by Jane Hinchey
“Who are they?” Levi stood with his legs apart, knees bent, ready for battle.
“Revenants. They’ve been in limbo for too long, and now their souls have left them, sending their bodies back to Earth. They’re just shells.”
“Angry shells, by the looks of things.”
He wasn’t wrong. Readying myself with the Sword of Souls, I braced myself for their attack. When it came, it was brutal. The three revenants leading the charge pulled out guns from behind their backs and opened fire. Holy shit balls, that was unexpected! Spreading my wings, I did my best to shield Levi, wincing as a hail of bullets tore through them.
“Stay behind me!” I shouted, slashing and stabbing with the sword, trying to keep them from surrounding us.
“I don’t need you to protect me.” Levi cursed, and I could hear him moving behind me.
“Don’t be stupid! They’ve got guns, Levi. A bullet will kill you.” Why did men have to be so stubborn? Why couldn’t he simply do as I asked and stay out of trouble?
Then he moved into view and I understood why. He was incorporeal. Transparent. A ghost? Had they killed him and I hadn’t noticed? How could that be?
“Relax. I’m fine. Definitely not dead.” He chuckled, then threw a fire bolt. With his hands. Just what the fuck was going on here?
A bullet ripping through my shoulder jolted me back to attention. “Okay, assholes, that’s quite enough of that, thank you very much!”
Side by side, Levi and I took the revenants down. Their bullets sailed straight through him, as did the rocks, sticks, and various other weapons they used against him. I sustained a few cuts and bruises, but nothing that wouldn’t heal. They just stung like the devil—pun intended.
Within minutes, they were dispatched, their glowing red eyes snuffed out. The putrid scent of their scorched flesh hung in the air. I covered my nose with my arm.
“What next?” Levi asked.
“We wait.”
“For what?” As he asked, the ground beneath the fallen revenants opened up and sucked their bodies down, into the earth. Within seconds, they were gone. The only sign of the battle was the pools of black blood on the ground.
“What happens to them now?” Levi asked.
“Nothing. They’re gone. Their souls have already died.” I allowed myself to feel the grief of that for a moment, until more pressing things became apparent. Turning on him, I demanded, “What in the hell is this all about?” I waved my hand up and down, indicating his incorporeal state.
He became corporeal before my eyes, and I couldn’t stop myself from poking him in the shoulder just to be sure. He chuckled and I slapped his arm. “It’s not funny! I thought they’d killed you!”
“Nah. Not dead.” He performed a neat pirouette, and I wanted to slap him again.
“Explain to me, exactly, what just happened.”
He shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t really know.”
I peered at him intently before blowing out a sigh. Something had changed within Levi, at an intrinsic level. Either something had happened to him in the Xoelax realm, or the mere act of being in the realm had altered him. Or maybe that, coupled with going to Heaven, had caused some sort of chain reaction.
“Stop frowning.” He gently smoothed out the crease between my brows, and then cupped my face. “I’m fine. I feel okay, I promise.”
“Levi,” I began, “it’s not normal for humans to be able to do that.”
He chuckled, resting his forehead against mine. “I think we both know I’m no longer human, right? Because you’re spot on, humans can’t do that. Not even psychics.”
“This is my fault.” I wanted to cry. I’d never meant him any harm, but I’d dragged him into this whole sorry mess and now look at him. Human one minute, a ghost the next!
“You’re assuming it’s a bad thing. I’m thinking it’s more of an…upgrade. I mean, did you see what I could do? Shooting fire from my fingers? Who wouldn’t love to be able to do that?” The excitement in his voice was unmistakable, but I wasn’t so easily swayed.
“I’m not so sure it’s a good thing, either.”
“Well, we can stand around here discussing the pros and cons of it, or we can go find your dad. Because either way, we don’t know what caused this. We don’t know if it’s reversible, and I’m not sure I want to reverse it.” Entwining his fingers with mine, he looked intently into my eyes for a moment before dazzling me with his smile. “Shall we go?”
“I guess. Dad’s not here. But there’s something about this place, this cave, that’s a magnet for the undead.”
“It could have been you they were drawn to. As soulless creatures, doesn’t that mean they’re evil? They have no conscience, no remorse, and they came after us with weapons. They weren’t messing around.”
“Why attack me, though? To what end?”
“Maybe they want to break into Hell? Free the evil souls there?” He was only guessing, but I was worried his guesses might be closer to the truth than either of us realized. If the revenants gained access to the millions of souls in Hell, they’d have one heck of an army. I shivered at the thought.
Then my tummy rumbled.
“Let’s go to the diner. I’m hungry.”
10
Walking into the diner was like coming home. It was comfortable and familiar, and with everything that had been going on recently, I was grateful for it. Sliding into what I considered our booth, I flashed a smile at Sophie, the waitress who used to spit in people’s food if they didn’t tip. Thankfully, she’d mended her ways—due to my intervention, of course. I signaled her over.
Levi chuckled. “You don’t want to look at the menu first?”
“I bet you already know what you want.”
The clanging of the door opening caught my attention and I looked over Levi’s shoulder, a smile splitting my face when Detective Jared Morrison walked in, his partner Detective Nicole James—Nic for short—close on his heels. I waved.
“Hi, guys. Wanna join us?” I offered.
“Sure.” Jared slid in next to me and Nic took the seat next to Levi.
“How’s business?” I asked once we were all settled. Now that we’d sent the soul stealer who’d been wreaking havoc in Shadow Falls back to his own dimension, I was hoping the two detectives were enjoying a slower pace. I was also thrilled to see the loving glances they exchanged. I was weak for a happy ending.
“Thankfully, nothing unusual to report,” Jared told me, picking up the menu to peruse the offerings.
Nic shrugged. “Just the usual drug dealers and domestic violence. Same shit, different day.”
It saddened me that humans were so self-destructive. I was sure father hadn’t envisioned any of this for his creations, but, left to their own devices, and despite the sense of right and wrong he’d hard-wired into them, some still chose the wrong path. It was fascinating and appalling at the same time.
Sophie arrived, pad and pen in hand. “Y’all ready to order?” She briefly met my eyes, and her lips twitched in what I suppose was meant to resemble a smile. Then she returned her attention to her pad, refusing to look at any of us.
“Burger and fries for me, please, and a chocolate shake,” I said.
“A chocolate shake?” Levi asked in surprise. “Since when do you even know what a chocolate shake is?”
“I have been here before, you know.”
“Here, as in this diner? Or….”
“On Earth. Where do you think I get my coffee beans from? They won’t grow in Hell. I’ve tried.”
“Oh,” Nic squeaked.
I looked across at her. “What?”
“I’ve never thought of you just popping in to visit before.”
I shrugged. “Earth is nice. I like it here.” Glancing at Sophie, who was looking more and more uncomfortable, I prompted the others, “Sophie’s waiting for your orders, guys. We can chat after.”
I don’t know why I thought I’d get to enjoy a meal in peace for a change, but I�
��d just bitten into my burger—which had arrived remarkably fast—when I felt the evil in the room. Chewing slowly, I surveyed the customers in the diner. It didn’t take me long to spot him. Sitting by himself, a newspaper spread out before him, was a middle-aged man, balding and squeezed into a suit a size too small.
“What’s up?” Levi nudged me, drawing my attention.
“Just another sorry soul on the wrong path,” I muttered, keeping an eye on the man as I continued my meal. I didn’t have to intervene, of course. I could let it slide and deal with him in Hell, but I was happier if I could save souls before they came my way. So when the man got up to leave, I quickly excused myself and followed him out.
“Excuse me.” I caught up with him in the parking lot, caught the flash of his surprise on his face, which quickly gave way to irritation.
“What is it?” he snapped, glancing at his watch.
“I wanted you to know I know. And if you don’t cut it out, your soul is going to Hell.”
His eyebrows shot up into what was left of his hairline and he tugged at his tie. “What are you even talking about?”
“You know.”
“Look, honey,” he said, his tone patronizing, “I think you may have skipped your meds today. Run along and bother someone else. I’m not interested.”
I blew out a breath. The bad humans were all the same. They always needed convincing. Blinking, I let the hellfire glow in my eyes and leaned in close so he got a good look.
“I’m Lucifer. Lucy to my friends. And I know you’ve been embezzling from your employer. First of all, you need to stop that shit right now. And second of all, you need to make amends. Fix it. Repent. And then, maybe, I won’t see you in Hell.”
His mouth dropped open, and I almost laughed. Schooling my face, I said sternly, “Unless, of course, you like the idea of burning in the pit for all of eternity? In which case, stay on this path.”
I practically heard his heart rate accelerate. His face went pale and sweat beaded on his forehead.
“Hell is…real?” he stammered.
“Of course. Do you want to visit?”
“No.” It was barely a whisper, but it was all I needed.
“Then get your shit together, Kevin. I mean, yes, there are worse crimes than yours, but what you’re doing is wrong. You and I both know it.”
“What do I do?” he cried, wringing his hands.
“Tell your employer. Pay back the money. Take whatever punishment comes your way. Live a better life.”
“But…” He looked around furtively, then back at me. “I was desperate! I needed the money for my mother’s cancer treatment.”
I nodded. “I know, but it was wrong to steal it. And come on now, you’ve taken three times as much as you needed. Greed isn’t an attractive trait in a man, Kevin.”
“I’m sorry,” he all but sobbed.
I patted his shoulder. “Fix it, or I’ll see you in Hell. Understood?”
“Understood.”
I beamed at him. “Fantastic. Great to meet you, Kevin. Have a nice day.”
I bounced back into the diner, pleased I’d saved another soul today. It made up, only slightly, for the revenants we’d destroyed today. The thought sobered me, and my smile vanished. We had to find Dad and get the Pearly Gates open, pronto.
11
“You’re frowning again.” Levi’s words pulled me from my pondering. Jared and Nic had left after they’d receiving a call about a case they were working. I helped myself to the fries on Nic’s plate.
“None of this makes sense,” I muttered.
“What?”
“How can you become incorporeal and shoot fire from your hands? How does that work? What happened to you?” I turned to look at him, studying him intently. He was still hot, his body radiating an unnatural warmth.
“Oh, we’re back to that again?” He picked up his coffee and took a gulp.
“It’s not something I can ignore, Levi.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“I didn’t say you had!” I protested.
“Then why can’t you let it drop? I’ve changed. I don’t know why, and nor do you. Why can’t you just accept that it is what it is and not over-analyze every little thing?”
His words stung. “I don’t want to fight with you, Levi. I just want to understand what’s happened.”
“So you can change me back?” he challenged.
Even if I had the capacity, I wasn’t sure I’d do it. Not against his wishes. But we didn’t know exactly what he was capable of, or what the consequences would be.
“I just want you to be safe. We don’t know what this is. Are you going to change further? What if you stop being you?” I tried to dial back the emotion, but it leaked through. I knew he felt it by the way he cocked his head and considered me.
“You’re concerned,” he said.
“Of course.”
“What do you suggest?” Maybe he was prepared to meet me halfway after all. Leaning in, I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him hard. “I love you,” I whispered against his lips.
I felt him smile. His hand slipped around the nape of my neck and squeezed. “I love you, too, crazy woman.”
“Hey!” I laughed, moving out of his embrace. “Watch who you’re calling crazy. I could singe your ass!”
“Pretty sure I could give as good as I can get.” He winked and I couldn’t help the snort that escaped. “I have an idea.” He sobered and reached for my hand, entwining his fingers with mine.
“Oh?”
“What’s happening with me has to do with heat and fire, yes?”
“Yes. And becoming incorporeal,” I added.
“That too. So maybe the answer is in Hell.”
He had a point. Hell was the epitome of heat and fire, but I wasn’t sure taking him there was a good idea. If jumping dimensions caused this, what would visiting Hell do to him?
“Stop worrying.” It was like he could read my mind. “What’s done is done. How much worse could it get?”
I gasped. “Oh, don’t say that! Never say that. Famous last words and all that shit.”
“Look, I’ve been to the Xoelax dimension, survived being hunted by the Zuska people, and I’ve gone to Heaven! Take me to Hell. I want to see where you live.” His grin and the way he rubbed his thumb against the palm of my hand had me distracted.
“Okay. What’s the worst that could happen?” Giving in, I wrapped my arms around his neck and moved in close, nuzzling his neck. What harm could it do? He was already changing, and maybe Hell had the answers we needed.
“He’s a fire demon.” Ashliel circled Levi, assessing him from head to toe. Nodding to herself, she stopped, her hands on her hips, and cocked her head at me. “I’m surprised you didn’t see it.”
“A fire demon? You sure?”
We both stared at Levi, who threw his hands up in the air.
“Whatever, guys. Check out this view. It’s amazing!” He didn’t seem concerned by this latest turn of events. He was much more interested in the skyline view from my massive windows. He was right—it was an amazing view. I’d often stood where he was standing and looked out over my kingdom. Wingless demons patrolled the streets on foot, while their winged counterparts took to the skies.
His lack of concern worried me. I rubbed at my forehead, an ache beginning behind my eyes. His body was changing, his DNA mutating, in ways that weren’t normal. Not for a human. And here he was, more interested in the view! Men.
“How did this happen?” I asked Ashliel.
“Are you serious?” She snorted out a laugh, and I frowned so hard my eyebrows hurt. “Oh, this is priceless.” She continued to chuckle.
“Cut it out, Ash, I’m not in the mood.”
“It’s what you were in the mood for that’s the problem.” Again, she chuckled, and I was ready to wipe the grin right off her beautiful face.
“Okay, okay.” Relenting, she clasped my hands and sucked in a deep breath. “
You did this. You changed him.”
“What? I did not!” I snatched my hands away, aghast at her suggestion. I would never harm Levi. Never.
This got his attention, and he turned from the window, arms crossed over his chest, his full attention on Ashliel. “She did?” He didn’t seem angry or worried. Just curious.
Ashliel nodded. “Yup. You obviously didn’t know you were doing it, Lucy. It just came naturally to you.”
“What did I do?” I whispered, horrified that I was responsible for this.
“You bit him.”
The room went silent as we digested her words. My mind replayed each and every moment Levi and I had been together. It took a while. Levi beat me to it.
“She did. I remember. It wasn’t a bite, just a nip. A love bite.”
“Where? Where did I bite you?” I demanded.
“On my shoulder.”
“Show me!”
I began tugging at the hem of his t-shirt, pulling it up. Laughing, he pushed my hands away. “Okay, okay, I’ll do it. Stop helping.”
In one smooth movement, he swept the t-shirt up and over his head. I was momentarily distracted by the expanse of his naked chest and abs. He was more defined, the tan lines faded revealing a smooth expanse of golden skin. Still delicious, but…I bit my lip and poked him in the shoulder, prompting him to turn so I could see his back.
And there it was. The dark smudge I’d seen on his shoulder while we were showering. It had turned into a fully-formed mark. My mark.
“It’s…”
“It’s what?” He twisted his head, glancing over his shoulder.
“The key,” I squeaked, hand over my mouth.
“What do you mean, the key?” He turned to face me, brow furrowing in concern. “Lucy? What’s wrong? What are you talking about?”
“It shouldn’t be here! On you! The key is safe, hidden. Complete. There is no fourth piece.”
“What on Earth are you talking about?”
But I couldn’t answer. I was in shock. This couldn’t be. It was impossible. Numbly, I tried to comprehend what I was seeing. The dark smudge I saw in the shower had evolved, but maybe it wasn’t finished. Maybe it was something else, and its resemblance to the key was purely coincidental. I couldn’t even begin to cope with the fact that Levi had a growing tattoo on his shoulder in the first place. One I unknowingly put there.