Demon Hunters 3: Tainted (Stand Alone Series) (Demon Hunters.)

by Avril Sabine

  “None? Not even one?”

  She heard the begging undertone in his voice, but ignored it to shake her head. She didn’t blame him since she’d dragged him to five jewellery shops already. “No. There’s nothing wrong with them, but they’re just not…” she shrugged.

  “The right one?” Gabe asked.

  The assistant slid the case of rings back into the glass cabinet. “I don’t know if this will help, but we have some estate rings out the back.” He looked her up and down. “They might be a little out of your budget though.”

  “Cass?” Gabe prompted when she continued to stand there staring at the rings in the cabinet, rubbing her wrist.

  She met his gaze. “We have other things we should be doing.” She glanced at his mark.

  Gabe nodded. “I know. But this is important too.” He turned to the assistant. “Bring them out. No harm in looking.” He grinned. “If I’m lucky she might even find one and stop dragging me to every shop in a hundred kilometre radius.”

  Cassidy lightly hit his arm with the back of her hand, glaring at him. “Liar.”

  “One moment,” the assistant said before he stepped out the back.

  Cassidy rubbed her wrist again, annoyed with the heat that continued to build. She looked up at Gabe, taking a step closer to him and dropping her voice. “What is out there?”

  “I think the question is probably going to be how many are out there.”

  Cassidy’s eyes widened as she stared up at him. “What are we going to do? And why don’t they come in here?”

  “They like to keep a low profile. Less hunters that way.”

  “Here we go.” The assistant placed a case of rings on the counter between them.

  Cassidy forced herself to pay attention and was glad she did. She reached out to lift a simple gold band that had open work vines twisted together between a narrow, solid border. The width of the ring was a centimetre and when she slid it on her finger it fit perfectly.

  “Looks like we have a winner.” Gabe grinned. “Finally.”

  Cassidy nodded and pulled out her EFTPOS card to pay for the ring. When she heard the price she was relieved her weekly income was so large. Then she instantly wished it wasn’t.

  Gabe linked his arm through hers as they left the shop. “That’s not going to run you short is it?”

  Cassidy shook her head. “I wish.”

  Gabe stared at her a moment as they continued to walk towards the shopping centre exit. “You say the oddest things sometimes.”

  Cassidy’s jaw tightened. There was no way she could tell him about her father. If he’d still been alive she wouldn’t have been able to afford the ring. If he’d still been alive, she wouldn’t have needed to buy it. She forced the thoughts from her mind. There were other things to deal with. “What are we going to do about our welcoming committee?”

  “You could always call your boyfriend.”

  She sent him a pointed glance, ignoring the comment. “How do we figure out how many there are?”

  “We don’t. We get on your bike and get the hell out of Dodge.”

  “And what? Leave them here?”

  Gabe shook his head. “Lead them somewhere else.” He mentioned an old graveyard. “Do you know where it is?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then that’s where we head. And pray to God we get there before them and you can enter hallowed ground.”

  She didn’t bother pointing out to him that she couldn’t pray. “Your plan has a lot of maybes.” Cassidy came to a stop at the exit and stared through the open doors at the car park, stepping to one side as other shoppers came towards her. Heat from the night air wafted over her and she swore. “We’re screwed.”

  “I don’t suppose you have a spare key for your bike.”

  Cassidy nodded, unable to take her eyes from the demons scattered throughout the car park. She’d worried about what would happen if she’d ever lost her key during a fight. “It’s taped between the seat and fuel tank.” She couldn’t stop looking at all the demons. Some of them looked human, but others looked very much like demons. “Why can’t people see them? They should be running, screaming.”

  “Demons can hide themselves. It takes effort and it’s usually easier for them to look human. Well, it is for those that have that ability. Some can’t hide or look human. But obviously those ones aren’t out there.”

  “Why?”

  Gabe laughed. “Because people would be running, screaming.”

  “You’re so annoying sometimes.” She shot him another glare, her gaze instantly drawn back to the demons.

  “Does that mean you’re not going clubbing with me?”

  “Focus, Gabriel.” She grinned when his own faded at the use of his full name. “What are we going to do other than serve ourselves up on a platter with apples in our mouths?”

  “The apples would be a waste of time, they wouldn’t appreciate the effort.”

  “Gabriel.” She ground his name out through clenched teeth.

  “You head to the right, I’ll go left. First to the bike picks up the other and then we get the hell out of here.”

  “Do you have a license?”

  Gabe shook his head with a grin. “I think that’s the least of our problems.”

  “A pity. It would have been nice if at least one of us had a license.” She smiled at his expression. “Can you ride?”

  “Like Evil Knievel.”

  “Isn’t he a stunt rider?”

  Gabe laughed.

  “There’s no way in hell you’re getting to my bike first.” She picked at the scab on her wrist and smeared the blood across her demon mark. She breathed deep as the energy rushed through her. “I’ll pick you up soon.” Then she was off, dashing through people, avoiding cars. She skidded to a stop at her bike, pulled on her helmet as she threw her leg over and started the engine, her helmet straps undone.

  Gabe grabbed the spare helmet as he reached her side, pulling it on as he mounted behind her. “Go. Now.” When she took off, he yelled. “Faster.”

  “The cops-”

  “Forget the bloody cops. Your boyfriend can deal with them.”

  “You call him my boyfriend one more time and I’m going to punch you.” She accelerated rapidly, dodging traffic, heart racing as her eyes darted everywhere.

  They reached the graveyard in record time and Cassidy ran towards the gates, Gabe on her heels. She tried to cross, but felt like she was slammed backwards as Gabe sprinted past her. She gasped in pain and stared at Gabe who turned to face her.

  He swore, pulling a handful of fine, finger length blades from behind him. “Guess you’re too demon for here.”

  “Where’d they come from?” Cassidy nodded towards the blades then glanced towards the horde of demons headed their way.

  Gabe lifted a corner of his shirt to show a narrow leather band with more blades sticking up out of the pockets that ran the length of it. A few of them were a little larger and wider. “I told you I’d bring my own this time.”

  She held out a hand for one and weighted the slim blade in her hand. “How do you use them?”

  “Throw them.” He took it back with a glance towards the demons. “You sure you don’t want to call your boyfriend?” He threw one of his blades as he stepped back into the sanctuary offered by the graveyard.

  Cassidy didn’t have time to answer. Drawing a dagger from her boot, she attacked the demon that launched itself at her. The night became a blur of attack, parry, blood and movement. She drew on all the demon energy she could, determined not to call Remedy. She could do this. She needed to do this. Then thought was impossible. Only action and reaction.

  Swing, parry, block, dodge. It was like a dance. One that left her cut in several places. Each time she brushed her wrist over the blood and attacked harder with every new burst of energy. She was surrounded, attacking in all directions. When one demon disappeared, another one took its place. The ranks began to thin, but the attacks didn’t slow down.

/>   The demon in front of her exploded into nothingness and small blades fell to the ground where he’d stood. She spun around, looking for the next one. There were none. She staggered, and reached out to smear more blood on her wrist.

  Gabe grabbed her hand before she could. “Try now.”

  “What?” She stared at him, trying to figure out what he meant.

  He looked towards the graveyard. “I can barely feel the demon in you. Try again now.”

  Cassidy nodded and struggled to place one foot in front of the other. A shiver went through her and it felt like her skin was attacked by a thousand biting insects, but she was able to enter the graveyard.

  Gabe grinned. “I thought so.”

  Cassidy punched him in the stomach.

  Gabe swore, doubling over. “What was that for?”

  “He’s not my boyfriend.”

  Gabe burst out laughing, dropping to the ground. Laying back he stared at the stars that were starting to fade in the lightening sky. His laughter faded away and he rubbed his stomach. “Be nice or I won’t teach you how to use my blades. If you’re lucky I might even show you how to use a few of my other favourites.”

  Cassidy dropped to the ground beside him, stopping herself from rubbing the burn in her wrist when she saw the blood on her hand. “Which ones.”

  “Bow, crossbow and shuriken.”

  “What’s the last one?”

  “Ninja stars.”

  Cassidy eyed him. “I didn’t hit you that hard.” It had been more about making a point, not hurting him. Or at least not hurting him much.

  Gabe lifted his shirt. “Is it bruised?” He sat up slightly and checked his stomach. “It feels bruised.”

  She stared at the expanse of skin above the leather band. She tightened her hand into a fist, keeping it at her side. There were no blades at the front, but she could see a few tucked in the sides of the band.

  “You going to kiss it better?” Gabe’s lips curved into a smile. “Your… friend can’t get me in here.”

  Cassidy looked away, bitting the inside of her lip to hold back her smile. “Grow up.”

  Gabe rolled to his side, reaching out to wrap his fingers around her arm. When she turned to look at him he appeared serious. “You okay?”

  Cassidy nodded.

  “Why didn’t you call him?” He sat up.

  She looked away as he pulled his shirt back into place. “I didn’t need him. I had everything under control.” Although there had been a few moments where she hadn’t been sure about that.

  “We had everything under control.” Gabe stressed the first word as he took her left hand and turned so he could see her inner wrist that was smeared with blood. He ran a finger over the wound. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Cassidy nodded, tugging her arm away from him.

  “Do you know you’re feeding him every time you do that? It’ll be making him stronger.”

  Cassidy shrugged. It didn’t make any difference. She couldn’t manage without it. She forced her legs to work and rose to her feet. “Ready to go home?”

  “Home. Sounds good.” He smiled down at her once he was on his feet.

  “My home,” she corrected before she spun and left the graveyard, relieved to have an end to the sensation of biting insects. Gabe’s laughter followed her as she pulled on her helmet and buckled the strap. Then she was forced to wait while he gathered his blades from the ground.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cassidy woke starving. She stretched and slowly rose from the bed, yawning as she made her way to the bathroom. Once she was finished in there she considered grabbing a bowl of dry cereal then remembered Gabe’s offer to cook. Striding to the spare room, she flung open the door.

  He was stretched crossways on the double bed, lying on his back. The sheets were pushed off the end and he wore a pair of black boxer shorts. One arm was above his head, the other flung across the bed.

  She stared at him for a few moments, her lips curving into a smile as she thought of what he’d say if he knew she stood there admiring him. He’d never let her forget it. “Gabe.” He continued to sleep. She raised her voice. “Gabe.” Frowning she came into the room and leaned over him, about to touch him on the shoulder to shake him awake.

  He came up off the bed, reaching for a knife on the floor beside him and looming over her. Cassidy felt a rush of energy. She twisted the knife from his hand, throwing him to the side. Rising above him, she held the knife at his throat, sitting astride him as her other hand pressed against his shoulder to pin him to the bed.

  Gabe blinked then smiled. “Guess I should have warned you. Think you can move that knife from my throat. I shaved before I went to bed this morning. It was risky enough with a razor and a painted mirror let alone a sharp knife.”

  Cassidy threw the knife to the floor, but kept him pinned to the bed. “I called you.” She refused to acknowledge the mirror comment. It was none of his business why she’d painted them.

  “I thought you’d sleep longer. You looked dead on your feet this morning when we got home.”

  “This is my house, damn it.”

  “Next time throw something at me.”

  “A shuriken?”

  Gabe laughed and his hands went to her waist. “Maybe I better not teach you how to use any more weapons. I think you’re dangerous enough as it is.”

  Cassidy released him, pulling away from his hands. “Then you better remember that.” She could still feel the warmth of where his hands had been.

  Gabe grabbed her wrist before she could move too far away. When she sent a glare his way he spoke. “I’ll sleep through anything except something coming into my personal space. My family usually throw a pillow.”

  Cassidy tugged her arm from his light grip. “I’m not your family.”

  Gabe sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his gaze roving over her. “Nope. You certainly aren’t.” He grinned as he rose to his feet.

  Cassidy took a step backwards. “You said you’d cook if you stayed.” She looked away when he stretched then rubbed his chest. “You know where the kitchen is.” She fled. No, she corrected herself, retreated. She stared at the painted mirror in her bedroom. She ran a fingernail through some of the paint and caught a glimpse of hazel. She blinked. It wasn’t time to remove the paint. She turned away from that small glimpse of her eye and leaned back against the mirror. Closing her eyes, she sighed. What the hell was she meant to do? About anything.

  “What do you want for breakfast?”

  Cassidy opened her eyes to see Gabe standing in the doorway. He was bare-chested, but now wore black jeans. She forced her eyes to move past his chest to meet his green stare. “I don’t care. Anything but dry cereal.”

  “Why dry cereal?”

  “Because I always forget to buy milk.” Her mum had forgotten to buy milk. It had been the beginning of the end. And then milk just hadn’t seemed important to remember.

  “We can get some when we go out later.”

  “No.”

  “No? You don’t want to buy milk?” When she shook her head, he asked, “Then what am I meant to have in my coffee?”

  “Buy cream. Or there’s ice cream in the freezer. It saves adding sugar.” She pushed away from the mirror and strode towards him, stopping when he didn’t move.

  “So, no milk allowed in the house. You want to tell me why?”

  “No. Now get out of my way.”

  Gabe stared at her a moment longer before he stepped back. “Do you have a spare house key?”

  Cassidy had started down the hall. She stopped and turned to face him. “Why?”

  “I want to grab my gear from Gran’s house.”

  “You know I never actually said you could stay.”

  “Of course you did.”

  “When?”

  Gabe grinned at her. “When you didn’t slam the door in my face when we came here this morning.” He strode towards her. “Breakfast, then I need to get my gear. Think you can
drop me over there? I’m sure I can get a lift back. Or should I ring one of my cousins to pick me up?” He draped his arm around her shoulders, taking her to the kitchen with him. “One of my bible bashing cousins. Although they’re probably all at church today.”

  Cassidy rolled her eyes, pulling away from him. “Just what I need around here,” she muttered. “Fine. We’ll take my car. But you better not have much. It doesn’t have a lot of space.”

  “A couple of duffel bags and a handful of weapons.” He pulled a carton of eggs from the fridge. “French toast? With ice cream instead of milk?”

  Cassidy stared at the eggs in his hand for a moment before she nodded. “And put a shirt on. If oil from the pan splatters you, it’ll burn.”

  Gabe sent her a knowing look. “Would it make you feel better if I covered up from head to toe? Maybe a full ninja outfit.”

  “I’m not prancing around the kitchen without a shirt.”

  Gabe’s eyes dropped to her shirt then back to her eyes. His voice lowered. “I dare you.”

  Cassidy met his gaze, her heart pounding in her ears. She eventually tore her eyes away from his and turned her back on him. “Call me when breakfast is ready.” She strode to her bedroom and closed the door. This time she locked it. Leaning against the door, she pressed her hand against her heart, willing it to slow. She should tell him he couldn’t stay. There was no way in hell she wanted to risk killing someone else. It might not be by her hands, but she knew what Remedy would do if she gave into a single one of her impulses. She groaned as she slid down the door to sit on the floor. Banging her head against the door once, she closed her eyes as her fingers spun the ring she still wore.

  It had better be soon. She didn’t know how long before she lost the battle against temptation. Tonight she’d ask Remedy how to track down their enemy. And she needed the words of the ritual. She couldn’t help thinking about the pages her father had read from. The ones Remedy had burned until they fell around him in ashes. The binding ritual better be shorter than that one. It had taken him far too long to speak those words. And yet it also hadn’t been long enough. Pain arrowed through her as she again heard him begging for help. I’m so sorry. Her eyes remained closed as she waited for Gabe to call her.