by E. S. Moore
Without saying a word, Nathan lifted his hand and gently touched my cheek. His thumb traced my cheekbone before I could jerk back.
Sudden pain filled his eyes, and he turned and stormed out of the room, leaving me completely dumbfounded.
What in the hell just happened?
Before I could consider the implications of Nathan’s strange behavior, Jonathan returned. He had my gun in his hand.
“It was picked up and taken to where I keep the few wea—” Jonathan slowed and stopped just inside the door. A concerned look crossed his face and he looked around the room as if he expected someone or something to be there. “What happened?”
I turned my dazed stare to him. I licked my lips, tried to shake the confusion out of my head. “Nothing,” I said. “Just feeling kind of woozy is all.”
I reached out and took the gun, checking to make sure it was still loaded before slipping it into my coat.
“The sun will be up shortly,” Jonathan said, still looking at me warily. “You can take my room. It is proofed against the sun. You will be safe there.”
I wondered why his bedroom would be sunlight proof. A werewolf didn’t need to worry about it like a vampire. Was I the first he’d ever invited over? Or had there been others?
“Thanks,” I said, pushing the thought away. I really didn’t want to know.
“There’s a set of women’s clothing in a chest by the wall. You can find something to sleep in there if you want. There are also clothes you can wear home if you would like to change.”
“I don’t sleep,” I said. And add the whole keeping women’s clothes thing to my list of things I didn’t want to know about.
Jonathan smiled in what I took as a slightly annoyed way. “Or at least there is something to wear so you are more comfortable as you wait for the night. Feel free to come out here as well. The sun cannot reach you as long as you keep the drapes and blinds closed. There are books there.” He indicated a small line of bookshelves in the back of the room. “You can read any you like.”
I nodded. I felt sick to my stomach and I wasn’t sure why. Was it the thought of staying at the Den? Was it how Nathan had treated me? I wasn’t sure.
“I’ll leave you, then,” he said. His eyes lingered on mine as if he hoped I would ask him to stay.
I kept my lips firmly sealed. I knew if I opened them, I’d say something I’d regret later.
Jonathan nodded once before leaving. I let out a pent-up breath, wincing as my ribs groaned.
I watched the closed door a moment longer, half wishing Jonathan would come back in, half hoping I’d somehow be transported all the way home so I wouldn’t have to go through this any longer. When it was clear neither was going to happen, I turned around and went into Jonathan’s bedroom to wait out the long day ahead.
27
I somehow made it through the day without going crazy. I kept my dirty clothes on, steadfastly refusing to look in the chest by the wall, knowing if I did, I’d start asking questions. I sat in a chair in the bedroom, more or less sulking, when I wasn’t pacing.
More than once, I considered going out and grabbing a book from the sitting room, but I had a strange fear that if I did, someone would come in and catch me in the act. It was totally irrational, I know. I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head that I was somewhere I shouldn’t be.
So I stayed, bored out of my mind.
At least no one bothered me all day. I knew there were probably guards stationed outside the sitting room doors, which suited me fine. They would keep anyone away, though it did irk me a little that they might be there for my protection . . . if they were even there at all.
The hours sludged by and the moment I felt it was evening, I was up and heading for the door. I risked a peek out the window to make sure and much to my satisfaction, I saw twilight had already come and gone.
A startled Cultist gasped at me as I threw open the sitting room doors. He staggered back, looking as though he thought I might hurt him. He was just a kid, head freshly shorn. I didn’t recognize him at all.
I barely paid him any mind as I headed for the stairs. The guy had probably been my guard for the last few hours. Seeing how small and frightened he was, it made me feel a little better. I was pretty sure Jonathan had only put him there just to make sure no one bothered me.
I hurried down the stairs and made for the front door as quickly as I could. I didn’t want to see Jonathan or Nathan. I just wanted to get home without having to talk about anything that had gone on recently.
Neither wolf was in sight and I nearly laughed. Pablo peered at me from a side room. He wasn’t wearing his robe, which was kind of odd. Instead, he had on a white T-shirt, pajama bottoms, and bunny slippers.
I almost stopped to stare at him. Never in a million years would I have thought Pablo of all people would wear something like that, but really, I’d never taken the time to get to know the man. Just because he was an ass to me didn’t mean he was that way all the time.
I kept walking and he let me pass without a word. I glanced back toward the stairs to see if he was still watching me as I opened the front door, but he was already gone.
I stepped out into the night with a sigh. It felt like I was running away again. Jonathan would probably be hurt when he found out I’d bolted. Then again, he seemed to understand me relatively well and would know I didn’t like feeling as though someone was taking care of me. Hell, he probably expected me to be gone before he roused for the night anyway.
I kept my shoulders hunched as I walked toward the parking garage. It was bitingly cold, and the slightest breeze stung my cheeks. Winter was in full throttle. And winters here could be pretty rough.
My extra gun sat heavily in my coat pocket and I kept fingering it like a long-lost lover. It was a wonder I didn’t accidentally pull the trigger and shoot myself in the leg. I was surprised the bullets were still there, that someone hadn’t taken the gun and hidden it. My best guess is that whoever found it had no idea what it was loaded with and just put it away with the rest of Jonathan’s weapons.
It did make me wonder what kind of weapons the Denmaster kept stored away. I’d never seen him carry anything, and from what I understood, no one in the Cult was supposed to have weapons. When we went into a fight, the Cult weres went in with only claws and teeth. Did he keep the stash for emergency situations only? Or were they simply the weapons he confiscated from his Cultists?
I didn’t know, though it was an intriguing question. I might have to ask him sometime. Those weapons might be useful someday.
The Luna Cult garage was empty as I entered. I went straight down toward where I’d parked, not even pausing to look for the cameras. If Jonathan didn’t know I was gone yet, he sure as hell did now.
As I neared where I’d parked Jeremy’s car, I grew concerned. The old beat-up piece of shit was gone. In its place was a black car, new by the look of it. I approached warily, wondering if Jeremy had someone pick him up and bring him to his car, or if it was such an eyesore Jonathan finally had it towed away.
A piece of paper had been slipped under the windshield wiper and I pulled it free. I looked around, wondering if whoever had put it there was watching me. I wasn’t even sure the note was for me or if it was left for someone else. I could always put it back again if it wasn’t mine.
There was a note written on the page in an elegant hand.
I tucked the note in my pocket with a grunt of admiration. Jonathan did seem to care about those under him, whether they were wolves or not. If you had asked me a year or so ago if a werewolf could be this caring, I would have laughed in your face.
I tested the door handle. It opened easily and I found the keys lying on the front seat. I picked them up, weighed them in my hand thoughtfully, and then slid inside and started the car.
It purred to life and I couldn’t help but smile. I could really use a car like this for myself when the snow was at its worst. I wondered if Jonathan would give me one if I asked.
>
I pulled out of the garage and hit the road going a bit too fast. It felt good to be able to drive something that could reach fifty without exploding. It was almost exhilarating, though I did miss having the wind blow through my hair, the feel of the motorcycle beneath me. A car just wasn’t the same.
I hadn’t gone too far when I realized my eyes were no longer burning from what the demon had done to me. I didn’t know if that meant the Sight was gone or if I’d become accustomed to it. I should have turned and looked back at the Den when I’d left.
The good news was my rib seemed to have healed most of the way. It was still sore, but it wouldn’t hinder me in a fight. Only a direct hit on it would cause it to flare up. I’d just have to be a little more careful is all.
I made it home and parked the car in the garage. I pulled the note from my pocket and dropped it on the seat. I closed the door and walked into the house, knowing I’d probably have to go see Ethan’s demon now. I wanted the mark gone, but the thought of confronting him again so soon had me squirming.
I didn’t get much more than a step into the kitchen when Ethan came tearing in from the living room.
“Where were you?” he asked, sounding frantic. He looked awful, as if he hadn’t slept since I’d left.
“Out,” I said, shrugging off my coat. I still had the car keys in my hand and I tossed them to Jeremy, who was standing just inside the dining room. He caught them easily. “From Jonathan,” I said. “Go on out and look.”
Jeremy eyed me suspiciously a moment before walking past me and out the door. I could hear his gasp even from inside.
“Kat,” Ethan said, “I thought you got killed or something.” There was something in his voice that told me it was more than that. I had a feeling I knew what he had really been thinking.
“I didn’t,” I said. “And I didn’t run away either. It was a long night and I got stuck at the Luna Cult Den. I didn’t mean to. If you had a phone, I would have called.”
“Jeremy does.”
Oh yeah. I’d forgotten about his cell. “Well, I’m here now,” I said, feeling stupid. It would have been so easy to have told Jonathan to call Jeremy and tell him where I was. I’d been so upset I’d completely forgotten I’d been planning on doing just that.
Ethan ran his hands through his already mussed hair. He didn’t look all that happy with me. I didn’t blame him, though I was pretty sure it was less about his fear of me leaving and more to do with where I’d been.
Maybe he wasn’t so buddy-buddy with the wolves after all.
I considered explaining to him that nothing had happened, that Jonathan and I were merely acquaintances—I wasn’t ready to use the word friends just yet—but decided to do so would probably make me sound guilty. He already thought Jonathan and I had something going, and I didn’t want to reinforce the idea in his head. Or in mine, for that matter.
“I need to talk to your demon,” I said, deciding to just drop the whole thing.
“Uh, is that really such a good idea?” Ethan looked worried.
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
He chewed on his lip. “Well, for one, interacting with a demon can turn into an addiction. I’m starting to think you’re already addicted as it is. I don’t want it to get as bad for you as it is for me.”
“It’s not an addiction when you’re marked and forced to do it,” I said. “I don’t really want to see him, but I do want to get this over with as soon as possible. Let’s just do this so I can put this mess behind me.”
“Kat . . .”
“Ethan,” I warned, “just summon the damn thing so I can get this mark removed.”
He slumped and then nodded as he headed for the stairs.
“I’ll be down in a minute,” I said, then went upstairs to change my clothes. I didn’t want to confront the demon wearing my dirty, bloody clothes again.
I switched one set of leathers for another and then hurried downstairs to exchange my weapons for a fresh set. Jeremy had yet to come inside, so I imagined he was still drooling over his new wheels.
As soon as I had my weapons ready, I went down the stairs into Ethan’s lab. The demon was already seated and waiting.
My eyes burned from the heat, forcing me to squint at him. He looked the same as always, so I assumed the Sight was truly gone. What a shame. I kind of wished it would have been permanent. It really could have come in handy.
“Well?” He smiled knowingly. “How did it go?”
“He’s an angel,” I said. Ethan choked on his own spit over by the workbench.
“Of a sort,” the demon said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means he may appear that way to you, but there is nothing angelic about him. Angels and demons, we are from the same plane and are more alike than different.”
I might have argued that point before, but after having Levi’s power nearly crush me, I had a feeling the demon might be right.
“Okay, so how do I kill him?”
Beligral laughed. “Kill him? You cannot.”
“I’m not going to sit around and let him continue to torture those people. Tell me how to get rid of him.”
“That is entirely different than killing,” the demon said. “I may be able to help you there . . . for a price.”
Ethan made a disparaging sound.
I ignored him. I couldn’t let Levi hurt Sienna any more than he already had.
“What do you want?”
Beligral took a deep breath and made a show of stretching his legs. “For the information I possess, all I require is for you to promise to return.”
“Done.”
“And . . .” he said with a smile. “I would like you to listen to an offer I have for you. I may have something you want more than anything. There is a chance I could provide it for you if you are willing to accept the cost.”
I hesitated. There had to be a catch in his little offer somewhere.
“What offer?” I asked warily.
The demon waved his hand. “I will get to that the next time we talk. No sense discussing it now. It wouldn’t do to tell you. The curiosity should be enough to bring you back without me having to remind you.” He smiled.
I glanced at Ethan. He didn’t even bother shaking his head this time. He gave me a pleading look, though it appeared his heart wasn’t in it. He knew I was going to do this whether he wanted me to or not.
I knew I should have taken his silent advice. It would have been the smart thing to do. While it might take time, I was sure I’d find a way to stop Levi.
But time was something I was sure I didn’t have. How long before Levi hurt someone else? How long could I let him continue without trying to stop him?
“Fine,” I said. “Tell me how to get rid of him.”
Beligral smiled and pain shot through my head, right behind my ear. My hand went up reflexively and I felt the skin raise where the new mark replaced the old.
“Di’leviathan is an angel,” he said as soon as the pain subsided. “But he isn’t an angel your religious types would recognize these days. He was never a crusader for good. He was born in my realm, and there he should have stayed.”
“That’s fine,” I said. “I don’t care what he is or where he came from. I just want to get rid of him.”
“But it is because of what he is and where he came from that you should already know how to be rid of him. It should be obvious.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
Beligral gave a frustrated sigh. “And here I thought you were observant.”
I refrained from comment and waited impatiently for him to go on.
“He is like me,” the demon said, rolling his eyes as if my stubborn silence annoyed him. “He cannot come and go as he pleases. He is not of this world and unless freed, he would not be able to stay.”
“So someone has freed him.”
“I did not say that.” Beligral shook his head. “If he had been freed, he would not be where he
is today. Think of that town as his circle. He is trapped there, unable to leave, though his influence can reach those outside his prison.”
“But I’ve been there,” I said. “If it is his circle, then wouldn’t my arrival have broken it?”
“Don’t think of it as a real circle.” He sighed. “Delai is not a real place, so, therefore, the circle likewise is not real.”
“It sure as hell felt real to me.”
“It would,” the demon said. “But before you went there for the first time, had you ever heard of the place, ever seen it on a map?” He spread his hands. “All roads lead to Delai. It is more than just a saying to those of us who know of it.”
The heat surged as Beligral spoke. Sweat dampened my entire body.
“So he was summoned, then? How do I send him back to wherever he belongs?”
“If you find the summoner, you find the means of removing him. It is unlikely the summoner can send him back, so you must kill them instead. Di’leviathan will no longer have an anchor to keep his reality intact. It should collapse.”
“And what of the people inside?”
Beligral shrugged. “It depends on how much of a hold he has on them. It may kill them all. They could be sucked into the nether, torn to shreds. Or they may end up completely unharmed but for the damage Di’leviathan already has done. I do not know.”
I tried to think. Who could possibly have summoned the angel? No one I’d seen in Delai seemed the type.
“But you will have a problem,” Beligral said before I could think it through.
I forced myself to look at him. He looked gravely serious. His insidious smile was gone, as was any hint that he was enjoying himself.
“Okay,” I said. “What’s the problem?”
“You won’t be able to go back there.”
“Watch me.”
Beligral shook his head sadly. “If it was as simple as walking down the road, many others would have stumbled upon it. Tell me, how many travelers have you ever seen within the town? One? Two? Or were you the only outsider?”
