Demons Prefer Blondes

by Sidney Ayers

  Gerardo swooped in. Frankie gripped onto feathers for dear life, his legs whipping back and forth with each of Gerardo’s turns. With a fling to the left, Frankie gritted his teeth, his skin growing three shades lighter. Gerardo banked to right, throwing his hand out. A white ball of energy flung from his fingers, toward where Belial and Lucy stood.

  Vibrant white light erupted around them, encircling them in its bright intensity. Lucy embraced it, welcoming the warmth that filled her. She angled a gaze at Belial.

  With a deep angry growl, he lost his grip on the dagger and covered his eyes. “Lamia!” he bellowed. “Do something!”

  Watching the ruby-studded dagger plummet into the pile of snow beneath their feet, Lucy allowed adrenaline to take over. With a sharp twist, she yanked herself from his grip and dove for the weapon. The sooner she sliced this demonic asshole to bits, the better. Fumbling in the cold fluff, she sought out her quarry.

  Strong hands gripped around her waist, claws digging into her sweater and skin. Scratching through the snow and earth, she continued her frantic search.

  Belial hovered above her, sardonic laughter rolling from his mouth. His fingertips crawled across her cheek. “Give it up, Lucia. You—and the chest—will be mine. All of Earth will be mine.”

  “Like hell I will. There’s only one man I’ll let have me.” She punctuated her sentence by spitting in his face. And they—Rafe and she—would send the chest back to Limbo.

  “Too bad he’s too late,” Belial whispered, his tongue trailing along her ear. “And I have a special surprise for your Rafe. You’ll see where his true devotion lies.”

  “What are you going to do to him?”

  Belial, fingers tightening around her wrist, smiled. “I guarantee you’ll enjoy the show.” He allowed a fingertip to trace down her neck and circle a breast. Bolts of disgust raged through her as she wrenched herself away. “Rafael, on the other hand… he probably won’t.”

  “Where is he?” Rolling over, she glimpsed a flash of silver. It was within reaching distance. If she could just inch a little closer.

  Belial simply shrugged, his mouth curved in a sinister smirk. “Don’t you worry about that, my dear.”

  “What the tarnation, Ger!”

  Heart racing, she scanned the area. Lamia and Larissa stalked and slithered around Gerardo and Frankie. Both man and angel stood tall and alert. Did angels have weaknesses? She hoped not.

  Eyes sparking, Lamia slithered around Frankie, her tail snaking up his leg. Lucy managed a grin. If the bitch aimed for seduction, she would fail miserably. Frankie, unfazed by the slithering tail, kicked out his leg. Lamia lunged at him, claws drawn and fangs bared. Frankie sidestepped to the left and spun around, grabbing her tail and pitching her upward. Whoa!

  Lamia growled, loud and guttural as she sailed through the air. “You’ll pay for that!”

  Gerardo, reaching behind his back, pulled out a long sliver-tipped spear. Wings fluttering to keep him afloat, He sent the spear sailing through the air, just grazing her scaly green tail. With a resonant crack, the spear connected with the tree, right above Squeaky’s furry head, which bobbled up and down from the impact.

  Eyes bugging from their sockets, Squeaky looked up and gulped.

  The battle had begun… Yet still no sign of Rafe.

  ***

  Rafael growled. The longer they dawdled, the longer it would take to rescue Lucy. It no longer was a mission that spurred him into action, but pure rampant need. He wouldn’t lose Lucy. He loved her too much.

  “How much longer?” he asked through gritted teeth.

  Dominic slammed the Paladin manual shut and jerked his head up. With an irritated glare, he hauled the tome across the car hood. It skittered against metal and came to rest next to where Kalli sat.

  “Jeez, Duvane, have a care.” With a dramatic sigh, Kalli turned over onto her stomach, opened the book, and scanned the pages.

  Dominic turned to face him, his obsidian eyes stony serious. “You aren’t the only one who’s got something at stake, you know.” Jaw ticking, he lowered his gaze to the snowy ground.

  “Coby,” Rafael whispered. How could he forget? Only a few times had his thoughts drifted to his sister. What would she think? He sucked in a ragged breath. He’d be damned if he’d lose two women he cared for. “I’ve abandoned her.”

  “You haven’t abandoned anyone.” Eyes flickering with intensity, Dominic came to stand next to him. In a completely slow, cautious, yet strangely casual movement, his friend wrapped his arm around Rafael’s back. “The Fore-Demons gave you a mission. That mission was elsewhere. Coby understands where our duties lie.”

  With a slow nod, Rafael pulled from their friendly embrace to look his friend in the face. Dominic was right. Coby knew about duty. She was always the one who put duty over desire. Her dedication to the Paladin cause was legendary.

  “And, keep in mind, Coby has a good rescuer. Not that I’m bragging or anything.” Dominic swiped a hand through his neatly shorn dark blond hair, a sheepish smile curving his lips.

  “I still feel guilty.”

  “Coby will understand. She’s always wanted you to be happy, you know. Ever since the situation with…” Dominic let his words trail off. “She’ll love Lucy. She’s the perfect woman for you.”

  So this was what it was like to wear your heart on your sleeve? Fancy that, he didn’t even know he was doing it. “I’m merely completing a mission.”

  The moment the lie slipped from his lips, his heart plummeted and his blood ran cold. He fully expected a lightning bolt to shoot from the sky and smite him right where he stood. He’d deserve it, too. “I admit I’ve come to care for her.” Not a complete lie, but it still left him empty.

  “Better than nothing, I suppose, right Kalli?”

  Kalli scratched her head, her gaze thoughtful. “Certainly the breakthrough of the century.” She rolled over and winked at Nic, a hint of secrecy in both their glances.

  Rafael never was much a fan of secrets. He crossed his arms. “Am I an object for your amusement?”

  “Only when you act stubborn.” Dominic gave him a hearty slap on the back. “Don’t worry. We forgive you.”

  “Stubble it.” He had to rescue Lucy. Their witty banter and secretive stares would have to wait. Deep down he knew they meant well. Right now he was too wound-up to care. He loved Lucy. He’d be damned if he let anything happen to her.

  “Touchy, are you?” Kalli sighed and went back to reading the tome. The moment her eyes met the page, she jerked her head up and jumped from the car. “I got it!” she exclaimed with glee.

  Rafael and Dominic turned in unison. Dominic’s gaze was alert, intense. “What have you got, Kalli?”

  “Come here!” she said, waving them there with her hand. “I found a way to break the Infernati ward!”

  Rafael rushed to where Kalli sat perched on the hood, her head buried deep in the tome. Leaning over her, he scanned the page she read.

  “Right here,” Kalli said, her finger tracing over a line of text.

  Rafael bent down to read the passage.

  Only those who are true to themselves and their emotions can lift an Infernati ward.

  Leave it to the Fore-Demons to incorporate self-awareness lessons into an instruction manual. “What sort of tripe is that?”

  “It’s not tripe,” Dominic growled. “It’s the Paladin way. Admit your feelings.”

  “Why don’t you admit yours?”

  “The more the merrier,” Kalli said in a singsong voice. “But the more you two argue, the less time we have to save Lucy.”

  Lucy. This was about Lucy. It always had been about her. From the moment he stepped in her shop. He was ensnared. Everything happened for a reason, or so they say. That reason was Lucy.

  “It’s just that…”

  Remember the last time you bared your soul? His internal naysayer boomed. Amanda, her beautiful blonde hair. Her gentle smile. The innocence that seemed to radiate from her. Her
reaching to touch him. Him turning away, not wanting to shatter that innocence.

  It was all a lie.

  Why didn’t he see it? That spark, that energy. Nothing Amanda ever did electrified him as much as Lucy. No one, not even in his mortal days, affected him in such a way. He was thoroughly and madly in love with Lucy. He’d gladly shout it from the top of Mt. Everest if it would save her life. He’d shout it from the deep dark recesses of Hell if it brought her to him.

  Was it that simple to unlock a ward with those three simple words?

  “Rafe? It’s just that, what?”

  “I’ll do anything for Lucy,” he said, raising his chin and standing tall. His voice boomed, despite the turmoil raging inside him. “I love her.”

  But did she love him? Yes there was attraction, but she was a sex demoness. What’s not to say it wasn’t her succubus urges that drew her to him. Hope turned to dread. Was he setting himself up for another disaster?

  At this point, he didn’t care. He only cared about Lucy. He needed her now more than ever. His internal naysayer would just have to stubble it. It was about time.

  His initial dread evaporated, replaced with pure adrenaline and energy. He was through doubting himself. He was Rafael Deleon. He was a Paladin, and, damn it, he was in love. Right now, that was all that mattered.

  “Rafael?” Kalli’s concerned voice broke him from his thoughts.

  “Yeah?”

  “You okay?”

  Rafael nodded. He was more than okay. He’d kick Belial back to the underworld. “I’m fine.”

  “From the spark in your eyes, my friend, you’re more than fine.” Smiling, Dominic slapped Rafael on the back. “You’re ready, aren’t you?”

  “More than ready.”

  “That’s what I like to hear. Let’s do this.” He turned to Kalli. “Well?”

  Kalli smacked her forehead and rolled her eyes. “I’m waiting for you two!”

  “Good.” Rafael needed to teleport. Now. “So how do we do it?”

  “I’m still reading.” Kalli returned to the tome, scanning each page. “Nothing too difficult, it seems.”

  He’d gladly spin on his head while riding a unicycle if it brought him closer to Lucy.

  “Here it is!” Kalli narrowed her gaze. “It says to break the ward, you must state that which your heart desires most. Hmm, already did that.” She flipped a page. “Then you join hands with those close to you and close your eyes. Then one of the archangels will crack the ward.” A frustrated sigh escaped her lips, her brow furrowing. “Bloody hell. More angels?”

  “If it means saving Lucy, I’d deal with an entire host of angels.”

  Kalli nodded. “Fair enough. Dominic?”

  Dominic glanced up. “This will bring us that much closer to Coby. I’m in.”

  “Okay!” Kalli hopped from the car hood. “We are so going to kick some Infernati ass.”

  She flung open the car door and heaved the book inside. Engaging the lock, she stuffed the keys into her pocket. “Sorry, we can’t bring the book along.”

  “Fine by me,” Dominic said. “Now get over here. We haven’t much time.”

  That was the understatement of the century. Rafael reached into his coat pocket and grabbed his BlackBerry. He hated electronics, but since he’d relinquished his broken timepiece to Kalli, it was all he had. Glancing down at the digital display, he grumbled.

  Eleven-fifty. Only ten minutes left.

  In one fluid motion, he reached out and clasped Dominic’s hand. He extended the other toward Kalli. “Here. Now.”

  “Sure, big guy,” she replied with a shrug. With quick, lithe steps, she stood arm to arm with him and laced her fingers with his. “It’s now or never.”

  With that, they all closed their eyes. Gusts of winds swirled and spun in a subzero vortex that sent him reeling. Arctic blasts of snow pelted his face and shards of ice nicked his face. Icicles dangled from his hair and his face iced over. He wouldn’t have been able to open his eyes if he tried. If the Paladin’s portals were cold, this was a bloody glacier. And he didn’t care. He’d let them freeze off all his appendages if it meant saving Lucy.

  “Now, now. How would Lucia like that?” an ethereal voice boomed. A voice he recognized well. The one who’d sealed him to the fate of Paladin. The angel who blessed him.

  An archangel? He’d been blessed by an archangel. His mind reeled and his heart stopped. What the bloody hell was going on?

  “In time, Deleon. All shall be revealed soon.”

  To hell with soon. He wanted answers now. “Who are you?”

  The angel blew out a long breath of air. “Always the impatient one, Deleon.” He paused. “Very well. You may open your eyes.”

  Rafael flicked open his lids. Opening his mouth to speak, he promptly shut it. Shock and surprise swirled within. The angel smiled, long pale golden hair sweeping across his pristine white wings. Bedecked in a golden breastplate and flowing red robes, he stepped forward, the gold of the matching greaves adorning his shins glinting in the snow. Even without the sword and shield, there was no mistaking who stood before them.

  Michael. The warrior. The one who sent Satan to hell. And, apparently, the angel—no, make that archangel—who blessed him.

  Dominic and Kalli opened their eyes and gaped, just as shocked as him.

  “Shocking, isn’t it?” Michael smiled, handing Rafael a shiny crossbow and silver gilt quiver and arrows.

  Rafael went down on one knee and lowered his head.

  Dominic coughed and Kalli snickered. What the bloody hell now?

  After a brief lapse of awkward silence, Michael spoke.

  “Stand, Rafael Deleon. There’s no need to bow. You’re the one we’ve been waiting for.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re the Chosen Paladin. Rise, or I’ll be forced to join you on one knee.”

  His mind spun. But he’d been certain Coby was the one. She was the most dutiful. The most dedicated. She’d never failed a mission. His head snapped up. He refused to hear it. “You’re mistaken.”

  “Not a good idea, Rafe,” Dominic warned.

  Kalli cleared her throat. “Don’t ever doubt the words of an archangel. Haven’t you learned anything in your four hundred plus years as a Paladin?”

  With cautious steps, Rafael stood. “But what about Coby? She’s never failed a mission.”

  “Your sister, although brave, still has her own struggles. She’ll have her time. Just not now. Now is your time, Rafael Deleon. Do you accept your fate?” Michael held out the crossbow, a stern gaze etched into his stoic face.

  “I will accept any fate, as long as it saves Lucy.” Rafael reached out to take the offered weapon. Even though saddened that it was him and not his sister, a sense of pride still welled in his heart. Poor Coby. She deserved to stand here. His heart fluttered. Coby. What would happen to her? He glanced over to Dominic, who stood in stark silence. What was he thinking?

  “What about…” He feared the worst.

  “Your sister’s soul is tarnished. But even beneath the thickest coat of dirt, silver still glistens.”

  Michael and Dominic exchanged scrutinizing glares.

  “As I said, she will have her time.”

  Dominic wrenched around and stalked away.

  “Don’t forget. Everything happens for a reason.”

  Adjusting the quiver and crossbow to his back, Rafael nodded. “I understand.”

  “I was speaking to your friend.”

  Dominic grunted and nodded. “I understand.”

  “Good. I’ll unlock the portal now.” He raised him hands high and threw his head back. In a blinding flash, energy shot from his palms up toward the heavens. “May the lord bless and keep Rafael Deleon and his friends safe and allow them access to the portals to lead them wherever they so choose.”

  With a loud whoosh, the clouds split open. Vibrant rays of light came pouring down from the heavens. Bright violets, greens, and blues bathed him and
his friends, warming him amongst the cold bursts of wind. He fully expected to hear angelic choruses echoing through the night. Alas, the only things he heard were the beating of his heart and the winds spiraling upward.

  Michael, ice and snow circulating around him, unsheathed his sword and held it high. Brilliant rays of light bounced and reflected from the ornately etched blade, sparkling around them. Like giant flakes of glitter, the light danced through the air.

  “Portals open for Rafael Deleon and his friends, Dominic Duvane and Kalliope of Lesbos.”

  Dominic arched a brow.

  Kalli growled. “Don’t even go there.”

  “Fine,” Dominic muttered.

  “Enough chitchat.” With a stern glare, Michael thrust his sword in the air. Sparks flew. Lightning flashed, brightening the dark cloudy sky. Thunder rolled and clapped. In one silent instance, it all stopped. The snow, the wind, the lightning. Everything went still. In a sudden burst of energy, a flickering ring of fire and sparks formed a tunnel. The tunnel that would lead him to Lucy. A tunnel that would help him meet his destiny.

  Michael lowered his sword and bowed his head. “’Tis finished. Go, my friends. Rescue Lucy. Send Belial back to Hell. Together, you will save the world.”

  Rafael held his head tall. “I will. And I’ll enjoy every minute of it.” He turned to his friends, beckoning them to join him. “Shall we?”

  With determined steps, he marched toward the portal. Without a glance back, he stepped in and headed to his fate. No, not his fate. To Lucy—his destiny.

  Chapter 29

  “See how much your precious Rafe cares for you?” Belial dragged her toward the chapel, taking two steps at a time. “He isn’t here to save you, is he?”

  “He’ll be here soon.”

  He threw back his head and a loud rumble of laughter burst from his mouth. “You keep telling yourself that. He can’t possibly make it here in time. I’ve planned everything so perfectly. This will be the wedding of the millennium.”

  “Considering we’re only about ten years into the millennium, that isn’t saying much, is it.”