Wicked Road to Hell

by Juliana Stone

  “Seriously? Like the Justice League . . . or X-Men or . . .”

  Cale shrugged. “We are what we are.”

  “That tells me nothing.”

  “Let me explain it to you this way. Our job is to make sure neither the underworld nor the upper realm become too powerful . . . yin-yang and all that. Without darkness there can be no light, the line between the two is delicate, like the thinnest weave of silk.”

  Declan let Cale’s words sink in. “So you’re not one of the Seraph. You’re spying on them.”

  Cale frowned. “Spying? No, that’s much too literal. I believe in the good and for the most part the Seraphim’s agenda is above reproach. But I also know that absolute rule is not the answer. How many crimes have been committed because righteous thought believed the end justified the means?” He shook his head bitterly. “Too many.”

  “So you police the Seraphim.”

  Cale paused for a few moments, his brow furled. “I’m not sure policing is the correct term, either. We gather evidence and act upon it if need be, work in tandem with operatives who exist in every plane of existence.”

  Declan took a few moments to let Cale’s words sink in. “So who polices you?”

  A smile tugged the corner of Cale’s mouth. “We answer to one of the original seven Seraphim—a true warrior who speaks directly to the highest power.” Cale licked at the bits of sugar that remained on his fingers. “You’ve already met him.”

  Son of a bitch. Declan could see where this was going. “Bill.” He found it ironic the little elf man had such power.

  Cale nodded but remained silent.

  Declan shook his head. The whole thing sounded bizarre. “I’ve seen Samael in action when I was imprisoned below in Club Lilith. He’s no fucking hero.”

  Cale nailed him with a dark look. “You will not question the demon. Every day of his existence he treads a thin line as do we all.” Cale looked away, his hands clenched to his side. “You think if the Seraphim find out of our existence they’d welcome us? Thank us for the many times we’ve driven them back from the brink of war with the underworld? From slaughtering entire peoples because they were pagan and did not believe in our higher power?”

  Cale sighed. “Samael is a demon. Make no mistake that his true nature is volatile at best. His very core is fed by chaos but he swore allegiance to Askelon, or Bill as you know him, eons ago. He saw the need for control . . . for balance.”

  Declan digested the information. “So if anyone found out about your affiliation with this secret group you’d pretty much be toast.”

  “You’re smarter than you look, O’Hara.” Cale paused once more. Lines of tension crept over his features and there was no doubt as to the seriousness of the situation. “Our organization has been in operation for millennia. There are whispers of our existence, bands of information that twist in the wind only to disappear as we act upon them. There are those who would hunt us, but our identities remain dark, unknown. Even amongst ourselves all is not revealed. Our inner sanctum cannot be breached or all is lost.”

  Declan thought of Ana. “Is DeLacrux part of your gang?”

  Cale shrugged. “I’m not sure what Bill’s plans are for your lady.”

  Declan walked a bit, taking a few moments to digest all he’d heard. Abruptly he turned back to Cale. “Seems to me information about this exclusive club of yours isn’t offered up freely. Why you including me in the loop? What’s the catch?”

  “For this to work, for you to successfully retrieve those kids, you need to know everything. Samael is involved. Heavily. His safety is paramount. He’s much too valuable an operative in our organization to chance his safety.”

  “But my ass is expendable,” Declan observed dryly.

  “No offense.”

  “None taken.”

  Cale’s mouth twitched but there was no humor in his eyes as he studied the sorcerer. “Consider this an initiation of sorts.”

  “You mean I don’t get a free pass?”

  “Your initiation will come fast and hard. Hell is not for the weak.” Cale spoke quietly.

  “That’s a fucking understatement.” Declan’s bitterness couldn’t be hidden. The physical pain doled out in the lower realm was impressive but it was the mind games that brought down the mightiest of warriors. Declan had barely hung on, and some nights only thoughts of Ana had gotten him through.

  “Great.” Declan arched a brow. “So how will I know I passed?”

  Cale waited as a couple strolled by and turned. “That’s easy.”

  “Yeah?” Declan fell into step beside the Seraph.

  “Sure. You make it out alive. That means you’ve passed.”

  “Good to know,” Declan murmured.

  Cale’s cell phone rang and he quickly dug it from the pocket of his jeans. He didn’t speak a word, just listened intently and then turned away from Decatur.

  “Aren’t we headed back to the Lounge?”

  “No.” Cale nodded toward a sleek black limo that was parked a few blocks away. “We’re meeting Samael at the Gate.”

  “The Gate?”

  “The Devil’s Gate.” They reached the car and a driver immediately stepped out, opening the door with a respectful greeting. Declan waited until they were inside to ask for a little elaboration.

  “What the hell is the Devil’s Gate?”

  He sank into the soft leather and the interior was immediately flooded with the earthy tones of jazz. It was a whisper of smoke and whiskey. Declan relaxed as the sound infiltrated the small space.

  Cale offered a cigar but Declan refused. He watched as the Seraph ran the thick stogie under his nose and then gripped it tight between his lips. “It’s a location where it’s safe for us to gather.”

  He was being evasive.

  “In New Orleans?”

  “No. A place called The Pines.”

  “Where’s that exactly?” Declan’s tone was sharp but he was getting fed up with playing twenty questions.

  Cale rested his head back and whispered, “A long way from here.”

  They traveled to an airstrip on the outskirts of New Orleans, and it wasn’t long before Declan was chilling in the cabin of one of the most luxurious jets he’d ever seen.

  He placed a call to the Voodoo Lounge while waiting for the plane to taxi to the runway. Ransome picked up on the first ring.

  “Where the hell are you?” the werewolf growled. He sounded on edge and Declan sat a little straighter, his face set in a frown.

  “I’m heading out of town for a bit.” He had to make a decision. Include the werewolf in the details or leave him in the dark. “Not sure how long I’ll be gone.”

  “For fuck sakes, O’Hara. I don’t need this shit. You dump your crap at my door and then leave? What the hell is up with that?”

  “Everything all right, LaPierre? You’re sounding a little stressed.”

  The werewolf growled into the phone. “I’m fine. Hell, I’m fucking peachy.” There was a pause. “There’s been a challenge in my pack for alpha. On top of your shit it’s just one more thing to deal with.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  “Whatever. Where you headed?”

  Declan paused, exhaled slowly, and dove in. “I’m going to Hell.”

  “Buddy, I could have told you that, years ago.”

  Declan smiled at the wolf’s sarcastic comment. “No, this is for real. I’m heading down to the shithole lower realm. They’ve got their hands on two of the seven marks.”

  There was a long pause as Ransome digested the information. “I hate to say it but that sucks freaking horse balls.”

  Declan smiled at the wolf’s analogy. “I’d say no worries but who the hell am I kidding? I just . . . while I’m gone I need to know that Ana and the rest of my crew are safe. Can I count on you for some extra bodies to watch the DeLacrux mansion?”

  “I’ve already sent a few more of my boys over. Don’t worry, I’m still in charge. I’ll head over myself later
.”

  Declan was relieved to hear this. “I owe you.”

  “Yeah, I’m keeping track.”

  “Just so you know, Ana might be pissed when you see her so I’d stay the hell out of her way.”

  “Why? What have you done now?”

  “I wove a spell into the wards that will make it impossible for her to slip through. It’s for her protection.” And mine. “Don’t spill what’s going on. I need to focus and not worry about her or the boy.”

  “What do I say when she asks where you are?”

  “Tell her . . .” His voice trailed off as he glanced out the window into the darkness. He had no idea what the hell to say. “Tell her I’m sorry I wasn’t enough.” He paused. “I’ll be in touch.”

  “That’s the corniest fucking thing I’ve ever heard. Shit, if Ana grills me I’ll make something up. Trust me. It’s not in your best interest to let her know she’s got you by the balls.”

  Declan’s mouth pinched in anger. “My balls are secure, thanks. Forget I said anything.”

  “Whatever. Don’t worry about the vampire. I’ll have my boys double the patrols in and around the Garden District. They’ll pay special attention to the DeLacrux mansion and I won’t be far along.” The wolf paused. “After I deal with Asher.”

  “Asher?” Declan’s mouth thinned at the mention of the werewolf. He was no fan.

  “Don’t ask.”

  He didn’t.

  Five minutes later the plane was wheels up and Declan said good-bye to the Big Easy. Cale advised him to relax, catch a few zzzzz’s, but there was no way in hell that was going to happen. He was wound tighter than a crackhead scrambling for a fix.

  Declan sighed and tried to turn his brain off, yet he couldn’t stop thinking of Ana. He was all twisted up inside, his emotions running the gamut of anger, need, despair, and if he was honest, hatred. Christ, to have the power she held.

  Ana had made it more than clear she wasn’t interested in him. The sex had been beyond anything he’d imagined but he wanted to be more than fuck buddies. That was never going to happen. It was time he buried all thoughts of her and dealt with the reality of his here and now.

  He was falling down the rabbit hole back to Hell where he’d have to deal with Lilith. Then there were the three teenagers who might or might not signal a coming apocalypse, and a bunch of others not accounted for.

  Not exactly a Hallmark movie of the week.

  If he wasn’t careful it would be an epic disaster.

  The plane landed three hours later on a desolate airstrip out in the middle of nowhere. The night was chilled, the moon low, and the quiet that greeted his ears disconcerting.

  Declan walked toward a large SUV parked several feet away and turned in a full circle. He couldn’t see beyond the ridge of darkness that blanketed the perimeter, and that made him nervous. He held his hands loose at his sides and watched as Cale exited the plane.

  The tall Seraph strode his way and nodded behind him at the driver who waited patiently.

  “Where the hell are we?” Declan said. “This place feels different to me, and in my world different ain’t always good. In fact it very rarely is.”

  Cale paused at the side of the truck and glanced around. “Relax, we didn’t land on Mars. We’re actually pretty close to the Canadian-American border.”

  Declan grunted in answer.

  “This entire area isn’t so much different as it is special,” Cale murmured.

  “Special, huh?” Declan followed Cale into the vehicle. “I don’t like special. I prefer normal, boring. Anything but otherworld would be just fucking wonderful right about now.”

  The truck roared into the night, its twin beams of lights illuminating a road that ran between heavily forested areas on either side. Though the moon was out, the darkness that clung to the trees seemed impenetrable. Declan felt caged in and didn’t like it.

  He kept his fingers loose, at the ready. The driver was human, which surprised Declan. He was young, maybe early twenties, and had the heavy guitars of Metallica cranked, “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

  How fucking appropriate.

  Declan was on a collision course to an end that was totally unclear. The sad, lonely bell of death might be ringing for him before the week was over. He sat back, closed his eyes, and let the hard rocking tunes energize his soul.

  Ten minutes later the truck came to an abrupt halt and Declan sat up and looked out the window. They were parked in front of a large, rambling building, obviously a bar. Above the main doors a neon sign illuminated in red, THE DEVIL’S GATE. There were a couple of bikes parked out front, impressive Harleys from the looks of it, as well as an array of SUVs and beat-up cars.

  This was interesting.

  He hopped from the truck and stopped in his tracks. Heavy magick permeated the area. It clung to everything, rode the wind, and settled in his lungs as he inhaled the cool night air. It was different from anything he’d felt before. At first he couldn’t put his finger on exactly what was different and then it hit him. The magick was organic. It was not something produced by a sorcerer’s hands.

  Declan glanced at Cale in surprise. “What is this place?”

  Cale walked past him. “The Devil’s Gate is located in a small town called The Pines.” The Seraph paused at the top of the stairs and waited for Declan to follow suit. “It’s not a place you’ll find on any map.”

  “Not even Google? I find that hard to believe.” His words were laced with sarcasm.

  Cale ignored Declan’s smart-ass comment. “The magick that protects us is ancient and does not take kindly to intruders.”

  Declan didn’t know what to say to that so he strode past the warrior and pushed open the door. He was hit by loud music, the smell of booze, fried foods, and an overload of otherworld beings that immediately set him on edge.

  The room was low, long, and wide. The setup sucked for a bar with entertainment. The acoustics were not great and yet the heavy beat coming from the stage did the trick. The place was rocking.

  Along the right a bar ran the length of the room, and at the moment it was packed. There were humans, shifters, vampires, and he sensed the subtle aroma of demon in the air.

  Several shapes could be seen in the corners; the light that clung to their shoulders told Declan they were from the higher realm. He’d never seen such an eclectic gathering. Instead of the place making him feel relaxed, his gut tightened and he pulled hard on the magick within.

  Cale walked in behind him and paused as a tall brunette appeared from the shadows.

  “You’re back.” Her voice was husky. Declan looked at the woman with interest. She was one hell of a looker. Long legs, impressive rack, and a heart-shaped face that was milky white. Her eyes were huge round balls of chocolate and they looked at the Seraph with a hunger that was quickly hidden.

  She was human.

  “It’s been months,” she said softly.

  Cale nodded to her. “Lily,” and then walked past without another word.

  Declan saw the hurt that crossed her features. It was quickly masked. She opened her mouth to speak and then closed it abruptly. She turned and disappeared once more into the shadows that clung to the corners.

  “I didn’t think you’d come, sorcerer.”

  Declan clenched his teeth and turned as Samael drifted over from the bar. The demon grinned at him. His tall frame was clothed in head-to-toe black, his arms were bare, and the tattooed dragon that lay upon his neck shimmered in the gloom.

  “I hear there’s one hell of a party going on at Club Lilith,” Declan answered. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  Samael handed him a glass. Declan arched a brow and accepted.

  “Enjoy,” the demon said silkily. “It might be a long time before you sample something so sweet.”

  Declan held the glass loosely in his hands and eyed the demon closely.

  “The offer is only good once,” Samael said, his tone changing slightly as he stared at the sor
cerer.

  Declan tossed back the amber liquid, enjoying the fire as it burned down his throat. The heat sizzled along his veins, spreading through his body rapidly, energizing his cells. He looked at the demon in surprise and was immediately suspicious.

  “What the hell was in that?”

  Samael took a step closer and removed the aviators that covered his eyes. The swirling liquid that lay behind them began to glow as the demon spoke. He was dead serious.

  “A little extra something that will keep the taint of the human realm from your flesh, and cloak you in the scent of demon. You’ll need it where you’re going.” The demon paused. Shadows fell across his face as his mouth tightened. “This will not be easy and we need those children safe.”

  Was that compassion Declan saw reflected in the depths of his eyes?

  Samael threw his glasses back in place and shrugged his shoulders. “It isn’t foolproof, but it’s all I got. If you don’t succeed, Lilith will never let you go. You know this.” The demon stared at him for several long moments. “You ready?”

  Declan glanced at Cale. The Seraph stood a few feet away. His face was dark, seriously intense. Christ, they looked like they were about to attend a funeral. Yeah, mine.

  Declan squared his shoulders, ignored the lump of dread in his gut, and nodded.

  Let the games begin.

  Chapter 17

  “Where is he?” Ana’s voice rang shrilly and bordered on the insane but it was nothing compared to the anger that rippled beneath her flesh. She was hot from the force of it and that was saying a lot, considering her vamp skin was usually cool to the touch.

  She turned her gaze to Nico, but the warrior was silent.

  Kaden shrugged his shoulders and mumbled, “Not sure.” She caught the nervous glance he tossed toward the jaguar shifter.

  They were lounging in the kitchen like it was a fucking Sunday afternoon. Coffee and beignets from Du Monde had arrived as if by magic. The smell was making her ill and for that reason alone she wanted to rip someone’s throat out.

  Ana whirled around and hissed her frustration before letting loose an impressive torrent of curse words. She’d just come in from outside where she’d been trying to leave her estate for the past hour.