Her heart pounded against her chest and her breath became labored. Something in his eyes worried her. Her body reacted with a cold shiver that ran down her spine.
“They … were evil, like you.”
“Were they? Or were they under my compulsion?” He moved closer with steady, casual steps until she could smell his cologne. “Did you ever stop to wonder? Would you have cared?”
The ground beneath her feet became unsteady, or was it the violent shaking in her legs? She hadn’t stopped to consider if they were under a spell before she incinerated each and every one of them. Self-preservation had been her only thought. That, and escaping the demon. Had she really murdered a group of innocents? Would she do it again under similar circumstances?
“Face it, Evangeline. Your vampire has sworn to protect the innocent. It’s either you or him now. One of you must die.”
His arrogant expression sickened her. Had this been his plan all along?
“You smug bastard. You forced me to kill those people just to piss off Chris.”
Slapping his thigh, he laughed. “Of course I did, my dear. That, and instigating your disagreement at the bar. Unfortunately, instead of witnessing you killing the thug, he managed to talk you out of it. Damn shame.”
Tears burned behind her eyes as she shook her head. “All this, just to punish Chris for killing Dad?”
The laughter stopped abruptly. “You think this is about your vampire?”
“I…” If not Chris, who? “You ordered me to kill him. I thought—”
“Killing your lover is a test of your obedience. He is inconsequential.”
Blood pounded in her head making his words even harder to understand. Wasn’t this all about Chris? Hadn’t he insinuated that the metal scroll inside the medallion had been a curse on him?
“You look confused.” After a quick glance at his watch, he added, “we still have a few hours before the vampires are at full strength. Ask me. Ask me the question that has twisted your beautiful face into a mask of worry lines, then you’ll understand why you have no choice but to obey me.”
No choice? Surely there was always a choice? At the very least, she could stall his plans. Maybe drag out the questions until the household awoke.
“The medallion contained a curse tablet.” With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and stared into his eyes. “What was written on the scroll?”
“Ah, at last. The two-million-dollar question.” His smile sickened her to her stomach, but he appeared content to answer. Maybe even eager. “Your father was egotistical to the point of gullible. When he heard that the great Christoff Berg was hunting him, he tried to make another bargain with me. I promised that he would not die if he allowed me to enter his body. Of course, once inside, I obliterated all that was left of him.”
“So, you lied to him.” Why did that not surprise her?
“Haven’t you heard? Demons are notorious tricksters. If he was half the mage he imagined himself to be, he would have known that only I would benefit from the pact.”
What a stupid man her father must have been. Vain and power hungry. She hoped that he burned in hell for what he’d done to her and especially her mother. Chris did the right thing, killing him. But things still didn’t add up. Arms crossed over her chest, she probed for more answers.
“You still haven’t answered my question. If it wasn’t a curse on Chris, what was on the scroll?”
With a wave of his hand, the locket appeared in his palm. He opened it, took out the scroll, carefully unrolled it with his fingertips and read it aloud.
“Let her life bring me glory. Let her blood give you life.”
The strength left her legs. She dropped to the ground, beside the dagger, unable to move. Her life? Her blood? Had her father really planned to sacrifice her for power? The demon showed no concern for her despair. Why should he? He circled her, staring down as if confused by her reaction to the writing on the tablet.
“A binding contract. You belong to me.”
“But…”
“You want to know why you weren’t sacrificed? After I seized your father’s body, I had no use for you. However, with news of Berg’s impending arrival, I had to take precautions. I sealed the tablet inside the medallion and, after my untimely death, I waited in the ether for you to break the seal.”
As she lifted her chin to face him, she knew that her fate had been sealed along with the tablet. “Why all the drama? The library, the restaurant? You sent those people after me. You played with my mind and my body. Why not just take me over and be done with it?”
He touched his finger to his nose. “Ah, that’s the real problem.” As he motioned with his palms, her body rose in the air and she landed on her feet. “You see, I can’t simply take over a body, especially someone as powerful and … shall we say, pig-headed as you.”
A glimmer of hope raised her blood pressure, the adrenaline empowered her to act. “Then that’s that. Piss off and leave me alone.”
She raised both arms. Electricity crackled at her fingertips as she pointed to him. The demon’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened to form an O shape, but his words didn’t have time to escape before he sailed through the air and down the garden steps. She followed him, lifted him, and hurled him against the jagged rocks at the edge of the beach. Again, and again, he slammed into the sharp edges, his bones cracking, his blood weeping into large pools at his feet.
As he tried to shimmer away, she threw his battered body into the water, far out to sea. For a moment, only bubbles disturbed the calm water, then, an arm reached upward, followed by his head. He gasped for air. Terror widened his eyes. She looked in the direction of his gaze as a fin broke the surface and began to circle. When it disappeared under the water, she held her breath, wishing and hoping it would finish the job she’d started. With a mighty leap, the shark torpedoed up, engulfing the body, lifting him into the air, before plunging back into the deep.
She dropped to the sand as a torrent of red foam bubbled to the surface. It was over.
Chapter Nine
“One hundred dollars for a pair of jeans? You’ve got to be shitting me?”
The saleswoman gasped and looked to Christoff for, what he suspected was support. He tried to hide his amusement. Neither he, nor the woman had any chance of besting Evangeline in a battle of wits.
“The price is quite reasonable for the quality, Miss.”
Evangeline turned to Christoff. “She’s trying to rip you off, Chris. I could buy five pairs for the same price on the other side of town.”
The woman opened her mouth to speak, but Christoff silenced her with an ice-cold stare. He’d spent a fortune in this store over the years. Is she wanted her commission, she’d better remember … the customer is always right. Forcing a smile, the saleswoman excused herself under the premise of finding more clothes for her belligerent customer to try on.
When she’d left, Evangeline continued her protest as she tugged at his sleeve.
“Seriously. Let’s go.”
“We’ll go, after we’ve replaced all of your old clothes.” He crossed his arms, hoping that she’d give up and accept her fate. They’d be leaving with new clothes.
“Fine.” She leaned in close, her eyes wide, her chin jutting forward. “If that’s the case, you’d better take me to Old Navy or Ross’s. Better still, a Goodwill store. That’s where I bought my old clothes.”
“Humor me.” He caught her chin between his finger and thumb and pulled her in for a short kiss. “I had to pull a few strings to have the store open late. At least try on some of the clothes.”
Before she could answer, the saleswoman returned with an armful of clothes and disappeared into the changeroom.
Evangeline rolled her eyes and mouthed an expletive at him before joining her.
He sat back in the large, comfortable guest chair and contemplated his future. The last few days had been joyful and, thankfully, uneventful. Other than complaining about the fit of the bo
rrowed clothing, Evangeline had seemed happy and untroubled. They’d made arrangements to collect her mother’s remains from the funeral home and find a suitable place for her ashes. If the demon had contacted her, she’d kept the information to herself. Still, he worried. Why had the attacks on Evangeline suddenly ceased? What was it planning? When asked, she’d told him that she didn’t expect to see the demon again, but she refused to elaborate. He’d watched for signs and saw none. Why then did he have a sinking feeling that the worst was yet to come?
****
“That saleswoman must rub her hands together in glee when you walk in her store.”
Despite her annoyance, she couldn’t help but feel excited about her new clothes. Finally, after three days of agony, she’d be able to wear something without little flowers or animal patterns. Meaghan had a heart of gold, but the fashion sense of a ten-year-old.
Evangeline could hardly wait to show Christoff what was under the denim skirt and tank top, although the price of the underwear irked her. Where did the store get off charging three hundred dollars for the flimsy scraps of lace and satin? Still, she’d make sure he got his money’s worth with the sexy striptease she’d planned for later. Better still, she might even slip out of the panties at the restaurant and pass them to him during dinner as a hint of what to expect for dessert. Smiling to herself, she clung to his arm as they walked down the street to where they’d parked the car. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.
“Why do I have the impression that you’re planning something?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see—”
“Hey. If it isn’t Lurch. What are you doing in this neck of the woods?”
She recognized them immediately. Terry Palmer and his soon to be wife, Susie.
“Looks like you’ve been shopping.” Susie patted her belly as she spoke. “I’m going to have to do that soon. My clothes are getting a bit tight. Maybe you’d like to come with me, Evangeline? I don’t think this one will be any help.” She tilted her head towards Terry who looked slightly annoyed.
“Sure, I’d be happy to.” She tried to ignore the exchange of looks between the two men as they reacted to Susie’s invitation. Did they doubt her choice of clothes or was it more than that?
Susie’s melodious voice interrupted her train of thought.
“We’re heading out to dinner.”
“Yeah, she’s not only got her appetite back, it’s doubled.” Terry interrupted.
His remark earned him a scowl before Susie turned her attention back to Evangeline. “Would you like to join us?”
Damn. There goes the panties under the table idea. As she prepared to agree, another voice interrupted. One that she’d hoped was gone forever. One that raised every hair on her body and churned the contents of her stomach.
Miss me?
As the temperature of her skin rose and sweat began to bead on her forehead, Evangeline tried to remain calm. She’d fought him before and won. She could do it again. He’d admitted that he needed permission to take over her body and that sure as hell wasn’t going to happen any time soon. Christoff frowned his confusion while Terry and Susie looked uncomfortable as they waited for her answer. What could she do?
“Sure. That’ll be great.”
****
As she slipped her hand into his, Christoff gave it a squeeze and led her after the others as they hurried to the restaurant. Apparently, Terry hadn’t exaggerated about Susie’s appetite because they almost had to run to keep up. The décor seemed a bit kitsch for his taste, but then again, he rarely ate out and never in a group. Somehow, he didn’t mind the new experiences or the company.
After the waiter took their orders, he noticed the flush in Evangeline’s cheeks and leaned in to whisper his concern.
“Are you unwell?”
“I’m fine.”
Neither her forced smile, nor her words convinced him. What was she hiding? He closed his eyes and sighed. Of course. Her last experience in a restaurant had ended badly. It’s only natural that she’d have reservations about dinner, especially with people she hardly knew. He slid his hand over her thigh and squeezed, hoping his smile might reassure her.
“So.” Susie chirped, from her seat apposite Evangeline. “Can I pencil you in for a shopping trip next week?”
“Wouldn’t Anna or Meaghan be a better choice?” She’d seen photos of the women in the living room of the mansion. Photos taken before they’d been turned. Both women were gorgeous and dressed like the covers of Vogue magazine.
“They’ve gone away for a romantic weekend with their hubbies. Besides, I don’t feel comfortable in the stores where they shop. Please, please, please come with me?”
Evangeline shrugged. “I guess so, but are you sure you want me to help you choose?” she motioned to her ensemble. “I’m a bit rough around the edges.”
“Rubbish.” Susie scowled. “I love your fashion sense. Besides, I’m going to be the hippest, coolest mom in town with your help.”
“Hip? Cool?” Terry choked on his drink of water. “Not using those outdated words, hun.”
Christoff listened to the playful banter with amusement. Despite the back and forth of what seemed to him to be insults, he sensed the affection in both the tone and rhythm of the words. Moreover, he enjoyed the way the conversation brought a smile to Evangeline’s lips. She, too, found amusement in the conversation and even joined in at times to defend Susie.
He leaned back in his seat, crossed his arms over his chest and drank in the joyfulness as his companions worked like a tonic to his broken soul. According to Evangeline, the demon was gone, which usually meant it was time to move on. Somehow, he could not contemplate leaving Azure Waters or his new friends. Friends? Is that what they were? He’d never stayed in one place long enough to know how it felt. Even David was more of a brother than a friend, until now. Now … he had no compulsion to leave any of them, especially Evangeline.
Another roar of laughter drew his attention back to the conversation. Evangeline wiped away tears as she composed herself. At first, he assumed the obvious and smiled to think she’d grown comfortable with their companions. However, behind the joyful tears, he saw real sorrow and reached to touch her hand. She turned to him, rewarded him with a half-smile, then excused herself from the table.
“But our food’s just arrived,” Susie protested, as the waiter placed the meals on the table.
“I won’t be long.” Evangeline promised. She took one step away from the table, then turned back to Christoff. With a hand on each of his cheeks, she drew his face to hers and kissed him deeply. “I love you,” she whispered, leaving before he could reciprocate.
****
Christoff’s key in hand, she hurried back to the car while the demon reminded her how he would punish her if she changed her mind.
“Alright, you fucker, you’ve won. I’m on my way. At least give me some time to myself and my own thoughts until we’ve sealed the deal.”
Beside the car, she froze. Would she be strong enough to pull this off? The deserted street only added to her pain. Alone again. She’d lived most of her life on the road, trying to make the money to save her mother. If only she’d tried honesty instead of trickery. Maybe if she’d asked Christoff for the money, her mother would be… No. Chris’s doctors had said that there was nothing to be done. What could conventional medicine do to counteract demon blood? Anger bubbled up from her core. The demon might think he was going to win, but she had other plans.
****
“Hello, again.”
Evangeline sized up the middle-aged man who waited for her on the private beach and recognized him as the guy from the library. His clothes still reeked of menthol and body odor.
“You’ve sunk to a new low,” she told the demon. “Couldn’t you have found someone less repulsive?”
The man shrugged. “This one accepted me without hesitation. You see, my dear, killing is in his nature.” The corner of his mouth curled into a sneer and he winked.
“If you do not comply, he will take great delight in slicing up your pretty friend and her fetus.”
“If you touch her…”
“You’ll what? Face it. If I want her dead, there’s nothing you can do to stop it. She’s human and vulnerable while her vampire friends are sequestered in their home during the day. All I have to do is—”
“Stop it.” Evangeline took a deep breath. “I’ve agreed to your terms, now, give me what I asked.”
The demon opened his hand and held his palm out flat to reveal two metal scrolls.
“You’re a clever little gypsy. I can’t wait to start our journey together.”
She snatched the scrolls from his hand and carefully unrolled them one at a time. The first was the new contract, promising that he’d never hurt Susie, the baby, or anyone else in the group. The second made her sick to her stomach. How could her father give her away to a demon? With one final look, she spat on the offending object and threw it to the sand.
“Destroy it.”
He smiled as blue flames shot from his fingertips, hitting the scroll with a force that left nothing but a haze of yellow dust in its wake. “Satisfied?”
She held out her hand, palm up.
“The locket.”
“Ah, yes.” He reached into his pocket and produced the locket. “I was hoping you’d forgotten.”
“I’m sure you were.” She seized the locket and placed the new scroll inside before turning her attention back to the scruffy meat suit. “What about him? When you leave him to hijack my body, what’s to stop him hurting my friends?”
The demon chuckled. “There’s nothing left of him. He is but a shell. Once I am gone, he will die. More’s the pity. He could have been useful. Ah, well. Let’s get on with it. Did you bring the dagger?”
Reaching behind the band of her jeans, she produced the weapon. For a moment, she considered driving it into his chest, but reconsidered. He’d warned her what he’d do to Susie and her baby if she tried to back out of her agreement. Told her in graphic detail. There was no escaping her fate. She had to obey him or risk the lives of people who had shown her kindness.
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