Chapter Eight

 

Christoff leaned back against the grandiose living room wall, crossed his arms over his chest and fumed. “I still think this is a bad idea.”

“What choice do we have.” His host, David reminded him. “The cottage is in dire need of repair. It isn’t safe.”

“I have to agree with Christoff,” the pretty blonde woman reminded her husband. “Tell him what you told me, Anna.”

Aware that his presence caused unease, Christoff uncrossed his arms and found a vacant chair beside Susie. Her warm smile reminded him that he had at least one ally in the group. As for the other five … only time would tell. David and his wife, Meaghan, were at odds. He wanted to keep Evangeline close at all times, so they could monitor her movements, while his wife was reluctant. As for David’s brother, Derrick, he sided with his own wife, Anna, who warned them of disaster. The family’s resident witch was none too happy about having someone as powerful as Evangeline in their home.

“Look, Christoff, surely you can understand our concerns. The last time we dealt with a demon, we nearly lost Meaghan and Terry.” Pointing to Susie, she added. “What if that thing attacks Susie and her baby?”

 “That thing has a name. I’d thank you to remember that.” He leaned forward in his chair as the blood bubbled in his veins. “Do you really believe that I would risk her or the baby? I’d give my life for them.”

Susie placed her hand on his as she whispered. “Calm down, big guy. No one doubts your loyalty.”

Anna frowned. “You know very well I was referring to the demon, not the woman, Christoff. I feel for her. Truly I do. But I sense an evil presence in the house.”

Christoff jumped to his feet. “She. Is. Not. Evil.” As he leaned towards her, Derrick stepped between them.

“Must I remind you that you are a guest in this house.” He turned to his brother for support. “Is this really what you want?”

“Brothers.” David pushed the posturing men apart. “Let’s discuss this like civilized people.”

“He is not my brother.” Christoff growled under his breath. “I have no brothers.”

“You’re wrong.” His host maneuvered him back to his seat. “Everyone here shares a connection. We are family. Joined by a blood bond that cannot be broken.”

There was a truth to David’s words that Christoff could not deny. They did, indeed, share a bond much stronger than a regular family. The blood that ran in their veins carried with it the original host. Much like Evangeline, they each carried at least part of the demon, only their intruder required little more from them than a regular supply of blood.

“Would it be easier if she came to stay with us for a while?” Susie offered.

The room resounded with an emphatic no. At least they all agreed on something.

“Maybe I could have her thrown in lock-up. Those walls are pretty damned thick.”

Christoff answered Terry’s suggestion with a snarl. Evangeline would rather die than be locked away. None of the comments or ideas took Evangeline’s feelings into account. They didn’t understand her. Another reason why he always worked alone.

“I made a mistake bringing her here. I should have handled it on my own. When she wakes, I’ll take her far away where she won’t be able to do any harm.”

“Look, Lurch, don’t get your knickers in a knot. We’re all on your side.” Terry sat on the arm of Susie’s chair and took her hand in his. “Even you should understand our apprehension after seeing how she mangled half the town.”

Christoff leaned to the side and glanced towards the entrance to the living room. “She thinks I believe it was an earthquake. Until we know exactly what happened, I prefer she continues to think that.”

“Fine with me. After what she did to that guy in the bar, I wouldn’t want to do anything to upset her.” Terry’s eyebrows drew together. “That reminds me. With the APB out on her, she can’t really leave the house anyway. I’m sticking my neck out covering for her.” He turned to David. “We all are.”

Meaghan turned to her husband. “Guy in the bar? What’s he talking about?”

David shrugged. “First I’ve heard of it.”

“Great detectives you two are.” Terry shook his head and sighed. “Lucky you have me to help run the place.”

Susie slapped his hand. “And me.” She addressed Meaghan’s question. “Some creep attacked Evangeline in a bar. He and his thugs planned to assault her in the alley behind the building. She sent one to the hospital and the others packing.”

Christoff watched David’s expression turn from interest to concern. His shoulders squared, and his voice took on the authoritarian tone of the coven’s leader.

“She attacked a human? Why was I not informed?”

“She is a human.” Susie reminded him. “And it was self-defense.”

“Only half-human.” Anna interjected. “And growing less human every day.”

“Enough.” Christoff bellowed. “I will not stand here and listen to any more of your insults. Evangeline and I will leave this house immediately. If any of you try to stop me—”

“Stand down.” David ordered him. “In light of this revelation, I must insist that she stays where we can watch her.” He turned to the couple sitting in the corner. “While she is living here, you must not visit. I need your promise on that.”

“You have mine.” Terry told him.

“Fine.” Susie pouted. “But you can’t stop me contacting her by phone.”

Fighting the unusual compulsion to hug his little friend, Christoff chose to instead show his appreciation with a smile. She returned it with one of her own. Despite being the most fragile of the group, Susie had the biggest heart and balls to match. Evangeline could benefit from a friend like her.

“She will awaken soon. I must see to her needs.”

He marched from the room without uttering another word to the group. Deep down, he knew their reservations were well founded. He’d seen the purple eyes reflected in the mirror, minutes before the room began to shake. But he could also sense Evangeline’s conflict. He’d lived with his own demon long enough to recognize another. If only he could think of a way to stop the demon without hurting Evangeline.

“Wait.”

He turned to the direction of the voice. David strolled over and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You mustn’t judge us on words spoken out of fear, old friend. We have come to learn that the demon’s followers are involved in child sacrifice. Susie isn’t like us, she’s—”

“She’s stronger than any of us and more important to me than you realize. No harm will come to her or the child while there is breath in my body.”

David let out a sigh as he leaned against the doorframe. “There is another matter to discuss. At the risk of incurring your wrath, I must remind you of your duties. If your gypsy woman kills an innocent human—”

“I know my duty.” Christoff growled to his superior as he marched away. “If or when the time comes, I will do what needs to be done.”

****

Evangeline stretched and opened her eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. As she opened her mouth to call for Christoff, he opened the door and entered the room.

“Where am I?”

“Our hosts have moved us to the main house on the estate while renovations are done to restore the cottage.”

Although beautifully decorated, the room did not suit her at all. Too pretty with its pink curtains and matching bedcover. Everything in the room looked too dainty for a woman as rough and clumsy as herself. No. I’m not staying here. No way, Jose.

“Why can’t we stay in my van? It won’t take much to fix the door and cupboards. I should have done it earlier, but we were—”

He came to her side. His expression as serious as the day he told her about her mother’s death. Oh, great. What now?

“Your mobile home was completely destroyed when … the earthquake hit. The spare fuel canister exploded and took out half the cottage with it.”

Stomach churning, she gazed up at the ceiling and hoped beyond hope. “Please tell me you at least saved my clothes.”

His answer was written on his face.

“Shit.” She fell back onto the bed and slammed her fists down on the mattress. “Shit, shit, shit.”

“We’ll buy you new clothes.”

“I don’t want new clothes, I want my clothes.” Even to her own ears, she sounded like a brat. What he said next made her feel even worse.

“We can’t always have what we want.”

Part of her wanted to correct him. Tell him that, in her case, we can’t ever have what we want. Was it too much to dream of a happy, stable home life? Too greedy to want a man to love her for herself and not the person he expected her to be?

“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” He leaned over her and stroked her face. “I’ve been told that I don’t have filters. Also, it seems I don’t mix well with others.”

“Really?” The corner of her mouth curled. “I never would have guessed.”

“Your sarcasm isn’t lost on me.” He snickered as he rose from the bed. “Give me a few minutes, I’ll ask the ladies of the house if they could lone you some clothes until we can go shopping.”

“What? You don’t like what I’m wearing?” She scooted from under the sheets and twirled for his approval.

“I like my bathrobe very much.”

Funny, she didn’t remember putting his bathrobe on. Her last memory was sitting naked in Christoff’s lap as the world shook around her. He must have wrapped her in his robe to carry her to the main house. His chivalry deserved a reward. Dropping the garment from her shoulders, she let it fall to the floor.

“How about now? Do you like my birthday suit?”

His eyes widened in appreciation, but his eyebrows drew together. “I don’t understand. You would go naked to a birthday celebration?”

Rolling her eyes, she sighed. Forgot who I was talking to. “You are such a dick sometimes. This is the suit I was born in. Get it? Birthday suit.”

He curled his arms around her waist and drew her in for a kiss that literally took her breath away. Her body instantly responded to him. Barely had his tongue entered her mouth and she could feel her orgasm building. She dragged him down onto the bed and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Hurry, Christoff.”

“I’ll be back soon, I promise.” He whispered against her cheek. “The others are just outside. Do you really want them to hear us? I will return with the clothes and,” he lifted up from her to wink, “I’ll show you my birthday suit.”

“No. Can’t wait. Too close.”

She could feel the pressure building between her legs as her womb clenched. Arching her back, she grabbed his hand and placed it at the source of her discomfort.

“Give a girl a hand, will you?” She curled her hands around his head and pulled him down. His lips claimed hers. His tongue danced inside her mouth and his fingers worked their magic on her clit. The pressure of his hand … perfect. The steady clockwise motion … flawless. Her orgasm … thunderous.

“Don’t stop.” She screamed into his mouth as her body convulsed against his palm. “Oh, Chris. Oh, fuck, yes.”

The voice in her head rejoiced. Yes. I believe living inside your curvaceous body will have many advantages. The female orgasm is a new, and very pleasant experience. Shall we go again?

“Get off me.” Evangeline pushed against Christoff with her palms.

“But I thought –”

“Just go.” She snatched the robe off the floor and, turning her back, put in on.

“Did I do something wrong?” His hands gently brushed her shoulders.

The confusion in his voice broke her heart. Although her body craved his touch, she couldn’t give in to the desires, knowing that they were not her own. The demon’s lust was becoming insatiable. He had plans for her body once he took it over completely. Plans that did not sit well with her. His quest for physical pleasure almost exceeded his desire for causing pain. With her self-control slipping, she couldn’t risk being around Christoff.

“You promised me some clothes.” She reminded him, without turning around. How could she face him without giving in to the urges? The urge to screw him. To hurt him. To kill him.

His hands left her shoulders. The silence in the room became almost deafening until, finally, relief came with the clicking of the door.

****

Christoff was still scratching his head as he made his way back to the living room. What had he done to upset her? Hadn’t he satisfied her needs adequately? Her groans sounded like those of appreciation for his technique. Why had she suddenly dismissed him?

As he entered the room, the reaction of the occupants varied.

Susie blushed a bright shade of pink while the other women avoided his eye contact. The brothers Corel smirked, but Palmer broadly smiled as he sauntered over to slap Christoff’s back.

“Sounds like you ‘saw to her needs’ thoroughly, Lurch. Funny. I never pegged you for a five-minute wonder. Always thought you’d have staying power.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Palmer?” He brushed the man’s hand away and glared.

“Your sexual prowess.” Terry grinned widely. “By the way, have you ever heard the expression, “pay-back’s a bitch”? How does it feel having your private moments shared with others?”

Christoff glanced around the room. “Could someone tell me what this man’s talking about?”

David filled a glass with the liquid from a blood bag and handed it to him. “To use your vernacular, he’s referring to the sounds of you and Evangeline, fornicating your brains out only meters away from us.” He motioned to Terry and Susie. “Even those without super-human hearing could tell what was happening.”

So what? His woman had needs and he satisfied them. Surely that only proved him to be a competent and generous lover? Besides, they were wrong in their assumptions.

“We did not fornicate.” He told them as he finished his drink in one gulp and handed back the glass for a refill. “I merely—”

“Saw to her needs.” Terry chuckled. “Yeah, you told us you were going to do that. I didn’t know you meant literally.”

Anna helped Susie to her feet as vampire and detective squared up.

“Ladies, I think it’s time we left the men to their own devices.”

“Wait.” Christoff pushed Terry aside as he addressed the women. “Evangeline lost everything in the fire. Could I impose on you to loan her something until I have the opportunity to take her shopping?”

“Of course.” Meaghan nodded. “I’ll rustle up something straight away.” In seconds, she’d disappeared up the stairs and returned with an armful of clothes. “I’m not sure if these will fit well. Her body shape is more voluptuous than mine and, from what I’ve been told, she’s tall.”

He took the clothes and nodded his thanks. Yes. His woman had the stature of an amazon and her body curved in all the right places. The very thought of her stirred his blood. If only he could understand her and what was going on in that beautiful mind of hers.

“I think she’ll need this, too.” David handed him a box containing a brand new iPhone. “I understand her phone was stolen. This one is set up for her with her old number. I’ve taken the liberty of having a tracking device added. That way, we will know where she is at all times.”

Christoff opened his mouth to protest, but closed it without saying a word. David was right. They needed to keep track of her comings and goings. Considering her recent volatile mood swings, her struggle with the demon must be escalating. As strong as she was, he worried for both her sanity and her soul.

“As much as I’d like to stay and hear more about big guy’s sex life,” Terry interrupted as he hooked his arm around Susie. “The sun is almost up, and I need to get this one home, so I can start work.”

“I’ve fortified the perimeter of your house.” Anna kissed her friend goodbye. “Nothing is going to be able to get in.”

Christoff resisted the urge to argue Evangeline’s innocence. The mystical protection was probably a good idea considering the recent events. Susie’s humanity left her vulnerable and her pregnancy even more fragile to supernatural attack. As much as he loved and trusted Evangeline, he knew the power of the demon.

When Susie rose on tip toe to kiss his cheek, she whispered in his ear. “She can beat this, Christoff. With you at her side, she’ll defeat him.”

He smiled his thanks, then turned to Terry. “Keep me informed about any other supernatural events.”

“Yes, sir.”

Even Christoff recognized his salute as sarcastic.

“We all want to be kept in the loop,” David reminded Palmer. “Things can escalate pretty quickly. I don’t want any more nasty surprises.”

Nasty surprises? Was he referring to Evangeline? Before he could comment, he noticed the subtle shaking of Susie’s head and the knocking at his cerebral door.

They mean well. She told him. You’re upset and taking offense too easily. Go to her. She must be feeling very insecure.

With a nod, he left the room, but Susie’s voice followed him. I’m here if you need me.

****

“Who did you borrow these clothes from? A pint-sized Pollyanna?”

Evangeline gazed at her reflection in the floor length mirror. The short floral dress barely covered her bottom and her breasts threatened to pop out from the neck. Although made from a stretchable material, the garment clung to her body like a second skin. She reached down and held up the daisy sandals with her index finger.

“You’re shitting me. Daisies? Who in the hell wears daisy sandals? Is David’s wife twelve?”

“Meaghan meant well.” Christoff told her with an expression that reminded her that her words had been ungrateful. She hadn’t even met the Corel family and they’d opened up their home to her.

“Look, Chris. I appreciate the clothes, really, I do. It’s just that—”

“They don’t suit your personality.”

“Not to mention, they don’t fit.” She leaned forward and placed the shoe beside her foot. “At least two sizes too small for my huge feet.” Motioning to her breasts, she added, “And look at these puppies about to escape the kennel.”

“I can’t take my eyes off them.” His eyebrows lifted, and a smile spread from cheek to cheek. “Also, your feet are perfect. Everything about you is perfect.”

His features softened as he moved towards her with outstretched arms. She rushed into them and snuggled into the warmth of his embrace, drawing strength from his adoration. Could he really see perfection where she only saw flaws? Was his love enough to drive the demon away? If she told him the truth, would he, could he understand?

“I need to ask you something.”

“What is it, min dyrebare?”

She led him over to a settee beside the block out curtains covering the bay window. The bed posed too many temptations. Besides, her questions were more important than her sexual needs.

“Tell me about my father?”

His hesitation gave her cause for concern. Was her father really so evil?

“Your paternal line consisted of many mages, but until your father, most dealt with white magic. My sources told me that, once he’d tasted the power of black magic, he became obsessed with the need to learn more about the forces of darkness. Drunk on mystical energy, he summoned the demon to do his bidding, but demons are notorious tricksters. It convinced him to give himself completely over, even change his name to that of the demon.”

“I knew that my mother kept her maiden name and registered my name Russo. Are you saying that my father changed his name to Lupescu?”

“Not just his Surname. Mánagarmr is the demon’s Christian name. It means ‘devourer’.”

Almost afraid to ask, she steadied herself for her next question. “And Lupescu? What does that mean?”

“Moon wolf.”

Palms together, she held her fingertips against her mouth. “I’m guessing that means something?”

With a nod he answered. “The medallion symbolizes a wolf swallowing the moon. We assume that the demon identifies with the Fenris wolf from the Norse Ragnarok legend.”

Not just the moon, my dear. The entire world. With our combined power and my knowledge, we will destroy this world and create a better one.

A shiver ran down her spine. Was that even possible?

 “Are you all right?”

“No.” She stared up into his glacial blue eyes. “No, Chris. I’m not all right. Far from it.”

“What can I do to help you?”

“You can kill me.”

He recoiled at her request. His brows knit, and his lips tightened into a straight line.

“I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Trust me. Nothing could convince me to kill you.”

As she sprung to her feet, she challenged him. “What if I told you I’d taken a human life?”

“I don’t believe you.” He glared his disbelief as he rose to face her. “Why would you say such a thing?”

Shoulders squared, she blurted out the entire story then corrected her previous statement. “Not just one human, ten. I deserve to die. You said so yourself.”

Grabbing her by the shoulders, he argued. “When I said those things, I did not know you. The real you. If you killed those people, it was surely self-defense.”

Did he know her? Maybe the other Evangeline, the real Evangeline might have killed in self-defense, but soon that woman would be gone. Every minute brought her closer to the edge of darkness. She balanced on a precipice, waiting for the inevitable plunge into the abyss. The demon’s control clouded her mind, waiting for the right moment to take over. Even now, she could hardly tell what thoughts were her own and what belonged to him. All she knew for sure was that it was only a matter of time before he took her over completely.

“Please, Chris. I don’t want to hurt anyone else.”

“And you won’t. I believe in you.”

Even as his arms drew her in for a kiss, the demon encouraged her.

The fool trusts you. It will be easy to lure him to his death. First, we must kill the others. I cannot come inside the house, so you must come out to me. Find me in the garden and I will give you a weapon suited to killing vampires. Hurry. I have waited many years for the pleasure of destroying the vampire who entombed me in the medallion.

As hard as she tried, she couldn’t stop her legs from moving towards the door.

“I need some time outside by myself. Time to think.”

He flopped back onto the bed and half-smiled. “I’ll be here.”

“I’m counting on that.” She told him, before leaving the room.

We both are.

****

After closing the bedroom door, Evangeline turned and gasped. Had she been transported to a palace? The Italian tiles beneath her bare feet were immaculate. The pristine white and gold pattern too clean for the likes of her. Despite her profession as a scammer taking her to the most affluent homes in town, this one took the cake when it came to luxury. On tip toe, she crept down the long corridor, past what looked like a living room and into the kitchen. Beyond that, she could see the handles of sliding doors poking from behind heavy, block out curtains.

As she reached to slide open the door, she paused. Can’t let him force me to hurt anyone. Especially Chris. Her fingers tightening around the handle until they turned white. There must be another way.

I grow impatient. The demon told her.

“Fuck you.” She answered aloud, but still, she slid open the door and stepped outside.

Holding her hand above her face to shield her eyes from the sun, she made her way down the balcony steps, through the beautifully maintained tropical garden and past the swimming pool. There, on the meticulously manicured lawn, he waited. Unlike their last encounter, he wore a black suit with matching shirt and tie and stood with his legs apart, hands firmly on his hips.

Arrogant prick.

“Here.” He held out an ornate handled dagger. “The steel has been magically tempered. Contrary to popular opinion, wooden stakes are not as effective in the disposal of vampires.”

Drawing on all her courage, she spat at his face. He wiped the spittle off his cheek with the back of his suit sleeve but kept his other arm, and the dagger, extended.

With a shake of her head, she gave him instructions of her own.

“You can stick that thing up your ass. I won’t be listening to any more of your commands.”

“Won’t you?” the demon laughed. “We’ll see about that.”

Blinding pain stabbed at her temples, driving her to her knees. She glared up at him from her position on the ground. “Is that all you’ve got, asshat?”

“Not even close.”

The scream caught in her throat as her uterus twisted. Invisible knives stabbed at her internal organs. Blood trickled down between her legs and she began to lose consciousness as he leaned over her and whispered.

“Don’t force me to injure your reproductive organs. I have plans for your womb.”

“I. Will. Never. Have sex. With you.” She gasped as another contraction tore through her body, forcing her to curl into the fetal position on the lawn.

“Sex? No, my dear.” He chuckled. “I’ve lost interest in that notion.”

She raised her head and struggled to open her eyes. “I don’t understand. How—”

 Twirling the blade around between his fingers, he crouched down on his haunches, so his face was inches away from hers.

“I grow tired of the body I’m presently inhabiting. He was a poor substitute for your father, but a necessary evil, pardon the pun. When your vampire killed him, he took away my powers. I was forced to wait until your blood brought me back from the ether.”

Straightening the cuff links of his silk shirt, he smirked. “I needed a temporary, but willing vessel. This one, although aesthetically pleasing, had no power of his own. You exceed your father in natural abilities and your beauty outshines my current physical form. As a matter of fact, the sensations I experienced while inside your mind, have convinced me that the female form offers more pleasures. More sins of the flesh. When I’m bored with the many lovers, I will create my own offspring and together we will rule the world.”

“No.” Evangeline forced herself to her knees then up to her feet, almost clipping the demon’s chin as she threw her head up. “I will never let you take control of my body. I will fight you tooth and nail, every step of the way.”

“I love your spirit.” He chuckled as he threw the dagger down at her feet. “We’ll make a formidable union, you and I. Now pick up the weapon and kill the vampire.” His eyes shimmered as a smile spread across his face. “On second thought, kill all the vampires who reside in this house.”

Backing away, she shook her head. “Never. I will never hurt anyone in that house.”

“You didn’t seem to have a problem killing my minions.” His mouth curled at the side, sending a wave of nausea up her throat. “And you did it, rather spectacularly, I might add.”

Her heart pounded against her chest and her breath became labored. Something in his eyes worried her. Her body reacted with a cold shiver that ran down her spine.

“They … were evil, like you.”

“Were they? Or were they under my compulsion?” He moved closer with steady, casual steps until she could smell his cologne. “Did you ever stop to wonder? Would you have cared?”

The ground beneath her feet became unsteady, or was it the violent shaking in her legs? She hadn’t stopped to consider if they were under a spell before she incinerated each and every one of them. Self-preservation had been her only thought. That, and escaping the demon. Had she really murdered a group of innocents? Would she do it again under similar circumstances?

“Face it, Evangeline. Your vampire has sworn to protect the innocent. It’s either you or him now. One of you must die.”

His arrogant expression sickened her. Had this been his plan all along?

“You smug bastard. You forced me to kill those people just to piss off Chris.”

Slapping his thigh, he laughed. “Of course I did, my dear. That, and instigating your disagreement at the bar. Unfortunately, instead of witnessing you killing the thug, he managed to talk you out of it. Damn shame.”

Tears burned behind her eyes as she shook her head. “All this, just to punish Chris for killing Dad?”

The laughter stopped abruptly. “You think this is about your vampire?”

“I…” If not Chris, who? “You ordered me to kill him. I thought—”

“Killing your lover is a test of your obedience. He is inconsequential.”

Blood pounded in her head making his words even harder to understand. Wasn’t this all about Chris? Hadn’t he insinuated that the metal scroll inside the medallion had been a curse on him?

“You look confused.” After a quick glance at his watch, he added, “we still have a few hours before the vampires are at full strength. Ask me. Ask me the question that has twisted your beautiful face into a mask of worry lines, then you’ll understand why you have no choice but to obey me.”

No choice? Surely there was always a choice? At the very least, she could stall his plans. Maybe drag out the questions until the household awoke.

“The medallion contained a curse tablet.” With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and stared into his eyes. “What was written on the scroll?”

“Ah, at last. The two-million-dollar question.” His smile sickened her to her stomach, but he appeared content to answer. Maybe even eager. “Your father was egotistical to the point of gullible. When he heard that the great Christoff Berg was hunting him, he tried to make another bargain with me. I promised that he would not die if he allowed me to enter his body. Of course, once inside, I obliterated all that was left of him.”

“So, you lied to him.” Why did that not surprise her?

“Haven’t you heard? Demons are notorious tricksters. If he was half the mage he imagined himself to be, he would have known that only I would benefit from the pact.”

What a stupid man her father must have been. Vain and power hungry. She hoped that he burned in hell for what he’d done to her and especially her mother. Chris did the right thing, killing him. But things still didn’t add up. Arms crossed over her chest, she probed for more answers.

“You still haven’t answered my question. If it wasn’t a curse on Chris, what was on the scroll?”

With a wave of his hand, the locket appeared in his palm. He opened it, took out the scroll, carefully unrolled it with his fingertips and read it aloud.

“Let her life bring me glory. Let her blood give you life.”

The strength left her legs. She dropped to the ground, beside the dagger, unable to move. Her life? Her blood? Had her father really planned to sacrifice her for power? The demon showed no concern for her despair. Why should he? He circled her, staring down as if confused by her reaction to the writing on the tablet.

“A binding contract. You belong to me.”

“But…”

“You want to know why you weren’t sacrificed? After I seized your father’s body, I had no use for you. However, with news of Berg’s impending arrival, I had to take precautions. I sealed the tablet inside the medallion and, after my untimely death, I waited in the ether for you to break the seal.”

As she lifted her chin to face him, she knew that her fate had been sealed along with the tablet. “Why all the drama? The library, the restaurant? You sent those people after me. You played with my mind and my body. Why not just take me over and be done with it?”

He touched his finger to his nose. “Ah, that’s the real problem.” As he motioned with his palms, her body rose in the air and she landed on her feet. “You see, I can’t simply take over a body, especially someone as powerful and … shall we say, pig-headed as you.”

A glimmer of hope raised her blood pressure, the adrenaline empowered her to act. “Then that’s that. Piss off and leave me alone.”

She raised both arms. Electricity crackled at her fingertips as she pointed to him. The demon’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened to form an O shape, but his words didn’t have time to escape before he sailed through the air and down the garden steps. She followed him, lifted him, and hurled him against the jagged rocks at the edge of the beach. Again, and again, he slammed into the sharp edges, his bones cracking, his blood weeping into large pools at his feet.

As he tried to shimmer away, she threw his battered body into the water, far out to sea. For a moment, only bubbles disturbed the calm water, then, an arm reached upward, followed by his head. He gasped for air. Terror widened his eyes. She looked in the direction of his gaze as a fin broke the surface and began to circle. When it disappeared under the water, she held her breath, wishing and hoping it would finish the job she’d started. With a mighty leap, the shark torpedoed up, engulfing the body, lifting him into the air, before plunging back into the deep.

She dropped to the sand as a torrent of red foam bubbled to the surface. It was over.