by Lisa Olsen
“So did I.” But even before he gifted me with his Grace I’d felt the same pull towards him. And the connection had grown even stronger.
Daphne’s eyes narrowed. “What else happened last night?”
For the next fifteen minutes I talked nonstop, filling her in on everything Sam told me in the club and at his place, the ‘dream’ in the Ether, and, after a moment’s hesitation, what Adam shared with me before we parted.
“Wow.” She blinked, leaning back against the couch. “You don’t mess around, huh? When you step into trouble you really go for it.”
“I didn’t step into anything,” I protested. “I was minding my own business, trying to make a life with Ben, remember?”
“Sorry.” She fell silent for a few seconds. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Plan?” I looked back at her in surprise. “I’m still reeling from all of this, I have no plan.”
“Come on, Mercy, without a plan there’s no attack. Or defense, as the case may be… The demons can’t get you unless it’s night time and Sam’s got protection duty covered, that leaves Azazael. Maybe we should try to find out more about him? The more you know about him the easier it’ll be to spot him when he tries to pull something, right?”
That was one of the reasons why Daphne was my very best friend. I could always count on her to give me a swift kick in the pants when I wallowed in despair, and I’d do the same for her in a heartbeat. “You’re right. It’s time to stop worrying about what’s gonna come out after me and think about what I can do to stop this guy. So, what do you suggest?”
“Me? Oh, well, let’s see…” Daphne’s eyes roamed around the room, looking for inspiration. “The internet!” She all but shouted in triumph, talking quickly when she saw my eyes start to roll. “No, really. It’s not all crap, there’s a lot of useful information on the web.”
“I know, but what are the chances I’ll find something real about Azazael that Sam and Adam don’t already know?”
“Yes, but what you get from them is through the filter of their experience, and unless you know the right questions to ask, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
She had a point. “Alright, let’s check it out.” Following her to the computer tucked away in the corner of the room, we typed in his name, spending the better part of an hour looking into all the links. In addition to finding similar passages to what Sam read to me from his book, I also learned that Azazael was generally credited with the fall of mankind leading to the floods in Noah’s time. Just about every sin committed by man was attributed to his influence. Curiously enough, he was also the original source of the word scapegoat. It made me wonder if some of what we’d found was just bad press? After all, the bible was written by men; who better to hold responsible for their sins but a fallen angel? It was far easier to place the blame somewhere else than on themselves. Not that I started to feel all warm and fuzzy about the guy, but it did give me more to think about. Still, it was hard to get over the countless stories of his debauchery and excess, there wasn’t a single redeeming quality attached to his name.
“None of that looks good,” I frowned, sitting back after my eyes started to burn from reading over her shoulder.
“It also says he’s trapped. I don’t think he can actually hurt you in that - what did you call it? Ether.”
“According to Sam, he can possess someone here and I might not even know it. I don’t know if I would see his aura projected on the person, or anything to clue me in to the fact that it’s him.”
“Maybe you should ask Sam about that?”
“Yeah, I’ll have to bring it up tonight when he’s on guard duty.”
“At least Sam’s not hiding out from you anymore.”
“Yep, brownie points for Sam. For once he decided to disregard what Adam told him to do.”
“I’m still a little foggy on why Adam didn’t want you to know about any of this.”
“Who knows what the hell goes through that head of his…” I muttered darkly.
“But you know he cares about you.”
“Yeah.” A long sigh left my lips as I laid my hand over my heart. “He does. He just has a funny way of showing it.”
“You make it sound like when we were in the third grade and Rupert Miller put those worms in your lunchbox, remember that?” she laughed, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Yeah, only instead of worms, he actually gave me a piece of himself.”
“I can’t even get a guy to spring for flowers.” Daphne gave a disgruntled sigh, and I hid a smile behind my hand.
“What about that guy you were with at the party, Jake? He seemed pretty into you.”
“It’s going pretty well, but it’s new. You know how that goes.” She shrugged and I nodded in commiseration. “What’s it like, having Adam’s Grace? Does it feel different from Sam’s?”
I thought about it a good while before I answered, trying to find the words for what it felt like. “It’s like… like I can feel him out there, far away, but still close. I know that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense,” I added at seeing her confusion. “It’s like I can feel a piece of him here with me, close to my heart. It’s comforting, but at the same time, I can tell he’s not anywhere near by and it feels like he’ll never come back.” I swallowed back a wave of dismay at that last realization. Somewhere in the back of my mind I realized I always thought I’d see Adam again. But was giving me part of his Grace his final goodbye? I wasn’t sure.
“Well, you look different at any rate.”
Sam had said something similar. “What do you mean, different?”
“I don’t know… like someone turned a light on inside of you. You’re practically glowing with good health. Even with the pouty, scared thing you have going on, it looks good on you.”
“Yeah, well, you try dealing with a bunch of bad guys after you at once and see how pouty and scared you look,” I grumbled.
“I know, I know. But do you think you can spare a little? I think my complexion could use a little dose of Grace.”
There was no way I was gonna start down that path. “Daph, you know I can’t…”
“I’m kidding,” she giggled. “Oh man, you should have seen the look on your face!”
“I can imagine,” I murmured sourly, not finding it quite as funny. “I think I’ve done about as much sleuthing as I can for one afternoon. I’d better get going on some errands before it gets dark and I have to worry about demons too.”
“Do you want some company?”
Her offer caught me by surprise. “Are you sure you want to be out in public with me? I’ve got a lot of people after me.”
“Of course. We still have plenty of hours of daylight. And if this guy Azazael comes after you, I’ve got your back.”
“If Azazael comes after me, I want you to run for the hills, okay?”
“Why? He’s not after me.”
“Because he’s dangerous. Promise me, Daphne, at the first sign of trouble I want you out of there.” From the look on her face I could tell I was gonna have a hard time getting that promise out of her and I could understand why. If she was in trouble it’d be hard for me to turn my back on her and run too. But the last thing I needed on my conscience was anything happening to my best friend because she wanted to spend time with me. If it came down to it, I’d avoid her like the plague to keep from involving her in any of it.
“I promise I’ll go for help at the first sign of danger,” she relented finally. It wasn’t quite the same thing, but I recognized it might be the best I’d get from her for the moment. “Now, you said something about errands. Does that mean shopping?”
*
It was hard to enjoy the afternoon when I looked over my shoulder at every turn. In the end, I’m afraid I wasn’t very good company, but Daphne didn’t make any bones about it. At the end of the afternoon I had my favorite dress back from the dry cleaners, bought stamps, and dropped off my overdue library books. I even found a new collar for
Mimsy with a tiny little bell on it, designed to drive her absolutely insane. Daphne refused to leave my side until it was time to meet Ben for dinner at La Hacienda, our favorite Mexican restaurant.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and wait with you?” she asked when we got to the restaurant parking lot.
“Not unless you’re going to join us for dinner.” It didn’t make much sense to me for her to stick around to hand me off to Ben’s care.
“No, I can’t. I’ve got plans with Jake.”
“Then what are you sticking around here for? You’d better go get ready. Maybe he’ll bring you flowers tonight,” I grinned. At seeing her look towards the darkening sky, I added quickly. “There’s still at least an hour before it’s full dark, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll be waiting in a public place.”
“Are you sure you’ll be alright?”
I bit back the response that leapt to my lips. Namely, what did she think she was going to do against a demon if she was with me? “Yeah, I’ll be fine, really. You go on ahead, have a great time and call me tomorrow, I want details.”
“Okay, see you later, Mercy.”
I hopped out of her car, waving as I watched her drive away. The restaurant entrance was less than thirty feet away. What could possibly happen to me? Still, I was a little nervous as I crossed the parking lot, a flicker of movement in my peripheral vision catching my eye. Checking, without trying to look like I was checking, I spotted a tall, dark haired man in a long, black coat walking in the same direction.
No big deal, it was a public place. It wasn’t that unusual for the guy to be going out to dinner like I was. I slowed my walk, opting to let him go through the doors ahead of me, but he slowed his speed as well, keeping pace with me. That was a little odd, but maybe he was trying to be polite? A ladies first kind of thing?
Darting another look at him, I saw he watched me intently, his dark eyes locking with mine. Stopping in my tracks, a ribbon of panic went through me as he came to a standstill as well, and very slowly, his lips curved up into a smile. I was officially creeped out… A closer look confirmed it, he had no visible aura whatsoever.
Tall, dark and creepy was definitely a demon.
The restaurant door opened, and a chattering party of four came out, arguing over the benefits and liabilities of cloth napkins over paper ones. Seizing the distraction, I ran for the door, not caring if I looked like a crazy person as I zipped in behind them. Throwing the hostess a sheepish grin, I held up two fingers, keeping an eye on the door.
While she turned around to grab a couple of menus, my tall friend entered the restaurant. His head tilted to the air as he sniffed the strong cooking smells wafting from the kitchen, but his eyes returned to me as he licked his lips. “Adamiel…” I breathed, calling him out of habit, but I knew he wouldn’t come.
“Samael,” I tried again, that time a little louder, and the hostess turned around with an inquiring look on her face. “I’m sorry, I’m waiting for a friend, Samael. Can I wait in the bar until he arrives?” Luckily, it was a normal enough request and she didn’t look twice at me for having suggested it.
The bar was sparsely populated, and I started to think it was a mistake in going there, but surely the demon wouldn’t attack me in plain sight of others, would he? “Samael, where are you?” I asked into the air, waving off the bartender who came when I spoke. The last thing I needed was a drink clouding my thoughts.
“Why you don’t call Adamiel?” The demon asked, sliding onto the barstool next to me, spinning first one way and then the other, as if he’d never sat on a swiveling barstool before. His voice was low and gravely, as if he had trouble forming words in English.
“What makes you think I haven’t already?” I challenged, eager to keep him talking, anything to stall him until help arrived. He laughed, a chortling sound, and I saw the sharp teeth.
“Adamiel already be here if coming. That one fast.”
“He happens to be busy at the moment,” I replied loftily. “But he’s not the only friend I have.”
“Ubel no afraid of Samael.” His chest puffed out as his fist thumped against it.
“You should be,” Sam joined in the conversation. Only he bore very little resemblance to the Sam I had come to know and love. Gone was the clueless, puppydog expression, his voice full of barely controlled menace. Dressed in a dark, slim fitting, long sleeved shirt and black pants, he looked absolutely lethal. Apparently, Ubel thought so too, his eyes widened to the size of saucers. He nearly broke the barstool in getting to his feet, but his words were full of bravado.
“Ubel no afraid. Fight Samael and take Mercy.” His lips peeled back from the gruesomely sharp teeth to reveal his wicked smile.
“There is no mercy for you here, Imp. Begone or you will taste the end of my blade.” Sam’s voice was low and dangerous, but there was no sign of the sword just yet. I took a quick peek around the bar and noticed a few of the patrons watching us curiously. Whatever they did, I hoped it didn’t cause a big scene. I was already keenly aware of the fact I had started to glow faintly, my Grace sensing my fear and readying to protect me.
“Ubel take Mercy for Raum. Then Ubel feast,” he chortled, and something about the way he said feast made me think he spoke about having me for the main course. No longer in the least bit interested in dinner, my stomach clenched into a hard knot, but Sam looked cool as a cucumber.
“Mercy, perhaps you should leave, I can easily handle this miscreant.”
“I think maybe that’s a good idea…” I started to edge towards the exit, but Ubel’s hand snaked out to grab my arm. His fingers barely brushed against my skin when he was whipped away, picked up and thrown bodily to slam against the top of the bar, Sam’s hand firm against his throat. All so fast it took no more than the blink of an eye.
“Hey…” The bartender started our way but stopped in his tracks when Sam looked up and met his gaze. “Take it easy, buddy,” he added from a safe distance.
Returning his attention to the demon he held easily pinned to the bar, Sam’s expression became serene and without malice, which was almost kinda scarier. “I gave you a chance to walk away, Imp, but you have been tried by your actions. I judge thee, unclean thing. I abjure thee, and cast thee into the cleansing fires of hell.” His hand started to glow and Ubel’s mouth fell open with a horrible gurgle.
“Uh, Sam…?” I was almost afraid to interrupt, but everyone was staring. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea, right here?”
“It won’t take but a moment, Mercy. It must be done.”
Then I did touch his arm, and I could feel my Grace reaching out to his in calm, soothing waves. “Samael… this isn’t the place and time. They can see you.” For long seconds I worried I wasn’t getting through to him, but then he looked up and I saw my Sam gazing back at me, traces of guilt in his expression.
“I’m sorry, I forgot.” Easing up on his hold, he pulled Ubel down off the bar, but kept one hand clamped tight to his shoulder.
“Let Ubel go,” the demon whined. “Ubel leave Mercy alone.” It was pathetic coming from such a big man, but before I could say more, I saw Ben standing in the doorway to the bar entrance.
“Oh no…” I breathed, knowing he’d probably blow a gasket when he saw what was going on. “Sam, you’d better…”
“I’m right on top of it,” Sam nodded, hauling Ubel towards the back door, just as Ben spotted us and started over.
For once, I didn’t have to come up with a lame excuse as to what had happened, but I also didn’t exactly feel like sticking around and ordering dinner anymore either.
“Hey, is everything alright?” Ben asked, his brow already furrowed with worry.
“Yeah, it is now.” I leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Luckily, Sam was around and took care of it.” Immediately I saw I’d made a mistake in using those words. He wanted to be the one to save the day. But what was I supposed to do, let every demon in town have a taste so Ben could act the hero?
“Was that the Azazael guy?”
“No, that was something else.” I had to admit, and it was obvious that wasn’t what he wanted to hear either.
“You’re killing me…”
“It’s not my fault,” I grumbled. After all, it wasn’t my idea to be attacked in public.
Ben softened his tone, rubbing my back soothingly. “Maybe you’d better tell me what’s going on now?” I nodded, leading him from the restaurant, to the relief of the management. I can never go there again, you know. Not that it’s such a terrible problem in the grand scheme of things, but they had great fajitas, I’m just saying.
On the way back to my apartment, I told him all about the demon lord who wanted to bring me back to his place for a little Grace buffet. I have to say, Ben absorbed the news fairly well. I had half expected him to demand I move in with him or get a permanent police escort, but he only nodded, deep in thought.
“What will Sam do to that guy?” he asked finally, when we were inside my apartment.
“I’m not sure,” I frowned. “He was going on about damnation and fiery pits of hell and all that jazz. So, whatever it is, it’s not a vacation.”
“He can do that?” All I could do was shrug; it wasn’t anything we’d talked about before. I made a mental note to add it to my growing list of questions for Sam. “I’m just glad you’re alright.” He pressed a kiss to my temple and I gave him a grateful smile for being so understanding.
“Me too. This wasn’t exactly how I thought our night out would go, but I’m glad you’re here.”
“Oh, and how did you think our night would go?” Ben wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. “I thought we might end up somewhere right… about… here.”
Leaning in to his kiss, I let myself forget about all the ugly things out there after me. I took solace in the feel of his lips on mine, his familiar scent, the way he made me feel. Safe and secure… until I realized - that’s exactly what Azazael would want me to feel. Even though I was about ninety-nine percent positive it was actually Ben I was kissing, that niggling doubt pushed its way deeper into my thoughts, until I pulled my mouth from his, unable to let things go any farther.