“Fetch Valmont.” She barked at Larissa. “And hurry. I feel we’re going to need him.”
The urgency in her voice brooked no argument and the Lycan flew from the room at preternatural speed in search of the vampire.
“Quinn, you need to step back and think clearly for a moment.” Mama Grace spoke slowly and patiently hoping she could get through to him in time.
In light of his vague response a change was almost imminent and with the demon inside having been suppressed for so long, Mama Grace feared that once unleashed there would be no reasoning with him. Quinn would rush in to save the girl and get himself killed in the process.
Her eyes sought Maisey pleading for assistance, anything that would buy them a little time.
Aware of the dire situation Maisey slowly moved towards him, careful of not to make any sudden movements. “Quinn, we’re gonna find her and we’re gonna save her, but we can’t do that Sugar without good solid plans. We need you for that, with your strategic logical mind not the beasts.”
Pleading with him gently, Maisey hoped that her soft soothing tone would reach him all the while silently praying for Valmont to arrive soon. If anyone could talk Quinn down and prevent his transformation it would be the vampire. But they were rapidly running out of time.
Quinn’s body was now physically jolting as the resonating waves of his transformation intensified. His face began contorting, elongating towards his hidden identity.
Valmont burst into the room presenting himself directly before his friend. “Quinn Mon ami, you need to stop this now!”
Quickly gauging from his lack of response just how dire the situation was, Valmont decided on a course of action that he knew to be not only reckless but unfortunately extremely necessary. “Very well then, why don’t you continue on this course? Become the ignorant beast that you truly are and allow Darla to die. But do so knowing that her blood will be on your hands as was that of your family’s.”
A roar of anguished rage tore from Quinn’s throat in the same instant that his fist slammed into Valmont's face, the force of the blow propelling the vampire through the air at high speed. Valmont hit the wall on the opposite side of the room, the sheer force of the impact leaving a large indented print of his shoulder in the dry lining.
Quinn dropped to his knees. His head slumped forward as he began the battle to regain control of his senses and in doing so conquering his inner beast.
Larissa arrived just in time to see her vampire friend knocked almost through to the next room from the force of Quinn’s blow. With the situation seemingly dealt with she gingerly picked her way through the debris with the feline grace of a cat to reach her fallen companion. Producing a tissue she passed it to Valmont who was sat taking a moment to reset his bloodied, broken nose.
“I take it you said something to piss him off,” she smiled sliding down the wall to take a seat beside him on the floor.
“It had to be done Mon beauté sauvage nothing else would have gotten thorough that thick ugly head of his.” Valmont daubed the residue blood from his nose. “Just tell me one thing… has he ruined my stunning good looks forever?” he asked with a solemn frown, tilting his head for her inspection.
“Oh shut up you big girl.” Larissa nudged him playfully. “You know it’s already healed as good as new.”
Valmont tsked with mock indignation. “You’re always the same, so harsh. I should know better than to expect sympathy from a Lycan.”
“Gave you a tissue didn’t I?” she huffed playfully, rising to her feet and offering him a hand.
“My apologies Mon héros, I suppose I should at least be grateful that it was clean.” Valmont accepted her hand.
“Well when you say clean--” her voice trailed off, knowing what the ruse would do to her friend and yet strangely unable to resist.
Seeing the horrified expression on Valmont’s face at the idea of using a soiled tissue, Larissa carefully supressed a chuckle while walking away.
Approaching the others who’d gathered around the kneeling figure of Quinn, Larissa stepped to the side allowing Valmont primary access to the silent man. Doing what the others feared to do, he crouched down before his friend. With Quinn’s head slumped forward his hair obstructing his face it was impossible to gauge his condition.
His recklessly chosen words had obviously reached through to Quinn stopping the transformation but beyond that Valmont had no way of knowing how angry or volatile he might still be.
“Quinn… mon ami… have you re-joined us?” Unsure of how far to push him, Valmont waited patiently for a response.
Several minutes passed before he tried again. “Quinn?”
This time Quinn slowly raised his head, meeting Valmont's questioning stare.
The vampire tried his best to hide his reaction. The eyes staring back at him were those of a man in torment, his pain and suffering clear for all to see.
The revelation was more than startling for Valmont. Since the despicable fate of his family Quinn had become cold, detached and unemotional. With a vampire’s view on life it was Quinn’s cheery disposition – or rather lack of it – that had drawn Valmont to him solidifying a strong and firm friendship- or as firm as two emotionally detached beings could be. But to see him now it was more than apparent that there was much more at play here.
“Mon ami, I am so relieved to see you back with us. Perhaps now we can proceed with the daunting task of devising a rescue plan if we are ever to save the fair Darla.”
Quinn blinked rapidly as if awakening from a dream. “You really believe there is still hope?” His voice sounded desperate, pleading for affirmation.
“Certainement. There is always hope my friend.”
With Valmont’s assistance Quinn rose shakily to his full height, his body still not entirely his own. The transformation from man to demon suffered no adverse effect; it was the battle he always waged with himself that drained him.
Clasping his friend’s shoulder Quinn grimaced sheepishly. “Sorry I hit you so hard.”
Valmont shrugged brushing aside the apology. “You do know I never meant what I said, about your family, right?”
Quinn nodded solemnly. “Yeah I know, although, maybe it was a little harsh.”
“Well then perhaps you should have hit me properly instead of that piss ant girly tap.”
“Tap my ass.” Quinn scoffed. “You’re lucky it was your face I busted and not your balls. A blow like that would have seriously derailed your appeal with the lady’s, at least for a week or two.”
“Not even funny, my friend. It does not bare thinking about.” Valmont grimaced, involuntarily cupping himself at the thought of such a restriction. “However, now that you are fully cognisant once more, if we are to work out a plan could we please step out onto the porch, I’m sure I’m coming out in hives with all the damn cat hairs everywhere.” Valmont scratched at his arms emphasizing his suffering.
“I think that would be the best option as my dining room appears to be totalled.” Mama Grace added before leading them from the room.
“Feel free to send the bill to C.A.O.S. Big G always covers the costs of assignments and this would never have happened had Darla not been here to begin with.” Maisey reiterated.
Mama Grace waved aside the generous offer. “As kind and generous as that offer may be you know me, any excuse to restyle the old girl.”
“Are you referring to yourself or the house?” Maisey chuckled taking one of the comfortable porch seats.
“Is there any difference where Mama Grace is concerned?” Larissa asked.
With the group settled, Quinn collected all the information they had to go on, with Mama Grace filling in the blanks of the attack, cautiously excluding all information pertaining to herself and her prior relationship with Beelzebub. Choosing to withhold the details of their past involvement wasn’t an intentional move to deceive, just simply a case of self-preservation. She had invested too many years building up the high regard of others to have
it destroyed so needlessly. Besides, the intimate details of her relationship with the demon would have no relevance to their present situation, whereas having to explain aspects of her past could prove dangerous not only to herself but to others also.
They already knew she was a powerful being without needing the unnecessary facts of her birth right. Explaining away her immunity to Beelzebub’s power would hopefully prove simple enough.
“So we now know who took her and why, the question is what the hell do we do to get her back?” demanded Larissa voicing aloud what the others were thinking while wiping furiously at her face. She felt sickened to her stomach to have been rendered so vulnerable by Beelzebub’s power, but Mama Grace’s recounting of how the demon had licked her inert body made her feel dirty and in desperate need of a shower. “This is the lord of the Nephalim for crying out loud. He has an entire army at his disposal, one that will follow his every command, not of course forgetting that he resides within an impenetrable castle.”
Since stepping out onto the balcony Quinn had patiently listened while pacing back and forth, knowing he would need every shred of information if he stood any chance in rescuing Darla. One rule which had always served him well; never underestimate your opponent.
“Does he have any weaknesses?” His steady gaze landed on the ancient seer.
“Why do you feel I should know?” Her voice displayed a level of defensiveness that inadvertently answered her own question, something that Quinn immediately picked up on.
“Well you seem pretty knowledgeable about him all of a sudden and of course there’s the unexplained fact of your immunity to his power, so excuse me for hedging a bet on you being about the best authority we have right now.” Coming to stand before her Quinn’s powerful frame towered over her.
Guiltily dropping her gaze Mama Grace avoided his condemning stare. “He has no weakness, none that I’m aware of and just in case you were wondering, I swear I had nothing to do with this. I was as much in the dark as the rest of you.”
Still angry but appreciating her honesty Quinn resumed his pacing without saying anything, the repetitive movement being the only thing that took the edge off his temper.
“I say we storm the castle, take out as many of them as we can, grab the girl and run,” came the unexpected comment from Valmont, sprawled in one of the comfortable porch seats with his long legs resting casually on the balustrade.
“Sounds like a plan,” agreed Quinn. “One exception though, I will not allow anyone to risk themselves any further. The only option I can see is for me to blink in alone, find her and hopefully leave without detection.”
“Then your plan will fail dismally and you will become his prisoner too!” Quinn stopped pacing and swung to face Mama Grace. “Explain yourself seer,” he demanded.
“Beelzebub rules his domain with absolute control. He will detect another demon’s presence the exact moment you materialise. You will be overpowered by sheer numbers, apprehended and detained in a lead cell preventing you from blinking until after the ceremony is completed, by which time of course Darla will be dead, heavens gates will have fallen and you will no longer be of any interest or concern to him.”
“Damn, when you put it like that you have to admit it sounds suicidal,” added Larissa
Quinn deliberated. What Mama Grace said was true; blinking through lead was suicidal for demons… but not impossible. Lead was extremely toxic to their systems -blending with their molecular genetics when they transported, it resulted in a slow and painful death. It wasn’t exactly like he relished the idea of dying but after 410 years of living - the last few of which had been spent so alone- it didn’t seem such a bad idea. And if the end result meant saving Darla……surely it was worth the risk? What other option was there…let her die?
Never gonna happen!
Quinn made a decision. “It’s a risk I’m gonna have to take, there’s no other alternative.”
“There is always an alternative.” Mama Grace assured.
“Which is?” Quinn asked humouring her.
“Ask for help.”
“You wanna embellish a little on that?” He snapped, his patience all but gone. “Maisey already approached Big G, without much success I might add. So who do you suggest…? Lucifer?” he sneered. “He is after all the only one stronger than Beelzebub.”
Mama Grace shook her head. “Lucifer would not help you. He will not take up arms against his most powerful and valuable ally, at least not over an issue as trivial as this. And before you snap my head off,” she rushed on, seeing how quickly Quinn’s temper was returning, “I am not saying that what is happening is trivial, but Lucifer would. Besides, he still carries the guilt of what befell those who supported him in his battle with God. He may not condone Beelzebub's plans…. but he will in no way condemn him.”
“Then there is no one else. I have to go alone.”
Mama Grace slowly approached him, gently resting her hand on his cheek. “Are you in that much of a hurry to die? You have to stop comparing this situation to the past, for that road will only lead to your destruction. If you truly wish to save her then there can be no room for error.”
Quinn covered her hand with his and closed his eyes, taking comfort from her touch. “Please, if you know of some other way then tell me.”
His anguished reply tore at her heart. “You are wrong about one thing.” She knew her solution could work, but it would depend entirely on Quinn. “There is one even stronger than Lucifer.”
Quinn’s brows pursed. There was none stronger than the lord of Hell! Lucifer had reigned unchallenged since the day he had fallen after losing the battle against…“Please tell me you’re fucking joking!” he gasped, taking a step back, shocked that she would even suggest such a thing.
Valmont rose to his feet. “Maybe you could kill the suspense Mon ami and enlighten us all on what it is she is suggesting.”
“What Mama Grace is laughably proposing is that I approach the Archangel Michael himself,” he snorted, dismissing the idea out of hand.
“Yes! Oh my god yes that’s it!” Maisey leapt enthusiastically to her feet. “It’s perfect. Why didn’t I think of it myself? If you go to Michael and plead your case he will take it to Big G himself. If anyone can sway Gods opinion it’s Michael. This is how we can save Darla.”
Quinn couldn’t bring himself to match her exuberance. “You’re missing one vital point; only the Fallen can speak directly to Michael.”
“No Quinn. The Fallen are the only ones that have ever tried.” Mama Grace moved to stand before him once more. “If you plead your case and convince him, I am almost certain he will help you. But I offer you one word of warning. Michael is the purest of all the angels. He is strong, wise and incredibly intuitive. You cannot fool him, blind him with lies or try to mislead him. He will always see through it.” Mama Grace moved closer and placed her hand on Quinn’s chest. “You will have one chance to convince him that your cause is true. Speak from your heart and tell him exactly how you feel, only then may he choose to help you.”
Raising his eyes from the delicate hand resting over his heart Quinn looked to the others. “Any thoughts on this, because right at this moment I will take anything that convinces me that this is a bad idea.”
“The way I see it, it’s more than we had five minutes ago and if it fails you can always revert to the original plan.” Larissa offered.
“I have to agree with Mama Grace,” added Maisey beaming. “Michael will help if you give him just cause.”
Quinn knew she was referring to their earlier chat.
Personally the idea of dealing with the angel chilled him to the bone but it was still a shot. “Okay, looks like we have a plan. I will blink to the Mountain of Light and attempt an audience with Michael. If all goes well, be it from Michael or the original plan, Darla and I will meet you back here tomorrow night.”
“Not so fast my friend, do you truly believe I will stand by and allow you to do this alone?” Valmon
t swept his gaze around the small circle of friends. “I cannot speak for the others but I intend to travel to the land of the Nephalim and await you there. If all fails with Michael I will fight by your side until we have done everything in our power to save Darla.” Quinn crossed to his friend and clasped his hand, dragging him into a fierce hug.
Larissa was the next to step forward. “Well I can’t be allowing this big goofy vamp to be running around having all the fun, looks like I’m in this to the end.”
“As am I,” added Gallion stiffly nodding his head. “We began this venture together; we will see it through to the end together.”
Quinn turned to the ancient seer one last time checking her expression for any signs of deceit. There was none. “You really think I have a shot at this?”
Mama Grace nodded. “I do. Just remember, speak the truth, anything but will be detected.”
Her reassurance did little to ease his apprehension. “I’m sorry about your house.” He nodded towards the gaping hole where the door had once stood.
Brushing his apology aside she hugged him warmly, instantly forgetting their differences. “It’s nothing. You just go and save that girl.”
Quinn solemnly nodded before dematerialising.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Darla unfurled, languorously stretching her body on the fresh cotton sheets, relishing the crisp cool texture against her skin. Her toes stretched towards the bottom of the bed and her arms reached high above her head as she roused her sinfully relaxed muscles preparing for the day ahead.
Reality hit like a bolt of lightning. Leaping from the bed she pressed her body against the solid stone wall, frantically searching the unfamiliar room in a momentary wave of panic.
The room was pleasant enough, housing the enormous bed were she had only just awoken but the cold press of stone against her back and high vaulted ceilings above indicated she was a far cry from the colonial grace and beauty of Mama Graces’ home.
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