Imps & Angels

by Indra Frost

  I woke to a scratching sound that indicated the person coming towards me didn’t know about the loose stair two floors down. Metal ground against metal as another set of footsteps approached. Two people, who weren't worried about being quiet, were coming for a visit.

  Hope they didn’t expect me to play hostess with the mostess. Though, I should work on getting the place ready for my surprise guests. I snorted at myself, knowing that the people on their way up were coming for a reason I probably wouldn't like.

  Standing, I swayed a bit as the movement caused spots to cross my vision. My head was still pounding, letting me know that my concussion wasn't healed completely. Internal injuries always took the longest, and brain injuries were the worst.

  Finally on my feet, I conjured a whip. Smoke and flames poured from my hand in a line before forming into the weapon I had called forward. The metal tip was barbed and would rip through flesh and muscle easily. Weapons were a thing of beauty, and I made a point to know how to use any that I could get my hands on. I felt safe conjuring it now because there was no one here to see me do it.

  The sounds of scraping feet grew closer. There were two sets of footsteps that I could hear, but I closed my eyes and reached out to confirm that there weren’t more using my empathy. I couldn’t feel anyone else, so I got ready. I couldn't afford to let them get the drop on me, even if they weren’t trying to be quiet.

  I was only able to touch on two sets of emotions, but one of them was familiar. I glared at the stairwell as the magic user came down the short hallway and into my room. His hands were held up in surrender, like he had sensed me, too. But the slight, green glow around his hands meant he was ready to use his magic at a moment’s notice. The second man that came up behind him was a vampire. He was the same one I had watched fight for membership at the gym.

  My eyes narrowed at seeing them together. This confirmed that they were all working together. The magic user, who I was pretty sure was a wizard, had been the one outside the gym that night. The same one who had almost gotten me killed when he chased me straight into Raum’s territory.

  The three of them must have been working together. The vampire, the angel, and the wizard had all done things to indicate that they knew each other. The wizard and angel had been the ones to try and get into Greg’s safe. The angel and the vampire had seemed familiar in the gym, and now this.

  It wouldn't surprise me if the creature from earlier was also working with them. The timing was too convenient, and I didn't want to think of what it would mean if he wasn't working with them.

  I had enough problems as it was.

  At least none of these guys were demons. That would make things more complicated. I didn’t know a single demon that wouldn’t try to take advantage of this entire situation.

  It was a pity that such beautiful men were the ones to come after me. That they would be the ones hunting me. They should have been models, or movie stars, something that wouldn't be such a waste of their good looks. But instead they were here, after me for a reason I didn’t want to stay to find out.

  With Greg gone, I had expected others to come out of the woodworks. Raum wasn't the only one that liked to think he could use me to get back at the minor demon. It was tiring, and familiar. Usually, it was demons who thought they could use me. Demons were like that though; always trying to one-up each other to get more power. It never stopped.

  I looked them over, the vampire’s eyes almost seemed to shine in the dim light. His gaze was intense as he settled it on my face. I couldn't seem to pick out his intentions, but he looked ready for anything. The wizard shifted on his feet, bringing my attention back to him. His face was open and friendly, humor lighting up his eyes, and making him much more dangerous to me in this moment.

  Their presence seemed to make the room feel smaller as their tall figures stood in the doorway, cutting off my escape route.

  The wizard’s hair shimmered, green eyes flashing with magic as he shuffled closer. He was brimming with an emotion that I wasn't familiar with, and I didn’t know how to take it. He smiled and his teeth flashed before he hid them again.

  He was excited, and it seemed like he was trying to suppress it. I was wary about his intentions.

  Their presence set me on edge. I knew what they were capable of. I knew that the vampire could fight. With how fast he was able to take care of Hairy, that much was obvious. And I knew the wizard was proficient enough with his magic that he was able to cast a spell on me without my noticing. Without more information, I couldn't determine who would win in a fight. I would hope to come out on top, but I couldn't guarantee it.

  They came to a stop a few feet in front of me and I narrowed my eyes on them. My hand gripped my whip tighter before relaxing as I readied myself to use it. I wouldn't attack them first, that wouldn't be smart, but I would be prepared to defend myself. I wasn’t sure what they wanted yet, but if they worked for someone, me attacking them first would be considered an act of war.

  They took turns looking around, one of their gazes always centered on me. It showed that there was trust between them. They had worked together long enough for habits and patterns to emerge.

  It almost made me jealous. I wanted that with someone, that bond and trust. But I couldn't put stock in dreams that wouldn't come true. It wasn't logical, or helpful.

  I watched as their eyes took in everything, from my lodgings to my stance. Something passed through the wizard’s eyes at the sight of my bed and it almost looked like concern. But that didn’t make sense. He had tried to put a tracker on me last night; something that I couldn’t imagine someone with an innocent motive would do.

  “What do you want? Why are you following me?” I snapped out, moving to put my back to the window.

  They shifted to match my movements. Not threatening, but not allowing for escape either. I would use the window to escape if I had to.

  The fact that they were able to find me, meant it wasn’t safe to stay here any longer. I would have to ditch my things. Lucy would be able to use them when she came back, and there wasn’t anyone else brave enough to encroach on my territory. These guys seemed to be after me specifically, so they shouldn’t be a danger to Lucy either.

  “We want your help.”

  The wizard’s words made all my theories about them come to a screeching halt. The thoughts in my head stopped with my shock as my mind went blank.

  ...What?

  Confusion swept through me and I looked between them, waiting for the punchline of what had to be a joke.

  What could I possibly help them with? I started to shake my head in denial. I didn’t have money, and I kept my skills hidden, so I wasn’t sure what they could want my help with. And I didn’t want to find out. This could have been a sick ploy to hold me hostage and use me as a bargaining chip against Greg. In a way, that could be considered me ‘helping’ them.

  “I’m not sure what you think I can help you with, but I can assure you I’m not going to do it.” I took a step back, magic gathering between my shoulder blades with a steady, fiery pulse.

  I wouldn't be able to use the magic that was instinctually gathering in my shoulder blades to escape out the window. It was too much of a risk. The alley between the buildings was narrow enough I could jump across them with no problems. They already knew I was part demons, so it wouldn’t be giving too much away. I would be able to jump across to the other buildings fire escape and climb to the roof. I would find a place to hide out until I found somewhere else to stay.

  It wasn't a great plan, but it was the best one I could come up with while they had me backed into a corner like this.

  “I think you can," the vampire said, his voice cutting through the air with a hint of commande. "And you’ll want to, once you hear what we have to say.”

  I raised my brow at the vampire. “You’re so persuasive. Is this how you treat all the women in your life? Can't imagine they stick around long if you do.”

  He sent me a look, raising his eyebrow
s back, but not rising to take the bait. Instead, a smile crossed his face. I frowned, not sure how to react to that. I was used to fighting and insults, not amusement.

  I used snarky comments to throw people off, and it hadn’t ever backfired on me; until now. I was the one left feeling unsettled, and I didn’t like it.

  The wizard stepped closer and I snapped the whip at him in warning. The snap echoed through the air, the speed enough that even he would have trouble seeing it move.

  He stepped back quickly, though I hadn't even gotten close to hitting him.

  They hadn’t done anything to hurt me so far, and I didn’t make a habit of hurting those that didn’t deserve it. I wasn’t sure what these men wanted, but aside from the stalking, they hadn’t made a move against me. I wouldn’t be the one to strike first if I didn’t have to. I had seen enough violence in my lifetime that I didn’t like to cause it unnecessarily.

  “Like I said, I’m not going to be able to help you. So, please leave.” My tone was a warning, telling them I wanted them gone.

  I needed them to leave. I didn't want them here anymore. This feeling went beyond the threat of them being in my space. There was something inside of me that was calling to them, something unfamiliar. It was a feeling unlike any I had ever felt before, and though it was almost pleasurable, I didn't like it.

  It created a painful feeling of want, a terrible longing. There was a hope that was building inside me for something that I couldn't have.

  It was the feelings that I wanted to get away from, more than the physical threat they presented. Aside from that, I couldn't help them, even if I had wanted to.

  I conjured a blade into my other hand, holding it behind my back so they wouldn't see. I was ready to fight if I needed to. These men didn’t look like they were planning to leave anytime soon, but I wasn’t planning to stick around.

  “Please, hear us out," the magic user urged. “We’re not your enemies.”

  They both stepped forward this time and I snapped my whip again. I aimed between their heads, and it was close enough that I saw their hair wave in the manufactured wind. Both of them took a few steps back and I smirked to hide my uncertainty.

  Guilt had risen in me at not hearing them out, but I really couldn’t help them. The contract wouldn’t allow me to go against Greg. And their actions from the past day told me that’s exactly what they wanted. The contract would stop me, even if I wanted to, and Greg knew some pretty unsavory people. He had ways of finding things out and making the people that went against him pay.

  Besides, these guys probably weren’t any better than Greg. I hated these power struggles, and I wasn’t going to play into them.

  Taking a step back, I snapped the whip again when it looked like they would follow. I was as close as I could get to the window and still have a running start, so I paused.

  I met their eyes, one pair glowing green and the other a brown so dark they looked almost black. The sun was starting to set, and the fading light highlighted their features in a flattering way. The girlish part of me wanted to swoon at their looks, but the practical part of me knew that beauty hid danger. It was a danger intent on taking down a demon that held my soul in the palm of his hand. If the situation had been different, I would have loved to get to know them.

  The sappy thoughts meant it was time to leave, before I did something I would regret.

  I wouldn’t stop them, I wanted Greg taken down as badly as they seemed to, but my life was as good as forfeit if they did. I looked at them, taking in their features, their handsome faces. The longing to have a connection with someone the way that they had with each other hit me again. It also sucked that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the eye candy.

  “When you go after Greg, know that he has friends in high places. People that owe him favors. He isn’t very powerful himself, but he’s cunning. Don’t underestimate him.”

  They looked surprised by my words, but I didn’t linger to explain.

  The brand on my shoulder flared to life, searing into my skin and causing a burning pain to start to spread throughout my body.

  In one, smooth movement, I turned and threw my blade at the window. It shattered on impact, and I was already running at it. I met the glass just after it shattered. Little shards of glass bit into my arms and face as I launched myself over the break between buildings.

  I heard them cry out in alarm as I soared over the alley. My feet hit the fire escape with the tinkle of falling glass, the impact sending painful shocks through my arms and legs. A sting on my arm let me know that I didn’t make it out of the window without one deeper cut. I looked to see a shard of glass sticking out of my bicep. But It would have to wait. Fear rose up inside me when I heard their voices, and I forced myself to move faster than before.

  The two men called out as they ran to the window, and I climbed over the railing and ran up the metal stairs, taking care not to cause more noise than necessary. I managed to make it to the top as they leaned out the window, trying to find me on the street below. I pulled myself up and over the ledge, rolling to my feet and already running to the next building. I pulled the shard from my arm as I ran, burning it to cinders with my fire.

  I was sorry that I couldn't help them with Greg, but my hands were tied. I would never be able to help them, not while the minor demon held my contract.

  I would never be able to go against him, with or without help from strange, beautiful men.

  The sun was starting to set, but I could see just fine in the slowly fading light. There was a bite to the air that was made worse when I ran and leapt, the blood on my skin cooling and creating a thin crust that flaked off with each movement.

  I leaped from the next building, rolling to break the impact. I was back on my feet and continuing quicker than a thought. My body instinctively adjusting to the strain of crossing over the buildings. Muscle memory and training helped me to maneuver across the warehouse district without having to think too hard about what I was doing.

  I was a few buildings down and had just leaped for another when a shadow fell over me. It was too late to take the jump back, but I felt my stomach drop. I was already in the air, soaring through the night when something grabbed me from above. Massive, black claws seized me, the claws biting into my flesh to secure my weight. They held me tight, and I hissed at the pain, thrashing to try and make it drop me.

  He didn’t let go and we continued to fly, getting higher and higher with each passing moment. I looked down to see the earth far below me, and getting further by the moment. My stomach rolled, and I hoped I wouldn't throw up. I was usually fine with heights, but that was when I was in control. Not at the mercy of a creature I didn’t know. I stopped trying to fight his grip and instead gripped the paws, holding on for dear life as we flew even higher.

  The black fur surrounding me was sliced in areas by thin strips of gold. The shimmering color part of his fur, almost like a tattoo, rather than something that was painted on. I was just as amazed by it as the first time I had seen him, though the fear of falling suppressed the awe I felt.

  The way that I was being held was awkward and I did my best not to upset my precarious position. I knew, logically, that I wouldn’t die, but logic had nothing to do with the panic I was feeling.

  I stared at the patterns, focusing on that instead of the buildings that were getting smaller and further away. I wouldn't die if he dropped me, but it wouldn't be pleasant. I would either need to use my own magic, or I would see if I could heal after a fatal fall. My guess was that I would. Though it really wouldn’t be pleasant.

  I closed my eyes as we turned and swooped, my stomach raising and falling like I was being thrown in a match or knocked off my feet. That brief moment when you felt weightless before gravity found you again and your stomach rose into your throat.

  It wasn't much longer before we started to lower over some houses just outside the city. They seemed to back up to the forest. One house in particular was isolated among the trees, and that
seemed to be where we were heading. The air seemed to get colder the further into the forest we got, the stars seeming brighter as well. It was different from what I was used to, and I couldn’t help the deep breath I tried to take in that brief moment of forgotten fear.

  The thought that this creature was more than just an animal floated through my head. He was smart, knowing just when to catch me, and how to hold me without hurting. His claws were sharp, but they didn't break my skin.

  I used my empathy, but still didn't get a sense that he was a shifter, his ferocity was primal, but controlled. Almost human. He was coming up as an animal to my senses, but my empathy was saying human. Human and animal, but not a shifter. I didn't know what was happening, but I wasn't going to sit around long enough to ask.

  I tried my best to focus on a plan for when we landed. As soon as he put me on my feet, I would take off. Running in the opposite direction. In a way he had helped me, he had gotten me away from those guys, and taken me away from the city. I would be able to scout out new places to stay once I made it back to the gym.

  We dove suddenly and a scream escaped as the ground neared faster than I was comfortable with. The sound cut off along with my breath as the wind sucked it away. The ground grew closer and I had to close my eyes, heart pounding with the fear that I was about to be a half-breed pancake.

  My magic flared, but with the way I was being held, there wasn’t anything I could do with it. Sure, I could fry the beast, but that wouldn’t stop me from spatting against the dirt. Something else was stopping me, too. Something I couldn't name.

  I closed my eyes and held tight to the paws wrapped around me. My stomach was in my throat, and I would have tossed my lunch, if I had eaten one.

  If I was the type to pray, I would be doing so now.

  A sudden swooping made me close my eyes. I didn't want to see my death coming.

  Two of the paws released me as the others changed to human arms. The change was sudden and startled me. Then, with a jarring feeling, his feet hit the ground. It reverberated through him and into me, making my teeth smack together.