Above The Flames (The Flames Trilogy #1) (7 page)

Jasmine gasped for breath. “They’ll come back. You need to let me go, or you’ll die.”

“You’ve already killed me, or didn’t you know?” He leaned back. “Take a good look at your handiwork.” There were only a few patches of his dark demon skin left. It had all been replaced with crispy fried demon.

“Good. You deserve everything you got. You killed my father!” she screamed.

“And now I’ll kill you.”

He backhanded her, and she flew to the floor on the other side of the room. The back of her head cracked against the corner of the glass case and instantly she saw stars. Her eyelids snapped shut, and she forced them open to see him getting closer, but then everything grew dark. When she opened her eyes again, he was right in front of her.

The demon balled the front of her shirt into his fist and yanked her to her feet. Everything was a blob as she tried desperately to focus her eyes. If only there was a knob like a telescope would have. It would make it so much easier.

“Just leave me alone,” she muttered.

“Let me think about it.” He paused and looked up, then held eye contact with her again. “I considered your offer and have decided to decline.”

With a closed fist, he punched her straight in her jaw. Jasmine tasted blood. He punched her again, but this time on her nose. She moaned loudly, but couldn’t muster the strength to talk.

The demon’s eyes widened as he went airborne. Without him to hold her in place, Jasmine fell to the ground. Tears leaked from her eyes and pain lanced every orifice of her body. She attempted to look up, but her focus was blurry and she couldn’t make anything out.

Her power was there, coaxing her, whispering to her, but she couldn’t let it free. Couldn’t find the strength to pull it out. She had no focus right now to do anything. Keeping her eyes open had become difficult, so she let them fall shut, then opened them as strong arms lifted her.

“Grizzles. It’s you. You came back,” she mumbled.

“We all did. Don’t worry; we’ll get you out of here—”

Something wet spurted all over Jasmine’s face, her chest. It seemed to cover every inch of her from the chest up. She closed her mouth, but not in time to get a taste of metal. She forced her eyes to widen and saw an ugly wound straight across Grizzles neck. Before she knew it, Grizzles fell forward, gurgling sounds escaping from his open mouth.

Jasmine screamed. Within seconds, she fell from Grizzles’ arms onto the wooden floor. She barely got her arms out to stop her face from hitting first, and instead crashed onto her chest. She panted and gasped as the air rushed from her lungs, but then Grizzles’ heavy body landed on top of her, making it impossible to catch her breath.

Thoughts were flying through her mind faster than she could process them. Grizzles’ throat had been sliced. He was dead; there was no doubt about that. Her hands trembled, and her whole body started shaking uncontrollably. She bit her lip as her teeth chattered.
It’s really cold in here all of a sudden.

On her hands and knees, she inched forward little by little, pulling with every bit of muscle she could. Eventually, she broke free from Grizzles and stood. The room swayed around her. She raised her arms out to her sides, trying to balance herself.

“Get her out of here. Now!” someone said—it sounded like that woman from earlier. Lamia. Was she here too? Jasmine couldn’t be sure what exactly was going on.

Black spots were on every surface she looked at. There was still fighting going on around her. Every sound registered in her brain, but she couldn’t see a single thing. The spots were too big.

Another set of arms scooped her up. She bounced as Amon carried her out the open front door and into the sunlight. The heat of summer did nothing to warm her.

“It’s okay, Jasmine. You are fine,” he said.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Her head fell onto his shoulder, and for a moment she let his heat warm her. It felt like he carried her for a long time, but she had no idea how much time had passed when he laid her down on something soft.

“Rest for a while. The demon who attacked you is dead, and I will make sure you are safe.” He spoke softly.

“But I’m not safe!” Jasmine sat up, panic taking hold. “He was going to kill me. He killed Grizzles. Look at all this blood.”

Amon stroked the side of Jasmine’s head, petting the length of her hair. “It’s okay. He didn’t kill you, Jasmine. You are safe. We will leave as soon as the others join us. Close your eyes and rest.”

Goosebumps broke out down her arms and legs. “I’m so cold,” she said, her words shaky as she started shivering.

Thick cloth covered her front. “This will keep you warm. Now rest.”

With no more protests, she let her eyes close again, and sleep took over from there.

Chapter 7

A Demon’s Predicament

Bael

Bael seethed as he stared into utter darkness. His hands were cuffed in front of him in the basement that he’d created as a prison. This kind of thing never happened. The fallen angels had overpowered him. How, though? They weren’t particularly strong. Most of their powers had been taken as they fell from Heaven. So how did they lock him up?

He stood and pulled against the chains. They didn’t budge, which made sense since he’d created them to be stronger than himself. He needed the key, and of course he didn’t have one.

“M-master. W-what happened here?” Belze asked, stepping into the room.

“Do you know how long I have waited for you to show up? I sent you a message quite some time ago. Tell me, Belze. What took you so long?” Bael kept his voice even.

“I c-came as soon as I c-could. It isn’t as if I knew w-where you w-were.” Belze paused, but continued forward until he stopped in front of Bael. “I’m here n-now. W-where is the key?”

“If I knew that, I would have already been free. Search the house, drawers. The key is small, bronze with an oval tip.”

Belze nodded, and then disappeared.

He had better find that key, or I will kill him
, he thought.

“
What key?
”
a loud voice spoke into his mind.

“
Lucifer. You are listening to my thoughts? How lovely.
”

Lucifer laughed inside Bael’s head, giving him an instant headache. “
Somebody must keep you in line, Bael. I know how you can get distracted. Your goal is simple, and must stay at the front of your mind.
”

“
Yes, I know exactly what I must do.
”

“
Then, why, may I ask, have you let someone capture you?
”

“
Tell me how you know this.
”

“
I have my sources. Do you think you are the only demon I can speak to in this way?
”

Actually, Bael did think that, but now that he knew the truth, he’d be a lot more careful who he told his plans to. Lucifer had a lot of secrets, even from Bael.

“
I do have secrets, Bael. And it would be good to remember that. I am the ruler of Hell, and I didn’t get here by chance. Now, tell me of your plans.
”

Bael mentally slapped himself. He couldn’t believe he’d been so careless. He had to remember to keep his mind clear.

“
We will start by attacking the towns close by, then branch out. One by one, we will kill every human in existence.
”

“
A very sound plan. If executed well, it will not take long to release me. The more blood you shed, the more my walls will crumble. I am imprisoned until you and the demon army can free me. This means I am completely at your mercy. If you do well, you will earn your place at my side for the remainder of your days. If you fail…
” Lucifer trailed off. He didn’t have to say what would happen. Bael could read between the lines.

“
I will not fail this mission, Master. We will free you, and then you will join our side to take over this realm.
”

“
I hope you are right, Bael.
”

Lucifer severed the connection then, leaving static behind.
I hope I’m right too,
Bael thought.

“M-Master, I’ve found the key!” Belze shuffled through the doorway. His feet were too close together as he walked, and Bael shook his head as the clumsy demon’s feet caught on one another and he stumbled forward. Bael stopped Belze’s forward momentum, however, as the demon slammed into his master.

“Belze! Control yourself!” Bael screamed. “You are a powerful demon, are you not?”

Belze looked at the ground as he nodded.

“Perhaps, then, you should act like it. All I see when I look at you is a clumsy child incapable of anything. You fail at everything you do. Why do you think I keep you around?”

Belze kept his head down and shrugged.

“Because even though you are worthless, you are loyal. You would never betray me, would you?”

Belze shook his head. Bael held his wrist out, and Belze pushed the key into the lock and freed Bael’s hands.

“It’s good to know you remain on my side. But you only have so many chances, Belze. Remember that.”

Bael walked past him and up the stairs. The dead body of a large man remained in a very mundane room, along with another of his loyal demons, Moloch.

“Moloch. Take care of this!” Bael barked the command.

Moloch said nothing, only moved forward, lifted the man over his shoulder, and ran out the back door.

When Belze joined Bael’s side, he placed his palms on his knees and panted. “You are fast wh-when you are on a m-mission.”

“What is it you want now, Belze?” Bael asked, turning to him. “Hmmm?”

“In that room, behind you, we have another prisoner for y-you.” Belze stuck his chin up. “I found her, and l-locked her up.”

Bael patted his shoulder. “Thank you, Belze. That is all. Go…do something.”

He left then, and Bael entered the room behind him. A short woman had a cloth around her head, tied tightly between her lips. Her arms were squirming to get free of the thick rope knotted around her wrists. Her ankles were attached to the wooden chair the same way.”

Bael steepled his hands under his chin. “Well, what do we have here?”

Through her mumbles, perspiration dripped down the sides of her face, and her white lab coat was yellow from the stains. Her eyes widened as they landed on him, and she tried to scream, but it was muted by the gag.

“I think we shall have a little fun, you and I. What do you think?”

Her eyes looked like they might pop straight from the sockets. Bael smiled, and moved in on his prey.

Chapter 8

Decisions

Jasmine

“Jasmine. Wake up. Jasmine.”

Someone was whispering in her ear, and shaking her shoulder.

“What?” She snapped her eyes open. “Oh, Beau. It’s only you.”

He smiled down at her. “Are you okay?”

Jasmine sat up and nodded, scanning herself. “Yeah, I think so. Are you?”

“Sure am. I didn’t get to go into the battle. Amon made me stay in the car.”

She thought about when Amon had laid her in the SUV, but she didn’t remember Beau being there.

“Well, I’m glad. It got a little nuts in there.”

“So I hear. But you are safe. That’s what matters.”

Jasmine’s eyes widened and she grabbed Beau’s shoulder. “Wait. What about Gemma? And Cole?”

“They are fine. Don’t worry. Everyone is here,” Beau said.

And where exactly were they? She looked around. The bed she lay on had a large headboard, with a soft cushion built in. The walls were crimson, the sheets and duvet cream-colored. Everything looked shiny and new, but she didn’t recognize this bedroom.

“Are we at your house?” Jasmine asked.

He nodded. “Sure are. This is going to be our base until you guys are ready to head out into the world and hunt the demons. Bael will never find you here.”

Jasmine pressed her lips together. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. What happened to him anyway?”

Beau shrugged. “Not sure. You can ask Amon when you feel like getting up.”

“Now is as good of a time as any.”

“You might want to wait. You were pretty out of it,” Beau said, concern flashing back at her through his ocean blue eyes.

She jumped up off the bed. “I’m fine. Trust me. Never better.” A wave of dizziness hit her, but she quickly righted herself and moved forward. “Where is he?”

“Probably downstairs. I’ll walk with you, if that’s okay.”

“Sure. The more the merrier. I just know I need some answers.” She peeked at Beau out of the corner of her eye. “And you know me.”

“All too well,” Beau said. “You want answers, and you’ll get them.”

At the bottom of the steps, she followed Beau to the kitchen. When he didn’t find Amon, he took her to the living room, but again they found nothing.

“Maybe he’s outside?” Jasmine suggested.

Beau shrugged. “Maybe. Let’s go see.”

Once out the front door, Jasmine shielded her eyes with her hand as the sun shone on her face. She turned, finding Amon, Azzy, and Caim squeezed beside each other on the white porch swing. Gemma and Cole leaned against the banister across from them.

Amon stood as soon as he saw her. “You are well?”

Jasmine nodded.

Amon strolled toward her, and Jasmine kept her eyes locked on his. The closer he came, the more transfixed she became. He was tall, her head only coming to his chest. “Do you have something to say to me?”

Jasmine racked her brain, trying to figure out what he meant. But she couldn’t, so instead she asked, “Am I supposed to have something to say to you?”

When he smiled, every feature on his face lit up. He looked kinder, more approachable when he wasn’t frowning. Although Jasmine didn’t know him that well yet, she had a feeling he had a tough exterior, but once a person got past that wall, they’d have a friend for life.

Even through the bit of stubble on his chin, and around his mouth, she could see laugh lines, which indicated a happy type of person.
Wonder why he’s so sullen now.

His arms were clearly defined with layers of muscles, and his chest was wide to hold up large shoulders. His stomach was covered by a black sports shirt, and it stopped just at his slender waist. Basketball shorts hung from his hips, but they too were short on his long legs.

Amon cleared his throat.

Jasmine’s eyes snapped up to his face again. “What?”

“If you are done looking me over, perhaps you will hear me?”

“Did you say something before?” Jasmine asked.

“Yes. I asked you if it was proper custom to not thank a person who saved your life.”

Jasmine’s mouth dropped open. She gazed behind Amon, and it seemed everyone on the porch was holding their breath. Heat entered her cheeks. “You want me to thank you?”

“It would be nice,” Amon said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“That’s what you’re worried about?” Jasmine asked.

“If you will recall, I did ask if you were well first.”

Jasmine made a sound of annoyance. “Thank you so much for that. But let me remind you of the little fact that I would have gotten free on my own, and you didn’t have to risk your life for me.”

Amon pointed his nose toward the ground and angled his head to the side. “How far do you think you would have gotten? With demons all around you?”

“Far enough.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Demons are—”

“Oh my God! Demons are here! Shit! Ma and Pa. I have to go!” She turned to Beau. “Can you drive me?”

“To the store? Sure.”

“You will not be going anywhere,” Amon said.

“Listen, buddy.” She jabbed her fingertips into his chest, shoving him back. “You aren’t my boss. Nobody elected you president. My family could be in trouble, and they have no idea what is going on. I am going, whether you like it or not.”

Amon opened his mouth, then closed it tightly, but Jasmine could swear the corners of his mouth titled slightly upward.

“Nothing to say there, big guy? Good. It’s about time,” Jasmine said.

“Actually, I was wondering what a president is,” Amon said, his eyebrows raising. “I don’t think I’ve heard that term before.”

“A president is someone who oversees the running of a country,” Gemma said. “They are, like, the ruler.”

Recognition lit in Amon’s eyes. “I see.”

“Now, class is dismissed. We’ll pick up tomorrow with refrigerators and the television. I have to go.”

“I will go with you. To make sure you are safe,” Amon said. “If you will let me.”

Jasmine thought about Amon’s proposal. He looked strong and capable. Not that Beau wasn’t, but Amon had been around demons for a long time, or at least known about them. He may know their weaknesses because of that. On the other hand, he was obnoxious.
Even though he’s easy on the eyes.
Jasmine pinched the back of her hand.
Stop that! You have a boyfriend!

“Okay. You can come. But you have to keep your mouth shut,” Jasmine said.

“I can do that.”

Beau stepped forward until he stood in front of Gemma and the others. “Hold the fort down. We’ll be back soon.”

Jasmine followed the men to the SUV, where she jumped in the back seat before anyone could stop her.

***

The sun warmed her skin as Jasmine hopped out of Beau’s SUV. There were barely any cars in the parking lot of Ma and Pa’s, which concerned her.

“You guys stay here. I won’t be too long,” she said.

Beau shut the engine off. “We’ll be right here.”

She slammed the door and pushed her cell phone into her back pocket. A fluttery feeling shifted through her stomach. She’d never told Ma and Pa the truth of why she’d come here, but she had to now. Would they believe her? Or would they laugh in her face? She sighed.

When she entered the store that she’d grown to love so much, Ma and Pa sat at the counter with a crossword puzzle laid out before them. Two mugs of coffee steamed beside them, the rich aroma drifting through the air.

“Hey, guys,” Jasmine said.

They peeked over the rims of their reading glasses. “Jasmine! Where have you been? We haven’t heard from you in two days. You and Beau must have been busy, huh?” Ma stood and moved her glasses down to the tip of her nose, peering over the top at Jasmine.

“I wish that was the case,” Jasmine mumbled. “Why don’t you sit down? I need to talk to you about something kind of serious.”

“Heavens, child. What’s the matter?” Pa asked.

Jasmine inched closer, slowly joining them at the counter. “Nothing. Well, not nothing. Just sit down. I have a story to tell, and I want you to promise to be open and honest.”

“We can do that. It’s in our nature,” Pa said.

“Should have been our last name. Ma Honest has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

Jasmine shook her head and smiled. “You really are something.”

“So you’ve told us. Now, out with it. Have a seat and tell us your story,” Ma said, patting the stool beside her.

“I’m going to stand, if that’s okay.”

Pa nodded. “Whatever you’d like. We’re listening when you’re ready.”

Jasmine leaned her elbows on the counter and took a few deep breaths. When she blew the last one out, she stood straight and said, “There was a reason I came here two years ago. I was running from my mother because we didn’t get along, just like I told you. But there was more to the story. Something happened, something that has haunted me ever since, and I can’t escape it.”

Pa grabbed Jasmine’s hand and squeezed. “Tell us.”

So she did. She told them about the accident, the demon. What her mother had said to her. She told them how her father had died, and about her power. It all came rushing out once the dam was broken, and when she’d finished her hands trembled and tears streaked her face, but she wouldn’t look at Ma or Pa.

They remained quiet, and even though Pa still held her hand, his grip was more lax than before.

When she finally mustered enough courage, she gazed up from her lap and saw two wide-eyed faces.

“Are you going to say anything?” Jasmine asked with a strained voice.

Ma closed her mouth for a second, then stood and pretended to read a plaque on the wall. “What do you want us to say? You just told us a tale about demons and magical powers. It’s a little far-fetched, to say the least.”

“But—”

Pa pulled his hand back. “Jasmine, if you want to tell tales, then you should write a book.”

He stood too, and walked around the counter, sorting through a stack of papers at the end. Neither Ma nor Pa believed her, and her heart had dropped to her stomach when she’d heard their responses. They were the same as everyone else. Their reactions proved that.
I thought they cared about me.

“So that’s it? You can’t believe me, so what? Am I not welcome around you anymore?” Jasmine asked, even though the answer terrified her.

Pa met her gaze. “I think it might be best if you go for now. Until we can sort through some of this. I’m sorry, but it’s not just hard to believe. It makes me think perhaps you are a bit unstable. I think we need to get you some help.”

“Help? Like what kind of help?” Jasmine asked.

Ma’s soft eyes stared hard at Jasmine as she turned to her. “Jasmine, dear. I think you need to see a therapist. The events from your past have taken their toll on you, that’s for sure. And perhaps it’s time to talk to someone about it.”

Jasmine shook her head. “I’m telling you, what I told you did happen. I was there. I know it’s hard to believe.”

“If you can’t admit you’ve made this up, then you’ll have to leave. I’m sorry, but Ma has a heart condition and she doesn’t need this,” Pa said.

Jasmine let her shoulders drop. Thick silence enveloped the room as Jasmine got up and walked to the door. She didn’t want to leave like this, but what else could she do. Just as the bell jingled above the door, she pulled her hand away from it, letting the door close. A rush of wind blew through the crack, strands of hair flying up around her face.
I know what I can do.

Jasmine had to show them her power. She flipped the box open, letting her power slink through her veins until it pooled in her hands.
Show them. Show them you’re real, and I’m not making things up.

“I know you don’t believe me, but maybe this will help.” Jasmine’s hand glowed neon as she freed her power, but only just enough to make a blue arc that grazed the wall between Ma and Pa.

“Oh, my!” Ma exclaimed, jumping to the side.

Pa’s eyes looked like they might explode from his sockets.

“I have power. I wasn’t lying,” Jasmine said softly as she pulled her power back inside.

“Perhaps not. But how is this real? How are you able to do this?” Pa asked. “It’s not normal.”

Jasmine shrugged. “I’ve never been normal.”

Ma shuffled from behind the counter and stopped in front of Jasmine. For a moment she only stared, but then she grasped Jasmine’s shoulders. “I’m sorry we doubted you, dear.” Then Ma embraced her, the smell of rose petals and lavender wrapping around her.

“It’s okay,” Jasmine said shakily. “It’s what everyone does.”