Demons of Bourbon Street

by Deanna Chase

  Say what? I whipped around, staring at Lailah. Make him stop, I screamed in my mind. Make him stop. She didn’t seem to hear me. Damned psychic connection. Never worked when you actually needed it. I absolutely did not want to be associated with Goodwin’s brand of crazy.

  “Are you saying you are here as a character witness for Ms. Calhoun?”

  “That is correct.” Jonathon smiled down at me.

  I bit my lip to keep from yelling at him. This couldn’t end well. Snippets of my life flashed through my mind: Stolen moments with Kane, laughing with Kat, dancing with Pyper, making strawberry shortcake with Mom. Fun, special memories. They all started to slip away. The beginning of the end.

  Endora asked Goodwin’s opinion, and he went on and on about God’s plan and how taking my soul to give to someone else wasn’t an angel’s job. God had the sole power to make such decisions. We served him, and all of us should get on our knees and pray for forgiveness. He actually gave quite the strong argument, albeit he did use the God card too many times.

  Every time he brought up the Supreme Being, Endora became more and more agitated. “Your religious fanaticism is not welcome here, Jonathon. Please stick to the facts as you see them.”

  I had to admit, her statement left me baffled. They were angels, for…well, God’s sake, were they not?

  Jonathon fixed her with a disbelieving stare. “I was asked for my opinion. I’m giving it to you.”

  “I assure you, your beliefs will be discussed among the council.” Endora grimaced. “All of them. Before I release you, I’ll leave you with this piece of advice. If you wish to continue to be in good standing with the angel community, you’ll find a new form of employment among the humans.”

  The color drained from Jonathon’s face. “Why?”

  “Angels are soul protectors, Mr. Goodwin.”

  “That is exactly what I’m trying to do.”

  She fixed him with a disgusted look. “No, Reverend Goodwin, you are sitting in judgment over those you swore to protect. True men and women of the cloth are called to serve because they love mankind. You serve out of anger. Find a new career or your days as an agent of this organization are numbered.”

  Jonathon’s face froze in a stunned expression.

  Endora stalked back to her chair, keeping her stare straight ahead at the spectators.

  Ouch. I guess he hit a nerve.

  “You may step down now,” Davidson said, dismissing him.

  Goodwin opened his mouth to speak, but the elder angel’s warning glance silenced him. He let out a frustrated sigh and moved to sit next to Lailah.

  “Dan Pearson Toller?”

  What? My two witnesses had already testified.

  Realization dawned.

  Dan was there for Meri.

  Hot, angry tears burned my eyes. After everything we’d been through, he was willing to let my soul be given to someone else? What happened? Last time we’d been in front of the council, he’d defended me when he’d realized my soul was in danger.

  I brushed the tears away and focused on Davidson.

  He glanced at my ex and frowned. “You’re not an angel.”

  Dan stood near the podium. “No, sir, I’m not.”

  The head councilman turned to his underlings. “How did this mortal end up as a witness?”

  A gaunt, pale angel on the very end stood. She pulled her mass of curly black hair back and tied it into a haphazard bun. “Mr. Toller is Philip’s biological son. He’s intimately connected to both the women on trial today.”

  Intimately connected? What kind of relationship did he and Meri share? Please, Goddess, don’t tell me Dan and Meri are involved. Talk about twisted.

  “I see. Will you be questioning him, Selma?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Fine. Mr. Toller, please take a seat.” Davidson dropped back and sat with the council.

  After Selma swore Dan in, she asked, “State for the record your relationship to Meri and Ms. Calhoun.”

  He glanced at me, eyes full of sorrow. “Jade and I were childhood friends until we started dating. We were together for over four years and almost got engaged before our relationship fell apart.” He took a deep breath. “Meri possessed me as a demon and entrapped me in Hell as her minion. Jade managed to break her, almost destroy her completely, but somehow Meri survived and was no longer a demon. We took care of each other in Hell until Philip came for us.”

  “My notes indicate you’re a witness for Meri, correct?”

  Dan swallowed. Opened his mouth. Then shut it. Finally he nodded. “Yes.”

  My heart seized and threatened to crack into a million pieces. I stared down at my white-knuckled hands, knowing if I looked at him, I’d either scream or burst into tears. Neither seemed an effective strategy at the moment.

  “Tell us why you’d advocate for an ex-demon over someone who was obviously important in your life,” Selma said.

  Dan cleared his throat. “That’s just it. Meri isn’t a demon anymore, is she? I want to make it clear I’m not advocating for Meri’s life over Jade’s. I just think Meri needs someone to speak for her.”

  Frustration filled me to the point I was almost shaking.

  “And why is it you’ve taken on this role?”

  Dan’s voice turned hard, angry. “Meri sacrificed herself for my father, and he left her in Hell. She. Saved. His. Life. And he left her there.”

  Something close to hatred streamed from Dan. I glanced up, watching him try to calm himself.

  He met my gaze and when he spoke, his words were for me. “Meri deserves a second chance. She paid the ultimate sacrifice. I hope the council can spare them both.”

  I couldn’t help myself. It wasn’t that I didn’t agree with him. Meri did deserve a chance at life, but I didn’t see how his plea was possible. I stood, my chair scraping loudly on the tile floor.

  The pressure of the hearing, and my ultimate fate, made me snap. “But there’s only one soul! Mine. What do you propose they do? Take someone else’s? Condemn some poor innocent? You can’t have it both ways. Damn it, Dan, you have to choose. Meri or me?”

  A tiny burst of magic collected at my fingertips with my emotional outburst. The entire room let out a collective gasp. I tamped the magic down instantly, but I was too late. Davidson gave a command, and two guards closed in on me. Lailah jumped to my side. Jonathon followed, sliding to a stop right in front of her.

  Dan stood in the witness box, his face contorted with a mix of confusion and horror. “Of course not. I don’t want to condemn anyone.” He turned to the dais. “You’re angels. Surely you can do something to save them both.” Apparently he hadn’t been filled in on the rules of this particular game.

  No one answered him.

  “Stop right there,” Lailah ordered the guards.

  They ignored her and closed in tighter.

  Jonathon took a step toward them. “There’s no need for this. I’m sure Jade will calm down.”

  “Seize her,” Davidson demanded.

  The guards grabbed Lailah and Jonathon, bodily removing them.

  I held my hands up. “Now, wait a minute. I just lost my cool with Dan. Not the entire council. Let’s all take a moment to calm down.”

  “Ms. Calhoun, outbursts are not permitted in the sanctuary from anyone. Especially not a witch. You’ll be taken to your room to await our decision.”

  “The time warp room?” I gasped. “No—”

  Dan appeared just behind the guards. “That isn’t necessary. Jade would never hurt anyone.”

  Meri pushed her way through the small crowd and nudged Dan to the side. “I humbly request Ms. Calhoun stay for the remainder of the inquiry. I’m sure she’ll give her word she won’t wield any magic during this trial.” She turned to me. “Right, Jade?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Of course. It isn’t my wish to harm anyone.”

  The sixth member of the council stepped forward. She was so beautiful, light seemed to radiate from within her. Her skin g
lowed, and the only thing I felt from her was love, an oddity in the room full of seemingly emotionless and political angels. She placed a soft hand on Davidson’s arm. “Ms. Calhoun may stay.”

  A hush fell over the crowd. This angel must be important. And while I was grateful, the command she had of all the other angels made me uneasy. I fought the urge to wrap my arms around myself in a protective nature.

  “Please, everyone be seated,” the beautiful one said, and everyone except Lailah returned to their seats.

  “If it pleases the council, I’d like to chaperone Ms. Calhoun for the remainder of the proceedings,” she said.

  Davidson sent her a look of exasperation. “Fine. We’ve heard from Ms. Calhoun. It’s time to hear from Meri.”

  I opened my mouth to protest, but Lailah nudged me with an elbow and gave me a slight shake of her head.

  Meri stood. “Thank you.”

  “Former Angel Meri, please tell us why we should award you Ms. Calhoun’s soul.”

  She stared right into Davidson’s eyes and with a strong voice said, “You shouldn’t.”

  Chapter 29

  I gaped at Meri. Her words hit me hard, leaving an aching guilt in the pit of my stomach. She’d sacrificed herself for my sake. Something she didn’t have to do.

  The gorgeous angel of light held her hand up to stop Davidson’s response and stepped back up to the podium. “Would you care to elaborate, Meri?”

  “If you wish.”

  The angel nodded. “Please.”

  “It’s clear to me after the memory extraction that Ms. Calhoun is a good person. She loves those around her and regularly puts herself on the line for those in need. Angels aren’t the only ones who can save souls. I’ve had my chance. It’s not fair to take hers away.”

  The air vanished from my lungs. She’d forfeited her last chance at having her life back because she wasn’t willing to take mine. A raw ache of grief overwhelmed me. I wished with every inch of my heart I could find a way to spare us both.

  “I see.” The angel of light turned and said something to Davidson.

  A second later, he announced, “The council will now convene in chambers to make our decision.”

  Together, the six of them disappeared through the golden door behind the dais.

  The place erupted with chatter.

  Philip scowled and strode over to Meri, clearly upset with her statement.

  Dan ran up to me, grabbed my arm, and yanked me to him in a possessive hug.

  “Let go.” I twisted, trying to get out of his grasp.

  He did as I asked, visibly shaken. “What just happened?”

  “You didn’t take my side.” Hot tears pricked my eyes. “Now the council has to choose between Meri and me. One of us will…die.”

  “No! I…” He took a step back and glared at Philip, anger dominating his surface emotions. Slowly, he walked over to his father and tapped him on the shoulder.

  Philip turned, his face pinched with guilt. “Dan, I—”

  Dan tensed, his body poised for another fight.

  Philip took a step back, holding his hands up in surrender.

  I glanced around for the guards, but they were nowhere to be seen. They must have left right after the council members.

  Dan advanced once more. “You son of a bitch. You lied and told me the council could save both of them. How could you ask me to throw Jade under the bus? She’s been part of my family since I was fifteen years old!”

  “Stop it.” Meri interjected herself between them. “Fighting isn’t going to solve anything.”

  “No, but I’ll feel better.” Dan clenched his fists again, but stayed put.

  “Dan,” Philip said. “This isn’t about one person—”

  “The hell it isn’t!” Dan shouted. “This is about you trying to make up for your mistakes. Damn you! All this time you’ve been telling me you stayed away to protect me, that you didn’t save your mate because you needed to keep an eye on me.” He side-stepped Meri and took a small step forward. “But you didn’t. You weren’t around when I needed you. Not the day I was almost beat to death when I was fifteen. Not when I was possessed by a demon, and certainly not today when you convinced me to stand for Meri. I’d never have done that if I’d known the consequences. No, Dad, this is all about you and what you want. Not about the greater good. You and your conscience can go fuck yourself.”

  Dan spun and marched back over to me. Still fuming, he jammed his hands in his pockets and visibly tried to contain himself. “I’m so sorry. I would never…well, if I’d known, I would have made different choices.”

  “And what choice would that be?” I asked quietly.

  “Give me a break, Jade. You know me.” The frustration he’d tried to bury rushed out, swirling around us. “You know I would have—”

  “Sacrificed your soul for mine?” Relief eased the resentment and betrayal I’d been clinging to. His actions over the years had already proved to me the kind of man he was. My Dan, the one I’d grown up with, was back.

  He raised his gaze to mine and nodded.

  I cupped his cheek gently. “I know.”

  With that one touch, he pulled me to him and hugged me, desperation and sorrow filtering through his defenses.

  “It’s all right,” I whispered. “Whatever happens…” I choked back a sob. “Just take care of Kat for me.”

  He pulled away, his eyes intense and full of determination. “The three of us will take care of each other.”

  I struggled to breathe and forced out, “There’s a very real chance they’ll choose Meri.”

  “Promise me, no matter what happens, you won’t give up. I’ll be here fighting with you. Every step of the way.”

  He’d demonstrated this form of determination once before, a long time ago, back in Idaho on the fourth of July. He’d possessed an inner strength I’d never witnessed in anyone before or after. I stared into his pale green eyes and knew he wouldn’t give up on me. If the council willed my soul to Meri, Dan would do whatever it took to save me, including risk himself. I couldn’t ask that of him again. I had to convince him I could save myself this time. “Okay. No matter what, I won’t give up.”

  “Promise me.”

  “I promise,” I said with a firm voice.

  We stood together, Dan hugging me and me holding on, trying to muster up some much-needed courage.

  The chatter reached deafening levels as the chaos ensued. Through it all, I heard Lailah berating Philip. I squeezed my eyes shut and willed everyone to disappear. A pit of despair settled in my stomach. Would I get my happy ending with Kane, or…disappear as if I’d never existed? A picture of Kane and me standing together on our wedding day flashed through my mind. A small spark of determination fluttered to life inside me. I concentrated on the vague beacon of hope and waited.

  A few seconds later, a hush settled over the crowd. I was almost afraid to open my eyes. As much as I feared I’d magically quieted the crowd, I knew better. Magic pulsed in my chest, contained as I’d promised.

  The bells clanged, signaling the council was back.

  Dan released me. I stared at the council members, my body shaking with fear and anticipation.

  The angel of light stepped forward. “Will everyone please return to their seats?”

  There was a fair amount of shuffling as the audience settled themselves. Dan stood on one side of me and Lailah and Jonathon on the other. Meri remained at her table, Philip only a half-step away from her.

  The angel stared down at us, and she repressed a sigh as she blinked twice. “Very well. A verdict has been reached.”

  I stuffed my hands in the hidden pockets of my skirt to keep from fidgeting. My right hand closed over something hard and cool. A bead. The one I’d given my mother. I pulled it out and rubbed my fingers over the smooth surface like a worry stone. The action calmed me and even though my heart still raced, I no longer felt like jumping out of my skin.

  The angel of light produced a parchmen
t scroll.

  She cleared her throat and started to read. “Case number eight seventy-four D. Angel versus white witch. A decision has been reached. After careful analysis of our internal testing and the testimony heard here today, it is of the opinion of this council that the soul in question shall reside within the one who has shown the most dedication to protecting the souls and loved ones she’s come in contact with. This was not an easy decision. Both parties have an admirable history of self-sacrifice. However, one speech in particular by the ex-angel Meri resonated with the council.”

  Oh my Goddess. Did that mean they listened to her? Were they really going to restore my soul? I glanced over to Meri and held her gaze. I sent out a wave of gratitude and hoped she sensed my mental thank-you.

  “Meri’s heartfelt words and reasoned argument made it clear what path we should follow. Although Meri—in her current state—did not ask for the burden of sharing someone’s soul, she has handled herself with grace and compassion. She has gone so far as to once again sacrifice herself for a fellow being. This is why the council has decided to award the soul in question to Meri.”

  “What?” Lailah, Dan, and Meri all said at the same time.

  The blood seemed to drain right out of my body, my limbs growing heavy and numb. Shock was the only explanation. I clutched the bead in my hand and my fingers tingled with sensation. Trying for feeling in the other hand, I turned my engagement ring around and around. Warmth spread through my forearms.

  I focused on my breathing, anything to keep from passing out. Then all at once, my life energy started to drain. I cried out and fell to one knee, staring up at Lailah. They were forcing my soul out of me already.

  My friend’s face contorted with pain. She raised her arms and threw a silver film of magic over me. I didn’t even have the strength to flinch. But as soon as it hit me, my body responded to her magic. No, not magic. Energy. She’d given me the one thing I needed to fight for my soul.

  The guards closed in on Lailah as she collapsed in a heap in front of them. Oh God. She was tied to me. Her energy had been drained and she’d given me the last of hers. One of the men picked up her limp body and started carting her off.