Deadly Desires

by Jennifer Salaiz

  Marcella had to have repeated those words a hundred times. She opened her eyes and felt the world shift beneath her feet. Her hands were shaking as she picked up the test. Two bright-pink lines ran through the result window. She felt like a zombie as she opened the door.

  Samael and Dominic rushed to her side. “You’re white as a ghost,” Dominic gasped.

  Marcella lifted the test and handed it to Samael. “That’s probably because we’re going to have a baby.”

  His mouth dropped as he took in the test. Tears were in his eyes as he brought them up to look at Marcella. “We’re having a baby,” he whispered. “Oh my God.” He kissed her hard and turned to Dom. “We’re having a baby!” He crushed her collector in his arms as Dominic laughed.

  “Wow, Master, I’ve never seen you like this before.” Dominic stumbled back out of Samael’s grasp.

  “I’m going to be a father. I can’t believe it.” He scooped Marcella into his arms and lowered her to the bed. “Can you believe it, love? We’re having a baby.” His mouth captured hers again, and Marcella moaned as his tongue swept across hers.

  The sound of knocking had them all looking toward the door. Fear passed over his face. “We have to go back home. We can’t recruit with you carrying our child.” The sounds pounded again and Dominic walked to the door.

  “What is it,” he called out.

  “Ipos, open the door.”

  Samael stood. “That’s my brother’s voice.” He turned to Marcella. “You have to materialize back to the fortress, right now.” He turned to Dominic. “Change into your demon form.”

  “I’ve never made the change before.”

  “Do it now,” Samael snapped. “Marcella, go.” A growl came from him as his eyes pierced into hers. She ran to the restroom door and watched as the tattoos faded from Dom’s arms. As she crawled in the shower, she made the light turn off. There was no way she was leaving unless she had to. The door opened and voices broke through.

  “Zepar, what are you doing here?” Samael said, sounding probably as shocked as he felt.

  “Where is she?”

  “Who?”

  “The woman you’re traveling with, and don’t lie to me,” he snapped. “It’s Marcianna, isn’t it? You figured out a way to bring her back, didn’t you?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Feel free to look around if you like. No one is here but me and Dominic.”

  “Ipos,” Zepar corrected. “And no, there’s a woman. I’ve heard multiple accounts. Last night Miguel called me and told me you were in El Paso. Now I get a call from Riley saying the master vampire of LA had a call about a high-ranking demon in his territory. Both accounts talked of a woman.”

  “Well, your sources are wrong. How would they know, anyway? Neither of them ever even came face-to-face with Dominic. And you’re going to believe that they supposedly saw a woman, too? Come on, Zepar.”

  “Cameras, Brother! Need I walk over to the front desk and check them out myself?”

  Marcella wasn’t sure why, but she crawled out of the tub. Her whole body was shaking, but she had to face this man. Something deep within forced her forward. As she came into the light, a man who looked like Samael spun in her direction. His hand came to his mouth, and he began to breathe heavily.

  “Samael, what have you done?” Zepar lowered himself to the bed, continuing to cover his mouth.

  “I had to, Brother. You know my pain. I couldn’t live anymore without her in my life.”

  A groan came from Zepar’s mouth. “Did her death not hurt you enough the first time? Father’s wrath this time won’t be as sweet as before.”

  Samael snatched him off the ground and shook him. “She carries my child. If you think I will let anyone take either one of them away from me…”

  Zepar pulled at Samael’s hands. “Wait. Put me down, dammit.”

  Nausea threatened Marcella, and she leaned her hand against the wall for stability. Samael threw Zepar on the bed and rushed to her side. His arms embraced around her tightly. She leaned against him for support.

  Long fingers went through Zepar’s short hair as he looked at them. “It’s official this time? I mean, there are no other men. She’s only yours?”

  She felt Samael swallow hard. “The child is mine. One hundred percent. Actually, Zepar, touch her. Tell me what you see.”

  The demon master stood and cautiously came toward them. His eyes stared into Marcella’s. “You’re identical to Marcianna.” His hand cupped her face, and she watched him go into a trance. Her eyes shot to Samael.

  “What is he doing?”

  He smiled and looked at his brother. “He’s living your life. Every moment of it. I need him to see how things are. He has to know.”

  Zepar’s eyes were completely black by the time his hand lowered. They became clear and he stepped back. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you’ll keep our secret. We don’t want a war, Zepar. Just peace to live our lives. Don’t think for one second though that it won’t go that far, if Father comes after her. I can’t lose her, or our child. I won’t.”

  The demon master looked at Dominic. “Is it true that you’re a collector now?”

  Dark ink raced down her collector’s arms, and Zepar shook his head. “Unbelievable.” He turned back to Samael. “I’ll keep your secret on one condition.”

  Samael narrowed his eyes. “And what’s that?”

  He motioned to Dominic. “Marcella has to change me. She gives me her gift and it buys my silence. You’re going to do it, too. I might as well join in on the power lottery.”

  “Done.” Marcella stepped forward without waiting for Samael’s response. It was a small price to pay for his silence, and with the way she was compelled to come out, she knew it needed to be done.

  * * * *

  Dominic watched Marcella and Samael argue over whether or not she was going to do the change. It’d been going on for ten minutes already, and Zepar had made himself at home in the short span of time. The news was playing on the television and he was sprawled out on the bed watching it.

  “Marcella, I’m serious. What if something happens to the baby? Are you willing to risk that over a stupid change? Let’s send Zepar to the fortress and Jason can do it.”

  Her voice lowered as her eyes darted to his brother. “Excuse me for not wanting to unleash your brother into my domain. I’m responsible for everyone there, and I don’t want him loose inside while I’m hundreds of miles away.”

  “So we’ll materialize back home. Now that we have an anchor here at the motel, we can always come back. We’ll take him there and watch as Jason performs the ceremony.”

  Samael started to pace and he knew the moment Marcella had given in. “Fine. We let Jason do it. But I still don’t like him being there.”

  “You know I can hear you both, right? I have to admit, I’m offended, my dear sister. Do you really think I’d do anything to get on your bad side?”

  Marcella looked at him warily. “You’re a demon master. You do what is convenient for you.” She took a step closer to him. “If I let you into my fortress, you have to make me a promise now.”

  Zepar sat up. “Whatever you wish.”

  “You are not allowed to take any of the souls there besides the one Jason gives you. And this applies for the future, too. Not just tonight. You will never take any souls from me or my collectors. Or my potential followers, unless they choose you. Deal?”

  He nodded. “Deal.”

  “Good. To my room, then” She took a deep breath and walked over to Samael’s brother, grabbing his hand. Her room materialized before her, and Zepar laughed as he took in the expression on Ambrose’s surprised face. Samael and Dominic appeared right next to them.

  The door crashed open as Jason raced through, with Donavon right on his tail. “Dammit, Jason!” Her shifter mate was drenched in water from head to toe. They both slid to a stop as they noticed them standing there.

  “Marcella?” Ja
son took in Zepar. “What the hell is he doing here?”

  “I see you remember my brother,” Samael said, dryly. “You both did get along famously in the past.”

  Zepar crossed his arms over his chest. “Still the kid, I see. Nice to meet you, again.”

  Marcella stepped forward before they could start arguing. “Jason, I need you to turn Zepar into a collector.”

  Her other half slowly shook his head back and forth. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, Marcy. If you ask me, he’s not necessarily one of the good guys, if you know what I mean.” Jason began to circle around the demon master.

  “Good or not, it has to be done and I can’t do it.”

  “Why not?” Jason still wouldn’t stop staring at Zepar.

  “Because she’s pregnant,” Samael snapped. “Now do the change. We don’t have all night, and the faster my brother is out of here, the better. The last thing we need is someone coming to look for him.”

  “Wait. Screw Zepar.” A smile came to Jason’s mouth, and he walked over and pulled Marcella into his arms. “I knew it. Ambrose said you would be and I believed him.” His mouth pressed against hers. “Marcy, this is wonderful news.” His attention went to Samael. “Congratulations.” His large arms crushed Samael into his chest. “We’re all going to have a baby. Yes!”

  Donavon laughed and came over. “I’d hug you all, but I don’t think you want to get wet. I’m really happy. A baby is such a blessing.” He kneeled down before her. “May I?” His hand hovered over her stomach.

  “Be my guest. Although I think it’s a bit soon to feel anything, Donavon,” she laughed.

  “Oh, I’ll feel the baby’s energy. That’s more than enough.” His palm pressed against her stomach and the butterflies tickled her insides. “Oh yes. There it is.” He removed his hand and leaned his cheek against her stomach. So many times when they first met he’d done the same thing to detect whether or not she was telling the truth. He just knew things. She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as his hands locked around her hips and his face pressed against her.

  “All right. There’s plenty of time for this,” Samael, said. “Let’s do the change.”

  “Let Marcy stay with Ambrose and me,” Donavon begged. “I haven’t seen her in forever.”

  She nodded to Samael and he smiled. “Okay. We’ll be back. Careful with her,” he warned.

  Ambrose rolled his eyes and waved them away. “Come, lie on the bed and let us feel the baby. I want to see if I can feel his or her energy.” Ambrose flicked his wrist and Donavon was suddenly dry.

  Marcella crawled onto the large bed as Jason, Samael, Dom, and Zepar left the room. Her men moved to both her sides and she rested against the pillow. It sure felt good to be back home, surrounded by her men. She’d missed Donavon so much lately. They’d hardly gotten to spend time with each other, and she missed that.

  “Boy or girl?” Donavon asked Ambrose. The collector laughed as he moved his hand to hover over her stomach. “I think it’s too early to be for sure.” He paused and looked at Marcella. “Do you want it to be a surprise, or would you like to hear my prediction?”

  “Oh.” She twisted her mouth as she went over the options. “What the hell, tell me. This might be fun.”

  Ambrose pulled up her shirt and placed his hand on her stomach. As he closed his eyes, she could feel her heart accelerate. A smile came to his face, and she watched as his eyes moved back and forth behind his closed lids.

  “Well?” Marcella asked, anxiously.

  “A boy.” He laughed. “A very strong one at that.”

  “A boy,” Marcella whispered. “You think?”

  “He knows,” Donavon corrected. “Ambrose has yet to be wrong about anything. I trust what he says as if my life depended on it. If he believes you’re going to have a son, you are.” He smiled and maneuvered around Ambrose’s hand to kiss just above her hip. “Marcella, I’m so excited. You’re going to make an amazing mother.”

  Her heart exploded in happiness. “Thank you, Donavon. I’m going to try my hardest.” She placed her hands on his face. “I’m so glad I’ll be able to bring him into a home with so much love.”

  Ambrose laughed. “There’s plenty of that.” He lowered himself to lie down next to her. With caution, she watched as he picked up her left hand and ran his finger over hers. “Will you marry him this time?”

  Her eyes went to where the ring usually sat. “You know about that?”

  “I see how things are when you’re alone together. I know what lies in your heart.”

  Marcella shook her head. “No. I will not marry him if it means losing all of you.”

  The gold almost disappeared completely from Ambrose’s eyes as he narrowed them, curiously. “You think Samael would do that to you?”

  “I don’t know,” Marcella whispered.

  “Samael loves you,” Ambrose said, starting to smile. “I don’t think he’d hurt you because of vows. When a couple takes the step of marriage, it’s because they accept each other for who they are. Samael knows you wouldn’t give us up.”

  She gazed at Donavon. “You never tell me how you feel about anything. How do you view this situation?”

  The shifter rose to his elbows. “The way everything is going down. It’s supposed to, Marcella. All of this is meant to happen. How it ends or what transpires along the way, I embrace with open arms.”

  “You’ve come so far.” Marcella shook her head, stunned. “You used to be the most possessive, stubborn person I had ever met. Now…” She laughed. “You’re so accepting of our lives. It’s amazing.”

  “I remember dying for you in the past. It wasn’t a fast death. In those minutes I can remember wishing things between all of us had been different. The regret I had was extensive. We used to all fight each other all the time. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

  He paused and ran his fingers across the lowest part of her stomach. “If your relationship with Samael goes as far as marriage, then I will be happy for both of you. As long as you are allowed to still be with us, of course.”

  Marcella closed her eyes at the need Donavon was stirring within her. With Zepar in her fortress though, she wasn’t about to risk having them come back and find her in a sexual situation. He may have seen her life completely, and knew how things were, but she wasn’t going to let him witness it firsthand.

  “I should go check on them.” She sat up and pulled her shirt down. “I want to make sure the change goes over smoothly. I know Jason is fully capable of turning him, but I don’t trust Zepar to not try to do something stupid. If he does, I want to be there.”

  Ambrose grabbed Donavon’s hand. “We’ll go with you.” She nodded and imagined them in the room where she’d done the changes before.

  Darkness came into focus and candles flickered all around her. The wind was downright forceful. Samael came over and held her against his body as the strength increased by the second. Bright light started spinning at the ceiling. It was so intense that Marcella buried the side of her face against Samael’s lower chest.

  Jason yelled words toward the light, and they were nothing like the ones she’d used. She wasn’t sure where they came from, but she knew his collector was guiding him. As he lowered, she watched him slide a dagger down the demon master’s chest. Blood oozed from the wound and Jason’s tongue reached out and tasted it. Once again he stood, reciting words of the old religion. The blade sliced down Jason’s arm and he put it down to Zepar’s mouth.

  Bolts of lightning shot down to random spots of concrete in the circle, and the sight made Marcella jump. What had they done? Jason’s eyes were burning fire as he held Zepar’s gaze. She looked up to Samael, for the first time scared of their situation.

  “What’s happening?” She yelled up to him.

  Samael’s mouth opened and then closed as his eyes went back to his brother. “I don’t know.” His words were carried away by the whipping winds. Jason stood as Zepar’s body went rigid. The demon
master clutched his hands into fists and screamed out so deep that it sounded like the roar of Jason’s dragon.

  “What’s happening?” Dominic rushed over. “This isn’t like the other ones. I can feel a difference in the air.”

  “He’s too evil.” Ambrose’s collector eyes were glowing as he stared at Zepar. “Jason will never be able to cleanse him alone. He’s not powerful enough. Truthfully, I’m not sure any of us are. His body will reject the change. Tonight, Zepar dies.”

  Visions of their doom hit Marcella hard. If Zepar died, she knew his father wouldn’t stop until he figured out the source. And just as easily as Zepar had tracked them down, so would the Devil, himself. The wrath he would bring upon the fortress would be the end. There was no way she was strong enough yet. She needed more followers. More time to develop her powers.

  “No!” Marcella’s hand instinctively went to her stomach. She would not lose her baby. Not again.

  Screams continued to echo off the walls. Zepar tossed and turned, clutching his stomach. It was as if Jason had poisoned him. There was really no difference. Until she figured out a way to save his life, he would be eaten alive by Jason’s blood.

  She looked up to Samael and stepped away. The wind forced her to the right, but she held her ground. “Ambrose, Dom.” She reached for them. “We’ll give our blood, too. Together, with Jason’s blood, pray we’re strong enough to cleanse him.”

  Warmth grasped both of her hands. As the three of them stepped into the circle, Marcella felt her feet sweep out from underneath her. It was as if they’d stepped into hurricane-force winds. The men held on to her tight as they fought their way forward. Jason looked up panicked.

  “Pull up Zepar and cut our arms, Jason. He needs to drink from all of us.” The men held on to her as they all lowered. Zepar’s eyes were wide as he stared into her.

  “I’m dying,” he yelled. “You’re trying to kill me?”

  “No.” She paused. “But I will unless you heed my words.” An unknown force led her and flashes of Zepar took over. He was quick to turn his back on people, but that had to end. “If I save your life, you make me a promise, right here, before God himself.”