Personal Warriors: Book 3 in the Personal Demons series

by Rachel A. Collett

  He swayed on the spot—Elisa swayed on the spot. Laith hefted his mate into his arms, her energy wasted.

  Then all was quiet.

  One-by-one, the demons from the Eye stood. Uncertainty darkened their features. I turned to my warriors, holding the stone up high. “Friends. Warriors. Would you like to go home?”

  As if summoned by my words alone, a great light beamed to the surface of the stone. A cheer erupted from the army of demons. They threw up their hands and cried out their joy. Tears streaked their faces, mirroring mine.

  Hepzibah, Selina, and Silicas entered first. The others followed. They took their time, unsure of what awaited them inside. Jonathan was the last to enter. He stood in front of me, watching my reaction to him.

  Now that the war was over, Darius had come back down from his Guardian high and stepped away, allowing us some privacy. I wiped away the tears that blurred my sight. Jonathan’s face was soft. A light reflected in his black eyes. For the first time ever, I wondered what color they had been before he was cast out of heaven. He was taller now, taller than even Darius.

  “Thank you,” he finally said, breaking the silence.

  Another tear cut down my swollen cheek. “What on earth could you be thanking me for? I killed you, Jon.”

  “I would have been at the Destroyer’s mercy.” He cupped my face and kissed the tear away. “No, you didn’t kill me. You saved me.”

  He pulled away. Doubt and apprehension wore heavily against his heart, but he squared his shoulders and walked into the light of the restored Demon’s Eye.

  32

  Ever After

  Fiona twirled in the sun, swinging Yvette in circles. Cedric smiled at his mate from where he lounged on a blanket with Maddie, Gerald, and baby Adeline. Addie sat watching her dad pick a flower and place it in front of her. The six-month-old laughed in glee, grabbing the purpled petals from the blanket, pouting when she realized she had smashed the bloom.

  Elisa and Laith laughed, Laith’s arms wrapped around his mate’s shoulder. My best friend placed a gentle hand on the tiny baby bump that had formed on her belly.

  “I can’t believe she’s pregnant again,” Violet said next to me. Her hair had grown to her shoulders. Ringlets softened her features and mascara brought out the blackness of her eyes. She looked beautiful, and Hector had swelled in pride when he escorted her to Cheryl and Ray’s ceremony.

  “I think it’s wonderful.” A contented sigh escaped my lips. “I think it’s all wonderful.” I gestured with a nod to where Cheryl and Ray talked with their guests—a small handful of our closest friends.

  Violet hummed in agreement.

  “Have you thought more about what you’ll do? With Hector, I mean.”

  Now that Nikolaos and Annie’s reign was over, our lives for the most part had gone back to normal. At least it was what I could consider normal. Violet was accepted as a member of our community. Her sacrifice to our people had gained their complete trust. She was now one of them, and they recognized Hector as her mate, whether or not that could even happen between mortal and demon.

  She shrugged. “I’ll live until he dies or this body goes, then decide whether to find another corrupt soul to take over or ask permission to enter the Demon’s Eye with the others.”

  “I’m not stabbing you,” I said, grumbling beneath my breath.

  She shrugged again. “If I can’t hope for that, I guess I’ll take another corrupt soul. Either way, I’m with my Ava.” Her hand cupped my cheek, her thumb grazing just below my eye, then she walked away to sit with Hector and the others.

  Roman talked with Darius at the grill, in a private conversation, and my stomach sank. They hadn’t been the same since the battle—but I wasn’t sure how to help him. My heart still ached from the loss of Noah, Zane, and Logan.

  Seventeen people had died in our war against Nikolaos. They were all buried and honored by the survivors. Of the original compound members, only fifteen original residents stayed on. The remainder elected to return to the mortal world.

  Emily had been among those to go. She had been with Peter for so long that she wanted to be free of this world of Demons and Defenders. Although she called often enough, I knew it hurt Darius more than he admitted that she had decided to leave.

  He waved at me from his post.

  He was so handsome. His smile still melted my heart and weakened my knees, and I knew it always would.

  The Demon’s Eye grew warm on my chest, signaling Jonathan’s watchful presence. “Would you come keep me company?” I asked him.

  Warmth followed by a familiar flash of light added to the setting sun. He appeared, wearing loose fitting cargo pants and a casual buttoned-up white shirt. He looked very… coastal. It had been over six months since his transformation, but still I couldn’t help but be surprised every time I saw his true form. I liked it, though. It suited him.

  “You call—holy cow.”

  I flinched. “What?” I asked, searching for the cause of his alarm.

  He looked away, feigning embarrassment. “You’re enormous.”

  I gasped, then punched him in the arm, surprised he could even see it in the long, cream-colored maxi dress I wore. “Stop it. I’m barely showing.”

  He gently tugged at a loose strand of hair that fell from a low side-bun at the base of my skull. “Is it a giant?”

  I protectively shielded my stomach from his view. “I’ve been told that for six months I’m not very big.”

  He shrugged, looking away. “If you say so.” Again, his eyes flashed to my baby bump. “What’s Eden going to be like when we have two preggos calling the shots.”

  My heart soared. I was so excited to be pregnant at the same time as my best friend; I didn’t think I could be happier. Despite the fact she had lost all her others, Elisa was elated as well.

  “Eden will survive just fine. What’s with this look?” I nodded to his choice of clothing.

  He rolled his eyes. “Do you have any idea what fashion is like in the Eye? No one worries about being chic. I’m lucky to have gotten these.” He heaved an overly dramatic sigh and changed the subject. “I suppose you’ll need me to come on your missions whenever you get a vision.”

  “You come anyways, whether I need you or not. So does Violet.”

  His gaze delved into mine, suddenly serious. “I won’t let my Ava get hurt.”

  “I can throw a knife and be just as efficient.” I bumped his elbow. “Will you walk with me?”

  He looked down, cocking his head at an angle. “Can you even move with those swollen cankles?”

  Again I swatted at him, more pleased than annoyed by his teasing.

  Our Eden had transformed into rolling green grasslands dotted with wildflowers. We still had a lake, although it was much smaller than the original. I wondered if it would grow with future additional members. As of now, it was a tighter knit community, and I was much more comfortable with getting to know the residents at that number.

  Canvas tents littered a small area to the side of the lake, circling a fire pit set in the center where we gathered to eat. It was also where Raymond spun tales of the past: tales of my mother, and my father from the very beginning, lessening my grief over losing both parents. Their lives spread out to me in a lyrical way that only the great historical orator could accomplish. Sometimes The Three would add to the stories. It was only a matter of time until my experiences would blend together with those of my family.

  This new lifestyle reminded me of my first camping trip with Laith and Elisa, except that I didn’t have a sadistic demon out to get me (although Jonathan said he could help with that), and it wasn’t freezing.

  Just beyond our canvas homes, a more permanent structure progressed. It would take months, but our new compound was to be similar to the original, with further ability to expand in the future. The new council—The Three, the new security team, and of course Raymond—had approved it. At times we even consulted the leaders of the Demon’s Eye, but mostly
out of courtesy: they could see all that we did anyways.

  I smiled as Jonathan forcefully met my pace. “You have freckles like my mother,” I said, my hand lifting to trace the line of his nose.

  “That’s because I’m her daddy.”

  “Shut up, you are not.” My hand dropped. “It’s not too far from the face I got to know.”

  He shrugged. “That was always the hardest part for me—losing my identity every time I took on a new body. I tried to keep to my roots, if you will.”

  I scanned the expanse of our little Eden. “What will happen to the Annihilator? Is she gone?”

  “You know she has a name.”

  My mouth dropped open and Jonathan smiled like a little boy with a secret. I guess I had always known her real name wasn’t the Annihilator, and certainly not Annie, but to fit a name to that creature was something I had never done. Jonathan gazed out over Eden, content with letting my imagination stew.

  I released an exhausted breath. “Alright, I give. What‘s her name?”

  “Natalya.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope,” he said with a pop of his lips. “It’s doesn’t sound as scary, does it?”

  “I prefer it over the Annihilator.”

  He shrugged.

  “Is Annie… Natalya gone?” I asked again.

  “No, but I don’t think she’ll be a threat for a very long time.” He bent down to pick a yellow wildflower from the lending field. He tucked it into my hair above my ear. “The Destroyer doesn’t often protect his followers by taking back their souls—but she was his mate.” He smiled. “It’s a bit of an unhealthy relationship. She really screwed up, so he’ll let her feel her mistake before he lets her out again.”

  A chill traveled up my spine.

  “She may be able to return. She may not.”

  “Well, that’s annoying, not knowing.”

  He hummed in agreement, seemingly unworried by any threat she might pose in the future, which made me feel better.

  I changed the subject. “Are you happy?”

  He groaned. “I’m bored out of my mind.”

  I laughed out loud. “Oh, come on. Hepzibah is constantly expanding the city, faster than we are, in fact, thanks to the thousands of volunteers.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. “Just what I love. Manual labor.”

  “There are always newcomers to bully.” My visions had returned on a regular basis and the sanctuary was in full swing and easily moveable. The Three were working at full capacity, and the regularity of it all felt good. Demonic activity had been slow but consistent.

  “And you should see me when I’m all sweaty and hot from a day’s work.” He paused, looking out over the dimming horizon. “But in all seriousness, I’ve never felt such peace. And who knows? Maybe there is redemption for even someone like me.”

  “I believe that.”

  Two subconscious lines of thoughts pressed against me, but I closed the connection, although I knew the one instantly.

  Jonathan’s eyes zeroed in over my shoulder to the nearing pair, and suddenly I was pulled into the broad expanse of his chest. He smelled of sunshine and trees.

  His lips whispered against my ear. “I love you, too. Even though you’re fat now, I will always love you.”

  “I am not fat!” I said, smacking the back of his head.

  Darius’s annoyed voice sounded from behind, at a distance. “Stop flirting with my wife.”

  “Hepzibah has more to go over on our next weekly visit,” Jonathan said. “Tell Ray to bring a notepad.”

  I tsked, smiling. “Fine. Tell her we’ll be ready.”

  “You’d better be.”

  “Wha—?”

  “Your mate is coming with your favorite person.” He smiled wickedly, eyeing my reaction.

  I groaned out loud, pulling away from my demon. Darius walked side by side with Bailey, who smiled at me when our eyes met. I made a face, turning away from their approach.

  Jonathan noticed my annoyance. “Do you want me to stay? Keep her calm?”

  “No,” I groused.

  Bailey had attended the ceremony, but I had hoped she would witness the event and leave. We were currently back within her boundaries, but I refused to stay there any longer than necessary. The unease between immortals and witches was still fresh. Even though the sting had lessened, I wasn’t fond of the new coven leader. She, on the other hand, had doubled her efforts to ensure peace.

  Jonathan tugged again at the rogue piece of hair to collect my attention. “Then tell my wife I said hi.” He kissed my cheek and disappeared into the Demon’s Eye before Darius could react.

  I growled my displeasure. “She’s not your wife,” I said picking up the milky white stone and speaking at it. It hummed in my hand.

  I grumbled, dropping it to my chest.

  Bailey was a chafing thorn in my side, slightly less annoying in her new calling than she was before. Having seen the error of her ways, she insisted on monthly trainings with Fiona and Cedric, opened the coven to males, and even required community service where witches could use their powers for good. If I were being generous, I would admit she was an excellent leader.

  But I wasn’t generous, and I still couldn’t stand her.

  “Hello, Defender,” she called in greeting.

  I turned, plastering my best fake smile to my face.

  The coven leader wore a spaghetti-strap maxi dress incredibly similar to mine, except it was lavender. It draped her toned, supermodel body. Her straight blond hair had grown to her waist, accentuating her lean form.

  I extended a hand in greeting, but she hummed a laugh, enveloping me in a hug that I neither expected nor desired. My breath left me in an audible whoosh as she squeezed a little too zealously.

  “Good to see you, too,” I lied, patting her back, uncomfortable. The others had said I needed to get over my hesitancy to affection, but not this quickly.

  “Thank you for allowing me to add my blessing to your mortal mother’s wedding.” It was the first time anyone had referred to Cheryl in such a manner, but I didn’t reject it. It was accurate. It even warmed me to her a degree—a half of a degree.

  “Of course. You are welcome here.” Dang it.

  Darius pulled me against his side. It was meant to look affectionate, but I assumed he did it so I couldn’t run away.

  Bailey cleared her throat. Jealousy rolled from her aura as she eyed our closeness with something akin to controlled disgust. “In coming today, I desired to share with you more about what we’ve discovered since our last meeting.”

  My gaze moved to a camouflaged mark in the center of her forehead. Slightly darker than her tan skin was a small, intricate henna sunburst.

  I scowled, my brows pinching. “What is that?” I dramatically flicked my fingers toward the mark, knowing the answer before she even gave it.

  “I don’t know if I should tell you.” She wagged her brows. “At least not until I make sure it works. Can you read my mind?”

  “Bailey—”

  “What am I thinking?”

  I rolled my eyes and looked away. “That our Eden is pathetic and small compared to the grounds of your coven… and I’m irritating, but I can’t be more irritating than a group of grown women that draw on their foreheads. Wipe it off.”

  Darius coughed, hiding a smile at our childish banter.

  Bailey let out a high-pitched sigh. “Well, this was useless. It’ll come off in a few days. We had an African coven leader visiting over the weekend. She told me this mark would keep you out.”

  “I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. If it makes you feel better, I have no desire to read your mind. You said you wanted to share some sort of discovery?”

  She smiled, a wicked glint in her eyes. “I happened to stumble upon a hidden diary of sorts.”

  “Oh?”

  She nodded. “Very informative.”

  She opened her palm, allowing something to slip from her grasp on
a silver chain. Roslyn’s turquoise ring dangled on the end. I gasped, recoiling. I grabbed for the knife strapped at my leg, but Darius was there in an instant, his hand over mine, soothing me.

  Bailey smirked. There was the witch I knew and loved to hate.

  I dropped my hand, my gaze narrowed. “Why did you bring that here?”

  “Don’t worry. It’s completely harmless.”

  It didn’t look harmless. Roslyn’s blood still embedded the grooves of the metal clasps that held it. A crack split the stone in half, but otherwise it lay intact within the setting.

  I raised my head higher, glaring. “Again, why did you bring it here?”

  She slinked the chain over her head. “We’ve kept them all as a reminder to anyone that looks upon them. A warning to any others desiring the power that both Gayle and Roslyn once sought: that this ‘gift’ can only be followed by one thing. Death.”

  Grumbling, I turned on the spot, unsure if I liked the direction of the conversation. I spoke over my shoulder, gesturing for her to follow. “But what if it only gives your followers ideas?”

  “I have no followers. We are a coven. We follow truth and light. Those that align their will with that of evil will be caught and dealt with. Like The Three, we cannot afford dissonance.”

  “And the diary?”

  She paced her stride to mine “A wealth of knowledge. They were called Oracle Stones.”

  “Sounds like something the Destroyer would call them,” Darius said, interjecting.

  Bailey nodded. “And as with most of the Destroyer’s gifts, he tried to mimic God’s gift to your mate. Gayle wanted the strength that came from a Fallen without possession, but the Destroyer could only come up with something effective enough to hold one demon. As long as the stone stayed intact, the soul within could be used and return according to the wearer’s desires.

  “The problem came with the use of them. Once released, the Fallen inside went a little… nuts. They were too hard for Gayle and the others to control. She made a unilateral decision that the stones and their Fallen were not worth the risk and ordered the others to stop using them. When they refused…” She shrugged, nonchalant. “She killed them.”