Shifters Hallows Eve

by Lori King

  Finally, when the Krampus were down to a somewhat manageable level, Creed let the deadly wings appear. A grin on Satan’s lips let him know it was a tactical error he should have known the bastard had been waiting on. He’d been tired, and weakened from the battle and blood loss, but he should have known better.

  Spinning to face the new threat, he was somewhat shocked to find more of the Krampus and Gallo demons, working their way toward him. The demons working together was a first, which meant his father really wanted him dead.

  “Mother, I really need you to get my Chosen and her people out of here.” He pushed out, knowing he wasn’t going to survive. He’d lived thousands of years, now was as good a time as any to finally end it. He’d go down in a blaze of fucking glory, but not in front of Raina.

  “I see it’s gonna take an army to take down little ole me. I’m honored.” He gave a mock bow. “Too bad you’re too big a pussy to try and take me out yourself,” he taunted.

  Satan took the barb and snarled. “I’d love nothing more than to take your head and mount it on my wall, but there are rules, boy.”

  Creed laughed, never taking his eyes off the threat in front of him. “Rules always matter to you. Not!”

  Between one breath and the next, the horde of demons disappeared.

  “You are right. I am the ruler of all the Underworld. I can make the rules. Who says I can’t decide who lives and dies?”

  Satan stood, all sign of negligent pasha gone. “You want to fight me?” He tossed his head back and laughed.

  “I will do you one better. I’ll offer my life for theirs. Allow them to go back to their realm unharmed, and you can have me.”

  Before he could say a word, a small figure entered from the side. Her ghostly figure reminded him of Kyrene, only he saw goodness in her, where there was none in the other demon.

  “Nay, I will not allow this.”

  Satan narrowed his eyes. “You have no say.”

  She smiled. “You will allow all of them to go, and I will,” she swallowed before continuing. “I will give you two more years, Father. Two years and then I will be gone. You have that time to find my mom.”

  “Who are you?” Creed moved toward the newcomer, then froze as she held her hand up.

  “I am Live, your Halfling, Kyrene’s Halfling as well. You will do as I have bartered and go with your Chosen.” A shudder wracked her small frame.

  “I agree to your proposition.”

  “No,” Creed roared, his eyes begged for her to not agree, knowing it was too late. Where was his own mother? She could save them all without this tiny scrap of a being offering up her existence to Satan.

  “Why, Live?” He felt as if a thousand chains held him in place.

  Live walked up to him, not an ounce of fear showed on her face. “My name is Live because nobody thought I would survive. I remember my mother’s words to me.” She leaned up on her toes. “You shouldn’t be alive. Since you live, that is your name, demon. Then she tossed me into a pit, and left me. When Kyrene found me, I was a few days old. She made sure I had the things I needed to survive. I am Live, nothing else matters. Now, let them go, or the deal is off the table.”

  “Be gone, Creed, and know if I find you back here, you will be mine.” Satan waved his hand, already dismissing them.

  Live’s clear blue eyes flashed triumph as she smiled at him. “Goodbye, Creed. Be well for both of us.”

  “I’ll get you free, Live. I’ll find your mother and make it so.” It was a vow he would keep.

  The dark look Satan sent his way would have wilted a lesser man. Creed raised his middle finger, backing toward Raina and the others. He’d felt her reaching out to him during his battles, but didn’t want her to feel the pain he’d been in through their bond. A bright light burst into the dark chamber, scattering the carcasses of the dead.

  “You dare try to harm my child, Lucifer?” Creed’s mother floated above the ground, her form almost too bright to look at.

  The sound of shattering stone had Creed’s head whipping toward the throne, only to stare at the remains of what used to be part of Satan’s solid black chair. The arms had been turned to dust from where his father had squeezed too tightly.

  His mother’s wings spread out, creating a barrier between them and Satan. “Live, come here, child.”

  Satan raised a black claw, his power raising the temperature. “She has made a bargain with me, and we have agreed.”

  “Since there is no contract signed, no blood has been spilled or given to seal the deal, she is still free. Come here, Live.”

  The command was followed by his mother’s will being forced out, and Live was moved by an unseen hand. “You knew if you harmed my Creed, I would have the ability to do unto you, what you’ve done to him. You’ve harmed him by killing his sibling. Now, I will take him and his sibling out of here without recourse. Good day, Lucy.”

  Black smoke boiled from all around the dais where Satan lounged, but he didn’t say a word. Creed saw the hatred burn in his black eyes, then he sat back with a heavy sigh. “This is not over, my dear.”

  “Of course it isn’t. Good and evil will always battle, but the good will always prevail. However, you mess with my son again, and I’ll bring down a contingent of angels, the likes of which you won’t survive, and my son will sit on that throne. Remember that the next time you get a hair up your…you know what.”

  She raised her golden wings and then they were no longer in Hell, but back in the Fey world, with Live at their sides. The female had long silver blonde hair that reached her ass, with silver eyes. She was hauntingly beautiful.

  “Mother, what the Hell were you thinking showing up there? He could have trapped you there!” Creed pulled his mother into his arms, careful not to hug her too tightly.

  “My sweet child, always worried about hurting me,” she whispered, patting his back.

  He lifted her off the ground. “You are much frailer than he and I; of course I worry.”

  Looking over his shoulder, she winked, then sent him flying through the air, her wings carrying them. “I am no delicate freaking flower, Creed.”

  * * *

  Raina was pretty sure she was going to hyperventilate, or pass out. Probably both as she watched mother and son fly off. She’d endured the trauma of seeing the man, or demon, or whatever you wanted to call Creed be beaten so severely she was sure he’d be killed, only to watch him come out the victor time and time again. And if that wasn’t enough, his bastard of a father upped the stakes and was ready to consume his soul in order to set them free, and Creed was going to do it, the sacrificial asshat. Goddess, she loved the man.

  “It’s amazing, isn’t it,” Live whispered.

  She jerked at the husky words spoken next to her. Looking up, she was startled at the beauty that was Creed’s half-sister. No way could she call her a Halfling. Kyrene must’ve had some good qualities to her since she did raise the younger woman, demon, or whatever Live was. As she continued to stare at the odd silver eyes, she realized she hadn’t answered. “Yes, it is. I mean, a freaking angel in real life.”

  Live nodded. “Creed is half angel, you know.”

  A blush stole up her neck, heating her face. She’d done all kinds of dirty things with an angel. Holy shit, was that even a legal thing to do?

  “You’re thinking naughty things, aren’t you? Don’t deny it. I’ve seen more than my fair share to know when someone is or isn’t.”

  “I’m going to Hell.” She covered her face with both hands.

  “Nah, not for that,” Live said, deadpan.

  “Excuse me, but can someone explain why I have an angel and a demon flying around my forest? Wait a minute. Did that really just come out of my mouth? Oh, God, I think I have a fever. Someone get a thermometer.” Jenna glanced around at the group of people. “Now, I know everyone, but the angel, and the angel mix. So, who are you?” She pointed her finger at Live.

  Live blinked at Jenna. “Who’s the sprite?” />
  Jenna put her hands on her hips. “Did she call me a sprite? Someone get my ladle. Nessie will show her who’s a sprite.”

  Silver eyes flashed to red. “I don’t like killing, but you sic your Nessie on me, and I’ll do it.”

  A flick of her fingers, and Jenna held a kitchen utensil in her hand that had a strange looking end. “This is Nessie, child.”

  “You plan to attack me with a…what the fuck is that anyhow?” Live’s eyes returned to the odd silver.

  Jenna sniffed. “Have you never heard of the Loch Ness Monster?”

  Raina put her hand up. “Live is Creed’s half-sister, and has lived her life in Hell. I’m pretty sure they have many monsters there, but the Loch Ness isn’t one of them.”

  Eyes as wide as saucers, Jenna tossed her ladle aside, then wrapped her arms around Live. “Oh, you poor sweet child. Come, let Mama Jenna make you something to eat and get you settled. You must be tired after your journey.”

  Live looked over her shoulder, shock and a little fear showing in her eyes.

  “Jenna, we need to talk.” Her brother Damien moved in front of them.

  “I know, but not today. I have things to figure out. Many issues to settle.” The ground beneath their feet rolled, sending Damien and Lucas sprawling backward. “You two need to go back to Earth, along with you, young Kellen. Your mate has been screaming in my head for days. Do you know it’s All Hallows Eve, and the Iron Wolves are hosting a party? Do you know that Bodhi has gone missing and your sister is bent on chasing him down, whether he wants her to or not?”

  Kellen growled, the sound sending a shiver up Raina’s spine. “Send me home, Jennaveve.”

  “Since you asked so nicely, Kellen. Give Laikyn a kiss for me.” Jenna snapped her fingers, and then Kellen was gone.

  She turned to Live. “Stay here, Livey.”

  “I am not an animal to be told what to do.” Live’s eyes flashed red.

  Jenna stood on her toes. “Don’t make me angry, little girl.”

  She turned, giving Live her back. Raina prepared to defend the Fey, but Live was as stunned as she.

  Damien and Lucas lumbered to their feet,their fangs showing in clear anger. “Give me time. I am not asking, I’m telling. If you don’t, you will lose me.” Instead of going up on her toes like she’d done to the others, her brother Lucas lifted their Heart’s Love, then turned around.

  Raina wanted to give the trio a bit of privacy while her body ached for Creed.

  Creed and his mother landed between Live and Raina, his wounds completely healed.

  “Hello, Raina. My son has told me all about you.”

  Feeling a whole lot out of place, Raina wasn’t sure if she should curtsy, or not. Instead, she nodded. “Um, it’s very nice to meet you, Creed’s mother.”

  “You are probably wondering many things, and for that, I wish I had more time to explain. For now, how about I tell you that I love my son very much, and you may call me Lillianna. I must go, but Creed knows he can call on me. It may take me a bit to get to him, but I will come.”

  Lillianna gave her a kiss, and then she was gone.

  “Holy shit, I just met an angel. Your mother is an angel.” Raina held her hand over the spot where she’d been kissed.

  Creed moved in front of her. “Hey, why don’t you get that awed when I kiss you?”

  She blinked up at him. “Your mother is a freaking angel.”

  He nodded. “You said that already.”

  “I hate to break this up, but you two need to go. Live is going to stay with me while she gets acclimated.” Jenna walked over to them.

  Raina looked over to where her brothers had been, but didn’t see any sign of them. “Where are Damien and Lucas?”

  Sadness welled in Jenna’s eyes. “They are at your parents’ home. Now, I just need to send you two back, and I will be able to rest. Live will be able to contact you and vice versa, but traveling back and forth will need to be arranged.”

  “Are you okay with those arrangements?” He asked Live.

  Live nodded. “Your mother thinks it’s a good idea for now.”

  Raina was going to ask when she’d spoken to Lillianna, but figured the angel had her ways. “Thank you, Jenna, for your hospitality. Don’t keep my brothers waiting too long.”

  Jenna inclined her head. “See you soon, Raina.”

  Live looked at Creed, then at the grass beneath their feet.

  “Give me a moment with my sisterkin.” He placed a kiss where his mother had on Raina’s cheek, and the warmth spread to her heart.

  8

  Creed eliminated the space between him and Live, still unable to believe this being was willing to give up her life, or at least two years, which would have felt like an eternity, for him. He knew why Satan wanted his life. To consume even the small amount of light within him, Satan would have access to Earth, and possibly other realms in his own form. He’d clearly taken Raina knowing she was his Chosen, knowing Creed would sell his immortal soul to the Devil himself to save her.

  Stopping in front of Live, he took a deep breath. “Thank you for what you were willing to do for me. Had I known about you, I’d have ensured your safety the same as Kyrene. I’m sorry I didn’t do better for you.”

  His hands itched to hold her. Kyrene never allowed him to do such, the demon was more Hate Demon, but she’d allowed him to provide the comforts he could, and wanted to learn how to defend herself.

  “Kyrene said you wouldn’t want another dependent. She said I was her burden to raise, and I had to hide whenever you came near.” Her liquid silver eyes lifted to meet his, hurt radiated up at him.

  He shook his head. “She lied. I’d have taken care of you. I’d have offered you everything I could.” He had to swallow. “You have a goodness in you she never had. I don’t understand how she hid that from me.”

  Live gave a mirthless laugh. “She was very good at lying. Not to mention you were easy to hear when you were near. She would summon me and send me to the deepest pits of Hell, and cover me with things best left unmentioned.” A shudder wracked her frail frame.

  Unable to stop himself, he lifted one hand and cradled her cheek in his palm. “I am sorry.”

  A lone tear leaked from the corner of her eye. When she didn’t pull away from his touch, he decided to say fuck the past and Kyrene’s aversion to his affection. “Can I hug you? A brotherly hug?”

  “I’ve never had a hug.” Live lifted her head from his hand.

  He made sure he didn’t crush her bones as he wrapped both arms around her, again shocked at the fact he had a sisterkin who wasn’t filled with darkness. “I will make sure this is the first of many, sister.”

  “I think I like that better than Halfling,” she whispered shyly.

  Setting her back on her feet, he used his thumbs to wipe away the moisture from beneath her eyes. “Me too, Livey.”

  Her eyes squinted. “You are the second to call me that. First that Jenna person, now you. What is that?”

  “That is a nickname. And, it suits you better than just Live. Although Live shows you are worthy of the name, because it takes a strong soul to survive where we were born and brought up. You are beautiful inside and out. Livey is what I will call you, if that is okay?” He wasn’t sure what he’d do if she said no.

  A nod was his answer. “I think I like that. I will still call you Creed. It means faith. You were the one thing I believed was good, even though Kyrene tried to tell me otherwise. I knew if you did all you did for her, you couldn’t truly be that bad. I had complete faith you would save me too.”

  If he could, he’d go back and…no, he still would take care of Kyrene, she was his Halfling. He couldn’t, wouldn’t be able to look at her as he did Livey, but she was still his blood. “I will be back, and you can contact me through Jenna. Try not to…well, try to get along with the Fey, she’s different, but good.”

  Livey’s eyes went to where Jenna and Raina stood staring out toward the purple and pink sk
y. “I think we’ll get along just fine. The ladle named Nessie? She tilted her head in question. “We shall see. I have seen many monsters; that one doesn’t scare me at all.”

  He gave her another hug, kissing the top of her head. “If I could erase it all, I would.”

  “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Livey stepped away, holding her head high.

  They both began walking back to the other two women. “Then we are both made of the strongest stuff then,” Creed agreed.

  “Hey, you two. We were just thinking we should cop a squat out here and count the cows jumping over the moon,” Jenna pointed at the sky.

  Sure enough, Creed watched as a couple cows appeared to jump over a moon. Livey gasped as Raina clapped her hand over her mouth.

  “All right, you crazy Fey, send us home.” Creed wrapped his arm around Raina, needing to feel her wrapped around him.

  “See how you are? Fine, be gone with your bad self.” Jenna flicked her hand.

  Creed held Raina as the world spun, and then he found himself back at his home.

  “Wow, she is a little crazy, but I love her,” Raina joked.

  “I love you more.” He bent and kissed her upturned face.

  “I’m more of a show, than tell kind of girl.” She rubbed against him.

  He didn’t need her to tell him twice, his body aching for hers worse than any wound he’d ever suffered. A cough had him taking a deep breath before he did something he’d regret, knowing his staff would have known the minute they’d returned.

  “Holly, could you let everyone know my Chosen and I will be busy for the next long while. I will summon you when we need something. Until then, enjoy some time off.” He opened his eyes and met the amused stare of his housekeeper.

  “Yes, Sire. If you should need anything, let us know.” Holly and her mate turned away, efficient as ever.

  With a nod, he flashed them to his bedroom. Rude? Maybe…but it had been too long since he’d made love to Raina. Too long since he’d felt her flesh under his. Too long, and he needed, wanted to rectify that error sooner, rather than later.