Chapter Forty
Melinda had never run so long or fast in her life. But if she didn’t keep up with the black jag in front of her, she’d probably never get the chance to run, much less breathe, ever again. Something inside told her she was in serious trouble. Despite the weird-ass conversations with the ladies and the beautiful palace and gardens, something wasn’t right. It seemed too perfect.
How could she forget the fact that they abducted her? They were probably trying to make her forget that. Make everything so nice that she’d want to stay. If she were to stay, she’d just be exchanging one lonely life for another. She was only really happy when Hamel was with her.
Well, not anymore, apparently. She was nothing to him. God, she was so glad she didn’t tell him she loved him. Talk about the utmost humiliation. But he did say he loved her at the castle. Did he mean it? If so, he was lying to someone. Her or the demon.
She felt bad leaving him behind. She wondered if the things he said Sefu mentioned were true. If she were here after sunset, would she be a permanent resident? The sun was getting rather low. She prayed her savior jag knew where he was going. She followed him blindly.
It was weird how she got the feeling that the big cat cared for her. Like someone determined to keep her safe, and keep her, period. She’d rejoice if she were a cat. The human side simply loved the animal back.
Squinting, she saw something low to the ground not far ahead. Looked like they were headed for that. Was it a portal between dimensions? That must be how her cat found her. As they approached, she saw a pile of rocks within a circle.
The wind gusted, blowing dust into her eyes. After she cleared the tears, Cuzork stood—well, lay—in front of her. She couldn’t believe the mirage surrounding him. Something out of an old Egyptian movie. She moved closer to him. Why was he here?
The demon looked over her shoulder at the jag behind her. “So, Clint, did you find where the serum is?”
She cocked her head, giving him a confused stare. “What the fuck are you talking about. Clint?” A hand touched the small of her back and she startled away with a screech. Who the hell—
Hamel stood beside her, but not only that—he was shirtless with tan pants that fit him tightly in all the right places. Holy shit. Drool-worthy. Not only did she love him, but he was damn fine to see half naked.
His eyes stayed on her, but he spoke to the Demon King. “I have an idea, but not the exact place. I’ll have to search the area then bring it back. You can pay me then. That is if you’re still planning to abide by our agreement.”
What were they talking about? Bring what back? Wait. Someone mentioned the serum a minute ago. The virus serum? This was all about the fucking tube resting between her boobs. She could fucking scream, she was so mad. Her head whipped around, looking for Jag. It was time to get out of here. Where did he go?
The demon snorted. “Of course, transformer—” There was that word again. No wires showed anywhere, so the word must mean something else. She turned to Cuzork as he continued talking. “I believe it’s time to put my plan into action. Starting with her.” Melinda startled again.
“Me? What plan?” All the pieces started coming together. He wanted her for the serum. And by the way his pants stood at attention, he wanted more than just that. Oh, fuck, she was going to puke. Her hand slapped over her mouth as her body shuddered.
Hamel ran his hands up and down her arms and whispered into her ear, “Don’t worry, baby. I won’t let him touch you.” A breeze blew through the mirage, making her shiver again. He held her tighter, shielding her from Cuzork’s hungry stare. “Are you cold? I wish I had a cloak to keep you warm while I kill the bastard in front of us.”
Motion on the ground caught both of their attention. Before their eyes, a pile of material appeared from thin air. Melinda reached down and picked it up. It was a cloak. “Oh, fuck,” Hamel said. “That’s exactly what I imagined it looked like. Where did that come from?”
That was the question of the day. In her head, her dream with Sefu in his luxury hut flashed. She understood nothing of that dream. He kept talking about realities and weird concepts. She wondered . . . “Hamel, did Sefu say anything to you about reality or dreams?”
“Oh, yeah. He said to tell you to remember whose reality you’re in. Whatever that means.” It had to mean something. What? She replayed the dream in her head.
Cuzork sat up on his chaise. “What are you doing? I saw that.”
She ignored the demon, putting more pieces of the puzzle together. The last piece clicked. Oh, fuck. She looked up at Hamel. “Wish for something again.”
His brows drew down. “Wish for something?” His one brow raised. “I wish for a hamburger.” Melinda rolled her eyes. If it wasn’t sex, it was food for men. On the ground where the cloak appeared, a hamburger sat in the sand. Melinda dropped her head against Hamel’s hard, warm chest. Sefu was right. She needed to pay attention to whose reality she was in. And holy shit, this was such a mind fuck. But she was in a parallel dimension.
“Hey!” A bolt of lightning from Cuzork’s finger blasted the ground beside them. He stood and walked closer. “Hmm, seems you two do know each other. That or you get cozy really quickly, Clint.”
Still wrapped in his arms, Melinda leaned back and looked up at Hamel. “Clint? Seriously?”
His cheeks reddened and he shrugged. “I had to think on my feet. Who else but my idol?”
Her brows scrunched. “Your idol is a movie star?”
He shushed her and pushed her behind his back. “Look, Cuzork. You cannot have Melinda. She belongs to me. If you release her, I will give you the serum.”
He would what? Anger took over her fear. She’d had enough of this virus and serum shit. She pushed to Hamel’s side, fighting his hands trying to keep her behind him.
“Clint has no idea where the serum is. Only I do. Tell me why you want this so much? It doesn’t even kill people. What could you do with it?”
A smile spread on the demon’s face. “Lowly earth female. You couldn’t fathom what it is like living here—”
“Looks rather homey and nice from what I’ve seen,” Hamel said.
The demon’s face flooded red. “It is not! It’s hell!” He stomped closer. “You will tell me where the serum is.”
Melinda wouldn’t back down. “Tell me why you want it.”
The king fisted his hands and his body shook with anger. “Because I’m going to rule over you worthless, spineless, disgusting creatures.”
Cool wind blew through the silence lingering between them. The bottom of the sun dipped below the horizon. Hamel took her into his arms, pulling her away from Cuzork, then said, “You told me that was almost impossible. Humans need stronger brains.”
Cuzork clasped his hands behind his back. “I believe I said babies need stronger brains.” Melinda gasped. The demon’s smile brightened. “Do you finally see my genius?”
Hamel leaned down to her ear. “Help me out here. I’m not a doctor, remember?”
She wasn’t sure she could think such horror. “The bastard plans to give the serum to women, then impregnate them and possess the babies when they’re born.”
“Fuck—possessed humans with supernatural abilities. That would be disastrous to mankind when they are old enough.”
Cuzork laughed. “That’s an understatement, transformer.” His eyes locked on Melinda. “Now, tell me where the serum is or I will kill your lover.”