Demons Like It Hot

by Ayers, Sidney

  The door swung open. He looked up. Lucy and Rafe stepped into the room.

  “Kalli’s doing Serah’s makeup.” Lucy pushed the door shut. “It stinks out there,” she added as she plopped into the love seat and propped her knees up.

  “Waterloo was worse,” Rafe said without remorse.

  Matthias nodded in agreement. He’d hired himself out to humans for that battle. Luckily they had been English humans. It was a bloody battle. Both sides had lost many lives. He’d seen what had happened to the emperor he had once guarded. He didn’t like it one bit.

  “You were at Waterloo too?” Lucy asked with wonder. “Probably the other side, right?”

  Matthias shook his head. “I fought for the English as a hired mercenary.”

  “Really?”

  “In times of war, I’ve assisted many humans in their battles. The American Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars were two of the bloodier ones.” Matthias sighed. “My last war was the Great War.”

  “World War I? What about World War II?”

  “I detest modern warfare. I was a bodyguard during that time. These newer tactics aren’t the way I was taught.”

  Lucy’s eyes flashed knowingly. “I understand.” He didn’t doubt that one bit.

  “Who did you guard?”

  Earlier, he would’ve told someone to mind their own business in a not so friendly way, but now he had no qualms sharing. “Benito Mussolini.”

  Lucy’s expression pinched. “Didn’t he die by firing squad?”

  Matthias nodded. “That was afterwards. I’d already moved to a different mission.” He shrugged. “I didn’t like where things were going in my life and I vowed to change. People like Mussolini did not fit with those changes.”

  “We will make sure Balthazar doesn’t get your descendant. I promise.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that.” He really did. It was nice to belong, even if only for a few days.

  The singer previously identified as Justin Bieber announced a call. With a small grin, she grabbed her phone and flipped it open. “Hey Kalli. What’s up?”

  She nodded. “Okay, be right there.” With that, she closed the phone. “Serah’s ready for me to do her hair.” She leaned across the love seat and gave Rafe a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll see you in the banquet room after they eat their treats.”

  With that, she popped up from the couch and shimmied to the door. “Bye.” She snuck out and quickly shut the door as she left.

  “You’re a lucky man, Rafe.” Matthias clicked the mouse and watched Lucy enter the room.

  “I know.” Rafe rose from the love seat and came to face him, his silver gaze stern and stony serious. “You could be lucky too, you know.”

  “Huh?”

  “Stop being so stubborn.” Rafe threw back his head and chuckled heartily. “Never thought I’d ever say those words to anyone.”

  “I’m not being stubborn. I’m being practical.”

  Rafe shook his head, his expression pinched. “If I were practical, I’d be wasting away in limbo, moping for an eternity.”

  “The Fore-Demons wouldn’t allow it.”

  “In the words of Lucia Gregory, ‘Fuck the Fore-Demons. Do what makes you—and Serah—happy.’” He grinned. “I’m completely paraphrasing there.”

  He’d heard Lucy talk before. Not much paraphrasing at all. “It’s complicated.”

  “Serah loves you. If you do this, you’ll end up hurting her more. How about those complications?”

  “Daniel is a better mate for her.”

  Rafe slammed his fist into his palm. “Don’t make me beat the sense into you. Have you really looked at how they interact?”

  “They get on quite well.”

  “Yeah, because they’re friends, you dolt.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Other than the fact that Lucy told me where Serah slept last night?” He leaned in, his face stony. “The Serah we know doesn’t do that with just anyone.”

  Matthias took a deep breath. Rafe had a point. He’d been so focused on protecting her that he failed to see the bigger picture. He knew she cared for him. And he obviously loved her.

  “Just watch the bloody show and you’ll see.”

  Matthias nodded. He wouldn’t miss the show. And after they defeated Salome and her minions, he’d make it up to her—any way possible. He’d find a way to make everything work. He’d been ignorant for too damn long. He just hoped he wasn’t too late.

  ***

  “Seriously, I love your hair the way it is.” Lucy said, twirling a strand of Serah’s hair around her finger. “So bouncy and full of life.”

  Kalli lounged on the twin bed. “I have to agree with Lucy here. We both have experience in the hair-care field.” She smirked. “Can’t tell it from this head of hair, huh?”

  “I love your hair, Kalli. It’s a statement of individuality.” Serah smiled. “Not many women can pull off the dreadlock look, except for maybe you and Crystal Bowersox.”

  “Don’t forget Whoopi.” Lucy scrunched Serah’s hair with her fingers.

  “Whoopi too,” Serah added.

  Lucy blew out a breath. “If I do anything else with your hair you’ll look like you just stepped out of a bad eighties hair-band video.”

  “Fine. I trust you guys.”

  “Good, because we’re right.” Kalli handed Serah a tube of lipstick. “Here. The pièce de résistance.”

  “It’s not black, is it?” Serah asked with a quick giggle. It was so amazing how these two women could calm her nerves so well.

  “It’s rosy pink.”

  “Darn. I really wanted to shock them.”

  “They’ll get a shock soon enough,” Lucy whispered. “By the way, Daniel hooked Matthias up with some hidden cameras. He’s got a view of both the kitchen and the banquet hall.”

  “That’s good. I know how he hates being in the dark where my safety is concerned.”

  “So what’s the deal with you two besides the you-know-what?”

  Not now. He made it clear he was leaving after this mission. She didn’t want her feelings and emotions to complicate things further.

  “He’s not that into me.”

  “Bullshit,” Kalli said through a muffled cough.

  “What she said.” Lucy took Serah by the shoulders. “He’s crazy about you. Why not just tell him how you feel and see what happens.”

  Kalli crossed her arms. “He says he cares about you. I bet it’s more. Men have a difficult time admitting their feelings.”

  “He says he has too much baggage.”

  “Tell him you’ll be his bellhop. I see the way you look at each other.” Lucy winked. “I’m a sex-demon so I’m pretty knowledgeable with this stuff. Those gazes aren’t just lust.”

  “Yeah, I love him.”

  Lucy shook her shoulders. “Then tell him.”

  “Fine.”

  “Good.”

  Her phone rang. “It’s Daniel,” she said as she answered it. “Hello?”

  “We’ve got about ten more minutes until Showtime at the Apocalypse. Are you ready?”

  “Yeah, Lucy and I will be right out.”

  “Okay, see you soon. Bye.”

  “All righty,” Serah said, shoving the phone into her purse. “It’s now or never.” She reached over and gave Kalli a hug. “You know when to make your entrance, right?”

  “Of course! I’ve been waiting almost eight hundred years to take down Salome. I can’t wait.”

  She’d have to fight Matthias for that honor. “Don’t be surprised if Matthias beats you to the punch.”

  “I know better than to step in his way.” Kalli grinned. “I’m sure I can find a way to keep myself occupied.” She cracked her knuckles.

  “Okay.” With that, Serah opened the door and stepped out.

  “Ready?” Daniel said as he loped toward them.

  Ready as I can ever be, she supposed. “Yeah.”

  “I’ve made things easy for us. Th
ere’s a teleprompter that will deliver our lines.”

  “Wow, just like a news anchor. I really feel special.” Nothing she could do would calm the nerves building in her. Her pulse raced. Sweat dampened her brow. Thankfully, the thick coat of foundation Kalli used was waterproof. She couldn’t wait to wash that junk off.

  “So how do you feel?”

  “Like a frickin’ clown.” She rubbed at some of the foundation.

  “Yeah, it’s a little itchy at first. After a while you get used to it.”

  “Sorry. This is the last time for me.” She saw where the temptation of fame had gotten her. Almost ready to get annihilated by a legion of angry demons.

  “You know,” Daniel said, leaning in close. “I really feel you. I’m thinking of cashing in my chips after this.”

  “But you’re so good at it.”

  “It’s time to move onto bigger and better things. Heck, if Snooki can write a book, then so can I.”

  “What would you write?”

  “Fiction, because this stuff is too weird to be considered true.”

  Serah couldn’t disagree there. “You could do a whole Blair Witch sort of deal, how the demons took over the show?” Then again, there are a few weirdos out there who thought that shit was true. Then again, maybe it was.

  She dreaded what would happen later. Daniel wouldn’t remember anything. Matthias would more than likely wipe his memory—for that exact reason. She didn’t have the heart to tell him.

  “Wow. That’s an awesome idea.”

  “Places, everyone!” Barry, the demon director, shouted. Her stomach roiled. Her pulse spiked. She couldn’t turn back now. The world needed her.

  ***

  Holy cow! She couldn’t believe she had done it. She survived the taping of a cooking show. Even if they had ulterior motives, it was still an accomplishment.

  Lucy rushed up and gave her a huge hug. “I can’t believe how well you did. I would have lost it completely.”

  Serah almost had… right in the bowl of mascarpone.

  “We’re not out of the woods yet,” Daniel whispered. “Salome prides herself on the taste test scene.”

  “Well, let’s give her something to choke on,” Serah said with a smirk.

  “I love that attitude.” Lucy grinned. “You got it from me.”

  “No. I got it from my Nonni. You got it from me.”

  “Perhaps.”

  Serah reached in her pocket and grabbed her phone to call Matthias. She needed to hear his voice at least once before she headed into ground zero. She pressed the send button.

  “Hello?” his sexy, rich accent hummed in her ear.

  Barry snatched her phone and hung it up. That asshole. She was giving him an extra dose of silver when she met up with him.

  “We need to film the final scene. Now,” Barry said, an evil gleam in his eye. He shoved the phone back into her hand.

  At least she got to hear one word before Barry ripped her phone way.

  “Barry, what’s going on, bro?” Daniel asked as they entered the banquet hall. “You’re not yourself today.”

  “It’s my last show.”

  Serah stifled the smirk that threatened to burst on her lips. How true it was. It would be his last show—ever. “Moving on to bigger and better things?”

  “Yes. I’m about to hit the big time. This has to be the best show ever.”

  “So far so good, huh,” Serah said, taking a seat at one of the tables. “I hope this show helps you explode on the scene.” Literally.

  “Thank you, Miss SanGermano.” He turned to the crew. “Places!”

  Daniel took the seat next to her.

  “Action!”

  Daniel smiled. “Welcome back, everyone. We’re now going to put Serah SanGermano’s tiramisu to the test.” He flashed Serah a smile. “Here’s how it works. We’ve got a crowd of hungry food critics waiting in the wings. They will taste your dessert and give you either a pass or a fail.” Daniel faced the camera, his gaze serious. “Think it’s easy? Well you haven’t met these people.” He turned back to Serah. “Are you ready?”

  Those words held more meaning than these demons knew. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Daniel nodded. “Bring them in, Barry.”

  Chapter 42

  Matthias’s and Kalli’s eyes remained glued to the computer screen. “Are you all ready?” He asked into his headset—an important staple of a mercenary’s gear.

  “Yes, ready,” Rafe said in a hushed tone.

  “Ready,” Lucy echoed.

  “Good.” Matthias scanned the room. Daniel and Serah stood in front of the tables. “Farquhar and Inanna are waiting behind the Dumpsters if we need them.”

  “Sounds good. Let’s rock and roll,” Lucy whispered into the headset.

  “Bring them in, Barry,” Daniel shouted, then led Serah to the front of the room.

  Barry pulled a cord and a curtain dropped. The people, all with eager delight spread wide on their faces, found their way to their seats.

  “Is everyone ready to try some tiramisu?” Daniel asked, playing into the crowd’s excitement.

  “Yes!” the crowd shouted.

  “Send in the tiramisu!”

  He held his breath. Rafe and Lucy wheeled in a cart, the neatly cut pieces of cake wiggling as the wheels jostled. He couldn’t believe he was so nervous about someone serving food as he was now.

  “Oh wow, Serah. It looks heavenly.”

  Matthias’s breath caught. Would she keep a straight face? He sent out a prayer hoping she did.

  “I hope they think so,” she said, her smile radiant.

  Matthias breathed a sigh of relief. She was doing well. He caught a glimpse at the necklace around her neck. Then again, she did have her grandmother’s spirit.

  Rafe and Lucy bustled around the tables, delivering the cake and filling glasses with the tainted water. Lucy reached over a table to hand someone a glass, bumping another glass with her elbow.

  Matthias gritted his teeth. His fists clenched. Their plans would backfire. “Bloody hell,” he growled. He bounded to his feet, ready to burst down the doors of the banquet room. If that water fell on one of the demons, their cover would be blown.

  Both Serah and Daniel cringed. She raked her fingers through her hair and gnawed her lip. Matthias scanned the crowd. No one appeared to notice their expressions.

  Lucy reached out with her free hand and grabbed the glass. With an embarrassed smile, she righted it, only losing a few drops. She moved on to the next table and finished serving the plates.

  Matthias blew out a long breath of relief.

  “Thank the Almighty for Lucy’s quick reflexes.”

  “You’re welcome,” Lucy whispered as she headed away from the table.

  Matthias relaxed back in his chair, as Lucy and Rafe carted the remaining cake away.

  “Remember to feed the crew.”

  With a quick nod, Rafe pushed the cart and proceeded to hand out the extra cake.

  Where in the hell was Salome? Wasn’t this her production? Or was she planning on making a grand entrance. Knowing, her past, it wouldn’t surprise him one bit.

  He gritted his teeth. “Salome’s not there.”

  “Do you want us to abort?” Lucy asked.

  Hell no. Serah was in danger. They couldn’t pull out now. “The mission is still on. Salome will show up.”

  Lucy headed to the corner of the room. “Okay. All the cake is passed out.”

  “Good.”

  “And as Marie Antoinette so famously said, ‘Let them eat cake!’”

  “Oh, brother,” Lucy mumbled.

  Kalli sneered. “Dumbass. She never actually said that.”

  Matthias shrugged. “Apparently Daniel is a master of irony.”

  “Whatever,” Kalli said. She watched the first person take a bite of cake. Nothing happened “Human.”

  Then all hell broke loose. People coughed and sputtered. They reached for water. Spitting out the tainte
d liquid, the demons burst from their seats, flailing their bluish tinted arms in the air.

  It was time to crash this demonic party. “Ready to kick some ass?”

  “Always,” Kalli said, bursting out the door. Matthias followed, quick on her heels. The sooner they got in, the better.

  Kalli reached for the door. “Bloody hell! It’s warded.”

  He grabbed the handle and twisted, the pain burning into his skin. He had to get in there. Serah needed him.

  “Open the doors,” Matthias roared. The sounds of shrieks and metal clashing ripped in his ear.

  “Fuck!” Lucy shouted. “Those bastards have us locked in.”

  He heard metal clanging against metal. Screams, demon and human alike, rent the air. His heart pounded. This was Salome’s plan after all.

  “See if Daniel can open it.”

  “He can’t!” Rafe shouted amidst the melee.

  Matthias’s heart clenched. He pounded on the door, anguished sobs ripping from his mouth. He’d only wept once before. When he found his wife and child gone.

  He wouldn’t be stopped. He had to get in there. He had to tell Serah he loved her. He kicked the door, not caring if he broke his foot or not. The pain would only last a second. The pain of losing Serah, though, he knew he would never be able to bear it.

  “Serah, I love you!” he shouted through the door, hoping by some small miracle that she could hear him. “I can’t lose you!”

  “Wow, did I hear what I think I heard,” Lucy asked. There was a whoosh. “Shit!” A loud crash echoed in his ear.

  “Enjoy the cake, bitch.”

  “Balthazar is here too,” Rafe said. “I thought for sure he’d want you in here.”

  “He’s afraid of me. Afraid of what I’ve become. Right now, I’ve become a man who won’t lose the woman I love.

  Kalli sucked in a breath. “I can summon Gerardo.”

  “It’ll take too long.”

  Kalli blew out an aggravated breath. “Damn Infernati!”

  “They’ll get what’s coming to them.” Matthias knelt at the door, his head in his hands. What could he do? He was running out of time. He fumbled with his cargoes, his hand brushing against the grenades he had packed.

  “I have an idea.” He gripped the grenade tight in his hand. “Get back, Kalli,” he ground out. With that, he pulled the pin, backed up, and tossed it at the door. Hunkering down, he covered his ears and waited for the blast.