Chapter Twenty-Six
So Be It…All Hell’s About to Break Loose
Unexpectedly, the air in the kitchen crackled as if electrified, and the hair on the back of Stefan’s neck stood up straight. He glanced over at Brandy, did a double take, and stared. Feathers sprouted all over the top of her head, her body began to blur, and then three figures materialized across the room.
In a blur of motion, Tim jumped up, transforming. The chair he’d occupied crashed to the floor. Gavin, being quicker, leapt to his feet, transformation complete. Using the seat of his chair as a springboard, he soared over the table and its occupants, landing his gryphon paws toe to toe with the larger figure. His razor-sharp talons extended and ripped into the flesh of the largest figure. A howl of anger and pain erupted. He prepared for retaliation, a blue-orange fireball swirled and snapped in the palm of the large figure’s hand.
Tristian jumped out of his chair and sprang over the table, grabbed Bruce’s arm, and said gruffly, “Stop.”
The large figure closed his hand over the fireball and waited.
Immediately, Stefan shoved himself between them, roughly forcing Gavin backward across the room. “Gavin, chill. It’s okay. These are friends. Uninvited but friends just the same.” Gavin propelled himself forward again, talons still extended. Stefan sidestepped him as did Bruce, the demon overlord. Gavin went sprawling face-first across the floor littered with pieces of his and Tim’s clothing. Stefan placed his foot across the back of Gavin’s neck, holding him in place, and barked, “Back off right now before you make matters worse. There is no danger here.”
Still in gryphon form, Tim stood ready to defend his family but, at Stefan’s urging, backed down slowly. Brandy spun around the table in an effort to restrain her da and ma, if necessary. He saw her body tense as heat flushed up her neck, and a trickle of sweat slipped between the plumes on her forehead. Feathers remained on Mary’s head, though she never completed the change. Seeing Brandy’s appearance slowly return to normal, Stefan relaxed a little.
Her soft voice purred in his head. Surprise and danger have that effect on gryphons. I’ve got things under control here.
The vein in his neck pulsed as Stefan turned his attention to Bruce, whose fine tailored shirt was shredded and splattered with blood. . “Don’t you ever enter a home by knocking?” Stefan demanded.
Bruce smirked, extinguishing the ball of power with a snap. “While I like the element of surprise, you’re right.” He turned to the others. “Pardon my intrusion, but I have urgent news.”
Tristian released him. “This encounter could have turned deadly, overlord or not.” He tucked the back of his shirt in and returned to stand behind his seat, hands resting on the chair back.
Bruce shrugged, brushing his palms together. His amber eyes swirled orange as his gaze swept over the room and its occupants, settling on Tristian for a moment, then darting to Stefan and back. “Sorry. Right now I’d like a word with my brother-in-law in private.”
Angie stood beside Bruce, a restraining arm wrapped partially around his waist and her other arm out in front of Synn, who stood trance-like slightly behind her.
Tristian straightened and walked around the table. “Why is she here?” His hands balled into fists, the muscles in his arms straining. He brought one hand up and pointed a finger accusingly.
Hannah said furiously, “This is not the time or place.” She grasped Tristian’s arm and shot a warning glance at Angie, who released her hold on Bruce. Hannah reached out to grab Bruce’s arm, but he slipped out of her reach, grabbed hold of her shoulders, and spun her around, breaking her hold on Tristian. He took a menacing step toward Bruce, who held up his hand in warning.
“Now, let’s all play nice like the good creatures we are,” Bruce said in a dangerously calm voice. “Stefan, you were saying?”
All eyes turned to Stefan. How the hell do I keep winding up in the middle of this shit?
He eyed the occupants in the room and suggested, “Let’s all sit down, and I’ll make the introductions.” No one moved. Tim’s jaw set in a grim line. Gavin stared at the vampire, his distrust palpable. A muscle quivered in his jaw. Mary looked as if she was ready to cry or kill someone alternately, probably him. “Or not,” Stefan said with more confidence than he was feeling.
Angie interrupted. “Sorry for the interruption.” She looked genuinely dismayed. “I’m Angelique, Tristian’s sister.” She shrugged and pointed to Bruce, who had released Hannah to Tristian. “Bruce is the Demon Overlord of the Western Hemisphere and my husband.” She tried a little smile. Pointing a thumb behind her, she said, “This is Synn. She’s a demon too and has promised to help us in exchange for protection from our enemy, Baltizar.”
While Stefan was glad to relinquish the floor to Angie, Tim’s bright-red face and Mary’s shocked expression prompted him to step in. “Angie, I think that’s enough for now. Mary and Tim Shaughnessy are Hannah and Brandy’s parents”—he waved a hand toward them—“and have just learned that one daughter married a warlock serving as enforcer at the pleasure of the Overlord of the Western Hemisphere . The other is involved with a vampire. I suspect they need a respite from the drama.”
Bruce nodded and shifted his gaze to the male that attacked him.
“Gavin is Hannah and Brandy’s brother.” Stefan nodded in his direction. “He was thrust in the middle of this and tried to protect his family. We were just sitting down to have a family meeting to explain the situation when you three burst into the house unannounced and uninvited. That’s a bad habit, Bruce, overlord or not.”
Bruce raised one eyebrow. “I already apologized and meant it. I don’t normally go where I’m not invited. In this case, I had to make an exception. If our very existence didn’t hang in the balance, I would have asked permission to crash your family gathering. But time is of the essence.”
Anger flashed in Tristian’s eyes, his mouth set in a thin grim line. The vein at his temple bulged out, threatening to burst. He shifted his gaze from Hannah, who had her arm around him, to Bruce. “You’ve got some balls, coming in here like…”
Stefan grabbed Bruce’s arm. “I’ve some shirts that may fit you, my lord.” Ignoring Hannah and Tristian’s scathing look, he said, “Let’s go to my room and try them on.” That gives Tim and Gavin a chance to leave the kitchen, transform, and get dressed privately.
“I want them out of the…” Hannah began.
Stefan’s scathing look cut her off mid-sentence. “Meanwhile, Tristian can fill the others in on what is going on. Angie can keep an eye on Synn. Can’t ya, darling? It’s your spell that’s controlling her, right?”
Angie’s eyes widened in amazement as she stared at Stefan, then she released Bruce’s arm. “Sure, no problem.”
Smiling companionably, Stefan motioned down the hallway in the direction of their room. “After you.” Stefan made a slight bow, only because it would irritate Bruce.
“When you return, you can tell us why you’re here.” Brandy reached out and hooked an arm through Bruce’s other arm.
Bruce snorted. “As you wish.” Bruce shook off Stefan’s hold with little effort. Bruce wrinkled his brow, stared quizzically for a moment, and then fell into step beside them. Footsteps echoed on the polished oak floor as they disappeared down the hall.
Curious, Stefan leaned over and whispered to Brandy. “Your wings are beautifully rainbow colored while Gavin and Tim’s are a light tawny?”
A laugh bubbled up in her throat. “Because I’m female. Silly.”
“Oh, I knew that.” Stefan shrugged nonchalantly, turning the handle and walking through the bedroom door.
“Sure you did.” Bruce choked back a laugh.
Brandy ignored the whole exchange. “It’s best if you leave the kitchen for a while. I don’t think my parents have ever seen a demon. Learning that you are extended family is a shock, and my father won’t be too complimentary at first. Tristian can explain the situation that has brought us here. Angie is so good at smoothing over feelings. We’ll leave it to them to put everyone at ease about you.” Brandy’s eyes sparkled with mischief that was just a little unsettling.
Stefan sent a thought to Brandy, What are you up to?
“Nothing,” she said aloud, grinning a little too innocently, then replied telepathically, I think it’s cute that Bruce is a bit uncomfortable without Angie by his side. Don’t you see it?
No, I don’t see anything cute about a large, powerful demon overlord. Stefan replied. By the way, if the legends are true, he’s ruled for a few hundred years without her by his side.
Brandy tipped her head to look at Bruce, just a bit perplexed, “What’s so important that you burst in unannounced?” She reached into the closet and brought out two shirts. Holding the garments up in the light, she examined them.
Eyeing the clothing, Bruce said slowly, “A lot of things have changed since you left. I wanted to bring everyone up to speed. Called Tristian a couple of times, leaving messages on each occasion. But he failed to return my calls.”
“Perhaps he didn’t get your messages,” she said, holding the shirts out for Bruce to choose.
He shook his head in frustration, reaching for the burgundy and black print shirt. “That one will do.”
“Not until we get you cleaned up.” Brandy snatched it out of his reach. “Take your shirt off.”
“Sure. Right here?” he asked suggestively.
“Aye. Don’t flatter yourself. Stefan has more male prowess than you’ll ever have.” She smiled sweetly, holding a washcloth under the warm running water. “This might hurt a bit.” Then she dabbed gently on his chest at the clotting blood and deep wounds.
“So you say. I believe my mate, Angie, would dispute that statement.” He sat unflinching. A smirk played around the corners of his mouth.
“And then you woke up.” She chortled, bandaging him so the blood wouldn’t seep through and stain the shirt. “You’re gonna be sore tomorrow. My brother’s talons penetrated pretty deep. Gonna leave scars.”
He glanced down. “I’ll be fine. Had a lot worse.” Shrugging into the shirt, he winced a bit, buttoning the front and tucking the shirttail in his black tailored trousers. He stretched his arms out, checking the sleeve length. “Huh, we’re about the same size.” He nodded appreciatively toward Stefan. “Thanks for the shirt.”
“No problem. Tristian did get your messages. He told me last night that you’d called and Synn had come over to our side. He intended to call you this morning after we’d brought the family into the loop. Then you three popped in. Can she be trusted?”
“Right now Angie has her under a spell, so we know she won’t do anything stupid or hear anything she shouldn’t. Although when we were in D.C., she was quite compliant and extremely cooperative without magic. The deal is I give her sanctuary and protection. In turn, she will tell us what she knows.”
“Yes, but can we trust her?” Stefan repeated. “I have to be frank here. There’s too much riding on all of this to have someone we can’t trust among us.” Uncertainty crept into his voice. He quickly willed it away and continued in a confident tone. “How long was she with Baltizar?”
“She’s young but very talented. Baltizar recruited her not long ago. Synn climbed the ranks quickly because of her abilities.” Bruce paused a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “She didn’t know what she was getting into. Synn’s already told us where another of the Book of Shadows is located, so that leaves only one to find.” He straightened his shoulders confidently, then winced slightly again.
No, now we know where they all are. It’s time to make our move. Stefan’s lips twitched to keep from grinning. “How do we know Baltizar confided the true location to her? Does she know what his plans are or how he’s going to retrieve the Book? Or has he?”
“I’ve not pushed her on that yet but will soon. Baltizar injured her pretty badly. It will be quite a while before her wounds heal. As far as the Book’s location, she claims it’s common knowledge among his followers who are vying for the chance to retrieve the Book.”
“Can’t Angie speed that along? She’s a healer of some sort, right?” Stefan asked.
Bruce narrowed his eyes as he sucked in a quick breath. “What makes you think that?” He quickly regained his cool, calculating demeanor. “Did Tristian tell you?”
“Nope. I’ve quite a few talents of my own,” Stefan said nonchalantly.
“I’ve heard. Glad to have you on our side.”
The voices died down to a dull roar as Brandy and the men walked back into the kitchen. Silence descended, and everyone’s gaze shifted to Bruce.
“Sit down. Make yourself comfortable.” Stefan motioned to the chair he’d vacated earlier.
“Thanks, I’ll stand.” Bruce stood behind Angie, hands resting on the back of her chair.
“Well, what’d we miss?” Brandy inquired, looking intently at her father.
“Nothing you didn’t already know,” he said ruefully. “This family has quite literally gone to Hell in a handbasket.” Tim glared at Bruce, shook his head, then rubbed the back of his neck, rolling his shoulders. His expression softened, as he peered at Brandy. “You’ve got your work cut out for you, lass, I’ll say that.” His forehead creased with concern as his gaze swept the individuals in the room.
He patted Mary’s hand and fell silent, returning his gaze to Stefan expectantly.
“Aye, we do,” Brandy agreed with a long sigh.
Tim shifted in his chair to glance at Tristian. “One thing I’d like to know. If dark demons have been here for centuries without much problem, how come new ones are escaping the underworld to cause havoc now?”
Tristian cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I’m certainly no expert, but I’m learning. I wound up in this position only because it’s my family’s obligation to keep the demons in the underworld and the portals to Hell sealed. Angie and I are all that’s left of our family. Our parents were killed before they could pass on any information regarding this situation.”
Angie nodded solemnly.
“Anyway, back to your question. It’s my understanding the spells weaken every time there is a massacre, a war, or human darkness allowing a momentary rift warping the time space continuum. The dark demons wait for such opportunities and slip through one or two at a time. How we stop it, I’ve yet to figure out. All I know is that we need all three Books of Shadows used to cast the original spells. I hope they hold the answer.”
Tim shuddered. “Our only hope of survival is pinned to the success of—” his eyes met and lingered on each one of them “—this group? God help us.” He shook his head slowly.
“We appreciate the vote of confidence,” Bruce interjected. “We have good people and creatures. This battle has been ongoing for years. It’s time we put a stop to it permanently.” He glanced at Tristian, who nodded in agreement.
Stefan considered telling everyone about the Book the faeries held. Still, he had a few questions for Tiarnan so decided against bringing it up. Turning his attention back to Bruce, Stefan said, “Since you burst in to bring us up to speed with the recent events, let’s hear it.”
Bruce scanned the room and its occupants carefully. He stepped forward and straightened, his hands tucked behind his back. “Well, Synn—” he jerked his head toward the pixie-like demon “—has decided it’s in her best interest to join our little band of demons.” Amused at the reference, he grinned momentarily at Tristian and Hannah, then sobered at Tristian’s steely stare.
Unruffled, Bruce continued. “She has knowledge of Baltizar’s plans and information regarding another Book of Shadows.
“What kind of information?” Tim interrupted.
“Its location. Apparently, it’s hidden somewhere at Ayers Rock in the Australian outback. Provided Baltizar’s minions haven’t found the Book yet. If the legends of Ayers Rock are true, it’s guarded by dangerous magic. For Synn’s cooperation, we’ll provide her sanctuary and protection from Baltizar.”
Gavin’s eyes glinted with male interest as he watched Synn. Brandy followed Gavin’s gaze, picked up a paper cup, and threw it across the kitchen table, striking Gavin right between the eyes. “Don’t even think about it, fool.”
“Wh—what?” Gavin said innocently, raising his hands palms up and shrugging.
Bruce nodded curtly and continued. “Owen and Toni report all remains quiet in D.C. Business is brisk, but no one is talking except the usual political banter.” He rolled his shoulders and dropped his arms to his sides.
Stefan noticed that for the first time since they met Bruce’s eyes weren’t tinged with anger-triggered orange. Well…maybe a couple of times during the family trip in Maine they weren’t either. Now there were dark circles under the tired-looking eyes. Guess there wasn’t much downtime when you were responsible for keeping the Western Hemisphere’s magical creature population in check. Not an enviable position.
He nudged Brandy into the seat next to Angie and brought a couple chairs from the other room. Stefan offered Bruce one, who eased into it. Stefan flipped a chair around so it backed the table and straddled it, crossing his arms across the back and leaning forward.
“Bruce, if you don’t mind, let me fill everyone in on what I’ve learned. This is how I see the situation, and I am open to any suggestions. None of this is set in stone. Research into the local legends is necessary before we go tramping around Ayers Rock. We should have a plan to get the Book and get out before even heading that way.” He grimaced. “Tristian, you and Bruce are best suited to that adventure.”
“True,” Tristian agreed. “But someone familiar with D.C., its operations and undercurrents, needs to remain behind.”
Grudgingly, Stefan agreed. “Okay, I’ll go to Australia with Bruce. Tristian, how about you and Hannah accompany Angie and Synn to D.C. and then continue on to Maine?”
Angie shot Stefan a dirty look. “I can take care of myself and anyone else that gets in my way.”
“I’m well aware of that. Thought a little extra protection wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I don’t think…”
“Angie, he’s right.” Tristian nodded in agreement. “It’s best if Hannah and I go with you and Synn to D.C., stay a day or so, and then continue on to Maine. That way we stand a better chance, making sure we aren’t followed. I don’t want to lead anyone to the Book of Shadows.”
Angie reached for Hannah’s arm, a wide smile spread across her face. “Oh, we could have a girl’s night out—facials, pedicures, nails, the works. Toni would love it.”
Tristian groaned and rolled his eyes. “Great.”
“Owen will keep you company, Tristian. You’ll be fine,” Angie said with a wink and toss of her long blonde hair.
“The joining of the Books of Shadows should be done in Ireland rather than back home?” Tristian wondered aloud.
“I still have some research to do, but local legends lean that way. You don’t know of anything that would suggest it should be done elsewhere, do you?” Stefan asked.
“No, my family didn’t leave much information regarding this situation. Apparently, they planned on being around when the need arose.”
Hopefully, Tiarnan will contact us soon. Stefan shifted in his chair, realizing his thirst was not going to wait much longer. I need to hunt. At Brandy’s touch, her knowing eyes met his, indicating she was aware.
Tim watched the silent exchange between them intently. He cleared his throat. “How about we meet at the pub in a bit. Bet we all could use a pint. We’ll open the pub early, and Gavin can whip up something for us to eat. We can get acquainted in a friendly atmosphere and understand the situation better before opening the doors to the public.”
“Great idea,” Bruce said. “Thank you.” He wrapped an arm around Angie, and the muscles in his neck relaxed. She snuggled into him and patted his knee reassuringly.
“If you need our help in the future, and God, I hope you don’t—” Tim turned his gaze to the heavens “—I want to understand fully what it is we’d be jumping into.” He looked tentatively over at Tristian and Bruce. “You two can fill us in on anything we’ve missed. Right?”
“You bet we can,” Tristian said.
“Good. I believe Brandy and Stefan have a previous engagement and will join us later. The first Guinness is on the house, if you care to sample the local fare. Otherwise I have plenty of other potions that sate the magic folks here and about.”
“Yes, we do, and we’re late.” Taking the opening that Tim provided, Stefan grasped Brandy’s arm and strode purposefully toward the back door, stopping to wave. “See you guys at the pub later.” He held the door open for Brandy as they walked out. He’d just about closed the door when something occurred to him, and he poked his head back inside the door. “Gavin, don’t even think about it.”
Gavin narrowed his eyes and blew out a breath. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
Brandy looked questioningly at Stefan. “You saw it too?”
“Of course. I don’t think you are the only one in your family that likes the wild side.”