the reason behind the meeting. The world is ending.”
There was mumbling and gasps amongst the ranks.
Carlo raised his hand. “What are you saying? And, what is she doing here?” He pointed toward Isabella.
“First of all, do not refer to the future Princess Roma, as she.”
Isabella hissed loudly at his statement but Lucius patted her hand to comfort her and to help her keep her cool.
Alesandro did not really help matters by carelessly looking toward her lovingly. Ooh, he aggravated her nerves to no end. Why did he want to incite a riot when he knew how the council felt about her? Ha, his future bride. I’d rather be stripped and boiled in oil.
“That can be arranged,” Alesandro said in her head.
Zolin stifled a chuckle, which meant both he and Darius were privy to their conversation via the private link. Isabella forcefully blocked them out. All three vampires moved slightly from the pressure push.
“Now, as I was saying, the mortal world is going to be destroyed in three days.”
One of the few things she liked about Alesandro was, he did not beat around the bush when he had something to say.
“What are you talking about?” Galen, the shade asked. “I don’t find this a bit funny.”
Isabella did. What did Galen care since she was already dead?
“This world is going to be destroyed in three days unless we figure out a way to prevent it.”
The conversation among the others grew louder. A few of them thought Alesandro was crazy, while the others worried about insignificant stuff like their businesses and homes.
“Would you please stop talking and listen?” Darius asked. “Alesandro speaks the truth.”
“How and why?” Carlo asked.
“How, I think in one big explosion,” Alesandro replied. “As for the why, because Lucifer has deemed the mortal world corrupt.”
There were a few gasps from the audience at the mention of the fallen angel’s name.
“When did you speak with him?” someone asked from the audience. It was a female, possibly one of Lucius’ wolves.
“The other night,” Alesandro replied. “He came to me and told me of his plans.”
“Was he joking?” the woman asked.
“I’m afraid not. We have three days to figure out a way to stop this.”
“It all makes sense,” Galen replied as her body began to fade. “The things happening lately…the hurricanes, the bird and fish kills, oil tankers exploding, and things the authorities cannot explain.” She materialized again. Shades could only hold their mortal form for short periods of time.
“It is all your people’s fault,” Thaddeus said, standing and pointing a finger at Zolin.
“What are you going on about, little man?” Zolin asked, rising to the occasion. He never backed down from a fight.
“The Mayan prediction…the end of days.”
Zolin sat back down, straightening his suit jacket. “How can you hold them responsible for an idiotic prediction made eight hundred years ago? Besides the fact it was supposed to happen on the twenty-first of December. It is now the twenty-seventh.”
With Zolin everything was either black or white with no room for anything in between.
“Make them take it back,” Thaddeus shouted at him. “So what if they’re a couple of days off?”
“Predictions don’t work like that, and yes, you’re partially correct,” Alesandro continued. “This does have something to do with the prediction. True, the world did not end on the twenty-first but the other part of the prediction did happen. A portal between the Underworld and the mortal world opened. Lucifer appeared, along with Baron Samedi and Kubol, who I guess are here to take souls back to the Underworld.”
The room exploded with chatter at the mention of the two voodoo Loas.
“So, it’s her fault,” Carlo said pointing to Isabella again. “She caused this.”
“I did not, fat boy,” Isabella said, tired of being accused of everything that went wrong in their lives. “I had nothing to do with this.”
“Then why are you here?” Galen asked.
Isabella turned her attention on the shade. “Because Lucifer seems to think, Alesandro and I might be able to stop this if we can solve his puzzle.”
The ghost eyed her suspiciously. “Why you? There are other female members on the council far more worthy to help Alesandro.”
Was it her imagination or did Galen sound jealous? Isabella eyed Alesandro with contempt. The man did nothing but shrug his shoulders and pretend he didn’t know what was going on with Galen.
“Yes, I’m sure there are but he didn’t come to you or the other women on the council—he chose me. So, we can either sit here and discuss this like rational adults, or we can fight it out to see who gets the pleasure of the prince of the city’s company for the next three days until we die.”
Galen faded quickly.
“Good, that’s settled. Continue Alesandro.” Isabella said.
“Thank you, my Princess. Now, as I was saying, Lucifer has left us with a puzzle. He wants us to find the best and, by best, I mean good creature in the world and the worst evil creature in the world and get them together.”
“What do you mean, together?” Zolin asked.
“It doesn’t mean putting them together in the same room and the world won’t end. We’re talking about creatures with opposing viewpoints. They have to agree to get along and mean it for the good of mankind.”
Zolin rubbed his chin. “So, we have to find someone good like an angel.”
Isabella shook her head. Why does every one assume all angels were good? Wasn’t Lucifer an angel?
“Something like that,” Alesandro replied. “I don’t think this creature has to be entirely pure. I’m thinking more on the line of a do-gooder, a defender of justice. Someone who will put the good of the world before his or herself on safety.”
“And the evil one?” Darius asked.
“This is where it gets hard. Whom do you know who can be conside
red the baddest of bad in this world?”
For some reason all eyes and fingers pointed to him.
Alesandro chuckled. “Come on guys, I’m serious.”
“So are we,” Carlo replied. “You’re very bad.”
Alesandro looked floored. “Really? Am I really so bad? How can you say I’m so bad? I’ve been on my best behavior since coming to the mortal world.”
“Not before coming,” Galen said, materializing again. “We heard rumors before you got here. Alesandro, you were a very bad boy.” She paused and wagged her finger at him. “Why else do you think Lucifer appeared to you and not Prince Masakerta or Prince Alta?”
Alesandro thought about what Galen had said and every now and then a tiny smile would appear on his face, like he was remembering some deviant act he’d performed before coming to the mortal world.
For some reason only she seemed privy to his thoughts. Alesandro unconsciously allowed her to view some of his past misdeeds and they weren’t pretty. None of this really surprised her. Isabella knew what kind of monster Alesandro truly was.
Alesandro looked her way and gazed at her through lowered lashes. “Do not judge me,” he told her mentally. “The very same beast rages in you.”
Of course she knew all this to be true. Why in the hell did he think she wanted the world to end six nights ago?
The only answer he gave her was a raised eyebrow.
To her it was better for her to die than let the mortal world see the other side of her.
“Who would you choose to be the goodie?” Alesandro asked once he’d stopped his perusal of her.
“It has to be someone the complete opposite of Alesandro,” Darius replied. “Someone who hates everything he loves, someone who’d put their life on the line to save the world from him, someone who despised everything he is, was, knows and admires.”
All eyes turned toward Isabella.
Shit. Down deep, Isabella knew something like this would happen.
Darius chuckled. “That damned Lucifer still has that wicked sense of humor.”
Isabella failed to see the levity.
“It’s you, dear daughter. In order to save this world, the Vanquisher must get together with the Prince of the City.”
“Shit,” Isabella said aloud this time. She rose and headed toward the exit. “Then you guys and this world are pretty much fucked.”
Chapter Eighteen
“What?” Collena asked as she and Isabella reclined in a hot tub, on the property of Collena’s spacious mansion on Saint Charles Avenue. “They want you and Alesandro Roma to what?”
“Get together,” Isabella said as she closed her eyes and allowed the hot water to massage her tired, achy muscles.
“No, I don’t even want you talking to him. Why would they think Lucifer meant you two? You barely know him.”
If Collena only knew how much she did know Alesandro, or dreamed about him. “How should I know? Maybe there is some truth in it. I’m against everything he stands for.”
“So, let’s say the two of you are the chosen ones. What are you supposed to do…talk?”
“Nothing is that easy,” Isabella said. “Lucifer did not specifically say what we are supposed to do but we’re dealing with a devil here. I suppose we have to perform some kind of monumental fête together, like stay in the same room together for twenty-four hours without killing each other.”
Isabella opened her eyes, as Collena climbed out of the water and walked over to a chair to put on a robe. If she was into women, Collena would be a perfect candidate with her muscular tanned body and great breasts.
“You’re not taking this seriously,” Collena replied, flopping down in a chair and retrieving a frosty glass of iced tea.
Isabella sighed and stepped out the water, aware that she had Collena’s full attention. Collena, on the other hand was very much into women. The woman’s eyes never left her body until she had donned her own robe and sat down. Another woman, checking her out did not bother Isabella, as long as they did not expect her to reciprocate.
“I am taking this seriously and I really don’t have a choice. If I have to get along with Alesandro to save the world, I’ll try my best.”
“So, when are the two of you meeting with Lucifer?”
“Tonight after dusk,” Isabella answered. “Alesandro has already arranged the meeting.”
“When and where?” Collena asked, sipping her tea.
“Alesandro’s place, around ten.”
Collena stopped sipping. “Alone?”
“I’ll be armed,” Isabella assured her.
“You know that’s not what I’m referring to. What if he tries something…you know sexually?”
“Nothing is going to happen,” Isabella assured her again. “We’ll be too busy with the second part of the puzzle.”
“Second part?” Collena asked.
Isabella nodded. “There has to be a second part. If Alesandro and I are the players, then there must be something else we have to do to actually stop the destruction which has already begun.”
“I understand,” Collena said. She rubbed her chin. “It has to be something big. Something mind-blowing.”
Isabella shuddered. Anytime alone with Alesandro would be mind-blowing.
“You seem nervous all of a sudden,” Collena said, staring at her across the table.
“Not really. I’ve been alone with a man before.”
“I’m not talking about a man, Isabella. You are going to be alone in a mansion with Alesandro Roma.”
* * * *
“Miss Denning is here to see you, Mister Mayor,” Torrey said to Malcolm, who’d returned from a meeting with the city council.
“Send her in.”
The next he knew Isabella Denning stood in his office, dressed in a black pantsuit with a high collar and a white dressed shirt that made her look all business.
“Please sit down,” he told her, offering her a seat. “Would you care for some coffee or tea?”
“No thanks,” Isabella said. “This is not a social visit. I came bearing bad news.”
Malcolm settled down in a chair at his desk. “What could you possibly tell me that is so dire?”
“This world is about to come to an end.”
He had not expected that. “What? When?” he asked, knowing anything she said could be taken as the truth.
“In two days,” Isabella replied. “I’m sorry. I know you weren’t expecting this but I got it from a very reliable source.”
Malcolm leaned forward in his chair trying not to show fear. “Why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me everything.”
It took twenty minutes.
“Lucifer?”
Isabella nodded. “I told you things go on in this town that could curl your hair.”
“How can we prevent this? Can you find two such creatures?”
Isabella shrugged. “Anything is possible if we have enough time, which we don’t.”
Malcolm leaned back in his chair. “I thought we might have a second dance before I die,” he joked. “I would have moved a little quicker if I knew I was going to die before I kissed you.”
Isabella rose, walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She smelled like sunshine and everything good in the world. Her lips touched his, sending the most spectacular feelings through his body.
“I will do all I can,” Isabella whispered breathlessly against his lips. She straightened up and moved away from him.
His body had hardened to a full arousal. “Please do. Please save the world.”
Isabella walked toward the door. “I’ll do my best,” she said before disappearing out of his office.
“Damn,” Malcolm said adjusting his pants to alleviate his discomfort. “It cannot end like this.”
* * * *
“What do you mean the world is going to end in two days?” Oliver asked Malcolm as he and the Chief of Police attended a private meeting with the mayor.
“Isa
bella Denning came here earlier and told me everything. So, you can call off your investigations. Apparently all the things happening were caused by a demon more powerful than either of you can imagine.”
“What creature?” Anthony asked. “I’ve never met a creature I can’t handle with a revolver.”
“Try Lucifer,” Malcolm replied, watching the smile disappear from Anthony’s face.
“A devil?”
Malcolm nodded. “Apparently he decided that he’s tired of this corrupt world and wants to destroy it.” He filled them in on what else Isabella told him. “Do you think she can stop this?”
Oliver nodded. “If anyone can, Isabella can.”
“You have a lot of faith in her,” Malcolm replied. “Why? She’s only a woman.”
“Because she’s our last and best hope,” Oliver said. “Isabella is not just a woman. There’s more to her than what you’ve seen.”
Malcolm chuckled. “I’ve figured that out. She’s a strong young woman with some amazing preternatural powers.”
“She’s more than that,” Oliver replied. “But you need to find it out for yourself.”
“If I’m alive long enough,” Malcolm said. “How do I begin to prepare everyone for this in case she fails?”
He was not looking forward to meeting with the governor or the President of the United States and giving them the bad news. The results would be disastrous. There would be mass pandemonium.
“I think I won’t make a formal announcement,” Malcolm finally told the other two men. “Why send the world into a panic before anything happens? Let them go on with their lives in complete ignorance.”
Anthony nodded in agreement. “What good will it do anyway?”
Oliver agreed with him. “I have faith in Isabella. She will come through for the world and humanity as she’s always done.”
Malcolm hoped he was right. “I think I’ll head over to church when I leave here this evening.”
“Why?” Anthony asked.
“I think the world needs all the help it can get.”
Chapter Nineteen
Darkness came too quickly. Isabella looked down at her outfit as she drove through the gates of Alesandro’s mansion after she’d cleared security. Why am I wearing a dress? Normally he’d seen her in pants, T-shirts, and boots but today she wore a form-fitting dress, heels, and she’d styled her hair in a French knot. It wasn’t like she was on a date.
