by Claire Marta
“You corrupted that young woman.”
Still sitting on his lap, bodies still joined, his cock jerks inside me.
“I only showed her a path that she’ll relish a lot more. The choice is hers whether she takes it.”
He has justifications for everything. No wonder he’s so good at what he does.
The arms holding me securely slip away as the world around us begins to tilt, swirling in a vortex. Shivering at the loss, I screw my eyes closed as dizziness hits. Wind howling, its frosty bite tears over my bare limbs. Ceasing as suddenly as it started, I look around my new surroundings.
The room is cheerful and colourful in shades of pink. A rocking chair sits in a corner surrounded by stuffed toys. It’s warm. Cosy. Any mother’s image of a picture-perfect nursery.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
Turning to the familiar voice, I find my brother standing by a big bay window. Beyond the glass a beautiful manicured lawn abundant with flowers lays waiting. Gaze drawn back, I stare at the crib which is gently rocking by itself.
“Don’t look,” Nathan warns. “You’ll regret it if you do!”
“What is it?” I ask, taking a step closer.
“You know what it is.”
Dread sends chills down the back of my neck. An odd gurgling sound emanates from within the baby’s bed. Somewhere in the back of my head common sense is shouting at me to turn and run.
Tiptoeing closer, I dare to take a peek. Rising clumsily, a quivering green tentacle curls up over the fluffy pink baby blanket. Horror grows as more appendages reach for me. Colour draining from my face, the sound of screaming fills my ears.
Chapter Eleven
“Did you manage to get any sleep?” Leo asks, voice thick with drowsiness.
Jerking awake, rubbing bleary eyes, a disgruntled sound escapes my throat.
“A solid two hours, I think.”
“Better than me, then.”
Rolling onto my back, I try to find a more comfortable position my big pregnant belly will allow.
The source of his sleepless night stirs, yawning widely. “What did I miss?”
“I almost rolled you out to die in the snow because you snored non-stop, but somehow you survived.” Leo states mildly.
Listening to them bicker, my mind swims with disjointed lingering images. Nightmares plagued with tiny tentacles and human limbs. Even Lucifer himself made an appearance. My uneasy thoughts conjured his presence in brief moments of REM. Leo’s talk last night has really screwed with my head. Neurotic as I am, it’s surprising I never gave it a thought. What if he’s right?
Feeling a kick, I circle the spot with my fingers, still troubled by the being depleting my energy like a vampire. Beyond the confines of the tent horses whinny. The sound of soft voices disturb my thoughts.
“We better get up,” Snatch suggests. “From the amount of light outside it’s morning already.”
Groaning, I burrow further below the warmth of covers not yet ready to face the cold of the day.
“I’m with Mavi. I’d rather stay warm.” Leo replies, burying his head beside mine beneath the fluffy furs.
Shouts break the moment of peace. Frantic cries. We’re all quick to recognize trouble.
Leo and Snatch scramble out first. As we all slept fully dressed no time is wasted. My extra weight makes my reflexes slower than normal. Crawling from the canvas doorway, I immediately see the rider.
“What’s going on?”
Tiberius turns at the sound of my voice. The male standing behind him is bloodied and beaten. Face pale, whatever he’s encountered has left the fear of God in him.
“Nedl was in one of the parties sent out to hunt before dawn. He says they were attacked by a creature that massacred the other warriors with him and he barely escaped with his life.”
Why are they acting surprised by this? This is a Hell dimension after all. The number of things here that could disembowel us and rip us limb from limb are more than likely astronomical.
“What was it? Does he know?”
Directing the shaken male towards the comfort of the campfire, Tiberius shakes his head, sending the string of beads hanging from one of his horns bouncing.
“No. Something he hasn’t encountered before, but he will never forget the foul stench of death on its breath.”
Throwing a look over my shoulder, I see Leo and Snatch’s nervous expressions.
“Sound like Leo in the morning when he’s been out on the town binge drinking all night.”
“That’s just cruel,” he chuffs back.
“But true.” Snatch points out, elbowing the telekinetic in the ribs.
Gaze tracking the warriors readying themselves to move out, I walk with purpose towards the waiting horses. “When do we go after it?”
“There is no we. You will remain here and I will take some men to hunt it down and slaughter it.”
Halting at his haughty tone, I circle around to pin him with a hard glare. “Tiberius, we could help.”
“Your friends can come, but you stay here in the safety of the camp.”
Un-fucking believable. Annoyance pulses up in a blinding wave.
Hands on my hips, I give him my best withering death stare. “You are not leaving me here. I know how to fight. Fuck, I could hold my own against any of you.”
I hear the chuckles. The bastards don’t think I can. I’ve cut down a bigger group of demons than this in the past without breaking a sweat.
“It is not negotiable. You are pregnant, and females must be protected, even the stubborn ones, for their own good.”
With a dismissive air, Tiberius strides towards the gathered riders and his mount. His high and mighty attitude is grating on my nerves.
“I’m not one of your females,” I seethe back.
What do I have to do to get some recognition around here? Saw off some horns? The thought has an appeal that calls to my darker urges.
Swinging up onto his horse he regards me from the saddle. “Because of Caesar we have already accepted you into the tribe. You will obey my orders, or I will have you restrained.”
Oh, no, he didn’t. Expression becoming blank, I let the dead coldness behind my eyes slip free. Curling my fingers into my palms the soft straining notes of music play in my head. They don’t think I’m capable? I will leave this place in a bloodbath. When I’m done they will be cowering at my fucking feet.
Leo’s chest blocks my line of sight. Casting my gaze up, I let it bore into his.
“Puddin’, calm down. Don’t do anything crazy. I know you’re fearless, but maybe you should sit this one out.”
“Leo.” I say his name low and in warning. He knows better than to get in the way of what I consider a target.
Releasing a shaky breath which lets me know he’s not as brave as he’s acting he places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I’ll take care of it. You relax. Eat some more rat with Snatch and I’ll hang out with Tiberius.”
The concern on his face is the only thing holding me off from letting things get bloody. I recognize he’s trying to protect me. I’m losing my Goddamn touch because without another word I stalk back towards the tent. If the fuckers want to get themselves killed, then so be it.
Chapter Twelve
The smell of cooking coaxes me from the bed of furs I’ve been lounging under since I heard Leo and the others ride away. I’m still pissed at being left behind. It stings all the more because I know he’s right. I’m pregnant. Even though every one of my instincts screams the opposite I know in my heart sitting this out is the right thing to do.
Caressing a palm over my bulge, I feel the baby move in response.
“I guess you’re hungry too, huh?”
My question is answered with another kick. Flicking the material flap aside, I glance up at the bleak sky and thick grey clouds. Judging by the weather we’re in for more snow. How long now have they been without the fires of Hell burning? Do they even remember what it felt like?
&n
bsp; Steps slow, I trudge through the snow towards the campfire. Clothes crumpled, I’m more than aware I’m still wearing day old things. Not nice, but nothing I haven’t been forced to endure on other missions. In conditions like this I’m thankful for what we have.
Heads raising, the men gathered around the heat for warmth size up my mood. Sombre features crease into smiles as a few beckon me to join them.
“If you value your balls you’ll bring me some roasted rat.” I practically snarl, flopping down into the space provided.
They laugh, but soon swallow it when they see my serious expression. I’m being a bitch. They don’t deserve my rage, but thanks to their arrogant leader they’re going to be on the receiving end until he gets back. The only thing my mood will get one of them is a knife in the guts as my irritation builds.
“Trust me, she’s done it before and it gets really messy.” Snatch tells them, draping a fur lined cloak over my shoulders. I have no idea where he got it from, but I’m grateful for the added protection against the cold crisp air.
A few of them shift uneasily. I guess pregnant females who aren’t docile and submissive aren’t their thing after all. Stonily, I watch one of them carve up more meat from the carcasses roasting on the spit before giving me the portion. Taking a bite of the food, its juices trickle down, dripping off my chin. Trying to appease the hunger in my belly, I chew quickly. I savour the flavour. Giant rodent or not, it’s the best thing I’ve tasted in a long time. Licking my lips, I wipe the grease from my mouth with the back of my hand.
“I found out the beads they wear have a meaning.” Snatch speaks up from his seat to my right, eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Each colour represents something.”
“And why should I be interested in this?”
“I know you’re still upset they left you behind, but you have more than yourself to think of and you know it.”
Huffing out a breath, I tighten my grip on my bowl until my knuckles turn white with the force.
“I don’t like being treated like an inferior fragile female.”
With a bark of laughter, he shoots me a look as if I’ve gone crazy. “Christ, Mavi, you could never be that even if you tried. You’re the most bad arse chick I know and that’s never going to change. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
Fucking hormones crash through me and suddenly I’m fighting tears. Fuck a duck, I’m not the weepy kind. I really need to get a grip.
Blinking furiously with a sniff, my eyes pinch shut while I regain control.
“So what do these beads mean?” I ask gruffly.
“Those with a lot of blue mean they’re in the market for a mate.”
“And most of the ones trying to catch my eye are wearing that colour.”
I hear the smile in his voice even if I don’t see it.
“See. It came in handy.”
At least now I know to stay away from the fuckers who view me as a potential mate. The sound of thundering hooves breaks the conversation. A horse comes into view, racing up the incline towards the camp. I’m not sure what’s more disturbing; the fact it’s rider less or that it’s frothing at the mouth with fear. We watch the advancing mare in silence.
We all recognise it as one of theirs. Powerful sleek muscles lathered in sweat, it rears up. Legs kicking wildly, she tears up the snow in a panicked frenzy. Two of the demons intercept the beast. Hands out, they soothe her with their calming voices. Eyes rolling in her head, she huffs and puffs, ears pricking in their direction. It takes a while, but they manage to reassure her.
Once she’s reined in, I move closer. Red smears the saddle. Running a finger through the sticky half dried liquid, I rub it between my fingers. Blood. It’s fresh.
“They’re in trouble. We have to go after them.”
One of the men shakes his head. “Our orders were to keep you here.”
So, this is the one who’s been left in charge? I contain my glee. He’s made it easy for me. Now I know who I have to bring down in a pissing contest. If that’s what they want, I’ll give them one.
“You really think you’re capable of stopping me?”
His laugh is confident, tinged with smugness. “Come on now, little one, we don’t want to cause you any harm.” Reaching out, he places a hand on my shoulder.
Big mistake.
“Oh, I’m not the one you should be worried about.”
Bringing a knee up, it connects with his groin. Not as hard as I would’ve liked, but enough to make him think twice about touching me again. As he hunches, body taut with pain, I plough a fist into his cheek, sending him sideways. Breathing heavily, curling into a foetal position, he guards his internal organs from any more blows.
Clever boy.
Roping in the urge to kick him a few times to make him bleed, I hold my head up high. Stepping over him, I head for a mount. I loathe the thought of scrambling up alone. It’s going to be awkward and embarrassing, but fuck it, I refuse to wait around anymore.
Giving the nearest male a glare, I cock my eyebrow. He complies quickly to my silent command, lifting me up so I can swing my leg over the saddle. Settled comfortably, I clutch the reins.
“Are you warriors or pussies, because I already have one and I don’t need more.”
Swinging my horse around, I don’t wait for their reply. Kicking my heels into its flanks, I urge the horse into a gallop.
Chapter Thirteen
Flexing my fingers, I can already feel blisters forming from the rubbing of the leather reins. The sway of the animal beneath me only adds to my other aches. My legs are stiff from being held in the same position for so long. Pregnancy and riding don’t mix. Fuck, for all I know it’s probably a huge no no.
Shivering in the fur lined cloak, it’s doing little to keep out the icy chill of the air which has grown over the last hour.
“What is this place?” I ask, hiding my discomfort.
More than a dozen armed men are at my heels, Snatch included. It appears they can follow orders from a female.
“A temple that is said to house one of the seals of Hell.” The nearest warrior informs, gaze shifting nervously from mine.
They’re scared of me. Good.
I’m not interested in earning their respect. The only reason I’m out here is because Leo had the bright idea to go with Tiberius. It’s not like I’ve missed the flirty looks between them. My friend was obviously thinking with his dick. Something that’s been known to get him in trouble more than once.
Carved snugly into a nook of the mountain side, a ruin sits broodingly above us. The rock looks smooth from this distance. It’s situated in such a way the main bulk of the building is deep inside. Perfect for protection against outside attack. A place you can dig right in and wait out the enemy. Whoever designed it must have had that strategy in mind.
Reining my horse in, I draw it to a stop.
“There’s a blood trail over there.” Pointing, I direct everyone’s attention to the splatter of red bright against the pristine white of the snow. There’s no other sign apart from tracks that they came this way.
“Where are the bodies?” Snatch dismounts.
“Good question.” Crooking a finger, I summon a rider closer.
He doesn’t have to be told twice. Sliding off the back of his mount, he helps me off my own. Leaving him to take the reins, I join Snatch. The path is stark. Scarlet is spread thickly. Whatever was attacked lost more than a few pints of blood.
“This doesn’t smell right. Why cover your tracks with the horses and the corpses, but leave this to be found?”
Tracing it with my gaze, I see how it leads up to the ruins, laying ominously silent above.
A trap. It has to be.
One fashioned to make it look like an animal is using the place as a hunting ground. The more I stare the more certain I am another kind of predator is lurking. A streak of grey catches the corner of my eye. The next second the horses rear up with terrified shrieks behind us. Restless, confused cr
ies go up as the men try to steady them.
A menacing snarl comes from my left. Grabbing the handle of the gun still cosy in the holster hanging over my shoulder, I draw it as I move.
A muscular huge body covered in a thick smooth grey fur, the wolf growls low in its throat. Hazel eyes regard us from its great head. Movements fluid without any effort, it circles us. It’s not afraid as it should be. Hackles risen in defence, it bears razor sharp teeth.
“Kill it.”
The eager shout comes from the demon whose balls had the pleasure of meeting my knee. I don’t know his name. Not bothered to learn it as he won’t last long and why should I waste the time?
“No, wait. I know this beast.”
From the size, he’s not a regular wolf. Lowering my weapon, I slip it away. With a growing suspicion, I unzip a pouch on my leather bag, curling my fingers around the chunky objects inside.
“We must avenge our fallen leader.”
This bastard is really pushy and it’s starting to grate on my nerves. Maybe I didn’t hit him hard enough.
Swivelling to confront him, I keep my expression blank. “Fact one, we don’t know if they’re dead. All we have is blood and tracks in the snow. Fact two, if you even think about touching that wolf I’ll have no problem cutting off your balls this time. Are we clear?”
The colour leaches from his features, thighs clenching uncomfortably on the leather of his saddle. “Perfectly.”
“Good. Snatch, stay here.”
I hope I’m not about to regret this. Little red riding hood I am not.
“Cade? It’s Mavi. You remember me, don’t you?”
Keeping my voice soft, I slowly edge closer to the beast. I’m not dumb enough not to know he could easily tear me apart. If I’m wrong about this, I’m dead. Yet every gut feel is telling me I’m right.
Lips curling back, he hunkers his body lower to the ground. I can see the calculation. Odds are he sees me as an easy meal.
“I thought we were friends.” I croon.
Gingerly, I offer the rat jerky Snatch gave me at the beginning of the ride, hoping it will entice him. Slipping a knife free of its sheath with my other hand, I hold it in readiness if things go to shit.