Demon Mate

by Sheri Lyn

  “And you thought it was a good idea to serve it tonight?” Caeden gave Mason an exasperated look.

  “In hindsight, we probably should have kept it put away for the night. I’ll tell Lael to not serve any more.”

  “Except to us, right?” Brogan’s question surprised everyone. “Come on, you know we had a good time the other night, we just need to be a little more conservative with the quantity we ingest.”

  “Fine, you guys can still have it. Koira when you are ready Caeden can take you up.” Mason nodded at the group and went to find Lael.

  “I can’t feel my limbs anymore but what the hell let’s get this orgy started.” She stood and swayed slightly.

  Everyone exchanged wary glances, they may have just ruined her night. Brogan watched as Caeden led her to the stage. This could be bad he thought as he watched her wobble forward on unsteady legs.

  “Deader, you think we should call a doctor? Who knows what that crap will do to a human. I mean look what it did to you three.” Skarlet asked worriedly.

  Brogan silently agreed with her. But there wasn’t much they could do as Koira took her spot-on stage and the show began.

  To say it was a train wreck would be an understatement. After a rousing version of Hey There Little Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham which got half the bar howling along with her she went on to sing Who Let the Dogs Out. There were a lot of snickers and pointed looks at Caeden. After a short fit of hiccupping she settled onto a stool and sang Puppy Love. Brogan and Rook nearly fell out of their seats laughing uncontrollably.

  “She’s going to be mortified when she remembers this tomorrow.” Caeden knew some men might be embarrassed but not him. He was loving how free she looked and how much fun she was having.

  “She’s a human and a tiny one at that. There is almost no chance she will remember any of this. This crap is what knocked us on our asses the other night so I’m sure she is going to have one hell of a hangover after this.” West gave Caeden a grim smile.

  When she was done, Caeden said their good nights and whisked Koira out of the club much to the patron’s dismay. Brogan for his part was happy with how the night had gone. Maybe now some of the attention would shift to Caeden and off them and their boy’s night.

  Chapter Nine

  Brogan stumbled into his bedroom and collapsed into bed exhausted. It had been one hell of a day from start to finish. When he’d woken up that morning he never expected to chase a serial killer or assist in rescuing his friend’Bs mate, but that’s just what he’d done. The fear and worry he’d felt radiating off Caeden had been enormous. Brogan could sympathize with the man’s plight. To know his mate was in the hands of a killer was enough to drive you insane. He should know, he felt it every day Jericho was in hell. Now Caeden and Koira were home safe in each other’s arm. Brogan longed for the day he’d be able to do the same. It was enough for now to know he’d had a hand in helping them find their happily ever after.

  He’d just started to doze off when a knock at his front door startled him awake again. He jumped up and stalked to the door ready to rip someone's head off for disturbing him when he jerked the door open and froze in shock.

  “Cadence.”

  “Let me in. We have to talk and there isn’t much time. Your friends are on their way. You’ll need their support and strength for this.”

  Brogan opened the door wider and let the priestess into his home. Before this afternoon he’d never seen her away from her home. Now this was the second time in less than twenty-four hours. This did not bode well at all. He’d just begun to shut the door when he saw West and Rook approaching in wolf form. They yipped a greeting and shifted.

  “Let me grab you some sweat pants.” Brogan called as he disappeared leaving the door open for the two men to enter if they wanted too.

  He’d never really been afraid before but for some reason her presence in his house scared him to a level he never knew existed. He searched for an explanation but he could think of nothing that would satisfy her being here at this time of night. He grabbed two pairs of sweats and headed back down the hall, each step making him wish to turn and run from whatever news awaited him.

  “Thanks for the clothes.” Rook said as he took them out of Brogan’s numb hands. “No matter what, remember you’re not alone. We’ve got your back.”

  Brogan nodded and moved to sit a few feet from the woman who held his future happiness in the grips of her hands even if she didn’t know it. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the only one that could find a way to get Jericho back.

  Once everyone had found a seat, Cadence let out a weary sigh and met Brogan’s eyes for what he realized was the first time since she’d arrived. His gut clenched at that.

  “I’ve found a way to get Jericho out, but it’s not going to be easy.”

  “Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.” Brogan exclaimed excitedly. “What do we need to do?”

  Cadence smiled sadly, “This task I ask of you is not something you can do alone.” She held up one hand as Rook and West started to speak. “Let me finish. Before you all volunteer you need to know everything first.”

  All three men shared a look and nodded slowly. Brogan knew he was going to do whatever it took no matter what. He couldn’t leave his mate there a moment longer then he had too.

  “I’ve got an old friend who has agreed to open a portal between our realm and Hell. He won’t be able to keep it open, I’ll do that from this side as long as I can.”

  “You can do that?” West asked incredulously.

  “Yes, I can’t open one but I can maintain it for a bit once it’s been created.”

  “So, Jericho can walk out then right?” Brogan asked cautiously. He knew that would be too easy but he couldn’t keep himself from asking anyway.

  “No child, once Hell has one of its own locked away, it doesn’t give them up easily. In order for Jericho to come to this side of the veil we’ll have to take him from them. They will fight unfairly to keep him and anyone who comes for him. They will play mind tricks, they will test you beyond your ability to even comprehend, but you mustn't fall for it. Too much is at stake. Are you still willing to go in after him?”

  Brogan didn’t even hesitate. “Hell yes I am.”

  “Think of it this way. You know all those couples that say they would go to Hell and back for their partner. You can say “been there got the t-shirt”, when this is over.” Rook said with a nervous laugh before turning and looking to his partner.

  Brogan didn’t want to laugh at his friend’s gallows humor but couldn’t help it. It helped release some of the overwhelming tension. The two shared some silent communication before Rook turned back to Brogan, “Count us in, like I said we’ve got your back and if that means going with you to Hell to get your mate back, then that’s what we’ll do.”

  “I can’t ask that of you.” Brogan protested.

  “You didn’t ask.” West pointed out. “This isn’t a negotiation either. We’re getting your mate back, end of story. Don’t argue.”

  Brogan nodded but couldn't say a word. He was overwhelmed with emotions. Not many people would volunteer to go to Hell for a friend, like these two were. But that was pack for you. Forever a family that stuck together through thick and thin.

  Rook turned to Cadence and took a deep breath, “What do we need to do to prepare?”

  “I’ve never been there to know for sure, I’m not sure I can be much help outside of potions and elixirs. Get a good night's sleep and be ready. The door opens at noon tomorrow. I’ll come get you and lead you to its location.”

  Before any of them could protest, Cadence disappeared with a slight popping sound leaving them stunned in surprise.

  “In all the years I’ve known her I’ve never seen her do that.” Rook whispered quietly almost if he was afraid to speak too loud for some reason.

  Brogan grunted before leaning back in his chair, “Anyone have any suggestions on what we should bring on this little adventure of ou
rs? I for one am clueless, I mean if I take my gun, would shooting things we encounter work? Salt or iron or hell I don’t know. Help me out here.”

  “Iron is for fae creatures or at least that’s the myths I’ve heard. If it works on others I have no idea.” Rook shook his head, “Did any of you think this is how we’d end this day? I mean storming Hell, really?”

  West laughed, “Since I’ve come to this town I’ve discovered one thing, and that’s to always expect the unexpected. But maybe you’re onto something there. Before we met Jericho, we didn’t know demons existed really. Maybe all those tales and myths are based on some bit of reality. I plan on bringing my gun, a knife, a first aid kit, some holy water which I’ll have to run to town and get. And yes, I’ll pick some up for you both as well.” West trailed off for a minute. “I know this is crazy but I think we need to research and see what the myths say and bring whatever they mention that we can get our hands on quick.”

  Brogan pulled his phone and typed in a search. “This could take a while to find anything useful.”

  “We’re gonna head home and get some things in order. You okay alone tonight?” Rook asked as he stood.

  “Yeah, it’s fine, go. I’ll understand if you guys change your mind. I just want you to know that. No hard feelings either way.”

  Brogan had barely finished speaking before he was pulled into a hug and squeezed. “We’re not going to back out. We’ll be here first thing in the morning. And with luck by this time tomorrow you’ll be here alone with your mate using those skills my mate and Deader taught you.”

  Chapter Ten

  Brogan watched the sun rise from the steps of his back porch as he sipped a cup of coffee and admired the view. He wasn’t sure what today was going to bring and he wanted to take in all the beauty and life he could before he crossed into Hell.

  He’d spent most of the night researching, but wasn’t sure he was any closer to finding out anything useful. Instead he went with what made sense to him, and then added in anything he found even the slightest mention of online. If they worked then they had an extra weapon, if they didn’t well they could always throw them at whatever came at them.

  A soft knocking at his front door finally caught his attention. He wasn’t sure who it could be at this hour, but figured he’d better find out. Hiding wouldn’t fix anything after all. He opened the door and once again was stunned, “Barbara, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

  “I’m fine son, I came as soon as I heard what was happening. I brought you some things. I don’t know what you guys will face down there, but I know one thing. There is no stronger force in this world then love and faith. You have the love of our pack, of those two men walking by your side and above all the love of your mate. Have faith that it will work out, that you will rescue him and all come home safe and you will.”

  Brogan felt a tear fall as he listened to her words. This woman was more than pack alpha, she was a mother to them all, she was the heart and soul of the pack.

  “Here. These belonged to my family and Tristan's family for many generations. They will keep you safe on your journey.” Barbara handed him three necklaces. “They are symbols of our love and devotion to our pack and each other.”

  “I can’t accept these.”

  “You will. That is a command from your Alpha. When you come back if you choose you can return it, but for now this is not up for debate. I need the four of you to return home, where we’ll have a party waiting to celebrate your mate’s homecoming. I look forward to meeting the man that tamed your wolf.”

  Brogan smiled in spite of himself and pulled the smaller woman into his arms. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

  “My boy, your parents would be so proud of the man you’ve become. I’ve watched you grow up from that gangly boy to one hell of a fine man. Your grandmother always said you’d do amazing things with your life. She was right.”

  He pulled back and this time didn’t even try to hide the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks. “Thank you.”

  “Be safe and I’ll see you when you get back.” She turned and disappeared as quickly as she’d arrived leaving Brogan feeling slightly bereft and overwhelmed. What other surprises could this day possibly bring.

  He probably shouldn’t have challenged the fates like that he thought a few hours later as he accepted another gift of faith from the people of Blue Creek. Word had spread like wildfire it would seem and half the town had showed up offering words of support and encouragement and items to help keep them safe. They had talismans from most every religion he could think of now and some he’d never heard of, but they all had one thing in common. Their owner believed these objects would keep them safe and Brogan figured that was good enough for him. As Barbara had said, Faith was a powerful tool.

  When Rook and West showed up loaded down with similar adornments Brogan couldn’t help but smile. Blue Creek was one of a kind. “Looks like you’ve had visitors too.” He called out.

  “I think,” West replied, “that we are as prepared for this as we can get.”

  Rook nodded in agreement. “It’s true. Let’s sit down and compare what we’ve got. See if we think of anything we’re missing or need more of.”

  The three men pulled out their backpacks full of supplies and one by one called out what they’d brought. In total they had water, granola bars, iron, bronze, silver, salt, holy water, salt water, a compass, a couple knives and guns, rope, matches, a zippo lighter, three flashlights with extra batteries, extra socks, a first aid kit and a small potion bottle.

  “What’s that?” Brogan asked in confusion.

  “Cadence gave it to me last fall. She said it was a grounding potion and that it would hold someone to this side of the veil for as long as the user willed it.” Rook shrugged, “Not sure, but something told me to grab it and bring it with me, so I did.”

  “Anything anyone can think of we’re missing?” Brogan asked hopefully. “I’d rather be over prepared then need something and not have it.”

  “He,” West pointed to Rook, “wanted to bring zip ties and duct tape, but we didn’t have any on hand.”

  “I still think we need to bring them. You can fix almost anything with that combination.” Rook defended.

  “I do and he’s right. My dad taught me that when I was little.” Brogan jumped up and ran into the kitchen. Within a minute he was back and holding them up in triumph, “That was great thinking, man.” He said as he stuffed them into his backpack.

  They lapsed into silence as they repacked their bags, content in their own thoughts for the time being. Brogan wasn’t sure how much time had passed before he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He glanced around but couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary. He opened his mouth to ask if they felt it, when he heard Jericho’s voice.

  “I’m not worth it. Don’t do this, don’t let them do this.”

  West froze and stared wide-eyed at Brogan. “Did you hear that?”

  “Jericho?” Rook whispered in shock.

  “Why would you say that?” Brogan demanded. “We are coming for you, there is nothing you can say to change my mind. Be prepared, you’re my mate and I won’t leave you behind, damn it.”

  “Word’s gotten out you’re coming.” Cadence said from behind them, making all three men yelp in surprise and spin around.

  “How do they know? How did Jericho just talk to all of us like that. It’s only been me in the past and only those two words. What’s happening?”

  “He had to use a lot of energy to project like that. I know not why he did it that way, but he must have his reasons. It’s not too late to back out if you wish it.”

  “It’s because of us he’s stuck there. We’re going with Brogan to get him back. Nothing is going to stop us.”

  “And do you really have to pop in and scare the shit out of us like that?” West added with a frown. “You’re going to give me a heart attack doing that shit.”

>   “What did you mean they know we’re coming. How do they know?” Brogan demanded.

  Cadence glanced from face to face searching intently for something before she nodded slowly. “I can see the determination. That’s good we’re gonna need it. And to answer your question, the why’s don’t matter anymore, Brogan. Time is running out, the longer we wait the longer they will have to prepare. Here, I’ve brought you all I could gather in the short time we had.” She handed them each a small bag. “There are potions for healing, camouflage, energy and fire resistance. Use them wisely.”

  The clinking of the bottles almost sounded like wind chimes. Brogan mentally berated himself for such fanciful thoughts as he stuffed the bag into his backpack, closed it up and pulled it on. He turned to see his friends had done the same. It was time to go get his mate.

  “Lead the way, High Priestess. Show us to Hell.”

  Part Two

  Chapter Eleven

  Jericho

  The fates were fickle bitches who cared for no one but themselves. After all the centuries he’d given to help keep the world safe from his brethren and this was how he was repaid. To find his mate and be forced to leave him was the worst kind of hell. He hadn’t even had a chance to do more than tease the wolf, trying to gauge his reaction to being mated to a demon.

  When Cadence had sent him word of the powerful being that was killing he’d dropped everything to come to her aide. She was the only family he had left he was willing to acknowledge. The only family who didn’t want to rip his entrails out through his nose too for that matter.

  Even now Jericho could hear their laughter as he hung from the ceiling by his wrists, swinging haphazardly from side to side with each hit they had delivered to him.

  “Don’t worry little brother, soon your mate and his friends will join you here. Something tells me they won’t take it as well as you do. Mortals rarely ever do, you know.”