A Sacred Pact

by Michael Todd

  Her screams echoed through the empty tunnels of the sewer system, and reached the ears of the demons hiding below. They were low-level scavengers, and they were starving. Between her screams and the smell of her blood, she had their complete attention. They crept to the edge of the tunnel and peered at her. Their red eyes flashed, but they refused to come any closer. They knew she wasn’t human, and not just because she had purple skin and eight legs. They could sense that she was dangerous, and they could smell the remnants of departed demons radiating from her.

  Sasha’s eyes softened, then she grunted and her body morphed back into her human form. She clutched her stomach with one delicate hand and smiled at a small demon who had ventured into the tunnel. “Come here, little demon. I will not hurt you. I serve your master, and I need your help.”

  Her voice’s sweet tones were melodic and entrancing to the demons. She had a power in her voice that attracted them, a survival mechanism she rarely needed to use. Then again, she rarely found herself covered in sewage with a giant hole in her belly. The demon inched closer and Sasha smiled sweetly. She extended a bloody hand toward him.

  The beast pulled his claws in, wary, but he edged closer to sniff her fingers. He pulled back again, not convinced. She poured on the charm. “Oh, don’t fear me, small evil one. I am your friend.”

  The melody of her voice washed over the demon and his fears were calmed. The beast stepped just in reach of Sasha and instantly she had his arms in an iron grip. The demon shrieked as she morphed back to her purple spider form. She wrapped her legs around him and pulled him into a deadly embrace. Sasha breathed in deeply, inhaling the demonic energy. As she exhaled, her moans shook the very stone of the sewer tunnels around them. The other demons scurried off; they had seen the death that awaited them.

  She breathed in again and the demon’s energy left his body like a mist, flowing upward into her nostrils. With every pull the demon wheezed, his body shriveling into a gray husk. With one final breath, the husk burst into dust in her arms. She let out a last deep moan and dropped her arms. She relaxed her huge body against the wall, where it twisted and morphed back into her human shape. She lifted her shirt, examining her stomach.

  All remnants of the wound were gone. Even the blood had dried. She burped and giggled, slowly lowering herself back into the water below. She put one hand out and held on to the wall as she stumbled. She was still weak. One demon wasn’t enough to fully heal her. She could still feel pain deep within her body.

  “I need more,” she snarled as she turned the corner.

  A low growl came from Sasha’s chest. The other demons scrambled away from her, hurrying down the tunnel. She stood up straight and put all of her arms out. “Come out, come out, wherever you are,” she sang. “Momma’s gonna get herself some revenge.”

  13

  “Are we even going to be able to get into this club?” Angie asked. She tugged down on the bottom of her short red bodycon dress.

  Timothy swatted her hand and sashayed down the Las Vegas strip. “Uh, duh. Of course, we are.”

  Katie eyed Angie’s rear. “Your cheeks are hanging out, they should let you in and buy you a drink.”

  Sofia was dressed in a calf-length white pencil skirt that clung tightly to her curves. Her white top had a plunging neckline that revealed her formidable cleavage. She walked confidently in her six-inch platform heels, her small veil fluttering behind her. “Are you sure? It’s the most prestigious women’s strip club in the city.”

  Stephanie and Katie looked at each other with an evil smirk. Stephanie walked a bit faster, latching arms with Sofia. She had on wide-leg palazzo dress pants, black and white strappy heels, and a tight V-neck top. “Timothy is a fabulous gay man who happens to be a mercenary. He can get in just about anywhere.”

  Timothy swished his gray cashmere scarf over one shoulder of his perfectly pressed pinstriped Armani suit and patted down his blue ascot. “Girl, yes. They know me here.”

  Katie chuckled. She felt good in her short black dress. There were laces up the front, stopping just below her tits. Pandora sniffed for several moments. You look fabulous tonight. I am jealous I can’t come out and play.

  Katie glanced at the people parting for them as they strutted down the sidewalk. Everyone knows who we are. I’m pretty sure some of them would freak out if you were in the flesh.

  Pandora sighed. Fine, I’ll just enjoy the man show through your eyes. You’re welcome by the way.

  Katie wrinkled her forehead. For what?

  For loaning you my curves.

  Katie looked down. Her breasts were straining the laces, and her skirt was riding up her thighs. Good Lord, I’m going to see strippers, not become one.

  Hey, you’d make mad cash.

  Katie chuckled. I don’t think that’s allowed for angels. I might get stripped of my wings.

  They followed Timothy past the long line to the club and up to the door. Before he even reached the entrance, the doorman stepped to one side and opened the door. Timothy blew him a kiss and shoved a few hundred-dollar bills into his front pocket. As they entered, they were ushered to a VIP table in the corner. Several bottles of liquor were lined up on the table, and several strippers were lined up waiting to dance for them.

  As everyone sat down, Katie handed out rolls of one-dollar bills tied with white ribbons. “Have fun, ladies.”

  Stephanie began to pour shots. She handed one to Sofia, who waved her hand. “Oh, none for me.”

  Stephanie’s mouth dropped open. “But it’s your bachelorette party. That’s sacrilege.”

  Sofia laughed nervously. “I want to be at my best tomorrow.”

  Katie narrowed her eyes at Sofia but let it go. It was her night, after all, and she thought it was pretty smart to keep her wits about her. Timothy got the party started, pulling Stephanie up to the stage. He began to fan himself with his money. “Do you hear that?”

  Stephanie shook her head. “What?”

  “Nothing. I’m gawking at man-flesh, and there’s no voice in my head. It’s heavenly.”

  Angie rolled her eyes and went after them, not all that enthused about the show. Katie chuckled and sat down next to Sofia, sipping a glass of champagne.

  Katie had never been a big fan of the whole banana hammock thing, but she was there to make sure they had a good time. Looking at Sofia, though, her mind was on a bit more than flying dicks. “You okay, girl?”

  Stephanie looked back at them, and Katie caught her eye. She nonchalantly motioned for Stephanie to join her. Stephanie told Timothy she’d be back and skipped over, sitting to Sofia’s other side. Stephanie gave her a look. “What’s wrong, girl? You’re at a strip club!”

  Sofia smiled sweetly. “I know, and I will loosen up. I guess I’m just a bit nervous about the wedding.”

  Stephanie stuck out her bottom lip and wrapped her arms around Sofia. “Aww, baby girl. There is nothing to be nervous about. You already know you want to be with this man. You already know that even if you hadn’t gotten engaged, you would still be together. Marriage is just another step. You’re just telling each other that there’s real commitment there. You will grow stronger and closer with Calvin by being his wife. It’s really amazing how it happens. You share everything. There will always be arguments, weird ones you can’t even imagine, but over time you become one with that person.”

  Sofia took Stephanie’s hand and grinned. “I hope you are right. I love Calvin very much, and I am ready to start a life with him. I really am. I guess the pre-wedding jitters are setting in.”

  Stephanie squeezed her hand. “Don’t let them. You are at your bachelorette party! You need to be free and have fun. Don’t think about this as the last night of your single life. Think about it as it is, a celebration of you. A celebration of this strong and beautiful woman who is moving from one amazing place in her life to the next.”

  Sofia took Katie’s hand too. “Thank you so much for welcoming me into the fold and being there for me. Not just for
me, but for Calvin too. I don’t think it’s the fighting he is scared to leave. I think it’s his family.”

  Pandora cleared Katie’s throat and pushed forward. “This is Pandora. As a previously married woman, I thought I would weigh in.”

  Katie sighed. “Go ahead, Pandora.”

  Pandora was proud. “Be excited—you are officially a one-wang woman from now on! Even if it is Calvin’s.”

  Katie pushed Pandora back. “I think that’s about enough from the gallery. Don’t listen to her.”

  Pandora struggled back out. “Calvin may have lost his demon energy, but he’s got that big-dick energy in spades.”

  Sofia giggled but shook her head. “It is kind of true. I am a one-dick gal from now on, not that I haven’t been this entire time. That doesn’t scare me in the least. Calvin and I have an intense attraction to one another.”

  Stephanie nodded. “Nor should it scare you. Getting married doesn’t mean your sex life is over. It’s actually quite the contrary, or can be. The two of you will be able to really open up and take care of each other. You will be surprised what kind of shenanigans you can get into once you feel completely comfortable with one another. Some of the best sex of my life has been since I tied the knot with Korbin. We have no reservations.”

  Timothy walked up and began fanning himself again as Stephanie talked. Both Sofia and Katie stared at her with raised eyebrows. Timothy let out a whistle. “Well, if no one else will say it, I will. What in God’s name are you two kids getting into late at night?”

  Stephanie smirked. “Who says it’s late at night?”

  “Ooh, girl!” Timothy cooed, feigning a faint.

  Stephanie giggled and shook her head. “Some things are better left between the two of us.”

  Sofia giggled. “Looks like Angie has loosened up.”

  Everyone looked at Angie, who was putting several bills into a stripper’s G-string. Timothy clapped his hands. “I gots to get in on some of that chocolate action.”

  The girls laughed as Timothy threw up his hands and ran over, slapping a stack of dollar bills on the dance floor. “Dance, baby, dance. Yes! Shake that booty.”

  Stephanie’s eyes went wide. “I think by getting rid of his demon, we might have released the demon.”

  Sofia pursed her lips. “Mmmhmm. That boy is sexo-enloquecido. Sex-crazed.”

  Stephanie turned back to Sofia. “Do you feel better now? I want you to shake those nerves out and enjoy yourself. You are almost there, almost to that life that the two of you desperately want to have. Why not enjoy the last bit of your night before donning the gown?”

  Sofia nodded and hugged Stephanie, turning to Katie. “Do you think Calvin is all right? I mean, he is still recovering, so I don’t want him to go too wild.”

  Katie laughed and nodded as Angie walked up. “What’s up?”

  “Sofia asked if we thought Calvin would be all right. Because he is still recovering.”

  Angie barked out laughter. “Oh, girl, trust me—the boys are having their own fun. Do not worry about him. They’re going to take care of him. You need to stop focusing on that and focus on the crazy polka dot banana hammock on stage. Who knew you could swirl that thing like helicopter blades.”

  All the girls looked over as a dancer started to swing it around again. Simultaneously they all tilted their heads to the right, getting a much better view.

  The music pumped wildly as Juntto pushed through the crowded club. He had chosen the look of some male model he’d seen in one of Angie’s magazines but was starting to regret the decision. Girls were trailing him like ducklings when all he wanted to do was hang out with the guys and celebrate Calvin. They had gotten a VIP private room in the back of the club so they could chill. They could dance if they wanted, but they still had their own space. It was definitely working out well, and they were having a blast.

  Juntto stood at the bar and nodded at the bartender. “Seven shots of Patron, please. No limes necessary.”

  The bartender nodded and poured the shots. Juntto handed him a hundred. “Keep the change.”

  He gathered the shots up in his big hands and held them high, weaving back through the crowd. “Excuse me. Coming through. Alcohol call for the bachelor!”

  Finally, he made it back to the VIP room and stopped in his tracks. It was a massacre. The men were spread out in the booth and across the big table. Brock, his three teammates, Korbin, and Calvin had passed out and were drooling on themselves. Calvin was clutching his crutches to his chest and twitching slightly in his sleep.

  Juntto sighed and set the shots down. He thought about waking them up, but they were done for. No sense in letting good alcohol go to waste. He downed the shots himself, one at a time. He toasted Calvin with each shot.

  After the last one, he slammed the shot glass on the table upside-down. He sighed at his unconscious friends. “Humans cannot hold their liquor.”

  The girls cheered loudly. They were lined up on either side of Timothy, who seemed to know his way around a strip club. He put the dollar in his teeth and the stripper chuckled, hopping down and sitting on the edge of the stage. He put his arms out, and everyone followed along. They each tucked a bill in their teeth and used their mouths to tuck it into his G-string. Even Katie got in on the action, laughing through it.

  Timothy looked at Katie with surprise. “This is the first time I have ever seen this sister going wild. It’s definitely a good look on you.”

  Katie shrugged. “Everybody’s gotta let loose sometimes, right? Otherwise, I would be boring as hell.”

  Everyone cheered and Sofia laughed. “You guys are amazing. Best bachelorette party ever.”

  Katie took a shot. “Oh, girl, this shit is just getting started!”

  Pandora cleared her throat. Can I please take over your body?

  You were going to watch through me for your own good.

  Just for a little while? Pleeeeaaassse?

  Katie groaned. I don’t know. Can I trust you not to make a scene or get us thrown out?

  Pandora began to get excited. Yes. Yes. Yes. I promise. Angel’s honor.

  Katie wasn’t convinced, but she figured Pandora couldn’t possibly get them in that much trouble. Okay, but only for a little while!

  Pandora cheered. Yay! Here I come!

  Katie glanced at Stephanie. “Pandora is taking over. Just giving everybody warning.”

  Stephanie clapped her hands. “Oh, yay!”

  Katie pointed at a passing stripper. “That warning goes double for you.”

  “Huh?”

  Katie shut her eyes as Pandora pushed to the front. She had changed Katie’s body to hers at the beginning of the night, so outwardly you couldn’t tell that much of a difference, especially in the club lights. She looked down at the stack of money in her hands and gave Stephanie an evil smile. “Oh, girl, this is going to be fun.”

  Pandora waved one of the strippers over to her, and he danced across the stage. She looked at the others and waved them over too. She reached up with the bills and began putting them in the dancers’ G-strings. “You get a dollar, and you get a dollar. And you. You get two dollars, sweet cheeks.” She slapped the dancer’s ass playfully.

  The stripper wagged a finger at her. “Naughty girl. Settle down there.”

  As the night wore on, Pandora got wilder. A few of the dancers were afraid to dance for her. Finally, Timothy had to drag her back to the table. “You can’t be so handsy. They are about to throw you out.”

  “For one little squeeze?” Pandora scoffed drunkenly. “They are no fun.”

  Timothy giggled and wrapped his arm around Pandora. “That is for damn sure, girl. Oh Lord, they made a mistake letting us unruly assholes up in here tonight.”

  Pandora pointed at Stephanie and Angie, who were leaning against Sofia. “It looks like everyone but Sofia is pretty much wasted. Lightweights. I guess we should get these bitches out of here before they pass out and embarrass me.”

  Timothy rolled hi
s eyes and groaned as he pulled himself from the booth. “You are right. I believe this party has reached its peak. The only one still standing is the lovely bride.”

  “Can I bring one home?”

  “Sorry, girl. No picking up strays tonight. Katie would never forgive me.”

  Sofia giggled as she scooted out of the booth. “The limo should be parked about a block down. You think we can get these testy bitches back to it?”

  Timothy lifted Angie and put his hand around her waist. “We better, ‘cause I ain’t sleeping in no strip club. Girl, bye with that dirty nonsense.”

  Sofia went to reach for Stephanie, but Pandora shook her head. “Please, allow me.” She pulled the drunk woman to her feet.

  Sofia followed them out of the strip club, laughing as they zigzagged into the street. They took a few steps, and Stephanie stumbled against a wall. “Okay. Okay. Let me catch my feet.”

  “You caught them, but they’ve been drinking, too.”

  She giggled, leaning against the wall for a deep breath of fresh air. Everyone stopped and stood there a moment to regain their composure.

  “Well, look at what we have here. A bunch of bitches just standing around doing nothing. That’s really cute.” Three guys walked up wearing leather jackets, jeans, and calf-high boots.

  Pandora waved them away drunkenly. “Get the hell out of here. We don’t need your shit tonight.”

  The guy with the mustache snarled. “Mouthy bitch. I’ll do whatever the fuck I damn well please, how about that?”

  Another guy stepped up. “I second that motion.”

  All three men pulled out guns, and the women froze. Pandora raised her hands, and the others followed suit. “Very good. You know your place. I want all of you to empty your wallets and hand over all that very fine jewelry you are wearing.”

  One of the guys ran his finger across Sofia’s cheek and she pulled away, her hands still in the air. No one moved to take off their jewelry. The mustachioed man looked at them like they were crazy. “Did you not fucking hear what I just said? Money and jewelry, now!”