Above The Flames (The Flames Trilogy #1) (25 page)

Bub’s hot breath touched her cheek as he leaned his head over her shoulder from behind. “It’s too bad. I think we could have had something special.”

She spun around and stepped backward in one fluid motion. Bub had a bag in his hand.

Jasmine motioned with her forehead. “What’s that?”

“Oh, nothing.” Bub unzipped the bag, pulling out a syringe filled with clear fluid.

“I hope that’s something for you. Have you been diagnosed with diabetes or something?” Jasmine’s heart now thundered loudly in her ears.

Bub laughed. “No, but that was pretty funny. It’s for you. Bael hired me to nab you. I am sorry, though. I tried to tell him no, but he really makes it impossible.”

Jasmine swallowed hard. “Bub, listen. You don’t have to do this.” She reached inside, pulling her power out of the box it rested in. It flowed through her naturally now, taking its rightful place inside her. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Bub snickered. “You can’t hurt me. You’re a woman…”

“I’m not even going to respond to that.” She raised her neon blue hand and let her power flow from within her. It touched Bub, but instead of hurting him, it surrounded him, almost as if the fire was sniffing him out. Then it retreated back inside of her.

What the hell? You’re supposed to help me. What are you doing?

The blue fire purred inside her, but offered nothing else.

Bub leapt forward, and the needle slid into her soft skin. The liquid burned as it entered her bloodstream.

“What is it, Bub?”

He shrugged. “Not sure. Something to knock you out, I guess.”

Her eyes grew heavy. She laughed, remembering how tired she’d been when she’d first come back this morning. If she would have just gone to bed, none of this would be happening now.

Jasmine’s muscles felt weighted. She tried to run, but fell to her knees on the ground as she took her first step. When she tried to stand, she slumped forward face-first on her stomach. She shoved her fingers into the cold ground and began to crawl, but couldn’t make any forward progress. Her eyes shut, and even though she tried to force them open, they remained closed.
Not again.
Darkness took over.

Chapter 30

Loose Ends

Bael

Bael and Moloch stood in the woods, hidden behind a couple of large trees that had grown rather close together. As soon as Jasmine fell, they walked out together.

Bub gazed down at Jasmine, the corners of his mouth tilted toward her. But at the shuffling noise of Bael’s feet against the leaves, he looked up and his eyes widened. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Making sure you succeeded. And you did. Great job.” Bael’s voice was monotone.

Bub swatted at the air. “Ah, man. It was nothing—”

“Although, it took you long enough.” Bael stopped at Jasmine’s side, and Bub took a step back.

“Hey, man, I did it as fast as I could.”

“Yes, even though you tried to tell me no.” Bael grinned as Bub’s mouth opened. “Of course we heard it all. We have been watching for you to make your move. When you finally did, Moloch came and got me, and together we followed you.”

“Do you want me to take her?” Moloch asked Bael.

Bael nodded. “Yes, and make sure she’s strapped down. Especially her hands. She’s a fighter, and that power is nothing to take chances with.” Bael paused, smiling. “I can’t be around to contain it the whole time, after all.”

Moloch leaned down and lifted Jasmine in his arms. “I will await further instruction at the place we found.”

“Good.” Bael waited for Moloch to disappear from view, then turned his focus on Bub, who had his back against the tree behind him. “Now, to deal with you.”

“I was thinking I would run into the tree a couple times, give myself some bruises and a black eye, and tell them we were attacked in the woods. Sound good, man?” Bub’s fingers shook as he ran them through his hair.

Bael smiled. “A very sound plan.”

Bael paused, and Bub grinned and opened his mouth, then shut it again.

Still smiling, Bael rushed forward, grabbing Bub by the wrist. “But even though it was a good plan, it isn’t going to work.”

“W-why not?” Bub tugged his arm back, trying to break Bael’s grip. “Let me go, man.”

“Sorry. I cannot. You know too much, and you’re a moron.”

Bael brought his other hand up, extended his claw, and in one fluid motion sliced it across Bub’s neck. The boy’s mouth hung open, and his hand came up to cover the wound, but blood spilled through his fingers, dripping down his neck and soaking into his black jacket.

“Why, man?” His words were gurgled.

“Because I’m a demon. And I like to kill. Especially humans.”

Bub slumped down the tree, landing on the ground. He fell back at an angle and continued to bleed. Bael stepped closer, hovering over him. The blood smacked the brown leaves, and then continued sliding into the ground below.

“Tell Jaz…I’m sorry…”

Bael nodded, even though he had no intention of telling Jasmine anything. Bub was a nuisance. Now, he was dealt with. And Bael walked away, not feeling one ounce of guilt.

Bael opened the connection to his master.

“
Lucifer. The girl’s kidnapping was a success. We’ve got her. And the human I used to help is taken care of.
”

“
Great news. You continue to surprise me, Bael. I never thought you could manage this war. Not alone. Especially with Belze at your side. But you’ve done well.
”

“
Thank you, Lucifer.
”

“
How will you convert the girl?
”

“
I think I will use my powers. Make her have a hard time discerning what is a dream and what is reality.
”

Lucifer laughed in his mind. “
I think that will work nicely. The poor girl…she has no idea what is coming her way.
”

“
I will keep you updated.
”

“
Yes, you do that.”

Bael severed the connection, and continued toward the house Moloch acquired for this task. It was in the middle of nowhere. There was a lot of land, and two different outbuildings. It was perfect for a kidnapping. And the torture that would come with it.

Chapter 31

Strength and Weakness

Jasmine

Jasmine sat on a bench outside Ma and Pa’s store. She didn’t know why she was there, nor how she had gotten there. Silence surrounded her, as well as broken glass. The sharp aroma of metal drifted through her senses.

She stood as two cloaked figures walked down the sidewalk, the hoods draping over their heads so their faces were hidden from view.

Jasmine’s heart raced and shivers ran down her spine. The closer they got, the more their shuffled walks became familiar. Wrinkled fingers reached up and pushed the cloak back.

Jasmine gasped. “Ma?”

“Jasmine, dear.” Ma’s cold hands firmly grabbed Jasmine’s shoulders. “Are you okay?”

The other figure shoved the hood back. Pa beamed at her. “We’ve seen what you’ve been going through with these demons. We’re here to help.”

Jasmine’s jaw dropped open. “You can’t be here. I watched you die.”

Ma stepped back. “What has gotten into you, dear?” Her sweet voice trembled. “We haven’t died.”

Jasmine shut her eyes and counted to ten. When she opened her eyes, Ma and Pa were still in front of her. “This can’t be happening.”

“Oh, but it is.” Pa’s voice boomed. “We know you’re going through a rough time and thought you might need someone to talk to.”

Ma chimed in, “Yes, dear. Please, tell us what we can do.” Her voice deepened.

Tears leaked from Jasmine’s eyes, and she let them fall freely. She embraced Ma first, then Pa. “It’s been so hard not being able to talk to you.”

“We’re right here, dear.” Ma stroked the back of Jasmine’s hair. “Always have been.”

Pa’s hand was cold as ice as he rubbed her cheek. “Always will be, sugar.”

Jasmine dropped her shoulders and leaned into Ma. Ma pulled her head forward, and Jasmine rested her head against the woman’s bony shoulder.

“I thought you were gone.” Jasmine’s voice broke between sobs.

“We are gone, dear.” Ma said.

Jasmine raised her head. Ma’s skin turned gray and red eyes shone back at her. She jumped back, cracking the back of her knees against the bench and falling into it.

“And we don't want to hear about your stupid problems anymore.” Pa’s teeth elongated, turned yellow, and his eyes brightened to a crimson glow.

Ma giggled uncontrollably, and Pa followed, his voice booming in her ears.

Jasmine flinched as her stomach hardened. Her lip trembled as she opened her mouth to scream, but her dry throat prevented the sound. She blinked rapidly, each time she opened her eyes again she caught their shapes changing, turning more demonic.

Make it stop. Please, make it stop.

She squeezed her eyes shut, and when she opened them again, Ma and Pa were gone. She gasped for air and tried to sit up, but leather restraints covered her ankles and wrists.
Where am I?
She yanked against her restraints, moving and kicking her legs and arms, but they didn’t budge an inch.

She lay on a long table in a small room. It was dark, almost too dark to see a thing, but she could make out a door in front of her. Of course there wasn’t a chance she could get to it.

Laughter echoed from somewhere outside. The door creaked open. “Enjoy your dream?” Bael asked, sauntering into the room.

A lump formed in her throat as her eyes watered. She opened her mouth to yell at him. Scream that he couldn’t hurt her. The problem was he already had. But he didn’t have to know that.

“Yeah, I did enjoy my dream.” Jasmine jutted her chin. “It made me giddy with happiness.”

Bael flicked a small lamp on, which sat on a wooden bench-like table. A yellow glow outlined the room. He leaned his face into the path of the light and smiled. “I know that’s not true. But I will give you credit for putting on a brave face.”

Jasmine squirmed and writhed on the table, pulling at the restraints again. They didn’t loosen, only slipped down her sweaty wrists and ankles. She called to her power. It answered, but quickly fizzled out.
Oh no! What’s going on?
She flipped open her box, gave it free reign. Still nothing. It purred, but stayed hidden.
Shit! You picked a horrible time for this.

“Jasmine, it is time for you to join the dark side.” Bael ran his fingers along her arm.

Jasmine flinched against his slimy touch. Then she mustered as much enthusiasm as she could. “Okay! Where do I sign up?”

Bael’s eyebrows drew close and one corner of his mouth quirked up. “I find your sarcasm amusing, but you are also testing my patience.”

“Wonderful.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad you find me amusing.”

Her frowned. “I can make your time with us pleasant. Or I can make it a living hell. The choice will be yours.”

“I’m pretty sure all my choices have been taken away. The leather straps kind of gave me that impression.”

Bael leaned his face close to hers. She glared at him, but it didn’t deter him from reaching up and running a finger along her jawline. “I’ve had you restrained, but that is not what I want. I would like to trust you enough to let you go, but…we are not there yet.”

“No? Really? I would have never guessed.” She turned away, her heart thumping loudly in her ears.

“Amon will come for you soon. And when he does, you will either join our side, or die in the battle. Another choice you must make for yourself.”

Jasmine rolled her head back around to face him. Heat flushed her cheeks and she ground her teeth together. “I won’t choose your side. Not now. Not ever.”

Bael stood and walked to the end of the table. “Oh, you will.” He pursed his lips and waved his hands in the air. “You see, I lied. You don’t really have a choice.”

“Sorry to tell you, but I’ve already made my choice. And it doesn’t include working with you,” Jasmine said through clenched teeth.

Bael put his palms against the wooden table she was strapped to and leaned forward. “I think you’ll find I can be very…what’s the word…ah, yes. Persuasive.”

Jasmine flinched as he wrapped his greasy hands around her bare ankle. “Get your hands off me. Now.”

Bael’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Don’t I have a choice? I did pretend to give you one. The least you could do is afford me the same.” He pressed his lips together. “Although, I don’t particularly care one way or another.”

Jasmine ignored him. Instead she reached inside again.
Come out of that box.
Her power overflowed inside her, but just as before, it retreated as it if had been burned.
What is going on? Every other time, you’re aching to get out, but now you’re playing shy. When I need you the most.

“Hmm. It looks like you went somewhere else for a moment. Maybe inside your mind? Talking to your power again?”

Jasmine pressed her lips tightly together and said nothing. She had to listen to him, but she didn’t have to answer him. She had a choice in that, at least.

His hands slid up her calf, then back down to rest against her ankle again. “Jasmine, you disappoint me. Here I thought perhaps we could get to know one another. Maybe even become friends.” He lifted one hand and rested it over his heart. “But you won’t even give me a chance. What’s a demon to do, hmmm?”

“Die.”

Bael dropped his jaw. “Ouch. That stings a little bit. Perhaps I will make you understand. With time, of course.”

“Perhaps you need to cut your own head off.”

Bael roared. “I love your spirit. I will take great pleasure in breaking it.” He brought his other hand down and caressed her ankle again. “Among other things.” He squeezed and then twisted.

The bone cracked, then popped loudly, the sound piercing her ears. Jasmine grabbed the sides of the table as burning pain spread like butter. She arched her back and sucked in a breath, then cried out.

Bael walked around to her side, leaning over her. “You see, there are other ways to make you see my side of things. I’d prefer not to use them. I’d much rather have you whole and willing, but I don’t need you to be either. I hope I’ve made myself clear.” He stood and moved to the door. As he opened it, he turned to look at her. “I would definitely think about it. There’s no telling what I might do next. I can be a tad bit…unpredictable.” His laugh followed him out the door, but she continued to hear the high-pitched noise fading with his distance.

Now that she was alone, she let the tears fall from the corners of her eyes. Her ankle throbbed, but the initial sharp pain had faded. She tested her bone, angled it slightly, and fire shot through her whole leg. She winced, and breathed slow, deep breaths. In and out. Inhale, then exhale.

“What the hell am I going to do?” She knew Bael wouldn’t give up, and her power was being unresponsive. So how would she get out of this?

She gazed around the room. Wooden walls surrounded her, the corners darker, suggesting leaks. There were no windows, and the only door was the one in front of her. It looked like an old workroom, or a shed of sorts. Although she thought it was a bit bigger than the latter.

Jasmine tugged on her power again, tried to coerce it out. It greeted her with a purr, but slunk deeper inside.
I just don’t know what to do.

She bit her lip and relaxed her tense muscles. Her eyes were heavy, so she closed them. She prayed for pleasant dreams before she let sleep take her under.

***

Jasmine woke slowly, but didn’t open her eyes. Hot air touched her skin and the sound of someone breathing loudly permeated the room. The smell of sulfur made her gag.

“Is my smell getting to you?” He lifted an arm and stuck his nose in his armpit. “Pity, I’ve forgotten to clean up.” He cackled.

She opened her eyes just so she could glare at him. “What is this? Comedy hour?”

“This is the hour you understand what is happening. I’ve sent a demon to alert Amon of your whereabouts. He will arrive soon, I’m sure.” Bael paused and leaned back in the chair beside her. “When he arrives, you will fight him.”

Jasmine shook her head. “I won’t fight him. I won’t fight any of them. You might as well just kill me.”

It was time to admit defeat. She’d lost the battle—the one she happened to be made for.
I’m not destined to win a war against demons. I’m destined to fail.

She turned her head and focused on the wall. Cracks grew from a thick line, which ran up the middle of the wall, and reminded her of ice breaking slowly. Her back hurt, and the weight on her chest might crush her. A sour taste lined her mouth. She tried to swallow it down, but her throat was so dry it hurt.

Bael stood and hovered over her, holding a bottle of water. “Thirsty?”

Jasmine narrowed her eyes at him, but kept her mouth closed.
He’s just being cruel. It’s not like I can actually take a drink. I have no free hands.

Bael unscrewed the cap. “I know, you’re thinking I’m just being cruel. That you can’t actually have a drink.”

Jasmine dropped her jaw.

Bael howled. “Would you like a drink or not?” When Jasmine nodded, Bael held the bottle over her. “Open your mouth and say ahhh.”

Her mouth was already open, so he brought the bottle down to touch her lips. The cool liquid absorbed into her dry mouth and disappeared down her parched throat.
Is this what happens to water in a desert? Not the time to think about that kind of thing. Focus!

She greedily swallowed the water, gulping it down until her thirst was quenched. When she’d had enough, she pulled back, but kept some water sloshing around in her mouth.

“There. Now, that’s better, isn’t it?”

For the first time, Bael actually seemed like a regular human. Minus the horns. And the strange-colored skin. Okay, so he didn’t appear human at all, but a glint stood out in his eyes that she’d never seen before. A human glint. A sparkle of slight amusement, perhaps. A real, human emotion.

“Of course, the clock is ticking. And since your choice has been made for you, you must prepare to kill your friends.”

Jasmine spit the water into his face. “It’s not going to happen. I won’t hurt them and I certainly won’t kill them. So, like I said, you may as well just kill me.”

Bael’s hand wiped down his face and he scrunched his forehead, glaring. “You still don’t get it, do you?” He grabbed her hand. “I could destroy you right now. But instead, I’m keeping you safe. Out of harm’s way. I’m giving you water. When I could very easily kill you and be done with this nonsense.”

“I wish you would. I would love to be done with this nonsense too.”

Bael growled, pulling her index finger back until it snapped.

She gritted her teeth.
You can take it. Suck it up, buttercup. This is nothing. This doesn’t hurt. It feels good.

He moved to the next finger, then the next, until only the thumb remained. Her fingers throbbed, but she ground her teeth tighter and held strong. She couldn’t show him weakness. Remaining strong would be the only way to come out of this alive. It would be nice if her power would work too. That would be a bonus. Unfortunately, things rarely went her way. If anything, most of her life had been difficult, as opposed to easy.