by Jodie Becker
Dane didn't doubt that for one minute. The woman was off her rocker. Glanced around him, he sensed a shift in the winds. A shimmer of magic rode along the air like an aurora. Now was no time to coddle her. They had to get back to safe ground.
"Get up,” he ordered, stepping forward.
The woman lifted her head from her hands, and the tears that glazed her eyes stabbed him with shame. Smothering the emotion, he knew it was imperative he kept his focus. “Look, lady, if you want to live, then you're gonna get up and follow me."
"Why should I believe you?"
Dane blinked, his mind going blank at the pointed question. “Lady, if you want to fall prey to the paredriis, then by all means—"
"Paredriis? What is that?"
As though to answer her question, over a dozen paredriis rounded the corner, several yards behind her. With heads of varying malicious animals, arms like a scorpion's claws and cloven hooves in lieu of feet, they were void of everything they once were. Human.
He pumped the weapon and stepped back, his gaze never leaving the group. “Lady, get the hell up, and do it now!"
The woman stood, and her eyes flashed with fury. “You can't tell me—"
Grabbing her arm, he pulled her toward him. With a quick jerk of his pump-action shotgun, he aimed the weapon and pulled the trigger. The slug hit the leader and penetrated the skull with a spray of blood. The group paused, their attention temporarily diverted to their fallen comrade.
Dane slowly backed up, bringing the woman with him. Paredriis weren't terribly smart, but once they got into a killing frenzy, they were hard to stop. Black eyes filled with menace faced him. Fire flared behind their gazes as a silent message was sent.
"Kill them!” one of them roared.
Dane continued to backtrack as he pumped the shotgun. He fired two blasts in quick succession, the impact of the slugs slamming into the chests of two of his enemies and sending them back several feet. Turning, he sprinted for cover. His fingers, slick with sweat, slipped over the woman's wrist.
Making a line for building, he pushed her through the door and slammed it behind them. The foyer was awash with shadows, and he blinked rapidly as his eyes adjusted. Glancing around, he searched for something to reinforce the door. The woman beside him stepped back. Hysteria lined her features as she stumbled over the debris in the room.
"Help me find something to put against the door,” he said, knowing he had to force her to focus on the issue at hand.
The woman brushed a lock of hair from her face as she made a visual search of the room.
Dane's gaze fell on a heavy table, and he marched toward it. He pressed against the edge and was surprised by the weight of it. With a grunt, he gritted his teeth in effort, and forced the heavy piece of furniture forward. The woman appeared beside him, and her small hands gripped the corner as she pushed. Although her strength was paltry, the fact that she sought to help him warmed his heart. With a particularly hard heave, he pushed against the table and moved it up against the door.
Just as the table settled against the doorframe, the door jerked against the force of blow behind it. “That's not going to hold them for long,” he said, then glanced at her. “But it's going to give us some time."
The woman backed up, fear in her eyes. “What are we going to do?"
Dane thrust his shotgun at her. “You know how you use this?"
She frowned at the weapon, and her lips thinned in uncertainty. “Sort of."
"Take it."
She accepted it, clutching it to her chest like a shield. He undid the belt on his hips and handed it to her, his attention falling to her slim waist. Despite the desperate circumstances they were in, Dane couldn't help but admire her luscious figure. What lay underneath that conservative wear?
"What are you going to use?” Her question propelled him out of his momentary lapse, and he stepped back.
Reaching behind him, he pulled out his bow and unwrapped it from its soft doeskin cover. With a smooth maple finish and gold inlay, the recurve bow was his prize possession. “I have this."
"You have a bow?"
Dane scowled at the disbelief and scorn in her tone. “Look, if you—” His words were cut off as wood splintered behind them.
"Shit!"
He pulled out an arrow from his pouch, then nocked it on his bow and took aim. A clawed hand broke though the door, and Dane let the arrow fly. The beast let out a whine and fell back. Bull's eye. Backing up, he eyed the hall to the left of them.
"Come on,” he said, pointing at the exit. He pressed a hand on her shoulder and veered her toward the hall.
The woman followed his directed push and hurried down the corridor. Light filtered down a set of stairs at the end of the narrow walkway and without question, she scurried up them.
Dane cast one final glance at foyer in time to see the beasts break through the wood and crawl over the desk. He held out his bow and nocked two arrows. His fingers separated them slightly as he aimed. Tilting the bow, he pulled back and held it steady. With a small chant for the gods’ favor, he let them fly. Like heat-seeking missiles, the arrows found their targets. Two of the creatures fell back against the desk, their bemused gazes on the arrows protruding from their chests.
Flying up the stairs two steps at a time, he broke out onto the second level ... or what was left of it. No walls lined the room, only the supporting beams. Light slanted through the room and cast long shadows.
"What are we going to do?” the woman cried. The pitch in her voice revealed her desperation.
Dane weighed his options before glancing down the stairwell. How long did they have before those beasts managed to find their way up here? Striding past her, he peered over the edge and judged the distance between them and the next building. Ten feet.
Dane looked back at the woman. She was petite, and there was no way she could make the jump. Hell, he couldn't, unless he had a decent run-up.
"Well?” she asked.
Dane gritted his teeth at the irritation that surged through him. He was doing just fine taking care of himself. Why did he have to answer an impulse and come into the damned city? “I'm thinking, all right?"
He marched along the edge of the room and searched for something that would get them out of this mess. Then he spotted it. Power cables. He glanced at the woman. “You have my belt?"
She hurried over and handed it to him. He nodded his thanks and slipped his bow back in place before twisting the thick leather in his grip. Snapping it over the line, he hooked his hand around the other end. He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Put your hands over my shoulders."
She stepped back, shaking her head. “I can't. I'm afraid of heights."
Fury rose from the pit of his stomach. “Are you kidding me?"
"No, I ... I had a bad experience as a kid."
"Look, lady, either you get over your fear, or I'm leaving without you. Those things aren't going to take too kindly to humans in their territory."
At that moment, the beasts broke out on the second level. Their hateful gazes settled on Dane and the woman. He knew they were out of time.
"Come on,” he yelled, holding his hand out to her.
Without further prompting, the woman grasped his hand, and he pulled her into his embrace. As her hands slid over his shoulders, he gripped the other end of the belt and launched them off the ledge.
She screamed. The woman screamed, loud and clear, into his ear. Nails dug into the skin of his back, and the cold metal of the shotgun pressed against his neck as they made their quick descent. As they neared the bottom, Dane let go of one side of the belt, wrapped his arms around her, and twisted his body around as they hit the ground.
He cupped her waist and eased her from him. “All right?"
Tear-glazed eyes stared at him, but she nodded.
Dane looked back at the second level. Set's minions stood at the edge but quickly turned away, disappearing from sight. He glanced at the shotgun in her white-knuckled gras
p. How many shots were left? He gripped the barrel and tried to take it from her, but she held onto it. “It's okay,” he murmured.
As though she'd snapped from a trance, she blinked up at him and handed him the gun. Without another word, he pulled back the forestock to load more shells into the magazine.
Satisfied, he passed it back to her. “Keep your eyes open, and if anything moves, shoot it."
He started up the alleyway and pulled his bow out, an arrow at the ready. The woman drew up beside him, her heels clipping in the silence. Damn, why didn't she wear serviceable boots? Increasing his pace until they pushed into a light jog, they hurried along the road.
From their left, five beasts emerged, their growls ripping though the stillness. Coming to a brief halt, Dane fired his bow. The arrow zinged through the air and embedded in the eye of a beast. With a gurgle, the monster struggled to pull it from his eye as he crumbled to the ground in a dead heap.
Quickly pulling another arrow from his quiver, Dane took aim and let another fly. The tip slammed into the shoulder of the nearest monster. Inwardly cursing at his lack of precision, he nocked another and drew back the bowstring with such force the muscles in his arms shook. Uttering a quick prayer to he gods for strength, he let go, and the arrow flew through the air with such speed and power, it shot clear through the chest of one and into another behind him.
His gaze fell on his partner as she struggled to aim the gun. One of the beasts advanced on her, the red gleam in its eyes deepened to fever pitch. Another launched itself in the air. Reacting on instinct, he pulled back on his bow and loosed another arrow at the paredrii. The shaft embedded into the soft flesh of its throat and it lurched back, choking on its own blood. Stepping back as the demon hit the ground, Dane glanced at the woman. She held the gun out as though fearful it would bite her, while another beast drew closer.
"Shoot it!” he commanded.
Disbelief washed over him as she turned her head away from their attackers, and then fired. She obviously didn't know the first damned thing about weapons. It didn't matter that she managed to successfully kill one. What mattered was that she'd lied to him about her ability to handle a weapon, and it could've cost them their lives. Damn fool woman.
With all the beasts killed, fury rode high as he stalked toward her. “What the hell was that?"
She looked up at him with wide, doleful eyes. “What?"
"You're supposed to aim, then shoot. With your eyes open,” he said, and wrenched the gun from her hands in disgust.
Her lips pursed and she held her arms akimbo. “Well it's dead isn't it?"
Dane let out a gust of air and shook his head. This was crazy. She was crazy. Who cared if she was the hottest chick he'd seen in a long while. She was liable to get him killed. “Lady, you're a real piece of work."
He marched toward the fallen beasts. Pausing beside each demon, he tapped his boot against their sides to ensure they were dead. As he approached one, he noticed the subtle rise and fall of its chest. With a quick jerk he pumped the shotgun, then pressed the muzzle against its forehead. The monster's eyelids snapped open. Anger, hatred and fear whirled in the red depths of its eyes.
"Tell Setke I'll be seeing him soon,” Dane said, and pulled the trigger.
Blood spattered on the golden cuff on his wrist and up his forearm. Stepping back, he flicked the excess blood off his arm and marched toward where he'd parked his Hummer. The clicking of heels on the asphalt caught his attention, and he slowed his pace until she drew up beside him.
Dane kept his focus on the surroundings. He didn't know how many minions Set sent out, but he could still feel the steady vibration of magic in the air. A moment later, his vehicle came into sight. The black metal glinted in the afternoon light. He usually drove it at night with the benefit of darkness, but today he'd had little choice in how he was going to get into the city.
Without a word to the woman, he opened the door and dropped the shotgun on the back seat.
"Where are you going?” she asked.
"Back to safe ground."
"I'm coming with you,” she said.
Dane chuckled. He'd come here because of her, and it wasn't likely he'd leave without her. In fact, he wouldn't have put his life at risk, yet again, if he hadn't felt compelled to return to the city.
"What are you laughing about?” she asked in an irate voice. “If you think I'm going to let you leave here without me, you can think again."
He turned toward her, a brow raised at the fury that blazed in her eyes. He could've done with that fire when they needed to make that leap. “And what would you do if I left you here?” he asked out of curiosity.
Her lips parted. Clearly she didn't expect something like that. “You have to take me with you. You owe me that much."
"I owe you?” he scoffed. “Lady, you owe me. I saved your ass."
"I could've handled myself. I was fine until you came along."
"Fine? Look at what you're wearing."
She glanced down at her clothes. “What of it? This is Gucci, I'll have you know."
"Gucci? Never heard of it."
She dropped her hands on her hips. “Fine. I can find my way around this place without you."
Dane frowned as she started to storm away. The woman was crazy. He should leave her to her own demise. Battling with his conscience momentarily, he released a curse and hurried after her. “Wait. You can't survive on your own."
She stopped and whirled on him. “You know, you men are all the same. I'll have you know, my dad was part of the military. Okay, so I can't handle a gun ... or heights. But you know what? I've dealt with difficult situations and I came out of them fine, just as I can on this. So go back to your stupid little—"
He didn't know what made him do it. Maybe it was because she looked so damn hot while she drilled him, or maybe it was because he wanted to shut her up. Either way, he gripped her shoulders and kissed her. It wasn't something he thought out, but he found himself instantly struck by her taste. He groaned as his tongue delved inside her sweet mouth.
Never had he dared to indulge in his fantasies, and this was the first time he'd ever reacted on impulse. Her mouth softened beneath his, and she followed his lead, her lips moving over his with such passion it almost unmanned him.
The urge to take it further tingled across his skin, but his conscience came into play. Caution and shame raised their ugly heads, and he pulled back. He gazed at her features, lazy with passion, and bit back the desire to continue.
He had to stop this and his rioting emotions. But the words he was about to utter were lost at the sight of a large paredrii barreling toward them. This one had the head of a bull, and he knew these were stronger, smarter and faster than the others they'd encountered. He jerked backward, bringing her with him, but it was too late.
The animal slammed into her side and wrenched her from his grasp. Her scream pierced the air as Dane broke into a run after them. Pumping his arms, he drew in harsh breaths and forced his body beyond its limits even as the beast extended the distance between them.
Skidding to a halt, Dane pulled out an arrow and extended his bow. With careful aim, he sent out a quick prayer and let the arrow fly. It whizzed through the air and embedded in the beast's back. The animal let out a loud cry as it fell.
Dane broke into a run and stopped beside the demon. The woman stared up at him with astonishment from beneath the fallen animal. Her breath came short and fast. “You shot me,” she said in disbelief.
His heart slammed against his ribcage. Crouching, he pushed the dead paredrii off her. Blood stained her blouse. He stared at the arrowhead protruding from the bull and judged the point of impact on her. Searching for the hole in her shirt, he immediately spotted it along the fleshy part on her shoulder. He leaned back on his heels as relief filled him. It hadn't pierced her lung. With trembling fingers, he began to work on the buttons of her blouse.
"What are you doing?” she asked, her pale fingers resting over his.
He glanced at her pallid features, not liking the way her voice lost its strength. She was going into shock. “I have to assess the wound."
She swallowed hard, but removed her hand. Dane spread the sodden fabric, and his gaze fell on the puncture wound. Blood trailed along her breast and shoulder, but after a quick probe around the area, he found the wound wasn't too deep.
When he looked up to reassure her, he found she'd lost consciousness. He passed an appreciative gaze over her features, her soft cheekbones and full lips. A glint of something caught the edge of his vision and he dropped his attention to a pendant that rested between her breasts.
Dread expanded in his chest like a vast, dark hole. His hand shook as he brought the golden pendant up for closer observation. The small pictures on the rectangular piece looked familiar.
Dane stood on unsteady feet and raked a hand through his hair. He'd just saved a Familiar. A woman claimed by Set.
Chapter Three
Set sat upon his throne, his eyes narrowed on the old woman as she lay upon the marble surface in a form of subjugation. Curse the Seer; she is as useless as the rest of these so-called followers.
He did not often allow these pitiful being to see him in his human form, but at times, he found it preferable to set aside his jackal features for the fine form of a human male. He'd found that form an advantage to him in wooing women to his bed. In fact, he'd been entertaining himself with a lovely female prior to this Seer's need for council. It was a mistake on her part, as the information she imparted chased away his brief bliss and brought with it a familiar rage. Although the woman was blind, he couldn't bring himself to stop the jackal features that formed in his fury.
In his god-like form, he could smell the fear from the woman. Good. The hag failed him, and although he had only ordered her to the head position a fortnight ago, he wasn't satisfied with her service. She was no better than the other five before her.
Releasing a soft growl, he stood and stalked toward the window of the Throne Room. The golden pyramids he had erected in his honor glared with the orange hues of the afternoon sun. He controlled everything about him, but still he was unsatisfied. It was those cursed rebels that upset his perfect world.