Demon's Dream (12 page)

Chapter Eleven

Clarissa lost count of the myriad positions, the multitude of times she came or of the hours passed while they spent them in each other’s arms experiencing every imaginable and a few unimaginable pleasures. As a wolf, her stamina was excellent. She quickly learned a demon’s was just as formidable.

As she tried to breathe, her lungs burned from the exertion, she laid curled around Mel’s naked, sweaty form. Her hand was on his chest, absent-mindedly drawing concentric circles across his torso. Silence laid between them, neither sure what to say. They both were well aware that Clarissa’s time had come for her to leave.

Mel had refused to tell her he had been instructed to send her back to the world above or that Nana had forced him to make that action. The thought caused him to unconsciously growl as he was normally not one to be told what to do or when to do it. Yet, on this point, he knew Nana was correct and try as hard as he could, he saw no way which would enable him to keep her by his side.

Clarissa heard him growl, felt him stiffen slightly and she assumed it was because of all they had done together. She leaned up on her elbow to gaze down at him.

“I know I have to go. I know you only used me. I’m sorry. I should not have been so bold in wanting you.”

“Used you?” Azamel was astounded. “What the fuck are you talking about? Do you think so little of me that if I were just going to use you I would train or protect you? Do you think I would call in long time debts to see you protected in the human realm? How many fucking times do I have to prove to you I don’t want the gem you guard?”

He growled, his eyes flashing red at the implication and fury that it inspired in him. His demon wanted out and to tear her to shreds for what she implied.

“Let me tell you something, if I promise to protect someone, I do it because I want to, not because I have to. I don’t cheat, use trickery or am disloyal. I don’t deceive anyone or be disrespectful. I’m pretty blatant in what I want and go after it without pretensions. If you think I’m that shallow...”

He couldn’t even finish the thought and turned away, fury showing in his movements. Mel climbed out of the bed quickly as he flashed clothes upon his form. Angry thoughts whirled through his mind. After all they
just
shared, moments of passion which rivaled or surpassed those over the long millennia he had lived, did she really think so little of him as to be so frivolous? He detested the way her simple words cut him to the core, the way she touched his cold heart he had thought frozen forever against any warmth or feeling. Yet, here this slip of a woman had embedded herself to his icy organ and he had to let her go. ‘
Fuck!’
Not just let her go but send her away and never see her again.

His ire still coursed through his veins over her words, his situation, her responsibilities, his duties and Nana’s command that he growled in utter frustration. ‘
Break it off. Now is your opportunity.’
Still, it enraged him immensely that he had no control over this circumstance. As he stormed out of the room he called back, “I suggest you be gone as soon as possible before I do something we both regret.”

Clarissa starred after him in astonishment. Why had Shara lied to her? As soon as the question entered her mind, she immediately knew the answer. Shara was in love with Mel. It was so obvious and yet she didn’t think Shara would be devious or narcissistic as to deceive her in order to damage any opportunities for her to be happy with Azamel. Did Shara not realize because of her responsibilities to the Gem of Avarice the two of them could never be together?

Suddenly, a light bulb went off as Clarissa realized Shara knew there needed to be a separation of the heart as well as just the bodies. Shara was percipient enough to understand Mel and Clarissa would continue to languish for each other even though they both knew their duties were more momentous than their own personal yearning aspirations to be together. Too much was at stake, the fate of humanity and the cosmic stabilities lay in both of their hands. Separately.

However, it didn’t make the untruth any less hurtful, nor did understanding Mel’s coldness allow her to feel any better over the circumstance that it was time for her to depart. Lowering her eyes, she gathered her items, making sure she had both parts of the Gem of Avarice as well as the items she brought with her when he suggested she move in while she trained. She held the picture of her family in her hand, starring at it in melancholy. Her family had been taken from her. She had been on the run so much. She had not made many friends. She had stopped in New Orleans and got a job. Her co-workers were the only friends she had since she began running.

Xon destroyed those relationships by incinerating their business and her place of employment. Azamel had been the one who moved past the chip on her shoulder, who offered to help and train her but he had said from the beginning that it was only temporary. Clarissa really didn’t know what she expected. Did she really think she would make the difference and stay with him happily ever after, like it was some kind of a fairy tale? Did she truly believe she was going to be the one for him? Did she honestly imagine she would have the perfect ending of finding someone who wanted her and never leave her? She was dreaming if she actually thought that was the way things were going to work out.

Once her items were all gathered in the backpack and she was clothed, she took one last look around the room. Nodding in satisfaction, she headed to the reception area to find Shara waiting for her. Mel must still be too upset with her as he sent his assistant to see her off. She lowered her eyes sadly. She had not meant to hurt him.

“I take it you’re here to send me home?”

“Yes. Azamel understood you wouldn’t be able to manage without assistance since you were not a realm traveler. He has bestowed upon me the power to send you to New Orleans, or wherever you wish to reappear.”

“New Orleans is fine. I would like to check on those whom I considered friends before I move on.”

“Then step through the door and Godspeed.”

An opening appeared, glistening in the dimness from what little light the sconces reflected held by the skeletal gargoyles. Clarissa approached the portal before she turned back to face the woman.

“I know what you told me was a lie. I understand it as well. However, know I only wish him happiness, even if I’m not the one to give it to him.”

Shara said nothing, simply nodded and watched as Clarissa entered the shimmering egress. Once Clarissa melted into the mesmerizing glow, the doorway dissolved behind her, closing the portal to the human realm. Shara nodded in satisfaction and turned on her heel to report to Azamel, thinking, ‘
Now things can get back to normal with her gone for good.’

As Shara entered Mel’s office, she stopped and waited for him to acknowledge her. His back was turned away from the entrance, yet she knew he was aware she was standing there. It was several minutes before he spoke, “Has she departed?”

“Yes. I made sure she returned safely back to New Orleans.”

Again, he remained silent. The only sound was the tinkling of ice in his glass as he brought it to his lips. Still, he did not face her.

“Progress report,” he demanded.

“It is rumored Dzihibai’Manido was the spirit demon who took her soul into the other realm. The others are searching for him now. He should be within your custody shortly. As soon as he has been brought in, you will be informed.”

“I’ll want to interrogate him personally. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Sir. Personally. I will make sure of it myself.”

Azamel nodded then finished off his drink. He turned and sat the glass upon the desk while he refilled it. Shara bit her tongue when she saw him. His eyes were yellow. His face, whereas stoic to others, she knew him too well- she saw the sorrow beneath his hardened features. She had never seen him so upset before and it unnerved her. She assumed it was only temporary. Clarissa just left. He would be fine in a day or two once he got used to the fact she was gone and out of their lives, out of his life.

“Anything else, Shara?”

“No, Sir.”

“Leave then.”

Shara paused a moment longer then turned and left Azamel alone with his thoughts and memories of a young wolf whom he would never see again.

Clarissa stepped through the portal into the room she rented in New Orleans. It had not changed during the months she had been absent. She wondered if the landlords had rented it out to someone else but if they did, they didn’t bother to put her own measly few items away. Maybe the note she left them was sufficient in keeping the room for her. Setting her backpack down, she exited the room and headed over to find the landlord, who just so happened to be her employer at the bar she worked in.

As she stepped outside, prepared to cross the street to the establishment, she paused. The fire that Xon had set as a trap to get access to the stone had done some major damage and it was still closed for repairs. Her heart ached at the thought lives could’ve been lost as well, if not for Azamel’s intervention.

He had refused bringing her with him to New Orleans when they had gotten word Xon might have been there. Mel knew it was a trap to lure her out and he wouldn’t place her wellbeing or safety in such a perilous predicament.

As it turned out, Mel had been correct in his assumption. Xon had been waiting for the arrival of the Guardian with several minions. When Xon realized that Clarissa wasn’t going to appear, he took his frustration out on her place of employment and the friends she had managed to garner during her time with them by setting the building aflame. Mel had mentioned to her there were a few people trapped inside but he had helped to get them out safely. She was grateful no lives were lost because of her and her responsibility. She knew it would be time for her to go, but where? She couldn’t remain here and put her new friends and those who considered her part of their family in danger. Her safe spot was no longer safe and it was time to move on. However, she owed it to them to inform them of her departure.

As she stood across the street and watched the construction and renovation work being done on the building, she realized she couldn’t bring herself to say goodbye again. She had lost so much as it was. Her family murdered in front of her. Azamel. Now the friends and family she had gotten to know while staying in New Orleans. She couldn’t do it. Her heart couldn’t bear the pain of saying farewell to those she had come to know and care for. Clarissa made a decision to leave quietly. She headed back into the apartment and gathered the rest of her belongings in another duffle bag. Scooping up the small piece of luggage and the backpack, she jotted down a note to them, the only way she could let them know she wouldn’t be returning and thank them for all they had done for her.

Taking one last wistful look, she headed out to the alleyway and unchained her red Ducati motorcycle. As she climbed on board and started the engine, she gave the burned husk of a building a last glance before she headed down the road to the open highway. She paid no attention to the direction she was going. In truth it didn’t matter. She would ride until she found a place to settle for a short time. Somewhere along the way, she would find a location in which to hide the second piece of the Gem of Avarice which would hopefully be safer than the last. Maybe, just maybe she would also find refuge for her broken heart as well.

Chapter Twelve

As soon as Clarissa was free of the Nether Realm, Jes felt the vibrations from the powerful stone. It was back in the world of humans and therefore once again ready to be plundered. Although Dzihibai’Manido had not succeeded in doing his job properly, Jes would be able to rectify the situation by getting a head start in following the gem to its new location. If anything, Mani managed to throw off suspicion from Jes to himself and that would allow Jes to maneuver more easily. Jes was positive that Mani would know he would be worse off should he even open his mouth as to who instructed him for the duties he was assigned. There were many levels of hell and torture Mani would endure should he talk, levels only he as the God of Malignant Man and his brother could inflict. Jes smirked slightly. If only Mani would mess up, Jes considered as it would be enjoyable to reap torture on him.