“Forget it,” she muttered, turning on the radio. Beethoven’s 5th blared to life. Finally, something he recognized.
“Turn right,” he said.
She jerked the car right, throwing him off balance. He didn’t miss the smirk that crossed her face. A smirk that was short-lived when white lights suddenly flashed from the darkness, momentarily blinding them. A horn blared. Devon’s heart jumped into his throat as he resisted the urge to grab the steering wheel from her.
“Shoot!” Ellie jerked the wheel and they jumped into the other lane.
Safe, for the moment. Devon gritted his teeth, pressing his hand to his racing heart. “What do you say we stop chatting and you merely concentrate on driving?”
She didn’t respond, thank God.
Shaking his head in amusement, and frustration, Devon managed to settle back into his seat. He’d thought hell was difficult, but the afterlife was nothing compared to being in a car with Ellie. Forget demons, this sweet-looking woman was more than capable of killing him.
****
“I think it’s working.”
The words whispered through his mind, a memory of another time, another place. Ashley sat across from him, her face a mask of leeriness. “Do you feel anything?”
Ashley. He wanted to reach out to her, but he couldn’t seem to control his words, his body.
“Bored,” he heard himself saying, as if watching a play of his own life.
She frowned and turned toward a dark-skinned woman who sat across from them. Camile, the voice whispered through his memory. A witch. Camile started to hum as they all held hands.
The candles in front of them flickered as if an unfelt breeze swept through the room. He was in a room… somewhere. Devon started to stand, when his body began to tingle. An odd warmth that swept through his being.
“What the bloody hell is she doing?” he asked Ashley.
“I…I don’t—”
The golden warmth spread up Devon’s hands, higher to his face and down his legs until his entire body flared with the light. Ashley tugged her hand out of Camile’s grasp.
“Devon, Devon, are you all right?” Ashley jerked her head toward Camile. “What happened? What’d you do?”
“N…nothing!” she cried out, stumbling to her feet. “Balls, what is that?”
Their voices faded as the warmth swept through his body. The light flared, heat pouring from this form in brilliant, blinding rays. Heated…so warm, it almost burned. Devon gritted his teeth, arching his back.
“We…we have to do something!”
“What can we do?” Camile asked.
A low hum vibrated around them, a song from heaven. The hum pulsed against his body, inside his body. Shocked and awed, he could merely stand there letting the wave of pleasure take over. Suddenly, the glow burst, sending sparkling gold particles through the room. Devon felt as if he’d exploded. He no longer existed. For a brief moment, he was suspended in nothingness.
Someone screamed. Then finally, silence fell.
Suddenly the room came into focus, bright focus. He stood, his legs trembling. He wasn’t sure how he had gotten to the windows, barely cared. Why did his body feel so damn heavy? Slowly, he turned.
Ashley stood before him, her face full of awe and concern. “Devon?”
Anxiety raced through him. This wasn’t right… something wasn’t right. His frantic gaze locked on Ashley. She could help, only she could help him.
“Devon!” she cried.
The world around him began to fade. His eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed onto the floor with a thud that shook the house.
“Oh my God,” he heard Ashley whisper. “You’re alive.”
The slowing of the vehicle jerked Devon from a dream world and into reality. He knew immediately where he was, could feel the cold plastic of his seat, hear the rumble of the car. He couldn’t believe he had trusted Ellie enough to fall asleep. His bloody mind remained in that dream, attempting to decipher reality from imagination. Camile and Ashley had brought him back to life. One more piece of the puzzle in place. But where? Where had they been?
“Why are you stopping?” he asked, rubbing his weary eyes.
As he lifted his lashes, blinding light hit his pupils and for a brief moment he thought she was once again trying to kill him by driving onto the wrong lane. But no automobile headed their way. No, this light surrounded them, encompassed him in a warm cocoon that made his skin tingle. Was it his dream come to life? Devon flexed his fingers in wonder.
“What’s happening?” Startled, he glanced out the windows and realized it had nothing to do with a spell. No, only nature could provide such warmth and vitality. Such consuming brilliance. At the far end of an emerald field, a fiery orange ball hovered over the horizon. Brilliant rays of red, orange and pink caressed the sky, piercing dark clouds.
He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the cool glass. The memory forgotten. The urge to find the sword forgotten.
“My God.” For months he’d barely seen light. For months he hadn’t witnessed the sunrise. No beauty, merely darkness. A shudder of awareness swept through his body. His skin tingled with a feeling that hadn’t been present before. The feeling of life.
“What is it?” Ellie demanded.
Slowly, he turned his head and looked at her. Truly looked at her. Ellie’s brown hair had highlights of blonde… even red. There were the tiniest of crinkles at the corners of her eyes as if she smiled a lot. And the color… how had he not noticed that there was the thinnest ring of brown around the pupils of her green eyes? And there, ever so faded, was the remains of a scar along her jawline, a tiny fleck that was barely noticeable.
“You’re freaking me out,” she said.
His gaze jumped to her face, watching the way her lips moved, puckering and pressing together as she spoke. “Devon, what’s wrong?”
“It’s real.” He pressed his hand to the window, the glass smooth and cool.
“The…the window?”
“The world.”
His heart slammed wildly, leaping around inside his chest like a fish on dry land. He pressed his finger to that little button on the door, thrilled when the glass lowered and the early morning breeze swept into the car. Devon closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of grass, wildflowers, dew. And there, in the background… Ellie’s scent.
He’d thought the world was real, but it wasn’t until that moment, with the sun warm on his face that he’d allowed himself to truly believe. A lump of emotion clogged his throat as the wind swept through his hair, massaging his scalp. He wanted to leap from the automobile and kiss the ground.
“Uh, yeah. Okay.” Ellie turned the steering wheel and pulled into a parking lot of sorts.
His happiness faded as quickly as it had come. “Where are we?” he demanded, his instincts on alert. Someday he’d enjoy a sunrise, but apparently it wasn’t going to be today.
“I’m stopping for gas.”
The parking lot in front of the small building was empty. Nothing threatening, yet something was wrong. A warning that raised the fine hairs on the back of his neck. “Gas?”
She slid him a weary glance. “Gasoline, the thing that makes a car go?”
He latched onto the steering wheel. “No, keep driving.”
“Hey!” She shoved his hands away. “The car won’t go without it. If you want to continue our lovely little journey, it’s a must.” She parked the car in front of a small building and turned it off. Silence fell around them. “Besides, I’m starving. I haven’t had dinner or breakfast.”
At the thought of food his stomach clenched. He would need to eat to regain strength. He glanced once more around the empty parking lot. Beyond, to the fields that rolled alongside the road. He saw nothing out of the ordinary.
“Yes, I could do with some nourishment. But we need to hurry.”
“Nourishment?” She laughed. Why she was amused, he wasn’t sure. But then he didn’t understand half of the thin
gs she did and said. “Where did you say you’re from?”
“I told you, Crestmoore Manor.”
“Riiiight, and where have you been since you left Crestmoore?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” He shoved open the door and stepped outside, his instincts on high alert. Something was off here, something wrong. But when he looked through the many windows that lined the small, white building, he saw nothing out of the ordinary. Merely a man leaning against a counter as he looked at a newspaper. Was this woman, Ellie, setting him up for something? He reached into his side pocket for the small pistol.
She pushed open the door and stood. Her face was completely devoid of emotion. Yes, she was trembling slightly and dark circles marred the area under her brilliant eyes. But a lack of sleep and nourishment would do that to a person.
“Seriously,” she muttered, her hands going to the bodice of her gown. “What’s your plan?” Her nimble fingers worked the bodice, shrugging it off her shoulders and tossing it into the car. “I mean, I can’t just keep driving.” She reached for her skirts and did the same, letting it pool down around her ankles, until she stood in only a white shift that did little to hide her arms and chest. Stunned, Devon could merely stand there watching her undress in the middle of a parking lot.
“Because it doesn’t seem like you have a plan.” Catching his gaze, she paused.
“You’re… going to wear that?”
“What?” She looked down at her shift. “You can’t expect me to wear that Victorian gown into the store.” She snorted and tossed the skirt into the back of the car. “At least the shift just looks like some sort of peasant style dress. If I wear the gown, we’ll definitely draw attention.”
And she wouldn’t draw attention by traipsing around in her undergarments?
As she came around the car, her gaze fell to the pistol in his hand. “Oh sheesh!” She shook her head. “You need to put that away, like now.”
He frowned, but tucked it into his waistband. She paused close to him, so close he could smell the scent of warmth and lilacs. Devon closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Her presence was all he needed to prove this world was real. In hell, there was nothing this sweet. She gripped his t-shirt and pulled the material over the gun, hiding the weapon.
“Seriously.” She shook her head, as if disgusted with him. “I’m all for you getting caught, but I don’t feel like being placed in the middle of the O.K. Corral. Let’s face it, with my luck I’d be the one to end up shot.”
She turned toward the building and pushed open the glass door, a bell overhead ringing. With a smile, she nodded at the man behind the counter. Devon followed more slowly, his gaze darting from corner to corner. As she moved toward a food aisle, Devon followed, scanning the small shop, looking for signs of a threat. He quickly dismissed the employee with his bright orange shirt. The only energy coming from his weak body was attraction directed at Ellie. No other cars were in the parking lot, nor any other shoppers in the small store. Where was the dark vibe coming from? His gaze slid to Ellie. Was she the reason for his unrest?
“I don’t suppose you happen to have any money?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Devon. When he didn’t respond, she frowned, rubbing her left temple. “Didn’t think so.” She turned back around and scanned the food in brightly colored packages.
She was acting oddly, even for her. Although his stomach clenched and grumbled, his need for food immediate, Devon kept his attention on Ellie. It wasn’t his imagination, she had gone pale, her hands trembling as she reached for a bag of peanuts. Yet, she was pretending to be fine.
Above, the lights flickered and buzzed. “Headache?” he asked.
“No. Nothing,” she muttered, but he couldn’t help but notice she glanced toward the round mirror hanging on the wall. A mirror, which because of its domed shape, made it possible to see most of the room. He wasn’t the only one uneasy. What was she looking for? Or expecting?
He picked up a packet of something called gummi bears, holding them up to the light and pretending interest. All the while, he watched Ellie.
“Oh, hey, Mate,” the man at the counter called out. “You gotta wear shoes in here.”
Devon slid the man a hard glance.
He held up his hands. “Just saying.”
“I’m not feeling well.” Ellie dropped the peanuts she held. “I think… I need to use the restroom.” She barely glanced at him as she headed toward the counter. “Bathroom?” she asked.
“Out back,” the man replied, watching her curiously.
Even he thought Elli was acting oddly. Devon started after her. No way he was letting her leave on her own. Damn it all, he should have trusted his instincts. Something was off. “Ellie, wait.”
She didn’t bother to glance at him, but reached for the door with a trembling hand. The anxiety in her eyes was the same look she’d had when they’d been in her cottage.
“Hey, you didn’t pay for those gummi bears.”
With a growl, Devon tossed the bag toward the counter. “Ellie,” he snapped. “You need to tell me what’s wrong.”
She froze, the door half open, allowing a cool, morning breeze to sweep into the shop and ruffle the newspapers on a stand. “It’s too late.”
She stumbled back, right into Devon. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her lush body closer. The moment he touched her, Ellie’s muscles went limp and her lashes fluttered down. Devon’s heart lurched and for the first time since arriving back on earth, true fear encased him.
“Fuck!” The employee raced around the counter, then paused. “Should I call the police?” He rushed back around his desk, grappling with the phone.
Gently, Devon laid her upon the ground, resting her head in his lap. “Ellie? Ellie, open your eyes. Tell me what’s wrong; what can I do?”
“It’s too strong,” she whispered, her breathing shallow. Sweat glistened across her forehead, her eyes wide, the pupils large and black, swallowing any color.
Hell, she couldn’t die on him. She was all he had. Lightly, he tapped the sides of her face. “Ellie?”
“Red eyes,” she whispered.
“What do you…” Realization hit like a punch to the gut. He didn’t need to ask more. Suddenly, it all became very clear. Red eyes meant only one thing…
The bell over the door rang merrily.
Slowly, Devon lifted his head. A man stood in the doorway. He was dressed in a dapper black suit, his brown hair combed neatly into place. Young, handsome, wealthy-looking. His gaze scanned the shop, then casually dropped to Ellie. Yes, a handsome, normal looking gent… but for the eyes. Red eyes. Devon’s insides went chill.
A demon.
“Well, what do we have here?” the demon’s voice was raspy with hunger.
Ellie’s back arched as she cried out. Devon gripped her shoulders, confused and frustrated. He didn’t understand what was happening to her, but he knew for a fact it had to do with the demon that had just entered the shop.
Gently, he laid her upon the ground and unfolded his body, standing. He was tall, but still a good head shorter than the demon. He was weak from fighting and lack of nourishment. And damn it all, he had no weapon other than an ancient pistol.
They were as good as dead. But then death never had frightened him. “I’ve fought worse than you and come out the victor.”
The demon lifted his hand. A ball of fire swooshed to life, hovering over his palm. “Well then, let the games began.”
Chapter 6
The floor vibrated, stirring Ellie from unconsciousness. She lifted her lashes and stared at the flickering fluorescent lights above. What the hell had happened?
White lights. Brilliant white that pulsed around her, making her skin hum. Murmured voices flowed on waves of sound she couldn’t quite understand. Mumbled garbage. The very room buzzed… or was that her body? She wasn’t sure where she began and the world ended. She curled her hands against the cold, hard floor. Her muscles bunched, strain
ing, burning, insisting she move.
Realization hit. Oh God, she’d changed once more.
This couldn’t be good. She should have known. She’d felt the odd sensations whispering through her body as she’d pulled into the parking lot. But she had thought it was Devon’s powers, not another’s. Ellie shoved her hands onto the floor and sat upright. The aisles spun, lights and objects twirling.
“Devon?”
“Get down!” he called out from across the room.
The cashier peeked over the counter, his face pale, his eyes wide. A pathetic whimper escaped his trembling lips and an odd red glow pulsed from around his body, like an aura of some sort. Was it his emotion? His fear?
“That’s new,” she muttered.
But he wasn’t focused on her, no, he was focused on something behind her. The threat wasn’t coming from him. Slowly, she turned, scanning the room. Was it her imagination or was the shop brighter? The food and drinks vibrant and pulsing with color. Sounds grew distinct, separating into different entities. A scratch to her left. She jerked her head toward the employee. He had shifted ever so slightly. She narrowed her eyes on the pale boy. What was that thumping sound? Slowly, she lowered her gaze to his neck, lower to his chest.
His heart.
Ugh, she could actually hear his heart beating!
She jerked her gaze away and jumped to her feet in a smooth, fluid motion any cat would envy. Instinct had taken over, it thrummed through her body telling her where to focus, which way to move. And boy, how she wanted to move.
A tall man stood at the far end of the small shop. She supposed to a human, he would have appeared attractive, all clean cut, with perfectly combed hair. But what they wouldn’t realize is that they’d be attracted to a monster.