Chapter Twenty-Seven

 

 

Regardless of the overwhelming desire to remain huddled under her blanket and forsake the outside world, Jade cracked an eye open and half-heartedly greeted a new day.

Her muscles were ridiculously sore and her eyes burned from her tears.

Interestingly, though, a heightened sense of purpose seeped through her veins.

Jade had dedicated herself to something she fully believed in. And she intended to see it through.

Although it took some effort to get herself moving, she rose and tidied up, then dressed in the black pants, riding boots and royal blue sweater Sheena had given her. Even styled her hair with a low ponytail pulled over one shoulder as she had done when she’d been at the castle.

She wouldn’t say she looked daisy-fresh, but the vibrant color from the sweater helped to brighten her appearance and her sapphire eyes.

Steeling herself for this next phase of her life, Jade left the cottage.

Her first stop was the meeting hall, where she found Toran.

Although she still experienced an abundance of emotional strife over her tenuous—or thoroughly decimated—situation with Davian and Sheena, those feelings had to take a backseat for now. Jade had important work to do.

“You look like hell,” was the first thing Toran said, not helping her plight in the least.

“That’s really so kind of you to point out. Thanks for being such a pal.”

He smirked. “Fine. You did great yesterday. Excellent tactical and combat skills.”

“Better. Thank you. Except… I got distracted by Morgan ripping out the wolf’s throat—I was a bit too relieved I didn’t have to do it myself.”

“You need to keep practicing, Jade.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that.” And didn’t look forward to what practicing entailed. “Anyway, the demons Sebastian and Landford will continue their patrols on their side of the boundary,” she told the other slayer. “But we should resume our watch as well.”

“I’m okay with sticking to nights, if you want days,” he said.

“Maybe we should change that up every other week. Hardly seems fair for you to always have night patrol.”

“I don’t mind,” he said in his usual calm, even tone. “Besides, I don’t have a spouse to spend evenings with, so it doesn’t really matter to me.”

She frowned. “I don’t have a spouse to spend evenings with, either.”

“But you will when you marry the king.” A slight edge to his voice told her he remained wary of her decision. She could put him at ease, though.

“I highly doubt I’ll be marrying the king.” True, he hadn’t called off the engagement. But that was only because he currently wasn’t speaking to her.

A dark brow lifted and Toran asked, “You backed out now that the fire wraith and his bandits have been defeated?”

“No, I didn’t back out. But Davian is furious with me and I have a feeling that’s not going to change anytime soon.” Hadn’t both Morgan and Sheena said as much?

Her heart hurt over the thought of losing Davian for good. However, Jade feared she’d cry another river if she didn’t control her emotions. If the tears started flowing once more, they just might not stop this time. The only reason they had last night was due to fatigue. She hadn’t been able to fight sleep.

“I’m not sure what to say about that,” Toran told her. “I don’t want you to be unhappy, Jade. But marrying the Demon King… That’s a tough pill for the rest of us to swallow.”

“I understand. It’s all been rather shocking for me too.”

He regarded her a moment, as though curious about her feelings for a demon. The god of all demons, to be exact. But then he asked, “What about that thing you said to the vampire before you killed him on the battlefield? You told him there were three demons amongst us.”

“A little white lie. The third is a demi-demon, not full-on.” She brushed the hair from her neck to show him the mark. “Apparently, some co-mingling of species occurred in my family a long time ago. My father was part-demon as well. We share similar traits.”

“Aside from dark hair and blue eyes?”

Jade focused on the pen Toran had set aside when she’d entered the hall. He’d likely been completing his official report of the clashing with the rogue demons. She used her psychokinetic powers to lift it from the desk and bring it to her hand.

“Holy shit,” he muttered.

“Yeah.” She let him adjust to this revelation before adding, “There’s more. Davian didn’t want anyone visiting me when I was laid up at the cottage because I was badly injured, but healing quickly. Infinitely faster than a normal human being. It would have alarmed Michael and Lisette. You too, perhaps.”

He nodded. “I always sensed there was something different about you. So did Walker. That’s why we’ve often deferred to you—you know things the rest of us do not.”

“I’ve acted mostly on instinct, but sometimes with a hot head. I need to think more strategically going forward.”

“You were strategic when confronting the renegades, Jade. Don’t doubt that for a second.” Respect tinged his deep tone. It calmed her jangled nerves a bit.

She considered her maneuvering of late, physically and psychologically, and felt at peace with the decisions she’d made, regardless of the consequences she suffered. She’d done what was right by the villagers and in honor of her father.

“I appreciate your support,” Jade said. “I also want to continue the goodwill effort recently set in motion. We’ll work with the general, as my father once did. He’ll have to be the conduit to Davian, not me.”

The other slayer eyed her speculatively. “You’re taking this change in direction well.” He was surprisingly compassionate enough not to call it a breakup or otherwise jibe about her being dumped by the Demon King.

“On the outside, Toran. On the outside.” She stood. “Let’s get back to training tomorrow. We never got to wraiths. I had no idea what to do with that menacing apparition from hell.”

He snickered. “You never made it past the chicken, Jade. You’re still on shifters. I told you, a raccoon is next.”

She blanched. “You were serious about that?”

“We’ll figure it out.” He shook his head at her, as though to call her the slacker slayer. Evidently, his congeniality and camaraderie only went so far.

Jade marched out of the meeting hall and to the tavern, where she found Michael prepping for the evening ahead.

“Came to see if I’m still alive?” he mocked as he raised his arms for her to inspect him, perfectly intact, from head to toe.

“Ha, ha.” She slid onto a barstool. “Seriously, though, thank you for listening to me and not getting yourself into trouble.”

“Well, except for that shifter,” he said in a contrite tone.

Jade didn’t want him to feel even an ounce of guilt—he’d done a fantastic job when the enemy had attacked. “The beast engaged you. And by the way, nice swing and aim.” She considered how quickly Michael had reacted to her instruction and how solidly he’d delivered a blow to the wolf, stabbing it in the chest and momentarily incapacitating it so Morgan could move in for the kill. “You did great, actually.”

He said, “I didn’t particularly like seeing the wolf’s throat ripped out.”

“Me either, but that’s how you defeat shifters. Toran made me learn on a chicken.”

“That’s disgusting, Jade.”

“Yes, it is.” She paused, then ventured, “Maybe you’d like to join us for some lessons? Toran is still training me.”

He gave her a curious look. “Really, you’d allow that?”

“Doesn’t hurt to know how to properly defend yourself.”

“Interesting offer, especially coming from you.” If she wasn’t mistaken, his chest puffed, as though he was proud of himself that he’d won her approval. “I’ll take you up on that.”

“Good. Now there’s something else. I need to quit my job. It’s impossible to juggle my work here and slayer duties. I barely sleep.”

“Yeah, I can see from your bloodshot eyes.” Though he didn’t know the true source of the redness still burning bright. “I understand,” he told her. “Besides, it’d be undignified for you to be a bar wench when you’re the Demon Queen.”

Her heart sank even further; and not only from his jest. “I won’t be crowned in the near future, if ever, so stop looking glum. I have sufficiently pissed off Davian. For the last time, is my guess.”

Michael seemed to debate whether or not he wanted to continue this topic, but finally asked, “How’d you manage that?”

“Turns out, I’m a huge pain in the ass. Who would have thought?”

His brow furrowed. “That’s not exactly a new world order, Jade. I’m sure he had to know this about you going into the relationship. You did challenge him after Jinx died, remember?”

“Seems there are some boundaries he’ll let me cross. Disobeying him is not one.”

“Ah, yes. You do have a rebellious streak.”

“He told me to stay in the village last night. But I had no choice than to go with Toran, and I defend that action. Still…” Her gaze dropped and she absently rubbed her fingertip along a groove in the wooden bar. “I can see where he’s coming from. I got a healthy dose of my own medicine during our battle.”

“How so?”

Glancing up, she smiled softly at her friend. “I was worried about you, until I realized you were doing exactly as I’d asked by staying out of the way. You reacted when you needed to, rather than purposely putting yourself in danger. I tend to find myself in it when I don’t sit tight the way I’m supposed to.”

“Actually,” Michael mused in a low tone, “perhaps you’re not meant for the sidelines, Jade. As potentially deadly as it could be for you, it seems to me being in the thick of conflict is your strong suit.”

“Wow,” she said on a long breath. “You finally get me.”

“Little late in the day,” he admitted. “But it’s exhausting to keep fighting you, Jade. You’re going to do and say whatever the hell you want, anyway. I’m not the one who can tame you.” He frowned. Then added, “I’m not sure the king can, either.”

With a sigh, she said, “There’s a very good possibility he’s given up trying.” She lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers to show she wasn’t wearing his ring, which just about killed her. “I think I’ve gone beyond infuriating him.”

And her heart broke all over again.

She had to shut her eyes against the sting of tears. Take a few moments to compose herself.

Michael reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “This might be for the best. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to gloat. There’s much more to you than I can handle, Jade. I’ve learned that over the past few months.”

Her lids opened, though her eyes were misty. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out between you and me,” she said in a humble tone. “Apparently, I’m a little more complicated than the average female.”

“You can say that again.”

She laughed through her pain. “Let’s not rub it in.”

He was reflective a moment, then said, “I realize it’s time I move on. Maybe ask Jessica Delfino or Krista Kelly on a date.”

Her brow crooked. “Where would you go? What would you do?”

“Damned if I know,” he said with a shrug. “I’ve never been on a real date.”

“Well, whatever you decide, make it romantic. I’ve recently discovered women enjoy that kind of thing.”

He grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She stood on the foot rail of her stool and leaned over the bar. After kissing Michael on the cheek, she said, “You’re still my best friend.”

“Even though I’m not a demon?”

“Don’t be a jerk.” She jumped to the ground. “Gotta go. I have more work to do.” She headed toward the door, but turned back and commented, “You know, people around town started sprucing up their storefronts and displays when the king began sending all those new items our way. Maybe you should sand the ridges out of the bar and jazz the place up a bit.”

“You’re knocking my joint?” He shot her a sardonic look. “Is this your idea of spreading goodwill?”

She gave it thought, then nodded. “We have to help ourselves out of the Dark Ages, right? I’ll see you later.”

As Jade wandered toward the library, she realized what she was doing with her unplanned visits. She’d consciously chosen not to stay at the cottage and wallow in her sorrow.

Granted, she wasn’t fully facing the agony of heartbreak head-on, but she also wasn’t holding back when it came to discussing her scandalous and now-debilitated affair. Surprisingly, she found a degree of relief in not keeping the tormenting debacle buried inside her. For the first time, she was truly confiding in her human friends. And it felt good.

Entering the library, she smiled as Lisette glanced up from a book.

“No coffee?” her friend quipped.

“Totally forgot. You want some?”

“No, I was only joking. What brings you by?”

Jade pointed to the desk in the corner. “Typewriter. Will it bother you if I peck away a bit more? I’ve decided I am going to write a book. At least attempt to, though it’ll take me several years at the pace of my clicking on the keys.”

“I told you, you’ll get used to their arrangement and will gain more speed. But the design of the machine calls for slower progress so you don’t jam the metal arms that hit the paper.”

Lisette came over and demonstrated, pounding out a slew of letters that caused the short rods to stick in a clumped mess before they could tap the paper and leave their mark.

“Gotcha,” Jade said. “Slow and steady wins the race.”

She discarded the sheet and inserted a fresh one. Having no real idea where to begin, she let her instinct and her heart guide her.

Chapter One

North America, 2054

Not all humans are good.

Not all demons are evil.

 

* * *

 

“You didn’t enjoy the veal, my Lord?” Sheena asked as she swept into the castle’s formal banquet hall.

It was well past midnight and the wave of diners had long since dispersed. Davian had not joined them earlier, opting to eat alone, as he’d done for over a week now. Tonight he’d merely picked at his food, not having much of an appetite.

Ignoring Sheena’s question, he asked, “Have you been to the village?”

“Not since the night of the battle.” Sinking into a chair at one of the long, wide tables that sat fifty, she said, “I feel bad about that. I chastised Jade and told her she wasn’t in this alone, and then I stopped seeing her. That’s not how friends treat each other.”

Davian mentally concurred, though… He’d not spoken with the woman he loved since that fateful night, either. Therefore, he took great interest in Sheena’s reason for her actions. “Why haven’t you gone to see her?”

The vampire shook her head. “I’m not sure.” Her gaze lifted to meet his. “Why haven’t you?”

Davian pushed aside his plate. Surprisingly, his answer came without thought. “I’ll cave if I do. I’ll let her convince me she did the right thing by disregarding my orders. And I’m not inclined to let her off the hook.”

“But you’ll forgive her someday, won’t you?”

He stood. “Forgiveness isn’t the issue. I owe her that, if for no other reason than the things I’ve done that she’s forgiven me for. But accepting her disobedience will only encourage her to continue doing as she pleases, without much thought to her own safety.”

“I disagree,” Sheena said in a low tone.

He stared at her, perplexed. “Meaning?”

“She’ll be this way regardless of whether or not you condone or condemn her behavior. You can’t change her, my Lord.” Sheena stood as well. “And isn’t that one more thing you admire about her?”

She left the dining hall without another word. Davian hung his head and sighed. With a half-snort, he wondered why he hadn’t taken a page from the book he’d given Jade and fallen in love with a woman with an obsequious veneration. One who would revere him enough to the point of subservience.

But then a sentiment she’d shared with him one evening came back to him.

How boring would I be if I obeyed every command you issued?

Jade Deville could never be boring.

Nor could she ever truly be safe.

Unless, of course, he married her and granted her immortality.

He walked out of the room as he stewed over the conundrum. By the time he reached his study, he wasn’t any more sure of his dilemma with Jade than he’d been a week ago, following the battle. Maybe humans and demons weren’t meant to interact socially. Perhaps they were meant to stay on their own sides of the border, co-existing from afar.

Naturally, the painful part of this theory was the obvious fact that he loved Jade. Deeply. More than he’d ever imagined loving anyone. He agonized over how desperately he wanted to see her, how much he missed her.

Conversely, he’d still not gotten beyond wanting to wring her neck.

So he poured a glass of brandy and sat at his desk. He had ample work to do, particularly correspondence amongst the stewards under his charge and the kings on the six other continents that would occupy his thoughts and time.

Keeping Jade from his mind was not easy, but it was necessary.