by Laurèn Lee
Liam Rising
Demons in New York # 2
Laurèn Lee
Copyright © 2018 by Laurèn Lee
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Created with Vellum
This one is dedicated to everyone who patiently waited for the sequel. Sorry I took so long. xoxo.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Acknowledgments
Also by Laurèn Lee
About the Author
1
Past
“Adriel!” a coquettish voice called out. “I didn’t know you were coming this evening.”
Adriel whipped around to see the town’s sweetheart dressed in a pale salmon dress made of the finest silk money could buy.
“Mary Elizabeth, it’s so wonderful to see you,” Adriel said as he bowed before her and kissed her hand softly. Mary Elizabeth’s parents were some of the wealthiest folks for miles and miles during the mid-1800’s. They chose to invest in a popular project, the building of the Erie Canal. Now that the canal was nearly finished and trade could easily be conducted across the state, Mary Elizabeth’s family’s wealth was growing exponentially.
“Are you here for business or pleasure?” she asked as she twirled her dark-as-night hair between her fingers.
“Both,” Adriel said, smiling. In all honesty, he was mostly here for business; he wanted to speak to Mary Elizabeth’s parents to see if they would sell a small percentage of their ownership of the canal to him. He was new to town and wanted to become involved as soon as possible. He also needed money. Adriel had moved from the Midwest to Lockport and spent all of his life savings along the way. Greed guided him here, and now he wanted to cash in.
“Would you care to dance with me?” Mary Elizabeth asked as her eyes reflected the ostentatious chandelier above them.
Adriel wanted to say no; he wanted to find her parents and talk business. However, if he wanted to fall into her parents’ good graces, it might be wise to start with her. He’d already heard from fellow Lockportians that Mary Elizabeth had her parents on a tight leash, wrapped around her delicate fingers.
“I’d love to,” Adriel said as he immediately twirled Mary Elizabeth, causing her to shriek with delight. The other men at the party eyed them, jealousy filling their eyes. It was common knowledge Mary Elizabeth had been looking for a suitor to marry. After all, she’d turned sixteen years old not too long ago.
The string quartet played a version of Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony while Adriel and Mary Elizabeth waltzed across the ballroom fit for a castle. Formally dressed waiters and waitresses squeezed through the drunken guests, offering more drinks and appetizers. Their silver trays glittered, and Adriel eyed them carefully. They must be worth hundreds!
Adriel met Mary Elizabeth a few weeks previously after he’d studied her buying fruit at the market near the canal. Like many men in Lockport, Adriel was awestruck by her beauty. Luckily, he found the courage to introduce himself before she left. They arranged to meet for a walk in the park the following day and continued to do so every day around lunchtime.
On these walks, they discussed their hopes and dreams and even told each other silly jokes. Adriel looked forward to spending time with Mary Elizabeth: she was the key to his success. If he could court the girl, or even marry her, his entire future would be set. Part of him felt bad for using her, but his eyes bore money signs—and that was the important part, as far as he was concerned.
Adriel noticed Mary Elizabeth’s parents eyeing him casually from across the room. They each held a flute of champagne and chatted to other local elites, all the while keeping an eye on him. It seemed as though he’d been marked. He felt now was as good a time as ever to introduce himself to the parents of his dance partner.
“Mary Elizabeth?” he asked as the song finished playing.
“Yes, Adriel?” Her flushed cheeks shone upon her porcelain skin.
“Will you introduce me to your parents?”
A pout erupted on her face. “Why do you want to meet my parents?”
“I am interested in meeting them,” he answered plainly.
“So, that’s why you came here, isn’t it? To meet my parents?” She shrugged.
“I came here to see you, darling. But it would be rude of me to dance with you all night and steal you away from the party without meeting your parents first.”
Mary Elizabeth’s smile returned slightly, and she agreed.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea as Mary Elizabeth led Adriel over to her parents. Heads turned, and Adriel felt as though a spotlight was hoisted above his head.
“Mama, Papa, I want to introduce you to someone,” she said.
“Ah, the gentleman with quite the smooth dancing moves. And what is your name, young man?”
“My name is Adriel, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you and your wife.” Adriel bowed.
Mary Elizabeth’s mother pursed her lips. She was all too familiar with men fawning over her and her daughter. She used an authentic Chinese fan to invite cooler air into her alluring atmosphere. “Pleasure,” she said as she held out her hand for Adriel to take.
“That’s quite a unique name. Where are you from, Adriel?” Mary Elizabeth’s father asked.
“Oklahoma, sir. I just moved to town.”
“That’s a haul. I say, do you smoke cigars?” He grinned with a twinkle in his eye.
Mary Elizabeth looked panicked and knew her father’s gesture meant Adriel wouldn’t be free to dance all night after all. Once her father took a guest into the cigar room, they stayed well past the end of the party.
“Daddy, no. Adriel and I were going to dance some more.”
“Hush, Mary Elizabeth. I want to meet your new friend. He’s come a long way, and it’s my duty to teach him about our wonderful city.”
Mary Elizabeth’s mother rolled her eyes. “Darling, why don’t you go ask one of those young men over there to dance? They’ve been staring at you all night.”
Mary Elizabeth looked over at the group of men who’d been drooling at the sight of her. It was as if they were a pack of wolves and she, a deer to be hunted.
“Don’t worry; I’ll be back for another dance before the end of the night.” Adriel winked.
Adriel followed Mary Elizabeth’s father into a well-hidden room on the other side of the house. The doorknob mirrored the same color of the walls and blended into the decor of the mansion. If George hadn’t reached for the doorknob, Adriel would have missed its existence completely. Once he’d opened the door, cigar smoke poured out in a massive cloud. Fits of laughter spilled out, too.
“George!” several men slurred as they walked in.
“Make yourself at home,” he said to Adriel. “I’ve got to go say hello to those folks quickly, and I’ll be back.”
Adriel nodded and poured himself
a glass of the darkest whiskey on the tray near the bar. No servers lingered inside this room. He downed his glass in nearly one gulp and poured another.
“You look new,” an older man noticed as he poured himself another helping of whiskey, too.
“That I am,”Adriel answered.
“Jonathan,” the man said, extending his hand.
“Adriel.”
“Pleasure to meet you. What brings you to Lockport?”
“I just moved here. Hoping to do a little business with George,” Adriel said with a twinkle in his eye.
Jonathan scoffed, “Aren’t we all?”
“Do you work with him?” Adriel inched toward the man.
“We’ve all been trying to get a piece o’ that canal. He won’t budge, though. Greedy bastard.”
Adriel nodded. The man’s confession meant he needed to tread very carefully when he brought up the talk of a business deal. The last thing he needed was to show his hand too early.
“You here with anyone?” Jonathan asked with bloodshot eyes.
“No, I came alone tonight.”
“I saw you dance with Mary Elizabeth. You better be careful, boyo’,” he said.
“I have no ill intentions. She’s a sweet girl.”
“Sweet as pie, but she’s got a selfish streak to her, I’ll tell ya.” Jonathan finished one drink and poured another. “You have a good night, huh?”
“Yeah, you too,” Adriel said. “It was nice to meet you.”
Just as he scanned the room to look for George, a desperate shriek erupted from outside, and then a gunshot exploded across the beautifully landscaped moonlit grounds.
2
Liam sat up in the hospital bed, and his eyes glowed fiercely. His jovial grin sent shivers down Charlotte’s spine, and her heartbeat increased tenfold.
“Hello, Charlotte,” he said. “You look well.”
“Liam!” she gasped. The lights flickered, and Charlotte’s vision wavered.
He held out his hand for Charlotte to take, but instead, she looked at it as though he offered her a poisonous apple. She turned around to ask the doctor a question, but the entire medical staff had disappeared. No one else stood in the room except for Charlotte, Adriel, and Liam. Charlotte wanted to scream, but she knew no one would hear her. And she had no doubt Liam would enjoy it, too.
Adriel’s face turned white as a ghost, and beads of sweat condensed upon his hairline as though he’d just run a marathon. He backed away slowly until his haggard body pressed up against the far wall of the hospital room. He looked like a cornered kitten about to be slaughtered by an unknown predator.
“What? No welcoming committee?” Liam asked with a faux wounded expression, which quickly transformed into a smile, revealing his pure giddiness.
“How did this happen?” Charlotte demanded. “Are you a… a demon?”
Liam tilted his head back and laughed menacingly. “A demon? Well, I suppose I am. And I have you to thank for that, Adriel.”
Charlotte looked back at Adriel for support only to find him cowering behind her. She’d nearly forgotten he lost all of his powers just an hour ago. What was going on? Did Adriel lose his powers to Liam? Charlotte’s temple throbbed with confusion.
“This shouldn’t be happening,” Adriel said slowly. Sweat dripped down his cheeks from his forehead.
“Well, it is. Sorry to break it to you, sport,” Liam said. “Now, Charlotte. Help me out of this bed.” He ripped out his IVs and ran his fingers through his perfectly coiffed hair. Liam was always handsome, but now he appeared god-like. He could drive to New York City and land a modeling gig before getting out of the car. A part of Charlotte was still interested in him, which made her breath hitch in her throat. She almost forgot what Liam had done to the poor waitress, but his new look captivated her beyond all reasonable explanations.
“Don’t come near me,” Charlotte hissed as she tried to shake herself out of her shock and awe. “I know what you did.”
“Let’s talk about that later. Right now, I need you to find my clothes so we can get out of here.”
“It’s been over a week, Liam. I have no idea where the hospital staff put your clothes. And, I’m not going anywhere with you,” she fired back.
Liam sighed heavily, “Sweetheart, you don’t have much of a say in the matter.” He stood and pulled his hospital gown over his head, revealing his naked body, which was miraculously more muscular than before. Every single inch of him emanated strength and power. Charlotte gasped as adrenaline coursed through her veins.
Liam ran his hands meticulously over his body, gazing down at his new and improved physique. Adriel grunted and turned away. The tension in the air grew palpable.
“Like what you see, Char?”
“You’re disgusting. What did you have to sacrifice for your new body and demonhood, huh?”
“I’d love to tell you everything once we go home.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you. I told you.”
Liam growled in a more serious tone, “You’ll do as I say. Now, let’s go.”
Charlotte backed away unti she stood next to Adriel against the wall. She gripped his hand and desperately wished he wasn't mortal. His fingers felt cool to the touch instead of blazing hot; he hadn’t gotten his powers back, not that she expected anything different.
“Adriel, give me your clothes,” Liam requested.
“Excuse me?” he croaked.
“Can you still speak English? Or did you lose your ability to comprehend the language when you lost your powers?”
Adriel’s hands shook. “If I give you my clothes, what the hell am I supposed to wear?”
“Not my problem. Now give them to me before I take them,” Liam warned.
Charlotte looked desperately to Adriel, wishing she could help him, but at the moment, she feared Liam, too. “You're ridiculous, Liam. Why don’t I just run to the gift shop and get you something?”
“What’s the fun in that, though?” Liam strode toward Charlotte and Adriel with purpose. The room shook slightly with every step he took.
“Liam, stop!” Charlotte begged. She held out her hands like a crossing guard on the corner of an elementary school. Only the gesture didn’t stop Liam. Sure, she was partially immortal, but she knew better than to challenge Liam.
“Now, Adriel. I’m not going to ask you again.” Liam’s eyes glowed, and flames danced around his pupils. If Charlotte didn’t know any better, she would have guessed Liam possessed a window to Hell right in his gaze.
“This is ridiculous,” he mumbled as he stripped. With every piece of clothing he took off, he tossed it to Liam as hard as he could, although considering his strength, it didn’t do any damage. Charlotte sensed the shame radiating off Adriel’s exposed body. She couldn’t imagine the humiliation he must be feeling.
“You’re not seriously going to do this, are you?” Charlotte whispered to Adriel.
“It’s not like I have a choice, Charlotte. He could kill me in seconds. I know this because I could have done the same to him if roles were reversed,” he said quietly.
“He’s right. I could kill him without even breaking a nail. And, I will kill him if you don’t come home with me, Charlotte,” Liam said as he put on Adriel’s clothes beginning with his black V-neck t-shirt and leather jacket.
Adriel took off everything except his boxer shorts. The rest of his body donned goosebumps. “I’ll be needing those, too,” Liam stated matter-of-factly.
“No,” Adriel responded defiantly. “Get your own.”
“Adriel,” Liam warned as he cracked his knuckles.
“Please, Liam! Stop this,” Charlotte cried.
“Why? It’s fun,” he said with a smirk.
“I’ll willingly go home with you if you stop this and leave Adriel alone.”
“I don’t need your help, Charlotte,” Adriel hissed under his breath.
“I think you do, mate. Well, I was going to take you home whether you agreed to or not, but
I suppose not having to drag you would make it a lot easier. Fine, you can keep your knickers. Let’s go.” He motioned to Charlotte once he finished pulling up Adriel’s jeans with nothing on underneath.
“I’m sorry,” Charlotte admitted to Adriel as she followed Liam out of the room.
Adriel sighed heavily and sank to the floor, wondering how he’d find more clothes and where he’d go now.
3
Past
Adriel, George and a few other intoxicated men ran out of the house to find the source of the gunshots. In the distance, two dark figures ran off as smoke lingered in the air from their weapons. They’d nearly disappeared into the foliage past the dark lake when everyone poured outside. The voices diminished as quickly as they came.
Moans escaped from the mouth of a figure several yards away. Adriel, still relatively sober, ran over to find the source of the anguished cries. As he bent down next to the figure, who wriggled and writhed in pain, he realized who’d been shot—it was Mary Elizabeth.
One of those men shot her in the abdomen. Blood seeped through her designer dress and trickled into the grass. The ground beneath her looked black and smelled sharply of iron. Tears streamed down her face as she wheezed. Adriel looked into her eyes, and Mary Elizabeth instantly recognized him. A subtle wave of relief washed across her face.
“Everything will be okay,” Adriel said to Mary Elizabeth as he searched for other gunshot wounds. Luckily, he only found the one.
“It hurts,” she panted.
