Demon Hunters 2: Retribution (Stand Alone Series) (Demon Hunters.) (7 page)

“No,” Blake and Scarlett said together.

Des shrugged. “You people really have no idea what it means to have a demon bound to you, do you?”

“We know,” Blake said softly.

“We don’t approve of slavery,” Scarlett said. “I’ll make no demands on you. I want you to use free will.”

The tow truck picked that moment to arrive and they were kept busy for a while. It wasn’t long before they were in Blake’s vehicle and driving to Gran’s house.

“Where am I meant to stay while Gran buys a house?” Scarlett asked.

“With me. One of my housemates isn’t back from spending Christmas with his family. He won’t return until just before uni starts for the year. And my room is the only one protected against demons so Des should be able to cope well enough,” Blake said.

“We’ll stay there tonight?” Des asked from the back seat.

Scarlett half turned in her seat to look at him. “Yeah.”

By the time Blake left Gran’s house late that afternoon, not only did he have Des and Scarlett in the vehicle, but also Riley and Alex who had refused to be left behind. When Blake’s housemate, Greg, saw the crowd, he argued with Blake about taking over the place.

Scarlett didn’t know what Blake told Greg, but he grabbed a handful of clothes, jammed them in a plastic bag and stalked out with a glare for each of them.

“Does he know you’re moving out soon?” Scarlett asked Blake.

Blake nodded. “Yeah. That’s part of why he’s not happy. He also said you’re to have his room, that he’s not having the other three in his room, or his bed.” Blake shook his head at Scarlett’s questioning look. “Let’s not get into that explanation.”

Scarlett strode to the bedroom in question and opened the door. “I hope you’ve got spare sheets. This room’s a pigsty. I’m beginning to think I’d rather sleep in the lounge room.”

“You can’t sleep on the couch, there’s so many valleys in it you’d be awake all night,” Blake said.

“What about your swag?”

Blake stared at Scarlett. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” She nodded. “It’s in my room, under the bed. I’ll bring it out later.”

“And what about us?” Alex asked. “You’re not expecting me to share a bed with Riley, are you?”

Blake shook his head. “There’s a trundle under Allan’s bed for when his sister’s in town.”

“I’ve got Allan’s bed.” Riley grinned at Alex who shook his head and muttered something about children under his breath. “Sticks and stones, but you’ve still got the trundle.”

“What about Des?” Scarlett asked.

“I don’t need to sleep as you do. When I sleep, it’s for pleasure.”‘

Scarlett frowned. “How can sleeping be for pleasure?”

“Sometimes I think you’re a hopeless cause.”

“If by hopeless cause you mean you can’t corrupt me, then yes, I am one,” Scarlett said.

“What are you going to do while we’re asleep?” Blake asked Des.

“Watch over all of you.”

“Watch-” Alex broke off his words at the look his sister sent him. Instead he stalked to the bedroom that was to be his and quietly closed the door.

Riley laughed. A short, sharp sound. “What do you think you are? A fallen guardian angel?”

“None of us are perfect, Jester.”

“How sweet. I get a nickname too,” Riley said dryly. “I should probably be offended that I’m not Sir Jester.” He glanced over to Scarlett. “After all, Scarlett and Gran have the title of Lady.”

“Titles have responsibilities attached to them,” Des said.

“Enough.” Scarlett stepped between the two. “I don’t like where this conversation’s going.”

Des nodded and moved over to the couch, sitting on its arm. Riley looked like he’d speak, but when Scarlett continued to glare at him, he shrugged and smiled.

“Guess I better make sure Alex doesn’t steal the bed.”

Scarlett watched as Riley walked away from her. She sighed then looked over to Blake who watched her carefully. She raised a brow but he shook his head in answer.

“If we’re already arguing, what will we be like a week from now? Or even in a year if we can’t solve this issue.” Scarlett waited for Blake to answer.

“If we’re lucky a bolt of lightning will strike Nathan dead and we won’t have to worry about that,” Blake said dryly.

“Do you-” Des began.

“No.” Blake and Scarlett answered together as they turned to look at him.

Des smiled mockingly. “I have to check. One day you might change your mind.”

“Never,” Scarlett said fervently.

Des turned his eyes on Blake, the smile still evident. “No more protests from you?”

“A man never truly knows how he’ll react when all hope is lost and his loved ones are in mortal danger.” Blake met the dark eyes squarely.

Des nodded and turned to Scarlett. “Give me permission to follow orders given by Blake.”

“No!” The word burst out automatically.

“The offer of free will didn’t last for long,” Des said. His tone indicated he hadn’t believed the offer anyway.

Scarlett moved over to him and took his hand. “I can’t give you that permission on the heels of what Blake said. But I do give you permission to follow or dismiss any orders given to you by anyone and to follow your own plans and thoughts.”

Des rose and leaned forward so his mouth was near her ear. “All my thoughts?”

Scarlett pulled back and tugged on her hand. Des held tight. She glanced over to Blake who continued to watch her carefully, his arms crossed over his chest.

Scarlett took a deep breath and slowly released it. “You’re not to infringe on the free will of others in following your plans and thoughts.” She tugged on her hand again and he let it go.

“A pity.”

Scarlett breathed deep again. She couldn’t find her usual calm. “You asked me to warn you when I plan to pray.”

Des nodded. “I’ll wait outside.”

As soon as Des left the room, Blake walked over to Scarlett. “He’s not human.”

“I know.”

“Always?”

Scarlett sighed. “Even when I forget, I still know. It’s not that type of forgetting. It’s more that my mind can’t connect Des to what I know about demons so it temporarily rejects the idea he’s one.”

“Maybe it’d be best to hand the ring over to me and take yourself away from him.”

“No.” Scarlett looked away from Blake’s uncomfortable gaze and wished she hadn’t answered so quickly. “No. I couldn’t.”

“Why?”

“What do you want me to say? That he’s my responsibility and therefore I should be the one to keep the ring?”

“I want you to say what’s true.”

Scarlett laughed sharply. “When I figure it out I’ll tell you.”

“Scarlett-”

“I know. You don’t have to tell me. I owe so many apologies to Allie.”

“What?”

“I was horrid to her when we first met. How could I have been so unbending? As far as I was concerned we were wasting our time on a sinner who’d go straight back out and make more stupid choices. My path has crumbled under my feet leaving a little track clinging to a cliff. It has completely disintegrated in places leaving me no choice but to leap and hope I can jump far enough. I never realised how disorientating that was. I always knew exactly where I was headed. And which choice to make since right and wrong are so clearly defined.” Scarlett laughed again. The sound was brittle. “If pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall, then I guess I’m in for a big one.”

“We’ll be there to help cushion your landing.”

“Thanks. You mind if I have some time alone? I need to pray. Maybe then I’ll find some of the peace that’s eluded me lately.”

“Call me if you need anything.” Blake dropped a kiss on her forehead before he left the lounge room.

Scarlett sat up, her heart racing when the lounge room light being flicked on jarred her from sleep. She squinted at the brightness and opened her mouth to complain to Des who stood by the switch, wearing only jeans. He nodded towards the lounge room window off to her left and she turned to look. She scrambled to her feet, grabbing her sword, her eyes fixed on the demon coming in the window.

There was a flash of light and she shrieked, dropping her sword. Cradling her left hand she turned to see Des grab the doorframe. Regaining his balance, Des strode to the centre of the room. There was a sound of running footsteps then Blake, Riley and Alex stopped in the doorway. Each carried their swords and none were dressed in more than shorts or boxers. Their attention was immediately drawn to the demon who warily stood in front of the window, looking at each of them.

Scarlett bent to pull a soft, black leather glove onto her left hand before she picked up her sword again, waiting to see who the demon would attack first. Blake, Riley and Alex moved to her side.

Scarlett wished she had time to pull on jeans over the brief cotton shorts she wore with a singlet. She’d worn her jeans to bed, replacing them when they’d been too uncomfortable to sleep in. Her gaze remained on the demon wondering what he was waiting for. Did he wait for them to attack first?

He was a similar height to Des, but there the similarities ended. His skin was as black and glossy as a brand new tyre. His hair, the colour of dried blood, was pulled back from his face to hang between his wings that matched his hair. His clothes looked like they were made from the same material as his skin, so closely did they match and streaks of red flames shot through his black eyes.

The demon finally launched himself at Des, who met his attack in mid air. Black wings springing from Des’ back as he flew to meet him. The demon snarled. His hands turned to claws and he swiped at Des. Scarlett watched the block and attack of the battle. They covered every centimetre of the small lounge room, knocking an armchair over in the process. Most of the fight happened in mid-air, the two demons evenly matched.

They were on the ground again and warily stalked each other as they looked for weaknesses and openings. Des kept his eyes on the demon. “Scarlett, drop your sword. Remove your glove.”

“What are you doing?” Alex hissed when Scarlett lowered her sword to the floor.

“What does it look like?” Scarlett snapped.

“We don’t follow the orders of demons.” Alex grabbed her right hand as she tried to tug off the glove.

Scarlett met her brother’s eyes and used her teeth to pull the glove from her hand, letting it drop to the ground. “He promised to be my guardian angel. I trust him to protect me.”

“You’re mad!”

Riley tried to put his hand on Alex’s shoulder, but he shrugged it off. “We’re here too. She’s not unarmed as long as we’re beside her.”

“Scarlett! What’s taking you so long?” Des demanded as the demon launched at him again.

“I’m ready,” Scarlett said.

“When I say now. Hold your cross.” Des’ wings launched him from a standstill and he grabbed the other demon and yelled, “Now.” He kept his arms locked around the demon that struggled to escape.

Scarlett closed her hand around the cross, pressing it against the ring. Heat flared in her hand. Scarlett screamed while the demon roared and disappeared in a flash of light. Des stumbled forward, his arms now empty. He landed on his knees, one hand pressed against the floor. Letting go of the cross, Scarlett staggered towards Des, dropping down in front of him to wrap him in her arms. She shivered. It felt like holding energy. She drew back enough to meet Des’ eyes. They were flame-streaked.

Des laughed derisively at the shock in her eyes. “Now do you believe I’m a demon?”

She could hear movement behind her, but she ignored her family. Instead she hesitantly touched a wing, surprised at how soft the feathers were. “I’ve always known you were a demon,” she said softly. “But for some reason that seems less important each day.”

Des’ voice was equally quiet but there was no softness in his tone. “If your family weren’t here I’d show you exactly what sort of demon I am.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“Then you’re a fool.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to think that too.” Scarlett began to pull away, but Des put a single hand on her back to stop her.

He lowered his head until his cheek was against hers, his lips against her ear. “If we’re ever alone and I become completely demon… run.”

“No. I trust you.”

Des’ arm around her tensed. “You’ve been warned.”

Des let her go and Scarlett pulled back. She noticed a feather in his hair and reached out and took it. Des grabbed her wrist. He stared at her as the flame streaks started to fade from his eyes.

“What do you want my feather for?”

“You can’t leave it lying around for someone to use against you.” She continued to meet Des’ eyes until he let her hand go. Rising shakily to her feet, she glanced around. She noticed her family by the window, a whispered argument keeping them there. She saw the saltshaker in Blake’s hand and sighed. How could she tell him salt across the entrances wasn’t the right choice? She had bound a demon to herself. A little salt was harmless in comparison.

She walked back to the swag and slid into it. She scrunched down until her head was covered, the feather still clasped in her hand. Was this how it happened? You commit a sin and suddenly lesser ones weren’t so important? She couldn’t accept that. She had to believe she could still manage to keep her life as unblemished as possible. Hunting demons was all she’d ever wanted to do. And you couldn’t do that with a soul so stained by sin you were little better than your prey. Yet now she had a demon bound to her and she had a terrible feeling that her worries about calling him a friend were no longer an issue. No, she wanted a much deeper relationship than that. She squeezed her eyes shut and started to pray.

“Scarlett!” Des bellowed. “You said you’d warn me when you prayed.”

She stopped. What else could she do? Hadn’t he already endured enough pain for her tonight?

Scarlett stretched, her eyes still closed, and started to open her hand. It felt cramped. Then she felt the movement of the feather and kept it closed. She should do something to make sure the feather couldn’t be used against Des, but she had no idea what to do.

Unzipping the swag with her left hand, she pushed back the cover. It was too hot to stay under it, even though it was now only drawn up to her waist. Her eyes slowly opened and she froze. Des sat on the floor a couple of metres away from her, crossed legged, his dark eyes fastened on her.

She sat up and her eyes roamed over him. His wings were gone and his eyes were a solid darkness. “What are you doing?”

“Well, I could say I’m watching over you.”

“You could?” She thought over his words. “What should you say instead?”

Des’ lips slowly curved into a smile. “Flirting with temptation.”

“What?”

“Another ten minutes and I would’ve lost.”

Scarlett discarded several questions before she settled on one to ask. “What is the temptation?”

“Your dreams. I can’t dream. Fantasize, yes. Dream, no. I was very tempted to share yours.”

“You have a real problem with boundaries, don’t you?”

Des laughed. “You could say that’s what set me on this path. So what do you say? Can I share your dreams?”

“No.”

“What if I promise to stay out of the rest of your head and not to alter anything unless you ask me to?”

Scarlett wavered at the look he sent. “No.” The word came out softer, less commanding. She quickly rose to her feet before she gave in.

“Just once?” Des persisted.

Scarlett ignored him and wandered over to the window. She looked down at the ledge where a row of salt lay. Blake had won the argument.

“I was wondering when you’d wake up.”

Scarlett spun to face Blake.

“No comments about the salt?” Blake asked when she remained quiet.

“He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone,” Scarlett quoted.

“Ahh, Scarlett.” Blake strode to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “Back off demon, I’m not going to harm her.”

Scarlett pulled away enough to be able to see Des. She didn’t know what his expression meant, but if she had to guess, she’d say jealousy. She discarded that thought and inwardly laughed at herself.

“Scarlett.” Blake drew her attention back to him. “You can still take a stand against things like using salt across entrances.”

“It seems hypocritical.”

“Being irrational is part of being human. We don’t always make sense.”

“I guess,” Scarlett said softly.

“I know.” Blake’s voice was filled with certainty.

“Where are Ry and Alex?”

“With Gran. She’s giving them a list of houses to look at and the requirements.”

“Why didn’t she ask me? Or you as well, for that matter?”

“She did. But I think Riley and Alex need a break from the situation. They’re not dealing with having a demon as a guest. It goes against all we’ve been taught.”

“Why are you managing when they’re not?”

Blake left one arm around her and guided her towards the kitchen as he answered. “I guess I had to learn tolerance while I was away from our family. There isn’t a lot of job opportunities for someone with a half completed degree in anthropology. I came in contact with a lot of interesting people when I was working at the nightclub. Without learning tolerance, I wouldn’t have lasted.”

“You could have returned home.”

“No. I had to sort myself out first. Seeing someone die like that…” His voice trailed off as he shook his head.

“Did you ever do anything you regretted while you were away from the family?”

“It all depends on how you look at things.”

“How do you look at them?”

“I did things it was possible to regret, but how can I regret things that helped shape who I am. My mistakes helped me learn to survive on my own two feet.” Blake pushed her towards one of the chairs at the kitchen table. “Enough soul searching. It’s breakfast time.”

Des stood in the doorway. “And who exactly does that invite include?”

Blake gestured towards the table. “If you want to join us, have a seat.”

Des sat directly across from Scarlett as Blake began to crack eggs into a bowl.