Drop Dead Demons (2 page)

Satisfaction was short-lived as anguish and confusion quickly took center stage. Despite being on my list of top five people I’d like to smack silly — mission accomplished — Matthias was, first and foremost,
supposed
to be my ally.

Begrudgingly, perhaps, but still.

I prodded Matthias’s face-down and unmoving form with the crowbar. He didn’t so much as twitch. Even when I dug in with the pointy end. Ha. I had a mean swing, sure, but mean enough to kill him?

Crap.

I dropped beside him faster than the freefall of my stomach and jammed my fingers against his throat.

“Bummer. Alive.” I sat back on my heels with a sigh of relief. “Kidnapping doesn’t make sense, Matthias. You can’t stand to be around me, so trying to carve out some alone time for us? No way. Unless…”

Something ugly and vile slithered through my gut.

Unless
he planned to hand me over to the secret, worldwide demon hunting society the Hex Boys worked for, the Mandatum. The one I was desperate to hide from. The one hellbent on imprisoning me for the rest of my life to use as their personal demon radar system. Just like they’d done to every other Divinicus Nex century after century. 

Yeah, no thanks. I’d decided to break with that charming tradition.

Besides, I’d done a bang-up job of keeping my Divinicus identity hidden from the Hex Boys. Sure, they knew about my explody power — a white hot light thing that wiped out anything in its path, demons included. A power that I’d yet to control or even replicate since I’d nearly brought down a massive convention center in Los Angeles a few weeks back. There was no way Matthias had found the other skeleton in my closet. And even if he did, he wouldn’t turn me in.

Would he?

“Noooo. That…ahhh…can’t be.” I tittered a laugh. “Matthias, you big joker you.”

Joker? The Aussie? I must have a concussion.

I grabbed the collar of his jacket, lifted his head up, and leaned over to get a close look at his face. I paused. 

Dealing with the angry Aussie and his nasty temperament, it was easy to forget his hunkifiable good-looks. But at the moment, relaxed and devoid of his near-perpetual scowl, most often directed at me —
unjustifiably
, thank you very much — the handsome features of a classic Gothic romance hero were readily apparent. Even without the benefit of having those crystal grey-blue eyes open. And on those rare occasions when he flashed a smile wide enough to crater his dimples, he could light up a room.

But most of the time he blackened it. Literally. He controlled darkness and shadows. I sometimes wondered what had boiled the joy and good humor from his soul. But right now, I couldn’t care less. 

“Hey, jerk-face, what’s going on?” With my hand gripping the thick wool of his jacket, I shook him hard.

No answer. He was out cold. 

I heard a noise and tried to jump out of my skin — didn’t work — while letting Matthias thump to the ground as I reeled back. 

Muffled voices?

We knew someone in the Mandatum was sending demon assassins to murder me. This faceless traitor in an organization that was
supposed
to be fighting demons was instead working with them to remove me as a threat. A threat to what? No idea. But the Hex Boys, including the Aussie, had agreed that while we tracked the culprit they would keep me away from the society. Agreed to keep me safe. But maybe the traitor didn’t get that memo.

The parking lot was still devoid of people. Or so it seemed. An entire army could be hidden behind the cars and trucks, or hunkered down in the beds of the pick-ups. I backed toward the woods, but—

I whirled, shifting my fearful look into the dense forest, searching for danger in the bank of trees melting into the darkness. I strained my eyes to catch movement, shadows, anything. 

Voices again.

Crap, they were coming for me. But from which direction? And how many? Were they armed? Did they plan to kill or kidnap?

Light and sound caught my attention. On the ground. I breathed easier. It was just Matthias’s phone which had fallen from his hand. I picked it up and held it to my ear.

“—are you done with your
vitally important
job? I can’t get ahold of the guys. Did they take care of Aurora? Matthias? Matthias, are you there? What’s—”

I clicked off and dropped the phone like it was a live grenade. But I’d already been blown to bits. Because I recognized the voice. The sound was deep and rich and most often brought goosebumps to my skin. Especially when it was whispering sweet
anythings
in my ear.

It was Ayden. On the phone. Collaborating with my kidnapper. 

An anvil of dread dropped on my chest. Was he in on this? Could I be so utterly wrong about what I
thought
we were both feeling?

Fan-freakin’-tastic. I was falling hard, all right. Smack dab into a concrete slab of deception and betrayal. My bones chilled. And it wasn’t the frosty night or the wet fog lacing out of the dark forest to creep around my ankles.

I looked back at the car from which I’d just escaped.

Panic renewed in icy streaks down my spine because even without Selena’s car seat strapped in the back, I knew this sleek, black BMW.

It belonged to Matthias.

Nice pick, Aurora. You always find the most trustworthy souls. My gut wrenched threatening to discharge the breadsticks and antipasto salad. I leaned forward to put my head between my legs.

“Nice shot, dove.” The voice came out of nowhere.

I jerked in surprise and, since I was already leaning over, it cost me my balance. My feet struggled for purchase, but no sale. I tumbled forward. My shoulder hit hard. Last second, I tucked my head. The awkward front-roll had to be painful to watch—goodness knows it was painful to do—then I scrambled to my feet like a newborn foal, all leg and zero grace.

“I knew we’d make quite the team.” Strong hands picked up the limp Matthias off the ground like he weighed no more than a damp towel, and slung him onto impressive shoulders.  “Where should I dispatch this betraying son of a jackal?”

I stared, stumbled backward. Shock quivered through every cell of my being.

“No way.” I shook my head, slowly at first then with frantic, staccato jerks. I pinched myself to make sure I was awake — ow — then stood tall and waved my arms like I could erase what was in front of me. “Not happening. No dice. Nuh-uh.” 

Denial and I were old friends.

And good thing too, because if I were to believe what my eyes were seeing, it meant that my night had just gone from dire to disastrous.

No question this guy was a fairytale-fantasy to look at. Eyes the color of dark jade and a shade of sultry just shy of indecent. Perfectly tanned, with an Adonis physique, his curls gleamed a rich, burnt gold. And to top it all off, luscious lips that offered my heart’s desire.

“What say you to my heartfelt proposal?” he said.

Probably what few had ever told him. “No.”

Weeks ago he’d shown up in an uncomfortably romantic psychic vision where I’d seen enough of his hunka-hunka body to blush, and wish I’d seen more — hey, never said I wasn’t hormonal — and where he tried to suck me into some quid pro quo of giving me everything I wanted for some small favor in return.

But my visions tracked demons and my vision had tracked him so, ergo—loved when I could use that word—I’d pulled out of the vision as fast as possible.

Now he was here, dressed like some Indiana Jones wanna-be. Khaki shirt stretched over broad shoulders and tucked into the trim waist of tan cargo pants, a spool of weathered rope hanging off his belt. A battered, brown leather jacket, fedora, and even a leather satchel strapped across his chest. He looked mid-twenties but carried himself with a mature confidence of someone much older.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the kind of Prince Charming any seventeen-year-old girl needed. I may be confused by his lack of the usual fangs, claws, and oozing putrefied pustules, but, demon or not, he was trouble in every sense, especially supernatural. Dangerous as a swaying cobra, hypnotizing me just before he lashed out with the fatal strike.

I wanted to run, but even if I could on jellified legs, he still had Matthias in his grip. Not that I cared.

My wrists still zip-tied together, I lifted the crowbar with a white-knuckled grip, resting it on my shoulder so he couldn’t see it shake.

“Go back to wherever you came from.” I fought hard to keep horror from injecting every syllable, but I feared it was a losing battle. “Now.”

He flashed the most disarming smile. Seriously. I almost dropped the crowbar.

“You naughty girl.” He wagged a long, slender finger. “Last we met, you ran away before we could conclude our business.”

“No, I left because I didn’t want to
do
any business with you. Not then. Not now. Not ever. Go away. I’ve dubbed this a demon-free zone.” 

“Ah, I see the misunderstanding.” Charming nodded and readjusted Matthias’s dead weight — bad choice of words — on his shoulders. “This would have gone eminently better if this fool hadn’t interfered with my plans.”

“
Your
plans.” I blinked. “Wait. Who kidnapped me? You?”

“No. The boy was kidnapping you,” he said amiably, “I’m just here to kill you.”

“Super.” My lungs iced. “Gosh, I’d love to help you out with that, but the licenses for this year’s Aurora Hunting Season just sold out yesterday. So sorry. Now shoo or I’ll shoo it for you.” Whatever that meant.

I twirled the crowbar with menace. Or would have if it didn’t nearly fumble from my hands, because I forgot my wrists were still shackled by the stupid zip-ties.

“Although I can’t blame him.” Charming sighed and looked thoughtful as he purred on in his velvet voice. “You’ve put all the Hex Boys in the precarious position of risking their families to protect you. And this one most of all can’t afford to lose anymore. But I digress.” Charming let Matthias tumble backward off his shoulders. The Aussie hit the ground hard but showed no signs of waking.

Charming waved a hand around. “I’m aware this all looks bad.”

“Ya think?” I barked a hearty laugh and swung the crowbar.

The curved end hooked his leg out from under him, laying him out on his back. Before he could move, I nailed him hard in the gut. Once, twice, three times. I was in a frenzy, sweat dripping, the iron slipping in my hand. I re-gripped. Not easy with manacled wrists, but I managed a fourth blow and—

“I surrender!” His palms jerked up.

I considered slamming him again, but he was curled halfway into a fetal position. And shaking.

He peeked past his upturned arms. “Please, little dove, if you only listen—”

“Shut up,” I snapped. “Turn over.”

He obliged. I grabbed the rope from his belt to tie his hands behind him.

Why didn’t I just run from the guy intent on murdering me? Because stupid Matthias was lying here all useless and helpless. The only credible reason as to why was I protecting my kidnapper was that I wanted to kill him myself. Later. In a slow and painful manner.

But right now, if my hands would stop shaking, I could at least lasso this lunatic assassin.

“But I don’t
have
to kill you,” Charming said, his face kissing the dirt.

“Lucky me.” I struggled to loop the rope around his wrists, glad he didn’t resist, and noticed that despite his rugged attire, he exuded an enticing scent, something fresh and fragrant and full of life.

“Actually, yes. Hear me out. I’m no demon. I am a former Mandatum hunter. Gone rogue.” He chuckled. “Call me Rose. And as much as I hate the society I do still love humanity and would rather not help demons kill the Divinicus Nex.”

I froze. Glanced at Matthias. He was still out. Good. But my heart kept up its merciless pounding.

“Yes, Aurora. I know who you are, but I will let you live and keep your secret. All I need is a little help from you to ascertain a mutually beneficial bargain.” As I yanked a final knot in place, he flinched and grimaced over his shoulder. “Ow! That’s a little tight.”

“It’s supposed to be.” I stood and backed off, wiping my arm across my forehead, confident the restraint would hold. For now.

Rose rolled onto his back and sat up. “As leverage against me, the demons put my sister in hell. When I kill you, I get her back. Win for me, lose for you.”

My foot to his chest pushed him flat back on the ground. “I don’t think you get the concept of
mutually beneficial
.”

I wish I could afford pity, but in my experience it was better to find more rope to tie his feet. My gaze swept the parking lot. Most folk around here kept all sorts of junk lying around in the back of their pickup trucks. Chains, cables, even tools. Had to be something I could scavenge. 

“However — and here’s where I need you to stay with me, dove.” Rose flashed dazzling white teeth. “The alternate scenario would be for you to help me get my sister out, after which I lead you to your enemies and assist you in dispatching them. Hence, the previously mentioned, win-win.”

“What a giver.”

“You have no idea.” He gave me an inviting look. “But I’d love to show you.”

“Riiight. Let’s book that for the weekend between
never
and
not in your lifetime
.” Maybe I could tie him to a bumper.

He continued in a smooth, confident rumble, “Rest assured I have high hopes for our relationship, and it is my sincerest desire that you choose the latter scenario because otherwise you put me in an awkward situation.” He shrugged. “Nonetheless, family first. You understand.”

I more than understood. Which meant I needed to ditch this psycho quickly.

“Oh my God!” came a woman’s voice.

I whirled.

A middle-aged couple wearing matching flannel shirts stood a few cars away. Keys jangled as they slid out of the woman’s hand. The man threw a protective arm across her and they both stared horrified at Rose beaten and bound.

A few steps more would offer them a delightful view of my other victim, as utterly unconscious as he was unhelpful.

I shoved the crowbar behind my back. “Uh. This isn’t what it looks like.”

“Of course it is.” Rose smiled so bright he practically brought on the dawn. “So we like it rough. Nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Mr. and Mrs. Flannel choked. So did I.

“What?!” My cheeks burned to the point I was sure my skin would blister.

“But fear not. We have a safe word. So if you wouldn’t mind moving along.” Rose winked. “I still have a fantasy I’d like her to fulfill.”

I cringed and regripped the crowbar, ready to conk him out despite the audience.

Mr. Flannel’s look changed from horrified to sly. He glanced at his wife. “Oh, it’s like those books you enjoy.”

Mrs. Flannel hissed, “I told you not to tell anyone,” then she gave us an embarrassed smile. “I don’t know what he’s talking about. Goodnight.” She picked up her keys and dragged Mr. Flannel off.

I slapped my hands over my face and tried to massage away the sting of humiliation. “I can’t believe that worked.”

Rose shrugged. “People tend to believe whatever I say.”

“And that’s what you went with? My reputation is shaky as it is.”

I watched the couple duck into the restaurant and scanned the lot to ensure we didn’t have any more surprise visitors on the way. Clear so far, but how long would that last?

“I’m trying to help, but we’ve run out of time.” Deep sadness rippled through his words. 

“Yes, we have.” I motioned toward Matthias’s car. “Get in the trunk.”

A temporary solution, sure, but at least it got him out of my immediate hair. Who knows what tricks or powers he had up his sleeve? I started to shiver, watching my breath huff out into the cold night air in shaky spurts.

I was about to go from kidnapped to kidnapper. Better not put that on the college applications.

“This isn’t a good idea,” Rose said, but got up and strolled toward the BMW. With an apologetic look, he fell gracefully into the trunk. “You’ll regret not accepting my help in,” he smiled, “three, two…”

Then the trunk magically closed on its own, and I was about to make a sarcastic comment when—

The ground shuddered behind me and cracks crunched into the pavement. Before I turned I knew what it was — my Divinicus Nex senses were tingling. And by tingling, I meant trembling with terror.

Demon.