Strange Fire (Rebel Heart Book 3)

by Trina M. Lee

  I slid my hand into Nova’s, hearing a voice somewhere inside me scream in protest. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Shall we?” he asked, low and seductive.

  “Right this minute?” Well, what had I expected? “Better to just get it over with then.”

  He turned to lead me out the back door to the churchyard beyond. A shudder racked me. Why did I come here alone?

  We descended the steps to the demon party below. It wasn’t as busy as I’d seen it, though it was by no means void of activity. I rubbed my hands together, using a burst of flame to warm them. In no time the adrenaline itself would have me sweating.

  “Would you like to go by the fire?” Nova glanced back to ensure I followed. “You’re shivering.”

  The fire hosted a party all its own. Demons gathered around it, singing, chanting, and dancing in ways that made their bodies contort in grotesque positions.

  “Uh, no thanks. I’m good.”

  He stopped near a tall headstone with a battered angel atop it. The stone bore cracks and crevices marking it as incredibly old. Whoever had been laid to rest beneath, they surely hadn’t had a visitor in some time. I doubted anyone human had stepped foot in this graveyard in decades.

  Nova turned to me, head cocked to one side. “I’m afraid we might draw some attention. If you’d prefer to be alone, in a more private setting, that can be arranged.”

  Alone? With an incubus demon? Fuck no. “Again, I’m good. Let’s just get this over with.”

  A warning glimmered in his red eyes. “You won’t be feeling that way for long.”

  A lump formed in my throat. Was it too late to back out? No, I couldn’t. Rowen’s entanglement with the dark would never end if I, the flame bearer, didn’t do something about it.

  I motioned for Nova to get started doing whatever he was about to do. He stared at me until I grew itchy in my own skin.

  Nova stood facing me, making eye contact but keeping distance between us. A coil of desire-drenched power wrapped around me. Like a drug it saturated my brain, pulling me into a warm, cloudy sense of wonder.

  I tried to fight it merely to see if I could. It was useless.

  The feeling grew in intensity until my chest heaved and my cheeks burned. I caught myself about to reach for him, realized what I was doing and crossed my arms tight instead.

  With one hand Nova reached to brush a random lock of hair back from my face. He barely touched me, a light grazing of his thumb against my temple.

  My entire body shook. Desire cascaded over me, causing my pulse to race. My heart pounded in my ears. I drew in a shuddery, raspy breath. My gaze raked over him. From Nova’s sculpted face to his perfect physique and even the snake-like tail that whipped about behind him. I took it all in and I craved him. No craving I’d ever known had been as demanding. It was a need, vital and desperate. Only he could sate that hunger because it burned only for him. I licked my lips and took a step back, stopped by the tall headstone behind me. The stone was cold against me, but it did nothing to cool the fire he’d ignited.

  “Oh my, but you are innocent, aren’t you?” Nova purred, his excitement palpable.

  It felt like being split into two. The sober-minded, aware version of me still occupied my thoughts. That part of me wanted to slap the anticipation off Nova’s face. But that side of me had no control here. It was forced to watch as this new, drunk-on-lust side of me took over.

  Like a fool I giggled when he ran a hand through my hair. Leaning into his touch, I gasped when his thumb slid over my bottom lip.

  Nova took a step closer, pressing his body against mine. No longer did I shiver. The hard planes of him invited me to touch. Unable to stop myself I ran a hand over his chest. Through the black warrior robe he wore, I felt how hard he was, how perfectly formed.

  “Holy shit,” I breathed, because every second felt like paradise and try as I might, I couldn’t get my body to obey my inner voice.

  “Indeed.” Capturing my hand, Nova brushed his lips over my fingertips.

  The more he touched me, even in the smallest of ways, the quieter that sober me became. The sensation of falling gripped me. Like tumbling head over heels, I sank into him, into those deep eyes.

  Though aware of the demon activity so close, I no longer cared about it. All I cared about was satisfying the lustful urges eating me up. Like a virgin on her wedding night, I batted my lashes at him and giggled.

  When Nova sucked my pinky finger into his mouth, I almost passed out. Blood rushed from my head to my nether regions. Maybe nobody would notice if I climbed Nova. I just wanted to rub myself all over him.

  So like a total idiot, I began to do just that. Throwing my arms around him, I breathed him in. He smelled like cinnamon and something else. Something spicy.

  “Just let me touch you. Just for a minute.” I ran my hands over him, across his shoulders and down his torso.

  “By all means. Do as you like.” Taking full advantage of my foolish school-girl mentality, Nova brushed my hair aside and kissed my neck.

  A shot of unbridled joy struck my groin so hard it was a wonder I didn’t explode. Breathless and weak with desire, I sagged against him.

  He caught me before I could drop into a pile of lust at his feet. I mumbled something nonsensical to which Nova merely chuckled.

  A tugging sensation in my sternum caused me to gasp. Every breath was a struggle. Nova drew on my energy, pulling it into him. Wide eyed and speechless, I trembled in his arms.

  That inner voice struggled to cry out when his mouth moved up my neck on a path to my lips. His powerful kiss was dangerous. Unfortunately right then I couldn’t quite recall why. Because I wanted it so damn bad.

  It was happening. I wanted it to. Nova kissed the edge of my mouth, and I braced for the moment when his lips would find mine.

  An icy female voice stopped the kiss before it could start. A sexy, velvet-like tone that caused Nova to freeze.

  Alexa, the vampire queen, stood there with arms crossed shaking her head. “Nova, you vile piece of crap. Have you no shame?”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  I came back to myself fast. It was but a blink, and I was fully in control again. My hand went to my throat as I sucked in deep breaths, trying to calm down.

  I’d made a mistake bargaining with Nova. His incubus touch proved far deadlier than I’d anticipated. What a fool thing to do.

  “Well no, I’m a demon. Pretty much as shameless as they come.” Nova’s lip curled in a sneer. He looked the blonde hybrid over like a hungry man who’d just had an appetizer and was now sizing up his main course. “I don’t suppose you’re here to join us.”

  Alexa scoffed. “Not in your wildest dreams. Just need to talk. So whatever you’re doing to my favorite guitarist, you’re finished doing it.”

  Nova stiffened. I shoved away from him, needing to be free of him in all ways. Giving my head a shake did nothing to clear the fog from my brain. Though I was no longer under his thrall, my mind felt cloudy. Floaty. Like I was high.

  “While I do love your candor and that enticing vibe you have, Alexa, you cross many lines by coming here and interrupting an exchange that is clearly none of your business.” Irritation colored his tone. He fixed Alexa with a withering glare.

  She shrugged, unfazed by the demon’s glower. Turning to me, she asked, “How far were you willing to go with him?”

  Embarrassed and pissed off at myself, I tried to burrow deeper into my hoodie. “As far as it got when you showed up. So thanks for that.”

  Boy, did I feel stupid.

  “There ya go,” she said to Nova. “You’re done here.” To me she added, “Is it safe to assume you’re here for the same reason I am? I can’t imagine anyone coming here unless they need something from one of these dirtbags.”

  I knew as much about Alexa as anyone else outside her inner circle did. She was both werewolf and vampire, a hybrid usually unheard of in the supernatural world. She also had more power than any vampire in t
he city.

  Our relationship had been only business and small talk. Outside the times Crimson Sin played her nightclub, I had no interaction with her. Could she be trusted? Or should I hightail it out of there before I gave another night creature reason to use and abuse me?

  “Yeah, unfortunately that’s why I’m here,” I said, believing my instinct when it told me I could trust her.

  She nodded knowingly. “Demon trouble?”

  “Yeah,” I sighed, avoiding Nova’s watchful gaze. “Demon trouble.”

  “Yep, me too. Countdown to extinction. Or something like that.” Bitterness invaded her sensual voice.

  She had to be alluding to the planetary alignment that approached with the promise of dire consequences. Just how many demons had plans for that night?

  “Is that why you’re here?” Nova interjected. “Because of Willow? Oh, please. If you want help with Willow, your price will be a lot higher than what I charged the nephilim here.” The leer he gave her conveyed louder than words the price he expected her to pay.

  With her long blonde hair cascading down her back, butt-hugging black leggings and leather jacket, Alexa was a stunner. The badass dagger sheathed on her hip added to the effect.

  She had this static-like friction to her that indicated power. A power I couldn’t feel the way Nova could. Whatever he sensed, he liked it. It came as a relief that his attention was no longer focused on me.

  “Never gonna happen.” Alexa didn’t hide the disgust she felt at the thought of an encounter with Nova. “Can we talk? Or would it be as fruitful as pounding my head on a brick wall?”

  Nova rubbed his fingernails on his robe before examining them with disinterest. “Yeah, fine, whatever. Start talking.”

  I held up a hand, feeling shamed and embarrassed. “I’ll just be leaving then. Nova? The key?”

  “Right, just grab it off my table.” He waved a hand without glancing in my direction. So he was one of those guys: take what’s offered and then it’s stone-cold attitude. “Don’t touch anything else. I’ll know if you do.”

  I had half a mind to run him through with the Midnight Star while his attention was elsewhere. Instead I shot a scathing glare at the back of his head and headed for the church.

  “Hey, Spike,” Alexa called after me. “It’s Spike, right? Although I kind of doubt we can help each other, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to come by The Wicked Kiss. Any time.” Her deep blue gaze traveled over me in a studious manner. Like she sensed something confusing or off putting. Then she met my eyes and smiled, making me wonder if I’d imagined it.

  “I will. Thank you.” Awkwardly, I hesitated, not knowing how to end the exchange. “If the city doesn’t somehow spontaneously combust, that is.”

  Her laughter followed me as I walked away. I only wished I’d been joking. The closer the alignment drew, the sicker I felt about the whole thing. Shit was going to go down.

  Retrieving the Scorpio Key, I stuck it in my bag and hoped like hell the damn thing wouldn’t sting me in the end. Literally. Mallie tried to wave me over on my way out, but I ignored him and increased my pace.

  On the first crank my old beater car wouldn’t start. Forcing down the panic that threatened to rise, I tried again. Nothing. Third time’s the charm. Hoping I didn’t flood the engine, I cranked it one more time, and protesting loudly, she roared to life.

  Phew. Time to get the hell out of Dodge.

  Having the scorpion in my bag made me nervous. The last time I’d left Nova with an item in hand, Koda had tried to swipe it from me. He hadn’t been nice about it either. Since I had no intent to actually give it to him, I hoped he wasn’t tailing me.

  The nervous sensation grew when I parked outside my building. It reached an uncomfortable level when I hurried inside. Trying not to glance over my shoulder, I stuck my key in the lock and darted inside the apartment. Once the door slammed behind me, I could breathe again.

  Safe. Thanks to the wards Cinder had put on my place to keep demonkind out.

  I reached to flick on the light. A hand closed on my wrist. A startled cry burst out as I was spun around and shoved against the wall, face first.

  The familiar scent of a cologne I knew well made me sag in relief. Cinder.

  He released me with a stern, “How many times do I have to tell you to always be ready? Dropping your defenses at the wrong time will get you killed. Or worse.”

  “Ok, I know. I got it.” No, I didn’t. He’d caught me unprepared and had that been someone else, I’d have been sorry.

  Cinder backed off, allowing me to flick on the lights. Leaning against the kitchen counter, he silently watched me brew a chamomile tea. Something was up. Whether it was the hard set to his shoulders or the neutral expression he forced, I wasn’t sure, but I knew Cinder. I could tell.

  “Would you like a tea or something?” I asked, starting to get nervous.

  “Or something.” He stuck his hand out. “I’d like the Scorpio Key that Nova gave you.”

  Shit.

  My gaze darted to the bag I’d tossed on the counter. “I wasn’t going to give it to Koda. Cinder, I swear. I just wanted him to think I would.”

  “Ember, I don’t think you understand what that key is for. I won’t take it from you, but I am asking you to give it to me.” Worry and disappointment battled for dominance on his face.

  Guilt crept over me. The last thing I wanted was to let Cinder down, but I had to make my own choices. Maybe they wouldn’t always be the right ones, however, as I was still learning how to make my way in this world of angels and demons. I still had to do that my way.

  “What is the key for?” I warmed my hands on the hot mug, shrugging off the chill from outside.

  He seemed to contemplate how to best answer. For a moment I suspected he asked himself how much he trusted me. “In the book of Revelation there is a key. It’s given to an angel who then uses it to open the Abyss, freeing creatures with scorpion-like tails who torment those who do not have the seal of God.” He paused, considering the kettle. “Maybe I will have a tea.” Cinder got busy fetching a mug and perusing the herbal tea selection in the cupboard above the stove.

  I gaped at his back. “Don’t tell me the key I have is that key.” I stared at him in disbelief, waiting for him to turn back around. “There’s no way something like that can just be floating around out there for any demon to get their mitts on.”

  Selecting a jasmine tea, Cinder dropped the bag in his cup and reached for the kettle. “No, of course not. The original Scorpio Key is in divine possession. The one you have is a copy. There are several. It doesn’t open the Abyss itself, but it does open Tartarus, the prison realm. Where your father is prisoner, awaiting judgment.”

  How the hell did I answer that? “Um, is that different?”

  “Tartarus is a prison world on the other side, in the spirit realm. Angels and demons guilty of especially heinous crimes are sent there. The Scorpio Keys let you in. They don’t let you out. Or anyone else for that matter.”

  “Yikes.” I burnt my tongue taking a sip before my tea had cooled to a safe point. “Ok, so it’s a duplicate. Kind of. A scary duplicate. So if Koda tries to use it and gets trapped in there, I’ll be rid of him. So why shouldn’t I give it to him?”

  Cinder eyed me curiously. Sipping from his tea, he gave no indication whether it burnt his mouth. “I didn’t say you shouldn’t ever give it to him. But now is not the right time. The key should be used strategically. Koda may not even prove to be the best recipient.”

  With a nod I pondered this. “Ok, but surely the demons must know about these copies. Nova had it, just sitting there, and he was quick to part with it.”

  “I imagine he may have had his own reasons for that,” Cinder agreed. “A free angel, demon, or nephilim can use it to enter the prison realm. Kind of like a visitor’s pass, but they must pay a price to get out. Nova knew what he was doing by giving it to you.”

  I did a double take, almost spilling my te
a. “Wait, what? Does Nova think I’ll use it myself? Why the hell would I do that?”

  Cinder eyed me for what felt like forever before saying in a soft voice, “Curiosity perhaps.”

  “But you just said I’d have to pay a price to get out. I can’t think of anything I have to say to my… father that would be worth taking a risk like that.” Disgust left a bitter taste in my mouth.

  Cinder swirled his tea so that bag spun around in a small tornado inside the cup. “Consider that maybe it’s not what you have to say to him but what he has to say to you.”

  I gaped at him, jaw on the floor. Was I hearing things? “Come again?” Surely I’d somehow misheard. “You just said anyone who goes in has to pay their way out. You don’t think I should go see him. Do you? Because that sounds fucking crazy. Sorry. Friggin’ crazy.” No, I meant fucking, but I managed to rephrase for Cinder’s benefit. He hated my potty mouth.

  “I wonder if maybe Koda requested this key for the very same reason Nova gave it up so easily.” Cinder’s scar wrinkled as he pondered this. “I can see how he might gain from it. Seems apparent he’s relying on you to stop Dash so he doesn’t have to upset the precarious peace between them.”

  “Yeah, Koda’s a real douchebag that way.” I ignored the frown Cinder slid my way. This was all too startling to moderate my mouth at the moment. “What does Nova have to gain from it though? Actually how do I even gain from it? My father is a prisoner. Is he supposed to have some great wisdom to share? Because I can’t see how he can help me. And if seeing him comes at a price, then I don’t think it’s worth it.”

  I couldn’t believe Cinder would suggest something so wildly unrealistic. There was no way I would just walk into Tartarus for a visit with a father who’d taken what he could from my mother and left the two of us alone. Right?

  Cinder fell quiet. For too long he stared into his tea, sipping slowly. Deep in thought.