Sekhet

  Shaking his head angrily, Lucifer stalked off in the direction of the principal throne in the room, its back on the verge of touching the ceiling, tributaries streaming out in elegant fluid movements, ending always in an impaling spike of despondency, its cushions, red as blood, while the armrests showed where his nails had dug in more than once since its crafting.

  “Do you know how many ‘newborns’ I have been dealing with in the last thousand years? I’ll tell you how many, since you weren’t here – 6,274,023. Pinching the bridge of his nose he inhaled agitatedly, “Make that twenty-four.”

  “Please tell me.” Scurlock moved to him now, hand outstretched, pleading for the answer he had been dreading.

  “Tell you what?”

  “Is she here?”

  “Who? Sekhet? Of course she is here, I summoned her.”

  “No,” his voice trembled and he kicked himself for his weakness. “Jess.”

  “Why do you grow so attached to these…mortals? Eventually, they will die and you will move on. Why continue to make them a part of your private war?”

  “Is she here?”

  “No!” The roar made the walls tremble. “She is not here! Now can we please move on to more pressing matters?”

  “Thank God.” As soon as the word left his lips, Scurlock knew it was too late to defend himself. His feet no longer touched the ground. As he smashed into the wall with a thump, the room transformed to far-reaching smoldering heated flames.

  “How dare you speak that name here!” Lucifer bellowed, wings outstretched, muscles rippled down along his abdomen, veins bulging, mouth frothing as his anger exploded.

  “Forgive me, my Prince.” Kneeling before the Lord of the Underworld, head bowed in obeisance, eyes closed, Scurlock waited for the onslaught.

  “Now,” Lucifer said calmly, sitting down on is throne, “about these other pressing matters…”

  Opening his eyes, chancing a glance in Lucifer’s general direction, Scurlock was surprised to see Lucifer as he looked when Scurlock had arrived, only, this time, Lucifer was taking an extra moment to make sure his hair was neatly in place before continuing.

  So she is safe, Scurlock thought.

  “Yes, she is safe, if that makes you feel any better, considering she had her throat slit because you stayed there for too long. Why would you even assume she would have ended up here? She was possessed, something we both know your true wife gets pleasure in. Let’s just call it what it is, shall we? It is a messed-up pastime of Sekhet’s, and as much as it has over the years grown tiresome to some, myself included, it seems to keep her from doing worse things.”

  “Worse? Jess was my true wife,” Scurlock mumbled, not caring that Lucifer heard him.

  “And how many has that been now?” Lucifer slapped a hand hard on the arm of his throne just as Lilith sailed in in all her glory, throwing him a look that said, Go easy, lover. A white gown clung to her body, displaying womanly curves beneath the satin fabric. Lucifer’s eyes never blinked once as she made her way around the room. It almost made Scurlock laugh, but the whole display was of ownership over a creature who declared herself unrestricted in such matters.

  Swathed securely about her face, from hairline to where it gathered at the nape of her long silken-skinned neck, was ethereal white lace, which made her look every bit a goddess in the books scholars shoved down the throats of their students. She handed him a glass filled with what Scurlock knew to be the best wine in all the realms, accompanied by a tight embrace and a whispered warning to tread carefully.

  Sekhet had outgrown her welcome with Lilith centuries ago, but as Queen of the Underworld, Lilith’s job was not to deal with demons who believed themselves untouchable. Her job was to keep the man who ran the show level headed and gratified, which was her specialty and the reason his eyes still hadn’t left her.

  “Tell me, Scurlock, what has become of you?” Her voice was soft, almost singing, as the words floated out from behind her lace barrier.

  “Lilith, my Queen, do you mind?” The words split the air between them. As always Lucifer was choosing not to hide the fact that he and Scurlock were not on the best of terms. “We are in the middle of a conversation and well…you are interrupting.”

  “You should have no problem with me being here for this conversation, considering he is one of mine, not yours…dear.”

  Lucifer rose, shoulders rolling, displaying the upper part of his wings. He took two steps in her direction and spoke one word quietly and slowly: “Leave.”

  Her hands had already found their way to his well-shaped chest, palms open wide, accompanied by a smile that ensnared his eyes and held them just long enough for her to sense him relax under her fingertips. “Maybe when you are finished with him then? There are things I need to discuss with him in private about the matter of a certain witch.” She shot Scurlock a look. “She has been dabbling in the dark arts and I have grown curious about this young woman. You would refuse me what I request?”

  “Of course not, sweets.”

  Scurlock had to conceal his grin behind his hand upon hearing the pet name which had fallen upon her this time. The previous was darling, before that, to Scurlock’s hilarity, was dearest pet, and his favorite by far, honeypot. Scurlock wondered if Lucifer even realized what a honeypot was, but Scurlock chose not to address the issue, considering from the look on Lilith’s face, she knew all too well and got immense amusement from it.

  “You can have his full attention, once he and I catch up.” Lucifer indicated Scurlock.

  Pulling Lilith to him, Lucifer ripped the lace from her face, kissing her as she drenched his senses until he could hardly breathe. “You are an incandescent masterpiece of splendor.”

  While it was downright awkward to watch the two most powerful entities outside of Heaven, Scurlock wanted to know what Lucifer had been about to tell him before this distraction, however, exquisite, had arrived.

  “What is it that is so important?” Scurlock thought, cursing Lucifer wordlessly, knowing Lucifer could understand that, too.

  Breaking away from Lilith, Lucifer’s eyes narrowed.

  “You don’t like what I have to say, don’t listen to my thoughts,” Scurlock said. “This matter of great importance can’t be that crucial or you would have summoned me, instead of waiting for my return.”

  As Lilith floated out of the room, Lucifer said, “Well, you were too mad to speak to without smashing your head in, so I thought it better to wait.”

  “How considerate.” Rubbing his neck, Scurlock asked what the issue was.

  “Your senseless children.”

  This was enough for Scurlock’s mouth to fall open.

  “How many have you bred, brainless enough to destroy themselves because of an evil stepmother?” Again the mockery in Lucifer’s voice cut through the air.

  “None.” The nerve of Scurlock’s answer singed like a scorching razor blade.

  “Goodie,” Lucifer replied, sarcastically, clapping his hands as he moved, ushering Scurlock to follow. “You will speak to Sekhet before you leave. Regardless of your feelings right now, she has given you enough time to get this…” motioning with his hand in a circular fashion “…fetish…” coming to a complete stop, he took Scurlock by the shoulders, shaking him gently, “…for these humans out of your system. By the way, I know of Lucy’s plan to find her way to the Otherworld.”

  “I… I don’t care where she goes. She is not the one that interests me.”

  Lucifer walked out onto the balcony.

  “Lucifer, please…” Scurlock could hear the pain in his own voice as he watched his Lord turn toward him with punishment in his eyes.

  “You will go back there, restore whatever it is that would be deemed normal living to these people within this private war you have caused, and then you will return here. Do I make myself clear? This game of yours must stop! As much as I love to see those who would wish me to fall, I thought by now both you and Sekhet would have grown drained of aggravating o
ne another.”

  “My Lord.” Bowing his head in defeat, Scurlock knew the subject was closed. He would give the good chief his body back, the real Jack Budrow would continue to raise his children as was expected, Aileen would be back to herself, Lizzie would be safe, but Jess would still be dead, murdered by an unknown intruder. Sekhet had won once again.

  ***

  “Tell me about her.”

  Lilith motioned Scurlock to take the chair directly in front of her, allowing herself the satisfaction of watching him lie, if he so elected to. He thought she was asking about Aileen, but she was not. What was it she wished to understand concerning Molly? Had she wanted him to destroy Molly, out of concern that the young witch’s abilities would someday cause a problem? Then again, who was he kidding? This was Lilith. She would be compelled to be enthusiastic about Molly’s ever-developing desire for power, not against it.

  Even so, he recoiled slightly from her offer to sit and began to squirm in his own skin. He had thought twice before taking the seat, crossing legs, trying to display a controlled and unvarying temperament.

  Her eyes were ablaze with excitement as she clasped her fingers linked in her lap. Presuming him to be stupid enough to accept as truth that she possessed no knowledge of Molly was absurd. Only he would under no circumstances tell her so.

  “What would you wish to know?” His question was lighthearted as he watched her face light up. This made him wonder if she got this excited about every supernatural born with demon skills. Especially powers acquired through her own bloodline.

  “Don’t tease me, Scurlock.” Laughing, she sat back, folding her arms, one eyebrow arched. “Well…?”

  “She is a sharp-witted young woman with a desire to advance in what she has been educated in since birth. The girl yearns for powers surpassing all around her. Yet as much as she desires this, it terrifies her.”

  Lilith nodded thoughtfully. “Do you think she will succeed?”

  “In learning the dark arts?” Scurlock leaned forward, rubbing his chin. “Yes, without a doubt.” Stopping himself, he sat back against the cushioned rest. “But what reason would there be for her doing such a thing? She has more than enough skills to live her life as she was born to live it.”

  “So you are telling me you had no idea her mother is a witch? Her grandmother is a powerful witch? Never deem me unwise!” she barked, standing with a jolt. “If she continues to dabble in the dark arts and succeeds, her risk will be great.”

  “You assume she hasn’t already done enough to have that decision made for her? You have seen what she has done! She has called Sehket!” Scurlock was throwing his arms out in a demonstration. “She will descend when her time comes. There is no stopping it.”

  “Sekhet, ” Lilith muttered. “Lucifer gives her far too much leeway for her own good. He lets her get away with murder.”

  CHAPTER 25

  Turning Point

  Sekhet followed his footsteps down the corridor leading to the chambers that only a few – and far between – had ever entered. His sanctuary, even from Lilith, when things were not running as smoothly as he would like, for even Lilith knew when to leave well enough alone.

  “Tell me what you need, Lucifer.”

  “Well now, Sekhet, I would think that would be obvious.” He watched her eyes glow with the notion of destroying yet another of Scurlock’s children. Snorting, he dragged her out of her thoughts of torture and dismemberment. As his fingers moved back and forth in front of her eyes, Sekhet hunched up her shoulders with the slightest of motions. Not noticeable to anyone who didn’t know the demon as he did, and for a moment, he longed to give her what she wanted, only he wouldn’t. “What I need is for you to leave Molly alone.”

  “But she made a deal–” Sekhet began.

  Lucifer let out a roar that stopped her cold. His own plan and happiness were worth more to him than hers, but she would get over it and forgive him. She always forgave him, would always protect him, and would follow him into the deepest depths to keep him safe even from himself.

  “But you said…”

  “Technically, Sekhet, I have never actually said anything.”

  She stopped in mid-breath, watching as his strong back arched, shoulders rolling while his wings bunched up uncomfortably. Her choice to not reply was a wise decision, but her agitation was evident as he opened doors leading out onto one of the highest balconies in the fortress.

  “Do you know, Sekhet, that I walked alone in darkness for centuries? A victim of circumstance, if you will.” His fingers spun in a circular motion as he spoke, almost a whisper, in fear that someone might hear his next words. “My father ripped the wings from my back, destroying everything I was, just because of a difference of opinion. For so long, I assumed myself doomed for all eternity, stuck in a world so unlike the one I had been born to. Then she came, Lilith, and she brought a chance to get even with those who betrayed me.”

  Shaking his head, his chin lowered to his chest and his wings finally unraveled, relaxing, wide and beautiful, by his sides. “But I was wrong. This…” he continued, arms outstretched, “this is greater than any world he could have imagined when He cast me out.” Turning slightly, just enough for her to catch a fleeting glance of his destroyed face, Lucifer smiled. “I want the mother.”

  “Lucy? But why? The young witch has so much more to offer.”

  “On the contrary, who do you assume she learned such things from?” Winking at her, he placed both hands on the stone balustrade, spreading his palms wide, displaying well sculpted, long fingers.

  “You do realize she is already trapped between worlds? Why not just go and take her?

  “Well, yes, there is that.” Turning to face Sekhet directly, Lucifer said, “But I want the girl to come on her own accord.”

  “The girl? Why are you speaking in riddles? So you do want Molly?”

  “Of course, I want her, and I will collect her myself, if I have to. The thing is my exquisite and somewhat psychotic wife would like this young witch to be left to her own devices. She apparently brings Lilith great amusement. What I am saying is that I am returning Scurlock to Twisp.”

  Sehket was shocked.

  Leaning back now, folding his arms across his thick chest, he said, “He has been careless of late.”

  Chuckling, in her intense voice, Sekhet said, “You don’t expect me to believe that you haven’t enjoyed your new little additions, do you?”

  Lucifer’s voice rose an octave as mockery laced his every word. “Let us be honest with one another, my little demon friend. Do you really believe for a second that a member of the supernatural world would have no idea who she was mating with?”

  It took Sekhet a moment to comprehend his words. Snarling with fury, Sekhet growled, “That scheming bitch!”

  Grabbing her by the shoulders, shaking her, Lucifer roared, “No! You will not go for her! I forbid it!”

  “I never…” Lowering her head in shame that she would think to go against his command, Sekhet nodded once in acceptance.

  “After all, as you yourself said, mother dearest is trapped between worlds and unable to communicate with anyone but that necromancer.” Lucifer frowned when he thought of Victor. “The likes of him should be blacklisted. I mean, it is preposterous when you think about it. What a sick hoax to play on troubled, gullible souls, to think they are passing over to where they belong. Eh, hello! If He doesn’t want them, who do they think He sends them to?”

  Taking a bottomless breath, he tried to shake off his frustration. “Okay, fine, that was probably a little disingenuous, considering this necromancer has been right so far with his ghost friends, but mark my words, he will mess up eventually. They all do, let’s call it an employment hazard.”

  Sekhet had to smile, thinking about Victor messing up. Hopefully, it would be Lucy.

  “I would like you to not go about this in a sleazy, lurking in the shadows, he tricked me kind of way, Sekhet, although those do end up with the most sensation
al results, and really are so much fun. No, she must be a …” He pointed to her to finish his sentence.

  “Victim of circumstance.”

  “Yes!” Clapping his hands, with a chuckle, he pinched Sekhet’s cheeks as if she were still a youngster, this of course coinciding with his own childlike behavior, which they had all grown accustomed to. “Besides, when I call Molly here, Lilith will show a side of herself I just adore.”

  CHAPTER 26

  The Deal

  Blackness had fallen beyond Molly’s bedroom window, generating a sense of trepidation for what was about to come. Tonight was the night of the almost full moon, when they would try to bring Lucy back to life. Veronica at this very moment was out in the garden to aid Victor and Daniel, who by now had begun arranging Lucy’s body, getting ready for Veronica’s left-handed magic.

  Molly sat on her bed watching as Joe’s breathing began to resemble some kind of normalcy. His skin still burned with fever, although the fiery hot ruddiness had faded an adequate amount, so that he looked to have a bad sunburn. Her desire to touch him was overwhelming; only Molly’s fear of what would happen if she did keep her from doing it.

  There had been a point in time where all she had wanted was for him to invite her out for a drink; now in this moment, all she yearned for was for him to open his eyes and for them to be that deep-set brown and not the blood red they had been while he was under Sekhet’s demonic power. All she wanted was for Joe to be okay. And her mother.

  The first time she and Joe had gone out together, they had gone to Pikes Place Market, where she bought flowers every week, enjoyed the fish-throwing show (not that she bought any fish) and put a few coins in Rachel, the famous 550-pound bronze cast piggy bank, since the money went to good causes, and patted her on her golden head for luck. Joe had been wearing a T-shirt that day that she had never seen him wear before – a cat’s face printed on the front and white writing: This is my happy face. Molly remembered thinking it was the ugliest cat she had ever seen.