by Opal Carew
Lucifer, the leader of all demons, granted them a vacation on earth every one hundred years. However, Asmodeus, much to his dismay, wasn’t due for another trip for quite some time. Oh, he’d snuck up there a time or two to help his half-mortal son but he didn’t stay long enough to truly enjoy it.
While Asmodeus loved trips to the mortal plane he sure as shit didn’t want to get a trip to earth like this. As he walked through the tunnels of stone that led to the mortal plane, he let out a beleaguered sigh.
The first disturbance in the air had been nothing compared to the series of bone shattering sonic booms that rocked the Underworld in nauseating succession. The instant it happened, Asmodeus knew what it was. He’d heard and felt that same ear-splitting sound three thousand years before and, until an hour ago, Asmodeus and the rest of the Brotherhood thought the threat had been eliminated.
Apparently not.
The disturbance in Hell meant that someone had found the Ring of Solomon. The ring had the ability to control all demons and if the bearer so desired, it could be used to destroy them as well. King Solomon had almost done exactly that when the guy had put Asmodeus and the rest of the Brotherhood under his complete control. Lucky for them, one hot summer day, Solomon had imbibed far too much wine and his curiosity got the better of him. He asked Asmodeus what demons could do if they had total power over humans. What powers did they truly possess?
Asmodeus promised to show him, but said he needed the ring and his freedom in order to properly demonstrate. Solomon, drunk as a skunk, handed the ring to Asmodeus, who then promptly tossed it into the sea, releasing the Brotherhood in the process.
They all thought that was the end of it. Not so much.
Someone had not only found the ring but was wearing it and, whether or not they knew it; this individual quite literally could command Hell. Since none of the demons had been summoned, it was a safe bet that the bearer of the ring had zero idea of the kind of power they had in their hands.
However, not wanting to take any chances, Lucifer chose to send Asmodeus and the rest of the Brotherhood up to earth in search of the ring. As far as Asmodeus was concerned it was like looking for a needle in a haystack and could take a century to find it.
They knew was it was somewhere in North America, but they were unable to pinpoint its location. Given the fact that the ring’s whereabouts were somehow cloaked, the wearer must be a unique human being indeed.
Asmodeus slipped on a pair of aviator sunglasses as he strode out the mouth of the cave. Wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and motorcycle boots, he placed his hands on his hips and let out an exasperated sigh as he surveyed the area. Idaho. Of all places, he gets to start his search in Idaho.
There were several direct portals to Hell within the continental United States. Los Angeles, Houston, Las Vegas and New York City, just to name a few, but one of them was deep within the caves of the Craters of the Moon. The four hundred-acre lava field was one of the only places on earth that actually resembled the Underworld but it wasn’t exactly a bustling metropolis.
Although, given Asmodeus’ weakness for the company of women and pleasures of the flesh, he wasn’t terribly surprised that he pulled this particular location. Having fewer ladies around meant fewer distractions and he knew that was exactly why Lucifer stuck him way the hell out here.
Great. He gets an extra chance to enjoy the mortal plane and Lucifer puts him in one of the most desolate places in North America.
“What a dick,” Asmodeus murmured as he squinted against the light of the setting sun.
Welcome back to earth, Lucifer’s voice touched the collective consciousness of the Brotherhood. Based on various disturbances in the energy fields, I have sent the six of you to the locations the ring is most likely to be. Additionally, there are certain individuals located in these areas that are descended from unique bloodlines and are the most probable candidates to be in possession of the ring.
Something glinting in the distance caught his eye. Asmodeus grinned when he saw the black and chrome motorcycle waiting for him by the edge of the deserted highway.
I’m not completely cruel. Lucifer’s voice floated around Asmodeus with his usual air of self-importance. You have each been provided with a mode of transportation and a duffle bag with money and some clothing. There is also a paper with the names and locations of the individuals you should be looking for. They’re listed in priority order for your convenience.
You’re a real prince, Asmodeus interjected. I’m sure this all looks very convenient from your corner office in Hell.
Stop whining, Asmodeus. Lucifer’s voice, edged with boredom filled his mind. You haven’t even thanked me for the motorcycle.
Asmodeus stopped dead in his tracks and dug into the pockets of the Levi’s he was wearing. His smile broadened as he pulled out the keys to the Harley Davidson and started walking again toward the bike. Lucifer might be a son of a bitch, but he had his moments. “Not bad,” he murmured. “But you’re still a dick.”
Yes, I know. Arrogance dripped from Lucifer’s every word but as the Demon of Pride and leader of the Brotherhood, it was of little surprise. We have two immediate problems, other than the obvious. Asmodeus tried to keep his attention on Lucifer, instead of the gorgeous bike. He ran his hands over the smooth curve of the handles as Lucifer’s deep, gravelly voice touched the collective minds of the Brotherhood. Since we haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact location of the ring, my concern is that has something to do with whoever is wearing it and you all know how much I loathe not having all the information. Secondly, if you’ll recall, the ring cannot be taken from its owner, it has to be given to one of you willingly.
What if the guy wearing it befalls some kind of horrible accident? Falls off a cliff? Runs into a bullet... or my fist? Satan’s voice cut into the conversation and Asmodeus smirked as he walked around and appraised the bike. Satan was the Demon of Wrath, loved mayhem and was the biggest troublemaker in the bunch. Can we take it if he’s dead?
Yes, Lucifer responded. But you know full well that we can’t harm an innocent, so I suppose you’ll just have to play that part by ear.
Asmodeus opened the duffle bag that was strapped to the back of the bike and pulled out the paper. He perused the list of names and the one at the top grabbed his attention immediately. Kai Kelly—Bliss, Idaho. His lips tilted as he folded the paper up and stuck it in the back pocket of his jeans. Kai was a woman’s name, wasn’t it?
What makes you think it’s a guy? Asmodeus asked as a grin cracked his face. Could be a lovely lady and wouldn’t that be far more pleasant?
Well, shit. Mammon’s irritated tone cut into the conversation. As the Demon of Envy he was always feeling slighted and as though he somehow got the short end of the stick. If it is a chick and Asmodeus finds her first, he’ll spend a month in bed with her before he gets the ring. I don’t know what part of the continent you guys got, but I’m stuck in Alaska and I’ll bet the ring is nowhere near here. Brother, if it is a broad then do us all a favor and get the ring before you fuck her.
Whatever, man. Belphegor’s bored voice interrupted them. I’m in no rush. I haven’t been to earth in a long time. You know all work and no play makes the Demon of Sloth a dull boy.
Mammon, Asmodeus responded playfully, if I didn’t know better I’d say you were jealous.
Screw you.
No thanks, brother. Asmodeus’ laugh, deep and loud touched their collective minds. You’re not my type.
If you’re all quite finished. Lucifer’s voice, sharp and curt, cut off any further banter. You will get the ring by whatever means necessary. However, Mammon raises an interesting point.
A heavy silence hung as they waited for Lucifer to continue.
I’m concerned the six of you may succumb to temptations and find yourselves distracted from your mission. I have sent you there to find the ring and bring it back to the Underworld, not to indulge in your vices. In addition, as demons you won’t be able to get within
a mile of the ring without alerting the person wearing it. Chances are that the human who has found the ring has no idea the power that it holds— otherwise we’d have been summoned already. However, we can’t afford to take risks. In hindsight, having you all down there as full-blooded demons seems unwise.
Asmodeus glanced over his shoulder at the field of black rocks as a feeling of dread crawled up his back. What did he mean... as full-blooded demons?
In order for you to get anywhere near the bearer, and to assure you stay focused, I am going to make one small adjustment for your current stay. Lucifer’s voice wavered and Asmodeus could tell the son of a bitch was smiling. It’s really for your own good.
Just as Asmodeus was about to ask what he was talking about, a burning sensation fired through his body, stealing his breath. The sudden onslaught sent him to his knees as he gasped for air and agonizing pain radiated across his chest. Asmodeus’ hands hit the rocks and gravel scraped against his knees as he fought a sudden and unfamiliar wave of nausea.
Sucking in a deep breath, he pushed himself off the ground with a grunt and kneeled for a moment as he regained his bearings. He tore the sunglasses from his face, suddenly feeling the uncomfortable effects of the late afternoon sun. Up until seconds ago, the heat had not fazed him in the least. Asmodeus’ palms stung and when he lifted his hands, he swore loudly when he saw speckles of blood mixed with dirt.
Demons did not bleed.
When you find the ring, you will telepath me immediately, and if necessary I will send the rest of the Brotherhood to assist. Lucifer’s voice, calm, cool and detached whispered through Asmodeus’ mind. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you how dire the situation is, but to sweeten the pot... whomever finds the ring and brings it back to Hell will earn a three-month vacation on earth.
If their minds had still been connected, Asmodeus would have surely heard the others when Lucifer laid the reward before them. One of the only things that any of them looked forward to was their time on earth, and to get an extra three months would be spectacular.
However, Asmodeus was met with silence. It was an odd sensation, to be disconnected from the rest of the Brotherhood. The pulsing energy of their minds was conspicuously absent the first time in several millennia.
As you get close to the ring, Lucifer’s voice floated into his mind but sounded far away, you will feel the pulse of its power, but your abilities will be limited. Although, you’ll be stronger than most humans, I’m not entirely sure what powers you’ll retain. The telekinesis and ability to manipulate heat may or may not remain. It may vary from brother to brother. At least that’s what’s most likely.
Likely? Asmodeus gritted his teeth as sweat trickled down his back and the pain ebbed across his chest. You have no idea what you’re doing. Do you, Lucifer?
Ignoring him, Lucifer continued.
I have also left each of you with the ability to telepath me once it’s found but not each other. Our collective mental link emanates far too much power and would definitely blow your cover... so to speak. I realize this is less than appealing but it’s the only way to protect members of the Brotherhood. Lucifer’s laugh rasped through Asmodeus’ mind as his voice faded. And to ensure you do what you need to do, there’s nothing wrong with a little extra incentive. I can’t imagine any of you want to stay on earth in this... . state.
“You mother fucker,” Asmodeus ground out as he stood up and bit back a wave of unfamiliar pain. “What did you do?”
Asmodeus held out his arms and watched as the tattoos that covered the length of his arms and ran across his back... vanished. The intricate design, seven interlocking circles with a five-pointed star at the center, was the mark of the Brotherhood and had branded his flesh for his entire existence-until now.
Lucifer made them mortal.
Chapter Two
The elderly man’s aura was a dull, sickly green and wavered around him in the dingy gas station like smoke but Kai kept a smile on her face. He was definitely ill, most likely cancer of the lungs based on the way he was sucking down his second cigarette in less than fifteen minutes. Kai usually saw that pea green color when someone was sick and as the old fella coughed up a hunk of phlegm, she was relatively certain her mojo was on point.
“I’m new around here,” Kai said as she placed a twenty on the counter for the gas she’d just pumped. “Is there anything interesting to see in the area?”
“Yup,” he rasped. His pale gray, watery eyes glanced at her briefly as he rang up her purchase on an old fashioned cash register. He adjusted his dirty baseball cap and gave her a toothy grin, which actually brightened up his weathered complexion. “This your first time in Magic Valley, I’d bet. Well, if you’re like most folks you’ll want to see them caves or take a ride over to Atomic City and see the first nuclear reactor.”
“Caves?” Kai smiled as he rang up her purchase slower than molasses in winter, and though she tried to be patient, she was starving and had to get something to eat before she fainted. “Nuclear reactors? Sounds like a lot going on for such a... remote area.”
“Yes, ma’am. Magic Valley is full of surprises.” He pushed his hat back and wiped the back of his neck with a red bandana. “I’m Clive and I’d bet my bottom dollar you’re Jacob Kelly’s granddaughter.”
Kai stilled and the smile fell from her face as she self-consciously tucked a long lock of blond hair behind her ear. While she was used to seeing inside people, it was unnerving to have someone do it to her.
“Don’t go gettin’ nervous now.” Clive waved one hand and sat on a stool behind the counter. “There are only two hundred and seventy five people livin’ in Bliss.” He shrugged and laughed through a smoker’s cough. “Folks are bound to notice when someone new comes to town. Besides, Jacob told me you’d be movin’ into his place after he passed and, if I didn’t know that, I’d sure notice you were drivin’ his old Dodge.” He jutted a thumb toward the window. “That piece of crap is almost as old as me.”
“Y—You knew my grandfather?”
“Course I did.” Clive crushed his cigarette out in an ashtray on the counter that was overflowing with ashes and old butts. “He came here for gas for that old beater you’re drivin’ around.”
“You were friends?”
“Ha!” Clive coughed and covered his mouth with the bandana as he laughed up a lung. “Jacob didn’t have friends but I ’spose I was as close to a friend as he ever had. Ever since his wife Kristine died, man hardly spoke a word, and then when his daughter left.” He let out a sigh and shrugged. “He just wasn’t a people person I ’spose.”
“Clearly not,” Kai said under her breath. She stopped herself from going into a tirade about a man she’d never known and forced a smile. “I didn’t know him. Never met him actually.”
“I know.” Clive nodded and gave her sad smile. “He was a cryptic old bastard. Told me that someday his granddaughter would come and take over his place. Said your grandmother, Kristine, would want that. He wanted your mama to stay but I guess Bliss just isn’t for everyone.”
“My grandmother.” Kai smiled and slipped her wallet back into her satchel. “You knew her?”
“Sure did. Kristine was good friends with my Clara... I lost her last fall.” The smile faltered and he adjusted his cap again in an almost soothing gesture as emotion filled his eyes. “Them two gals was like peas and carrots when they were young. After Kristine died, my Clara tried to get Jacob to come to church and the socials but he stayed up in that house most the time. He worked around town as a groundskeeper and back in the day, well, if he wasn’t workin’ then he was at home with your mama. But when your mama left, well,” he said on a sigh, “That was that.”
“Was he a custodian by any chance?” Kai asked as she rubbed the ring with the pad of her thumb as the words from the box drifted into her mind. “Was my grandmother?”
“Nope.” Clive lit another cigarette. “Your grandmother didn’t work and Jacob, he took care of the grounds at the school
and for the town.”
“I see,” she said as she pushed her hair off her face with a sigh.
“You look exhausted, young lady.”
“I’m sure I do,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve spent the past several days cleaning out my grandfather’s place but there’s about ten tons of junk in the attic that has to get thrown out. Not to mention all the stuff out in the old barn.”
“Sounds like too much hard labor for a pretty young thing like yourself.” He dug around behind the counter, pulled out a flyer and handed it to her. “This is a local guy who hauls away junk. Give him a call, he’ll help you out.”
“Thank you, Clive.” Kai took the paper and smiled. “I may just do that. The truth is that there’s a lot of junk to drag away. Not only that, but the grounds need some help.”
“You know how those things go.” Clive sat on the stool and gave her a big grin. “He did all that stuff for a living so when he got home, probably didn’t have a mind for it. Hell, if you were a baker would you come home and bake?”
“Probably not,” Kai agreed.
The sudden rumbling of a motorcycle shattered the quiet outside and made Kai jump. She laughed nervously and gave Clive a shy smile as they watched a biker roll slowly down the road and pause for a moment before pulling into the gas station. The late afternoon sun streamed in through the window and Kai squinted against the blinding light.
“Another biker,” Clive murmured as he rose from the stool and hitched up his pants. “He’s probably headed over to Outlaws and Angels. It’s a local biker joint but they make a mean burger. Folks come from all over to check out the place.”
“Funny you mention that place. I’m meeting a friend there for dinner, which can’t come a moment too soon. I’m starving.” Kai’s stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in hours. It was in part because she’d been so busy and also because she was nervous about this date with Ben. “I hear their burgers are great, although it’s practically the only game in town.”