Green glowing eyes focused on her. Kendra pulled her knife and started running in the opposite direction. Even though she knew it was a waste of time, it was still better than simply waiting for death. She heard the creature closing in on her and knew time was running out.
Before she could turn and fight, she was tackled from behind, hard. The demon landed on her, knocking the wind from her lungs. The dagger flew from her hand and landed several feet away. With the beast on top of her and breathing down her neck, she twisted her body, slamming the heel of her hand up and into the creature’s nose. Campton roared, rearing back as he did. Kendra scooted out from beneath the animal and started crawling toward her dagger. Stretching out her right hand, she managed to just touch the hilt with her fingers, but she couldn’t grab hold of it. She pushed forward and was reaching for it again when cold fingers wrapped around her ankle and yanked her back.
She screamed as she frantically grabbed for her only weapon, but it was no use. Campton lifted her off the ground, swinging her around like a rag doll before slamming her to the hard ground. She fought off the pain as she kicked out, landing blow after blow, but to no avail. It was like she was kicking a brick wall. Campton pinned her to the ground, sitting across her chest, cutting off her air supply. Black spots floated before her eyes as she watched Campton lift his arms high, preparing to deliver a killing blow. Kendra felt herself drift into the darkness that was engulfing her and welcomed the nothingness in hopes that she wouldn’t feel the pain of death.
Thor stood, shaking off the pounding he’d taken from Campton. The beast inside him was clawing to get out despite his effort to keep it inside. Kendra’s scream was all it took for his demon to break its restraints. This time, as he changed, the uncontrollable mental confusion he hated and feared wasn’t there. He was totally focused on saving the woman he loved. In two long strides, he blindsided Campton, sending them both rolling across the ground in a flurry of fists and snarling teeth.
The fight was brutal and bloody, but Thor had the advantage of a clear mind instead of the confused state that usually came with transition. He fought with the precision of a prizefighter, wearing down Campton until finally, Thor’s next blow snapped Campton’s head back with a sickening crack. The demon crumpled to the ground and immediately changed back to human form. Thor ran to Kendra, shifting back as he went.
Before he reached her, she stood and started toward him. “Thor!”
He gently pulled her into his arms and cupped her cheek with a shaky hand. “Are you okay?”
She smiled up at him. “Nothing that won’t heal. And you?”
He grimaced, remembering the change he’d undergone. “I’m…”
Kendra wrapped a hand behind his neck and pulled him to her until their lips touched, cutting off his words with a kiss that was anything but timid. By the time she broke the kiss, he’d almost forgotten what he was going to say. “I changed.”
Kendra reached out and caressed his face. “I know and you were spectacular. I don’t care if you transform every night. I love you, and that will never change.”
In that moment, the internal battle between beast and man he’d lived with since his teen years ended. For the first time in his life he felt complete and in control of the animal within. He had this woman to thank for that. Even if he had a thousand years, he could never begin to repay her, but he had a few ideas on how he might start.
He carefully held her in his arms, not wanting to let go. “I’ll try not to change too often, but no matter which form I’m in, I’ll always love you.”
“I know.” Kendra pulled his head down to hers, wondering how she’d gotten so lucky. “Now stop talking and kiss me.”
He kissed her passionately as the rest of the world faded around them. The sound of approaching voices brought them back to the reality of where they were. With one last touch of her lips to his, she let go of him and together they turned to see Erik, Navida and Midnight watching them.
Kendra smiled. “I think our secret is out.”
Erik threw his head back and laughed. “You two suck at keeping secrets. She’s working with you now, Midnight, starting with your next rotation.”
Midnight turned to them both. “Fine, but I expect her to be on time and no excuses for being late. And for God’s sake, don’t come to work wearing that silly grin. This is serious business.”
Kendra laughed again. “I’ll be on time, don’t worry. As for the silly grin, I make no promises.”
Thor turned to Navida. “You have any opinions?”
Navida gave a big sigh. “It’s about time. I was beginning to think the two of you would never hook up. Now hurry up. We’ve still got work to do.”
The three of them turned and walked away, leaving Kendra and Thor suddenly alone and her feeling very off balance. “This isn’t going to be easy you know.”
Thor pulled her into his arms. “Nothing worth having ever is. But together we can slay the demons that get in our way.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Together. I like the sound of that.”
Her lips touched his and she knew, without any hesitation, that everything was going to be fine so long as they had each other. Reluctantly, she pulled away. “Well, we’d better get back to work.”
Thor slipped an arm about her waist as they walked down the street. “I sure hope you can type fast when we get back to the office. I’m looking forward to going home.”
“So am I.” Kendra smiled as they turned to leave. She knew, in that moment, she was a very lucky woman. She’d managed to find something she thought she’d never have, her very own happy-ever-after with the man of her dreams.
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ISBN: 978-1-4268-8558-7
Demon Love
Copyright © 2011 by Georgia Tribell
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